Chapter 156
Chapter 156
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 156
Chapter Title: Irritating Interest
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Did I just see that wrong?
Poise stared piercingly at Dre's arm, but it looked perfectly fine.
With a physique that could rival a superhero, could she really have misseen it?
It had definitely turned transparent.
"Ah, Gold. Repelt. Are either of you hurt anywhere?"
Dre had paused his question to check on Gold and Repelt's conditions.
Poise, watching from the side, felt her eyes light up.
He's got a soft spot after all.
The monster before her seemed surprisingly emotional for one.
Maybe I can use those two to my advantage...
Or that arm that seemed to turn transparent just now.
It was definitely some kind of anomaly.
If she mixed a few elements just right, maybe she could pull something off?
Poise shook her head inwardly at the thought.
'Don't get greedy for nothing.'
Greed was essential for survival and gain in this world, but excess led straight to ruin.
The man called Yeodre appeared like a kind, ordinary good guy on the surface, but Poise's instincts told her he wasn't that innocent.
No, more like...
'Dangerous.'
It felt like a beast masquerading as a human.
Especially touching his close associates—that was nonsense.
Ruin. Worse than that, her instincts, honed over a decade of near-death scrapes, warned her.
It wasn't just instinct, really.
Among her skills was Natural Order (S), which sometimes gave her near-prophetic intuition.
Whoever first crossed this guy's 'line' would be fools.
That transparent arm... well, even if Dre had something wrong with his body, he didn't seem like he'd drop dead right now.
And another red flag.
Poise's Skill Insight (S).
As the name implied, it let her see opponents' skills, but oddly, nothing stood out on Dre.
At best, only something like Resentment (?) was visible.
She'd checked its description and realized it had no real tie to his core power, which was why she could see it.
Poise reached a conclusion.
'Don't poke the bear and get fucked.'
More importantly, she needed to focus on his uniqueness.
'As expected of someone with top-tier info—he seems to lack bits of common knowledge.'
Dre did try to hide his lack of common sense to some degree, but he wasn't aggressive about it.
He hid it, but if caught, no big deal.
It might put him at a slight disadvantage, but not a fatal one.
'What bugs me about him: Does he have privileges? What info does he hold? What happened to Prostia after subduing her without killing? Relation to Hero Kaiz? Which main quest is he on? That's about it.'
Thinking it through step by step, Poise recalled what she needed to check first.
'Not which of the three main quests—whether he's doing a main quest at all, and what's the goal.'
Depending on the answer, Poise was fully prepared to bow her head or join hands.
Dre seemed to have things he wanted to ask her too, so perfect timing.
A nice info swap.
Poise grinned.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Why the fuck is that bitch grinning so creepily?
.....
No, can't. Lately, my swearing's spiked.
I need to have some class as a conscientious, sensible person.
[You were never classy to begin with]
Shut up.
[You just didn't have anyone to talk to, so no need to swear. You've always been like this.]
Fuck off.
Hoo.
I glanced at my arm, which had flickered transparent for a moment.
If the collapse rate hits 100%, do I just vanish?
I looked back at the damn woman in front of me.
I couldn't know my body's exact state, but she'd guessed something was off.
Right now, she saw me as a threat and was playing nice, but if she thought I weakened, she'd strike without mercy.
These types lived in a dog-eat-dog world where betrayal was natural.
No big deal.
If that happened, just kill them all.
I had the power for it.
So quit the games.
It's pissing me off.
[Kukuku...]
As expected, the transparency was Mangsin's doing.
I get wanting to watch the fun, but the brat's crossing lines.
Anyway. Need to squeeze max info out of these guys.
We're probably both thinking the same.
Time to seize initiative.
"Got a lot of questions? You attacked out of nowhere and tried framing me as a criminal via the king—why should I spill info nicely?"
At the king's mention, Gold twitched. His sour expression showed he realized Nicholas's weird attitude earlier was Poise's fault.
But he held back to hear it out. True magnanimity.
Meanwhile, the bug-mask guy and deer-mask next to Poise looked seriously pissed.
Arms crossed, fingers gripping tight, jaws clenched.
I let out a snicker.
"What."
"Huh?"
"Pisses you off?"
"W-what?"
Deer-mask stammered, caught off guard by the sudden provocation.
"If it bugs you, we part ways here or throw down."
"You little shit...!"
Poise pinned the rising deer-mask back down with her arm and smiled.
Damn, she moved fast.
"Sorry. My kids are a bit hot-blooded."
"Murderers, naturally."
My subtle jab made deer-mask bristle more.
But Poise tilted her head with a ?
"I am, but these guys aren't?"
"?"
"?"
What?
Conversation's not meshing.
Probably my lack of user common sense.
"You know, but to spell it out—Murderers aren't just those abandoned by their guardians. Dirty-quest types get lumped in too. I don't cross lines, but my quests make me called one anyway."
Excusing what?
Quest nature or not, this bitch ambushed a stranger today and now runs her mouth.
"So you're the villain type."
"Won't deny, but I keep basic morals."
"......"
"That doubtful look."
"Why trust masked faces?"
"Fair point."
With that, Poise removed deer-mask's mask.
The guy startled briefly, then composed himself.
Pretty trusted, huh.
What surprised me: Bug-mask looked a bit older than me, but the other two seemed pretty young.
"Don't let looks fool—top 100 rankers. Late intros: This is Gakru. That's Vik, and the pretty one's Caitlin."
"Yeodre."
My response got sour looks from the three.
I'd feel the same.
Come to fight, then sudden intros.
[Kid, your face is chill though.]
Yeah, me.
Cool as hell.
"Intros done. Business time?"
I stayed stone-faced, so Poise gave an awkward smile.
"Don't glare so much. I know we fucked up."
"Words aren't enough—show it."
My consistent curtness sharpened whatever-her-name's eyes.
Stared back, she looked away quick.
Soft-hearted kid.
Poise must've caught on by now.
I wasn't giving info this talk.
Next meet uncertain, but today, she'd get zilch.
Obviously.
She struck first for advantage, then tried ending on her terms.
Of course she'd eat shit for it.
If she twists it into a fight, I'd oblige.
Unclear how Poise would take it, but she seemed reasonable enough.
"Fine, my bad—so this time, yeah."
Poise shrugged.
Not totally shameless.
"Ask anything. If I know, full answer."
Oh?
Seems generous, but bait.
Gauge what I know and how much.
Give one-sided, but fish for gains.
Type that rises with something even if tripped.
Even if caught knowing jack about user norms, no real loss.
No penalty. Gods already hate me—what's scarier?
Ignoring her intent, I had a real question.
Heart Realm Declaration.
So, I didn't ask about it.
If she knew that's what I wanted, she'd leverage it, and I hated seeing that smugness even briefly.
Good.
No more bluffing.
She already clocked my common sense gap—straight ball better.
"Haven't been here long. Not much comes to mind."
"......"
Poise's face stiffened.
Why? She knew I was normless?
Actually, Poise was shocked for another reason.
"Not long? How long in Elryunar?"
"Gotta say?"
"Not really."
"Less than a year."
Precisely under three months.
My answer shocked her crew hard.
"And you're that strong... never mind."
Brief silence.
Already tense group, awkward quiet heavy.
Change topic. Survival stuff first.
Foes who could threaten me, worth learning from—like Almiraz-tier powerhouses.
"Heard this world overflows with insane powerhouses."
"True."
"Mess with one, disaster. Want to hear ahead to avoid."
"Avoid?"
Why question there, bitch?
"...Powerhouses abound on this big planet. Your benchmark—my level?"
"Yes."
"Around twenty, then."
"......"
Fuck.
Way more than thought?
Twenty-plus at Poise's level?
"That's culled. Sword Saint, Fist Saint, Bow Saint, Spear Saint... tons of masters, Archmage-class wizards, spell-slayer outliers—my tier's about that."
"......"
"Hart heir probably knows basics, but for weaknesses, hobbies? Mailed by tomorrow."
"Please."
My ready reply got a "Hoo?" from Poise, amused grin.
Digging personal dirt felt iffy, but given my body, max prep needed.
"Ah, twenty's humans only. Add monster freaks, few dozen more. Demon Realm? Won't say."
...Huh.
Head spinning.
"Of those powerhouses, how many Otherworlders?"
"Hm? Three, five tops."
"What?"
Twenty, dozens, hundreds—and just three to five?
"Didn't know?"
"?"
"Otherworlders are flea-blood compared to Elryunar forces."
Hearing it direct hit hard.
Thought privileges made us special, but nah—chum?
"Precisely, recently clawing out of flea-blood. Current top rankers are solid."
"Old rankers weak?"
"Records say yes. Once equal sans privilege blocks, but post-Pryunar, always down."
Poise pulled a cigar, stuck it in her mouth.
.....
.....
Light it when?
Doesn't seem to smoke—why bite it?
Bugs me.
"Records: Post-great war of old Elryunar vs. prior Otherworlders, we've been checked and persecuted. Now, not top-tier? Hated or ignored. Transcenders/Guardians like rankers differ."
"I see."
"Yeah. Tangent—real heavies have privilege disruption, passive-like, if not full freeze like Almiraz."
Poise's eyes flicked to Gold, away.
Gold disrupts privileges too?
"Anyway, condensed list soon."
"Thanks."
"Teaser?"
Just send the list later.
Acts kind to imprint 'good guy,' but talk's getting uncomfortable.
Natural loner—long chats drain me.
"Non-humans: Monster Kings you know. Deep main quest ties."
"......"
Main quest.
Forgotten shards Poise mentioned. Eight Monster Kings? Maybe not.
But one main quest guess: Swordmaster bro said.
'True Demon King'
Suddenly, Kaiz's Askatorop pops up.
Why blurt next target Monster King?
He knows main quests?
Nah, 80% sure.
"High-level info, but you scrapped Prostia—you'd know Monster Kings link deep to main quest."
Probing again.
Irritated glare—Poise flinched, shrugged.
"This chat's going nowhere. Busy body—mind if I guess your curios and spill? Side guys out first."
"Why?"
"Why? I'll spill one-way today, high-level stuff my subs don't know. Tell your crew later, your call. Just now, caution."
Gold snapped fierce.
"Trust you ambushers?"
"Hart heir. I surrendered already? No funny business now."
"Bullshit."
"Gold. Fine."
Our eyes met.
Gold nodded respect, backed off; Poise's goons hesitated, followed.
Confirmed away, Poise blurted.
"Heart Realm Declaration. Curious?"
"......"
Silence.
Bit surprised.
Guessing my wants seemed funny, but dead on.
No wonder rank 3.
Judged no gains from talk—shift relations positive?
I feigned calm.
Nah, genuinely serene inside.
Key info might stay hidden; seeming desperate hurts me.
Poise eyed my reaction, then chuckled.
"Nothing goes your way. You, man."
"So?"
"Yeah. First interesting in ages."
Her hunter eyeing tasty prey—annoying.
Glared; she waved 'oops.'
"I'll ramble my way. Heart Realm Declaration—not my exclusive."
"!"
Others use it too.
Maybe I can.
"Not anyone, either. Users vs. non—talent needed. Can't tell pre-training."
"I see."
Surprised again.
Wondered if I could—nailing my curios.
Not unique skill; aptitude-based—nice.
"Us users: Me direct/indirect, total three."
"...Three."
Rank 1-3, huh.
Indirect what?
Poise answered my doubt.
"No.2 Reina uses normal; No.1 Makia different."
Reina. Makia.
Memorize.
List tomorrow probably.
Names sound hot.
Reina evokes demure/sharp Japanese beauty.
"No.1 different how?"
"Can't herself, but indirect."
"...?"
"Means, uh. Can't say now."
Didn't ask why.
High-level, mouth-only.
Detailed fights maybe off tomorrow's list.
Just names/faces interest—fine.
I stared for next bit.
"Acquiring Heart Realm Declaration, training? Sorry—self-enlighten only. That's it."
My demanding look; she answered readily.
"Not withholding—ineffable verbally. Theory yes, actions self-learn."
Hence talent mention.
Realm naturally? Nah, most rankers lack—conditions?
"Users: three. Elryunar confirmed two, but seekers find more. World's full of power-hiding snakes."
Users vs. hermits easier hide—she smirked sly.
Power-hider?
Sudden kinship—if bait, Poise genius.
"Ah, guess: Unrevealed, but one more user can."
"One?"
"Main branch chairman."
"......"
Stiffened briefly, forced casual tone.
"What's that chairman's name?"
"Dunno. Just 'Chairman' nickname widespread."
"I see."
No lie vibe; nodded.
"Heart Realm Declaration powerful, but counters exist."
Proving no rematch intent, explained counters.
Then Poise rose.
"That's it for today."
Smooth push-pull.
Fierce/manly look, beauty face—dating pro?
"Thanks for your time."
"Glad you're a bit friendlier now."
Hard to deny.
"Your plans now?"
"Dunno? Watch situation awhile?"
Laid-back.
Main quest collab suggested urgency, but watching?
Maybe buy favor words.
"Forgot to ask: Why king and criminal frame?"
"Noble title huge merit. Check you, future ally—pop in as savior."
"Why now?"
"Huh?"
Asked turning Poise.
"Post-floating island chaos understandable, but why contact now?"
Then I was drained; her power could've reached easy.
Island powerhouses everywhere, but instructors/principal distracted—easy suppress like today.
"You're quite popular."
Random what.
"Wanted quick contact, but your backers aren't few. This contact's fast vs. others. Took losses."
Others?
No elaboration.
Poise offered note.
"Mood better? Contact here."
I took it.
"Later. Think collab. No loss."
“......”
Silent.
More talk reveals bottom.
"Yes. See you."
Common sense exposed, but gains aplenty.
I'd be outed clueless soon—no weakness.
Unlike users, no main quest interest, guardian ignores, with Elryunar folks.
"Oh right."
"?"
Poise, about to leave, grinned.
"Future relations service: Gold Sun Clan know?"
"Heard name."
"One of theirs lurking your circle."
"......"
"Unconfirmed rumor: Clan tied to your 'chairman.'"
My eyes chilled unwittingly.
"Also, your Resentment skill—you guess."
Naive think how'd she know.
Has skill-scanner skill.
"That? Later."
Dodges after seeming forthcoming—her specialty.
Paves next meet; merchant over general vibe.
"Sure."
Resentment guessable, no loss.
Expected freakout—bored look.
Poise mischievous smile.
"And."
Acts leaving, but lingers.
"?"
"Don't think I'm only interested. You're world's spotlight now."
No reaction.
Poise narrowed eyes gauging, then "See ya"—melted into ground.
Till end, probe-lover.
Felt noisy times ahead.
And exactly three days later.
"Slurp♡ Slurp♡ Schluuurp♡"
"Guh, guh...! Slurp..!"
Hard to say why, really.
But my dick was getting sucked.
By a married woman, no less.