Chapter 224: Reinvasion (21)
Chapter 224: Reinvasion (21)
Grace, who had been lying on the bed, slowly sat up.
Her last memory of the battlefield was trying to escape from a self-destructing Demonic Human, and when that proved difficult, she had raised her shield.
That was truly dangerous.
It wasn't that Grace had never encountered enemies who self-destructed like Ereon before. However, she had never faced an enemy whose destructive power or the speed at which dark mana gathered to cast the spell was this fast.
Ereon was a powerful demon, holding the rank of Count among Asmodeus's subordinates. Usually, demons of such high rank and power rarely chose to throw away their lives in a suicide attack. Having already achieved and possessed so much, few made such a choice.
In fact, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it was unheard of. Having risen to such a high position, they possessed great desires—a trait shared by most sentient beings.
I was too complacent. I must be more careful from now on.
Grace reproached herself for her negligence. Because they were Demonic Humans wielding Ego Artifacts, and because she had assumed the enemy was eliminated the moment she decapitated him, her reaction had been slightly slow.
"Are you trying to get up already? Why don't you rest more?"
Lost in her self-reflection, Grace realized she had made another mistake at the sound of Han Shin's voice.
To be lost in thought with Lord Han Shin right in front of me... what a fool...!
"Ah... nothing hurts in particular, and I can move immediately."
Han Shin felt that Grace wasn't her usual self. Usually, the female knight was calm and composed, always silently supporting him with a steady expression. Seeing her even slightly flustered and panicked was a rare sight, making it stand out more to Han Shin.
She must still be feeling unwell...
The most likely reason for her acting out of character was the injury she had sustained from Ereon's self-destruction.
"No, Grace. I think it's better if you just rest. Noona and Laysia told me to get some proper rest too, so I have to stay still like this anyway. Let's rest together."
With that, Han Shin slowly laid Grace back down on the bed with both hands. His strength was gentle enough that she could have resisted if she wanted to, but there was no way Grace would ever resist Han Shin.
Pushed by Han Shin's hands, Grace lay back down. It felt good that Han Shin, worried about her, told her to rest and stayed by her side to watch over her.
But Lord Han Shin was also told to rest...
Amidst her thoughts, Han Shin's words from earlier weighed on her mind.
This isn't Lord Han Shin resting.
"Lord Han Shin."
"Yes?"
"I heard you were told to rest as well."
"Yeah. That's why I'm resting."
"Staying by my side like this isn't resting."
"No, it's not like I'm using any strength, and I'm not doing anything special for you... I'm just sitting here resting too."
Han Shin realized Grace thought he was working by nursing her when he should be resting. Grace, however, wasn't satisfied with his answer. Even though he said he was resting, she didn't perceive it that way at all.
I have to speak more firmly.
Grace mustered her courage. She shifted her body slightly to the side to make room for him and lightly patted the spot next to her.
"Lord Han Shin. Please lie down here."
Her tone was soft, but Han Shin couldn't refuse. Grace looked straight at him, her eyes filled with a determination to see this through. Eventually, Han Shin climbed onto the bed and lay down beside her as she wished.
Come to think of it, there's no reason to refuse this, is there?
It was what Grace wanted, and the bed wasn't narrow; it was large enough that two people lying on it was trivial. Since Grace wanted it so strongly, Han Shin did as she asked.
Grace was happy that Han Shin followed her words without much protest. As soon as he lay down, she pressed herself close to him. She could immediately feel his firm, muscular body, which brought her an immediate sense of relief.
Lord Han Shin has truly become much stronger...
Grace remembered how Han Shin had shown surprising strength in today's battle. Han Shin, clad in a burning silver aura. It was incredible that he had maintained his Juggernaut state until the moment she lost consciousness from the suicide attack.
Seeing Grace's face filled with satisfaction as if she had gained the whole world while gazing at him, Han Shin felt he had made the right choice.
Ah... I should probably tell Grace about my condition too, right?
Except for Grace, everyone else had heard his explanation. He felt she might be hurt later if she found out he had kept it from her, so he thought it best to tell her now. Han Shin immediately explained everything he had told the others.
Grace listened intently to his words while silently watching his face. She now understood why Laysia and Kang Yujin had told him to rest.
"I'm still fine for now. You don't have to worry too much."
Despite Han Shin's words intended to reassure her, Grace felt she shouldn't be held in his arms like this.
I didn't even know...
Grace tried to get up, thinking she should prepare something for him. But Han Shin, sensing this, wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer into his embrace.
"I'm really fine, so don't try to do anything."
"Ah... yes."
This time, unlike before, Han Shin spoke firmly, and Grace decided to follow his lead. There was no need to be stubborn and disobey him just because she wanted to help.
The sound of their beating hearts was clearly felt by each other. Their warmth was very cozy, bringing them both psychological and physical stability.
★ ★ ★
The Awakeners of the US Branch of the Awakener Association and the US military were busy investigating the area around the Demonic Humans' Black Spire, which Han Shin's party had destroyed.
From the US's perspective, this was a great opportunity. They could collect many new samples. Until now, the Demonic Humans' full-scale activities had only occurred twice—in Japan and the UK. This was the third.
Naturally, the US had no reason or opportunity to intervene in the previous attacks. The situations had ended before they could even try anything. The Moon Shadow Party had been at the center of it all, and this time was no different.
However, because the US had taken the lead in bringing them in this time, they were able to clean up the aftermath and collect information about the Demonic Humans, even if it was late. It was a universal truth that knowing your enemy allowed you to fight from a more advantageous position.
Being the USA, they had a large-scale investigation team on standby, allowing them to be deployed immediately. Things the Demonic Humans had created with dark mana—turning the middle of the desert into a black rocky zone, erecting walls, and even building a hideous Black Spire. They naturally had to understand these materials.
And the captured Demonic Humans were already being investigated under strict surveillance, their weapons confiscated and their limbs bound.
Amidst this busy activity, Moon Shadow, who was thought to have disappeared using a space movement artifact as soon as the battle ended, reappeared. With a brilliant flash of light as particles gathered, Moon Shadow, Sitri, and Laysia appeared in the middle of the investigation team.
"Whoa!"
One of the investigation team members nearby jumped in surprise at their sudden appearance. An employee of the US Branch of the Awakener Association, seeing Moon Shadow's return, quickly approached her.
"You've arrived, Lady Moon Shadow. We will guide you."
"Yes."
Moon Shadow, Sitri, and Laysia were immediately guided to the US command center. It was only natural that they drew attention upon their reappearance. The investigation teams couldn't focus on their work as they kept glancing at Sitri walking alongside Moon Shadow.
"Focus! Stop dawdling!"
They moved quickly. The command center had been intentionally set up nearby so they could meet the Moon Shadow Party immediately if they reappeared.
"You've arrived! Please, come and sit."
They were welcomed as they entered the large military tent housing the command center, and Moon Shadow, Sitri, and Laysia took the seats prepared for them.