Chapter 48

Chapter 48
## Chapter 48

Preliminary Preparations (2)

Korean Returnees Association, Southern Seoul Branch.

Knock-knock—click!

“Branch Manager, regarding the plan to open a convenience store here at our branch that you brought up previously…… Branch Manager?”

The assistant, carrying a stack of files for approval, paused slightly upon stepping into the office.

Branch Manager Yoon Ji-yoon was scowling intensely, her eyes locked completely onto her computer monitor.

“Ah, Secretary Kim, you’re here? Bring those over.”

Her attention never drifted away from the screen.

“Branch Manager, did an issue arise during today’s gathering?”

Today was the scheduled day for the routine online conference for those at the branch manager level and higher. Secretary Kim had approached immediately after hearing the session had concluded.

“Well, an incident did occur, but… the situation is rather intricate.”

“Intricate…?”

“Are you familiar with the Blood Alliance?”

She finally turned her attention away from the monitor to look at her assistant.

Secretary Kim nodded in confirmation.

“Yes, the vampire collective based here in Korea. From what I understood, they hadn’t initiated any massive disruptions yet… Did the radical faction finally take action?”

“It is a significant development, but curiously, it might not be a negative one.”

“Pardon me?”

“The peaceful faction has claimed victory. They are currently purging the radical leadership and integrating what remains of their forces. As for Alpha, their current whereabouts are completely unaccounted for.”

Secretary Kim observed the branch manager with an expression filled with slight bewilderment.

“Could that actually occur? I was under the impression that there was a massive disparity in their combat capabilities.”

“That is exactly my point. Some unforeseen variable must have intervened.”

The Returnees Association, acting as the Guardians, had maintained a watchful eye on the Blood Alliance for a extensive period.

It was an essential duty given their responsibility to uphold public safety.

Because of this, they possessed an intricate grasp of the group’s dynamics, allowing them to instantly detect this abrupt shift in power.

“We need to attempt to establish a line of communication. We have provided them with a fair amount of undercover assistance up until now.”

In truth, the Returnees Association had been quietly aiding the peaceful faction by routing blood supplies through medical blood centers and similar channels.

While the government’s Special Ability Management Bureau favored strict subjugation, those working on the frontlines of public safety recognized that fostering an amicable relationship with the peaceful elements was far more practical.

Operating with chronically depleted manpower, minimizing potential adversaries while utilizing the moderates to suppress the violent radicals had proven to be a highly successful approach.

Though what lay ahead remained unpredictable, it was undeniably a better outcome than the radical faction taking complete control.

That single fact provided a bit of solace for the moment.

“I just hope our workload here doesn’t spiral out of control…”

“I feel exactly the same way…”

If it did, their already overwhelming daily tasks would become completely unmanageable.

—

Heinz II slowly parted his eyelids.

The woodlands, simultaneously recognizable and unfamiliar, lay before him.

A dense, unaltered wilderness.

The only variable that had shifted since his last visit was himself.

“Time has stood completely still in this place.”

This specific location marked his very first arrival within Outerica.

It was the predator-infested jungle that served as his origin point.

‘Presently, this stands as the ultimate sanctuary to conceal myself and carry out my investigations.’

The members of the Oath of the Reversal had completely erased their presence from the surrounding territory, and the vampires, having suffered the loss of Ajantu—the nearest metropolis to these woods—were far too overwhelmed with their own crises to investigate this region.

Furthermore, because the Order had thoroughly swept through the area previously before abandoning it, the territory had truly become a deserted wasteland.

‘Patrolling a wilderness of this scale is practically impossible. The local beasts will serve dual purposes: acting as subjects for my tests while providing a organic defensive perimeter. It is the flawless location for isolated analysis.’

Heinz bounded forward, plunging into the heart of the wilderness.

The local predators failed to even register his movement, granting him the luxury of traveling without obstruction.

‘It feels as though a lifetime has passed. I vividly recall risking my very existence against a single beast when I initially dropped into this world.’

Wasn’t it a dark predatory cat that had nearly ended him back then?

To the current version of Heinz, such a creature held no more threat than a common stray dog.

After traveling for a continuous stretch,

He brought himself to a halt outside a cavern opening and scanned the environment.

“This location appears entirely adequate.”

It was obscured from plain view, surrounded by a useful distribution of local wildlife, and the interior cavern offered more than enough room for his gear.

It satisfied every requirement for establishing an isolated laboratory.

“To begin, it is only proper to clear out the current occupants.”

Heinz walked boldly into the darkness of the cavern.

A short duration later,

He utilized his immense reservoirs of vitality to easily manifest a defensive perimeter.

The protective ward was forged through the ‘Mystery of Blood’, heavily laced with the concept of ‘Concealment’.

The foundational steps were successfully executed.

Following that, numerous days slipped away…

Woosh—

Deep within the cavern, the stone surfaces were now entirely decorated with intricate, unsettling designs drawn in crimson essence.

Abruptly, a void of absolute darkness materialized in the center of the space.

[Sigh…]

A shape wrapped in deep robes, radiating an aura as dark as the abyss, stepped forward—it was Hans.

[Hmm, I must quicken my pace.]

The instant the teleportation concluded, Hans threw himself into motion.

Though he was already blanketed by a shroud of obscuration to mask his presence, anchoring a physical ward provided far greater security.

Deftly directing his dark arts, he began carving fresh symbols across the floor directly beneath the crimson-stained walls.

The construction of the defensive barrier advanced with incredible speed.

Heinz, who had been waiting patiently within the depths of the cavern, stepped forward to intertwine his own mastery over 「Concealment」 into the structure.

A multitude of overlapping barriers soon saturated the cave’s interior—shrouding derived from dark arts, spatial distortion, mental misdirection, and absolute un-detectability.

These protective layers, vastly superior to past iterations due to their advancements along the 「Path of Magic」, stood as undeniable proof of their shared growth.

[This ought to suffice for the time being. We must observe how the situation develops to know for certain.]

While both Hans and Heinz maintained absolute confidence in their collaborative defense, the true capabilities of the Saintess remained an unquantified variable, meaning complacency was not an option.

Even so, because I possessed an ideal pipeline for data, discovering the true potency of their work would not take long.

—

A single day was all that was required to gauge the outcome.

“A pleasant afternoon to you, Saintess. You appear somewhat preoccupied on this day. Is there a matter weighing on your mind?”

“Ah… Greetings, Sir Heinrich. Merely a few tedious complications, though it amounts to nothing of gravity. Please, allow it no space in your thoughts.”

By monitoring Heinrich, I verified the internal state of the Saintess; she had proven entirely incapable of tracking Hans.

Her demeanor betrayed nothing more than mild annoyance, with absolutely no indications that she was preparing to mobilize an extermination squad.

‘It remains quite extraordinary. Even with our exhaustive measures to suppress his signature, she managed to detect a phantom impression of Hans.’

She could discern that Hans was somewhere within Outerica, yet she was entirely stymied when trying to lock down his coordinates.

Their labor had yielded the desired outcome.

‘At any rate, we are now free to submerge ourselves into our analysis. Should the circumstances shift, Heinrich will provide the warning.’

Hans immediately unpacked his research components and commenced his evaluations.

With no immediate time constraints threatening him, he poured over every detail with methodical patience.

An immense amount of deliberation had occurred when originally plotting out the trajectory for ‘Halli’.

The primary objective, mirroring the strategy used for the alternate two forms, was to adhere strictly to the discipline of a spellcaster.

It represented the most logical path, given that such a discipline guaranteed the most accelerated advancement.

‘The primary alternative I had weighed was the path of the lycanthropes.’

Werewolves, recognized formally as Lycans in this domain, expanded their inherent limits by ripping out and consuming the hearts of their targets.

Though the constraint of ‘immediate’ ingestion was a factor, methods existed to bypass that hurdle, ensuring it remained a viable backup strategy.

There were highly capable predecessors available who could assist in navigating those challenges.

‘However, that method of expanding inherent limits was ultimately limited, lacking the explosive returns seen with vampires. Furthermore, the core attributes felt far too redundant. Because of that, the option was shelved for a later date.’

Additionally, within the lands of Outerica, Lycans existed as an isolated, rejected populace due to their savage reputations, contrasting sharply with the accepted Beastmen, which could have severely restricted their operational freedom.

It was during these deliberations that the current data set was uncovered.

It was referenced in whispering circles as the ‘Complete Evolution Creature Project.’

Though it shared conceptual ground with standard Chimera synthesis, its ultimate objective operated on an entirely superior tier.

Rather than crudely fusing the anatomy of disparate organisms, the methodology sought to integrate purely dominant genetic traits to facilitate an endless cycle of self-evolution.

‘Furthermore, just like the lycanthropes, it provides the capacity to shift forms when pushed into a crisis!’

Regardless of how one analyzed the data, a combat transformation was a trait far too potent to disregard.

This aesthetic preference… no, this distinct tactical benefit, allowed him to retain the raw power of the Lycans while completely discarding their vulnerabilities—an absolute masterpiece of innovation.

‘The catalyst underpinning this entire system is this sample of ‘Dragon Blood’.’

Hans gently rotated a glass container holding a fluid that gleamed with the brilliance of a violet crystal.

The vital essence extracted from the Predatory Dragon native to the world of Raubeda.

Within the boundaries of Raubeda, an environment teeming with ancient drakes and elite hunters, the Predatory Dragon reigned near the absolute pinnacle of existence.

An atrocious breed of drake that undergoes constant adaptation by manifesting the physical characteristics of the targets it consumes.

By enduring through eras, it modifies its own structure until it ascends as an apex force devoid of rival predators.

‘…at least, that is what the captured data indicates.’

The organization known as the Abyssal Conclave had initiated their investigations using this specific essence to copy the adaptive traits of the Predatory Dragon.

[The volume of essence in our possession is relatively minimal, yet the vital component is the adaptive traits encoded within, meaning the quantity is irrelevant.]

During my extraction of the research head’s memories, there were indications of intense rivalry between separate sectors, suggesting the original supply had been divided among various outposts to spark competitive development.

The remaining uncertainty was whether Hans, operating in isolation, could unlock a mystery that had baffled the collective intellect of the Abyssal Conclave.

Perfecting this methodology represented a monumental challenge, even when factoring in Hans’s extensive expertise.

[Heh… Naturally, I possess no requirement to actually finalize the systemic research, meaning the obstacle is non-existent.]

Precisely; he had no structural need to deliver a flawless, universal methodology.

His singular objective centered on upgrading Halli, meaning as long as the process could be tailored to integrate with that specific form, his goals were met.

The diverse array of spell-weaving systems they utilized in tandem was undeniably brilliant.

Yet, Hans held the advantage of possessing the historical records of their trial and error, and his mastery over 「Forbidden Knowledge」 granted him access to insights completely hidden from the awareness of the Abyssal Conclave.

And most fundamentally…

Thud, thud—

Halli stepped out from a shaded recess of the cavern, closing the distance between them.

The necessary downtime had elapsed, granting him the freedom to utilize the transport array once more.

Halli arrived heavily burdened by an assortment of dimensional storage items: an expansive rucksack, a shoulder pouch, an enchanted chain, and a metallic band.

Each container was packed to capacity with raw components harvested from Talak.

[An immaculate subject for our evaluations stands directly before us.]

Even if structural volatility surfaced during the procedures, Halli could withstand the strain by relying on 「Adaptation」 and 「Super Recovery」, and his absolute loyalty ensured he would submit to the most grueling procedures without suffering mental degradation.

Because the mind of the researcher and the vessel of the subject were bound by a singular consciousness, even the most minute internal shifts within the subject could be instantly perceived and calculated to adjust the trial.

‘There is absolutely no requirement to formulate a standardized formula for mass application. As long as the integration succeeds within Halli, the venture is a triumph.’

It provided immense satisfaction to usurp the fruits of their long-term operations and deploy them for his own benefit first.

[Now then, shall we initiate the procedure?]

With that, Hans and Halli commenced their cooperative endeavor, operating in perfect alignment as mastermind and subject.

—

Amid the brilliant rays of midday within the expansive confines of the Rosellia Grand Temple,

“………acting as the blade and defensive bulwark tasked with our preservation, I hereby ordain Heinrich Landguard as a Paladin of the Divine Order.”

Within one of the consecrated sanctuaries, Heinrich’s formal elevation to the rank of Paladin was currently underway.

Through this traditional investiture, he was granted the ancestral title of ‘Landguard’ directly from the religious institution, transforming his identity to ‘Sir Heinrich Landguard.’

Radiant illumination pierced through the vibrant scenes of the stained glass windows, bathing the sanctuary in an atmosphere of absolute solemnity and divine benevolence.

The archbishop, wearing an expression of gentle warmth, draped the emblem of the Paladin order around his neck, crafting a scene so flawless it mirrored an masterwork painting.

[The user has fulfilled the parameters for spiritual awakening. Learned Unique Skill 「Blessing: Leap」.]

That sublime moment endured only until an uninvited notification materialized directly across his line of sight.

“Hm? Oh—! Divine favor manifests before us! A miraculous blessing granted at the very moment of investiture! The Creator looks upon us with true favor!”

An immediate torrent of consecrated energy erupted from Heinrich’s form as he remained prostrated.

The archbishop, who had just secured the emblem about Heinrich’s neck, voiced his astonishment in a loud declaration.

Following this, he cast his eyes upward, sealing his eyelids as he plunged into a deep prayer of thanksgiving.

In response, the remaining witnesses of the investiture instantly mirrored his actions, and within moments, a routine promotion ceremony transformed into an unscripted congregation of worship.

Every individual present participated, save for myself.

‘…When am I permitted to return to my feet?’

Ascending to the rank of Paladin and unlocking a fresh divine favor was an exceptional development, yet the ceremony fracturing away from the established protocol left me entirely bewildered regarding my proper conduct. Remaining frozen felt intensely unnatural, forcing me to subtly bring my hands together to replicate an attitude of devotion.

“…The Creator watches over the lands and shepherds those in destitution…”

I utilized the rhythmic cadence of the archbishop’s ongoing prayer as a mental screen to systematically evaluate my situation. There was an incredibly distinct quality attached to this specific favor.

‘For a fleeting microsecond, I unmistakably touched the consciousness of the Almighty.’

It was nothing short of staggering that the Deity would directly intercede to award a blessing that synchronized perfectly with the investiture, forging a bridge to His presence that mirrored the sensation of my initial sanctification.

While this bridge to the celestial mind proved more brief than my prior experience, it served as absolute validation of the Deity’s enduring focus on my path.

‘What drives this focus? Is it merely due to my status as a traveler from a foreign plane? It cannot be simple fascination. I detected none of those volatile mortal sentiments.’

In reality, framing this connection as simple ‘focus’ was likely an understatement born of my own limited perspective. The sheer scale of that consciousness was profoundly terrifying, even when grazing against a mere drop of its essence.

* Name: Heinrich
* Common Traits: 「Mind Hub」, 「Persona」, 「Super Recovery」, 「Clairvoyance」
* Unique Traits: 「Holy Baptism」, 「Blessing: Strengthening」, 「Blessing: Leap」, 「Boneless」, 「Holy Warrior Combat Technique」, 「Outerican Holy Laws」
* Note: His internal reservoir of consecrated energy is expanding past the standard thresholds of a high ranking cleric. He has achieved a heightened affinity for diverse theological manipulations. The current divine favor has executed a permanent physical enhancement while gifting the user with the capacity to step across spatial boundaries.

However…

Having been utterly preoccupied by the echo of the divine mind, I only now recognized the specific mechanics of my newly acquired favor.

‘Hold on a moment! Stepping across spatial boundaries? That denotes instantaneous spatial transit!’

I remained ignorant regarding the daily activation thresholds or the precise range limitations governing the skill. Yet, the capacity for instantaneous spatial transit represented a pinnacle tier ability regardless of the restrictions!

Furthermore, I possessed the capability to refine this trait through dedicated application, transforming it into an indispensable asset for Heinrich’s upcoming operations.

‘To receive an attribute of this caliber as a spontaneous reward. The Creator truly operates on a level of unparalleled grandness, does He not? I finally comprehend the absolute devotion the inhabitants of this land offer to His name!’

The transition in my internal perspective was instantaneous.

Given that an individual must display genuine appreciation for the gifts they are handed, Heinrich adjusted his posture, shifting from a superficial display to an earnest, profound prayer, overflowing with a deep craving for additional divine favors.

In that identical moment…

As the archbishop prepared to bring his declarations to a close and parted his eyelids, his gaze landed on Heinrich, whose intense devotion and spiritual yearning were written plainly across his form, causing the elder cleric to beam with immense pride.

‘Ha ha ha, what an incredibly pious young man. Blessed with such peerless gifts, he will undoubtedly stand as a foundational pillar for our holy Order.’

In this manner, the investiture elevating Heinrich to the rank of Paladin reached its conclusion, leaving every party involved in a state of absolute contentment.