"It's been a few hours since their departure. What are they talking about over there, Pool?"
"It's Paul, not Pool."
"Tomato, Tomato… Did I say that phrase right? I'm still studying idioms here."
"…Has anyone ever told ya you talk too much?"
The humans named Paul and Chen Ling had been bickering back and forth with one another. Their idle chats have been grating to my ears. I deliberated on consuming their life essence right there on the spot, but I had to suppress my bloodlust. Demos gave a mission and I don't plan on blowing my cover. If I was to be caught so soon, I would never hear the end of it from Demos, especially from that loud mouth Luna.
Paul and Chen Ling were perched atop the marble counter, the faint aroma of almonds and pears wafting through the air as they toasted. The human named Iris sat on one of those black cushioned chairs, reading a magazine. On the front was a half-naked male posing seductively. Since Iris and Chen Ling had nothing better to do, they were left to their own devices. They even took the homeowners' words to heart and even bathed. Paul acquired new attire for them to don. Iris adorned a black plaid shoulder coat over a black top and blue denim jeans while Chen Ling was garbed in an ocean-blue crewneck with khakis. I am perplexed as to why Mr. Reed has clothing of diverse sizes. As for me, I hadn't changed or bathed since I wasn't filthy. I am quite proud of the upkeep of my body. I am a stickler for cleanliness.
"So… Lana!" Chen Ling said, twirling the swivel chair around to face me. "What are you doing over at the fireplace? Are you perhaps cold?"
"…I fail to see why I should inform you of my business," I said coldly.
"You don't have to tell me. I'm just striking up a conversation with the number one in the world."
Oh? This human knows that I have taken first. It seems he isn't a buffoon after all! His mannerisms and aloof nature made him appear to be a fool, yet he can be quite intelligent when he wants to be. The source of his conclusion, however, remains a puzzle. I don't recall sharing a soul my Status. And I'm positive these humans haven't gained [Assessment], a mastery that allows an individual to glimpse at a person's Status. That skill is truly one of the best one can receive, but the requirements to earn it are quite difficult. Yet to me, who is a god, it is as easy as breathing. All that is necessary is time and resources, and these can be sourced from humans. I must act cautiously so they will not become aware of my plans.
"Why are you so quiet, hm? Have I maybe hit the nail on the coffin?" Chen Ling sneered, taking a quick swig. "Oh, this is pretty good, Pool! What wine is this?"
"For the last time, it's Paul! Also, what's this about her being number one?"
"Potato, tomato!"
Iris glanced away from her magazine, exhibiting signs of disbelief towards the men before refocusing her attention to her reading. I decided it was time to tune the nuisances and analyze my Status.
Name: Xalan
Rank: 1st
Points: 4127
Strength: 61 Agility: 61
Durability: 61 Mana: 96
Masteries: Blood Manipulation Lvl 6 Blood Absorption Lvl 3 Mana Barrier Lvl 2 Mana Field Lvl 4 Soul Snatch Lvl 1 Night Vision Lvl 5
The S.O. has enabled me to delve more deeply into the expertise I have attained, beginning with [Blood Manipulation]. As the god of blood, controlling my blood and the blood of others is trivially easy. With just a wave of my hand, I can bend the will of anyone and bring them under my command. I can control the blood inside an individual's bloodstream and have them mimic the movements I think of. What is more, I can create weapons using blood as a tool. I have the knowledge and experience for many other abilities, but listing them off will take many days. Even with all its useful abilities stashed into one, [Blood Manipulation] isn't the best mastery in my possession. It is [Blood Absorption] that is my prized jewel.
[Blood Absorption], as the name suggests, allows me to absorb the blood of my enemies. Since blood is a living being's life essence and contains mana, if I were to assimilate it within my body, I am essentially absorbing power, like a battery consuming electricity. To summarize, the more blood I soak in, the more powerful I become. [Blood Absorption] significantly reduces the time required to gain strength. It is a shortcut to power I will take advantage of. I have only achieved my current position due to the nourishment I received during the First Stage. Demos must've predicted this would happen and chose me specifically because of my powers. He truly is a cunning and intelligent god, rivaling even the oldest and wisest gods and goddesses in the pantheons. Taking into consideration of his intellect and skills, it's a wonder how Demos, who used to be considered the weakest of them all, climbed the rankings of strength between the god and goddesses.
Yes… That foolish ranking system, creating by 'it', the pinnacle of divinity. Only a depraved individual could devise a plan as malevolent as a ranking system to create a rift between us. Had we intervened earlier, we could have avoided the calamitous Great War of the Gods.
"There you are! What took you guys so long?" Chen Ling's agitated voice rang out.
When I looked in the direction of the commotion, I noticed a group of people gathering in the dining area. Many of the humans had a gloomy expression, their faces pale. Judging by the lack of smiles, their discussion must have been dispiriting.
"Come on, guys! No need to be so down about it! We'll figure it out one way or another." Isaac exclaimed, plopping himself down on a leather recliner facing the tv.
"I hate how you're so relaxed about this…" Laila sighed, slinking into the chair next to him.
"The boy's right," Joel said, taking a step forward. "While the news Laila shared was… unsettling, we should still look on the bright side of things. Now that we have some idea how to stop the-"
Joel's statement ceased abruptly when Mr. Reed fixed him with a menacing gaze, leaving him speechless in an instant.
"What is this now…" I mumbled. Are they perhaps hiding something from me? I considered intruding on the group and joining in the conversation, but I chose to abstain. Terrorizing the humans with my authority would not do me any good in the long run if I were to gain their trust, and that arrangement is already rock bottom.
A gloomy atmosphere filled the room afterwards. Mr. Reed surveyed the room, carefully taking in the foreign persons until his sights came to rest on me. I saw a hint of distress in the unfortunate individual's eyes as he shifted his glance elsewhere.
"Chen Ling, Iris. If I'm not mistaken, you're from Murim and Olympus, correct?"
Iris looked up from her magazine. "Yes. What of it?"
"Yuup!" Chen Ling slurred. If I had known none better, I would think he's a little drowsy from fighting. The booze he's been gulping down expeditiously must already be kicking in.
"I will prepare the arrangements to send you guys back to your homeland. Can't have one of China's and Greece's' top superhumans residing on America soil. I also got to keep in mind of the extensive legal proceedings that will take place…"
"Take your time, dear American! I'm not in a hurry!"
"Do I really have to go back to Greece?"
Everyone present all turned their attention to the frowning woman. Iris set the spicy magazine to the side and reclined in her chair, meeting everyone's eyes.
"You all saw what happened back in The Labyrinth when the captain of the Olympus group transformed into a monster. Since the plan given to us has failed horribly and the United States is aware of the potion that can turn people into monsters, Olympus would do everything within their power to cut off loose ends. And that includes me."
Oh? It hasn't even been a year and these humans can transform one's constitution to that of a monster. Impressive! It took the athios much longer to produce a potion of that magnitude. I wonder what else they have accomplished.
"So… What you're saying is that you probably have a bounty on your head back at home?" Joel summed up.
"Yes. Which is why I would like to seek asylum here."
"Asylum, you say…" Mr. Reed repeated. The man stroked his chin as he stared hard at the relaxed Greek. Just as he was about to open his mouth, Joel leaned forward and muttered something in his superiors' ears. Mr. Reed's eyes widened after Joel had finished.
"Well, Iris!" Mr. Reed said joyfully. "We happily welcome you with open arms! I'm sure someone of your skills will be beneficial to us."
Iris squinted at Joel while addressing Mr. Reed. "How peachy…"
"We'll talk more about the asylum application later. These things take a while since we must gather evidence and all that for your case. In the meantime, both of you are welcome to stay here until some things are completed. We must devote our attention to the destructive forces rampaging across the world and the unlawful presence of Chen Ling."
"Ah yes! My friends and family back home are probably distraught about my whereabouts and are actively seeking my location as we speak," Chen Ling informed.
"Exactly. China can be a real pain in the ass to deal with, which is why we have to deal with you first, Chen Ling."
Mr. Reed paused for a moment and changed his direction toward me. "As for you-"
"I'll deal with her," Darion intervened. "As the leader of Dungeon Squadron, I'll take her under my wing."
"Excuse you?" I growled, glaring at the impudent boy. I had no intentions of working under a mortal child who has yet to grow hair on his chin. Mingling with these lower lifeforms is already tiresome enough on my psyche and a blow to my pride. I am beginning to understand why Demos selected me. He knows that my tolerance with mortals is higher than the others. In the event Luna had been chosen, her secret would have been discovered in an instant.
The insolent brat eyed me down. "What? Don't want to work with me? Spit it out then."
In that split second, a wave of fury washed over me, muddling my emotions. I felt my right fist shaking, and my body was practically screaming at me to strike the boy where he stood, but my rationale stopped me from proceeding any further. A deep sigh emanated out of my mouth.
"Do as you please."
An insufferable smile crept on the boy's lips. "Gladly."
I am uncertain of what to anticipate, however, I will use this fresh development as a method to earn trust, beginning with this young man here…
"Oh shit! Does that mean she's my partner now?" Isaac said happily.
"Yep, since you're both new recruits of Dungeon Squadron starting today," Darion said with a smirk.
I wrinkled my nose at my new partner. Isaac noticed my staring and delivered a quick wink in my direction, in which I returned by scowling. Just by looking at this person, one can predict that it will be problematic to associate with them. I was close to reconsidering this endeavor again, but fortunately, my logic prevailed at the last minute.
Mr. Reed clasped his hands together. "Great! Glad we're getting along. We have a lot to do in the upcoming weeks, so I'll inform everyone what to do in the meantime. Are we clear?"
The humans in the room nodded in sync at Mr. Reed's words.
"Good," he smiled. "This is what we're going to do…"