A secret meeting was being held in a darkened chamber.
Seven holographic silhouettes could be seen, yet their faces were impossible to discern. Still, from their outlines alone, it was clear that they all belonged to different races.
One of them spoke.
"We managed to gather roughly five of the seven Ascendants of the continent. Agilda categorically refused to join us."
"That woman!?"
"She really believes she can make it on her own?"
"She's always been such a bitch!"
Frustration could be felt in the remarks exchanged by the gathered entities.
The one who appeared to be the host of the meeting, seated in his chair, remained relatively calm.
With a simple wave of his hand, he imposed silence. It fell instantly.
"I more or less expected her refusal, so it isn't a real loss."
"But then… what about Beatrice Vorn?"
The holographic entity who had delivered the earlier report spoke again, answering the host's question.
"I was getting to that. In fact, she's unaccounted for. According to the vice-leader of her race, she likely ventured into human territory in search of an important object."
Though the host's face could not be seen, everyone present sensed his unmistakable delight.
"The Eye of the Abyss…" the host murmured.
"What?"
"She's searching for the Eye of the Abyss… In that case, there's no need to worry. The situation is under control."
---
Inside the hotel.
"Please forgive my discourteous behavior."
This was far from the reaction Park Woojin had anticipated. He had deliberately used terms like abyssal and spiritual precisely to show that he was willing to play along.
Normally, instead of feeling uncomfortable, the client should have been enthusiastic—fully immersed in the role she seemed to be embodying.
But then—she suddenly apologized.
As if my performance was so pitiful that she felt sorry for having pushed me into it…
A wry smile tugged at his lips as he fought back the sting of almost-formed tears. The blow to his otaku pride was merciless.
"No, ma'am, there's really no need to apologize. I never intended to make you uncomfortable."
One of the core rules he had learned through his research into hotel management was simple: recover quickly when a mistake is made.
"Please, feel free to take a seat. May I offer you something to drink?"
Something to drink…
Although the hotel owner appeared to have accepted her apology, she remained on her guard.
Every instinct in her body was still screaming at her to leave. She forced herself to stay—barely.
"No, that won't be necessary. I assure you."
Ah… she's even refusing a glass of water. I really screwed this up.
Woojin's expression stiffened as he noticed the client's reluctance. His heart began to race.
Given her attitude when she had first walked in—almost enthusiastic—the contrast was jarring. Now, she was clearly on the defensive.
And here, even the smallest blemish on the hotel's reputation could have serious consequences.
He unconsciously bit his tongue.
He hadn't even officially opened yet, and he was already facing a situation like this.
Beatrice, carefully gauging every reaction from Woojin, began to break out in a cold sweat.
The man's gaze had hardened after her refusal.
This is bad…
If he was irritated, bringing up the artifact would become far more difficult.
"All things considered, I—"
Before she could finish her sentence, a violent sensation surged up from her stomach.
Damn it… not now.
She clapped a hand over her mouth, barely managing to suppress a retch.
They were the effects of the Authority of Destruction sealed within the artifact.
Under normal circumstances, this only manifested when she wielded that Authority in its entirety. But this time… it was merely a leak. An anomaly. Something that had never happened before.
"As I thought—you really should drink something!"
"Wait here. I'll be right back!"
Before she could even respond, Woojin rushed toward the hotel's kitchen, already heading for the refrigerator in search of water.
Ah…
Watching the young man's silhouette disappear, an incredulous smile slowly formed on Beatrice's lips.
What had just happened was no longer difficult to grasp… even if it remained utterly illogical.
The very moment she had refused a drink, the Authority of Destruction had stirred within her.
"What exactly have I walked into…?"
An Ascendant like her had just been toyed with—effortlessly.
Her resolve to obtain the artifact began to waver. Slowly. Inexorably.
Because she could genuinely die here.
I can only hope this was a coincidence…
Because if it wasn't… then that would mean he is—
She shook her head sharply, cutting the thought short.
"No… don't go there."
"What is he even going to make me drink…?"
Her brows knit together as the boy returned, holding a glass filled with… something.
Her expression hardened.
What is that…?
Even her perception as an Ascendant struggled to fully identify the substance inside the glass.
Still, she wasn't truly worried.
After all, if the Authority of Destruction had one undeniable advantage, it was this: any hostile substance she ingested would be instantly annihilated.
At that exact moment—
Cling.
"…Huh?"
Woojin, approaching with the glass of water, froze mid-step.
Again…?
Someone had just crossed the threshold. A second time.
But… I haven't even opened yet, have I?
At this point, even he was starting to doubt himself.
And as if that weren't enough—
The girl who had nearly fainted moments ago suddenly screamed, staring at the newcomer.
"THE EYE OF THE ABYSS!!!"