episode_0005

When I used exploration magic to look around, it was as if an intricate spider’s web had been spun around me, with assassins meticulously positioned in every nook and cranny. I couldn’t help but wonder what I could have possibly done to drive so many people to such lengths just to kill this one girl.

I managed to find a spot with slightly fewer footfalls and, after setting up a barrier around the area, I let out a sigh.

“Thank goodness I can use this level of magic.”

No matter how much the amount of mana and the constraints on magic changed when crossing into another world, the foundation itself was based on the standard of being a grand sorcerer, so I could pretty much do anything. For example, even if I could only use 1% of my assets, if my capital were 10 billion, I could still use a whopping 100 million. My situation could be seen in a similar light.

However, the problem arises when facing a real powerhouse. Right now, top-tier magics are completely unusable, and even the warp function is non-responsive. With no proper forces or weaponry, I would quickly become a corpse if surrounded.

Even if I could kill 100 people, it would be meaningless if I were to fall to the 101st enemy’s blade. It was crucial to have clear information about the enemy’s influence, their level of training, approximate combat capabilities, and the reasons for their attack.

Therefore, I strained to use mana without letting any sound escape to the outside, creating a secure space that could even conceal my presence.

“I won’t be able to maintain this for long.”

In a situation that could turn into a prolonged battle, wasting mana unnecessarily needed to be minimized. However, this was necessary.

For now, I took out an elixir I had brought and handed it to her.

“Quickly, take this. It’s an elixir. In case you’re suspicious, once you consume it, all your wounds will heal. It’s like a panacea. Since you can tell if I’m lying, you won’t doubt it, right?”

killer carefully observed my lips, then nodded and began to gulp down the elixir. Soon after, her wounds vanished like melting snow, and her pallid complexion brightened.

“This is unbelievable…”

Like a hunter discovering fire for the first time, she widened her eyes and gingerly touched her body all over. Looking at her completely healed torn limbs and blurry vision, I asked, “I know elixirs exist in this novel, but have you never used one before?”

“Well, I have, but… it’s too expensive, and it’s a symbol of power for the privileged. People like me, even if we have money, can’t afford to even look at it.”

“Why are you suddenly using honorifics? It’s unlike you.”

As if anticipating my question, killer replied, “Because I owe you. If it weren’t for you, I would be dead.”

The advantages of civilization are so convenient. With just a single potion, it can even alter a person’s character. Astonishment faded quickly. I looked at her and asked, “I’m about to ask some questions. May I speak freely?”

At this point, even if I were to be blatantly informal, she probably wouldn’t mind, but an intellectual wouldn’t engage in such rude behavior.

“You can say whatever you want.”

With killer’s permission, our dynamic shifted instantly. I corrected my foolish tone and began to speak seriously. From now on, it was a crucial matter that could determine both of our fates.

“Why do your enemies want to kill you?”

Killer hesitated.

“I’m not particularly curious about your personal history, but this information is tens of times more important than the enemy’s forces. If we know why they’re attacking, we might find a way to stop the attacks.”

There would be no better outcome than being able to send the opponent away without engaging in combat. However, what followed was the despairing response from the forlorn girl.

“I will never give up and go back to them… I killed the illegitimate son of the leader of a notorious band of raiders, and they are after me for revenge.”

A sigh escaped naturally. There was no point in asking why I killed him; such a stupid question wouldn’t help my survival. If they were persuadable by arguments, they wouldn’t have formed a band of raiders. So, the reason is meaningless.

“Darn it… the situation isn’t good.”

This place is currently a setting for the novel ‘The Cruel City Where Blood Flows.’ The number of members in the raider group varies, but generally, it’s at least in the tens. And as the group’s influence grows, so does their numbers. In this messed-up world, those who steal or plunder are incredibly powerful.

I’ve heard that even those in the upper echelons are highly trained.

“The exact number of enemies?”

“I’m not exactly sure. But at least 30 or more… I doubt it’s over 50.”

If there are small, medium, and large factions within the raider groups, those with fewer than 50 members fall into the ‘medium’ category. We may have avoided the worst, but it doesn’t mean they’re easy opponents.

“What kind of weapons are they armed with? Do they have any mages?”

“They mostly use weapons like mine. There are no mages. People with advanced skills like mages have many ways to make money without joining raider groups.”

The enemy’s numbers were daunting, but the absence of long-range support mages was somewhat of a relief. Nevertheless, the situation remained unfavorable.

“No matter how I think about it, this just doesn’t add up.”

Bluntly put, the enemy came to capture the killer next to me, and she even provided the reason. It felt incredibly unfair to be in a situation where I might have to risk my life crossing into another world just to kill those damn bastards, with nothing left for me in return. It was an unfair situation with only risks and no rewards.

As I remained silent for a moment, she seemed to sense my unease and spoke hesitantly.

“Since I’ve recovered, if you help me, there’s a good chance we can win.”

Her eyes, which had seemed lifeless just a moment ago, began to regain their sparkle. No matter how tough she tried to act, she was still human. Wasn’t it evident from the posts she made under the name “killer” on the forums? She was someone who, while being chased by assassins, sang songs about wanting to keep on living on the message boards.

Perhaps leaving hundreds of posts and comments every day was her way of leaving a testament on the internet? After all, the posts left on the extinction board would never disappear and would remain in the database forever.

“There is a possibility of winning. I am much stronger than you think.”

Even if one were surrounded in a state of severe injury and starvation, it might be reasonable to give up. But now, with allies and a fully healed body, the desire to live again would surely emerge.

“I might be able to win. But I have to put my life on the line. You know that, don’t you? They’ll target me as soon as they see my movements.”

Unless they were fools, it was natural for the enemy to target the magician first in a battle. Moreover, in such a confined space, the use of fire magic was restricted, and the use of other area-of-effect spells had to be done carefully. After all, I could end up being caught in my own spell.

While I was heavily constrained, it was clear that the opponents would target me entirely. It was difficult to find a reason to risk my life for something that offered no gain. It might seem too materialistic, but isn’t that how people are? I felt the desire to proceed safely.

That’s why you subtly mentioned,

“If I play my cards right, I might be able to hold out here alone for about 24 hours.”

At this point, having successfully escaped once, I had the option to stay here rather than engage in combat with the enemy. If I used concealment magic, I might be able to hold out alone for about 24 hours. If the opponent had even one magician, they would likely detect me, but I just confirmed that there were no magicians present.

I cautiously began gathering mana from my body. If the girl in front of me were to thrust a knife or threaten me, it was to kill her straight away. It may seem cruel, but that’s reality. There are no absurd events like saving someone just because they look pretty, as in movies, without any cost. Even in the novel I possessed, when pushed to a corner, there were many who would rather both die, and I killed them all. That’s who I am. Even if she is a woman, even if she is labeled as beautiful, it won’t change my actions.

“I understand.”

However, contrary to my concerns, she began to free herself from my scattered magic.

“…”

“I already knew. Your appearance itself was a miracle. There’s nothing as foolish as hoping for fate or luck in this filthy world. Seems like I’ve become quite weak. Trying to rely on others just because they showed a glimmer of hope. That’s not like me… Sorry for rambling. I’ll handle this on my own. Even if I’m captured and killed, I won’t reveal your existence or location to the enemy.”

As she escaped, I still didn’t dispel my doubts. After all, there could be an option to evoke sympathy and launch a surprise attack.

But she cleanly slipped out of the concealment area I had set up. At that moment, I felt pitiful for being so intensely vigilant.

“Sigh…”

An indescribable emptiness is felt. But this is for the best.

Soon, a battle will unfold, and either she will die, or those assassins will die. Either way, I won’t be in danger. If I had thought of doing something futile, what I just did is far more rational, considering I was in a completely close-up state.

Relieved, I recalled the interface. Convenient functionality indeed. Being able to access it anytime, anywhere.

Suddenly, while browsing through the posts, one catches my eye.

Username: killer

Just posted a message.

killer – I received the gift I wanted from the administrator.

Winner of the event and received the item, but unfortunately, I probably won’t be able to confirm it because the situation is very dangerous right now. I might even die. But really, thank you, administrator. And thank you to everyone who has listened to my story so far.

Killer wrote a post that was almost like a will, but the comments were as unresponsive as always.

ㅇㅇ – Alphano lol

ㅇㅇ – Ignore the attention seeker

ㅇㅇ – What’s the point without verification?

ㅇㅇ – Turns out this guy is either an alternate account of the admin or a friend, right? Posting a farewell message right after winning the event?

ㅇㅇ – This is impersonation.

ㅇㅇ – Get lost. Your fake concept was terrible anyway.

ㅇㅇ – Rest in peace in action beam.

ㅇㅇ – Posting hundreds of times a day, and suddenly your life is in danger? Bullshit.

Love peace – Is Killer in a dangerous situation? I’ll help you.

Life is a comedy from afar, but a tragedy up close, wasn’t that what they said?

Before a girl’s life drew to a close, she posted her will, and the result was just a few cold comments. Yeah. Perhaps countless people have died like this. Maybe there are many who, unlike her, couldn’t even leave a will and lost their lives trapped in a stupid novel. Compared to them, her position of being able to bid farewell might have been better.

I tried to convince myself that it had nothing to do with me.

But seeing her in a position where she couldn’t find solace even among fellow members of the extinguished forum, I suddenly felt disgusted.

Come to think of it, if she were to die like this, wouldn’t she be unable to post the verification that she received the item properly? In that case, people would label me as a fraud in the next event. The great administrator being a fraud. Even though it seems unlikely, it doesn’t seem too unlikely, does it?

So, this caprice was purely for my sake.

[Dispel Concealment Magic.]