Chapter 16 – The Puppet's Strings
Inside the bandits' hideout, the sound of fists echoed.
Punch!
"You're weak! No wonder your father left you!" the instructor barked.
Veril, already on the ground, glared up. His voice shook with anger.
"You don't know anything! You're just a greedy monkey!"
The instructor's face twisted in rage. "What did you say!?" He unsheathed his sword, ready to strike—
But heavy footsteps rushed closer. A voice cried out, trembling yet desperate.
"STOP! Don't hurt my brother!"
Marel ran forward, hugging Veril tightly.
"Marel! Don't come near—!" Veril's words caught in his throat. His eyes widened as the instructor raised his blade, preparing to strike Marel's back.
The instructor sneered. "Should I kill this distraction for you?"
"DON'T YOU DARE!" Veril roared.
In that moment, a surge of powerful mana leaked from Veril's body. The instructor froze, stunned.
"Fascinating…"
He steadied his sword, still intending to strike. But before the blade could fall, a hand caught its tip from behind.
"What the—?" the instructor's breath hitched. A suffocating wave of mana pressed on his back. His knees buckled, and he dropped the sword.
"Boss!!" he kneeled.
From the shadows, the Bandit Boss appeared, smiling as he clapped. "That was a good performance."
The instructor trembled. "S-sorry, Boss, this kid—"
"Enough," the boss cut him off with a laugh. "It was fun to watch that little drama. Don't worry about it."
The instructor lowered his head, still kneeling. "B-but… why did you come here, Boss?"
"I sensed a powerful mana. That's why," the boss replied smoothly.
The instructor pointed at Veril. "That kid—he's the source of it—"
"Shhh." The boss hushed him, smiling coldly. "Keep your mouth shut, or you'll regret it."
The instructor swallowed hard and bowed.
The boss turned to the siblings. "You two can take a break for now."
Veril glared at the boss, then carried Marel away. "Let's go, Marel."
As they ran out, the boss spread his arms wide, laughing loudly.
"My greatest masterpiece is almost complete!"
Behind him, the instructor remained kneeling, trembling in silence.
---
Inside another chamber of the hideout, Veril grabbed Marel's arms, scolding her angrily.
"I told you not to come to the training grounds!"
Marel's eyes brimmed with tears. "B-but, brother, you almost—"
"Don't do it again!" Veril snapped.
Marel burst into tears. Veril sighed, lifting her onto his back.
"Don't cry, Marel… We'll be safe. I promise."
"B-but, brother…"
He glanced back and smiled gently. "Didn't you say you wanted to be a celebrity? The strongest one? So don't cry now."
Marel sniffled, wiping her eyes. Her voice turned cheerful. "Yes, brother! I'll become the strongest celebrity!"
"That's my Marel," Veril said with a smile.
Meanwhile, deep in the forest, a pair of eyes watched the hideout.
"Tch… too many bandits are guarding the place," Roy muttered.
Velcous's voice echoed. "I can help you. I can withdr—"
"No," Roy cut him off sharply. "This revenge is mine alone. But thank you, Velcous."
Velcous smiled. "As you wish, Master."
Roy thought for a moment. "Actually… you can help by distracting the adventurers nearby."
"Understood. I'll handle them." Velcous slipped into the shadows.
"But don't fight their leader!" Roy warned.
"Yes, Master," Velcous replied, his voice fading into the forest.
Roy opened his status window.
"…Even now, I can't figure out this window's history. Back in my days as Exolus, windows didn't exist…"
[Notification]
Name: Roy
Level: 58
Class: Ghost Summoner
Title: Bloodline of the First Blood King Exolus
Souls: 27
Skills:
Ghost Dash (Epic) +1
Ancient Ghost Summon (Unique) +1
Locked (Collect Ghost Fragments) (20+ slots)
Passives:
Ghost Grimoire (Unique) +1
Ghost Past (Unique) +1
Collection of Ghosts (Unique) +1
Revive of the Past Ghost (???) (13+ locked)
Inventory:
Ghost Tooth Dagger (Epic)
Forged by a promising blacksmith. Evolved into Ghost-type.
Effect: +2 Soul / +1 Ghost Skills
Cursed Blood King Dagger (Unique)
Once wielded by the founder of the Blood Oath—now cursed.
Unlocks Skill – Blood Oath Contract, Passive – Cursed Bleed
---
Roy scrolled through his skills.
"…As I thought, it should be here somewhere."
Collection of Ghosts (Unique)
Description: You may collect the ghost of any fallen entity you kill.
Progress: 2 / 2
Effect: Gain stats from collected ghost or summon it.
Cooldown: 25 minutes per summon use.
"There it is."
[Notification]
Collection of Ghosts passive effect activated.
Choose one:
1. Gain stats: +20 Agility
2. Summon Ghost Night Wolf (Unique)
Roy chose without hesitation. "Option 2. I need units for this plan."
A misty magic circle formed before him. A claw pushed through, followed by a deep, growling voice.
"Who summoned me!?"
Roy frowned. "…Is that voice coming from the circle?"
A small wolf leapt out, its form glowing as the mist faded.
"Are you the one who summoned me!?" the wolf barked.
"Yes, I am," Roy answered cautiously, clutching his daggers. His thoughts raced. This summon talks… like Velcous.
The wolf growled proudly. "So, there was another summon before me. Hmph! Now behold—I am the strongest summon you'll ever see!"
Roy scratched his head, unimpressed. Before him stood not a mighty beast, but a small cub with blood-colored claws.
"You're… just a cub with a deep voice," Roy muttered.
"Who are you calling cub!?" the wolf roared indignantly. "I am—wait…" He caught sight of his reflection in a puddle. His eyes went wide. "What is this form!? No… NOOO!!"
"Quiet," Roy hushed quickly.
But before he could react further, a voice came from behind.
"Heh… a scout?"
Roy Catches the Dual blade strike, and got backed off because of powerful force.
[Notification]
Name: ???
Level: 66
Class: Commander Assassin
The man sheathed twin blades. "A scout unit from the city? You've got guts. But guts won't save you."
Roy's eyes narrowed. "Tch… his strength is on par with a Commander Knight when im Exolus."
The assassin grinned. "A dungeon weapon, huh? Guess you're not just a scout—you're a ranker."
Roy stayed silent, daggers at the ready.
"Silent type, eh? Not only a ranker, but an introvert!" the assassin laughed mockingly.
Roy's thoughts darkened. This man… not just an assassin. A ranker of this country. I need him to lower his guard.
The assassin smirked. "You'd fit well in our group."
"Why would I join you?" Roy hissed.
"I won't spoil the details… but I'll share the plan. Even if you refuse, you'll die anyway!"
"What plan!?" Roy demanded.
The assassin's grin widened. "A monster wave disaster! Hahaha!"
Roy's face darkened, fury burning in his eyes.
The assassin unsheathed his blade and ready. "Join us, or die."
"…I'll kill you," Roy whispered with rage.
The assassin's smile faded. "So be it."
[Skill Activated: Darkest Walk Dash]
Dash within 5m. Guaranteed Critical hit.
He vanished.
The wolf cub bark, "Summoner! Move, or you'll die!"
The assassin appeared behind Roy, blade flashing. "Die!"
Blood sprayed—only it wasn't Roy's. The assassin's eyes widened as a dagger pierced his throat.
"C-cough… Wh-why… are you still alive…?"
[Notification]
You used Ghost Dash.
Dash within 10m and Immune to all damage for 2 seconds.
[Notification]
Immune to all damage has now ended.
Roy pulled his blade free as the assassin collapsed.
"You… monster…" the man whispered before his voice faded and die.
The cub wagged his tail in shock. "Wh-what was that!? How did you—"
"Silence," Roy snapped, pointing his dagger at him.
"A-alright…" the cub whimpered.
Roy clenched his blade, staring at the corpse. My first time killing a human… It's different from when I was Exolus.
He spoke aloud, voice trembling with rage. "This is for Maro and Yur. I'll kill the rest of you bandits."
He knelt, pressing a hand on the body. "I'll consume your soul."
[Notification]
Level Up: 58 → 63
+1 Special Soul obtained
[Notification]
Because of the Ghost dagger effect all ghost skill refresh.
Collection of Ghosts
Description: You may collect the ghost of any fallen entity you kill.
Progress: 1 / 2
Effect: Gain stats from collected ghost or summon it.
Cooldown: 25 minutes per summon use.
[Passive Skill Activated: Ghost Past (Unique)]
You may absorb one skill from a fallen entity you've touched.
[Notification]
You obtained Darkest Shadow Cloak
[Passive Skill Activated: Ghost Grimoire (Unique)]
All skills acquired are transformed into Ghost-type.
Darkest Shadow Cloak → Ghost Shadow Cloak
Skill: Ghost Shadow Cloak
Invisible to naked eyes for 4 minutes.
Immune to physical damage while active.
Cooldown: 20 minutes.
Roy stood tall, ignoring the endless notifications. His grip tightened on his dagger.
"I will stop this monster wave disaster."