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Felső világ Restaurant
Just as the elevator was about to close, a hand held the doors, stopping them. The hand pushed the door open, revealing Jinx, who chased after Scarlett and the others. She calmly entered the elevator, standing beside Scarlett.
"Looks like he didn't lie," Scarlett whispered, her frown deepening. She had considered the possibility of Lucian deceiving them, presenting false intel. But now that Jinx was here, she knew Lucian wouldn't betray his allies.
"Yeah, so what are you planning to do?" Jinx asked as the elevator doors closed and began to descend.
"You should go with them. I'll report to General Hawk first," Scarlett said, beginning to calm down.
"Is it really that big of a deal if the Lycans became a hybrid?" Chris asked. He knew it was a serious issue, since Lycans could grow stronger as their numbers increased through bites.
"Boy, if the Lycans can get stronger, that means the vampires can do it as well!" Abraham exclaimed, his focus different from the others. "You should know those guys grow stronger as they age. How strong do you think they will be if they all became hybrids?" He muttered angrily, tightening his grip on his cane. The thought of the creatures he hated most becoming even more powerful made him uneasy.
"You're both wrong," Marie stated, her focus not on the Lycans becoming hybrids but on the future implications. "It doesn't matter if the Lycans and vampires get stronger. Someone will handle them, and they'll follow the rules as always. It's the thought that comes after the Lycans are confirmed to have successfully become hybrids that truly concerns me. Then other supernatural creatures would start wanting to become hybrids as well." She clenched her fist as the others continued to frown.
"Greed is a sin," Jinx sighed, knowing many, even humans, might crave the power of becoming hybrids.
"They'll start hunting those who are more compatible with them," Marie continued, her gaze serious. "Maybe at first, humans will be at peace, while the supernatural world suffers. But when they succeed, they'll come after us."
"War?" Jinx asked in disbelief. She knew hybrids would be troublesome, but war seemed unimaginable.
"Yes," Scarlett confirmed, understanding Marie's point. "The birth of a hybrid is a threat to the fragile balance of the world itself."
"Yes, that's why we need to change our plan," Marie said, nodding. She felt satisfied with Hawk's protege. "Let's not inform others about this information, and only tell people we trust." The more people knew about the Lycans becoming hybrids, the more the idea of becoming a hybrid would ferment.
"And the Division?" Abraham asked, since they were leading the search for the Lycans.
"The Division needs to be informed. They'll find out soon enough. With how many watchers they have, even the best seer, Sarah Frank, has already joined them," Marie shook her head. They couldn't hide anything from the Division, unless the silver fog blocked the Lycans, but she knew that was a long shot.
"So, if you find the Lycan first, should we kill them all?" Jinx asked, though her tone was confused, she wouldn't hesitate to kill the Lycans if it meant the greater good.
"No," Marie replied. "We don't even know how strong they are now. We need more people we can trust." She didn't want to bet that the hybrid Lycans could be killed by just a few silvers.
As the elevator stopped and the doors opened, Scarlett was about to step out when Abraham asked another question.
"The boy, we got the information from, can he be trusted? Don't you think it's suspicious that he even knows that kind of information?" Abraham asked, looking at the two women, knowing they had more information about Lucian. Chris frowned, trying to recall Lucian's information from Satomi's stories.
"We can trust him, as long as we're not getting in his way," Scarlett stated, already figuring out Lucian's character.
"Who is he? I know he won't be a simple beta from a wolf pack like he and you guys said," Marie asked, arms crossed, intrigued by the boy from the moment she first saw him.
Scarlett and Jinx exchanged a look before deciding to remain silent as they stepped out of the elevator.
"I'll see you later," Scarlett whispered to Jinx as she walked quickly, then snatched her earpiece from the waiter as she strode out of the restaurant.
"Breaker, are you there?" Scarlett asked as she walked towards her car.
[I can hear you loud and clear. Where were you? And have you found them?] Breaker responded from the comms. He had been unable to reach Scarlett because her comms were off.
"I'll explain later," Scarlett said, opening her car door. "And yes, I've found them. But first, I need you to call General Hawk. Make the line more secure." She started the car and began driving towards their base of operations in Hungary.
[Roger that] Breaker replied, ending the connection.
•-----•-----•-----•-----•
"Are you going with us?" Marie asked, looking at Jinx as they walked toward their car.
"No, but I've sent my men to follow you," Jinx replied, as a car pulled up in front of her. She got in.
As soon as she settled into the car, Jinx immediately called Akiko.
[Have you seen them?] Akiko asked curiously.
"I did. I'll tell you about it later. I need to talk to the Tōryō first," Jinx said seriously, before Akiko's voice faded for a moment, replaced by another woman's.
[Looks like you've been through something important to call me immediately like this. Did the Ozunu Tōryō get himself into trouble?] Sen asked, her voice laced with concern. The respect she had for Lucian was evident, as she knew the advanced technology they had acquired through him was incredibly beneficial to their clan.
"It's not him. It's something else. I think this whole mission just became much bigger," Jinx said, letting out a tired sigh.
[Oh, tell me about it,] Sen replied, her voice tinged with curiosity.
While Jinx briefed Sen on the situation, the car followed Marie and the others as they drove toward the Division Base.
•-----•-----•-----•-----•
Hungary, Division Base
"This is what the sniffs found out," Victor said, placing a document recording the Sniffs observations on the table. He pushed it toward Henry Carver. The report detailed the Sniffs use of their abilities to examine the remnants left behind in the Lycan den.
"The Lycans are draining the blood of humans?" Henry asked, brow furrowed as he skimmed the report.
"Not just any human. They all have the name Corvin," Victor explained.
"And the sniffs figured out what the Lycans did and will do?" Henry asked, pinching the bridge of his nose. He felt the mission was becoming increasingly complex. He closed the report and pushed it back to Victor.
"No, but they got a glimpse that they're mixing it with their own blood. They're experimenting. Whatever it is, I think we need to find them," Victor said, taking back the report.
"Then have the watchers find any clues as to their whereabouts?" Henry asked, leaning back in his chair.
"No," Victor shook his head, a hint of frustration in his voice. "It seems they know someone is tracking them. They're always on the move." Just then, a knock came at the door.
"Come in," Henry said, looking at Victor. "Let's talk about this later. Ask Sarah Frank if she can predict where they might be heading."
Victor nodded before walking toward the door, but it suddenly flew open, pushing Victor aside. Marie strode in, taking a seat directly across from Carver. Jinx remained silent.
"And this is?" Henry asked, eyes narrowed, as he looked at Jinx.
"Jinx, from the Arashikage Clan," Marie introduced briefly. She then turned her attention to the crucial matter at hand. "What information did you find out about the Lycans?" she asked, hesitant to reveal their own findings until she knew how much the Division already knew.
"Why, did you guys get some information to share?" Henry asked, his eyes narrowing as he studied them both.
"That depends," Marie stated, her expression impassive as she met Henry's gaze. "If you tell us first what you know about the Lycans."
Henry frowned, contemplating their arrival. 'Looks like these guys have valuable information,' he thought. He couldn't imagine they would have come here empty-handed, unless they intended to antagonize his entire organization.
"The sniffs have found that the Lycans were collecting humans with a specific bloodline," Henry said, carefully observing Marie and Jinx to gauge their reactions.
Marie simply nodded. 'Looks like becoming a hybrid is connected to human blood,' she thought.
"And the Lycans' location?" Marie asked, her urgency evident. She wanted to find them before any other organization could, before the existence of hybrids became common knowledge.
"I think I've answered my part. You guys should answer yours," Henry said, leaning back in his chair. He didn't want to reveal the watchers' limited progress in tracking the Lycans.
Marie and Jinx exchanged a glance before nodding in agreement. It was clear that having the Division as an ally would be beneficial.
"What do you know about hybrids?" Marie finally asked.
•-----•-----•-----•-----•
Kimpton Hotel
While various organizations were strategizing their next moves, the group at the center of the commotion was preparing to relax and catch some sleep.
"We'll go first," Kim Yoo-ri said, grabbing the key to their room and pulling Mitsuki toward the elevator.
"I honestly thought she was like you," Raizo remarked, walking alongside Lucian as he handed him the key card to his room.
"Me too," Lucian replied, shrugging. He didn't dwell on it, though. He wished Kim Yoo-ri happiness in his heart and just wanted to enjoy a hot bath and a long sleep.
"Let's go," Lucian said, leading Raizo towards the elevator.
•-----•-----•-----•-----•
As soon as they reached their room, Kim Yoo-ri let go of Mitsuki's arm and walked to the table where a wine bottle and glasses were already set.
"How have you been?" Mitsuki asked softly, walking to the couch and sinking into it. She watched as Kim Yoo-ri poured them each a glass.
"All I can say is, I really am not meant to be a CEO," Kim Yoo-ri replied with a soft smile, sitting next to Mitsuki and handing her a glass.
"So is he the guy you like?" Mitsuki asked absentmindedly, swirling the wine in her glass as her thoughts drifted to Lucian.
Kim Yoo-ri took a sip, but didn't answer. Her mind raced, trying to understand why the vampire was so close to Lucian, feeling a sense of displacement. She feared she might be losing her chance.
"There's a chance. We might work," Kim Yoo-ri said, looking at Mitsuki. She knew about Mitsuki's feelings for her, and she herself couldn't help but have feelings for Mitsuki who supported her, helping her secretly.
"What?" Mitsuki asked, confused. Even though she knew she couldn't compare to Lucian's charm, a part of her would have been tempted by him.
"But I need your help," Kim Yoo-ri said, looking at Mitsuki seriously, almost pleadingly. She too didn't want to lose her chance with Lucian, while she didn't want to break her relationship with Mitsuki.
"What is it?" Mitsuki asked, a frown marring her face. She was torn between the joy of having a chance and the fear that it might be a false hope.
Kim Yoo-ri set down her glass, moving closer to Mitsuki and taking hers. She leaned in, whispering something in Mitsuki's ear. Mitsuki's eyes widened in response.
•-----•-----•-----•-----•
Inside his room, Lucian was in the bathtub, enjoying some quiet time. He was being childish, blowing bubbles under the water.
Suddenly, the door to his room swung open. He frowned, focusing his senses on his hearing. He recognized the breathing pattern and knew it was Kim Yoo-ri and Mitsuki.
"Do you guys have other things to report?" Lucian shouted, figuring out who it was. He didn't know how they got the key card to his room, but he knew they wouldn't hurt him. He lowered himself back into the water, continuing to blow bubbles, as he waited for their report.
"No, we're here to enjoy," Kim Yoo-ri said playfully, pushing open the bathroom door. She walked in, shaking a bottle of wine and holding a glass in her other hand. Her eyes twinkled with mischief as she met Lucian's gaze, a playful smirk playing on her lips.
"You won't mind, do you?" Kim Yoo-ri asked, placing the wine beside the bathtub. Her tone was light and teasing, almost challenging.
"Yeah, I don't mind. You guys wait for me outside," Lucian said, raising his head from the water. He saw Mitsuki standing hesitantly at the door, a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. She seemed to be torn between joining them and remaining outside.
"No need," Kim Yoo-ri said, her voice soft but firm. "Here is fine as well." She then took a step toward the tub, her gaze locking with Mitsuki's, as if silently urging her to join. Mitsuki hesitated, but then, with a determined set to her jaw, she crossed the room and walked into the bathroom, her eyes never leaving Kim Yoo-ri's.
In that instant, Lucian's eyes widened as he heard a zipper slide down. Clothing rustled, then hit the floor. Lucian turned around, his eyes widening as he slowly sank back into the water, revealing only his eyes. He heard another set of clothes fall to the ground, a soft rustle followed by the quiet thud of fabric against porcelain. His gaze drifted instinctively towards the sound, his eyes lingering on the graceful lines of Kim Yoo-ri's body as she stepped into the tub, the steam swirling around her like a veil. He couldn't help but notice the way the water clung to her skin, highlighting every curve.
Mitsuki followed, her movements more hesitant, but her presence was undeniable. Lucian observed the way she moved, the way she held herself, the delicate beauty that was so different from Kim Yoo-ri's bold confidence.
He felt a strange thrumming in his chest, a mix of anticipation and something he couldn't quite define.
This wasn't just a situation, it was an unfolding scene, a dance of desire and hesitation, and he was trapped in the middle of it, his senses heightened, his heart pounding in heat.
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END OF CHAPTER
Extra Chapter for 200 Power Stones
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UPCOMING CHAPTERS SPOILERS:
Chapter 103: A intense bath R18, Chapter 104: Wryness R18, Chapter 105: Mitsuki's Powers, Chapter 106: Getting Ready, Chapter 107: Getting Ready(2), Chapter 108: Corvinus Castle, Chapter 109: Corvinus Castle, Chapter 110: A Hybrids Fall, Chapter 111: I told you so, Chapter 112: It's You, Chapter 113: Continuation, Chapter 114: William's Prison, Chapter 115: William's Prison(2), Chapter 116: William's Prison(3), Chapter 117: Death of the Twins, Chapter 118: I Fucking Knew It, Chapter 119: I Fucking Knew It(2), Chapter 120: The Last Fight, Chapter 121: The Last Fight(2), Chapter 122: A Swear to a God, Chapter 123: The end of William Corvinus, Chapter 124: Aftermath, Chapter 125: Aftermath(2), Chapter 126: Kim Yoo-ri & MitsukiBack in Japan, Chapter 127: Trouble in Japan, Chapter 128: Trouble in Japan(2), Chapter 129: End of Trouble?, Chapter 130: Reward?, Chapter 131: Reward?
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