Chapter 56

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Initially, I regained consciousness momentarily, then slowly got up from a temporary bed and pushed Erica against the wall.

Erica was momentarily bewildered but soon hardened her expression.

I felt the same way. Maintaining an apathetic look, I tightened my grip on her wrist.

“Do you think you can just freely give me your body?”

“I don’t want to.”

Seemingly, we had returned to our previous relationship; for a moment, I felt happy.

“Please let go…”

It was merely a fleeting nonsensical thought. The reason was probably because she was simply rejecting the sensation of fangs invading her body.

“Whys?”

“The suction…. it feels strange.”

Do you not like it?

Well, considering her fangs aren’t too small, they might cause a strong foreign object sensation.

I pondered for a bit.

It’s not something to worry about.

Anyway, that she no longer has the teeth marks by her shoulder suggests it’s been a while since they were there, meaning it’s time for re-injection.

“How about we see things through positively? This is an exchange of equals.”

“What do you mean?”

“You like receiving my magic power, and I enjoy tasting your blood.”

“I don’t really need it.”

“I’m not interested in your opinion,”

My tone was forceful. I joyfully exposed my fangs.

Immediately afterward, I sensed a shallow resistance.

“Hold on… Ugh, Huh!”

The scent of her skin reverberated in my brain.

A warm rush flowed into my mouth. With a taste that was both sweet and salty, I closed my eyes and shook my body.

It wasn’t just me; Erica also felt revitalized. Her shoulders shuddering and with a somewhat stronger resistance in her arm, when I eased off slightly,

Her body was shoved away, sharply reducing the amount of blood stimulating my mouth.

“Ahhh…”

“I told you I didn’t want to.”

Sometime later, we glared at each other. I smirked.

“I already told you I wasn’t interested in your opinion.”

“Even after doing something so mean without regard for compassion or empathy…”

“I don’t care,”

This was a minor act of rebellion.

It was rough play, recalling how she leaned on my bosom, placing everything in her hands.

That’s right.

Recently I felt my body and heart have deteriorated.

Is this the power of love?

A fantasy where the world looks beautiful and splendid?

Good memories kept piling up,

But did not fully address the fundamental issues.

“You’re angry?”

“Do I even need to ask if this is provocation?”

“What will you do about it?”

I gestured to the surroundings.

This is the association lounge.

If I opened the door, there would be the director and only a few other staff members nearby.

The situation is entirely to my advantage.

“You may want to speak, yet I enjoy your punishment.”

“You wretched woman.”

“You’ve gone from insane woman to wretched woman!”

“Pfft.”

Erica blatantly ignored me, turning her head to grasp the doorknob.

While watching her leave the lounge, I intentionally clung to her back stubbornly.

“Let’s go together.”

There was no response.

As I walked in step with her stride, wrapping my hand around her waist. A cold touch approached, pushing me away.

Passing through the hall, the office door opened.

This time, I grabbed her wrist. It was rejected.

I wanted to check her expression but found it difficult due to her brisk pace.

The director stood by a coffee machine, blinking upon seeing us.

“Were you two fighting?”

“No!”

“Yes.”

I scratched the side of my head, blinked.

In any case, fighting within the relationship between her and me is not allowed.

I needed to remain an antagonist, always opposing her, tearing at each other, and naturally feeling familiar to such adversarial interactions.

For a moment, I felt like my mind melted. Today, it seemed like we’d shared several intimate moments. Somehow, I had forgotten my duties and resumed behaving beast-like again.

I pondered.

After all, with a crumbling relationship, surviving is the only option.

This necromancer group needs to be utilized.

Following Erica toward the conference room led by the director,

“As you know, recently a disturbance arose. Necromancers have started appearing more often since the incident with the special forces.”

Several reports were thrown. In the blurred photos, skeletal soldiers of the necromancer军团出现了。

“Restoration of the special forces building has been postponed, and troops are now undergoing treatment. The association contacted them. Wondering how it could work out,”

“It’s thanks to me!”

An eerie silence followed.

My ear was pinched.

“Ouch.”

Erica’s fingernail dug into the inner part of my ear. Tears welled up.

“Erica…”

In a situation where she wouldn’t even make eye contact, a sadness overcame me.

But no…

With my ear held in place and sensing the touch of her fingers, I began thinking.

Come to think of it, being in such a position isn’t so bad. Even if it’s not to my liking, if it’s what Erica wants, I can endure it.

Considering my resilient body built from enduring much, it shouldn’t be hard to accept Erica.

“But anyway, Orli, I’d appreciate your help.”

“How long?”

“Tomorrow.”

“Is Erica coming too?”

The director glanced at Erica with his eyes.

I also gave a glance.

A sigh followed.

“Personally, since I am going anyway.”

“In that case, can I go as well?”

“It’s not like a school trip.”

It isn’t. This time too, I have to organize plans carefully.

“Ending too quickly isn’t fun either. Should I fight appropriately and have some fun too?”

“I guess it’s fine?”

Seems like she’s annoyed by me raising faults continuously. Actually, despite her appearance, I find a part of her quite cute.

“You won’t be bothered even if I provoke you.”

I squeezed the side of her head.

“No, recently, the fresh look on your face is somewhat affecting my heart.”

Silence.

Erica turned her head abruptly, her face expressionless.

Momentarily, a desire to tease her welled up in me.

After a brief break, the conference room door opened and three hunters dressed in uniforms entered cautiously.

“The hunters who will accompany us in this mission. While I may not care much about your personality, it might be better to show your faces at least.”

“There might be a concern since they’re necromancers. Are they strong?”

Along with my puzzled tilt of the head. Are they premium forces?

Did the association ever have good times?

The director avoided my gaze and wordlessly picked up a disposable cup.

Is it a hastily assembled team? Of course, gathering high-level hunters at this stage must be difficult.

I pondered for a bit.

But why? Why must there be potential for injuries?

Erica blinked her eyes. Soon, her gaze moved to each hunter in turn.

“Orli and I alone could handle this.”

“They have been selected through private procedures. To gain some实战 experience, they are being included in this operation.”

“I-I can do it!”

One of the hunters, upon meeting my glance, trembled again.

“You, you work hard! Just tell me what to do!”

“Rare person in such a world.”

Erica wore a face of disbelief.

“Even if that’s true, aren’t these people dangerous for this mission?”

“Even though I begged, they insisted, and I had to agree. Everyone needs money these days.”

The empty disposable cup fell over.

“Moreover, I’m not worried at all. Erica, you’re coming too. Any big issues could arise anyway?”

The director’s eyes turned towards me. Silence ensued.

I smirked slightly.

“Oh….,”

“Pray we make up quickly. Both of you.”

There was a sense of satisfaction in comforting Erica in front of the director and seeing them immediately try to mend their differences.

Watching the director leave the conference room, I turned my head towards Erica.

“There are more to protect.”

“Honestly… unbelievable…”

Erica covered her forehead. The hunters shivered.

“Don’t worry. If you follow my instructions obediently, I’ll try to keep us in line.”

Erica bit her lip. Indeed, with her personality, it’s impossible for her to refuse despite knowing the circumstances of the hunters.

“What do you say to flattering me a bit? You might get some effect if you do it nicely.”

“….Stay quiet.”

I smiled slightly, leaning on her shoulder. Rough as it was, it was warm too.

“And,”

“Yes?”

“Stay with me, I mentioned it before.”

Her white eyes flickered multiple times.

“Even if I don’t you have no choice now, since you’re under duress right now.”

“…Indeed.”

She didn’t want to lower her pride and only turned her head instead.

The uniform rustled against each other. A thin sound echoed.

Erica handed out the uniforms one by one to the hunters.

“These are specially made undead specialized outfits. They’re heading to where the necromancers are active, but no matter the stat differences, it should be okay since the stats are similar enough.”

“Thank you.”

“About mine?”

Erica narrowed her eyes.

“Any that you used should be fine.”

During the last encounter, I spotted a few uniforms on Erica’s side.

“Those…. are not purified. Put these on.”

It was a black uniform. With a sophisticated design, I accepted it and stood in front of a mirror. Clearly, the stark white hair and dark outfit looked well-matched.

I glanced at Erica. She wore a blue uniform.

“It looks nice.”

A sudden silence.

“Erica is pretty.”

“As you know, we’re a hastily organized team, so there might be some shortages. It’s best to take that into consideration.”

The hunters nodded at my glance, checking with each other.

“We also developed specialized weapons.”

“I wish I could try another outfit.”

Erica turned her head slightly, looking at me. Her eyes were half-open.

“We’re very busy here. With practice set for tomorrow, we need to wrap things up today.”

“I noticed you panting even in front of me earlier.”

The area became quiet. Erica dropped the uniform she had been holding.

“S-Sorry. When you grabbed me and explored my body….”

“Can you stop talking, please?!”

Her face flushed. The hunters blinked and glanced at Erica sidelong.

“While I slept randomly, you tormented me everywhere. Do you only have me as a goal?”

“No! That’s not true…. That’s…!”

Seeing her trembling hand, I chuckled slightly.

I didn’t truly lie.

“I apologize everyone. Erica usually seems confident, yet once caught, she becomes embarrassed.”

“Ahahaha!”

Erica hurriedly ran towards me. Her mouth was soon covered by my palm.

“I understand, I understand. Please be quiet….!”

A couple of slaps rang out. Then, air rushed into her mouth.

“Look at what we’re doing today,”

“Uu….”

Erica released a faint groan. The uniform swayed, and a cool sound echoed.

She looked lovely.