RED MARK

After Grecko's departure, every single one of the Lords promptly rushed to get out of the chamber, leaving Merfestina and Arex all alone in the chamber.

Halze was the final person to depart, casting a menacing stare in Arex's direction. "This won't be the end of this, mortal." Halze muttered quietly, just loud enough for Arex to hear, before slipping away through the tunnel he had made in the ground.

"I can't believe that I have to stay here with you!" Merfestina immediately informed Arex, pointing at him with her finger, while sounding extremely agitated. "I wouldn't even care about taking care of your injuries if it wasn't for my dear high Lord's orders!"

Her sudden and sharp response left Arex completely astonished once everyone had departed. Arex found himself taken aback by the unexpected twist of events. Surviving that feat with Halze was beyond his expectations.

"Then don't." Arex replied. He answered quickly and directly.

Despite the intense pain coursing through his body, Arex would never consider seeking help from someone like Merfestina to heal his wounds. However, It would appear that even if Arex said that, Merfestina was still bound to do the orders left by Grecko.

"Ugh! You wouldn't dare utter such words after witnessing the high Lord's recent command!" Merfestina fired back with a sharp response.

"He's not even my boss, so he doesn't have the authority to command me like the rest of you." Arex responded with an air of confidence.

After that, Arex casually disregarded Merfestina and intended to leave and make his getaway. But right as he was about to depart, Merfestina promptly summoned him back.

"Where do you think you're headed, mortal? You can't just do whatever you want." She raised her voice, desperately hoping to get through to Arex.

Nevertheless, Arex pressed on, paying no attention to Merfestina whatsoever. "I don't remember being obligated to follow your commands either. I'll do whatever I want and I'm heading back home." Arex responded, resolute in his determination to leave the chamber and locate the way out.

Arex knew that his chances of returning home were extremely unlikely given his current circumstances. He lacked the strength to perform any further strenuous actions. His movement was limited to a slow pace, hindering his progress.

"Surviving in your current condition will be a challenge, not to mention the daunting task of finding your way back home," Merfestina warned.

Ignoring her had been the option until Merfestina added, "particularly in your current condition, since you're technically dead, mortal."

Arex came to an abrupt halt as soon as he heard those words from Merfestina. Without hesitation, he swiftly pivoted to confront the blond woman.

"What do you mean I'm dead?" Arex inquired, his eyes widening in disbelief upon learning that he had actually passed away.

Merfestina rolled her eyes. "Oh, so the patheric mortal was still clueless, huh?" She playfully taunted him, a mischievous smile dancing across her face, seemingly amused by Arex's lack of knowledge about the truth.

"Why would I waste my time asking if I already know the answer?" Arex fired back with a sharp reply. Arex's response carried a hint of annoyance. He was starting to feel really angry about the unexpected information that was being shared with him.

All of a sudden, Merfestina's expression shifted to one of utmost seriousness. She approached Arex and said, "I'll share the rest of the story if you visit my laboratory without causing any problems."

Arex immediately declined, stating, "I won't--"

But just as Arex was about to speak, Merfestina bit her finger, causing a drop of blood to appear. She utilized that power to unleash her scythe, which Arex found to be an extraordinary ability.

As he meets each of these enigmatic Lords of the black parade, he also witnesses the unique ways in which they unveil their distinctive weapons.

Each scythe possesses a distinct composition, incorporating a variety of materials, elements, and even the usage of blood.

With every scythe that Arex encountered, he couldn't help but be intrigued by the unique qualities they possessed. As he faced Merfestina's scythe this time, Arex's expression was one of pure curiosity. He couldn't help but wonder about the immense power that the scythe possessed.

"I figured you'll refuse, so it seems I have no other option but to compel you to accompany me, Human." Merfestina interjected, cutting off Arex.

In that moment, a burst of radiant light enveloped her as she lifted her scythe high above her.

In the midst of a dazzling light, Arex's vision was overwhelmed, leaving him unable to focus on anything except for Merfestina's swift movements. 

With each swing of her scythe, droplets of blood sprayed onto the ground, creating a gruesome circle around the two of them.

As Arex tried to make sense of the situation, the ground beneath them unexpectedly gave way, pulling them both under.

Unexpectedly, Arex let out a piercing scream fueled by sheer panic. "What on earth! Hey! it feels like we're being absorbed by the ground!" He yelled and fought to ascend, but his efforts were in vain.

Meanwhile, Merfestina observed Arex, who was still in a state of panic. She couldn't help but find amusement in Arex's pathetic condition.

"Don't worry, you're not being engulfed by the ground. We're just utilizing Lord Hazle's means of transportation to conveniently reach my laboratory." With her arms crossed, she explained, a hint of satisfaction evident on her face.

Arex struggled to understand her explanation and watched as they were transported downwards, just as Merfestina had said. 

Truet to what Merfestina said, It wasn't like they were being swallowed by the ground, but rather, they were being transported downwards.

Since Merfestina appeared unfazed, Arex eventually chose to embrace the situation without hesitation. Reluctant, Arex seemed to have no choice but to proceed.

"So, you're saying you have the power to harness the talents of others?" Arex suddenly inquired, intrigued by the potential of his thoughts.

Merfestina's ears perked up as if she had heard something absurd. "That's not possible, dumbass. Lord Halze offered convenient transportation throughout the Fort for all its residents to utilize."

Arex was amazed to witness the method of transportation, as they descended into the earth on a round podium. Before Arex realized it, the rumbling abruptly ceased, signaling their arrival at the laboratory.

Surrounded by emptiness, a hidden sanctuary emerged from the depths of the earth, leaving Arex in awe of its existence. He descends from the podium, following Merfestina's guidance as she strides forward.

Arex viewed the entire location as a sanctuary of hot springs. Seeing how tempting it was made him nearly jump into the inviting hot springs, but his wound prevents him from doing so as it might leave him feeling more sting.

As Arex glanced around, he was captivated by the sight of Merfestina removing her black attire, which bore a striking resemblance to Roxina's outfit. She also donned a similar style, reminiscent of a black priest's uniform tailored to fit her body.

Arex blushes as he sees Merfestina's backside exposed before she dips into the warm spring. He didn't want her to catch on, so Arex swiftly averted his gaze.

"What on earth are you doing? Please remove your garments, mortal and come join me here." Merfestina's sudden remark caught Arex's attention.

He was astonished by the unexpected invitation to join a woman in bathing. Arex blushed deeply at the mere idea of being completely unclothed next to her.

"I really don't feel like taking a bath right now!" Arex adamantly declined. He couldn't shake off the uncomfortable feeling that lingered in his mind.

Arex was adamant about avoiding a bath with Merfestina, so he decided to leave the onsen. However, his escape was short-lived as Merfestina swiftly wielded her menacing scythe and effortlessly apprehended Arex.

"What the--?!" Arex let out a loud cry as the scythe shattered into multiple pieces, ceasing his wrists and ankles.

Against his will, Arex found himself unable to escape as the fifth crimson vein forcefully removed his garments, leaving him completely exposed.

"Give me back my clothes, you perverted woman!" Arex let out a furious scream.

But Merfestina couldn't help but laugh.

"Oh, come on. It's not like I would ever find your body interesting. I'd prefer to lose my sight than to be captivated by your naked body. Also, in my opinion, I would rather witness the high lord unclothed than you—" Merfestina abruptly halted as the scarlet vein turn Arex's exposed form towards her.

Merfestina witnessed Arex's naked body fully facing her and it caused her face to turn vividly red.

Both of them felt a bit uncomfortable for a moment before Merfestina swiftly tossed Arex's body into the nearby hot spring using the crimson veins. "You stay there until you heal, Human! I'll return later to escort you to the high lord!" she then said as she stood up from the hot spring to leave Arex.

Meanwhile, Arex's face flushed once again, not due to the warmth of the hot spring, but rather the close and unobstructed sight of Merfestina's unclothed form.

Arex was completely flustered, his nose nearly bleeding from catching a glimpse of Merfestina's flawless figure.

Merfestina noticed that and understood that Arex was already captivated by her unclothed form. She quickly reached for her uniform and couldn't help but feel angry at Arex.

"You creep! look who's the pervert one now!" Merfestina let out a furious scream. After that, she walked out of the hot spring, leaving a bright red handprint on Arex's face.