Bloodhound’s Regression Instinct

Chapter 196

After a lengthy trek, Yan arrived at a small forest, meticulously arranged beside the manor of the Sun Duke.

As he stepped into the forest, a suffocating silence enveloped him.

But that wasn’t all.

An indiscernible energy began to coil around Yan’s body, constricting him.

It was an unpleasant sensation, sticky and repulsive.

Yet, Yan could sense the colossal mana contained within it.

In terms of sheer volume, it was on par with the ‘Perennial Frost’ he had witnessed from Duke Beowulf.

Only one person in the empire could wield such power effortlessly.

Yan lifted his head and gazed at the tree before him.

Perched on a branch, a lady with a natural smile graced her lips.

“Good day to you, Duke Melkir.”

* * *

Her identity was shrouded in mystery, with scarce information known to the world.

Three facts were commonly acknowledged about her:

Despite not being a superhuman, she possessed a power that rivaled the other dukes.

She wielded a peculiar force known as sorcery.

And she was not human, but a beastkin.

Yet, Yan knew one more secret that others didn’t.

‘A thousand-year-old fox, alive since the founding of the Caballan Empire.’

This was a closely guarded secret, unknown even to other special task force leaders.

It was a fact Yan had uncovered during his previous life while investigating to dismantle Avalon, the imperial capital, and assassinate the Emperor.

Had it not been for a serendipitous discovery, even he would have remained oblivious.

As Yan offered a polite greeting, the enigmatic figure perched above watched him with a gentle smile.

“Indeed, it’s a pleasure.”

No hostility was evident in her voice.

But caution was paramount; she was a millennium-old fox. Managing expressions and emotions was child’s play for her.

Yan, lifting his bowed head, inquired,

“May I ask why you sought me out? If there’s something you’re curious about, I’ll explain in detail.”

At Yan’s straightforward approach, the enigmatic figure chuckled softly.

“You, who’ve so masterfully concealed your abilities?”

“…Yes?”

Yan’s brows furrowed slightly.

Then, a startling revelation reached his ears.

“I hear you’ve just stepped into the realm of superhumans, but looking at you now, you’re at the very edge of the third rank?”

Her words caused Yan’s gaze to harden.

Ever since he had joined the ranks of superhumans and learned to mask his aura, his true level had never been exposed.

Not even during the secret revolutionary council meeting with the leader, nor at the recent banquet hosted by the Sun Duke, who had only sensed a faint trace.

Yet, she had seen right through him.

‘Is she stronger than the Sun Duke?’

Although there had never been an official duel among the dukes, the task force had deduced a hierarchy based on extensive records.

Duke Beowulf and the Sun Duke were tied for first place, with the enigmatic figure at third, and the Eastern Duke at fourth.

But now, Yan’s perception was wavering.

Without a word from Yan, she laughed heartily.

“No matter. I have no intention of pressing you about hiding your strength. I merely called you here to ask something.”

“If you’re wondering why I’m in the Sun Duke’s domain instead of Melkir’s…”

She shook her head.

“That does intrigue me, but there’s something else that takes precedence.”

At her words, Yan tensed.

What else could she possibly want to inquire about?

‘Could it be… about the revolutionaries?’

As a Duke of the empire, she would have her own intelligence network.

Despite his careful actions, if luck was not on his side, he might have been caught in her web.

Just as Yan’s eyes grew cold,

She asked,

“Are you by any chance of royal blood?”

“…Yes?”

For a moment, Yan doubted his own ears.

“Are you asking if I’m of the royal lineage?”

Yet, the face that posed the question was earnest.

It seemed like an important question, though he couldn’t fathom why.

‘Why?’

Was it because of the mana accumulated in his heart? Or perhaps due to the achievements and status he had built up in just a few years?

But she was not one to wear a serious expression over such matters.

Always playful and capricious.

‘Should I attempt a leading question?’

But he quickly dismissed the thought.

The person he faced was no ordinary fool. An enigma, whose inner thoughts were inscrutable.

Any misstep, if noticed, would be difficult to rectify.

And it was questionable whether such an action would even be worth the effort.

So,

“No, I am not.”

He answered plainly.

And then, he asked openly,

“May I know why you asked such a question?”

“Hmm, just because?”

Her response, accompanied by a stretch, twisted Yan’s face slightly.

‘Has she already received her answer?’

But he could pursue it no further.

It would be impolite.

Yan shelved his curiosity.

The information wasn’t immediately necessary, and he knew well that facts destined to be revealed would come to light eventually.

The enigmatic figure watched Yan’s contemplative expression and smiled slyly.

Initially, it was mere amusement and light curiosity.

Was it to tease the audacious newcomer who dared ignore her invitation and attend the Sun Duke’s banquet?

But from recognizing the illusion she had cast to this very conversation,

‘This boy is no simple matter.’

And those who had ever sparked such thoughts in her had invariably become titans renowned throughout the empire.

Compared to those she had admired before, Yan was not lacking.

So,

‘The future becomes intriguing.’

She was genuinely curious about how he would grow.

With her thoughts in order, the enigmatic figure rose gracefully from her seat.

“I’ve heard what I needed to, so I’ll take my leave now.”

Yan smiled bitterly at her capricious departure.

“Yes, please do.”

Such a busy person. Was this the sole reason she had summoned him?

As the enigmatic figure blended into the background, the energy that filled the forest began to fade.

It wasn’t mere concealment among the surroundings but a transition.

Just before her presence vanished completely,

“Ah! And do visit the Demon Realm sometime. I’ll treat you well~.”

With a remark more befitting a common peddler than her, she disappeared without a trace.

No sign of her energy or presence could be felt anywhere.

She was no longer here.

Yan watched the tree where the enigmatic figure had been perched and shook his head.

Then, he left the forest.

* * *

“I’m truly sorry.”

These were the words that greeted Yan upon his return to the Sun Duke’s estate.

Yan scratched his cheek as he looked at the apologetic figure.

“It’s quite alright, Sir Merriott. How could anyone escape the grand illusion cast by Lady Hwanyo?”

Merriott, ensnared by the illusion, unable to lift his head from the shame of being pressed down and mocked, was a sight to behold.

To think someone of higher age and rank would be so humbled.

It was fitting for the right hand of the Sun Duke.

Yan continued with a face of feigned trouble.

“If it weighs on you so, consider this a debt to be repaid later.”

At Yan’s words, Merriott slightly lifted his head, his eyes brimming with regret.

“Would that suffice?”

“I’ll ask a difficult favor in return, so no backtracking later, Sir Merriott.”

Merriott gazed at Yan’s playful demeanor and burst into laughter.

“Ha! I’ll make sure to claim my due when the time comes.”

“Don’t regret it then.”

“Agreed.”

With a relieved sigh, Merriott shook his head in resignation.

Just as Yan was about to bid farewell and retire to his quarters,

A knight approached Merriott and Yan, saluting with precision.

“Attention! His Excellency the Sun Duke requests the presence of Master Yan!”

“The Sun Duke himself?”

Yan grinned.

This was the moment his purpose for being here shone brightest.

* * *

The knight led Yan not to the office he had visited before, but to a higher floor.

A secret space, inaccessible even to servants, knights, and Sir Merriott himself.

Yet, Yan was well aware of its true nature, having failed to penetrate it in his past life.

The knight halted at a certain point.

“From here, only Master Yan may enter. His Excellency the Sun Duke awaits inside.”

“Thank you,” Yan replied.

After the knight saluted and descended, Yan confirmed his departure and began walking inward.

Previously, sneaking in required disabling numerous magical traps, a time-consuming task.

But now, thanks to the Sun Duke’s arrangements, no traps were triggered.

Walking further, a familiar silhouette caught his eye.

A blond man in a red robe adorned with golden embroidery stood with his hands clasped behind him, gazing at a golden door.

Yan bowed respectfully.

“Did you summon me, Your Excellency the Sun Duke?”

“You are the second outsider to enter this place,” remarked the Sun Duke, glancing at Yan.

Desire to recruit Yan was evident in his eyes.

“As one ages, the craving for talent grows,” he hinted, reaching out to the door.

Whooosh!

The part touched by the Sun Duke flickered blue.

Whirring. Clank! Clank!

Clank!

The sound of bolts unlocking preceded the thick door’s opening.

A fresh scent of grass rushed into Yan’s nostrils.

“Enter,” commanded the Sun Duke.

Yan nodded and stepped through the door.

Inside was a sight as wondrous as the imperial armory itself.

Extraordinary swords, spears, shields, and various armaments were neatly arranged on the walls, with small chests of what seemed like elixirs below.

One wall was filled with books that appeared to be manuals of skill.

Unlike the imperial armory, the collection didn’t end there.

“Oh… Is that not ‘The Sun and Ice,’ the masterpiece of the great painter Dillen?”

Artifacts and ancient tomes of unknown origins were meticulously displayed.

The Sun Duke turned to Yan with a hint of admiration.

“You seem well-versed in the arts.”

The painting Yan recognized was one that only a connoisseur could appreciate.

“I pale in comparison to other nobles.”

“Hmm, you’re quite the catch,” the Sun Duke mused.

Yan smiled bitterly.

After thwarting Juda’s trickery, the Sun Duke’s overt attempts to recruit him were overwhelming.

He wished to draw a firm line, but he had yet to secure the elixir.

Though he planned to acquire it soon.

“Your words honor me,” Yan politely indicated his refusal.

“Tch,” the Sun Duke clicked his tongue in disappointment.

Yan had reached a point where the Sun Duke could go no further.

There lay a finely crafted glass bottle containing a golden liquid.

Below it, a label and records pertaining to the treasure.

Yan’s eyes gleamed as he read the name.

[Divine Tears (Elixir)]

It was the item he had long sought.

Swallowing hard, Yan stole a glance at the Sun Duke, who seemed reluctant to part with the elixir.

But the hesitation was brief.

The Sun Duke grasped the bottle, and the golden elixir shimmered within.

‘With this, I can revive my father!’

Yan’s eyes were filled with longing as he gazed at the elixir.

The Sun Duke sighed and handed it to Yan.

“From now on, it’s yours.”

Yan bowed deeply and exclaimed,

“Thank you, Your Excellency the Sun Duke!”

“Just take it,” the Duke replied.

“Yes!”

Yan carefully received the elixir as if handling a newborn and promptly placed it into his spatial pouch, safe from harm.

The Sun Duke, still seemingly regretful, turned away.

As Yan was about to follow, something caught his eye.

At the far end lay a familiar sword, neatly placed.

A sword of red and splendor.

It was Ifrit.

‘No, should I refrain from calling it Ifrit now?’

After all, he had consumed the fire giant Ifrit, the sword’s essence.

But still,

‘With or without power, it remains a divine artifact.’

His purpose here was to negotiate with the Sun Duke.

To wrap something unnecessary to him in value and sell it at a high price.

That’s the essence of trade, isn’t it?

Yan’s lips curled slightly.

‘Truly, this is how business is done.’