Episode 449. End of Vacation (6)

Several weeks had passed since mysterious black pillars began erupting all over the world.

Naturally, states of emergency were declared in each country, and hunters worldwide scrambled to investigate the suddenly appearing pillars.

The severe headaches and magical anomalies felt around the pillars were unavoidable, even for powerful hunters. The investigation process required a large workforce.

As the investigation process was difficult and secretive, strange rumors also spread.

Rumors spread, primarily through internet communities, claiming that immense treasures were hidden within the black pillars, leading to incidents where oblivious civilians and low-level hunters approached secretly, only to lose their lives.

Following that, the black pillars, placed under strict management, continued to emit ominous magical energy even today.

However, humans are animals of adaptation.

The society, initially thrown into chaos to the point of disrupting daily life, calmed down as if by magic, and everyone adapted to the everyday presence of the black pillars.

Although hundreds of giant pillars had sprung up across the globe, some emerged from the sea, while others appeared deep within mountains.

It was like how wars in countries across the sea evoke no particular emotion in ordinary people.

In the end, the black pillars were a problem for only a few.

• This marks the 324th reported case of a black pillar suddenly emerging from the seabed. There are no distinguishing features compared to previous pillars, but we must not let our guard down…

Black pillars are still emerging somewhere at this very moment.

Among them was a black pillar that appeared on an uninhabited island in the East Sea.

A man stood before it.

“Every time I see it, I get a bad feeling… Why would the Pandemic summon something like this?”

Lee Hoyeon, standing before the black pillar spewing ominous magical energy, scowled and muttered.

Black pillars are generally under strict management by the country or the Hunter Association, but with the help of Moon Surin, the student council president of the Academy, and Irene, the team leader of Iris Guild’s first team, one could observe them multiple times.

Lee Hoyeon stared blankly at the black pillar.

There were several research papers published by hunters worldwide investigating the black pillars.

In fact, one could obtain most of the information just by reading them, but it was still no match for seeing it with one’s own eyes.

Jiiing. Jiiing.

Lee Hoyeon placed a hand on his chest, controlling the erratically fluctuating magical energy.

It was certain that magic power slowed down in the vicinity of the black pillar.

The emanating aura of the Underworld. This unsettling energy, touching the skin directly, was impossible to resist.

Research results indicated that even demons or monsters were restricted by their magical power.

If even he was slowed down, it was safe to assume that virtually all ability users couldn’t avoid it.

He heard there were even pillars connected to the Underworld. Apparently, those connections were brief and quickly severed.

‘Perhaps the assimilation with the Underworld is gradually progressing.’

These structures were steadily consuming the Earth’s magical energy.

There were even research findings showing that the affected area was expanding, albeit very slightly.

────────────

[Ring of Underworld Assimilation]

▶ Legendary Grade

▶ A ring containing an unknown sense of dread.

▶ Upon use, summons a black pillar that progresses assimilation with the Underworld. The black pillar emits the aura of the Underworld, draining the Earth’s magical energy. Humans near the pillar are unable to properly utilize their magic.

────────────

Lee Hoyeon possessed the Ring of Underworld Assimilation, received from the God of Betting.

It was the item destined to be the finale of the fake dungeon plan.

With Irene’s help, he had entered not only black pillars but also dungeons where anomalies occurred multiple times.

Through various experiences and research, the perfection of the fake dungeon had significantly increased.

Only a few days remained until the end of the vacation.

The magic circle was almost complete, but he continued to visit the black pillars to test their combination.

Just in case the Underworld’s aura interfered with the magic circle’s activation.

“… It doesn’t get any easier.”

He had harbored a sliver of hope that prolonged exposure to the Underworld’s aura might lead to acclimatization, but unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.

As Lee Hoyeon glared at the black pillar, contemplating his next move.

The sound of footsteps approaching from behind could be heard.

Tok-tok.

“… Is this fun? Why do you keep asking to see it?”

“It’s not fun. It’s personal research.”

Lee Hoyeon used the same old excuse of research.

This, too, was a privilege of wizards.

‘Research, my foot.’

Irene disliked this place.

Why would anyone come here every time permission was granted, to a place that drains your strength just by standing still?

Wizards are indeed strange people.

Especially Lee Hoyeon’s attitude, answering without even turning around, irked her even more.

She had personally brought him here, yet not a single word of thanks.

“There’s nothing more to do here, I suppose.”

Lee Hoyeon stretched to shake off his frustration.

He had gathered information by traveling around all summer. This should be enough.

Today marked his final visit to a black pillar.

All that remained was the timing of the plan.

Careful consideration was needed to determine the optimal moment.

“Are we leaving now?”

“Yes. My head is starting to hurt.”

Lee Hoyeon shook his head.

Prolonged exposure to the Underworld’s aura wasn’t exactly pleasant for Lee Hoyeon either.

“… To your place?”

“Of course, my place.”

“My place is empty today.”

“Your place is always empty, Irene-ssi.”

“…… If you put it that way, I can’t argue.”

Lee Hoyeon approached Irene, who was frowning.

Having shared intimacy every few days for the past month, he had become quite close with Irene.

Of course, this might be just his perception, but at least in bed, the hostility wasn’t as pronounced as before.

“Just kidding. I’ll go relax with you today, Irene-ssi. You went through trouble bringing me here.”

“… Mm.”

Let’s go home and rest.

It was a rather blatant suggestion, but Irene didn’t refuse.

Lee Hoyeon smiled faintly as he watched Irene avoid his gaze.

*

The upscale residential area of Victoria Academy.

Further up this street, where the houses became more luxurious and spacious, lay Alice’s mansion.

It was a place too large for one person, but considering the status of the Iris Guild and various other factors, Alice ended up living there alone.

Lee Hoyeon lived in the house right next door, a consideration Scarlet had made for Alice, her former employer.

Currently, that consideration was being gratefully utilized by Irene.

“Ah, no matter what, living with four women… Ugh, ughh….”

“… I told you they all have their circumstances. They’re people struggling because they have nowhere to stay. Huh? What do you know? Do you know how much I’m contributing to this world? Huh? You don’t.”

“R-Right… Okay… Just for a moment. Just a moment… Ah, aahng.”

Lee Hoyeon mounted Irene, who was lying face down, pressed his body close, and began moving his hips.

She hadn’t listened after he explained her unfair circumstances several times, so he had no choice but to educate her physically.

If he educated her diligently with his body, Irene would surely understand.

“Irene-ssi. You didn’t say anything strange to Scarlet, right?”

“I-I didn’t… I haven’t seen her since then… And I told Kang Hyorin, the Korean branch manager, not to say anything either, ah. Ahh-euuuk…!”

“Wouldn’t that be nice? Let’s get along well.”

“Aah, ah… Aahng. Aheup….”

Lee Hoyeon stroked Irene’s abdomen as she climaxed, changed positions, and continued his thoughts.

As his relationships with women became complicated, his worries multiplied, and in Irene’s case, the issue was Alice.

He had indeed built a relationship with Irene through diligent ‘conversations’ over the past month.

But what should he do when Alice arrived?

They hadn’t properly discussed that yet.

Lee Hoyeon stopped moving his hips and made eye contact with Irene, who lay flat on her back.

“Irene-ssi.”

“Mmm…?”

“When is Alice arriving?”

“… Hmm. Probably within a week. And I told you not to mention Alice’s name. Just tell me to tighten up instead.”

“No, I’m not asking you to tighten up, I’m genuinely curious. Didn’t Alice say anything to you either?”

Irene’s expression stiffened slightly the moment Alice’s name was mentioned.

Simultaneously, her vagina tightened intensely.

Her vagina would tighten whenever Alice’s name was brought up, something he often exploited during sex, but this time it was pure curiosity.

“Yeah. There was no such mention.”

“Hmm. Well, let’s assume that’s the case. What will you do when Alice arrives?”

“… What do you mean, ‘what will I do’?”

“When Alice comes, is our relationship over?”

“…… It has to be.”

“Really?”

Kkuuk. Kkuuk.

Lee Hoyeon lifted Irene’s legs high above her shoulders and thrust his cock deep inside.

A position where his glans repeatedly poked the cervix.

Irene trembled violently as she answered.

“W-We had that kind of promise. Why now… Ah, aheup….”

“You know this too, Irene-ssi. I’m a bad guy. I’ll miss you terribly if you’re not around, but… I can eventually forget you, shedding tears.”

“… You won’t even shed tears. Because you’re a son of a bitch. Heuk, ah- Aahng….”

Lee Hoyeon thrust into Irene’s womb a few more times after she spoke ill of him.

He didn’t forget to playfully tap her sides and suck on her nipples.

“Ah, aah… Please. Stop, sto- Ah. Ah…?”

“You said to stop.”

“….”

Lee Hoyeon, having stopped his movements, slowly leaned down, looking at Irene’s displeased expression.

Lee Hoyeon pressed his body close enough for her clitoris to rub against his lower abdomen and whispered quietly into Irene’s ear.

“How about we just act like nothing happened? It’ll be good for you, Irene-ssi. And good for me.”

“… What are you talking about?”

“What do you mean? We can just go back to how we were when we first met. Let’s just pretend the promise never happened.”

“Y-You… You’re trying to mess with Alice again. Ah, aah… Eugh, mm. Mmm….”

Lee Hoyeon familiarized himself by cupping the back of Irene’s head and initiated a kiss.

Fortunately, Irene didn’t bite her tongue and slowly intertwined her tongue with his.

“Haa, Irene-ssi. If you don’t say ‘okay,’ I won’t cum. Say okay quickly.”

“Stop talking nonsense… Ah, haa… Stop…!”

“Keu….”

Irene wrapped her legs around Lee Hoyeon’s waist and tightened her vagina.

Having gained considerable experience over the month, Irene could easily perform this level of technique.

‘This is hard to endure. … Should I just cum?’

Lee Hoyeon sighed as the urge to cum overwhelmed him.

Actually, saying things like this was akin to expressing affection.

He hadn’t expected to persuade Irene this much anyway.

Because Irene was determined to somehow involve Alice….

[Ttiriring-]

Just then.

A familiar sound was heard.

The sound of Alice’s mansion door opening.

And then.

Jeobeok. Jeobeok.

The sound of someone approaching.

Those light footsteps and the magical signature made it impossible not to know who it was, even if he didn’t want to.

Alice.

‘Why is she here? No, now is not the time to think about that.’

A shiver ran down his spine.

Goosebumps erupted all over his body.

Was this how a man caught cheating felt?

Lee Hoyeon withdrew his cock from the panting Irene and immediately sat up.

“Haa, ha. Ah, g-go away. Ah…. Ah?”

“Wait. Just a moment, Irene-ssi. We’re in big trouble.”

“Y-You… Why did you suddenly pull out… Huh?”

Soon, Irene, sensing the commotion, widened her eyes.

*

Ttiriring-

Heung-heung. Heung-heung.

Alice hummed a tune as she opened the door to her house.

Her home, which she hadn’t returned to for over a month.

She had debated whether to visit Lee Hoyeon first or her sister, but decided it was best to come home and prepare.

Since she could see her sister anyway.

She wanted to show Lee Hoyeon her prettiest self after such a long time.

Alice entered through the front door, tilting her head. The house was strangely quiet.

Strengthened by her special training in France, Alice’s senses were far sharper than before.

She could sense a strange magical energy.

… Something was inside the house.

Alice slowly went upstairs.

Her sister Irene’s room was on the second floor.

In Irene’s room… a thick barrier was erected.

‘Why?’

Alice’s mansion inherently had barriers set up.

She had told Irene to register visitors on the magic circle while using the house, so any visit from another person should be immediately detected.

… Unless someone was intensely focused on something.

Standing before Irene’s room, anxiety washed over Alice.

She felt an inexplicable sense that she shouldn’t open this door.

Besides, it was her sister’s room; was it okay for her to just open it?

‘It’s stranger that my sister isn’t coming out to greet me.’

If it were the Irene from a month ago, she would have rushed down the moment Alice opened the door, sobbing and hugging her.

Even Alice, who would have pushed Irene away with annoyance, would have secretly smiled with pleasure.

But Irene remained motionless even after Alice arrived.

Could a person really change that much in just a month?

Alice didn’t think so.

It was clear Irene had her reasons.

Gulp.

Alice gripped the handle of the quiet door and twisted it.