Chapter 1087

〈Chapter 1087〉 1087. Spirit’s Atlantis

In the center of Rose City, District 970, we headed toward the Thorn Rose Legion building. It was the largest mansion in Rose City, resembling a noble’s estate with walls and a rose garden. Guards were stationed at the entrance.

The guards, apparently already informed, confirmed our identities as soon as they saw Na and I, then opened the gates, guiding us through the beautiful rose garden to the mansion.

Upon entering, the eyes of the Thorn Rose Legion members immediately focused on us. Their gazes weren’t overtly hostile, but neither were they friendly.

It was said that more than half of the Thorn Rose Legion consisted of women, yet there were hardly any beauties among them. Most looked like rough mercenaries.

“Look who decided to stroll in so casually.”

“Not bad-looking for a guy… But the girl? Not my type.”

“Eifplan Legion Master is more up my alley.”

They whispered amongst themselves as they watched Na and Ju Seohyun. Ju Seohyun frowned in obvious irritation, which only made them gossip more. They deliberately unleashed their lewd remarks, clearly provoking us.

I worried Ju Seohyun might fall for their bait, but she instead seemed concerned I would lose my cool, tightly gripping my arm. Sure, it wasn’t annoying enough to drive me mad, but this much could be endured.

‘With what Gang Myung-jin said, I should just keep things smooth today.’

Tomorrow, Eifplan Legion’s attack begins. If successful, the situation will change.

‘Still, being surrounded by these unattractive women makes Ju Seohyun’s beauty shine even brighter.’

The reason those women dislike Ju Seohyun must be due to her appearance.

Whether in modern Earth or this world, outstanding looks earn favor. Just look at Ri Mae—she was chosen as a Divine Seat simply because of her remarkable beauty.

‘While it can be dangerous, if used well, it can also become a weapon.’

Such words wouldn’t resonate with Ju Seohyun. She possessed a talent for the sword that outshone mere beauty.

‘The woman destined to become the future Sword Empress is mine right now.’

Seeing Ju Seohyun wearing the rose necklace I gifted her, I smirked. Her chest shape, nipple color, pubic hair, and vaginal form, even the structure of her anus—all came to mind. Overlaid on her haughty face was an image of her lying beneath me, panting.

Gyaak!

Ju Seohyun tightened her grip on my arm.

“Ugh. What’s wrong all of a sudden?”

“Your expression just now was disgusting. You were definitely thinking something perverted.”

“Perverted thoughts? I was just thinking about you.”

“…”

Ju Seohyun shut her mouth without responding. The tension in her grip eased. Before coming here, we had sex in an alley, and seeing her again made me want her once more.

I forced myself to look away from Ju Seohyun and scanned the surroundings. There were men in the Thorn Rose Legion too. Unlike the confident women, they appeared subdued.

‘Just as the info from Ri Mae said. In this legion, women hold the upper hand, except for Santanu, Federica’s boyfriend.’

The core of the Thorn Rose Legion lay with two people:

Federica and Santanu.

Without them, the Thorn Rose Legion wouldn’t exist. Conversely, they were also its limitations.

The guard finished leading us. Our destination was a room on the third floor. The guard knocked confidently on the door. From inside came Federica’s voice…


A voice echoed through the air as the door swung open, revealing Federica before us.

There sat Federica on her chair, exuding an alluring chuckle. Dressed in a black dress, with luscious red hair flowing down to her thighs, and a figure that demanded attention. She was the only woman among the Thorned Rose Legion who fit so perfectly into this elegant mansion.

“Welcome. I welcome you.”

Federica offered tea she had prepared beforehand. At first glance, it seemed like regular tea, but instead of the familiar scent of black tea, there lingered the fragrance of roses.

Joo Seohyun and I didn’t dare touch the cup hastily. The relationship between A-Plan Legion and Thorned Rose Legion stood at its worst. Accepting poisoned tea from enemies wasn’t exactly wise, even though I could fully recover; still, drinking wasn’t necessary.

“There’s no poison. I’m not stupid enough to serve poisoned tea openly.”

“I don’t really like tea much.”

“Well then, maybe next time I’ll prepare alcohol.”

With nonchalance, Federica lifted her teacup and took a sip, showing off her confidence.

I slowly bowed my head while observing her.

“We apologize for the unpleasant incident involving mercenaries in the City of Roses.”

From my pocket, I pulled out a pouch filled with jewels—something given by Kang Myeongjin after learning about Federica’s fondness for them.

“I accept your apology. Honestly, it was the mercenary’s fault initially.”

With graceful hands, Federica picked up the jewel pouch. That mercenary had been hired directly by Federica herself, now reduced to nothing more than a fool.

“Thank you for accepting our apology.”

“You came here personally; it’d be rude not to accept an apology. Besides, apologies aren’t what matter most. What matters is why you’re here.”

Federica smiled—a dark aura rippling through the room, causing Joo Seohyun to tense up, ready to guard against any potential threat.

I relaxed instead, already expecting such a move. It wasn’t logical that she’d summon me specifically just for an apology.

“Federica… Gender Not Specified Sung Yoojin. Spirit Ha is the renowned owner of the Sky Palace and has close ties with the Empire’s Illusionist. There are whispers that A-Plan Legion receives backing from the Illusionist solely because of you.”

“You’ve done your research.”

“Not particularly thorough. Information about you kept coming even when I did nothing but sit around.”

“The rumors exaggerate things. While I do have connections with the Illusionist, they aren’t deep.”

“Fell into hell for the Illusionist, yet claim it isn’t a deep connection… Who would believe that? Hehe.”

Federica laughed leisurely, clearly having verified all information beforehand.

It wasn’t surprising. Those perceptive ones already knew of my deep ties with Elena, sometimes even seeking favors from me.

“Sung Yoojin. Joo Seohyun.”

Placing down her teacup, Federica called out to us. Her smile faded, and the atmosphere shifted dramatically.

“I have a proposal for you two. Leave A-Plan Legion and join Thorned Rose Legion. Your talents deserve better than wasting away in A-Plan Legion. As the master of Thorned Rose Legion, I promise full support.”

“There’s no way we’d ever do that! A-Plan Legion stands tall, no less formidable than Thorned Rose Legion!”

Joo Seohyun stiffened defiantly, a predictable reaction given her character. Meanwhile, I remained silent.

“Admit it. A-Plan Legion is extraordinary and has achieved great success thus far. But it’s reaching its limits. Climbing higher will be tough, especially for a legion focused on conquests.”

“Doesn’t Thorned Rose Legion also aim for conquests?”

“Our primary goal isn’t conquest—it’s wealth and nobility. Don’t you desire riches and power, to become part of the aristocracy?”

“Becoming a noble isn’t something anyone can achieve easily, nor does wanting it make it happen.”

“Preparations have been ongoing for over a year. All that remains is gaining recognition from existing nobles.”

“Which requires the influence of the Illusionist.”

After the last event, Lord Baldercht’s standing wavered, but Elena returned unscathed from hell, retaining her status as one of the Five Great Lords of the Empire. With even a little help from her, attaining nobility wouldn’t be too difficult.


No way.

“I know you well. Are you perhaps thinking the same thing as me?”

“No. I have no desire to become a noble.”

[Baek Hwan] had enough of playing noble in this world. If he wanted, he could become a noble or even a king in another world.

There was no need to specifically become a noble in [Atlantis of the Spirit]. The nobles here weren’t more powerful than those in other worlds. With force and money, one could live without envying any noble in this world.

“Hmm. It seems I’ve been too hasty in demanding an answer.”

“Even with time, my answer will remain the same.”

“It might be so. Still, you’ll need some time to think it over. Stay here at the mansion tonight. I’ll hear your answer again tomorrow.”

Federica said with shining eyes. Her voice carried a commanding tone. It felt like rejecting this would lead to battle.

“Yes. After careful thought, I shall give you my answer again.”

I formally responded and stood up with Ju Seohyun. Staying at the mansion wasn’t bad anyway. Strong Myung Jin would lead his forces to raid the Thorn Rose Legion tonight.

—

Ju Seohyun and I were assigned separate rooms. Fortunately, they were right next to each other. As soon as she entered her room, Ju Seohyun sat on the floor and went into meditation. Her attitude of not neglecting training even now was impressive.

I stepped out of the room. I intended to walk around the mansion to get familiar with its layout. Even if the Thorn Rose Legion is bothered by my wandering, who cares?

First, I headed down to the first floor of the mansion. There was a wing building. Judging from its size and appearance, it seemed to be used as a banquet hall.

The door was open. Around 30 men and women were sprawled across the banquet hall floor. Both men and women were barely clothed.

‘A wild sex party or something?’

On closer inspection, no. They were having a drug party instead. Seeing the drugs scattered everywhere made me speechless.

And at the center of them all, a towering man lay face-down. A muscular man with black hair. Santana. Federica’s boyfriend, clearly under the influence of drugs.

‘This is a perfect chance to kill him?’

Killing Santana here and escaping with Ju Seohyun didn’t seem like a bad idea. I quietly approached Santana. Despite being high, Santana reacted. He lifted his head and looked at me with unfocused eyes.

“Is that Gael? Have a hit. It feels great…”

“You don’t even recognize me? You’re really wasted.”

“Oh, Gael! Your mother’s seducing me! Damn it! I’ll kill you! Gael!!”

Santana suddenly lunged forward. Shouting, he jumped toward the ceiling. Having leaped over 3 meters, he fell back to the ground. Santana let out a small groan and twitched on the floor.

“Federica… Federica… Save me… Federica… Gael’s trying to kill me…”

While asking for help, he was still giggling. His bizarre state made me frown. This must be some potent drug.

Just as I decided to go ahead and kill Santana, I sensed movement behind me.

“Interested in drugs?”

It was Federica. She smiled gently as she looked at me.

I abandoned the plan to kill Santana.

“Drugs, huh. I’ve never tried them, but I am interested.”

“In that case, would you like to try once? The first time is tough, but after that, it feels good.”

Federica approached me. I glanced around, searching for a way out, but couldn’t find one.

Before I knew it, Federica was standing in front of me. A strong rose scent wafted toward me.

“This is our city’s secret specialty. A drug made through alchemy using special roses as raw material. Simply called Rose Drug.”

The top part of Federica’s black dress slightly slipped down. Reflexively, my gaze dropped to her ample bosom. Her crimson nipples were slightly visible. I swallowed hard. Showing them subtly was far more enticing than showing them outright.

Federica put something in her mouth and grabbed my shoulder. She opened her lips and stuck out her tongue. On her seductive red tongue lay a black capsule.

With a flirtatious smile, Federica kissed me.