Chapter 73
So, here’s another problem that just came up.
The item returned as the Sea God’s Treasure is actually a fake copied from the ‘real’ Sea God’s Treasure I have.
Then, how will the Sea People react to receiving a fake?
The answer is—hostile.
The door to the treasure vault opened, and countless soldiers marched inside.
“I thought you were benefactors, but I see now you’re just thieves.”
The princess glared at me with murderous eyes.
Her expression screamed, “I’ll rip out your spine and use it as a jump rope right now!”
It’s the first time we’re actually meeting and talking, but I doubt she’d believe me if I explained,
‘Actually, it’s Darami who imitated me and copied my items!’
To fix this situation, I’ll need to wrap it up in a convincing way.
What should I say? Oh, that sounds good.
“You’ve passed the test, Princess.”
“…Test?”
“Handing over the Sea God’s Treasure just like that wouldn’t make any sense. Don’t you agree?”
“…….”
I once saw a video like this on MewTube Shorts while bored during a convenience store shift.
Rule #1 of con artists:
A con artist must stay calm at all times.
The more flustered you are, the more likely you’ll mess things up.
“I expected you to pass this test, Princess.”
Rule #2 of con artists:
Say things that sound plausible.
You need to bombard them with confidence to prevent them from catching on to anything suspicious.
As I casually spoke, I pulled out the real Sea God’s Treasure from my inventory, and her eyes changed.
“Oh, so that’s what it was. You were teaching me that something stolen once could be stolen again. I had no idea there was such profound meaning behind your actions. I’m always indebted to you.”
“…Thank you for understanding, Princess.”
I hadn’t thought about it that deeply, but whatever—problem solved.
When I handed over the real Sea God’s Treasure and said, “Make sure it doesn’t get stolen again,” she looked genuinely moved.
While we’re at it, couldn’t she give me one more treasure?
“Then, I will guide you on your way out.”
“…Sure.”
Guess that’s a no.
【Mission Cleared!】
The reward will now be distributed.
【New record achieved on the 55th Floor!】
You’ve been registered in the Hall of Fame.
【Would you like to proceed to the next floor?】
Accept / Decline
“Decline.”
【You are now being transported outside the Tower.】
A bright light surrounded us, and we were transported to a hotel room.
Darami, who had been caught and subjected to a lecture from Nika, collapsed beside me, limp, and the orb she had been clutching rolled onto the floor.
So this is the item she went as far as to impersonate me to obtain?
“Let’s check what it is.”
【An Orb of Sealing on the Verge of Shattering.】
An orb sealing something inside, but its durability is so weak that it’s about to break. If it shatters, there might be a problem?
Shouldn’t this be handled very carefully?
Is it even okay for Darami to have this?
“Ugh… Where are we?”
“We’re back at the hotel.”
“Then the orb… Oh, there it is. Please take care of it.”
“So I’m the one holding onto it, huh?”
“Yes. It’s fragile and on the verge of breaking, so keep it safe.”
With that, Darami fainted.
But I have no intention of letting her off this easily.
If someone betrays you once, they can do it twice—or three times—without hesitation.
This is the perfect opportunity to teach her a proper lesson.
“Nika, give her an intensive three-day crash course.”
【Got it!】
Even though she’s clearly unconscious, it’s amusing to see her twitch.
By the way, the 56th to 58th floors are also part of the Sea God’s Territory—will they let me pass peacefully?
No way they’d bait me with another treasure, right?
…Maybe they would.
But that’s a problem for tomorrow’s me.
“Good luck, future me!”
With that, I threw myself onto the bed.
“Is Brother asleep?”
【Yes, he’s sleeping.】
Seeing Nika poking her head out from his embrace, I couldn’t help but feel envious.
I used to sleep hugged like that when I was younger, but not anymore.
“Shall we head back to our rooms, Sisters?”
“Alright.”
“Let’s do that.”
If it were up to me, I’d drag Darami, who’s collapsed over there, and give her a piece of my mind, but Nika can handle that.
Didn’t Brother say earlier?
He’s going to give her an intensive three-day crash course.
Just remembering the training from back then gives me chills all over my body, and now she’ll get it for three days straight? At least the mental education will be thorough.
Yaaawn. More than that, I’m tired too. I should go rest soon.
The moment I stepped out of the hotel room, I saw a child waiting at the door?
She was so cute and pretty that I wondered if she might be a child actress.
“Hi? Oh, maybe I should say hello?”
“Don’t speak English if you’re going to butcher the pronunciation like that.”
The little girl, who unleashed a scathing critique in fluent Korean, nearly caused me emotional damage.
“Gah… That’s too harsh.”
“It wasn’t that bad.”
“Even I thought it was great.”
If it weren’t for Lillian Big Sis and Heavenly Demon Big Sis patting me comfortingly from the side, I might’ve cried.
“So, who are you?”
“Let’s talk about that inside!”
Where on earth did she learn Korean? Her tone is incredibly arrogant.
Wait, could she be one of Brother’s fans? Even little kids are fans of his… I really need to stay vigilant.
“Brother is sleeping right now, so why don’t you talk with us?”
“Sleeping at this hour? Is that a lie?”
“It’s not a lie. How about we go grab a cup of cocoa, just you and big sis?”
“Who are you calling ‘Big Sis’?”
“There are sweet cookies too.”
“…Alright, let’s go.”
Only then did the girl lower her guard slightly. Holding her soft little hand, I led her back into the hotel room, prepared some cookies and cocoa for her, and watched her happily nibble away. She was adorable.
Maybe I’d prefer having a daughter in the future.
While watching the little girl eat for a while, she suddenly patted her tummy, seemingly full.
“So, what’s the name of our cute little one?”
“Ah, now that I think about it, I didn’t introduce myself. My name is Joy!”
“Joy…?”
I’ve heard that name somewhere before. Who was it?
…Oh, right. Wasn’t that the same name as the Hunter who contacted Brother wanting to meet him?
I’m pretty sure she’s the famous S-rank Hunter from the United States and a Summoner like Brother.
Then this girl is…?
Wait, Awakening is only possible after age 20, right?
“Hold on, could it be that your age is…?”
“Asking a lady’s age is rude!”
“S-sorry!”
Somehow, I got scolded.
What’s going on?
Anyway, this kid—she’s definitely an adult.
Then, could this be a new opponent…?
“Your eyes are different from before.”
“Mine are?”
“Very impressive. You must be a Hunter too. How about a spar as a friendly gesture?”
Looking at the girl grinning and suggesting it, she reminded me of my youngest sibling, so I couldn’t bring myself to say no.
“Well, even so, that’s a bit…”
I hesitated, worried about the possibility of someone getting hurt, but at that moment, the girl snapped her fingers, and a magic circle appeared on the floor, summoning a muscular figure.
He looked like a hero straight out of mythology.
“This is my Summon, ‘Hercules.’”
Wait, that’s literally a hero!
“How about a match?”
“Still, I don’t think…”
No matter what, I can’t fight.
Not even if she insists.
“What’s the Korean word for moments like this… Oh, right, coward?”
“…Fine, bring it on.”
When we entered the training grounds near the hotel, countless people turned to look at us.
No, to be precise, they were looking at Joy.
So she really is a famous Hunter from the United States.
Everyone seemed to recognize Joy, waving at her or shouting how cute she was. Isn’t that more like a fan idol situation?
Standing in the middle of the training ground, I drew the Holy Sword, and she looked at it with curious eyes.
“Oh, that’s a nice weapon.”
“Isn’t it?!”
“Though not quite as nice as my Summon.”
“…Bring it.”
The countdown began, and as soon as it hit zero, Hercules charged at me.
Pulling out a massive club from thin air, he swung it toward me.
I swung the Holy Sword, intending to cut through the club, but all I heard was a loud clang?!
On top of that, his strength was greater than mine.
If I hadn’t pulled the sword back and retreated, the sheer difference in strength would’ve sent me flying into the wall.
“Is that all you’ve got?”
That little brat… One day, I’ll set her behind on fire.
“Ready, Sword?”
“Please don’t pick up weird habits like that.”
“Got it, Sword!”
Using the Holy Sword’s power, I cast a buff on myself and swung it, sending a brilliant golden energy slash flying toward Hercules, but he blocked it with his bare body.
Is that even possible?
“This is a problem. If I unleash my full power, this entire area won’t survive.”
“Yeah, you’re right. Good job.”
As I retrieved the Holy Sword and raised my hands in surrender, Joy smirked.
It was frustrating, but there was nothing I could do.
At that moment, Heavenly Demon Big Sis appeared beside me.
“That was entertaining. Let me join in.”
“Oh, a new challenger? Always welcome!”
Seeing Joy smile, I quietly stepped back.
Now that Heavenly Demon Big Sis was involved, this training ground was finished.
“Lillian Big Sis, should we retreat?”
“That sounds like a good idea.”
—
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