#212
“Hah…”
Having finally calmed down, Yoon Pa-ran now looked at the materials Dan Joo-hyuk had sent.
The building in the photograph was in a dense forest. That itself wasn’t the issue, but its appearance was quite peculiar.
“It really looks strange.”
The building, constructed entirely of white stones, looked almost sacred at first glance. It also seemed to implement the otherworldly architectural style often seen inside gates, perhaps from gate research.
However, it also gave off a bizarre feeling like a crude theme park. In any case, it definitely wasn’t just a “pension.”
If it was truly operating as a restaurant, it was unusual in many ways. Giving such a lavish gift for going there was also strange.
Yoon Pa-ran was deeply troubled by the sacred appearance and the style mimicking gate interiors. Surely it couldn’t be another cult related to gates.
—Now for gate-related news. There was a topic that created quite a buzz recently. It’s new information regarding the [Blessing Contract].
Yoon Pa-ran, who had been intently examining the photo of the unusual building, suddenly looked up at the sound from the TV.
He had turned on the TV earlier just to break the silence. Perhaps because he grew up living with many others at the orphanage, he always turned on the TV when alone.
He couldn’t help but look when he heard something that caught his attention. The program had already switched to a popular gate program that was reportedly also popular among hunters.
—It’s surprising that the [Blessing Contract] is actually a form of “curse” that occasionally occurs in gates. Related to this, we’ve invited an expert. Dr. Kim Man-deok?
—Yes. The [Blessing Contract] is an item often used in the private sector. Until now, opinions have been divided, but the academic community has concluded that the penalty executed by the [Blessing Contract] is also a type of curse.
—A curse? That sounds frightening. Would there be health concerns for ordinary people using it?
—Well, since it’s a conditional curse, there shouldn’t be any issues as long as the contract isn’t violated. However, the problem would be a contract with a hunter who has “curse immunity” skills.
—Yes, yes.
—Fortunately, even in that case, there doesn’t seem to be a major problem. This is because the curse grade administered by the [Blessing Contract] is estimated to reach the SS grade.
—SS grade! Until now, the only thing that has actually reached that grade is Hunter Dan Joo-hyuk’s SS-class weapon, right?
Yoon Pa-ran, who had been absently listening to the interview, was startled at the mention of Dan Joo-hyuk’s name. He had been listening carefully because they were discussing the [Blessing Contract] that he had used before, but couldn’t help being surprised when Dan Joo-hyuk was also mentioned.
By the way, so it was indeed a curse.
The scene when he used the [Blessing Contract] directly was still vividly remembered. It had been an incredibly splendid and warm energy, but to think it was actually a curse.
Then again, the [Blessing Contract] penalty was famous for being enforced no matter what. Recalling the appearance of those who died by curses, Yoon Pa-ran could soon understand the connection.
—That’s right. Additionally, seeing that the “blessing” bestowed by the [Blessing Contract] is ultimately a curse, we can also glimpse implications related to gate phenomena.
—What kind of implications, Doctor?
—Ultimately, we can reach the conclusion that all phenomena related to these gates are the will of God. Personally, I sometimes reflect, wondering if God is trying to teach us some lesson. Heh heh.
—Haha. Yes, thank you for your insights. Before we move on to the next segment, let’s take a short commercial break.
But the program, which had been going well, ended with a very abrupt conclusion. The pattern of suddenly shifting from research talk to seeking God reminded Yoon Pa-ran of cult rhetoric, making him frown distastefully.
Unconsciously, Yoon Pa-ran’s expression became even more peculiar as his gaze moved to the ensuing advertisement.
“…What?”
That’s because the very same unusual building that Dan Joo-hyuk had just sent appeared on the TV screen.
—Happiness that delights your mouth! We invite you to a restaurant that recreates the interior of gates!
“…”
With a bewildered expression, Yoon Pa-ran took out the paper from his pocket. It was that strange paper that Min-woong had dropped.
[We invite everyone to eternal happiness.]
This paper had a completely different atmosphere from that spirited advertisement. That place was truly nothing more nor less than a restaurant with a unique concept.
To think they were advertising so openly.
Frowning, Yoon Pa-ran continued to observe the advertisement carefully. He thought he should thoroughly investigate this with Dan Joo-hyuk when he returned.
❖ ❖ ❖
“…”
Having arrived in Russia, Dan Joo-hyuk looked up at the red brick palace with a composed attitude.
Russia’s cold wind sharply cut through his skin as it passed. Regardless of the fierce cold, Dan Joo-hyuk slowly moved along the palace’s perimeter.
As Heo Sang-yeon had said, or even more so, the security was terrible.
From what he knew, the Tsar’s children were still young. Because of this, it seemed subordinates were competing to seize the next power.
As a result, the security where the Tsar actually was remained sloppy. The guards’ demeanor was incredibly negligent.
Just in case, he had borrowed the stealth item he had given to Yoon Pa-ran, but it was ridiculous.
[Shadow of God S]
Can perfectly conceal one’s existence.
Durability: 2/3
“…”
After briefly contemplating while looking down at the item, Dan Joo-hyuk carefully placed it in his bosom. It was a useful item for Yoon Pa-ran in dangerous situations, so it seemed wasteful to consume it like this.
Since he had already concealed his face, he decided to use it if he got caught during infiltration.
“Hah.”
Dan Joo-hyuk, after taking a short breath, kicked off from the ground. After carefully surveying the surroundings, he determined this was a blind spot.
Floating lightly into the air, Dan Joo-hyuk nimbly stepped on various parts of the wall as he ascended to the upper floors. Landing on a suitable window, he used a skill to neutralize what appeared to be security devices.
“…”
Stepping inside the building without any difficulty, Dan Joo-hyuk walked slowly forward. According to the information he had acquired, the room where the Tsar was said to stay was not far.
The ceiling was filled with intricate ceiling paintings. Some were from centuries ago, while others were from the Korean Wave era.
As he moved, stepping on the blood-red carpet, he sensed a disturbing presence from a distance.
Seeing the pristine white uniform, it was the Tsar’s royal guard.
“…”
However, amusingly, guarding the door to the Tsar’s bedroom was just a hunter who appeared to be around B-rank. Moreover, he was leaning against the wall next to the door, nodding off.
They had said their high loyalty had bottomed out, but there couldn’t be a clearer signal than this. Otherwise, all royal guards should be waiting near the Tsar, which wasn’t enough.
With a bored expression, Dan Joo-hyuk swiftly swung his hand. Simultaneously, the dozing hunter clutched his neck and fell forward.
“Kuhh…!”
Dan Joo-hyuk, approaching closely, struck the back of the hunter’s neck to make him completely lose consciousness. Collapsing inelegantly to the floor, the hunter soon became motionless.
Now, only a faint presence remained in the surroundings.
After a moment’s hesitation, Dan Joo-hyuk slowly opened the door before him.
“…”
Unlike the outside, which was filled with ceiling paintings, the room was pure white. And it was densely embroidered with intricate golden patterns.
It was an overly elegant and vast room for just a bedroom.
Directly visible upon opening the door was an enormous portrait of the Tsar, who was the first to awaken in Russia. A portrait larger than Dan Joo-hyuk’s height hung at the head of the bed.
However, what stood out more than anything else was something different.
“What bad taste.”
Sacred statues brought from gates were placed like sentinels on both sides of the bed. They matched terribly with the atmosphere of the place.
And on the bed lay the dying Tsar.
“You… are…”
Between the vast room and the massive statues, the Tsar was truly just an insignificant human.
Furthermore, items that appeared to be artifacts were piled around the Tsar like mountains. At a glance, it looked as if an early grave had been prepared.
Ignoring the astonished Tsar who was squirming and widening his eyes, Dan Joo-hyuk approached slowly. Then he picked up one of the items most abundantly piled around him.
[Forgotten Sacred God’s Protection A]
May the sacred god’s protection dwell upon you.
Looking closely, it was a shield item. Seeing the words “sacred god” there, Dan Joo-hyuk scoffed.
He had wondered why the Tsar was doing this, but the blackened skin explained a lot. It seemed he had desperately gathered items containing the phrase “sacred god” to try to ward off the energy of the [■■■ Fragment] that was devouring his body.
“You should have known better than to fixate on unnecessary things like immortality, only to hasten your death.”
It was a disappointing sight for someone who came to extract information. As Dan Joo-hyuk inadvertently sneered, the Tsar twitched his shriveled lips.
Then he began to utter nonsense.
“I… will… be… reborn…”
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
