Chapter 196

Chapter 196

Nahun, having obtained Marbas’s permission, was able to safely exit the 5th floor. He immediately boarded a portal heading down, with his first target being the 44th floor. Meeting Seere was his top priority.

‘If it weren’t for this burden, I could’ve made a round trip to the gate right now.’

By “burden,” he meant Iris. Initially, he considered leaving her behind and going with Ersha alone, but it was impractical. This was far too dangerous a high floor to leave a single human alone.

Even in the 40s, where Nahun could somewhat manage Iris, unfamiliar as she was with the Demon World, this place was different. If anything went wrong, he risked losing a useful ally.

Thus, they all had no choice but to descend together by the portal in the usual manner. When Nahun passed the 8th floor and arrived at the 9th, he couldn’t help but be slightly bewildered.

“…This is quite an aggressive welcome.”

Soldiers were pointing their spears at Nahun and his group. Just as Nahun furrowed his brow at the unexplained threat, a voice called out.

“Is that Nahun?”

A man stepped out from among the soldiers. Upon seeing him, Nahun understood the situation to a certain degree.

“Did Phynox send you?”

“…You know me?”

Indeed.

He was one of the strongest under Phynox, a valued subordinate cherished by the demon king himself. Since Phynox often appeared in the Ebel Queen Maker, he was a familiar face among players.

“General Plegeton.”

“It’s an honor that you recognize me. Please excuse these manners of mine, but the reason for this rudeness is, as you know, something of a secret between your lord and our master.”

Nahun nodded.

‘Of course.’

Naturally, should he be treated with honor and seen traveling to Phynox, suspicions about their relationship would arise. Hence, adopting this method was expected. However, the timing was far from ideal. There was something more urgent that Nahun needed to do than meet with Phynox right now.

“I cannot meet him now.”

“Our master insists on seeing you. It seems related to the fact that you’ve made contact with Marbas.”

Nahun was slightly taken aback. He didn’t reveal this in his expression, but it was unavoidable. The meeting with Marbas was something that one couldn’t know unless they had witnessed it directly. It wasn’t part of any official schedule, and the negotiation table was officially supposed to be between Bernet and Marbas.

Thus, it meant…

“King Phynox must have eyes and ears on the 5th floor as well.”

Phynox had planted spies even in the strictly screened 5th floor. Nahun was so intrigued by how it was done that he wanted to know the technique.

‘Well, I suppose there’s nothing I can do about it…’

Given the current circumstances, there was no escaping the meeting. Phynox was an alliance too valuable to lose so early. They hadn’t yet fully exploited this partnership, so severing ties was out of the question.

“Very well. Let’s go.”

“An astute decision.”

Nahun slightly bristled at that remark. Calling his compliance a smart decision subtly implied that resisting would’ve resulted in him being forcibly dragged.

‘…Just bear with it.’

There was no need to escalate matters by picking a fight over such a thing. Though it irked him, Nahun followed Plegeton to where he led.

The meeting wasn’t held at Phynox’s castle. Instead, Plegeton guided Nahun to a quiet street and into a secluded shop. As Nahun stepped in, the stunning Demon King Phynox sat alone by the window, though the window was obscured by a dark curtain, rendering the seating placement meaningless.

“Thankfully, you decided to come peacefully.”

“…Will everyone leave us?”

“Yes, they will.”

Phynox ordered Plegeton and the rest of her subordinates to leave. Nahun followed suit, asking Ersha and Iris to wait outside for a moment before sitting across from the demon king.

“I hadn’t expected such a rude welcome.”

“Oh, dear, you seem flustered. I apologize.”

“I understand. However, I wished to inform you that what you’re imagining is a misunderstanding.”

“A misunderstanding?”

Phynox tilted her head slightly. Her voice carried a cold undertone, as if questioning what misunderstanding she could possibly have.

“Indeed, a misunderstanding?”

“It is.”

“Then tell me, what did you discuss with Marbas? Surely someone of your caliber knows the implications of such a meeting.”

Nahun looked directly at Phynox and quietly revealed the truth.

“This is also part of your plan, King.”

“What do you mean?”

“I proposed to Emperor Marbas. If he’s considering candidates for the next leader, I suggested that he consider my lord.”

Phynox’s gaze narrowed. She chuckled disdainfully, as if finding it amusing.

“…So where is the misunderstanding? This aligns perfectly with what I expected. Are you planning to align with the Nobilis faction?”

Phynox clearly wanted an explanation that made sense. Nahun observed her actions carefully.

He knew full well how powerful the Demon King Phynox was. Even if his own magic power were intact, suppressing her purely through physical ability would be fraught with risks.

Hence, this was a negotiation that had to happen through dialogue. And Nahun wasn’t without means to persuade Phynox.

“My lord belongs to no faction, as you know.”

“Yes, I do.”

“And for your plan to succeed, my lord must ascend to a high rank. You understand this, correct?”

“Stop repeating the obvious, please.”

Phynox slightly furrowed her brows then fell silent for a moment, as if pondering something. Nahun interpreted this as a sign of intelligence.

‘She’s definitely sharp.’

Though they had exchanged only a few words, she was already attempting to grasp the underlying meaning. To prevent her thoughts from lingering too long, Nahun added.

“The Nobilis faction serves as a stepping stone. Since there’s already a rapport between my lord and the Equites faction, and a connection between me and you as the head of the Plebs faction, the supposedly neutral Nobilis faction is the most suitable platform.”

“…”

Phynox silently gestured for him to proceed.

“If we gain a high enough position in the upcoming Demon World Assembly, Marbas will begin laying groundwork to recommend Emperor Seere as the next leader.”

“And what about Aephoros?”

“It seems Marbas is against it. He wants a demon king stronger than Morax to ascend.”

“…I see. You’ve made that clear.”

“With Marbas’ support, my lord will ascend to the leadership of the Nobilis faction. Using this as a base, we can climb higher in the ranks. With consistent progress, we may even aim for the top twelve ranks of the most powerful demon kings.”

CLINK – A cup of tea was placed before Nahun by what seemed to be one of Phynox’s subordinates, likely the shop owner. Nahun glanced at it briefly to confirm it contained nothing untoward before taking a sip.

“At an appropriate time, we will move against Marbas.”

“…What?”

“We will conquer Marbas and dissolve the Nobilis faction. In doing so, one of the old relics that you desire removed will be taken care of.”

“…Is that truly possible? Marbas is mighty.”

Knowing Marbas’ strength and stature, Phynox questioned the feasibility of such a plan. However, Nahun confidently responded after another sip of his tea.

“By then, my lord will be even more powerful.”

“Hmm, convincing, though it seems like a baseless confidence. I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.”

“You’ve already shaken hands with us once, haven’t you? Then trust us through to the end. And when the time comes, you will need to aid us too.”

Phynox stared silently at Nahun for a while. He took another sip of tea, finishing it off. Finally, she spoke.

“…Alright. I understand why you met Marbas and how it can benefit me.”

“Thank you for understanding, Your Majesty.”

Nahun gave a slight bow, earning words from Phynox.

“Forgive my impolite summoning.”

“I didn’t mind at all.”

“Nonetheless, as a token of apology… I’ve prepared a small gift for you.”

“?”

Suddenly, Phynox unveiled what the gift was while Nahun was puzzled.

“The woman with you, the progenitor of vampires—”

“…Yes, that’s correct.”

“Wouldn’t this be of use?”

From her cloak, Phynox produced a rather large red orb. Nahun was genuinely startled. This was the ‘Moon Blood,’ the item that could help Ersha recover her strength.

Judging by its size, it might restore a significant amount of power to Ersha, who was currently nearly powerless, and possibly extend her active time as well.

‘Considering Ersha sleeps for more than 12 hours a day now…’

He anticipated she’d be able to handle significantly more activities. Nahun openly responded.

“It’s more needed by her than by me.”

“Yes, it’s a gift then. Consider this recompense for my subordinate’s earlier rudeness.”

Nahun was pleased with Phynox’s method. If she desired something in return, she always provided clear rewards, much like how she had appeared in Ebel Queen Maker, and how she was now. Involuntarily, Nahun smiled.

“Gladly, I’ll accept that.”

As Nahun gathered the Moon Blood, gratitude was expressed. Phynox responded.

“Go ahead. My subordinates will guide you.”

“Understood, thank you.”

Just as Nahun moved to leave, Phynox called him back.

“…After the next assembly.”

Nahun turned to face her. Phynox continued.

“Invite you and your lord.”

That was a continuation of the conversation they had at the last assembly. A formal invitation meant she no longer intended to conceal the alliance she had formed with Nahun. Nahun considered this faster than expected.

And it was undoubtedly influenced by the stories Nahun had shared. He bowed and expressed:

“I look forward to that day.”

—

From then on, Nahun faced no more hindrances in his travels. Outside the uppermost circles, portal surveillance had also decreased.

Thus, Nahun descended to the 35th floor and spoke.

“Iris, from now on, you’ll come alone.”

“Eh? Me alone?”

“There’s no significant threat here that can harm you.”

Based on Nahun’s judgment, Iris’s power with the holy blade roughly matched this region. Under specific conditions, she could venture higher, but that would require supporting forces.

Even if she traveled alone, there was little chance she’d be killed, so with no time to waste, Nahun prepared to move first. Summoning magic power, he tore apart the space. As the passage opened, Nahun stepped in.

“We’ll go ahead; you head down to the 44th floor.”

“A, alright….”

“Ersha, let’s go.”

“Yes.”

Arriving at the 44th floor, Nahun and Ersha were perplexed.

“Where did they go?”

“They might’ve gone to the 42nd floor.”

“Already?”

“Isn’t our king usually quick to end battles? Oh, Nahun, …”

“Hm?”

Ersha could sense the Moon Blood Nahun had tucked away. Since it was her blood, it was natural. Realizing Ersha’s gaze, Nahun spoke.

“I wasn’t planning to hide it. I intended to give it to her when we return. It’s just… somewhat unseemly to drink blood out in the open, right?”

“I understand. Will you give it to me now?”

Willingly, Nahun retrieved the Moon Blood from his inner pocket and handed it to her.

“Then let’s head to the 42nd floor.”

“Let me drink this first.”

“Alright.”

Ersha held the relatively large Moon Blood in her hand and broke it. She then started drinking all the blood that flowed out, letting it trickle into her mouth.

Since the Moon Blood was large, a significant amount of blood poured out. The corners of Ersha’s mouth became covered in blood, giving her a slightly grotesque appearance.

“…Are you done?”

“…Yes.”

Ersha licked her lips as she finished drinking the blood. Her eyes sparkled faintly, radiating a glow.

“Though it’s an unusual sensation… the magic power seems to be returning. So this is the magic power of a vampire?”

“Yes, thanks to your retrieval of this, I’ve gained quite a bit of strength back. Did Phynox give it to you?”

“A gift, apparently.”

“I should thank her later.”

Nahun could definitely tell a marked difference in her. Most notably, her previously pallid complexion improved significantly. At this point, curiosity arose.

“What do you plan to do once your strength is fully restored?”

“…I don’t have any grand plans. For now, my plan is to faithfully assist you, Nahun.”

“I see.”

With a simple nod, Nahun opened another portal. This time, he adjusted the coordinates by tracking Seere’s magic power.

“Let’s go directly. She’s waiting.”

“Are you sure you’re okay with that?”

While Ersha questioned this, Nahun nodded despite a wry expression.

“Anyway, we need to meet her, and… I’ve kind of missed her.”

“…My goodness.”

With a light laugh, Ersha followed Nahun through the passage.

“Then we should hurry.”

—

Thanks to the lack of interference from the holy sword this time, they arrived at the correct destination. As Nahun emerged from the passage, he saw her immediately.

“Seere.”

“….”

The sight of Seere, who seemed to have just returned from battle, standing in shock. She was thoroughly drenched in blood. Ersha, perceiving the situation, stepped aside to give them space. As she passed, Seere briefly greeted her.

“I came as quickly as I could. I kept you waiting, I’m sorry.”

“Teacher.”

“I sent a letter. Did you receive it?”

“Yes.”

“That’s a relief. As explained, due to incorrect coordinates—”

“Yes, I saw it. But, Teacher—”

Seere shrugged off her cloak, roughly cleaning off the blood on her body with a cloth. She carelessly tossed the stained cloth to the floor.

“Why were you at the red-light district?”

“…What?”

Seere advanced toward Nahun. Instinctively, he took a step back.

However, there wasn’t much room in the tent. Cornered, Nahun stood in front of Seere.

“Why specifically there? Yes, I get it—you fell to the 5th floor due to a coordinate error. But why were you hanging out at the red-light district?”

“A, aren’t you blowing this out of proportion?! You must think I’m capable of something like that! Why would I leave you for that—!”

“…Did you not go?”

“I didn’t! Ask Ersha if you have to. I was there because I was exiting the 5th floor through Bernet.”

Seere looked at Nahun silently for a while then said:

“Alright, I’ll let that slide. But your wrongdoing isn’t erased.”

“Uh?”

“You should’ve been on the battlefield as my aide. That’s what I was informed. Instead, you showed up on the 5th floor when the battle was nearly over. Leaving your post during a war—isn’t that a serious offense?”

Nahun broke out in cold sweat. There was no denying it when framed in that manner. Especially now, as Seere’s influence grew, even trivial matters needed to be addressed with certainty—be it punishment or reward.

“What can I do to make up for it…?”

“…Are you implying you’ll follow whatever I order?”

“If it’s punishment.”

As Nahun casually stated, Seere smiled faintly. Then, for reasons unknown to him, she stepped aside.

She snapped her fingers. Chains formed by magic bound Nahun’s hands.

“Seere, what’s this…?”

“Since you’re a criminal, appearance matters.”

“Ah…”

“And I won’t be giving you your punishment now.”

Hope flickered in Nahun’s eyes that she might let him off easily. But Seere dismissed the possibility with a smirk.

“Let’s head back first. You’re too dirty now. I’ll punish you when we return.”

“…Huh?”

“Back where?”

Perplexed, Nahun looked at Seere, who said no more and left the tent. As he mulled over her words, Nahun wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and muttered.

“Should I feast on some good food before going back…?”

—

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