Chapter 89
Chapter 89
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 89
Chapter Title: The Long Road to Poison Mastery (11)
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“Is that so? I’m curious what you heard.”
“That you helped us out while Nana and the others were away.”
“Ah, the raptor... It was nothing.”
“One is no big deal. But taking out a pack that had already settled in isn’t something just anyone can do.”
“If you know the trick, anyone can manage it.”
Ethan lit a long pipe with a match. He exhaled the smoke slowly upward and spoke.
“Want a puff?”
“No thanks. It’s not my thing.”
“Humans go to great lengths for this stuff. Guess I’ll enjoy it alone then. That okay?”
“Do whatever you want.”
Kim Suhyun understood what Ethan meant. The tobacco leaves grown by elves were famous for their unique aroma and flavor. While Ethan leisurely smoked, Suhyun waited patiently. Seeing Suhyun sitting quietly without a word, Ethan smiled faintly.
“Why aren’t you saying anything?”
“Because if I wait, you ask first, like this.”
A small chuckle. Ethan stopped laughing and nodded.
“You got me there. Right, you said you had a favor to ask.”
“Did you hear the details?”
“Yeah, it’s not a tough request. I could do that much as a favor.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m not saying I will yet. Why leave out the condition? If the Korean government reaches out, you want me to keep quiet about it?”
“That’s right.”
“Honestly, even you think that’s pushing it, don’t you? You know our situation.”
Suhyun readily agreed. The nations on Cameron Planet were bound by strict treaties, but they had the power to crush the non-humans at any time. From the non-humans’ perspective, treaties made of mere words and paper weren’t all that trustworthy.
“We’re on pretty good terms with the Korean government. Their merchants who come here, too...”
“They probably won’t ask. For it to go that far, they’d need to catch a lead, and I don’t handle things that sloppily.”
“Still, there’s always a chance they might.”
“What do you want?”
Suhyun cut straight to the point. Dragging it out like this without refusing outright meant he wanted something. Ethan flinched at the direct question and paused.
“As expected of your reputation. I’m responsible for these people. If I have to risk trouble with the Korean government, I need something in return that matches the risk, don’t you think?”
“Well... It won’t cause trouble with the Korean government, and even if it did, you wouldn’t be the ones in hot water. Humans are the ones who’d suffer if relations soured with you.”
If things went south with Korea, America or other countries would jump in eagerly. Ethan’s concern was mostly bluster. Called out on the logic flaw, Ethan smacked his lips.
“Still, switching trade partners is a loss in its own way. Tell me what you want. If I can swing it, I will.”
“Straight to the point, then. I want firepower.”
“Firepower?”
Suhyun frowned at the out-of-left-field request.
“I wasn’t clear enough. Let me explain again. There was a big fight recently in the Calcutta jungle zone. Know about it?”
He’d been directly involved, but Suhyun didn’t mention it.
“That... Chinese soldiers, right?”
“Yeah, I know. Impressive you heard about it.”
“I’ve got connections among humans. Fall behind on info, and you’re done for. Anyway... Things are getting dicey lately. Ames Plains has fewer monsters, which means more human contact.”
Suhyun could tell what Ethan was worried about. Korea didn’t exactly play nice on Cameron, but they mostly toed the line. China and Russia, on the other hand, could cross it whenever they felt like it.
News of those kinds showing up near Ames Plains and clashing was serious enough.
‘Impressive for an elf. Sharp read on the situation.’
You had to fully grasp the local power dynamics to worry like that.
“America and Korea have been decent partners. But the others scare me. I’ve heard the rumors. What should we do if those types show up around here?”
“Ask the American or Korean governments. They’ll send troops.”
“Yeah, that’s an option. But I’d rather not.”
“It’d cost you big.”
Ethan nodded. Talking with Suhyun was easy. They both saw the situation clearly, no friction.
The governments would send troops to protect them if asked, but the price would be steep. And after that, they couldn’t just pull them whenever.
“So, the favor is firepower for that scenario? Lend strength if hostile outsiders show up?”
“Too much to ask?”
Suhyun smiled. The exact smile Aida had called chilling.
“No. ‘Cleanup’ like that is my specialty.”
* * *
Once Suhyun agreed, things moved fast. Ethan promised to gather Aida and a few trusted elves to deliver the supplies at the designated spot.
“I’ll fill Aida in on the situation.”
“Appreciate it. That said... If suspicious types show up, don’t engage directly.”
“I’m not weak.”
“Superpowered?”
“Who do you think Aida learned from? She has the same ability as me.”
That meant enhancement powers. Given Aida’s skill, she wasn’t weak. Plus, these local elves had fully embraced human civilization. Well-armed, too.
Even so, Suhyun would bet on a Chinese special forces unit over the elves. They didn’t fight unless victory was assured.
‘That’s their specialty... Anyway, they’ll probably set up shop around here soon.’
Ames Plains were too tempting. Low-monster zones on Cameron Planet always drew crowds. They’d already hit Calcutta; it wouldn’t be long.
‘Plus the Dragon Slayer Project.’
The project hurt Korea, but not just them. China, Russia, others took massive hits too. But Korea and China had different manpower pools. Korea would reel from losing a few teams; China could keep churning them out.
If Korea’s merc companies and government teams got wiped by Dragon Slayer, China would test the waters.
“Still, avoid them if you spot them. Some rules: Spot them, evade. They pick a fight, run. If you can’t run, surrender. Give them what they want; they won’t kill you.”
“...”
Ethan looked flustered at Suhyun’s bluntness. Wasn’t this too dismissive?
“Hey, we asked for firepower... but only if it’s all-out war. We’re not that weak.”
“I know. Still, just avoid. Any fight means you’re at a disadvantage. And never charge in relying on superpowers.”
Anyone else, maybe. But Suhyun’s words carried weight from his track record. Ethan couldn’t help but waver.
“...Got it. I’ll keep that in mind.”
Outside, Suhyun walked with Aida, discussing what just happened.
“Guess he felt more threatened than I thought. Asking for that kind of favor.”
“We have no choice but to be wary of humans. Right?”
“I get it. Honestly, humans are scarier than monsters.”
Monsters stuck to their turf. Humans didn’t.
“By the way, that distant relative of yours, Luiril? She superpowered too?”
“Hm? No.”
“Really?”
‘Hiding her powers, huh. Thorough.’
She could’ve kept thieving steadily if Suhyun hadn’t caught her.
“I don’t see her often, but it was nice having her visit after so long.”
“Mind if I ask what she does?”
“Uh...”
Aida trailed off. Her expression said she didn’t know much about Luiril’s activities either.
“She travels a lot, but what she does... I’m not sure...”
“Travels, huh. Intriguing. Mind if I say hi? Learning something new is always good.”
“You should be fine. Follow me.”
Unaware she was leading a tiger to her kin, Aida guided Suhyun to Luiril.
“Who’s that?”
“Aida Slandal. Mind if I come in?”
“Oh, come in. Come in.”
Opening the door, Luiril tilted her head at the human behind Aida.
“Who?”
“A guest. If it’s okay with you, Luiril sis, I’d like to sit and hear about recent events.”
Luiril nodded reluctantly. She could refuse, but since they were guests brought by Aida, sending the human away felt off.
“What’s the guest here for?”
“Sorry, can’t say.”
“...”
Knowing Aida’s personality, Luiril didn’t press. Plenty of ways to find out later. She’d check why this human was here after.
‘Why’s this guy staring at me like that?’
Suhyun’s gaze made Luiril flinch. Not the lecherous look from humans smitten by her looks, but something sharper, piercing.
“Oh, no drinks. I’ll grab some.”
Aida stepped out just then. Luiril pondered how to coax info from this human.
“A bit chilly. Mind if I close the window?”
“?”
Suhyun stood and asked. Luiril nodded. Suhyun shut the window and lowered the blinds, blocking the view.
“Why are you here?”
“To ask the chief a favor. But haven’t we met before?”
Luiril stared at Suhyun in disbelief. She’d heard plenty of pickup lines from humans, but this was the most blatant and crude.
“No, we haven’t. Must be a mix-up?”
Her opinion of Suhyun plummeted, but her face stayed neutral. Unlike Aida, Luiril had spent ages among humans. She could keep a calm listener’s expression despite her thoughts.
“No mix-up. I wouldn’t mistake an elf like you.”
“Where do you think you saw me?”
“Pyongyang’s black market alleys recently. Didn’t you see me?”
“?”
Luiril puzzled over it, then realized.
“!”
Her reaction was quick—impressive for someone startled. But meaningless against Suhyun.
Thwack!
He blocked her draw, grabbed her throat, and covered her face with his free hand.
“Recognize me now?”
“You...!”
“Small world. Didn’t expect to meet like this. Seriously.”
Luiril desperately scanned for a teleport spot. But the blinds blocked the windows. Then she got why he’d mentioned the chill.
‘Cunning bastard!’
“Say ah~. Don’t spit it out.”
With practiced ease, Suhyun pried her mouth open and dripped in a few drops of liquid.
“Now swallow.”
“Mmph! Mmgh!”
“Teleporters are a pain. You wanna run, but don’t. Ask Aida—she’ll tell you my poisons aren’t for just anyone to cure.”
After Suhyun took her artifact, Luiril had left the city. Her face sold to some mystery man, tail stepped on—she figured laying low outside was best.
But she’d dodged the wolf only to meet the tiger.
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