Chapter 92 - Chapter 94

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Translator: penny

Chapter: 94

Chapter Title: Twins

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Liliana.

A familiar name. If my memory served me right, the shadow wolf I saw yesterday had exactly that name. To confirm, I used [Full Appraisal] on the twins.

'As expected.'

Both had the same ability.

This was intriguing. For twins to both possess such an extremely rare Mythic-grade ability among Mythic skills.

'But Han So-hee knows them?'

"Yi-yeol. Knowing the White Sisters of Novakrest? As expected of the Cheongsung Group heir, huh?"

Shin Seo-yeon shot a sly glance and poked Han So-hee's side. Han So-hee snorted shortly in response.

"Who knows."

"Don't be like that. Spill the tea. What's your relationship? Doesn't look like just casual acquaintances."

They certainly didn't seem close. But it was hard to call them mere nodding acquaintances either. If anything, it felt like a bad history between them.

"Are you curious too?"

Han So-hee turned to me and asked, so I shrugged. It didn't matter if I knew or not. But for whatever reason, she answered flatly.

"Just acquaintances we've bumped into since childhood because our business fronts overlap. They always got competitive whenever they saw me. Seems they see me as a rival or something."

The moment she said that, the twins, who had been quietly listening to their own introduction, reacted fiercely.

"Ha, what? Us seeing you as a rival?"

"Ridiculous. Our only rivals are Emilia and Ekaterina! Right, Lily?"

"Yeah! As if a nobody like you could be our rival!"

Scratch? Thankfully, the excited twins missed Isera's offhand remark. They were the type to flip out if they heard it.

But their anger spilled over in another way. The older one of the twins—Eliana, was it?—suddenly glared at me.

"But who's this guy? Some fuck buddy or something?"

"You don't need to know."

"Hmmm. From the vibe, not friends with benefits... boyfriend, huh? Your taste runs to poor commoners?"

"What a downgrade, right sis?"

"Yeah, Lily."

Just like that, they dragged me into it to diss Han So-hee.

"..."

"Say something. The girl who said she has no time to date because she has to run the company picks a guy like this?"

"Pfft. Pathetic."

They snickered while watching Han So-hee's expression. She furrowed her brow.

"...You're going too far."

"Whoa, So-hee's pissed."

"Cute."

They spoke politely, but it was like they'd zeroed in on her weak spot and kept prodding. Overt provocation. But still.

Gurgle~

Because of the gurgling from the twins' stomachs since earlier, it didn't even feel like real provocation. What to call it? I already felt like I'd won the argument without firing back.

"You must be hungry."

"Yeah, they've been starving pretty bad."

The Saintess and Isera had heard the stomach gurgles too. In that case. I deliberately opened a bag of snacks and started munching.

"Look at her eat! So tacky... right, sis...?"

"Yeah, it is. Lily... gulp."

The twins, who had been ripping into me, froze fixated on the junk food in my hand. I crunched the potato chips loudly, like ASMR on blast, savoring every bite.

"..."

"..."

The two suddenly went silent.

"M-Min-jun oppa."

"...Oppa, you're evil."

"Dickhead, that's worse than me."

I kept promoting the snacks regardless. Now the twins ignored So-hee entirely, staring only at the chips in my hand.

I even fanned the air toward them with the chip-laden hand, letting them smell it. Their pretty pupils quaked like there was an earthquake.

"M-Min-jun oppa. They're from rich families, you know. What if they get mad?"

The Saintess voiced concern, but right now, it didn't matter that they were heirs to some big Earth company.

So what if they were hotshots? They were just hungry twenty-year-olds now.

After toying with them plenty, I pulled out identical snacks and dangled them.

"You look hungry. Want some?"

"Hmph. Y-You think we'd eat cheap crap like that?"

"R-Right. Our tastes are way more refined."

Sure, probably. But hunger levels all playing fields. Even the haughty Han So-hee ate Specter corpses when starving and sucked my dick eagerly.

"Here, take it. Friends with So-hee, right? If you don't, I'll toss it."

I practically begged as I shoved it into their hands. They grabbed it tight, faces saying they had no choice.

"If you insist that much."

"We'll take it for your sincerity, right sis?"

"Yeah, Lily."

Then they tore into the bag ravenously. They grinned ear-to-ear at the taste. Being white horses, they had a mature air for their age but with a subtle childish vibe.

"So-hee's boyfriend's kinda useful."

"Yeah, not all commoners are the same. Different from our escorts."

"Don't get me started on them. I thought I'd suffocate back then. This guy's... decent-looking for a commoner."

"Yeah, not bad for an Easterner."

And just like that, their opinion of me shot up. All for some food—easy to handle.

"So, just you two left? No family or escorts?"

Han So-hee asked, and the twins shrugged nonchalantly before answering.

"They all croaked."

"Mom and Dad swore Earth wouldn't end, so they stayed. We crossed with mercenaries."

"Honestly, those escorts were useless. Hired them 'cause they were famous, but they died too easy. Right, sis?"

"No, we're just that special, Lily."

"Oh, yeah?"

They were special, for sure. Polymorph shines big in the early game.

'Unlike others scraping by with mediocre stats, they had it easy in every way.'

Plus, yesterday showed insane adaptability. No joke—they outfought actual shadow wolves.

Impressive enough, but they weren't solo acts.

'One downside of Polymorph is drawing monster aggro hard.'

Even in parties, big monsters make Polymorph players prime targets often.

Leading to frequent injuries.

But these two? Aggro splits. And assuming twin synergy for perfect teamwork...

No shapeshifter in the entire Selection Process could match them.

'But no shapeshifters like them reached the final trial.'

Meaning, like other players, they died to the trial bullshit.

Conversely, a little help could let them survive and pull their weight reliably.

'Above all, they're the perfect fit for our team right now.'

Shapeshifting means versatile roles. A wild card for shifting trial demands.

Plus, I fiddled quietly with the [Summoner's Letter Envelope].

'I can overcome shapeshifter limits now.'

Bring high-trial mobs here, let them farm big in trial zones.

'But can't add them to the party yet.'

Need vetting. See if they're team material.

Plenty more shapeshifters later—no need to cling to these two.

Same for other ability users.

Decision made: minimal investment for now.

"Here."

"?"

I split the remaining trade goods into two bundles and handed one to each twin.

"This for us?"

"Free?"

I nodded.

"Friends with So-hee. Her friends are mine. Come by often. I'll hook you up each time."

Onlookers who'd been watching nodded approvingly.

Of course—treat connections free, who else?

"You're alright."

"Yeah, knows his stuff for a commoner, sis."

"Fine, we'll take it for the gesture."

Still gurgling, the twins haughtily pocketed the goods. Their upturned noses screamed arrogance, but the smiles tugging at their ears were charming.

They had manners at least—both pulled their shoulder bags forward, opened them, and offered something.

"Gift."

"Take it."

I was a bit surprised. No wonder...

"Where'd you get these?"

"Huh? These?"

In perfect sync, they shoved their shoulder bags at me. Mirror-image movements, zero margin for error.

That eerie symmetry could've startled me, but I had no time.

'Ha.'

Lots. Stat shards filled each bag. Twenty per bag easy.

And that wasn't all. Now I saw—they wore stat shards as accessories. Even sewn into clothes.

'Bare stats are sky-high too?'

About 110 bonus stats each dumped in.

Accounting for 20 Intellect in [Polymorph] and 20 stats at Lv2, each had absorbed a whopping 70 stats.

No way they...

"We're just pretty, that's all. Right, Lily?"

"Yeah, sis. Guys swarm us like mayflies."

"Annoying. Weaklings keep charging."

"Yeah, so we punish 'em, and they cough these up sometimes. Not always. Smelly corpses have 'em. Just take those. Picked some off the road too."

...Good, not aspiring [Human Hunters].

Anyway, smelling stat shards on corpses? First I'd heard.

'Ability gained from monster form?'

Explains yesterday somewhat.

One hung back to loot hidden shards from corpses.

Isera, unaware, dug through bodies for their target shards and got spotted.

'Attacked us, but we were tougher than expected, so they bailed suspiciously.'

Better ditch one shard than risk an unseen foe.

No need to theorize more—bags stuffed, bodies adorned.

"Why carry stat shards without absorbing?"

They shot back instead.

"Not an idiot."

"You don't know?"

Han So-hee sighed and whispered the explanation.

"Showing off."

"..."

Uh, so... not saving for later, but flaunting wealth?

Ridiculous, but thinking of their Earth habits, it kinda clicked. A little.

Like toting pricey jewels or luxury bags.

"Sis, this is good."

"Yeah, eat fast, try the others."

Separate from that, they devoured cheap snacks eagerly.

'Junk food's always tastier.'

I beckoned them. Curious but drawn by food favor, they approached obediently.

"Wanna trade those stat shards to me?"

"These?"

"Yeah, I'll give something equivalent."

Hmm, they pondered then snickered.

"So-hee's boyfriend's cute."

"Pfft. Buying all this?"

Mock-worthy. How many shards? Enough to flip a fingerless slave's status.

But they laughed purely, like "Of course a commoner'd think that."

So I pulled my waist pouch item and showed it.

"See this?"

They gawked, sapphire eyes widening instantly.

"Wha...?"

"W-What's that."

Their eyes bulged near-popping as they read. I dangled it teasingly.

"Subspace Pouch. Fits two duffels easy. But the real kicker? Weight never increases, no matter how much."

"R-Really?"

"Convinced now?"

No need to ask—they sparkled, fingers twitching eagerly.

"Hey, wait. Trading that rare thing for stat shards?"

Shin Seo-yeon jumped in. Han So-hee glanced briefly and agreed.

"No more lugging backpacks. You giving that up?"

"Right."

Subspace Pouch.

Mythic-grade item. As they said, top-tier for early Selection Process Mythics.

'But not for me.'

Backpacks are routine for me anyway. Plus, I have inventory.

99 per slot of anything—leagues beyond the pouch. No reason to cling.

'Rough count: minimum 30 shards.'

Theoretically, from killing 30,000 people. Cheap trade for a Mythic.

"Deal?"

"..."

I watched the twins. They wanted it bad.

But no fools—they hesitated. Desire flared in trembling eyes, but calculations whirred.

Still, better than bulky backpacks—the scales tipped slowly.

"No more starving with that, sis."

"Yeah, I know. But 42 shards. Can't we just forage like now?"

I asked incredulously.

"You don't carry food?"

"Only two hands. Dumb?"

"Backpacks exist."

They looked pitying, then remembered it was me and explained kindly.

"Bags here suck style-wise. Ruins our class the second we wear 'em. Right, Lily?"

"Yeah, sis. Better starve."

...High chance they starved before final trial.

"But I want that bag."

"Yeah, not retro, but leather quality and vintage style are decent."

Appraising it, they eyed me and my girls. Decision made.

"Deal."

"Got another?"

Eyeing my girls' waists, but I shut it down.

"Gather more shards next time. Maybe."

"Okay. Promise?"

Trade sealed.

They fought over it awhile—Eliana (sis) and Liliana (little sis). Agreed to alternate days; Eliana belted it first.

From somewhere, Shin Seo-yeon's stifled laugh. Glancing, Han So-hee smiled faintly beside the giggling Crimson Flame Witch.

"Heh heh. Hooked 'em."

In short, they knew shards > pouch too.

Bluffed reverse psychology. Twins bit.

'Cunning as ever.'

I smacked their asses approvingly.

"...Min-jun oppa's pouch is gone."

Saintess eyed the transferred pouch wistfully, oblivious. Isera sucked her fingers enviously as I absorbed shards, looking up.

"No Intellect?"

"Nah, none."

Probably absorbed on farm to extend transform time.

'Phew, total +44 stats?'

No more shard farming needed—insane numbers now. Incredible girls. Carrying that many unabsorbed.

They stuffed their snacks in the pouch, bounced excitedly awhile, then trotted to me.

"?"

Pecked both my cheeks, smacked my ass, and laughed.

"Nice, huh? Brag anywhere. Poor commoner life, kissed by Eliana."

"Dared kiss Liliana."

"???"

Then to Han So-hee.

"And So-hee, prepare for next time. We haven't forgotten 10 years ago."

"Right. Pray we don't meet in battle."

"..."

They monologued then zipped to lodging. No goodbyes. So one-sided and swift, we stood dazed.

Shin Seo-yeon recovered first, patted Han So-hee's shoulder.

"Total free spirits. Wasn't rivals earlier? Totally marking territory. Tough break."

"...Nah. Happens all the time."

Anyway, stocked pouch with food, solid stats, shadow wolf shift—won't die easy.

Even heading to the toughest third trial spot.

"Why were they starving? With all those shards."

"Probably blew all money."

"Pardon?"

Han So-hee shook her head like it was obvious.

"Bet they hit the priciest restaurant first thing here and spent it all. Obvious."

"..."

Spending habits differ.

Blew it day one, no regrets.

Petty storms passed, dusk fell, world darkened—we closed shop.

Back at lodging, divided earnings exactly 1/5.

Saintess contributed most, then me. But equal shares per her "we all worked hard" stance.

"Whoa, that much!"

"J-Jackpot."

"Everyone worked hard!"

"Good job."

Business boomed—results followed.

17,456 points each.

Two days' trial grind: 300 points. This? 60x—for one day's work. Massive.

"Umhahaha!"

Shin Seo-yeon bellowed heartily—her happy laugh. Others smiled broadly, no crass guffaws.

Drunk on earning joy.

Plus, helping others—not robbing—added fulfillment.

"Dickhead's the best!"

"Yeah, Min-jun oppa fixed our finances."

"Hee hee. Oppa best."

"Kyaaang...!"

Quick-witted harpy joined the celebration, kneading my shoulders. Felt good. Got why Seo-yeon made me do it.

"So, what's next?"

I checked my balance and said without hesitation.

"Made bank—let's eat. Skipped lunch, right?"

We washed up, headed to the priciest spot. Rest Areas have commercial districts; higher ones specialize and expand.

This one split into two.

'Priciest always central.'

Using customer intel from vending, I asked the group.

"What to eat? Left's meat, right's fish."

"Beef last time—fish now?"

"Anywhere fine."

"Tuna!"

Saintess and Han So-hee abstained; fish it was. I led to a massive, familiar Japanese place.

'Ah, challenge here.'

Early [Challenges] spawn in best shops.

Food, general, weapons, armor.

Easy to find among four now.

'Later, endless types, obscure shops—headache.'

Lucky as resident—direct hints. Normally, haul related items, test trade every shop, hunt menus—tedious.

Perk cuts that.

"Omakase this time?"

"Looks like."

"Whoa, first time here."

"...Big-tits sis, first time fine, but hurry in."

"Ah, sorry."

Saintess scurried inside.

High-end aroma wafted.

Glossy obsidian hall, contrasted by a single white marble line.

Faint lanterns dotted along; following led to staff bowing politely from shadows.

"How many?"

"Five."

"This way."

Staff led straight on white marble amid black obsidian. Lights brightened; long table for twenty appeared.

"Welcome."

Master chef waited, served as we sat. As I gripped utensils, felt four stares.

"What?"

"How's this one?"

"Right place?"

Ha, full player mode. Thinking challenges even before feast.

"Yep."

Girls lit up.

"Wonder what it is."

"Hope it's good. Auction house wasn't loss but disappointing."

"Yeah. Got money now."

Saintess and Isera expectant—last time broke, missed shot, stung.

"You know something?"

Han So-hee asked. Like I pre-know trials via ability, this too?

"Nah, no clue."

Guesses yes. But random per theme—can't pin.

Some I'd never heard of.

Round 1 known ones? Only successful survivor reports.

Meaning deadly fails lurk too.

But no worry.

Ace up sleeve if needed.

"Anyway, enjoy the meal first."

"Right. Eat well to avoid rash choices."

"...Food slow. Can't they hurry?"

"Kid, don't show no class?"

"Better than auntie."

As they bantered happily, I reached for utensils again.

Flicker.

'Hm?'

Overhead lantern flickered. World blacked-bright repeated; yellow turned red. Dim space darkened more.

"This?"

"Welcome lighting effect?"

Said uneasy, Saintess clung close. Weird—we sat separate. How'd she walk beside?

"Hey, hate dark—lights back to..."

Shin Seo-yeon halted mid-sentence to chef. Chef gone; server stood before us.

Table, utensils vanished. Just black obsidian floor, long white marble path.

Marble glowed deep red.

'No way.'

Door behind barred solid. Pushed—no budge.

"How many?"

Server asked. Identical voice.

"Deja vu...?"

Too eerie for deja vu. Lighting shifted mood. Uniform changed—white to black suit.

But face worse.

No light, no features—pitch-black shadow form. Eerie, gloomy.

"M-Min-jun oppa."

Saintess who'd seen it clung tight. Han So-hee answered flatly.

"Five."

"This way."

Server led; we followed. Same interior. Deja vu enveloped.

Flicker.

Lights blinked—no change. Just one alert.

Now I knew the challenge.

No-choice infamous Round 1 killer. Huge reward, brutal—top worst.

People called it:

'Angel and Demon.'

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