Kurose Akira closed the chat interface, paying no mind to the stream of confused question marks still flooding the screen. His gaze shifted toward the bathroom.
"Everything's ready," he murmured softly. "Once Ivsha finishes bathing, we can depart."
No sooner had the words left his lips than the sound of running water abruptly stopped.
A moment later, the bathroom door creaked open.
Steam spilled outward, and from within it emerged a graceful silhouette—her figure hazy and indistinct amid the lingering mist.
"Heh~ Bathing in human form really is this refreshing~"
Marei Rhine stepped out with a bright smile, her voice carrying an unmistakable sense of pleasure and relaxation.
"…Huh? Why are you the one bathing?"
Akira froze when he saw Marei Rhine emerge from the bathroom.
He had been certain the one inside was Ivsha.
Why was it Marei Rhine instead?
And more importantly—hadn't she always hated bathing?
Why would she willingly enter the bathroom now?
Unless…
Unless that previous bathing experience had awakened something in this dragon who embodied destruction—a newfound fondness for the indulgent pleasure of relaxation?
"What? Can't I take a bath?" Marei Rhine planted her hands on her hips, her dragon tail swaying lightly as she shot back in irritation.
"Of course you can," Akira nodded, then added calmly, "But after you finish bathing, remember to put some clothes on."
As he spoke, his gaze unconsciously swept over her body, and his heart couldn't help but jolt.
She's clearly in a loli-sized half-dragon form… so why is she that big?!
"Are you stupid or what?" Marei Rhine snapped. "My body isn't dry yet! Covering myself in dragon scales right now would be super uncomfortable!"
"Then why didn't you dry off before coming out?" Akira asked, genuinely puzzled.
"Hmph~ I like air-drying naturally," Marei Rhine replied proudly.
That answer left Akira momentarily stunned.
This was the first time he'd ever heard someone justify it like that.
But time was tight—there was no room to indulge her whims.
"Stand still. I'll help you dry off."
As he spoke, a clean white towel appeared in his hand, and he stepped toward her.
"No! Don't come closer!" Marei Rhine backed away repeatedly, trying to evade him.
"Stop messing around. Let me help you."
"No!"
"Don't run!"
At that moment, Ivsha woke up and stepped out of the bedroom.
The first thing she saw was Akira chasing Marei Rhine around the room, while Lucia and Viola stood off to the side, clearly enjoying the show.
"…What's going on?" Ivsha asked, confusion written across her face as she looked to the two of them.
"Ivsha-nee~" Viola smiled gently and explained, "Miss Rhine doesn't like drying her body. The Guild Master is helping her~"
"Oh, I see."
Ivsha nodded in understanding, then shifted her gaze toward Akira, who was now in very close proximity to Marei Rhine.
The corner of her lips curled upward into a teasing smile.
It was the same expression she wore when savoring the memory of a particularly sumptuous meal the night before—content, amused, and faintly dangerous.
After carefully wiping away the remaining moisture from Marei Rhine, Akira prepared to lead the guild members to the Celestial Consort Guild.
"Everyone's here."
His eyes swept over the group as he silently checked off names in his mind.
Ivsha.Loserine.Alice.Lucia.Marei Rhine.Viola.
Aside from Frey and Flora, who were still undergoing the baptism of the World Tree, everyone was present.
And then—
The Hellflame Silverphoenix Butterfly fluttered its wings and lightly landed on Akira's shoulder, as if eager to accompany them as well.
"You want to come too?" Akira gently touched the little creature's head with his fingertip and asked softly.
"Chirp chirp~"
The butterfly beat its wings happily, brimming with anticipation for the journey ahead—though of course, it would only be spectating at Akira's side.
"Alright, then. Let's move out."
Akira smiled at the guild members.
"Yes, Guild Master!" they replied in unison.
Akira led everyone into the teleportation array, the coordinates already set to the location provided by Fiona Xu.
A flash of white light engulfed them.
In the next instant, they appeared before the gates of the Celestial Consort Guild.
But the moment they arrived, Akira froze.
Before he even pushed the doors open, a suffocating aura of money washed over him.
Because even the guild's front gate had been meticulously carved from rare jade, inlaid with several dazzling gemstones. Under the ambient light, the gems emitted a faint violet magical glow—beautiful to an almost excessive degree.
When Akira gently pushed the doors open, his vision widened as a vast, brightly lit hall unfolded before him.
The high, arched ceiling was adorned with multiple radiant chandeliers, like scattered stars, casting warm and gentle light across the space. Along the walls and pillars, luminous pearls had been skillfully embedded, their soft glow illuminating the hall while adding an air of mystery and romance.
At the center stood a massive circular bar, lined with all manner of teas and fine liquors. Plush sofas draped in rich, harmonious silks surrounded it, exuding comfort and luxury the moment one sat down. Beneath their feet lay thick carpets woven from the finest wool—each step felt like walking on clouds.
In the corners of the hall, towering shelves displayed weapons, armor, books, and paintings. Every single item radiated one thing unmistakably—
Money.
And this was only the main hall.
Further inside, additional rooms came into view.
Training rooms.Pet rooms.Lounges.Hot springs.Swimming pools.Dining halls…
Compared to Akira's own guild's minimalist style, the Celestial Consort Guild reeked of opulence at every turn.
This level of guild furnishing would easily cost several thousand gold coins.
As expected of a rich woman.
"This place isn't bad."
Marei Rhine crossed her arms over her chest and nodded in satisfaction, a glint of possessive desire flashing in her eyes—as if she were already considering claiming it for herself.
Lucia, however, merely said coolly, "It's average."
It was clear that such luxury was nothing new to her—perhaps even boring.
Akira scanned the surroundings, searching for Fiona Xu.
He had already entered the Celestial Consort Guild, yet to his surprise, she was nowhere to be seen.
Not only that—there wasn't a single other adventurer present either.
The emptiness was unsettling.
…Where was everyone?
Just as confusion took hold, that familiar, eerie voice echoed once more in his mind.
"Blood… give me blood!"
"…?"
Akira's brow tightened as he instinctively clutched his chest.
His heartbeat began to accelerate.
It was the voice of the Vampire Progenitor.
He had clearly suppressed the Blood Curse through the Moonlight Ritual of the Moon God Empire—so why had the voice returned so quickly?
Could there be something within Fiona Xu's guild that was interfering with the ritual's seal?
As Akira sank deeper into confusion, a mysterious woman quietly entered the Celestial Consort Guild.
She possessed long, peach-gold hair as smooth as silk, shimmering faintly under the lights.
Her complexion was deathly pale, as though she had not seen sunlight in ages, lending her an air of fragility and mystery.
Most striking of all were her eyes.
Crimson red.
Like two brilliant gemstones—so vivid they seemed ready to drip blood.
Her attire was equally eye-catching, a seamless fusion of a long dress and armor.
A red skirt swayed gently with her steps, while black armor lent her a sharp, valiant edge. The contrast of red and black accentuated a beauty that was both soft and unyielding.
But what truly shocked Akira was the pendant hanging at her chest.
It radiated a blinding red light, pulsing with some unknown power.
It was this very power that had stirred the long-sealed Vampire Progenitor from its slumber.
As Akira stared in astonishment, the woman seemed to sense his presence.
She moved with elegant strides—straight toward him.
Before anyone could react, she reached Akira, her movements swift and decisive, and pulled him into her embrace.
In the next instant, her sharp fangs pierced gently into his neck.
She drank—
Not only his sweet blood…
But the curse carried within it.
...…
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