The dark crimson tether pierced my leg. My white pants were instantly soaked red. I bit down hard to stifle a scream. The smell of blood, the tang of gunpowder, the beasts’ snarls—my mouth went bone-dry. All I could do now was thrash ineffectually. Even my wits offered no solution. ‘...I’ve steeled myself for this from the start.’ Ever since Chatterbox turned his sights on me. I’d prepared for the outcome of barely surviving only to be captured. I suspected a better outcome would be nearly impossible. So this wasn’t the absolute worst. At least Chatterbox couldn’t touch anyone else directly, and I’d still be alive. I’d escaped being overlaid by the King of Harmlessness. In that sense, I’d done all I could. Chatterbox, standing before me, swept his gaze around to the watchers outside and said, “Let us contract anew.” “Yes. As reward for your tenacity, Han Yujin, I will bind the Harmless King I create so he cannot harm those you cherish.” His voice softened, as though soothing me. The oppressive weight pressing on me lightened marginally. “So even now, surrender yourself.” His heel crushed the wound on my leg. I choked down an involuntary cry. A cold sweat trickled down my neck. “You have already felt the worst. You shall feel no further pain.” “This bastard... Ugh—” “Only Han Yujin disappears, leaving his shell behind. Those who watch you shall suffer less. No, I will ensure they do not see.” Beneath his tempting, clear tone, his heel pressed deeper, prying open the wound. My mouth tasted sickly sweet. My jaw ached from the force. In the midst of it, I half-wondered if I’d need a dentist afterward. “I would vanish. And yet...” “My current body, Han Yujin, would not survive as is. Only your life remains. But could you preserve your mind?” ...Anesthesia was impossible. Not when he was doing this. Chatterbox would never let me keep my sanity intact. “A Han Yujin overlaid by the Harmless King, broken, emptied—what great difference does it make? But the latter process is far more agonizing, both for you and for your people.” It would be hard to watch. If Chatterbox truly honored the contract, it might indeed be safer. “It would hurt. Even if it spares me, I don’t wish to inflict suffering.” “Only if you relinquish Han Yujin.” “But your example is flawed.” I looked Chatterbox straight in the eyes. My face must have been ashen, but I forced a smile. “It would be your overlay of Han Yujin—and the real ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) me fighting to the end. Why would I crumble? Some worthless imp with nothing left but overblown confidence. Were you watching another channel? You’re just—” Whatever he does to me, however he rages, “You’re but one trial I’ll overcome. It was rough, damned unpleasant—but just another story for me now.” The hopelessness was crushing. He was overwhelmingly powerful. But had I not faced such foes before? “You’ll become nothing to me. Forgotten entirely. You’re hardly significant. A sparrow that nests on a rooftop garden is more— Aah!” Even my intact leg was struck. Flesh was torn, blood sprayed. It felt as though bone had been impaled. I couldn’t hold back a scream this time. Bile rose in my throat. “Surprising. I thought those were your terms.” “I... I don’t... It’s true I don’t care for myself much. But you’re odiously persistent. And you know those I care for.” ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⟡𝕗𝗂𝗋𝖾⟡𝕟𝕖𝕥 They would worry. They would suffer. Still, hope is better than despair. I sneered at him. The Harmless King stroked a monster’s head as if uninterested in us. “And your terms are stingy. ‘I won’t attack you first~ so give up Han Yujin’? Hey! Do you know my price? At least five centuries of world peace!” Honestly. I’ve captured two Transcendents already—so what do I care what he knows? At least, “I will ensure your people live safely forever” would pique my interest. “You hosted a party, you’ve shown everything, and now you gouge conscience-free! I’m not cheap! Even half a year ago they said only the world’s number-one bounty could bid on me! And now I’m worth more!” Of course there’s only opportunity, not guaranteed purchase. Do I look like a bargain? Haepali, perched on the monster’s back, asked. ...It’s not for sale. Chatterbox simply regarded me silently. His silence was more terrifying—quiet madmen always are. “Begin by severing your leg.” The oppressive aura intensified, weighing on my shoulders. I gritted my teeth and confronted him, refusing to flinch. I could do this... though honestly I couldn’t. I’d broken many limbs, but never lost one entirely only to have something else grafted on. My breath came fast. I shouted I could withstand it, but fear gripped me. There had to be another way. “My inventory—you can’t interfere, right?” Chatterbox raised an eyebrow. None of the Transcendents I’d met could access my inventory. Chatterbox, now less than Transcendent, certainly couldn’t. “Do you want the Harmless King’s Drawer I showed you before?” Ruga Peya’s final memento. I’d thought to flee using its magic, but I’d likely lose it as soon as I pulled it out. I’d tried to keep my distance, but his tethers foiled that. At my words, the crimson tethers around Chatterbox stilled. He tilted his chin, urging me to continue. “If I lose my mind, I can’t use the inventory either. It’ll be lost forever.” “You claimed you would not shatter.” “You never know! And the drawer holds Ruga Peya’s keepsakes. Traces you’ll love!” Number 71, for instance. If Chatterbox became its new owner, 71 might transform into the Harmless King... or become Chatterbox’s likeness. “It’s small, but dear to me~ I often rested there.” Like a portable villa. Chatterbox’s eyes glinted with interest at Ruga Peya’s words. “It was not a mere storage.” “If you negotiate, I may transfer full ownership to you.” “A fitting place to display yourself?” ...I hate saying this. “Perfect. A meaningful location where the Harmless King himself once dwelled.” “State your demands. I cannot release you, of course.” I swallowed. Even for relics, I came first—he wouldn’t free me. Perhaps I could ask him to turn off the broadcast. To stop them from watching me. Once this negotiation ended, he’d sever my leg. Asking him to merely apply makeup instead of mutilation—he’d never agree. As I wracked my brain for the most favorable offer, a message window flickered. I barely moved my eyes and watched. I couldn’t decipher it, but I knew: ‘They’re attempting something outside.’ Chatterbox seemed oblivious. “...I cannot ask you to spare my body?” A rookie? Myeongwoo might be involved. I furrowed my brow. “C’mon. Can’t I at least keep the relics and be done?” Chatterbox only smiled, feeding my anxiety. “Do you know how hard I acquired them? ...Wait. I will ponder further.” “What are you planning?” The Harmless King clung to me like a second skin. Ruga Peya peered at the message window, as though she too could see it. Please don’t give us away. [The Fairy Dragon ▲□□■▽ to your side ▲□□□] ...What? Another fairy dragon? Perhaps Gyeol? Offering to send Gyeol here? ‘Gyeol’s F-Rank, so can he teleport space?' With Gyeol’s power, I’d gain S-Rank though at cost. Still weaker than Chatterbox. Signal... Close one eye, it seemed. That would teleport the fairy dragon. Ruga Peya asked mentally. I couldn’t answer without revealing us. “...How about a fair contest? If I win, you let me go and never touch me again. You drop to F-Rank too.” [Tell me! I won’t say! I swear on my name. Just project words into my consciousness. Easy. And I’m inside you now—I can read memories, you know!] “How about you use your head a bit more?” Voices clamored on both sides. I couldn’t fully trust Ruga Peya, but perhaps she’d help. “I’m about to be tortured—do you think my head’s clear?” [She’ll send the fairy dragon.] [Really? That’s amazing, not just simple teleport.] Her words gave me hope—and dread. If Myeongwoo or the newcomer or Hyuna overextends... If I fall into Chatterbox’s hands, they’d suffer too. Perhaps slipping away quietly imposes less burden. “How timid. With more loot than me, no doubt. Then S-Rank.” “You might beg with perhaps greater torment, offering the drawer.” So he’d torture to seize it rather than gamble. He wouldn’t let go easily. Even if I escaped, Chatterbox with that power would remain, threatening us indirectly. Chatterbox raised one arm. He checked his watch. ...I need to pick up the watch I ordered. I’d been told it’d arrive soon. “I grant you ten more minutes.” He said nothing further, scoundrel. My lips bit down. If I called Gyeol now, we’d just add another hostage. Should I pretend to hand over the drawer, then use it? ...He’d snatch it instantly. [You know, you once used Diarma’s power.] Ruga Peya suddenly said. “Want to try my ability?” “The power to devour memories.” [...Diarma’s power worked because it tied to my skill.] Ruga Peya’s power had no link to me. At most Fear Resistance might help. But Dragon Slayer was never my innate ability. “They can summon the Fairy Dragon.” Could it be? In my mind I heard Ruga Peya’s laughter. [Even F-Rank is fine! I was just a small fragment~] [My memories have already spread, you see.] I felt Ruga Peya’s power firsthand, nearly merging with it. With Gyeol’s help, I’d experienced enough to wield it. And memories—overflowing across the world. My memories, tied to the Harmless King. “Alright. Then spare me some pain. You won’t fully anesthetize me, but—” “To preserve your mind, yes?” “Your loved ones shall have hope. Though your body shall remain but fragments.” Chatterbox nodded. At the same time my leg healed. The pain vanished, and I slowly rose to speak again. “Grant me ten minutes’ mental preparation. Until then, do not touch me, my belongings, nor threaten me.” A contract appeared. I reviewed the terms and signed. Ten minutes remained. I closed one eye and looked at Chatterbox. “If the contract signer dies, you owe no payment?” The drawer was too precious to give away. Before Chatterbox could react— The space warped, and the Fairy Dragon appeared.