What is this?

The sudden anomaly had caught Jinhyuk by surprise.

He had been about to leap off the ground when he stopped in his tracks.

Tingling sensations prickled his skinnot so much from a sense of pressure as if caused by intense magic power, but rather

it felt like thousands of insects were crawling all over his body.

At that moment,

[The Blood Wayport is activating!]

A red status window appeared in the air.

Fzzt, Fzzt, Fzzt

A crimson hexagram began to form on the ground, tracing its outline.

Unfortunate for you, but the grand magic activates much faster than you anticipated.

Michael slowly opened his mouth, a serene smile blossoming on his face, confident of victory.

So this is why he was so filled with confidence.

It was irritating, but his words were true.

Jinhyuk had miscalculated the speed with which the magic power could construct the complete magic circle.

As a result, the Blood Wayport had been activated.

Everything had exceeded his expectations.

Buzz, buzz, buzz!

The grand magic circles form became clearer and more distinct.

The ground now glowed an eye-stinging red.

At the same time,

Gigantic gates appeared to the east and west of the island.

They were over 1km wide and 100m tall.

Jinhyuk lifted his head.

Impressive, to say the least.

His neck began to ache.

This must be the largest single gate he could assert with certainty.

Kooooh!

Keiiih!

Soon, otherworldly voices resounded.

Between the flickering surfaces, something was desperately trying to enter this world.

Glub, glub!

The surface rippled roughly.

Grotesque faces and hands repeatedly pounded against it.

So, it was themHungry Ghosts known for their voracious appetites.

If these creatures were crossing over, it meant the blood clans would soon follow.

Jinhyuk glanced elsewhere just then.

Crack!

A uniform crack appeared in the air.

Soon after, a black vortex formed.

Within the whirlwind, two figures emerged.

Huff. It was sweaty work dealing with those bothersome paladins. Is it too much to ask to keep a proper distance and play tag?

I agree. Acting with those dumb masses is incredibly exhausting.

Ophelia and Vertion appeared, grumbling.

Due to the power of the Blood Wayport, even these two members of the blood clan had been summoned here.

And then:

[The two worlds are connected!]

[Hungry Ghosts from the Demon Realm appear!]

[Time remaining: 5h:59m:59s]

The Hungry Ghosts that had crossed through the gate into this world were impressively powerful, each easily surpassing level 50, though exact estimates of their strength were difficult.

Though they are under 2m tall, a scrap with their nails is sure to be a headache.

Jinhyuks eyes narrowed.

A curse layered on each claw could cause the flesh to rot with even a single touch.

Indeed, a significant card prepared to expand ones territory.

An ordinary floor of the Tower would find it difficult to hold out even a day against such forces.

The tide of battle had swiftly tipped.

No, such a gap could scarcely be described as a mere tipping.

It was more akin to a palm tree before an oncoming tsunami, if that.

An insect like a human can struggle all they want, but they will never reach my feet. In the end, I am the one who always has the last laugh.

Michael declared the end of the battle in a low voice.

Since there were no means to turn the situation around, he had no choice but to predict his victory.

It was only logical.

The endless horde of Hungry Ghosts and two members of the blood clan, not to mention Michael with his black wings.

What possible counter-strategy could there be?

Even if one summoned players from major guilds or poured out all the holy relics they possessed.

The result would not change.

And all of this

was exactly the picture Jinhyuk had wanted.

I knew it.

What?

I played surprised for you. You seemed so pleased with yourself, it was quite cute. I just missed the timing to tell you.

In his younger days, he had been part of a childrens theater troupe, though he never quite managed to land a lead role. A streetlamp on the road doesnt quite count

Jinhyuk shrugged his shoulders with a wry smile.

Human, stop with your baseless bravado.

Ridiculous. What on earth is this human babbling about now? Is he so scared that hes lost his mind? This is pure insanity.

Ophelia and Vertion sneered skeptically.

Indeed, their reaction was only to be expected given Jinhyuks words.

Then

A more detailed explanation would have to suffice.

Didnt you think it was strange? Even if we raced, the grand magic circle of the Blood Wayport activated too quickly, dont you think?

Michaels speed was indeed commendable.

The magic circle completed far faster than anticipated.

However.

It wasnt just Michaels contribution at play.

Part of the story was missing, and an essential part at that.

What do you mean by that?

Well.

I too played a little trick to amplify the islands magic something like that.

With those words,

[A 4-star barrier Bind of the Current World is activated!]

A barrier that loosened the Systems restrictions to some extent while amplifying the casters magic unfolded.

A translucent wave began to envelop the entire island in an instant.

This, this is!

How could this be? How did we not notice such a large-scale barrier?

!

The expressions of the three blood clan members drastically changed.

I owe you a thank you. I could play this card purely thanks to you all.

Compared to the Blood Wayport, it was a pitiful level.

That helped him perfectly conceal the existence of the barrier from everyone.

Had he attempted this back-dealing without distraction, he would have been immediately exposed.

Your complacency being used against you is indeed surprising. But, what does it matter? Do you think this situation will change just because youve become a bit stronger?

Michael quickly regained his composure.

After all, he needed to see that brats jaw drop, drooling

He sure doesnt get flustered easily.

However, it was only for a brief moment that he would be able to wear a calm mask.

Because the climax of this movie was about to begin.

Did you really think I went to meet the Ice Trolls, amplified my magic, and used this barrier to build up just to fight you guys on my own?

A casual question.

Yet the answer to that question was far from trivial.

It wasnt just Jinhyuk whod realized what this meant.

-The Systems restraint is loosened.

This didnt merely refer to boosting the casters magic.

For the first time, Michaels composure was shaken.

Dont tell me

Right. Its not just me who has a bone to pick with you.

One particularly eager friend was waiting in the wings.

The one confined within the ring.

Jinhyuk channeled magic power into Brahams Ring.

At that instant,

Rumble, rumble, rumble!

Jinjo, imprisoned within the ring, was released.

Taller than 170cm.

With silver hair reaching down to his waist and crimson eyes, he was a pure-blooded vampire from the most noble of clans.

Elises gaze turned towards the blood clan in front of her.

Just by looking at them, she emitted an overwhelming pressurized atmosphere that bound the space.

Even though only 20% of her true form had been recreated, despite the loosened restraints and increased magic power, it was extraordinary.

What sort of outrageous power levels were these, as if speaking of another dimension

Elise revealed her stature without reservation.

Even though youve been buried in the ruins for so long, still to maintain such power

Its unbelievable.

Ophelia and Vertion were shivering, trembling like aspen leaves.

The current situation was equally perplexing for Michael.

So youve unleashed your power like this you wont kill the contractor?

Michael hadnt imagined that Jinhyuk would unseal Elise.

Reducing her power extremely or confining her deeply would have been the norm because if power were channeled to Elise, she would immediately kill the contractor and regain full freedom.

But that expectation was mistaken.

Michaels face contorted subtly.

This means they are not just using each other.

It was unthinkable.

That the proud head of the Ataraxia family would build a trust relationship with a human.

Had he told any other houses, none would have believed it.

Just then,

Elises calm voice flowed out.

My name is Elise. Elise von Ataraxia.

The great sixth family that ruled the night.

And the existence at the top of that family.

The one floating highest, looking down with disdain on everything below.

All these titles belonged to Elise.

The endless time spent banished in darkness has cost us much.

The beauty of the stars and moon lighting the night sky.

The gentle touch of the wind and the freshness of grass.

All had become distant tales.

She had been freed from that yoke thanks to Jinhyuk, yet Belus and the rest of the blood clan remained trapped in the corridors.

Still yearning for freedom in darkness, waiting for her return.

The time of deceit and sabotage is over.

Indeed, this was a declaration.

A mandatory address to the remaining five families that had betrayed her and their followers.

And now, I will hold you accountable for the sins you have committed.

With those final words,

Elise slowly started to raise her magic power.

Rumble, rumble, rumble!

Already surpassing minus 50 degrees, the cold emanating from Elise dwarfed it.

A cold that penetrated to the bone.

The accumulated anger was immeasurably heavy.

This must be tormenting.

Jinhyuk bit his lip slightly.

The situation was different from the mere data pieces known from the game setting.

Currently, he could sense an indescribable sorrow from Elise through the emotional sharing of their contract.

It doesnt feel good.

This was the truth.

A companion who, despite always grumbling, had always been by his side.

Therefore.

Because he understood her feelings better than anyone,

Jinhyuk found the situation uncomfortable.

Swoosh! Snap!

A pair of swords extended forward.

Blessing of the Stars and Tomb of Swords were simultaneously unlocked, their respective blades bathed in different colors.

It seemed this fight was destined to be brutal.

One side cannot possibly survive today.