Chapter 329
Chapter 329
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 329
Chapter Title: Chapter 8-1. The Nation of the Dragonkin, Reillysa.
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Judah nodded at the black mage's question, which seemed to expect agreement with his opinion.
"Yeah, probably. But that doesn't mean I'm thrilled about letting a shady guy get close."
"I don't care much for looks-based judgments. Shouldn't we judge people by their inner qualities?"
"You're the one talking nonsense while judging by appearances."
The black mage grinned.
"That's a problem. If you're going to be this cold, it's really a problem."
"Is there a reason it should be?"
"Nope. But if you act like this, I'll have to keep my distance from you too."
"That suits me better. That's exactly the level of distance I want. I don't plan on getting attached."
It was only a matter of time before they discovered he wasn't part of the Fragment Collectors. So, if possible, hiding his identity and extracting as much information as he could was key. Whether the black mage would later rage upon realizing he'd been deceived, or if Judah would end up fooled by false info and get the last laugh—it would only become clear with time.
Whether he sensed Judah's thoughts or not, the black mage furrowed his brow sharply and continued.
"Don't think I enjoy getting attached to guys. I'd much prefer a woman. Hell, that dog-like dragonkin bitch over there panting to rush over suits my tastes way more!"
"Watch your mouth. Cross the line, and even if you're a fellow Collector, I won't let it slide."
"Oh? Scared enough to hold back your words? You're so~ resolute and boring. You know Asmodeus-sama and our Simelphon-sama don't get along well, and you're sticking to it perfectly, huh?"
Simelphon?
One thing to remember had emerged. It sounded familiar but not quite—likely recorded in high probability in Memo. If not, it was a mistake. Judah shook his head as he thought that.
"No, sorry, I don't know if their relationship is good or bad."
"What?"
"Not interested. Cut the useless talk. I've got one question. What does this stone with the magic your master told you about do? What effect will heading to Reillysa now have on us?"
After speaking, it turned out to be two questions. The black mage gave him a look of disbelief.
"Ha, why not just ask me to spill everything?"
"Would you?"
The black mage's eyes screamed madman.
"See? Don't say empty words if you're not gonna tell me everything. Drop the nonsense and tell me what effect Reillysa will have on us. Oh, and tell us what to watch out for. I don't want to hear later that we got sabotaged."
"...Fine, fine. I was gonna chat leisurely, but since you don't want that, whatever. But I can't tell you what that stone does. You get it? It's a secret project of sorts."
Judah nodded. He continued.
"But the rest, I can share. Once you enter Reillysa, your body will feel heavy and powerless. It'll get worse when the Black Mist descends. It's a type of curse. Weakens your body's immunity and drains stamina... that kind of thing."
Curse?
"If your magic resistance is low, there's only one way to avoid it."
"?"
"Borrow the power of the Holy King or the Lords. Lucky for you, you've got a priestess."
The black mage's gaze flicked sideways toward distant Arhil. Without her robe, her figure was fully revealed in her nun's habit.
"If that priestess is skilled enough, you should be fine wandering Reillysa. Tsk. Didn't notice from afar earlier, but up close, those curves are insane. What a waste for a priestess. Jealous—she must guide you to heaven every night... Whoa!"
Judah moved his dagger as the man spoke freely. Just before the sharp tip left his hand, the black mage flailed dramatically, raising both hands with palms out.
"Sorry, sorry! Don't get so mad. Killing over one slip? Even if I can't die, isn't that too much?"
But his apology lacked remorse, and his eyes sparkled with amusement. He seemed to enjoy the standoff. Judah exhaled slowly through his nose as he watched him.
"Thanks for the info, but she's my companion. Mine. Make lecherous eyes or spew filth again, and I'll pluck out your eyes and tongue. You won't die, but you won't see or speak."
"Ah... Well, even if you did, it wouldn't stop me from talking or seeing, but I'll watch it. You know I'm yielding verbally because I don't want Collectors fighting, right? Normally, I wouldn't let this slide~"
"You sure talk pretty. Enough. Spill what to watch out for in Reillysa quick."
The black mage shrugged and smirked.
"Watch out for? Hmm, nothing special? If you're unlucky or unskilled, you get caught up. Otherwise, survive. Ah, elf incoming. Gotta go. I'll take the stone."
A sinister rune-etched magic stone from the pit materialized in his palm. Judah let him take it without interference.
"See ya. No clue why Asmodeus-sama's Collector came here, but good luck achieving your goal. If you make it out of Reillysa intact, that is. Personally, I recommend skipping it. Going now? You'll get dragged in for sure."
Leaving those words, the black mage tilted his head creepily at Judah's face, then melted away like dissolving eyes.
'We talked quite a while... but got nothing useful.'
Except one thing.
Just the name Simelphon. Since Asmodeus was part of the Fragment Collectors, Judah had assumed he was gathering members on Artemia's orders, but apparently not just him.
'Where'd I see Simelphon?'
Not on good terms with Asmodeus suggested equal rank to the Seven Deadly Sins. Someone like that should ring a bell immediately, but nothing came. Just a vague familiarity.
Time in this world had faded much of his game knowledge beyond the big stuff, but failing to recall one name? Judah tilted his head and descended the hill.
"Are you alright?"
Celion, obedient as a puppy, hurried over as Judah came down. Arhil, watching from afar, frowned and puffed her cheeks. They ballooned like she was jealous of Celion's proximity. Celion ignored it. Telling her he was fine brought relief; she followed behind. Arhil trotted over once Judah fully descended.
"Nothing happened?"
"I'm good. Nothing major, just a quick chat."
"A chat?"
He nodded.
"Didn't get much useful info, but he said the Black Mist in Reillysa is a curse."
"Black Mist?"
"The elf mentioned it before... ah, you weren't there."
Mid-explanation, seeing their confusion about Black Mist, Judah realized too late only Celion understood—from that dawn herb-gathering with just them. Naturally, Lime, Arhil, and Iris didn't know. He had no choice but explain the elf encounter and the mist's effects in Reillysa.
Celion listened silently, seeming to have words but waiting politely. Watching him answer even Iris's notepad queries, she spoke up seriously as the talk paused.
"What are your plans now, Judah-nim?"
"For what?"
"Um, the Fragment Collectors—do you plan to keep friendly ties?"
He'd intended to say yes until exposed, but her expression suggested otherwise. She'd follow any choice, but wanted a specific one. Deciding quickly, Judah shook his head.
"No, no need. Celion, we're going to Reillysa for you. Why keep good ties with shady operators there? Next meet, we fight. If they cursed it, we drive them out."
"Ah!"
Celion's face brightened.
"I acted friendly this time just to probe the backer. No need to worry."
"Yes!"
She nodded, eyes brimming with burdensome faith. Strange. How could she look at him like that? He didn't understand.
Even in human form, not omnipotent, he should at least seem omniscient to pass as god—yet she questioned nothing despite lacking that.
Did she think every action meaningful? Or that a god's soul in human flesh limited knowledge? Unclear.
-Then next time we meet him, we can chop him up, right?
Iris showed her notepad memo.
Doubtful if dismembering an undying neck-slicer would kill, but whatever method worked was fine.
"Of course. Cook him however you like."
With talk wrapped, the group resumed travel.