EPISODE 31. In a critical moment

I felt like I was in fear for a moment when the silence fell. Feeling something strange, I slowly opened my closed eyes to see Samael standing tall and looking down at me without saying a word.

?

What? As nothing could be seen under a pure white mask, the anxiety was further amplified. A cold sweat drenched my shoulders, but it wasnt long before Samael opened his mouth in a voice filled with complex emotions.

theres a reason its so cheap and expensive.

What?

Kids.

At Samaels call, who was muttering something unknown, the black-masked men standing nearby rushed to me at the same time.

Dozens of peoples heels echoed through the hall, and the surroundings were coloured with human shadows. I could feel the gazes through the black masks that surrounded me.

Hold him.

Yes.

Dozens of people answered at the same time and stretched out their hands. Hands poured out from all directions instantly grabbed my arms and legs, crushing my body to the ground. Hands touched the arms, legs, and waist that were spread out like an insect specimen on display.

Look through. Dont miss out on anything.

Yes.

At that command, dozens of hands began to sweep and touch my body. Chilling goosebumps and nausea came up at the touch that didnt contain any emotions.

Let go! Shit, stop hmph!

A large, hard hand blocked my mouth. As I flinched to escape, the hand that grabbed my leg grew stronger. After watching for a while, Samael tapped the mask and twisted his head slightly.

What? There is no sign of using the item.

Samael.

The long-haired woman, reaching down to her chest, handed something she was holding to Samael. It was the bracelet and ring item I was wearing.

Um.

Samael looked around my bracelet and ring, and shrugged his shoulders with a grin.

Give it back. They have no meaning whatsoever.

Yes.

Leave me alone. It seems that a more valuable guest has arrived than I thought.

At the pleasant voice, the hand that had been holding my body without a moment to move fell off at once. As nervous as I was, I quickly raised my upper body and stepped back as if struggling. Extreme fatigue engulfed my mind and clouded my judgment. The harsh sound of my own breathing could be heard in my ears.

Talented Han Yi-gyeol.

Samael, who was looking down at me exhausted, took a step closer. No matter how hard I tried, my body didnt move as I wanted.

I dont know why, but my ability doesnt seem to work for you. Unfortunately.

Gasp, gasp ugh!

Samael, standing in front of me, who was trying to get away somehow, raised his leg and stepped on my chest. The black shoes that pressed down the centre of my chest gleamed with the mask in the light of the chandelier.

Everywhere I look, its clear that youre an A-rank, but the ability doesnt work Its kind of unpleasant, but its also so much fun.

I was also perplexed by that. Did I block Samaels ability which wielded the S-rank Kang Seung-geon?

how on earth?

At that moment, what had happened before suddenly flashed through my mind.

The moment when I wasnt sucked into the sand to avoid Liliths ability at the SS-grade gate, and the moment when I escaped the magic of Banshee, which was upgraded to S+-grade. The strange situation that even Cheon Sa-yeon couldnt figure out the reason was repeating itself this time.

Well, thats fine. This isnt bad either. Of course, it should be comfortable if I use my ability to roll you to my liking, but this is very interesting.

What the

Bring it.

Unknowingly, I trembled at the command that followed. But this time, not me, but toward the fainting Edward, a crowd of masked people gathered. Sensing the ominousness, I shouted with a sharp voice.

Dont touch him!

They didnt pay attention to my shouts and grabbed Edwards arms then forced him to stand up. Samael, who turned his head to Edward, who had been dragged unconsciously, gave strength to his foot and said.

Talented Han Yi-gyeol. Do you want to save the producer?

Even though I was trampled on by only one foot, I couldnt escape from under Samael. Panting from the pain that was pressing on my chest, I looked up at the black crescent-shaped mouth carved on the mask.

You know, I could end the life of this unconscious young producer right now. Hes probably going to die more easily than you, who cant even breathe right under my feet.

what, do you want.

Well.

Samael, who answered lightly, asked in a tone of genuine interest.

Would you like to lick my shoes?

What?

Kneel down, bend your back lick my shoes as a sign of obedience. Who knows? Maybe I will let go the young producer because Im moved by your sincerity.

A dejected smile flowed out at the gentle words that followed. Lick your shoes? I grabbed Samaels ankle and answered calmly.

Ill do it.

As long as you keep your promise to let Edward go, I can do it over and over again.

Hm.

Samael looked at me for a long time without saying a word. He was probably trying to figure out what my intentions were. There was nothing I could do, so I quietly received the gaze I felt from beyond the mask.

I was more sincere than ever. If I could protect someone by licking his shoes, there was nothing I couldnt do. Even because the opponent was Edward, who was a great help to me, so it was natural to work hard for him.

In the first place, there is no reason for Edward to be here if he hadnt been involved with me.

The more I looked back on the situation, the more gloomy emotions ate the reason. When a feeling of depression spread over my exhausted and weary body, I just wanted to give up and bite my tongue or cut off my wrist. It was an impulse I hadnt heard in a long time. I couldnt even imagine what I would have done without Edward.

its boring. Well, I see.

Samael answered with a muffled voice as if it wasnt interesting to see me with my tail lowered, and removed his foot.

Take him to the seventh room on the first floor.

Yes.

Samael, who gave the last command, turned his back without regret. Between me and Samael, who was moving away, people in black masks came and forced me to stand up. My body was cold with a cold sweat. I saw Edward being dragged along with me through the wet bangs.

I need to see, where they send him.

I couldnt take my eyes off Edward, as he could be locked in a different place as me. However, contrary to the idea, the body reached its limit and clouded my consciousness. In the end, unable to overcome my heavy eyelids, I bowed my head and accepted the coming darkness.

* * *

Thud, thud. The sound of the heels of several people echoed loudly and harshly. Cheon Sa-yeon, who passed through the white hospital corridor and reached his destination, opened the door of the hospital room without hesitation.

Master.

Park Geon-ho, who was standing with his arms crossed and a serious expression, looked back. Not only Park Geon-ho, but Min Ah-rin, Kim Woo-jin, and Chloe also lifted their heads and looked at Cheon Sa-yeon.

What is the situation?

When Cheon Sa-yeon, who had pulled the black-tie he was wearing and untie it, asked, Min Ah-rin opened her mouth with a gloomy voice.

The surgery went well, but there was so much blood, and it was hard to wake up right away because he was stabbed by an item other than a regular sword.

Woo Seo-hyuk, who had sent out the attendants and closed the hospital room, reported.

An answer has come from the Four Seasons Guild Master. It said he is leaving right now.

Then leave Kwon Jeong-han to Master Kwon Ji-hoon when he arrives.

Master Cheon Sa-yeon.

Chloe looked at Cheon Sa-yeon with watery eyes. Anxiety and worry were thickly cast in the green eyes shining in the light of the hospital room.

Is what I am thinking right?

Your absence, Eddys arrival, they were all planned

Yeah.

Cheon Sa-yeon answered briefly. The gate of the N11 Area, which he arrived in a hurry after being informed that there was a problem with the gate, didnt have any problems. Instead, the area manager, who had lost about three hours of memory, greeted Cheon Sa-yeon with a confused expression.

Chloe held her trembling hand after staring at Cheon Sa-yeons face, who showed no sign of embarrassment, for a moment.

Did you expect it? Its going to be like this?

A sharp air swirled around as if forged. Park Geon-ho and Woo Seo-hyuk, who were nervous with their foreheads tightened, exchanged glances.

No? Am I misunderstood?

Cheon Sa-yeon, who was listening to Chloe with an unknown expression, said still.

Then what?

Master Cheon Sa-yeon!

Chloe, who had her face contorted miserably, shouted.

How how could that be? No one else but Eddy, that kid is in mental!

In order to save Edward Asner, who had been mentally controlled, Han Yi-gyeol stepped into the enemy on his own feet.

Cheon Sa-yeon, who had cut off Chloes words, looked at her with cold eyes.

Even if you expected it, you cant stop everything. Keep that in mind, Deputy Master Chloe. The choice Han Yi-gyeol made to protect your precious little brother.

Chloes eyes fluttered wildly. Cheon Sa-yeon turned his back on Chloe, who had pale cheeks and bit her lip.

Stay in the hospital room until Master Kwon Ji-hoon arrives, Woo Seo-hyuk. I contacted the guild and placed a useful mental control staff in the hospital.

Master? Where are you going?

Park Geon-ho, who had taken a step back and watched the situation, asked a question.

Are you going to look for Talented Han Yi-gyeol now?

Kim Woo-jin, who had been sitting without a word, jumped up to the question of Park Geon-ho, who noticed Cheon Sa-yeons thoughts.

Master, I!

No.

Cheon Sa-yeons white, firm hand grabbed the doorknob without hesitation. Cheon Sa-yeon continued without looking at Kim Woo-jin.

Im going alone to Han Yi-gyeol.

But Master!

Stop, Kim Woojin.

Park Geon-ho blocked Kim Woo-jin, who was trying to follow him. Woo Seo-hyuk took a deep breath and opened his mouth.

Are you really okay with being alone? Taking at least one person

Its just cumbersome.

The opponent was a mental control talented person who controlled Master Kang Seung-geons mental. Surely, if someone else got in, it would only make things more complicated. Woo Seo-hyuk nodded his head.

Please go back safely.

The door to the hospital room opened gently. Before leaving, Cheon Sa-yeon, who had looked at Chloe for the last time, moved quickly.