Chapter 33: New Track
The morning light filtered through the large bay windows of Electhra’s bedroom, casting rays on the still rumpled black silk sheets. Gerhman opened his eyes slowly, remaining motionless for a few seconds to listen to the muffled hum of the metropolis below.
Gerhman sat up on the edge of the mattress, his hair falling messily over his forehead. He was shirtless, revealing an athletic but slender musculature. He stood up and slipped on his pants before heading toward the living room, his steps producing no sound on the wooden parquet floor.
In the living area, the scent of jasmine floated in the air. Electhra was already up, busy near a marble console where a porcelain tea set rested. She had traded her long black coat for a lighter outfit, a silk shirt whose first buttons were open, hinting at the curve of her voluptuous breasts. Her long purple hair, usually tied in a strict bun, fell in silky cascades over her shoulders.
She was preparing the tea with precision, exactly as he liked it: a blend of dark leaves infused at a precise temperature to release a noble bitterness, without the slightest trace of sugar.
"You are awake, Master..." Electhra began in a soft, almost singing voice. "I hope you rested well."
Gerhman settled into one of the black leather armchairs, crossing his legs with natural elegance. He watched his servant pour the steaming liquid into a cup before gently placing it in front of him.
He took the cup, savoring the warmth against his fingers. The bitterness of the tea spread across his palate, calming for a moment the nervous irritation that gnawed at him. Electhra remained standing in front of him, hands clasped, watching him with an intensity that bordered on adoration.
"I spent the end of the night analyzing the reports from my informants in the Gangnam sectors..." she continued, changing her tone to adopt her guild mistress posture. "As you requested, I looked for traces of the Cult of the Void, but I found something more immediate. I located a tower that could help you regain some of your power."
Gerhman raised an eyebrow, his icy gray gaze fixing on her. "A tower? Explain yourself."
"It is a spatial anomaly that recently appeared in the forbidden zone of the southern district..." Electhra explained while activating a hologram that materialized between them. "It is classified as a rank B tower, but the mana density detected inside suggests it contains remnants of the Ancient World. My analysts believe there could be an artifact from our world at the top. If you manage to absorb it, it could not only stabilize your fusion but also unlock some of your old mana circuits."
"A remnant of the Ancient World..."
Gerhman set down his cup, his interest finally piqued. "That is acceptable. Prepare our departure."
However, a shadow of sadness and hesitation passed through Electhra’s violet eyes. She lowered her head slightly, her red lashes fluttering nervously.
"That is where the problem lies, Master..." she murmured. "Because of my position and the constant surveillance of the Awakened Association, I will not be able to accompany you. My mere presence in a zone without informing the association would raise suspicions on a national scale and attract far too much attention from Seo Ye-Jin."
Gerhman’s face hardened slightly. He hated the idea of having to act according to the rules he despised. Yet he knew Electhra was right. If other people started to take an interest in him, it would only harm him.
"However, fear nothing..." Electhra continued, raising her eyes toward him, a gleam of relief now shining in them. "Hae-neul will take care of everything. She has already received her instructions and is preparing the necessary logistical equipment for a stealth incursion. She will be your shield and your guide in this tower. She is the only one in whom I have total trust to protect your secret."
Gerhman thought of the red-haired vice-mistress, of her aggressive temperament that masked a shyness he had already taken pleasure in breaking. "Hae-neul... will indeed be useful if we encounter unforeseen resistance."
"She is loud, but she is very competent and knows her place..." Gerhman commented with a smile. "Very well. Send her to me. We will leave as soon as the sun has passed its zenith."
Electhra bowed deeply, her long hair almost brushing the floor. "I will ensure she is ready, Master. I will also mobilize a diversion unit from Aegis Prime to draw eyes toward the Tower of the Infamous while you enter the southern district."
She then approached him, reducing the distance to the point where he could feel the warmth of her body. She placed a trembling hand on his shoulder, her face now only a few centimeters from his.
"Please... be careful, Master..." she breathed, her voice breaking slightly.
Gerhman seized her wrist, which made the young woman shiver, but she did not pull back. He plunged his gaze into hers.
"You doubt me, Electhra?..." he asked in a low and provocative voice.
"Never, Master... it is my own usefulness that I doubt when I am not by your side..." she replied before sealing her lips against his in a quick kiss.
She then withdrew, resuming her usual mask of coldness, although her cheeks were slightly flushed. She turned on her heels and left the room to transmit her orders, leaving Gerhman alone with his thoughts.
Gerhman stood up and walked toward the bay window, observing the skyscrapers of Seoul that rose like needles toward the sky. He felt the mana of the city, that artificial energy filtered by the system, and he felt a deep disgust. His road to the top was littered with corpses and betrayals, and he was ready to add more to his collection.
Then he returned to his room to equip himself, putting on his white shirt and black vest, adjusting his leather gloves.
---
Outside the apartment, in the hallway, Hae-neul was already waiting. She wore her usual black combat outfit. Her red eyes shone with a nervousness she tried to hide by crossing her arms over her chest. When she saw the door open and Gerhman appear, she could not help but look away, the memory of their lovemaking from the day before still burning in her mind.
"So... you are finally ready?" Hae-neul asked in her characteristic dry tone, although her voice trembled slightly. "Electhra told me we have a mission of absolute priority. The car is waiting downstairs."
Gerhman walked past her without even paying her any attention.
"Do not make me wait..." he replied without turning around.
Hae-neul clenched her fists in annoyance. She followed him.
"This guy is going to drive me crazy..." Hae-neul thought as the elevator carried them toward the underground garage.

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