Three bustling days had passed since that eventful nightly outing. The Empire and the Martial World were still at war, but they had declared a temporary ceasefire to regroup their forces after the constant demonic invasions. For at least a few weeks, both sides intended to recover from the damages caused and reorganize their ranks.

In the meantime, Jinhyuk was busily tending to a backlog of tasks that had piled up during those three days. The Giants Fortress, now guaranteed its status as a duchy, required a plethora of administrative work for its territory management. Balmond was also in dire need of repairs due to significant durability loss. Fortunately, the task was willingly taken on by the dwarven blacksmith Orun.

Y-you want me to repair such a magnificent thing? Orun gasped.

Yes, I believe youre capable of managing it, Orun. Its quite worn out, so please be thorough. And dont forget to transfer it to my spatial inventory coordinates when done, Jinhyuk requested.

And what if I accidentally break it? Orun worried.

If that happens, youll have to repay with your body. Ah, but dont worry too much, I wont kill you. Ill just lock you in a sunless chamber with only one meal a day and make you hammer away, Jinhyuk joked with a chilling smile.

With that, their delightful exchange was concluded. Having wrapped up his business in the Empire, Jinhyuk boarded a plane to Europe. His plan was to take a leisurely break in Korea before tackling Floor 15, but he was persuaded by Theresas earnest invitation to visit her family home in Europe.

Accompanied by Elise, Andria, Ophelia, Wolyeong, and Cheon Yuseong, they were greeted by a Rolls-Royce Ghost at the airport and transported through the city to the serene suburbs. Joining them later were Younghwa and Taemin, rounding out the main party.

Eventually, they arrived at an astonishing natural landmark. Wow Hooh. Real wealth speaks for itself, came the exclamations as they admired the three-story mansion fashioned entirely out of white marble. Antique statues, a wooden pavilion, and even a quaint little lake nearbyit was no idle boast to call it a noble European estate.

Just then, Theresa approached curiously, Everyone, what are you doing outside of our Alexandros home?

Alexandro?

Yes, Alexandro. You know, the one I personally gifted to you, Jinhyuk

Alexandro That Alexandro? Could it be? Ah, now I get it. You mean the hamster you gave me? Wait, so this whole mansion belongs to a hamster?

Yes. Our little one enjoys spacious places, so we ended up here while trying to give it freedom.

Indeed, the center of the mansion displayed a solemn hamster portrait gripping sunflower seeds, adorned with a golden crown and a cape of red furnone other than Alexandro the Second.

No way this is a hamsters house To think, Ive been living in a place smaller than a hamsters Younghwa and Taemin gaped in disbelief, and even Cheon Yuseongs eyebrows shot up in astonishment.

As everyone marveled at Theresas wealth, Elise puffed her cheeks in irritation. Poking Jinhyuks sides sharply, she complained.

Why? The castle I lived in was much larger and grander than this. There were statues of bats, and gardens where Pegasus roamed freely.

She sounded like a child fueled by jealousy, a stark contrast to the formidable Jinzo of a few days prior. Jinhyuk patted Elises head consolingly, Sure, sure. Someday you can give me a tour of your home.

Even the golem Goma blinked its pumpkin-colored eyes enviously at Alexandros picture. Hmm. Next time, Ill make a splendid frame for you, a much larger one than that. No way Ill be outdone by a mere hamster, Jinhyuk mused, upholding his pride as an Ancient Being.

As they continued to admire the views, it was quite a walk before they finally reached Theresas family homea mansion that far exceeded the previous in grandeur, seemingly endless, near the edge of the forest.

Even the Middle-Eastern magnates would bow down, Jinhyuk thought. The Rosenbergs, already renowned for their aristocratic origins, had hit the jackpot with their magic stone refinement technology since the emergence of the Tower. Furthermore, with Theresas valor in protecting Amsterdam from the Outbreak and her stellar performance inside the Tower, it was as if a tiger had been gifted wings.

Upon their arrival, a genial middle-aged man greeted them. Welcome, everyone. I am Theresas father, Dustin. Please, call me Dustin. Haha.

Dustin von Rosenbergthe man frequently featured in the news as Theresas father.

It is an honor to meet you. I am Kang Jinhyuk, Jinhyuk greeted warmly. Following him, Elise, Cheon Yuseong, and the others briefly introduced themselves.

An honor indeed, Dustin continued. Those who live in this era and are unaware of the Highwater Corporation are rare. Especially Kang Jinhyuk, a celebrity known even more than some rankers for saving all of Europe from the Lich, single-handedly.

He then presented a cascade of letters. One from the British Prime Minister and another from the President of France, all grateful for Jinhyuks actions. It seemed Jinhyuks fame had spread wider than he realized.

While Jinhyuk humbly accepted the adulation, Dustins next words caught even him off guard.

How about it? Why dont you consider courting our youngest daughter seriously? Shes the pride of our family, and both of you are at the right age. We could even arrange a grand engagement party.

Before anyone could react, three voices rose in unison. A stunned Jinhyuk, a blushing Theresa, and an incensed Elise.

This was supposed to be a restful visit, but it seems thats not the case, Cheon Yuseong said with a tsk-tsk.

Andria alone glowed with excitement, akin to watching a morning drama unfold.

***

The storm passed shortly after Dustins explosive proposal. Witnessing Theresas flustered and Elises furious expressions was a first for Jinhyuk. The reasons were unclear, but perhaps the worry was that love and marriage could distract from their agreements.

Father, may I speak with you alone for a moment? Im truly sorry, Mr. Jinhyuk. Father said something ridiculous

Oh, come now. Havent you always spoken fondly of Mr. Jinhyuk? If youre smitten with someone like this, you should make your move. Mr. Jinhyuk, please seriously consider the offer. Our family will do you no wrong, and weve discovered new technology to enhance weapons with magic stones

Cutting him off, Theresa forcibly ushered her father away, concluding their conversation for the time being.

Afterward, the guests were free to tour the estate before dinner.

An irritated Elise vanished from sight. Cheon Yuseong immersed himself in anatomy and osteology slides on his I-pad by the lake. Jinhyuk ventured into the depths of the forest.

This should be far enough.

He had important post-raid tasks to attend toexamining his growth and rewards.

I asked Taemin and Younghwa to come in thirty minutes. Better check this quickly.

He first activated his personal status window.

Ding!

Name: Kang Jinhyuk

Gender: Male

Age: 27

Level: 94

Strength 89 Dexterity 30 Stamina 40 Magic Power 221 Gap 100 Luck 10 Adaptive 78 Vital Energy 4,367

Stat Points Available: 24

Coins: 0

Profession: Runes Interpreter

Unique Abilities: Fusion, Sword Tomb, Stars Blessing, Judgment of Anubis, Blood Magic, Mandala, One-Second Invincibility, Thousand Poisons, White Beast, Shared Fate, Sanctuary of Sun, Imperial Dark Sky Technique, Triple Magic, Colossus Strike, Fire Dragons Breath, Speed Sword, Tombgraves Right Arm, Berserker, Winds Domain, Shadow Strike, Blood Burst

Skills: Primeval Flame Lv13, Gluttonous Eye Lv12, Sympathy Lv9, Soul Imprint Lv10, Poison Eater Lv8, Shallow Breath Lv8, Ice Sculpture Lv13, Daylight Lv11, Giants Grasp Lv8, Soul Chasing Sword Lv9, Double Agent Lv2, Genuine Great Clear Hwarang Heart Technique Lv7, Sword Devil Emperor Step Lv12, Vague Scent Lv3, Mental Barrier Lv5, Heavenly Melody Lv4,Otherworldly Diner Lv4, Red Magic Bullet Lv10, Heavenly Net Lv3, Soul Drain Lv4, Demonic Soul Sword Lv3, Claw that Covers the Moon Lv9, Draw Sword Lv2, Undead Making Lv5, Battlefield Selection Lv4, Diplomacy Lv2

Barriers: Too many acquired barriers, changed to Folded Away status.

Marveling at the list of hard-earned abilities and skills, a contented smile danced upon Jinhyuks lips.

Truly, the experience provided by a chief-class is unparalleled.

Eight whole levels gained and 24 stat points acquired. Approaching triple digits in level, gaining eight levels at once was simply inconceivable.

To handle Balmond properly, Ill need to distribute points into strength as well.

[Strength increased from 89 101.] [Magic Power increased from 221 233.]

Done with allocating stat points, Jinhyuk now turned his attention to the awaited rewardsa red accessory recently retrieved from his spatial inventory, the Decarus Seal.

To be honest, he hadnt anticipated obtaining such an item. He had previously hunted chief-class enemies, but those were within the formal raids beyond the 40th Floor. This was his first time engaging under such adverse conditions.

Thus, a reward befitting the challenge.

The Decarus Seal granted dominion over all vampires within the Decarus family, as well as the rights befitting a chief. In essence, a new chief was born.

However, the real value of this seal stemmed from something even more potentit allowed summoning an ancient relic, an artifact as powerful as the original holy spear, from the associated floor to this world

This was precisely why the seal was vastly superior to any other form of compensation.

Huuh, Jinhyuk exhaled, steadying his trembling heart as magic energy flowed from his fingertips into the seal.

Simultaneously, a magnificent light flashed.

[Decarus Seal has been activated!]