Chapter 90
Chapter 90
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 90
Chapter Title: The Long Road Toward the Poison Technique (12)
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Suhyun released his grip on Louiril's neck. The flush in her face slowly faded. She stared at him with confused eyes.
'I can hear the gears turning in her head.'
Elves like Louiril were unpredictable if left to their own devices. She had the skills, and the brains to match. Even her motivations were peculiar...
"Now we can talk properly."
Louiril slumped down as if in resignation.
"Aida's a diligent host, but she's not exactly quick on her feet. Let's wrap this up before she brings the tea."
"What do you want?"
"That depends on what you've got."
Suhyun sat down across from her.
"After we parted ways, I did some digging of my own."
"..."
"Impressive stuff. It's a miracle the rumors haven't spread yet. Probably because everyone's so tight-lipped about artifacts..."
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Stubbornness won't do you any favors right now. N Corp's vault heist six months ago, the artifact theft from the 'Shi Wol' mercenary company a year back... The victims had too many suspects to pinpoint it, but it's obvious. Only a teleporter could pull that off. And who knows how many more you've done that I don't know about."
Louiril averted her gaze with a stubborn expression and whistled. She was blatantly signaling she didn't want to talk about it.
"Quit playing around."
"Say what you want to say."
"I'd like to 'borrow' the artifacts you have."
Louiril had lost the upper hand to Suhyun, but she resolved to stay composed in front of him. His words, though, were infuriating enough to shake that resolve. Borrow? That was thief slang for when they took something.
"How is that borrowing?"
"I'll give them back someday. Someday."
'%#&$*#&...'
"Think positive. It's not without benefits for you."
"I don't believe that for a second. What benefits?"
"For starters, you'll stay alive."
"...Right, besides that?"
"That's it."
"You son of a—"
"Staying alive isn't a simple condition."
"I wouldn't be in danger if it weren't for you!"
"Ah, I think you've misunderstood. That's not what I meant."
"?"
"Your life's in danger for reasons that have nothing to do with me. Sure, I could put it at risk anytime, but right now, it's something else. You know who's involved in that recent artifact theft? The Chinese side."
"I already know that. You think I'm scared of those guys? I've slipped away from them plenty of times."
"Did you ever leave a trace behind even once?"
"...No."
Normally, she could've taken the fish sword with teleportation without a trace. But the superpowered user's ingenuity at the scene had exposed her ability.
"Don't underestimate the Chinese government. Let me walk you through how it'll go. First, the tracking team chasing the artifact hears about the auction and hauls in the organizers. They won't outrun that level of pursuit."
Louiril listened silently to Suhyun's explanation.
"Then comes the torture. They'll squeeze them dry for info, and that'll lead them to you, the teleporter. Naturally, they'll suspect you in their unsolved domestic thefts too. Next thing you know, you've got a dedicated team hunting you down."
"...I can just evade them."
"If evasion worked that easily, why would anyone be afraid? Believe me or not, it's up to you, but don't underestimate humans—especially government ones. They're hardened against superpowered users. Don't think you left no traces. Nothing's perfect."
Suhyun was right. And though Louiril didn't know it, they even had ways to neutralize superpowers. If they set a trap, she'd walk right into it.
She hated to admit it, but she couldn't outright deny it either, so Louiril fell silent. At last, she spoke.
"So, you can stop it?"
"It'd be a lot safer than wandering alone like now. They won't touch Korean government affiliates easily—too much international fallout. Of course, if you want to live, stop stealing. I can't save someone walking into death."
An elf like Louiril with no backing was easy pickings, but under Suhyun's wing? Not a chance.
She knew how powerful the human organizations on Cameron were. That's why she'd always been cautious. But this time, things had gone wrong. Suhyun's warning about getting caught carried weight.
"Of course, refuse to cooperate, and I'll kill you first. Cooperate now if you want to live."
"..."
Louiril's mind raced. The human before her was no pushover. Gambling with poison in her system was too risky.
"Why steal artifacts anyway?"
"I told you last time."
"You're really doing it just for the thrill?"
"What's wrong with that?"
Suhyun let out a small chuckle. Artifacts were power incarnate. People wanted them for practical desires, naturally.
"No plans for them once you collect them?"
"Nope."
Louiril's artifact thefts started from a trivial impulse. She saw one she liked, and she had the skills to take it. That was it.
Since then, she'd steadily amassed them. Her habits mirrored those of art collectors.
"Here's the tea."
"Ah, thanks."
"Have you two talked things out?"
At Aida's words, Suhyun and Louiril glanced at each other. They nodded in unison.
"Yeah, it was fun."
"Is that so? Good to hear."
They exchanged awkward looks.
"So, Louiril sis, I'd love to hear what you've been up to lately. We haven't seen each other since we parted last time... How've you been?"
"She's been doing great. I heard plenty of interesting stories too."
Louiril glared at Suhyun—a warning not to spout nonsense in front of Aida—but he just shrugged it off.
"Really? I want to hear them."
"Aida, mind stepping out for a bit? I have something private to discuss with him."
"Is it something I can't hear?"
Aida looked hurt as she gazed at Louiril.
"It's not that, but it's a bit... personal. Especially since this guy's gonna be embarrassed."
"Oh? In that case..."
When Louiril framed it as something that might embarrass Suhyun, Aida dutifully stood and left. Louiril shot Suhyun a look, as if to say *what now?*
"You look awfully smug. I don't care what wild ideas she comes up with."
Louiril flushed. It felt like they'd been in a pride contest until Suhyun suddenly backed out.
"So, what's your answer? I'm waiting."
"You'll let me live if I hand over the artifacts?"
"Yeah."
"How can I trust that?"
"I never asked you to."
Suhyun fixed her with his signature impassive stare. Louiril flinched, leaning back as if pierced. The atmosphere shifted qualitatively from their casual chat moments ago.
"Sorry, but this isn't a negotiation. It's an order. Hand over the artifacts if you want to live. For the sake of the elves here, I'll cooperate as much as possible. Refuse, and you die here."
He'd already told her too much to let her roam free. If she got caught elsewhere, it'd be a hassle.
He'd explained the situation enough. Time to push hard.
"Your answer?"
It was practically a foregone conclusion.
* * *
"Head back first. I'll check on Poshukan and follow."
"I'll go with you."
"Did you hear something from the squad?"
Gorgan flinched. Suhyun smirked. He hadn't expected pushback from Gorgan's personality, but it hit the mark.
In truth, Gorgan had heard from the squad before coming: stick to Suhyun if he tried going solo.
"Forget it. I can handle it alone. No need for pointless worry."
"But..."
"It's an order. And sending that guy back alone would be awkward."
Suhyun nodded at Yi Seung-su. He wouldn't dare open what Suhyun brought unless he was insane, but you couldn't ignore a merchant's curiosity and greed. Surveillance was best for everyone.
"Understood."
"Yeah, go on ahead."
Once Gorgan left with Yi Seung-su, Suhyun turned to Louiril.
"So, where is it?"
She'd surrendered in the end. Suhyun had cornered her methodically.
"It's far from here. Takes a while to get there."
"Perfect. Close to Poshukan, so I can handle both."
He planned to check the poison antidote Seo Gang-seok mentioned on the way. Suhyun mounted the large autobike he'd borrowed from Ethan.
'That guy's got some tastes...'
"Let's go."
* * *
"A few things first. After handing over the artifacts, you join our team."
"What team?"
"Don't play dumb. I know you asked Aida about me before we left."
"..."
Louiril looked away again. She had indeed tried gathering intel on Suhyun pre-departure. To think it was all in the palm of his hand.
"If you want to live, behave there. The squad members are good guys; you won't feel out of place. Run if you want, but no life guarantee."
"The antidote?"
"Just periodic suppressants. They'll keep the seizures at bay."
"So handing over the artifacts isn't the end?"
"Sorry, but you're a teleporter. I know you could reclaim them anytime if you set your mind to it."
Louiril clicked her tongue softly. Suhyun had no blind spots.
"Antidote comes after everything's wrapped up and I'm convinced you can't reclaim them."
"Will that day ever come?"
"Of course."
"...?"
Suhyun's firm assurance caught her off guard. She figured there weren't many surefire ways to hide from her.
'Superpower neutralizers should be out soon.'
He'd delivered them himself and worked directly under the government, so he'd hear results first. With those, thieves like Louiril weren't so scary.
"I know your sticky fingers, but watch yourself once you're on the team. There's a squad member named Lee So-hee; I'll assign her to you. Report and get approval for any outings."
"Isn't that too much?"
"Feel wronged? Reflect on your past actions. You're a walking disaster waiting to happen."
Perfect powers, quick mind, bold action. Couldn't let her loose.
"This isn't a joke. Stay out of China for a while. You might actually die."
"Got it."
"I'll fill you in on their tracking methods. Once that's clear, I won't go this far, so don't worry."
If Louiril got nabbed and spilled, it'd complicate things for Suhyun. Had to avoid that at all costs.
Thanks to nonstop riding, Suhyun reached Poshukan ahead of schedule.
"Around here?"
Disbelief filled Suhyun's voice. Ahead lay Poshukan's wetlands; behind, the empty plains of Ames. No hiding spots in sight.
"Under here."
"...!"
Louiril dropped to the ground, peered into a hole, and teleported. Moments later, the rock split, revealing an underground entrance.
'A ruin?!'
Ruin sites always drew attention. Staring at the artificial stone stairs—not natural formations—Suhyun pondered.
"Not coming in?"
"Ah, sorry."
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