Chapter 110
Translator: uly
Chapter: 110
Chapter Title: Shadows in the Alley
What the hell is it?
I tilted my head while watching Isoha massacre monsters beyond the screen.
Isoha didn't seem to notice, but I'd been spotting guys lurking around her suspiciously for a while now.
'Enemies?'
But that didn't quite fit—they were keeping their distance in a weird way.
Yeah, like they were gathering intel.
I wanted to warn her, but she couldn't see ahead, so she wouldn't spot my message. Damn.
And asking someone else to relay it would risk leaking info.
'Gotta finish it quick.'
The gift for her was nearly complete.
Progress-wise, about 90%?
But the last 10% was trickier than the first 90%, so it'd take more time. Still, with those pests sniffing around Isoha, I needed to speed things up.
"Is that for real?!"
Isoha's shocked voice came through the screen.
What was it? What had surprised her like that?
Isoha and Aphrodite's contractor, Ravelin, were seated at a café.
"Yes. Starting today, we're in charge of managing the Book of All Gods."
Book of All Gods, huh.
Item with all the constellations' info inscribed, right?
"But Isoha, we can only manage it for up to half a year."
"Then..."
"To avoid complaints from others, you'll need to conquer at least Floor 4 within six months. Otherwise, even we can't help."
They couldn't just skip the pecking order and hand her the Book first.
She needed to reach Floor 4 at minimum to shut down the dissenters.
"Half a year is more than enough."
But who was this girl?
Isoha, the climber who'd already cleared up to Floor 9.
Her current abilities were weaker than pre-regression, but her memories were intact.
"Then I'll head out first."
"Oh, already?"
Ravelin looked puzzled as Isoha stood.
They were at a high-end café—prices way beyond what average climbers could handle.
And Isoha was leaving after just one coffee.
"I'll cover the bill, so have a cake at least. Their cakes are amazing."
"W-Well, then... one cheesecake."
She'd blushed a bit and sat back down when Ravelin offered to pay.
She must've thought it'd be Dutch pay.
Still grinding Floor 1 for cash since she hadn't cleared Floor 2 yet—prices like these were a burden.
But selling just the stuff I'd given her would make her rich.
Bzzz.
"Keehehe. Long time no see."
This guy... didn't he show up more when I didn't ring the bell?
I eyed the goblin, who was bowing as usual.
He'd brought some serious intel the first time he came unannounced.
"I heard you hosted Olympus, Asgard, Eden, and Pandemonium constellations."
"Keehehehe. Sorry. Been busy lately."
How to put it... lighter, more carefree.
His aura felt stronger too. Outfit was still the black suit, but it screamed luxury now.
"All thanks to you, Constellation. My position got promoted serving you."
"Thank you."
That'd be disappointing.
"Keehehe. Of course not."
The goblin grinned wide, like he wouldn't let me down.
That smile wasn't exactly trustworthy... but he'd come prepared, so I was pleased.
"Keehehehe. Don't be shocked. I got intel on the Singularity this time!"
"C-Constellation?!"
Intel on the Singularity?
"Of course, keehehe. My promotion expanded my info access. Let me tap more sources, build broader networks."
"Yes. There's a group with prophets, seers of future and fate from various factions. Got lucky, made contact, snagged Singularity details."
Yeah, myths have gods of prophecy and fate.
If they're constellations, no issue sharing Isoha's info.
"Keehehe. Took serious effort. I'm the only one outside that group who knows."
Gulp.
How much did they spill on Isoha?
Enough to ID her specifically?
Nah, he'd be groveling harder if so.
"Here's what I got:"
1. This Singularity is time-related.
2. The Singularity is female.
3. Has precedent of dropping a star.
"That's it."
I'd been sweating it, but this was a relief.
No way this pins Isoha.
If it'd said human, Earth-born... tense. But 1) regression—just don't mention. 2) Plenty of female climbers. 3) Isoha's pre-regression feats, but vague.
"Exactly. But more intel coming soon—will narrow it down over time."
That's all for now, but updates incoming.
Can't relax yet.
"Yes, Constellation!"
Step. Step.
"... "
'Four today?'
Dark evening alley on Floor 1.
Isoha hardened her face at the presences from mana detection, halting briefly.
'Five yesterday—down one. Lucky.'
Mysterious stalkers tailing her lately.
She funneled mana into shadows, veering into a dim, foot-traffic-free alley.
'Four. Wait, one more joined—back to five.'
One must've ducked out briefly.
Creak.
Dead end now.
Isoha turned, back to the wall.
'Real blatant.'
Quiet tails on crowded paths, but empty alley? Weapons out, killing intent blatant.
"Who are you?"
Worth probing for info, but who'd answer?
She'd spotted them via mana sense; visually, perfect stealth—no shadows even.
Killing intent visible, yet positions hidden? Absurd.
"No answer? Guess I'll drag you out."
To expose hiders, need precise spots and quick takedown skills.
But one thing Isoha didn't know: all five were past Floor 4 climbers.
The fifth, latest joiner? Floor 6 challenger—elite.
Ripple.
For a normal Floor 2 climber, even fleeing impossible—dire straits.
But Isoha wasn't normal.
Thud.
Weapon from shadow, gripped.
Staff wrapped in chains—unique.
She unwound one chain, fed it into shadow with mana.
"First Shadow."
Gurgle.
Her shadow writhed.
Something snagged chain end.
Clank. She yanked hard.
"Black Lion."
"GRRAAAAH!"
Shadow birthed a massive lion cloaked in darkness, chain around neck.
"...!"
"...!"
"...!"
No words, but hidden assailants rattled by the beast.
No low-floor summon that size.
"Grrrrrr."
"Good boy."
At least Floor 5 monster tier.
Under a Floor 2 climber's chain, obeying.
'Gotta face that? '
Constellation was right to say kill her.
Fresh to Floor 2, already handling that.
Floors 3, 4, 5 ahead?
'Unimaginable power-up.'
Stop her here.
Preserve the system.
End the unknown-growth monster now.
And the next day.
Pandemonium's elite assassins, pinned defense-only by the lion, let Isoha slip away.