Chapter 247: The Great Raid (9)
Chapter 247: The Great Raid (9)
After slaughtering every demon in the third dungeon and neutralizing it, Han Shin’s party headed straight home.
The dungeon vanished shortly after they emerged, so there was nothing left for them to do there.
The Association was immensely grateful that Wolyeong had unexpectedly reached out and cleared another dungeon, leaving only seven remaining. The Association naturally handled the cleanup; Han Shin’s party didn't bother with such details.
Since the Association officials were now aware that they could teleport, the party moved directly to Laysia’s sanctuary. From there, they transitioned straight back home. It was the fastest and easiest way to disappear without being tracked by others.
As soon as they arrived home, Irene removed her helmet. Her white hair, previously confined, billowed out like a wave before cascading down.
She looked directly at Han Shin and spoke.
“I have finished analyzing the demons' dungeons. I will create magic bombs specifically designed to destroy them.”
“Bombs?”
“Yes, my Lord. The demons have sealed the dungeons tightly for security, but structurally, if we create bombs infused with Lady Tiamat’s holy power to damage the framework from within, the dungeons will collapse.”
“Ah…”
Han Shin let out a soft exclamation of admiration at Irene’s explanation.
It wasn't as if other Awakeners hadn't thought of planting bombs in dungeons before. However, the idea of creating a bomb capable of destroying a dungeon in one go was dismissed as unrealistic. Even those who considered it gave up, thinking it was a foolish notion.
Irene was different. As the greatest mage among the elves, her talent was immense. Analyzing mana structures was trivial for her. Even though the demons used dark mana, they didn't deviate much from the fundamental laws of mana construction. Furthermore, because the structures had to be stable and sturdy to pass through dimensional rifts, they were relatively simple.
The mana structure of these demon dungeons was simple, yet that very simplicity made finding a way to break them difficult. It was unfortunate for the demons that Irene possessed the magical knowledge and ability to dismantle them.
“From now on, I will produce magic bombs to be used on every portal on Earth.”
“Can you really do that?”
“Yes, my Lord. It will take some time and require a great deal of effort, but it is possible.”
Han Shin had only hoped Irene might offer a good idea; he wouldn't have blamed her if she couldn't. Seeing her present a solution so effortlessly and claim she could handle it left him a bit dazed. Though he hadn't known her long, her performance in the recent battle and her composed, confident attitude naturally inspired trust.
This wasn't just true for Han Shin; the other women felt it too. The elf follower with white hair and crimson eyes spoke as if stating simple facts, leaving no room for doubt or objection.
“Is there anything we can do to help?”
Kang Yujin asked, wanting to contribute. While traveling through Laysia's sanctuary earlier, Irene had asked the other women to stop using formal speech with her. Since they were equals serving Han Shin together, she suggested they speak comfortably. Thus, Kang Yujin spoke casually.
“No, I don't need help making the mana bombs. But I'd appreciate it if you could help move them once they're finished.”
“Got it. Let us know whenever you need anything.”
Kang Yujin and Irene chatted naturally like close friends, which Grace and Laysia found impressive. In truth, Grace and Laysia found it difficult to speak casually to Irene despite her request. It was because of the innate elegance she exuded. Seeing Kang Yujin manage it, they internally resolved to do the same.
“However, my Lord.”
When Irene called to him in a somewhat serious tone, Han Shin immediately responded.
“Yes, go ahead.”
“My mana capacity is not yet sufficient, so I require your assistance to create the magic bombs.”
Since Han Shin was now level 51, Irene was in a much better position than Grace or Laysia had been when they were first summoned. She was strong. However, because her original power was so immense, she still faced restrictions—specifically, her total mana pool.
Irene had rarely felt a lack of mana in her life. But according to her calculations, if she wanted to make around 700 mana bombs to be safe, her current mana was nowhere near enough. She needed a way to replenish her mana... and that meant Han Shin.
Everyone present, including Han Shin, understood exactly why she needed his help and how he would provide it.
“...”
A brief silence fell over the room. It felt a bit strange, but if Irene needed help as she said, Han Shin had to provide it.
“Alright. I'll help.”
The fact that he had to have sex with Irene to help her was awkward enough to make Han Shin's face flush slightly.
Wait...
Han Shin noticed the tips of Irene's long ears were slightly flushed. It was such a faint blush that it was nearly impossible to notice. Although Irene's expression remained unchanged as she stared at him, the sight of her reddened ears made him realize she was feeling shy too.
As soon as Han Shin gave his consent, Irene reached out and grabbed his arm.
“Then, if you'll excuse us, my Lord. I will finish this as quickly as possible.”
Flash!
With a brilliant light, Irene and Han Shin vanished without a trace.
“They must have teleported to Irene's sanctuary, right?”
“Most likely...”
Kang Yujin and Grace spoke, feeling a bit deflated by how quickly the two had disappeared. Even though they knew it was to create bombs to destroy the demon dungeons, they felt conflicted. It meant they wouldn't see Han Shin until the bombs were finished. While they understood it was necessary, they couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed, though they couldn't exactly get angry or annoyed.
“But... Irene's ears were a bit red just now...”
Sitri, who had been quiet, had also noticed Irene's shyness. It wasn't a big deal, but for Sitri, who felt slightly intimidated by Irene's overwhelming magical power, it was a relief. She had been worried Irene might completely charm Han Shin and take all his affection for herself, but now she felt that wouldn't be the case.
“Really? Could she already have feelings for Shin?”
“It wouldn't be for no reason.”
The remaining women began reverse-summoning their silver metal armor and discussed Irene. It was only natural; given the magic Irene had displayed and her claim to solve the current crisis, she was a far more impressive mage than anyone they had seen before.
They decided to bathe together for the first time in a while, heading to Grace's sanctuary to bond in the large bathroom.
*
Meanwhile, Han Shin stepped into Irene's sanctuary.
As expected, the sanctuaries Tiamat gives her followers are similar.
He had anticipated this, seeing as Irene hadn't looked surprised when passing through Grace's sanctuary earlier. Though it was his first time here, the walls and pillars made of familiar pure white stone felt recognizable.
However, he noticed a difference. Since Irene was a mage, the area that usually held a training ground was instead a mage's workshop. Flasks and bottles were neatly arranged, cabinets lined the walls, and various tables and books were scattered about. Even to a layman like Han Shin, it was clearly a place for magical experiments and research.