Chapter 324.1

Chapter 324.1

[You have returned the ‘Rite of Division’ relic to the Red Chalice Club.]

[The Dancer blesses your noble journey.]

[Your regeneration ability has significantly increased.]

[Your physical abilities have significantly increased.]

Isaac turned his head at the sudden messages.

“Returning the Rite of Division, huh? It seems Hesabel has chosen Plan B.”

It wasn’t surprising. Plan A was for Hesabel to devour Hastel, but if that didn’t work out, they had agreed to tempt her with the Rite of Division instead. After all, the Rite of Division was intended to be returned sooner or later, so there was nothing to regret.

Of course, the Rite of Division was a highly useful relic in many ways. But in exchange, Hesabel had gained something equally valuable. She now had enough of the ‘Blood of the Red Chalice’ that it wouldn’t be strange for her to aim for the title of Duchess.

Isaac, too, had gained his fair share of benefits.

[The Dancer is watching you.]

[‘Crimson Supplication’ has been strengthened.]

[You can now use ‘Crimson Supplication’ to devour opponents.]

Isaac recalled the time when Hastel Gulmar had dissolved his human hunters into a mist of blood, absorbing their essence. Perhaps it would feel something like that.

“...I’m acquiring more and more abilities that make me less human.”

Still, Isaac was more surprised by the fact that the Red Chalice had ‘officially’ granted him a miracle.

Up until now, when relics were returned, the rewards were limited to physical, mental, or spiritual enhancements. Occasionally, they would bless the relic itself.

But allowing a miracle was a completely different matter.

Miracles were only bestowed upon true believers.

“They said they’d treat me as a collaborator and share hardships and rewards with me, didn’t they? Is this part of that?”

Isaac didn’t particularly care. The Crimson Supplication was already an impressive miracle in itself, and how powerful it would be when combined with the new predation ability remained to be seen later.

Right now, there were more pressing matters.

He hadn’t expected lifting the Reaper’s curse to come without a price. But he wasn’t about to let himself be manipulated just because his life was on the line.

“What’s the price? And for the record, Angela is non-negotiable.”

“...I’m so happy that the Holy Grail Knight has come to me, asking for help, depending on me, and risking his life with this request. Overwhelmed, even.”

Leonora responded with irrelevant remarks instead of answering.

Isaac frowned.

“But once this deal is over, we’ll be nothing to each other, right? You might forget about me entirely or just ignore me.”

“...Just tell me what the price is.”

Leonora sighed deeply before finally speaking.

“A special relationship.”

Isaac sat in brief silence, only managing to spit out a few awkward words.

“I’m married, you know.”

“Ha, what nonsense are you spouting? Do I look like a woman who would stoop to wanting that sort of thing? A woman who craves love and affection, groveling at the feet of a man?”

Leonora turned and strode toward Isaac, rapidly closing the distance between them until he could see the fire in her eyes.

Crack, crack. A splitting noise echoed from the air as if reality itself was being torn apart. Isaac saw a pale scythe starting to emerge through the rift in space, illuminated by the sunlight.

His expression tensed.

But Leonora paid no attention to the sound, as if she didn’t even hear it, continuing to direct her sharp words at Isaac.

“Lovers? Husband and wife? You can’t define us by such shallow, confused, and misguided relationships. We must be bound by something much deeper and stronger than that.”

Finally, the Reaper’s scythe began to manifest fully, tearing through its invisible restraints. Isaac shouted at Leonora.

“What the hell do you want?!”

“A partner!”