Chapter 100: SIBLINGS REUNION

"Now that I have made my requests known, it’s time for you to carry them out," Retribution said calmly. His gaze stayed locked on Dream as he lifted his teacup — poured and placed by Space — and took an unhurried sip. "We begin with Isobel. I hear you’ve placed her in confinement within the city. Release her. From this moment, she is under my care.""We can’t do that," Geralt shot back instantly, his tone flat and his expression hard. "She’s dangerous. She can’t be trusted."

Retribution’s eyes narrowed. His reply was cold, sharp as ice. "And you are not? If I were to gamble, my wager would be that she poses far less danger to Blue Star than you ever will. But let’s make this clear. I am not asking. I am demanding. If you refuse me..." His voice sank, colder still, and his aura began to seep out, pressing against everyone present. "...I will begin a killing spree. Each day my conditions are unmet, one random demigod, clan master, or government official will die. And the most delightful part?" His lips curved in a humorless smile. "The oath binding Dream from interfering in your affairs will be the very noose you strangle on."

The conference room trembled beneath the weight of his aura. Shadows quivered, and for an instant, none dared to breathe.

Dream broke the silence. Her voice was steady, though her expression betrayed the weight of the decision. "Fine. I will remove the barrier I placed on her. But tell me—what is it you want with her?"

"Simple," Retribution replied. "The one thing you should have done from the moment the Highborn risked their lives for Blue Star. Protect their own."

Dream inclined her head slowly. "Then I will comply. I will release her."

"Good." Retribution set down his cup and rose to his feet. "As for the other requests, I trust you will handle them, President. And for my preference in territory—allocate a free land space near the Abyss Guild."

BOOM!

The sudden explosion rattled the walls and echoed through the chamber. Everyone jolted to their feet in alarm—everyone except Geralt, still pinned and powerless in his chair.

"Hey! Undo what you did to me!" Geralt shouted furiously as the others rushed out to investigate, leaving him behind.

Retribution glanced at him with mild amusement. "No. You are far more useful when you do nothing." He stepped past without another word, leaving Geralt seething in helpless rage.

Outside, the source became clear.

"Boss. I see you’re done with your conversation." Void stood over the unconscious body of Liam Frost, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips. Behind him, a lightning dragon loomed, its scaled body crackling with residual sparks.

Dream’s eyes hardened, her voice cutting like steel. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Nothing much," Void said lightly, stepping back from Liam’s limp form. "We were just finishing a little spar we left incomplete. I wasn’t happy with how things ended last time. Don’t worry—he’s only unconscious. I didn’t endanger his life."

"Void," Retribution’s tone was sharp, edged with warning. "I didn’t ask you to pick a fight."

Void bowed quickly, his voice contrite though his smirk lingered. "Forgive me, boss. He came at me first. I simply returned the favor."

"Tch. You’re done already? Lame," another figure said as he appeared, a man with lupine features. In his hand dangled the limp, unconscious body of Joseph.

Gasps rippled through the gathered officials and demigods. Shock carved into their faces—their rising stars Liam Frost and Joseph, defeated so easily by two strangers. And worst of all, both spoke as if they were nothing more than subordinates to the arrogant old man before them.

Retribution raised a hand lightly, his voice steady. "Forgive my men. They’ve been starved of proper sparring partners. Facing opponents close to their strength awoke their impatience." His apology was not directed at the assembly, but at Dream—the only one he acknowledged as his equal.

Dream exhaled softly, shaking her head. "It is only a spar. Young bloods are impulsive and quick to fight. Let it be."

"I will see to their punishment," Retribution assured her. "Now, if we may, I’ll take my leave."

"Very well," Dream agreed, lifting off into the air a moment later.

Retribution turned to his followers. "Return home. I’ll follow shortly."

"As you command," the Doppelgangers chorused, vanishing one by one.

---

Elsewhere, within her city, Isobel walked the streets. The air thrummed with peace and life—the product of her rule. Where chaos once reigned, she had built harmony.

Humans and vampires lived side by side in mutual accord. Humans offered blood willingly; in return, the vampires protected them, hunting criminals and clearing dungeons. The city thrived.

The woman Geralt had called "dangerous" was worshipped here as a savior. Mothers praised her, children pressed flowers into her hands, and crime had nearly vanished.

Isobel’s crimson eyes lifted suddenly. She felt it—the presence of the one woman she could never forget.

Dream.

Her wings unfurled, and she shot into the sky, stopping just outside the barrier. Behind Dream stood a man—an old man whose presence stirred something in her. A strange familiarity she couldn’t place.

"What do you want with me?" Isobel asked coldly, glaring at Dream like one might an enemy.

"Child," Dream said softly, sadness hidden in her voice. "All I ever did was protect you."

Isobel’s lips curled. "My father once praised you. He called you the strongest he knew—the one who cared for him after his mother was gone. I used to revere you too. But after you let my father die, every ounce of respect I had for you vanished."

Her eyes burned. "So what now? Do you mean to lock me in a box again? Or finally kill me?"

"Neither," Dream replied gently. "I’ve come to set you free. This man has promised to take you under his wings. To protect you."

Isobel’s gaze flicked to Retribution. That same strange familiarity gnawed at her, though she couldn’t name it.

Retribution stepped forward. "Allow me to pass through the boundary. Seal it behind me. From that point, leave the rest to me."

Dream raised an eyebrow. "And what makes you think I won’t trap you inside?"

"That," Retribution said with a faint smile, "is exactly what I want you to do."

A long silence passed. Then Dream nodded once. "Very well." She lifted her hand, tearing a narrow seam in the barrier.

Retribution stepped through. The rift closed behind him.

"Come with me, Isobel," he said, opening a portal into the sanctuary. The city lights glowed behind them as he marked it for a future visit.

Without another word, Isobel followed.