Chapter 232
Chapter 232
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 232
Chapter Title: Dancing with Summer (1)
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Is the kid happy?
Yoo Ji-tae checked her complexion. There wasn't any sign of joy. Summer had her feet up on the car seat, head hanging low. As always, her legs were covered in dark bruises here and there. They weren't simple bruises—they still hadn't fully healed.
That attitude didn't change when they arrived at the warp station in the rental car, crossed over to the US, and then headed to Las Vegas.
Still, she'll probably cheer up soon.
He was certain. Because Bom had recommended it.
―How about Las Vegas?
It was Bom's response when Ji-tae had asked what would make Summer happy during her break.
Wouldn't that be too much? he'd worried.
―Nah, not at all. She's Red Clan, after all. Stuff like that would actually feel comfortable and familiar to her.
He hadn't quite gotten it, so he'd asked for clarification.
―The Red Dragon Clan are a tribe of savage beasts. Conquerors. Fighters. They talk rough among themselves. Act rough. Even their way of thinking is different from other clans.
―The most kind and gentle Red Dragon in the world still gambles, does drugs, chases men and women indiscriminately. Not because it's stimulating, but because it's comfortable. That's just their way of life.
Hearing that made a bit of sense.
In his third run. There had been a time when Ji-tae feared normal life.
Ten years hunting monsters. Every day stabbing something. Killing. Bleeding... Once fighting became his way of life, he felt massive anxiety when he couldn't fight. Breaking his body felt more comfortable. Seeing his own blood flow was reassuring.
But for someone like that, isn't Summer awfully quiet? Ji-tae wondered.
―Well, part of it is that we're still young. We haven't been fully corrupted yet. And I think Summer's special. She's sensitive. Kind. Considerate and patient.
―Red Clan mostly live alone. Even couples have separate spaces, and they keep distance from their hatchlings. Being all cooped up together would wipe out the species. But Summer gets along great with us, right? That's truly amazing. Name one Red Dragon in the world who lets a Blue Dragon slap them to control their temper? Any other Red would've already...
―So yeah, Summer's basically an angel.
'Oh yeah. Totally.' That's when Gaeul, listening in, would nod.
Winter nodded with a smile too, but she seemed clueless.
Anyway. It was an intriguing perspective.
Summer as an angel among the Red Dragon Clan.
―But hey, ajusshi.
―Don't come back too late...
Then he recalled Bom's soft mutter just before they left home. Her whispering red lips too.
Why the hell was that popping into his head now? He shook off the thought.
At the warp station, he paid $10,000 per person and got the bracelets.
"You must wear these in Las Vegas."
The thin rubber bracelets settled on Yoo Ji-tae and Summer's wrists. This Level 1 artifact detected and recorded mana usage.
A security measure. In this city, no superhuman could move around without one—cops excepted.
Soon, the rented sedan left the warp station and entered downtown.
The world's hub of entertainment and indulgence.
Las Vegas dazzled from the skyline alone.
Buildings mimicking famous landmarks everywhere: the Obelisk. Sphinx. Pyramid. Statue of Liberty. In the air, Hate Ling models and the Absolute Wall—with the Great War armistice declaration etched on it.
The sedan wove through them toward the hotel.
Summer hadn't said a word the whole time.
Check-in at the lobby.
He slipped two $100 bills with his card. The clerk pocketed the tip without batting an eye and assigned a bigger, better room.
They called it a comp upgrade. A free room bump. But it wasn't really free, so the term felt off.
"If you need any service, please ring the bell anytime. We'd be delighted."
Summer, following Ji-tae into the room, looked a bit stunned. Opulent, antique furnishings. Massive bed.
Curtains wide open, the terrace revealed the glittering city, with McCarran International Warp Station at its heart.
"......"
A blank stare. Not a word, but she couldn't hide her flushed cheeks.
"Like it?"
"Huh? Well, whatever..."
"Change clothes first. Can't wander around in cadet uniforms everywhere."
"Clothes? Don't have any."
He opened his inner subspace, and pale hands offered Summer's entire wardrobe.
"You brought the whole damn thing?"
"Change."
The suite was two-room. Summer emerged from the side room in black slacks and a white tee—no dresses for her. Tall and slender, it suited her.
"How's it look."
"Not bad."
"You too."
Ji-tae was in a shirt and slacks. Broad shoulders and solid muscle turned simple clothes stylish.
"Not changing your face?"
He asked Summer.
Truth was, she was kinda famous. People had glanced at the warp station. It was a celeb hotspot, so no big deal—but parading her real face daily wasn't smart.
"Don't wanna change my face... Mask and hat it is."
"How about hair color then? Something low-key."
"What?"
"Like brown. Or black."
That hit a nerve, apparently.
Summer shook her head in horror.
"Are you insane!?"
Nearly a yell.
"What's wrong."
"No, nothing. Forget it. Let's just go! No more dumb ideas."
"Not changing hair color?"
"Hell no! Never!"
She was stubborn.
Hotel dinner: tearing into steaks, slicing soufflé cake, slurping rich cheese cream soup.
Summer, usually picky about food, ate heartily.
And snuck glances at passersby.
"Whatcha staring at."
"This shit's so fucking wild."
"What is."
"Look at that dude. His ass is fucking huge."
Ji-tae glanced over. Yeah, that ass was impressive...
"......"
...on a guy.
"And that one."
This time, a woman decked in gold teeth, necklace, bracelets, rings—total bling overload.
"Looks like a damn jewelry shop owner. Wanna knock her out cold and rob every piece to sell."
"Hey. Why rob an innocent person."
"Jeez, it's just talk... But yeah, our continent's got shit like that."
"What."
"Golden Goblins. Those fuckers always load up like that."
"......"
"Oh, and check that one."
"The white shirt?"
Looked normal.
"Yeah. Bald-as-fuck dude."
Then Summer stifled a laugh.
He was baffled. She hadn't smiled once until checking into a million-won hotel and chowing a half-mil dinner. But a bald guy cracks her up.
Whatever. If it cheers her up, fine.
After devouring the full course, the waiter brought decent wine and dessert.
It was 8 PM. Darkness outside, city lights pouring in.
Summer, sipping wine, muttered.
"Why'd you bring me here?"
"How many times I gotta say it. We're here to play. Relax and have fun—no thinking."
"......"
Popping cheese in her mouth, Summer said,
"It's nice. But... weird."
"Why."
"You know. I shouldn't be wasting time like this."
"It's fine."
"It's not."
"Even for someone always charging ahead, you need breaks sometimes. Otherwise, you don't like it here? Wanna go somewhere else?"
"Huh? No, it's not that I hate it..."
"Then chill. Let loose."
Summer blankly turned to the window.
Her ponytail poking from under the cap looked like a puppy tail.
"Hmm. Hey."
"Yeah."
"Thing is. I dunno."
"What?"
"I don't know how..."
"Know what."
"C'mon, what else. You seriously asking?"
She seemed embarrassed.
After a quick glare, Summer averted her eyes and mumbled,
"...I don't know how to have fun in places like this."
It slipped out like a sigh.
Of course not.
Summer didn't just not know how to play—she found people-watching novel. All this was new to her.
From the moment she opened her eyes. Until now. Her life was fighting. Getting stronger. Fighting stronger foes. Rinse, repeat.
Even out on excursions or after enrolling at the Lair, same deal. Tree mask brawls turned to cadet uniform scraps.
Why feel ashamed about not knowing fun, though? No clue.
Ji-tae didn't know fun either. But he could fake it. He'd spent years in Vegas out of necessity.
So he said casually,
"Just trust me."
First stop with Summer: a show.
Alpha Monsters. Monster circus. Under dazzling lights, trained ogres and saber-tooths bounced balls or popped and locked.
Upbeat tune hits, monsters bob their heads: bob-bob.
Scantily clad dancers spiced up the choreo. Summer couldn't look away.
"Whoa. What the hell."
Post-show, Summer chattered nonstop.
"Fucking wild. How'd they do that? Timing was perfect."
"Monster bastards lost their minds? No pride...? Obeying every command."
"Seriously insane. They beat 'em with whips or what? Gotta be."
Ji-tae hadn't seen her this hyped since her competition peak.
"Fun?"
"Huh? Well..."
But the question made her feel childish, like admitting kiddie circus fun hurt her pride. She lit a cigarette and grumbled,
"Eh, nothing special."
"......"
Sure, kid.
Reining in excitement, Summer smoked in the corner. Ji-tae stood by; her ponytail peeked from the cap.
She'd turn at flashy buildings, ponytail wagging like a puppy tail.
A weird feeling. Had he ever seen something mundane and thought puppy tail?
Somehow, he wanted to touch. Reached for her hair...
"Huh? What're you doing?"
"......"
"Hands off."
Summer flicked his hand away.
Awkwardly, a faint reluctance lingered. Odd—he ignored dogs and cats.
Puppy tail, huh...
"So what's next?"
"Casino."
Summer perked up.
"Hell yeah."
"First time?"
"Yeah..."
"Let's go."
He started walking. Summer followed with light steps.
En route, Ji-tae laid down rules.
"Fun's fine. But remember a few things."
"Like what."
"Prep your mind. Fun or pissed, this is just a break. Don't forget. Don't get hooked. No matter what. Got it?"
"Duh. I look like a kid?"
No answer.
Just handed her a card from his wallet.
"Prepped this. Thousand bucks. Swap for chips. Slots, blackjack, baccarat—whatever."
"Not coming with?"
"Gotta grab something solo. Watch and learn if you don't know how. Easy stuff."
"Aw... C'mon, together?"
"Need to buy shit. Done quick, I'll join. Call if trouble."
"Fine."
Summer nodded. She'd sense danger anyway—no need for calls.
Sent her off, Ji-tae hit a street stall outside the casino. Spotted it earlier. Girl-friendly trinkets: tiny gems, Vegas mascot rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings.
Never gifted the girls accessories before. Might as well grab souvenirs.
This pink flower hair tie would look cute on Bom's hair. First thought.
Pink suited Bom. Maybe 'cause her hair was light brown.
After Bom's hair tie, Gaeul and Winter's bracelets, Summer's piercing.
Phone rang. Summer.
"Yeah."
―Master...
Master? What?
"What's up."
―Yeowreum's in twouble...
Lispy. Cutesy aegyo voice.
He knew the rest.
"Lost it all already? Been twenty minutes."
Phone silent a beat.
Then laughter.
―Yep♥