The Novel's Extra

The Novel's Extra Chapter 144

Chapter 144: 144

In a deteriorated cave, ten members of the Chameleon Troupe, including Boss, were present .

All of them were at least at the high-rank level and were powerful figures who had the ability to interfere in any major incident . As a result, the cave was being filled with their aura and magic power .

Most cadets would faint under this pressure, but I was lucky . Because I didn't have any magic power in my body, I was unaffected by the enormous amount of magic power they had in their bodies .

In other words, I was unaffected by 'magic power resonance', a phenomenon that occurred when there was a huge difference in the level of magic power between two or more people .

“Oi! Now that we have all 11 members, why don't we have a ranking tournament!?”

Cheok Jungyeong shouted as he cracked his neck and knuckles . He might not have meant to shout, but his voice was just naturally loud .

“I'm down . ”

A gentle-faced man spoke . He was Chameleon Troupe's spear user, the Seat of Green, Jin Yohan . If I remembered correctly, his current weapon should be the Serpent Spear .

As the spear used by Zhang Fei of the Three Kingdoms, it was a historical artifact . Its unique ability should be 'limitless weight adjustment' .

“Then do it outside . Don't destroy this place . ”

“I'm out . ”

Setryn and Jain each spoke . Setryn was an Egyptian woman wearing all sorts of jewelry . As one might expect, she was modeled after Cleopatra . Her beauty should easily rank in the top 10 of this world .

“Are you joining in, Newbie?”

Cheok Jungyeong looked at me and grinned .

I immediately felt a chill run down my back, but I managed to ignore him and talk to Boss .

“Can I begin refurbishing this place now?”

Boss didn't order me and only blinked her large eyes .

“Shouldn't we give Newbie more time? He's still too young . ”

Jain came to my rescue . Just like she said, I still needed time . A lot of time .

…Though, I may still be dead last compared to them even in 10 years .

“It's fine~ I'll go easy . Kids are supposed to grow by getting beat up~”

Jin Yohan took out his Serpent Spear . At the same time, beads of sweat began to form on my forehead .

“What do you think?”

Setryn licked her finger and stared at me seductively .

“Hey—! I told you, he might look like a weakling, but he's actually—!”

“Jungyeong, didn't I tell you not to shout? Want me to stitch your lips shut?”

“…Haha, bitch finally went crazy . ”

Thankfully, Cheok Jungyeong and Setryn got into a fight .

In any case, there were only four talkative members . The rest only stared at me silently or were yawning out of boredom .

“Come outside, I'll crush your head . I won't go easy just because you're a woman . ”

“Oh, our Jungyeong's finally going to have his neck slashed~”

“…Haha, why don't we just do that tournament then?”

“Quiet . ”

A single word from Boss cooled the heated atmosphere .

“There's something I need to give you . ”

Boss rummaged through her pocket and took something out . It was a piece of crumpled paper .

“Take this . ”

Puzzled, I took the paper .

“What is this?”

“A grade-1 magic contract . ”

I checked the paper's description with my smartwatch .

===

[Grade-1 Magic Contract] [High-rank magic item]

—Contract Seal

*Contract seal recognizes each party's identity .

*Those tied together by contract seals must keep the content of the contract .

===

It was a higher ranked magic contract than the ones I usually saw .

I checked the content of the contract .

+ + +

[Contract]

Clause 1 . Kim Hajin cannot betray me .

Clause 2 . As long as Kim Hajin does not betray me, I will do my duty to him as the boss .

Clause 3 . Whoever breaks the contract will suffer a magic power deviation .

(Duration – 6 years)

There were only three childish clauses written on the contract .

“…Um, Boss . ”

“What . ”

I thought about how to explain it .

Of course, a magic power contract didn't need to be as detailed as a real contract, but loose wording could always lead to loopholes .

“…Hm . ”

However, Boss must have misunderstood my hesitation, as she shot back curtly .

“Are you afraid of joining us?”

Immediately, ten pairs of eyes fell on me .

Although they were only curious gazes, a chill went down my back . The aura given off by each of the members was terrifying to say the least .

“Of course not . I just thought that these clauses were too loose . ”

“Ah, you don't have to worry about that . It's an expensive contract, so it's quite intelligent . ”

“…I see . ”

An intelligent contract . That was indeed interesting .

I infused Stigma's magic power into the contract . In truth, this contract was unlikely to work on me, as Stigma's magic power wasn't inside my body .

In a way, it was a bit of a cheat .

“Will this do?”

Stigma's magic power seeped into the contract .

“Oh? What's this? Your magic power is unbelievably pure!”

When Cheok Jungyeong saw my magic power, he exclaimed in awe and expressed his interest once again .

“Look, Boss, it's so clear and blue . It's the first time I've seen such a thing . ”

As Cheok Jungyeong said, Stigma's magic power should be the purest form of magic power . Although I wasn't sure exactly what it was or how it worked, it was, after all, the 'Authority of the Creator' .

“Wow, this kid sure is a treasure . Argh, I can't hold it back anymore . Come out and spar with me—!”

“…I'll watch too . ”

“Quiet, both of you . ”

Even Jain was starting to show interest in watching me fight, but Boss was thankfully here to hold them back .

Next, Boss infused her magic power into the contract .

“There, the contract is done . ”

Then, she carefully folded the contract and put it back in her pocket .

“Little Apprentice, here's a gift . ”

With that, Boss handed me an accessory .

It was the necklace of the Seat of Black .

The completely jet-black necklace that was the proof of Chameleon Troupe's 'Black' color .

===

[Necklace of Black] [Artifact] [Unawakened]

—Increases all variable stats by 1 point .

—Invisibility

*This necklace can become invisible .

—??? (item must be awakened)

===

Each member of the Chameleon Troupe had a symbolic item given to them . The item of the Seat of Black was a simple yet powerful item with the effect of raising every stat by 1 point .

“Oh~ looks like that thing finally found an owner . Now, let's go spar to celebrate . ”

Cheok Jungyeong suggested once again . Why was this guy so interested in me?

“…Sorry, there's something I need to do now . ”

“Do it later . ”

No, I couldn't do it later . There wasn't a single member of the Chameleon Troupe I could win against . In fact, I wouldn't last more than 10 seconds against anyone .

I turned towards Boss .

“I have a mission I have to do . ”

At that moment, someone grabbed my sleeve .

“Hyung, Hyung, can you show me your gun?”

A young boy who had yet to go through puberty .

I turned towards the direction of Droon's cute voice .

Droon was a Caucasian boy who was only 11 to 13 years old .

However, he couldn't be underestimated because of his young age .

Frankly, there was no problem classifying Droon as the world's strongest . Though, to be exact, it was that thing that was stuck to Droon that was strong .

“…My real weapon isn't my gun . ”

I gave some half-hearted excuse as I didn't want to show him my Desert Eagle .

“Eh!? Really? Really!? You use an even more amazing weapon than that cowardly weapon!?”

Cheok Jungyeong shouted once again .

What was I supposed to do about this numbskull?

“Haha~ I knew it this whole time . ”

“Um, I still want to see it . ”

Seeing Droon's pleading eyes, I gave in and took out my gun . There was nothing to lose by being nice to Droon .

“…Do you want to touch it?”

“Yes!”

I gave Droon the Desert Eagle . Droon began to touch my gun with eyes full of interest .

At that moment, 'that thing' shot up from Droon's back .

A fat, shadowy rabbit flashed its crimson eyes and stared at my gun .

Soon, a smile emerged on the rabbit's face .

Droon also smiled and gave the gun back to me .

“It's a good weapon~”

Droon also had the role of Chameleon Troupe's appraiser .

Since Droon praised my weapon, I could be proud with all the options I added to the gun .

“…Thanks . ”

“If you're done with your introductions, focus . ”

Boss gathered everyone's attention .

“The reason I summoned everyone today isn't just to greet a new member . ”

Boss put on a serious smile and clenched her fists .

“2 weeks later, we will begin our 'activities' for real . ”

Immediately, the atmosphere in the cave changed . Cheok Jungyeong's expression was particularly noteworthy .

Grinning from ear to ear, he was full of excitement for Boss' upcoming words .

Clear sunlight shone down on a beautiful morning .

“…Haa . ”

Yoo Jinhyuk got up from his couch with a sigh . Despite the beautiful weather, he wasn't feeling so good .

“Tsk . ”

He clicked his tongue and opened the door to his office bedroom .

Drrk—

Beyond the sliding door, a girl was lying on his bed like a vampire sleeping in its coffin .

“…When is she going to go back?”

Today was the fifth, no, sixth day .

Yoo Yeonha declared that she wouldn't go back until he told her the 'truth' .

“Ehew . ”

When she first came to see him, he thought she would leave after a day or two at most .

However, his stubborn niece didn't give up . In fact, she bugged him more and more every day .

It would have been one thing if she just stayed holed up in his office, but she was also constantly looking around the town, looking for anything of 'business value' .

As a result, Yoo Yeonha became famous in the shanty town Yoo Jinhyuk was in .

“Will you finally tell me the truth now?”

At that moment, Yoo Yeonha's voice rang out . Startled, Yoo Jinhyuk swallowed his saliva .

Yoo Yeonha continued, still lying on the bed .

“Tell me . ”

“…No, I really don't know anything . ”

Yoo Yeonha got up . Her flawless beauty made it hard to believe she just woke up .

“That's fine . I'll just stay until you do . ”

“You…”

Yoo Jinhyuk asked Yoo Jinwoong to take back his daughter . However, Yoo Jinwoong surprisingly asked him to have her stay, saying that being with him was safer for her than being in Cube . Of course, he didn't forget to mention that he would kill Yoo Jinhyuk if he laid even a finger on Yoo Yeonha .

“…Plus, I already know some things . ”

“Oh yeah? Like what?”

Yoo Yeonha hesitated momentarily, then sighed .

“I guess I have no choice . If neither of us tells each other anything, it doesn't look like we'll get anywhere . But just know that I can't tell you where I got this information from . ”

“…Sure . ”

Yoo Jinhyuk answered half-heartedly . As far as he was concerned, whatever information Yoo Yeonha had had to be a groundless rumor .

“The information I have is simple . Kuhum . ”

After a cough, Yoo Yeonha continued .

“Chae Jinyoon… became a devil . ”

Yoo Yeonha muttered as though it was the truth .

Immediately, Yoo Jinhyuk's hair stood on end . However, he maintained his commanding appearance and did not show his agitation outwards .

“Devil? Like Satan and all those devils from the Bible?”

“No, you know what I'm talking about . The existences above Djinns . The evil gods who give power to Djinns . ”

“What… . ”

Yoo Jinhyuk was about to blow off the conversation, but he suddenly remembered a voice he heard with his ability .

The voice belonged to the medical examiner who was speaking in front of Chae Jinyoon's corpse .

—This is even more elaborate than the Djinns' Devil Transformation . You can see that it is persisting even after his death . ”

Something that was even more elaborate than the Devil Transformation…

The pieces of the puzzle fell in .

“…So you do know something . Maybe I should have told you earlier . ”

Yoo Jinhyuk's expression revealed his brief thought, and Yoo Yeonha didn't forget to point it out .

In the end, Yoo Jinhyuk sighed .

“…Ehew, just so you know, I've been staying quiet to protect you . If handled wrong, even your mom and dad might end up being killed . ”

“…Eh?”

“So wouldn't it be better that I be the only one who might die?”

Yoo Yeonha stared at him silently, then added .

“Are we that weak?”

“…What?”

“Are we so weak that our entire family will be killed because we defied one person?”

Yoo Jinhyuk became speechless . He couldn't think of any way to respond .

“If so, I'll make us stronger . ”

Yoo Yeonha spoke daringly .

However, that was impossible to achieve . The Yoo clan was the Chae clan's hunting dog from birth . As a clan that grew by performing the Chae clan's dirty work, it was at the mercy of Chae Joochul's hands…

“So trust me . ”

Yoo Yeonha's naïve words cut off Yoo Jinhyuk's thoughts . Looking at his niece, Yoo Jinhyuk smiled .

A kid that always acted like a grown-up had finally become an adult .

He couldn't help but be amazed .

[Mission Commencement . D-10]

Four days passed since then . With Khalifa's help, I went back and forth between Chameleon Troupe's hideout and my apartment house while continuing my [Chameleon Troupe Hideout Renovation and Dexterity Level-up Project] .

During the past four days, I realized that Dexterity was quite a difficult Gift to level-up . To the point that I couldn't be more grateful to Master Sharpshooter for helping it become grade-7 .

Jiiing—

The first thing I did was create a small workshop in the cave . Currently, I was working on a couch . Dexterity's proficiency went up more when I crafted bigger objects but because crafting items took Stigma's magic power, I couldn't make anything bigger than a couch .

The process for creating the couch was as follows .

First was coming up with a design with the help of Aether's Aesthetic Greed . Next was buying expensive materials and creating the couch's frame with Stigma's magic power . Lastly, I had to stuff the couch with the highest grade fillings, then cover everything up with monster alligator skin .

Although it was easy to describe, the whole process took nine hours to complete .

“Whew . ”

Now, it was finally over .

I clutched my head and fell on my chair .

[Dexterity's proficiency increases by 1 . 5%!]

“1 . 5% for all that work…”

It was too stingy, but I also had more than enough time .

===

[Through luck, Devilish Dexterity activates . ]

['Alligator Skin Couch' has been judged to be a high-rank furniture . A special effect will be granted to fit its status . ]

[Special effect – Significance of Rest]

*This couch will quickly burn off any exhaustion .

*Whoever sleeps on this couch will wake up refreshed .

===

I couldn't make furniture that gave temporary stat bonuses, but this was more than praiseworthy for a piece of furniture .

“Hm . ”

I picked up the couch I built . With my superhuman strength stat, lifting heavy objects stopped being a problem .

“Here's a couch~”

I came out of the workshop and announced my creation .

Boss was the first member to see me .

“…You built another one?”

Boss woke up from her sleep (surprisingly, she slept standing), and murmured apathetically . Around her were other pieces of furniture such as a table, TV drawer, etc .

“Little Apprentice, don't you think you're changing this place too quickly? I think I need time to adjust . ”

For the past four days, I've been slowly changing Chameleon Troupe's hideout .

I first created a resting place for Boss .

I set aside a 160 square meter space and turned it into a modern room by smoothing out the walls, ceiling, and floor, then painted it white .

“You have to at least live like a person . Also, why don't you watch TV? There are many good variety shows . ”

“I'm not interested in those . ”

“Just try it . ”

I put the couch at an appropriate distance away from the TV .

“Try sitting down . ”

However, Boss shook her head .

“I've never sit down to rest . I like standing . ”

“…Then I'm going back to the workshop . ”

I returned to the workshop .

After closing the door, I peered through the door and observed Boss .

—…why is it so big?

Boss glanced at the couch, then poked it here and there with her foot . However, it didn't look like she planned on sitting down .

“That's a bit sad . ”

Would she sit down if I made her a better one?

Unfortunately, because making furniture expended Stigma's magic power, making more than one was a waste .

Now, I needed to do my next task . Training .

I needed to wield a more threatening weapon than a gun . Not to mention, having more options was better for battles .

Shoo—

“Start . ”

I held ten knives I created in my hands and initiated a training program .

At the same time, holographic targets shot up 300 meters away . As though they were besieging me, eleven targets were equally spaced around me .

I threw my knives at them .

Chweeek—

These knives would undoubtedly strike all eleven targets .

However, I wanted more .

The moment I threw the knives, I took out the bow hanging behind my back and…

“Uwoah!”

My neck got caught on the bowstring, and I fell forward .

“…Argh, I almost died . ”

I almost killed myself .

“My neck… . ”

It was indeed too difficult .

Because of Dexterity's low proficiency level, using knives, a bow, and a gun simultaneously was a bit difficult . Unless I had another arm…

Wait .

Another arm?

I immediately thought of Stigma .

Even Stigma wouldn't be able to create another arm, but I should be able to utilize it to make it seem like I did .

Of course, this had to be tested later .

I'd already used 2 . 5 streaks of Stigma on building my couch .

“I'll try it tomorrow . ”

Then, I looked outside the workshop without much thought .

“…Eh?”

A small grin emerged on my face .

Boss was sitting on the couch . As if that wasn't enough, she was bouncing on the couch cushion as though she was surprised by its softness and coziness .

—…Swamp Alligator skin? It's true that their skins are known to be great .

After giving the couch a review, she turned her attention to the small couch chair I made a couple days ago . After glancing at my workshop for a second, she brought the couch chair over and put her feet on top of it .

She looked extremely comfy .

—Mmm~

Boss closed her eyes with a satisfied hum .

Then, as though she was missing something, she reached out and grabbed the TV remote on the couch .

“[email protected]#[email protected]#”

—Hiik!

Startled by the loud volume, she hurriedly lowered it .

“…How cute . ”

Right, that was how people changed .

My first goal, 'making Boss watch TV', was a success .

“Then I guess I'll go back to practicing…”

I smiled and picked up the knives I threw .

I couldn't stay down just because of one failure .

For now, I had to give my best on whatever I did .

…But, one cigarette first .

After practicing for three hours, I went outside .

“Hm?”

When I was thinking about going out to buy a cigarette, I heard a faint breathing sound .

I tilted my head and looked over in that direction .

“…Is she sleeping?”

Boss was lying on the couch, sleeping with her arms out . It wasn't too long ago that she said she liked to sleep standing up .

I grinned and took out my smartwatch .

This was the perfect chance for a photo .

I muted the phone and took pictures of Boss sleeping .

Boss still didn't show any signs of waking up . Was my couch that good?

While I was being satisfied with myself, I suddenly received a message .

[I confirmed the truth . Nayun is also awake . ]

Yoo Yeonha had finally messaged me after a week of silence .

I tried to reply to her gladly . However…

A pang of pain suddenly struck my arm .

An agonizing pain akin to my arm being ripped off .

The feeling of another streak of Stigma being added to my arm .

I knew what this meant . However…

“Fuck…”

It's just too painful .

I used the painkiller medicinal effect I prepared for moments like this, but the pain only got clearer .

I clenched my teeth .

Forcing my eyes open, I confirmed the alerts popping up on my smartwatch .

===

[A fourth streak of Stigma is added . ]

[From the fifth, Stigma will require more total SP gained . ]

[Your laptop is updating . ]

—Adding Functionalities…

===

However, my consciousness faded away under the continued pain, and soon, my vision turned dark .

In a deteriorated cave, ten members of the Chameleon Troupe, including Boss, were present . All of them were at least at the high rank level and were powerful figures who had the ability to interfere in any major incident . As a result, the cave was being filled with their aura and magic power . Most cadets would faint under this pressure, but I was lucky . Because I didn t have any magic power in my body, I was unaffected by the enormous amount of magic power they had in their bodies . In other words, I was unaffected by magic power resonance , a phenomenon that occurred when there was a huge difference in the level of magic power between two or more people . Oi Now that we have all 11 members, why don t we have a ranking tournament Cheok Jungyeong shouted as he cracked his neck and knuckles . He might not have meant to shout, but his voice was just naturally loud . I m down . A gentle faced man spoke . He was Chameleon Troupe s spear user, the Seat of Green, Jin Yohan . If I remembered correctly, his current weapon should be the Serpent Spear . As the spear used by Zhang Fei of the Three Kingdoms, it was a historical artifact . Its unique ability should be limitless weight adjustment . Then do it outside . Don t destroy this place . I m out . Setryn and Jain each spoke . Setryn was an Egyptian woman wearing all sorts of jewelry . As one might expect, she was modeled after Cleopatra . Her beauty should easily rank in the top 10 of this world . Are you joining in, Newbie Cheok Jungyeong looked at me and grinned . I immediately felt a chill run down my back, but I managed to ignore him and talk to Boss . Can I begin refurbishing this place now Boss didn t order me and only blinked her large eyes . Shouldn t we give Newbie more time He s still too young . Jain came to my rescue . Just like she said, I still needed time . A lot of time . Though, I may still be dead last compared to them even in 10 years . It s fine I ll go easy . Kids are supposed to grow by getting beat up Jin Yohan took out his Serpent Spear . At the same time, beads of sweat began to form on my forehead . What do you think Setryn licked her finger and stared at me seductively . Hey I told you, he might look like a weakling, but he s actually Jungyeong, didn t I tell you not to shout Want me to stitch your lips shut Haha, bitch finally went crazy . Thankfully, Cheok Jungyeong and Setryn got into a fight . In any case, there were only four talkative members . The rest only stared at me silently or were yawning out of boredom . Come outside, I ll crush your head . I won t go easy just because you re a woman . Oh, our Jungyeong s finally going to have his neck slashed Haha, why don t we just do that tournament then Quiet . A single word from Boss cooled the heated atmosphere . There s something I need to give you . Boss rummaged through her pocket and took something out . It was a piece of crumpled paper . Take this . Puzzled, I took the paper . What is this A grade 1 magic contract . I checked the paper s description with my smartwatch . Grade 1 Magic Contract High rank magic item Contract Seal Contract seal recognizes each party s identity . Those tied together by contract seals must keep the content of the contract . It was a higher ranked magic contract than the ones I usually saw . I checked the content of the contract . Contract Clause 1 . Kim Hajin cannot betray me . Clause 2 . As long as Kim Hajin does not betray me, I will do my duty to him as the boss . Clause 3 . Whoever breaks the contract will suffer a magic power deviation . Duration 6 years There were only three childish clauses written on the contract . Um, Boss . What . I thought about how to explain it . Of course, a magic power contract didn t need to be as detailed as a real contract, but loose wording could always lead to loopholes . Hm . However, Boss must have misunderstood my hesitation, as she shot back curtly . Are you afraid of joining us Immediately, ten pairs of eyes fell on me . Although they were only curious gazes, a chill went down my back . The aura given off by each of the members was terrifying to say the least . Of course not . I just thought that these clauses were too loose . Ah, you don t have to worry about that . It s an expensive contract, so it s quite intelligent . I see . An intelligent contract . That was indeed interesting . I infused Stigma s magic power into the contract . In truth, this contract was unlikely to work on me, as Stigma s magic power wasn t inside my body . In a way, it was a bit of a cheat . Will this do Stigma s magic power seeped into the contract . Oh What s this Your magic power is unbelievably pure When Cheok Jungyeong saw my magic power, he exclaimed in awe and expressed his interest once again . Look, Boss, it s so clear and blue . It s the first time I ve seen such a thing . As Cheok Jungyeong said, Stigma s magic power should be the purest form of magic power . Although I wasn t sure exactly what it was or how it worked, it was, after all, the Authority of the Creator . Wow, this kid sure is a treasure . Argh, I can t hold it back anymore . Come out and spar with me I ll watch too . Quiet, both of you . Even Jain was starting to show interest in watching me fight, but Boss was thankfully here to hold them back . Next, Boss infused her magic power into the contract . There, the contract is done . Then, she carefully folded the contract and put it back in her pocket . Little Apprentice, here s a gift . With that, Boss handed me an accessory . It was the necklace of the Seat of Black . The completely jet black necklace that was the proof of Chameleon Troupe s Black color . Necklace of Black Artifact Unawakened Increases all variable stats by 1 point . Invisibility This necklace can become invisible . item must be awakened Each member of the Chameleon Troupe had a symbolic item given to them . The item of the Seat of Black was a simple yet powerful item with the effect of raising every stat by 1 point . Oh looks like that thing finally found an owner . Now, let s go spar to celebrate . Cheok Jungyeong suggested once again . Why was this guy so interested in me Sorry, there s something I need to do now . Do it later . No, I couldn t do it later . There wasn t a single member of the Chameleon Troupe I could win against . In fact, I wouldn t last more than 10 seconds against anyone . I turned towards Boss . I have a mission I have to do . At that moment, someone grabbed my sleeve . Hyung, Hyung, can you show me your gun A young boy who had yet to go through puberty . I turned towards the direction of Droon s cute voice . Droon was a Caucasian boy who was only 11 to 13 years old . However, he couldn t be underestimated because of his young age . Frankly, there was no problem classifying Droon as the world s strongest . Though, to be exact, it was that thing that was stuck to Droon that was strong . My real weapon isn t my gun . I gave some half hearted excuse as I didn t want to show him my Desert Eagle . Eh Really Really You use an even more amazing weapon than that cowardly weapon Cheok Jungyeong shouted once again . What was I supposed to do about this numbskull Haha I knew it this whole time . Um, I still want to see it . Seeing Droon s pleading eyes, I gave in and took out my gun . There was nothing to lose by being nice to Droon . Do you want to touch it Yes I gave Droon the Desert Eagle . Droon began to touch my gun with eyes full of interest . At that moment, that thing shot up from Droon s back . A fat, shadowy rabbit flashed its crimson eyes and stared at my gun . Soon, a smile emerged on the rabbit s face . Droon also smiled and gave the gun back to me . It s a good weapon Droon also had the role of Chameleon Troupe s appraiser . Since Droon praised my weapon, I could be proud with all the options I added to the gun . Thanks . If you re done with your introductions, focus . Boss gathered everyone s attention . The reason I summoned everyone today isn t just to greet a new member . Boss put on a serious smile and clenched her fists . 2 weeks later, we will begin our activities for real . Immediately, the atmosphere in the cave changed . Cheok Jungyeong s expression was particularly noteworthy . Grinning from ear to ear, he was full of excitement for Boss upcoming words . Clear sunlight shone down on a beautiful morning . Haa . Yoo Jinhyuk got up from his couch with a sigh . Despite the beautiful weather, he wasn t feeling so good . Tsk . He clicked his tongue and opened the door to his office bedroom . Drrk Beyond the sliding door, a girl was lying on his bed like a vampire sleeping in its coffin . When is she going to go back Today was the fifth, no, sixth day . Yoo Yeonha declared that she wouldn t go back until he told her the truth . Ehew . When she first came to see him, he thought she would leave after a day or two at most . However, his stubborn niece didn t give up . In fact, she bugged him more and more every day . It would have been one thing if she just stayed holed up in his office, but she was also constantly looking around the town, looking for anything of business value . As a result, Yoo Yeonha became famous in the shanty town Yoo Jinhyuk was in . Will you finally tell me the truth now At that moment, Yoo Yeonha s voice rang out . Startled, Yoo Jinhyuk swallowed his saliva . Yoo Yeonha continued, still lying on the bed . Tell me . No, I really don t know anything . Yoo Yeonha got up . Her flawless beauty made it hard to believe she just woke up . That s fine . I ll just stay until you do . You Yoo Jinhyuk asked Yoo Jinwoong to take back his daughter . However, Yoo Jinwoong surprisingly asked him to have her stay, saying that being with him was safer for her than being in Cube . Of course, he didn t forget to mention that he would kill Yoo Jinhyuk if he laid even a finger on Yoo Yeonha . Plus, I already know some things . Oh yeah Like what Yoo Yeonha hesitated momentarily, then sighed . I guess I have no choice . If neither of us tells each other anything, it doesn t look like we ll get anywhere . But just know that I can t tell you where I got this information from . Sure . Yoo Jinhyuk answered half heartedly . As far as he was concerned, whatever information Yoo Yeonha had had to be a groundless rumor . The information I have is simple . Kuhum . After a cough, Yoo Yeonha continued . Chae Jinyoon became a devil . Yoo Yeonha muttered as though it was the truth . Immediately, Yoo Jinhyuk s hair stood on end . However, he maintained his commanding appearance and did not show his agitation outwards . Devil Like Satan and all those devils from the Bible No, you know what I m talking about . The existences above Djinns . The evil gods who give power to Djinns . What . Yoo Jinhyuk was about to blow off the conversation, but he suddenly remembered a voice he heard with his ability . The voice belonged to the medical examiner who was speaking in front of Chae Jinyoon s corpse . This is even more elaborate than the Djinns Devil Transformation . You can see that it is persisting even after his death . Something that was even more elaborate than the Devil Transformation The pieces of the puzzle fell in . So you do know something . Maybe I should have told you earlier . Yoo Jinhyuk s expression revealed his brief thought, and Yoo Yeonha didn t forget to point it out . In the end, Yoo Jinhyuk sighed . Ehew, just so you know, I ve been staying quiet to protect you . If handled wrong, even your mom and dad might end up being killed . Eh So wouldn t it be better that I be the only one who might die Yoo Yeonha stared at him silently, then added . Are we that weak What Are we so weak that our entire family will be killed because we defied one person Yoo Jinhyuk became speechless . He couldn t think of any way to respond . If so, I ll make us stronger . Yoo Yeonha spoke daringly . However, that was impossible to achieve . The Yoo clan was the Chae clan s hunting dog from birth . As a clan that grew by performing the Chae clan s dirty work, it was at the mercy of Chae Joochul s hands So trust me . Yoo Yeonha s na ve words cut off Yoo Jinhyuk s thoughts . Looking at his niece, Yoo Jinhyuk smiled . A kid that always acted like a grown up had finally become an adult . He couldn t help but be amazed . Mission Commencement . D 10 Four days passed since then . With Khalifa s help, I went back and forth between Chameleon Troupe s hideout and my apartment house while continuing my Chameleon Troupe Hideout Renovation and Dexterity Level up Project . During the past four days, I realized that Dexterity was quite a difficult Gift to level up . To the point that I couldn t be more grateful to Master Sharpshooter for helping it become grade 7 . Jiiing The first thing I did was create a small workshop in the cave . Currently, I was working on a couch . Dexterity s proficiency went up more when I crafted bigger objects but because crafting items took Stigma s magic power, I couldn t make anything bigger than a couch . The process for creating the couch was as follows . First was coming up with a design with the help of Aether s Aesthetic Greed . Next was buying expensive materials and creating the couch s frame with Stigma s magic power . Lastly, I had to stuff the couch with the highest grade fillings, then cover everything up with monster alligator skin . Although it was easy to describe, the whole process took nine hours to complete . Whew . Now, it was finally over . I clutched my head and fell on my chair . Dexterity s proficiency increases by 1 . 5 1 . 5 for all that work It was too stingy, but I also had more than enough time . Through luck, Devilish Dexterity activates . Alligator Skin Couch has been judged to be a high rank furniture . A special effect will be granted to fit its status . Special effect Significance of Rest This couch will quickly burn off any exhaustion . Whoever sleeps on this couch will wake up refreshed . I couldn t make furniture that gave temporary stat bonuses, but this was more than praiseworthy for a piece of furniture . Hm . I picked up the couch I built . With my superhuman strength stat, lifting heavy objects stopped being a problem . Here s a couch I came out of the workshop and announced my creation . Boss was the first member to see me . You built another one Boss woke up from her sleep surprisingly, she slept standing , and murmured apathetically . Around her were other pieces of furniture such as a table, TV drawer, etc . Little Apprentice, don t you think you re changing this place too quickly I think I need time to adjust . For the past four days, I ve been slowly changing Chameleon Troupe s hideout . I first created a resting place for Boss . I set aside a 160 square meter space and turned it into a modern room by smoothing out the walls, ceiling, and floor, then painted it white . You have to at least live like a person . Also, why don t you watch TV There are many good variety shows . I m not interested in those . Just try it . I put the couch at an appropriate distance away from the TV . Try sitting down . . However, Boss shook her head . I ve never sit down to rest . I like standing . Then I m going back to the workshop . I returned to the workshop . After closing the door, I peered through the door and observed Boss . why is it so big Boss glanced at the couch, then poked it here and there with her foot . However, it didn t look like she planned on sitting down . That s a bit sad . Would she sit down if I made her a better one Unfortunately, because making furniture expended Stigma s magic power, making more than one was a waste . Now, I needed to do my next task . Training . I needed to wield a more threatening weapon than a gun . Not to mention, having more options was better for battles . Shoo Start . I held ten knives I created in my hands and initiated a training program . At the same time, holographic targets shot up 300 meters away . As though they were besieging me, eleven targets were equally spaced around me . I threw my knives at them . Chweeek These knives would undoubtedly strike all eleven targets . However, I wanted more . The moment I threw the knives, I took out the bow hanging behind my back and Uwoah My neck got caught on the bowstring, and I fell forward . Argh, I almost died . I almost killed myself . My neck . It was indeed too difficult . Because of Dexterity s low proficiency level, using knives, a bow, and a gun simultaneously was a bit difficult . Unless I had another arm Wait . Another arm I immediately thought of Stigma . Even Stigma wouldn t be able to create another arm, but I should be able to utilize it to make it seem like I did . Of course, this had to be tested later . I d already used 2 . 5 streaks of Stigma on building my couch . I ll try it tomorrow . Then, I looked outside the workshop without much thought . Eh A small grin emerged on my face . Boss was sitting on the couch . As if that wasn t enough, she was bouncing on the couch cushion as though she was surprised by its softness and coziness . Swamp Alligator skin It s true that their skins are known to be great . After giving the couch a review, she turned her attention to the small couch chair I made a couple days ago . After glancing at my workshop for a second, she brought the couch chair over and put her feet on top of it . She looked extremely comfy . Mmm Boss closed her eyes with a satisfied hum . Then, as though she was missing something, she reached out and grabbed the TV remote on the couch . email protected email protected Hiik Startled by the loud volume, she hurriedly lowered it . How cute . Right, that was how people changed . My first goal, making Boss watch TV , was a success . Then I guess I ll go back to practicing I smiled and picked up the knives I threw . I couldn t stay down just because of one failure . For now, I had to give my best on whatever I did . But, one cigarette first . After practicing for three hours, I went outside . Hm When I was thinking about going out to buy a cigarette, I heard a faint breathing sound . I tilted my head and looked over in that direction . Is she sleeping Boss was lying on the couch, sleeping with her arms out . It wasn t too long ago that she said she liked to sleep standing up . I grinned and took out my smartwatch . This was the perfect chance for a photo . I muted the phone and took pictures of Boss sleeping . Boss still didn t show any signs of waking up . Was my couch that good While I was being satisfied with myself, I suddenly received a message . I confirmed the truth . Nayun is also awake . Yoo Yeonha had finally messaged me after a week of silence . I tried to reply to her gladly . However A pang of pain suddenly struck my arm . An agonizing pain akin to my arm being ripped off . The feeling of another streak of Stigma being added to my arm . I knew what this meant . However Fuck It s just too painful . I used the painkiller medicinal effect I prepared for moments like this, but the pain only got clearer . I clenched my teeth . Forcing my eyes open, I confirmed the alerts popping up on my smartwatch . A fourth streak of Stigma is added . From the fifth, Stigma will require more total SP gained . Your laptop is updating . Adding Functionalities However, my consciousness faded away under the continued pain, and soon, my vision turned dark .

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