Chapter 44: Sadistic Preference

In other words, once every room in this hotel was occupied, everyone inside, including me, would be as good as dead.

This Supernatural Space was deceptively dangerous.

It had fooled A.E.G.I.S. into believing it was nothing more than an F-ranked Supernatural Space, when in reality, it posed a far greater threat than its classification suggested.

The Response Units sent inside were essentially being used as sacrifices to bring forth a far more dangerous existence, the being known as [Euphoria].

And A.E.G.I.S. wouldn’t be the only organization sending people into this place. Government teams would undoubtedly investigate it as well.

Once the personnel already inside failed to return within a reasonable amount of time, both A.E.G.I.S. and the government would naturally grow concerned. They would send more people to investigate, hoping to find out what had happened to the missing teams.

And with each additional team that entered the hotel, the number of occupied rooms would continue to increase.

It was a vicious cycle wherein the more people disappeared, the more people would be sent to look for them, and the more sacrifices the hotel would receive in return.

Eventually, every room would be filled.

And when that happened, the sacrifices needed to bring [Euphoria] into the world would finally be complete.

In [As Above, So Below], the incident involving [Opening of the Grand Hotel to Euphoria] would later serve as an "education" for the main character, King Zhang.

It came in the form of a document detailing the incident, which recorded a hundred sacrifices and more than 431 deaths after the being known as "Euphoria" was brought into the world.

That document would go on to explain why even the seemingly weakest Supernatural Spaces should never be underestimated.

Of course, I had absolutely no intention of becoming an "educational experience" for the main character.

"Is there really no way for me to get out? I’m feeling quite dizzy. I think I need some fresh air outside..."

I turned toward the butler, trying to sound as convincing as possible.

— I’m afraid leaving the hotel is strictly prohibited until the grand opening, sir. However, if you’re feeling unwell, I would be happy to prepare some medicine for you. Your comfort and well-being are among our highest priorities.

"You’re really determined to make me stay, aren’t you?"

— Naturally, sir. It is my duty to ensure that every guest enjoys a comfortable stay for as long as necessary. I would be failing in my responsibilities if I allowed you to leave before the grand opening.

"Well, there is one way to make me stay... but I’m not sure if you’ll do it for me. It’s a bit of a sadistic interest of mine."

The butler tilted his head slightly, seemingly interested in what I had to say.

— I see. Provided your request does not involve sexual intercourse or reproduction, I am authorized to accommodate certain unconventional preferences. Would you prefer that I arrange for a female attendant to replace me, or would you like me to personally attend to your request?

My mouth couldn’t help but twitch at how such vulgar words could come out so formally from this creature.

Was this really how hotel staff were supposed to speak to their guests?

Then again, considering the sort of place I was in, perhaps I shouldn’t have been surprised.

Taking out the scissors I’d found inside the cabinet, I slowly raised them toward the butler as I stated my request.

"Cut your tongue off for me."

...

Drip.

Blood trickled onto the floor as the butler dutifully cut off his own tongue without a moment of hesitation.

’Good lord... He actually did it.’

My hands couldn’t help but shake at the gruesome sight in front of me.

The butler bent down and picked up his severed tongue before calmly offering it to me with a smile.

’...I definitely have to get out of this universe as soon as possible.’

I reluctantly reached out and took the severed tongue. It was still warm and slick with blood, and the sensation of its soft, fleshy surface against my fingers nearly made me throw up.

I fought the urge to vomit, then crouched down and took out a piece of talisman paper along with a small bottle of ink.

After dipping the tongue into the ink, I began writing on the talisman.

The symbol I drew looked like a crown, yet its shape also resembled a throne of some kind.

That’s right. This was one of the 22 [Ossyrian] characters, known as [Command].

If [Destruction] required one to write using their own blood, then [Command] required the tongue of someone who had willingly cut off their own.

Satisfied with the symbol I had drawn, I stood up abruptly.

— Is there anything else you would like me to do for you, sir? I would be more than happy to accommodate any further requests.

I flinched slightly.

I was a bit surprised by how quickly his tongue had regenerated. Then again, supernatural entities truly couldn’t be underestimated...

If A.E.G.I.S. ever managed to get their hands on the butlers and maids in this place, they would undoubtedly make a fortune out of them. Just imagine having employees who never got tired and didn’t even need to sleep!

Walking toward the butler, I pressed the talisman against his chest.

— May I ask what this is for, sir?

Ignoring his question, I quietly uttered the incantation for the talisman in the language of [Ossyrian].

"Command."

The butler remained still as the talisman slowly sank into his chest. He did not seem particularly concerned about what I was doing, as long as I wasn’t attempting to leave the hotel.

However, once the talisman had completely disappeared, the butler froze for a brief moment.

I stared at him, waiting to see what would happen next before finally uttering out a few words.

"From now on, you will completely obey me."