Chapter 223: Reinvasion (20)
Chapter 223: Reinvasion (20)
"Shin, don't do a thing. Just get some rest. I’ll take care of everything else and be back soon."
"Alright, Noona."
The reason Kang Yujin repeatedly cautioned Han Shin was that he seemed unaware of his own condition, and she wanted to be prepared for any contingency.
If interpreted positively, it was a very good thing that Han Shin claimed he didn't feel tired at all after such a long battle—in fact, he felt as if he were overflowing with strength.
However, seeing Grace injured like this served as a reminder that things didn't always go smoothly. Laysia and Kang Yujin remained open to the possibility that Han Shin might have overexerted himself, which could lead to lingering aftereffects.
Since becoming the Proxy of Tiamat, Han Shin had proven to be a highly talented Awakener with incredible stamina and a superior physique. He had developed rapidly and was now recognized by everyone for his skill.
But there was no such thing as infinite power.
Han Shin had testified that despite fighting for so long and using what he thought was a massive amount of power, his reserves didn't seem to have diminished at all, and he felt as though he were maintaining a peak state.
This was something they had never heard of or seen before.
While he might have awakened a new ability as a Dragon Knight, there was absolutely no harm in acting with caution. They had already achieved their goal by destroying the Black Spire; all that remained was the cleanup, so there was no reason for Han Shin to push himself further.
That was why Kang Yujin and Laysia insisted he stay at the Sanctuary and rest.
Grace was currently asleep after her treatment, so it was good to have someone stay with her. Besides, Kang Yujin was the one who usually handled meetings and interactions with external parties anyway.
The two women repeatedly told him to rest, fearing he might try to train or follow them out.
Han Shin thought Kang Yujin was being overly worried, as she was telling him for the fourth time, but he felt good knowing how much she cared for him.
In the past, when he was injured in an accident and had no choice but to rely on her, he had struggled with self-loathing and dark thoughts. Now, however, he felt at ease.
Sitri decided to go with them as well. As someone knowledgeable about demons, she wanted to revisit the site where the Black Spire had stood to see if she could gather more information.
Furthermore, this was the first time Sitri would be appearing in public since becoming Han Shin’s woman and a follower of Tiamat. Other Awakeners were extremely curious about her, so the trip also served the purpose of introducing her and showing her face.
While it was true that the Association hadn't been of much help so far, they still needed to cooperate. No one knew what the future held, so it was best to maintain a collaborative relationship and accept help whenever possible.
"Well then, Shin. We'll be back!"
"Han Shin-nim, we're leaving now."
"We'll be back quickly, Han Shin-nim."
"Yeah."
As Han Shin nodded and saw them off, Kang Yujin and Sitri took hold of Laysia’s arms.
Laysia, wanting to finish the work quickly and head home, immediately focused her mind. She used her space movement ability to teleport to the coordinates she had memorized earlier.
The three of them vanished into a cluster of light.
After seeing them off, Han Shin turned away from the main hall and headed toward the bedroom. His destination was the bed where Grace lay.
I should just stay quietly by Grace’s side.
He decided to follow Kang Yujin’s earnest request and get some proper rest. He could have read a book from the library or just slept, but he was worried about Grace.
Grace, with her platinum-blonde bob, was breathing softly in her sleep on the large bed. Han Shin approached her cautiously and sat in the chair beside the bed, making as little noise as possible.
When he had first checked on her, she had been drenched in sweat and her complexion was poor, but now she looked very peaceful.
Hmm... Come to think of it, I only took her clothes off. I haven't washed her yet.
In his rush to check her condition and treat her, followed by the discussion about his own state, he hadn't had the chance to attend to her hygiene.
I'll use Cleanse.
Since he couldn't be certain she was fully recovered, it was better to leave her as she was until she regained consciousness rather than carrying her to the bathroom to wash her as he usually did.
Han Shin pulled a Cleanse Artifact from his subspace and used it on Grace.
"Mmm..."
Immediately after, Grace frowned slightly and let out a soft groan.
Uh...?
Han Shin panicked. She had been sleeping peacefully just a moment ago, but the second he used the Cleanse, she had started groaning with a pained expression.
A chill ran down his spine, and his lips went dry. Laysia, Kang Yujin, and Sitri were all gone; he was alone in the Sanctuary.
This is no time to hesitate. I need to call them through the Manager App.
Han Shin pulled out his smartphone to activate the Manager App, which he hadn't used much lately.
At that moment, Grace’s eyes slowly began to flutter open.
Since Han Shin had been staring at her while trying to open the app, he noticed immediately. Opening the app became secondary.
"Grace. Are you awake?"
He spoke to her instantly.
Opening her eyes, Grace realized she was back in the Sanctuary, lying in bed.
"Ah... Han Shin-nim. Yes. I am awake."
Grace answered as she heard his voice and saw his face. Her eyes were a bit blurry, but that was only because she had just woken up.
She felt a bit groggy, but she made an effort to clear her head quickly—a habit she practiced even unconsciously.
After receiving Laysia’s healing magic, she had fallen into a comfortable sleep. The injuries she had sustained from Ereon’s self-destruction had healed rapidly.
While Tiamat’s followers were naturally gifted with resilient physiques, Han Shin played a significant role in her recovery as well.
Grace had been held by Han Shin many times, receiving his internal ejaculations. The physical stimulation combined with the semen infused with Tiamat’s holy power had significantly strengthened her body.
In particular, her efficiency in utilizing Tiamat’s holy power had improved, making her body highly compatible with the deity's energy.
Thus, even while asleep, her consciousness had begun to stir, sensing it was time to wake.
She could feel the soft, plush texture of the bed beneath her. Slowly opening her eyes, she saw the familiar ceiling finished with elegant white stone.
Once she confirmed she was in the Sanctuary and saw Han Shin by her side, her first emotion was one of profound relief. She had been worried that he might have been harmed while she was unconscious, but he was perfectly fine.
The next emotion that followed... was a negative one for Grace.
Seeing Han Shin nursing her after she had lost consciousness made her feel incredibly guilty.
"I... Han Shin-nim. I am so sorry. I was careless and did something foolish..."
As a follower of Tiamat whose duty was to serve and protect Han Shin, Grace had always performed her missions perfectly. Ending up in this state made her angry at herself and apologetic toward Han Shin and the others.
Her guilt was so apparent that anyone could have read it.
Han Shin immediately cut her off.
"No! How is this your fault? It's okay."
"But..."
"Stop it, Grace. I'm just glad you've regained consciousness safely."
Despite his words, Grace still looked deeply apologetic, which Han Shin felt was very much like her.
"Grace. If you keep acting like this, it makes me feel uncomfortable. You're my woman. Don't be like this over something like this."
Han Shin spoke with a somewhat firm tone. He knew that speaking decisively was the most effective way to get through to her.
"Yes... I understand."
Grace’s face flushed slightly. Han Shin’s firm declaration that she was "his woman" might have seemed like a small thing, but it resonated deeply within her.