Chapter 37: Chapter37-Blackmailed by Kiara

'Let's check out the information about the lost continent first. After that, I'll look into the details of the third quest.' I took a deep breath, preparing myself for what might come next. With a sense of anticipation, I clicked on the "Info" section of the virtual window and selected "Knowledge of the entrance to the Lost Continent." As soon as I made the selection, the screen flickered, and new text began to appear, slowly revealing the information I had earned. The lost continent is called Azure, also known as the Continent of Mysteries. To enter Azure, you need to go to the End Point in Erebus City's crossing. You'll need seven square-shaped keys to open the entrance. Each key is hidden in a labyrinth located in different places on the continent: Acheron, Caligo City, Ambrosia, Oblivion, Azkaban, Erebus, and the South Pole. The keys are inside the labyrinths in these places. The system will alert you when you get close to a labyrinth, but their locations are not fixed and can be anywhere. "That's a bit rushed," I muttered as I carefully examined the information. I sighed, feeling frustrated. Why? Because this system never gives complete information. It always leaves some work for me. I was annoyed because it said, 'Their locations are not fixed and can be anywhere.' In other words, I had to explore and find these places myself. In my mind, I asked, "System, why can't you just give the exact locations of the labyrinths?" (Sorry, host, but that would make it too easy.) I was shocked. Did it just say that it would make it too easy? So, it wants to increase my workload? And with that, my anger hit its peak again. I shouted in my mind, "Bloody basket, who do you think you are? You're just a useless piece of junk, you" Before I could finish, another virtual screen appeared with text on it. (Okay, host. Then, I am terminating myself for you. Happy journey ahead.) I immediately panicked and said, "Sorry, sorry, it was my fault. Please forgive me and don't go. Without you, I'll become a piece of shit!" (Okay, host. I accept your apology, but be cautious. Do not anger me again.) Screw you and your anger... What kind of system gets mad at its host? I really... Calm down, Michael, calm down. I breathed a sigh of relief. Now, it's okay... "Noted," I muttered, feeling a bit foolish for my earlier outburst. With that resolved, I turned my attention to the next matter at hand. I was about to open the Chain Quest when the door to my hospital room creaked open. Two figures entered the room, and my eyes widened in surprise. What? The first was none other than Michael's father, Eoin Frostburne. I was taken aback by how much he resembled mealmost like a doppelganger. He had a beard and his hair was a mix of black and white, giving him a distinguished yet rugged look. His muscular build and godly handsomeness were undeniable, even for someone of his age. It was clear that Michael had inherited his appearance from his father. But now, the important question is: what is he doing here? No, I mean, why is he here? Given my current situation, I can understand that he might have come out of concern for me, but that's the problem... From the memories I got from Michael, I found out that even in the past, Michael has been severely injured many times and has been admitted to the hospital. But Michael's father has rarely come to visit. I think he came maybe only once or twice. Beside him stood his most trusted secretary, Kiara. Slutty, bitchy... Her presence was striking, with her confident stance and seductive air. And, sexy too... She wore an expression that was both professional and slightly disdainful, as if she held a certain contempt for the situation. Eoin's gaze fixed on me, and I could see the cold determination in his eyes. Despite the concern that flickered momentarily, his demeanor remained stern and controlled. He walked over to my bedside, his steps purposeful and strong. After that, there was a brief silence between us. Neither of us said anything. Finally, seeing that I was still quiet, he broke the silence. "Michael," he said, his voice deep and authoritative. "I heard you survived. I suppose that means you have gotten stronger." Is that really the best way to start a conversation? I nodded, still reeling from the shock of seeing him. "Yes, Father. I... I survived." I have to be mindful of what I say and be cautious because Michael's father is very smart... I should behave more respectfully and cautiously... That's the only way he won't become suspicious, as the previous Michael always talked to his father like this... Eoin's eyes narrowed slightly. "Good. You're tougher than you look." He glanced over at Kiara, who was eyeing me with a mixture of curiosity and mild irritation. "Kiara, make sure everything is in order." Huh? Wait, what? What does he mean by "in order"? What's all this stuff he's talking about? "Of course, Mr. Frostburne," she replied smoothly, her voice dripping with a mix of professionalism and subtle flirtation. She moved to check the machines and monitor my condition, but her eyes kept flicking back to me with a predatory gleam. Oh, so that's what they were talking about... I see. Kiara is a doctor after all. Yeah, she is. She's not fully professional, but still she's quite skilled at it. I was surprised to learn from Michael's memories that she graduated from one of the top Academies, ranked within the top 10. So naturally, she's multi-talented. Now, don't ask me what other jobs she knows. I only know she's a full-time secretary, part-time doctor, and an agent. So, that's three roles in total. Eoin turned his attention back to me. "Michael, you have been through a lot. But know thisI expect you to come out of this stronger. No excuses." His words were harsh, but there was an underlying current of concern, even if it was hidden beneath layers of cold discipline. Now, what's his deal? Suddenly asking me to become stronger? Am I just some kind of leveling machine to him? Now I truly feel pity for the previous Michael, who, after turning into a psychopath, constantly tried everything to make his father smile... But, of course, he failed. I swallowed hard, nodding. "I understand, Father." He studied me for a moment longer, then nodded, seemingly satisfied. "Good. We will talk more later. For now, rest and recover. We have much to discuss." With that, he turned and walked out of the room, his presence leaving a heavy silence in his wake. With the door creaking closed behind Eoin, the room fell into an uncomfortable silence, leaving just me and Kiara. Her eyes bore into me as she continued her work, and I decided to tease her a little. After all, what guy wouldn't get turned on with a mature, sexy woman with those massive boobs in the room? "Bitch, come close to me," I sneered. To my surprise, Kiara immediately left her work and approached me. I expected her to resist at least a little, so it was surprising when she didn't. I was about to say something when she swiftly pulled out a gun and pressed it against my forehead. "Don't you dare shout, or I'll blow your head off," she hissed, her voice ice-cold. I immediately fell silent. I couldn't help but think that was... Impressive, really impressive. That's really unexpected for me. I didn't see that coming at all. The room's atmosphere shifted instantly into one of tension and silence. Honestly, with Kiara aiming the gun at my forehead in this situation, I'm not scared or afraid at all... I was sure she didn't come here to kill me, so she won't pull the trigger. I don't mind if people think I'm too confident; I had three reasons to be certain... Firstly, in this world, there's a hospital rule that everyone, including family, friends, or visitors, must sign a document before entering a patient's room. Both my father and Kiara signed it. If something were to happen to me, suspicion would immediately fall on Kiara because my father left the room, leaving her alone with me. Given my father's intelligence, he would quickly figure it out. Secondly, I noticed small beads of sweat forming on her forehead and her hands were shaking a lot, which clearly showed she herself was nervous nervous about pulling the trigger. This indicated she wasn't here to harm me... Thirdly, I believed she couldn't have planned this alone, especially since she would think twice before aiming a gun at me because of her family. There must be someone behind her, instructing her to do this. I also expected that person to tell her not to harm me... But there was still something I couldn't comprehend: why was she threatening me, particularly in the hospital room? I know there's no CCTV camera in this room, but why not threaten me in my office? I mean, there's no CCTV camera in my office either, so why here? I was quite curious... While lost in my thoughts, I snapped back to reality as a drop of Kiara's sweat fell onto my bandaged hand. I glanced at her and noticed the same arrogance in her eyes. She never seems to change. Ohh, I forgot, I need to show some fear, or she might think I'm not scared at all. I swallowed the saliva in my mouth. My heart pounded as I stared at her in disbelief. "What the hell are you doing?" I demanded. She slapped me hard across the cheek, a stinging pain surging through my body. "Calm your voice down. You're not the boss now, so mind your tone," she snapped. What the fuck? Did she just slap me? Someone I harassed a day or two ago just slapped me... I will make sure she pays me with her ass... I nodded, touching my red cheek, feeling both the physical and emotional sting. Kiara reached into her pocket and pulled out a pill, red and yellow in color. "Swallow it," she ordered. "What?" I asked, bewildered. "Swallow it," she repeated, her tone menacing.