Chapter 225: Cleanup (1)
Chapter 225: Cleanup (1)
The American side was well aware that they had contributed very little.
Although they had requested cooperation, the Black Spire had been destroyed essentially by the strength of the Moon Shadow Party alone, leaving the Americans with nothing to say for themselves.
Furthermore, considering what the Moon Shadow Party had achieved, they couldn't ignore these unidentified Awakeners even if they wanted to. Instead, they had to go out of their way to stay on their good side. After all, it was this party that had crushed every demon plot attempting to cross over from Nippur so far.
Thus, even though Wolyeong hadn't made any specific demands, the United States stepped forward first to offer compensation for the operation.
Twenty million dollars per person.
They were paying over 20 billion won for a battle that had lasted less than half a day. From Kang Yujin’s perspective, this was the first time she had received such a massive sum for a single request.
‘I don’t really feel much about it… Hmm…’
In the past, when she was scraping together money for Han Shin’s medical bills and their living expenses, she would have been deeply concerned with the commission fee. Now, it hardly registered.
Laysia and Sitri, who had entered the tent with her, were no longer there. Both had initially stayed to listen to the briefing with Kang Yujin, but upon realizing they didn't have much of a role to play in the negotiations, they had headed out to find their own tasks.
Laysia intended to provide healing magic to any Awakeners capable of withstanding her holy power…
And Sitri had said she would investigate the ruins of the collapsed Black Spire to see if any anomalies remained.
Their intentions were relayed to the American side, who welcomed the offer with open arms. There was no reason to refuse when they were offering to treat the wounded and investigate potential demonic traps. In fact, these were favors the Americans should have been the ones asking for. Since the party had volunteered, guides were immediately assigned to them.
Left alone, Kang Yujin finished listening to the details of the compensation and how it would be delivered.
Truth be told, it had been a long time since Han Shin’s group had wanted for anything financially. Because they possessed many treasures given to the followers of Tiamat, Grace and Laysia alone held enough wealth to live comfortably for the rest of their lives if they chose to liquidate it.
Still, there was no reason to refuse the money. More is always better when it comes to cash, and since appraising and selling Tiamat’s treasures took time and effort, having liquid assets on hand was convenient.
“And if you ever have reason to visit the United States, please contact us immediately so we can host you. We will provide all conveniences and cover all expenses.”
‘That’s a good offer. Hmm…’
After some thought, Kang Yujin decided it would be wise to establish a set of coordinates for space movement within the U.S. to ensure quick travel, especially now that the demon invasions were becoming more frequent.
“Provide us with a house to stay in when we visit the States.”
“We would be honored to do so.”
The American side practically jumped at the request. While it didn't mean they were moving to America permanently, having a residence they could return to at any time increased the possibility of them eventually registering as U.S. Awakeners. It was incredibly positive news. They fully intended to provide a facility equipped with the highest level of luxury.
The staff member immediately made calls and pushed the contract through with lightning speed. They didn't plan on giving them just one house, either. They provided residences and access rights in every major strategic region for the Moon Shadow Party to use.
“We will prepare accommodations across the entire country. We promise there will be no attempts to monitor you or extract information.”
They took measures to ensure the party could stay whenever they wished, hoping this gesture would serve as a meaningful step toward recruiting the Moon Shadow Party as American Awakeners.
“Yes, I’ll accept your kindness.”
Of course, Wolyeong had absolutely no intention of becoming an American Awakener. Her priority was always staying with Han Shin; unless he decided to go, a future where she became a U.S. Awakener would never come.
“And… take this.”
Frederick, who had been watching silently, uncrossed his arms and took the USB Wolyeong held out, wondering what kind of information it contained.
“I’ve compiled all the information we’ve gathered so far regarding the demons and Demonic Humans. Use it to prepare your countermeasures.”
The eyes of Frederick and the other American staff members widened in unison.
“Thank you so much!”
This was truly precious, high-value intelligence. It was especially vital given that they had seen firsthand the scale of destruction possible in a major city during the disaster in London.
“I will report this to my superiors and ensure you receive additional compensation.”
“No need. I won’t take money for this, so just make sure to share it with other countries. I’m giving it to you because it’s more effective for the U.S. to distribute it than for us to do it ourselves.”
“Ah…”
At Wolyeong’s refusal of payment, the Association staff and officials involved in the conversation stared at her, stunned. Her lack of greed only served to further elevate their perception of her.
“May we examine it immediately?”
“Yes. Once my companions return, we’ll take questions together.”
“I’ll have everything prepared right away.”
Just then, Laysia returned after finishing her rounds with the wounded.
“I’ve treated everyone I could.”
“Yeah, good job.”
“Truly, thank you once again.”
Frederick, an Awakener with the face of a quintessential soldier, cared deeply for his subordinates. Seeing them healed, he expressed his gratitude loudly, his face filled with emotion.
“We fought together. It was nothing,” Laysia replied.
Though her face was hidden, her voice was gentle. The American officials’ favor toward her grew even more upon hearing her speak so fluently, despite being an Otherworlder. Having already seen the Knight using Earth’s languages, they had suspected the others could speak as well, and they were right.
Meanwhile, Sitri had been scouting the area around the Black Spire, but she found nothing unusual. She had been there during the battle and hadn't seen anything then either, but she had checked just in case. It seemed the demons hadn't pulled any tricks other than the Spire itself.
“There’s nothing special. Let’s head back.”
“Yes! Understood!”
Sitri’s voice wasn't the soft tone she used with Han Shin; it was the somewhat cold, haughty voice from her days as a Demon Duke. There was no reason for her to act humble toward anyone other than Han Shin and his women. However, the Awakener soldiers guiding her didn't find it offensive.
Even though her face was obscured, the elegance radiating from her body and her very presence commanded respect. The American soldiers treated her with the same deference they would show a superior officer. Having been a Demon Duke, Sitri was accustomed to such treatment and accepted it naturally.
Once Sitri returned, the American side immediately moved the group. They felt it would be disrespectful to spend a long time questioning them about demons and Demonic Humans in a cramped, uncomfortable tent, so they relocated to the forward base established outside the desert.
High-ranking Awakeners and professional analysis teams participated, asking detailed questions about various topics, all of which Sitri answered. As a former Demon Duke under Asmodeus, Sitri knew more about the demons invading Earth from Nippur than anyone else.
She explained their strengths and weaknesses in such meticulous detail that some even began to feel suspicious. However, no one dared to voice those doubts openly. The prestige of the Moon Shadow Party was too great, and the prevailing atmosphere was one of profound trust.
★ ★ ★
In a warm, cozy atmosphere, two people lay on a bed, sharing each other's warmth as they talked softly. It had been a while since they had been alone like this to just talk.
In the early days after Han Shin became the Proxy of Tiamat, the two of them had spent a lot of time together, training and hunting. Back then, they had shared stories about themselves in their spare moments, but this time, the conversation went deeper.
Grace promised Han Shin that she had been too careless this time and that it would never happen again. Han Shin nodded, seeing how serious she was about not getting hurt. He, too, preferred it when she stayed safe.
Slowly, the atmosphere between them shifted into a familiar rhythm. Since their first meeting, Han Shin and Grace had shared their bodies many times; they knew exactly how to please one another.
As they continued to hold each other, their physical conditions began to recover. They were alone in the Sanctuary, a place where no one else could enter. It was certain that Kang Yujin, Sitri, and Laysia wouldn't be back for a while, as they were busy dealing with the aftermath of the battle.
Their bodies were pressed tight, and they could both feel their heartbeats quickening. As the soft, supple curves of Grace’s feminine form clung to him, a lewd desire to taste her body began to stir within Han Shin.
Grace, too, nestled against Han Shin’s firm, masculine physique, her eyes stealing glances toward the heat gathering below his waist.