Chapter 113
Chapter 113
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 113
Chapter Title: Battle for the Floating Island
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Blurt had fully grasped the current situation.
He understood Yaplno's predicament and his intentions.
Even so, Blurt didn't see him as pathetic.
Instead, he pitied himself for being so oblivious to Yaplno's impatience, despite being on the verge of becoming the chief professor.
"You Outsiders... I'll teach you your place."
Blurt's eyes.
They had always been sharp and stern, but the moment one met them now, the truth was undeniable.
The everyday Blurt was merely meticulous about his duties and dignity—otherwise, endlessly kind.
He, who had seemed like an ordinary old man when still, now radiated the overwhelming aura of destruction incarnate.
'I need to hurry and support Instructor Yaplno.'
For a brief moment, he ground his teeth, vowing to make the intruders pay dearly for assaulting the Floating Island.
Then Blurt glanced at the transmitter he'd received from that Outsider clan.
He'd planned to send a magic device since ordinary transmitters couldn't withstand mana, but this one was operating flawlessly, displaying conditions in each sector without issue.
It was thanks to this that he'd learned of Yaplno's situation in the first place.
Blurt had laughed, saying that with a wide field of view, subduing them would be only a matter of time—but his face hardened in an instant.
"...What?!"
It wasn't just Yaplno's sector under attack.
Murderers were rampaging through countless sectors.
'There were definitely only ten intruders...'
Even a rough count put them near a hundred now.
A storm of thoughts swirled in Blurt's mind.
How many Murderers were there...?
Had the special privilege seals been broken in every other sector too?
If so... this wasn't merely an assault.
It was an invasion.
"Gulp."
Swallowing hard, Blurt sent communications to his colleagues about the Murderer numbers, the current state of the Floating Island, and more.
But for some reason...
Communications wouldn't connect to two instructors—and the headmaster.
"...No way."
Blurt's jaw dropped.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "It turned out just like the director said!! Wow! There really are that many Murderers?!"
Shin Jinpae had mentioned uncertain intel that 120 Murderers had accepted the Floating Island invasion quest, and everyone had been skeptical at the time—but now, seeing the situation, they had no choice but to believe it.
"Where on earth did you get that information?"
"The president's intel network is beyond imagination. We're benefiting from it again this time. The Straight Clan members will be able to enjoy those perks to the fullest from now on too."
Yun Hye-mi's mouth stretched from ear to ear.
The image of him as that unlucky jerk had faded long ago.
Now he just seemed strict about work—otherwise, kind and affable, right?
"Thank you."
"No problem. That said, the screens are all over the place. Fixing that would be tough... Hmm..."
"Oh. Since multiple cameras are linked, if you want to focus on one screen, just switch to the desired channel like this..."
Yun Hye-mi maneuvered what looked like a mouse to change channels.
"Which sector should we check?"
"The Archmage's Repose can wait—something might happen later. Let's find Prynar Academy instructors first. Iguel or other top-tier powerhouses."
"Yes, sir!"
Yun Hye-mi immediately followed Shin Jinpae's instructions and began searching for the instructors.
Shin Jinpae turned his gaze from her to the bustling chat window.
💬 Community Chat — Anonymous [Murderer bastards gone crazy? Why go there?] — Breaking News [Breaking: Special privileges usable on Floating Island right now?] — Troll [Fishing bait, gtfo.] — Insider [What fishing? This is hard-earned intel, fuck.] — Lurker [Doesn't that mean Floating Island is fucked? lololol] — Skeptic [Might actually fall today?] — Gossip [But didn't those Murderers just get outclassed by Almiras with 100 men? They don't have many members, yet they're all-in there? What's the draw?] — Rumor [Gold Sun collective has a shitton of numbers, right? They there too?] — Cynic [Nah, only a few of them. Honestly, those king of shitheads gonna go? They ignore fellow Murderers too lololol] Glancing coldly at the community chatter, Shin Jinpae stealthily approached a certain man while the other busy staff weren't looking.
The transmitter's creator, Yun Seok-il.
"Working hard, I see."
"Gotta work hard to earn the paycheck, right?"
His smiling face carried a hint of curtness.
Shin Jinpae gave a wry smile.
"My attitude must have rubbed you the wrong way."
"Uh, no, that's not..."
Not expecting such directness, Yun Seok-il flustered as Shin Jinpae bowed slightly.
"Sorry. Old habits die hard. I don't get it myself, but people say I come off arrogant. I'm trying to be more approachable now, so please think kindly of me, haha."
Shin Jinpae seemed utterly sincere.
At least, his explanatory demeanor earlier rang true in his efforts to be friendly.
Yun Seok-il suddenly grew curious.
A man of overwhelming talent and looks.
How had someone seemingly devoid of sympathy for the weak developed this mindset?
"You don't strike me as the type... That suspicious look says you doubt if it's all lies."
"Hahaha. As if."
Playfully responding to the jest, Yun Seok-il voiced his question.
"Even if the intel was uncertain, why not just warn Floating Island directly about the Murderer invasion? Was there some circumstance...?"
As Seok-il trailed off, Shin Jinpae flashed perfectly aligned teeth in a grin.
"Curious? Come to our HQ, and I'll tell you right away."
A scout.
At the subtle offer, Yun Seok-il fell silent.
"We always prioritize exceptional talent. Of course, we're not asking you to cut ties with Straight Clan. It's just... you'd be climbing to a higher position, Mr. Yun Seok-il."
"...I'll think about it."
"Haha. I made you uncomfortable again. It's merely a possibility. The door's always open—consider it."
Shin Jinpae turned back to the screens.
"Don't worry. Seok-il, you'll handle only morally upright tasks, and you'll collaborate properly with Straight Clan. I never bully, belittle, or toy with the weak. Not like them, at least."
"Hm..."
His words carried an uncanny ring of truth.
Why? Some tale of past weakness, perhaps?
Noticing Seok-il's thoughts, Shin Jinpae wryly smiled.
"I got badly burned by some guy."
"You, Jinpae? Here in Elryunar?"
"No. Before coming to this world... Well, even now, thinking I'm strong enough, I still don't want to see his face. Honestly... that bastard..."
Shin Jinpae shuddered visibly, shocking Yun Seok-il.
At that moment, the community shifted.
— System [Adel has joined the free chatroom.] — Fan [Oh?! Adel's here!] ⭐ Top Comment — Hype [Ranker alert!!] — Panic [Wtf?! Demon King!! Demon King showed up?! Double Hell Jade!!] — Shock [Insane. It actually popped up??] Adel.
The ranker's appearance.
'Finally, they're biting.'
Top-tier users were taking interest.
Shin Jinpae grinned.
Come on, Murderers—keep acting up.
For our HQ.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Before the Murderer invasion.
The Floating Island landmark, the Archmage's Repose, bustled with crowds from all over.
First-time visitors thought:
'Not all that impressive compared to the hype...'
A bit later, their opinion shifted:
'Cozy, though.'
And after more time:
'The Archmage must've frequented this place to unwind from daily fatigue.'
Unbelievable for a tavern, the Archmage's Repose was quiet and snug.
Patrons chattered nonstop, but expertly cast Silence spells kept sound from crossing tables or the bar.
Lighting divided into dim and bright zones for various uses, so groups picked accordingly.
Food and drinks easily passed muster—delicious, in fact.
Given the Archmage who'd tasted every delicacy came often, it was no surprise.
Solo or group visitors alike could relax leisurely or boisterously in comfort here.
Among them, one odd group stood out.
Neither quiet nor lively—just awkward.
Mayal and her fellow students from Prynar Academy.
"Wow! This is seriously good! Right, Raite?"
"Yeah."
"Ah, haha... Clarit. There's a dish here only for couples? Perfect, since you came with your couple—wanna see?"
"No."
"A, ahaha..."
Mayal forced an awkward laugh at Hamart's crestfallen face.
She sneakily glanced at the others.
The burly Lalz, disheveled-haired usually but neatly groomed today for some reason; the swordswoman Dia, taciturn by nature, silently nursing her drink.
Raite chatted amiably if not loudly with Lor and her followers beside him, deep in thought.
The petite, seductive Insus—who usually led the vibe—and the haughty yet alluring Plaan merely smirked in amusement, observing.
Amid it, Dre's squire Lena stood politely aside, easily mistaken for their servant.
Seeing her, El's squire Remi straightened unnecessarily, fidgeting as her legs ached.
Repelt, who at least seemed friendly, had dashed off after some message...
Asita had come but sulked in her seat.
Appearing from thin air, startling everyone, asking for Dre, then pouting upon hearing he'd come later—Asita's boyfriend, who should soothe her, merely side-eyed nearby girls with a sleazy grin.
That left...
"Uh... um, El! Tell us an adventure story!"
"Er..."
El gave an embarrassed smile.
After over half a year eloping in love, she was near-legendary among students.
A noble lady and wandering knight's romance—straight out of a novel.
Her handsome knight beau Flat cowered among the group, head bowed.
Even trusted El's wry smile made Mayal pout.
'D, Dre~! Hurry up~!'
Crying inwardly, Mayal tried livening things.
Truth be told, just Clarit, Raite, and El not at each other's throats was a miracle.
'Ugh... Hope El and Clarit reconcile this time...! And Raite too, if possible!'
Tearing up as she awaited El's reply, Asita's boyfriend—Medeus—approached.
"Haha. Mayal, thirsty? Want a drink?"
"N-no..."
Mayal liked handsome guys, but this one creeped her out.
Handsome, sure, but hitting on her right by his girlfriend? No appeal. Plus, his sleaziness repulsed her.
Kaitz was cool and good... but kinda cold.
...Dre was.
'Hmm... Fix those eyes and dress up, he'd be handsome...?'
Compared to worse, Dre was blessed.
Mayal imagined a dolled-up Dre and smiled, thinking it might work.
Misreading her smile, perhaps...
"You there, squire. Fetch drinks."
Medeus pushed harder, thinking he'd read the mood.
Honestly, the women here were top-tier in his eyes.
He'd eyed them before, but Mayal's body was the male ideal.
Her declining house made her perfect for a one-night stand.
Mayal's demeanor chilled instantly, her scant fondness plummeting.
His sticky gaze disgusted her, but ordering Lena around?
"Wait, she's Instructor Dre's squire. We're not in a position to order her..."
"What? Still just an Outsider's squire. No biggie. Don't worry."
Arrogant words.
A brief silence. Then.
"......Is that for real?"
Mayal's voice, usually friendly to all, dropped chillingly low—even Medeus flinched.
"Uh, I, May..."
"Medeus."
"Y-yeah?"
El's voice this time.
She exuded glacial coldness.
"Er... Wasn't that icy vibe Clarit's exclusive?"
He joked to defuse, but El wouldn't bite.
"Know your place."
"...What?"
"What? You just say 'what'? You? Some Plain Boy who succeeded peddling couple crap and adult toys, to our Graize?"
"......"
His sudden anger fizzled; fear crept into Medeus's heart.
His house rivaled the Ten Great Families in influence, but actually fighting them? Insanity.
Their tradition and power weren't easily mimicked, and unlike region-locked Plain Boy, Graize wielded absolute sway across kingdoms and abroad...
The cold reactions didn't stop.
The original ice queen stepped up.
"Instructor Dre may be mild-mannered, but what if he learns you mistreated his squire?"
"Huh? Clarit?"
"Who said you could call me that? I don't recall getting chummy."
"But we've seen each other loads with Asita..."
He couldn't finish.
Clarit's glare was too fierce.
"Academy decided on Dre's final enrollment, but recommendation letters came from Blizja, Graize, and Hart. Disrespecting him disrespects us... Surely not your intent, or do you have a grudge and provoke on purpose?"
"N-no way! Yeah! No!"
Cold sweat poured down Medeus's flailing cheeks.
"Even without... well, Gold or I using artifacts, we couldn't beat him. Your house confident handling his wrath?"
"Also, Dre bows to no power. Faced Adventurer's Guild and an earldom head-on when he had nothing."
El brightened, reminiscing.
"Truly amazing. Helped us without reward, got strong in a flash..."
"Bit romanticized, but yeah, impressive. Unnecessarily benevolent."
How'd Outsider Dre earn favor from three Ten Great Families?
A hot topic among students—but irrelevant now.
The school's three queens.
Ice Queen Clarit, of mad cold and poise.
Light Queen El, whom none dared face.
They'd praised one alone before, never together—yet rivals now jointly lauded Dre.
Last, the most beloved Harmony Queen Raite...
Her eyes widened.
Had El and Clarit ever chatted so amiably?
They even backed each other.
Mayal beamed at the sight.
"Then what? Personality's shit, though."
The sudden voice came unexpectedly—from Rius beside Lalz.
Medeus eyed him like a savior; women's icy glares pierced Rius.
He shrugged it off utterly; Lalz choked on his drink nearby.
"What're you on? And who even are you?"
"Same class, harsh much."
El's snap met Rius's nonchalance—practically a superpower.
"That time at the old school building, acted like a total dick..."
"That was his concept!"
Mayal cut in, hurriedly adding.
She hoped it'd come from Dre, but hated him taking flak...
"Concept...?"
Asita muttered.
"Con-cept?"
Rius furrowed brows; Mayal nodded vigorously.
"Helps him focus on work—does it on purpose!"
"Then... who was that girl?"
Asita asked unwittingly, hand to mouth in shock.
Mayal tilted her head at Asita.
"That girl...?"
"You know~ Red hair, super noble, made even us aristos shrink."
Insus's cutesy tone.
Now Mayal wondered too.
...Real girlfriend?
"Oh my. Another new girl? Impressive stamina, new instructor."
Plaan giggled behind her fan.
El and Asita glared; Plaan met them leisurely.
"Dre's not like other skirt-chasers! Right, Flat?"
Rare sight: El seeking her lover's agreement.
His response surprised.
"...Lord Dre forgave my cowardly acts repeatedly. Honestly, no such benevolent soul among those I've seen."
"Right! Totally!"
Odd for one's partner to praise another endlessly. Medeus inwardly tsked at Flat's spinelessness.
Hearing Flat, Remi rubbed her belly, dying to speak—but zipped it.
Only Lena fidgeted fingers over her belly, ahem-ing proudly.
Mayal caught it quick, grinning brightly.
"Lena! How'd you meet Dre?"
"Uh... well..."
Hesitant but pressed by expectant stares, Lena reluctantly explained.
Outsider Dre's initial false accusation, their small kindness, Serton Earl's atrocities, and the end.
"Waaah..."
Mayal sniffled, hugging Lena tight.
Raite murmured of Serton's downfall context.
"Must've been tough!"
"Yeah. Especially Dre."
El nodded.
Asita tossed casually.
"Didn't El and Clarit bully Dre at first...?"
"Wha—?! Th-that's..."
"Not bullying—just awkward strangers. Still not close."
El flustered; Clarit drew cold lines. Hamart secretly thrilled.
"In my eyes."
Raite's soft, languid tone carried queenly dignity—over lords, and their lords.
"He didn't seem that great."
"......"
Clarit stared silently; El spoke.
"Whatever. Think what you want, but Dre's not like that."
"......You never know people's true faces."
Raite's voice soured bitterly.
Her gentle lover had... that behind her back. That...
Even known ones deceive.
How trust a stranger on words alone?
El scoffed at Raite's squeezed eyes.
"Figure it out yourself. But don't think nonsense."
"Nonsense like what?"
Graize's intel was mighty.
Had she sniffed her deeds...? Tense, Raite saw El shrug.
"Dunno? Gut feeling. Told Dre you're not that type, anyway."
"......"
Raite looked surprised.
El ignored, resuming Dre tales.
Mayal smiled at the warming mood.
Only Rius and Medeus sulked.
Raite quieted briefly, then sighed.
"...Lor."
"Yes, Lady Raite."
"Cancel the plans."
"P-pardon?"
The plans.
Smears prepped for Outsider Dre.
Lor eyed for confirmation; Raite nodded silently.
"...Yes!"
No outward sign, but Lor—repulsed by her noble lady's schemes—smiled, secretly messaging via comms.
Raite sighed, sinking into the sofa.
'Was I insane...? Why'd I do that.'
She'd vowed soft yet firm rule, unlike other nobles.
Step back from group center now? She pondered seriously.
'...Should talk to him.'
Not sulky her, but true proud Raies Flore—meet Outsider Dre once more.
Something would change.
Anything.
As Dre praise continued, Rius shook his drink, grumbling with an inscrutable face.
"So when's the man himself coming? Where'd he go?"
"Said meeting hero Kaitz. Be here soon~"
Rius tilted at Insus.
"How you know?"
"Oh? Don't know me? It's me~ Noble..."
"Noble my ass. Tch. Heroes, new instructors—unassigned misfits flock together. Great job."
El glared sourly at petulant Rius; Plaan smirked at him.
"Aha~ You. Wondered why so dolled up..."
Classmates eyed Rius anew.
Indeed, his usual mess gelled neatly—clear effort.
Rius shrugged indifferently.
"Dolled up how?"
"To impress Instructor Dre, right?"
"What?! Fuck no...!"
Rius shot up indignantly; Plaan just giggled.
"Shut it, vertical roll!"
Rius chugged his drink awkwardly.
Then, the silent swordswoman Dia, ignoring the fuss, eyed the entrance.
"Someone's coming."
"Huh?"
"Strong."
"Strong?!" Mayal beamed.
Perfect "speak of dragon, it appears" moment!
Ideal timing!
"Must be Instructor Dre!"
The star arriving at last?
Might not be, but excitement swelled.
All eyes on the door... it opened, someone entered.
A hooded man.
"Well, damn. Nice interior."
Four robed figures followed.
They reeked of ominous peril.
Some in the group ignored.
But Insus. Dia. Rius. Plaan. Clarit.
They tensed instinctively.
All radiated repulsive, dark auras.
The leader especially dangerous.
Like a starving beast or demon before them.
The hooded man scanned the room, arms wide.
"Ladies and gentlemen!!"
All eyes on him, he continued.
"Greetings! As for me... Hey. Merchant? Rude punk?"
A patron, mistaking him for a peddler, turned away—he pointed, and
BAM!
The target and neighbor crumpled bloodied.
Stunned silence. Then screams.
"Kyaaah!"
"What the—!"
"Kya! Nothing beats tavern screams!"
The hooded man grinned wickedly.
"Let me explain again! As for me: Outsider, Murderer, top-rank 'Transcendent of Another World,' alias Dark Oll—"
As all stared sweatily, he declared.
"It's Veil. Nice to meet ya, you shitty fuckers."