Emojis
ForTestingPurposeThe execution priest, Kiril, felt a chill settle in his chest.
EmojisForTestingPurposeA woman, who he hadn’t seen before, was holding a photo of the saint and smiling brightly.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘…Who is she?’
EmojisForTestingPurposeNo one knew when or how the woman had appeared and seated herself among them.
EmojisForTestingPurposeKiril felt a chill run down his spine at the thought that if no one had spoken to her first, they would never have noticed.
EmojisForTestingPurposeNot notice?
EmojisForTestingPurposeThem?
EmojisForTestingPurposeThey were professional ‘cleaners’ trained in special operations.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe shadows of the Orthodox Church, specialized in kidnapping and eliminating people.
EmojisForTestingPurposeFor them not to notice—
EmojisForTestingPurposeEven at that very moment, Kiril couldn’t believe it.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe innocent-looking woman with a sweet smile didn’t fit the space at all.
EmojisForTestingPurposeIt felt like seeing a ‘ghost.’
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Do you know why you’re targeting Jeanne?”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“That is……”
EmojisForTestingPurposeKiril trailed off, exchanging glances with the other execution priests.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“The reason we’re targeting the saint is……”
EmojisForTestingPurposeThwack!
EmojisForTestingPurposeKiril suddenly lunged at the woman.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe other execution priests also launched themselves in unison.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAt that same moment—
EmojisForTestingPurposeSwoosh—
EmojisForTestingPurposeA red line appeared, and a head flew through the air.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAfter finishing a pleasant day with Eun-gong and heading back to the shop,
EmojisForTestingPurposeVanessa realized they were being watched.
EmojisForTestingPurposeNoticing the presence of others was second nature to Vanessa.
EmojisForTestingPurposeStealth, darkness.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThese were the traits of the awakening abilities Vanessa had mastered, and she was a natural-born assassin, handling them since birth.
EmojisForTestingPurposeVanessa, who had stepped out under the guise of a walk, immediately followed the watcher.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAt first, she intended only to observe.
EmojisForTestingPurposeShe didn’t know their intentions in approaching Eun-gong.
EmojisForTestingPurposeBut the moment she realized they were targeting Jeanne, her stance shifted from observing to eliminating.
EmojisForTestingPurposeIt was unacceptable for her that they were targeting Jeanne, who had saved her, and Eun-gong.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAny threat had to be eliminated from the start.
EmojisForTestingPurposeShe clearly remembered what the East End people had suffered from the British government for failing to do so.
EmojisForTestingPurposeShe first needed to identify the people behind them.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Where are you from?”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“I… I can’t say…”
EmojisForTestingPurposeSwoosh—
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe priest’s head was neatly severed as he spoke.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe head rolled across the floor.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Where are you from?”
EmojisForTestingPurposeHolding golden scissors dripping with blood, Vanessa asked the next priest.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Ugh… I-I can’t say…”
EmojisForTestingPurposeSwoosh—
EmojisForTestingPurposeVanessa politely asked each priest about the people behind them.
EmojisForTestingPurposeIf they didn’t answer, she eliminated them.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThere was only one question, but there were many mouths that could answer it.
EmojisForTestingPurposeHowever, there were now very few mouths left.
EmojisForTestingPurposeSwoosh—
EmojisForTestingPurposeVanessa severed the neck of the priest who refused to answer, then turned around.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“You’re the last one.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeVanessa smiled brightly at the frozen priest.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Where are you from?”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“…….”
EmojisForTestingPurposeKiril couldn’t believe it.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAll eight execution priests who had come with him were dead.
EmojisForTestingPurposeOnly he remained alive.
EmojisForTestingPurposeEven he knew his life was not guaranteed unless he answered the woman’s question.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe woman literally ‘cut’ people.
EmojisForTestingPurposeKiril couldn’t fathom how someone could be ‘cut’ like that.
EmojisForTestingPurposeSuch a technique was something Kiril, who had kidnapped and eliminated many, had never seen before.
EmojisForTestingPurposeHe had never heard of anyone using ‘scissors’ as a weapon.
EmojisForTestingPurposeBut more than anything, it was the woman’s expression that terrified him the most.
EmojisForTestingPurposeHer face, like a farmer harvesting crops, showed no change.
EmojisForTestingPurposeShe smiled kindly, but there were no emotions behind it.
EmojisForTestingPurposeEven as she killed.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Why were you targeting Jeanne?”
EmojisForTestingPurposeHis legs wobbled.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe woman made even Kiril, who was accustomed to killing, fear her.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘…A monster.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeUnconsciously taking a step back, Kiril eventually turned and fled.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Ugh, Aaaaah!”
EmojisForTestingPurposeHe screamed louder than ever before in his life.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“……”
EmojisForTestingPurposeVanessa didn’t chase after the fleeing Kiril.
EmojisForTestingPurposeShe had already planted her magic inside him.
EmojisForTestingPurposeVanessa’s subtle magic was hard to detect and maintained for a long time.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAs long as the magic remained, she could always know the other’s location.
EmojisForTestingPurposeKiril would guide her to the people behind the plot against Jeanne.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAs she returned to the pawnshop, Vanessa felt like she understood why she had ended up with Eun-gong.
EmojisForTestingPurposeIn a world where such people roamed, it would certainly be more dangerous than the East End.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Did you enjoy your walk?”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Yes, thanks to Eun-gong, I had a great time.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeVanessa smiled warmly at Choi Jeosun, who had kindly greeted her.
EmojisForTestingPurposeShe thought to herself:
EmojisForTestingPurposeI’ll make sure no one touches him.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe next day after bowling, showering, and resting,
EmojisForTestingPurposeHe received a message from Kim Hayun saying she had found a house.
EmojisForTestingPurpose[Hello, Jeosun!]
EmojisForTestingPurpose[I’ve found the house you mentioned before! I’ll send you a list, so take your time and choose.]
EmojisForTestingPurpose[Thank you.]
EmojisForTestingPurpose[You’re welcome! Now that you’re one of our guild members, it’s only natural to find a house for you.]
EmojisForTestingPurpose(Hamster jumping rope emoticon)
EmojisForTestingPurpose[The magic stone payment was sent to your bank account, so if the amount is wrong, let me know!]
EmojisForTestingPurpose(Hamster smiling emoticon)
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘She uses a lot of emoticons.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeIt was convenient to have a guild after all.
EmojisForTestingPurposeEspecially since Vanessa had arrived, and a new house had become urgent.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe pawnshop had expanded, but it would be better to have a separate house.
EmojisForTestingPurposeYou never know, people might gather more in the future.
EmojisForTestingPurposeHe summoned Jeanne and Vanessa to ask for their opinions.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Which house do you think would be good?”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“I think the current house is fine. If it’s because of us that you’re looking for a house, there’s no need for that.”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“I was already planning to move, so please don’t feel burdened.”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Well, then I think you should pick the one you like, Jeosun.”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Really?”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Yes.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeJeanne seemed satisfied with her current life.
EmojisForTestingPurposeShe was the type of person who wouldn’t complain even if she had to live in a tiny attic room.
EmojisForTestingPurposeShe’s just too kind.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThat’s why I want to treat her even better.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“How about you, Vanessa?”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“What do you think of this place?”
EmojisForTestingPurposeVanessa pointed to a spot.
EmojisForTestingPurposeIt was a quiet residential area with an open view.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“I chose it because it seemed like there wouldn’t be many people around.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeVanessa smiled brightly.
EmojisForTestingPurposeShe seemed to care more about the external environment than the interior of the residence.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘Looks like she prefers quiet places.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeWell, there’s nothing good about a noisy area anyway.
EmojisForTestingPurposeJust as we were checking out the house Vanessa had chosen—
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Eungong.”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Yes.”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Could you summon me again tonight?”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“It’s not difficult, but is there a reason?”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“I want to explore this new world.”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Understood.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeWithout much hesitation, I nodded at Vanessa’s request.
EmojisForTestingPurposeJeanne also used to wander around alone when she first arrived.
EmojisForTestingPurposeSince she had come all the way to this distant land, I wanted her to have as much freedom as possible.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAnyway, I accepted Vanessa’s opinion and chose a quiet yet spacious house.
EmojisForTestingPurposeOne close to the store.
EmojisForTestingPurposeBut then…
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘Huh, it’s a bit expensive.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe lease alone was 3.2 billion won.
EmojisForTestingPurposeMeanwhile, my savings, including the money from selling Anwi’s sword, amounted to about 3.6 billion won.
EmojisForTestingPurposeI hesitated for a moment, but seeing the magnificent 80-pyeong house changed my mind.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘Let’s just go for it.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeYou need a house to make money, after all.
EmojisForTestingPurposeI stood up.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Let’s go earn some money.”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Huh?”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“The Gate. I think I need to make some cash.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeFrom today, I had to hustle.
EmojisForTestingPurpose[B-1 Gate Entry]
EmojisForTestingPurposeI felt a bit nervous since I had only been dealing with C-rank gates until now.
EmojisForTestingPurposeFrom B-rank onward, they were considered true high-tier gates.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘By the way, I could use an extra slot.’
EmojisForTestingPurpose[Summon: 4/4]
EmojisForTestingPurposeAll my slots were currently full.
EmojisForTestingPurposeIf I wanted to acquire a new transcendent being or artifact, I needed more slots.
EmojisForTestingPurposeHowever, the only way to strengthen my abilities was by consuming essence or earning rewards from the gate.
EmojisForTestingPurposeBut then—
[You have entered a high-tier gate.]
EmojisForTestingPurposeClearing five high-tier gates or completing certain quests could grant a slot with a certain probability.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘Now this seems doable.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe message wiped away my uncertainty, and I felt a surge of motivation.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Let’s go.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeAs I saw the green giants emerging from the forest, I stepped forward with confidence.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘The best way to hunt ogres is to lure them out one by one.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeI was mentally reviewing the strategy for dealing with the ogres’ massive size when—
EmojisForTestingPurposeSwish!
EmojisForTestingPurposeVanessa dashed forward.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAnd then—
EmojisForTestingPurposeSlice—
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe ogre’s ankle was cleanly severed.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Grrraaagh!”
EmojisForTestingPurposeThud.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe ogre, unable to keep its balance, collapsed. A quick stab to the heart finished it off.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“?”
EmojisForTestingPurposeI was momentarily speechless at how effortless the hunt was.
EmojisForTestingPurposeFlutter, flutter.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Grrraaargh!”
EmojisForTestingPurposeOne ogre, which had been charging confidently, suddenly covered its face and fell to its knees, blinded by the radiant divine power.
EmojisForTestingPurposeIt was like a vampire exposed to sunlight.
EmojisForTestingPurposeSkkkkt.
EmojisForTestingPurposeBefore it could even struggle, Vanessa, moving like a ghost, swiftly cut its throat.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘Is this really a B-rank gate?’
EmojisForTestingPurposeWhy does it seem even easier than a C-rank gate?
EmojisForTestingPurpose“GRAAAHHH!”
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe ‘Ogre King,’ in a frenzy after watching its kin fall, suddenly stopped in its tracks.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThen, as if nothing had happened, it turned around and walked back into the forest.
EmojisForTestingPurposeIts U-turn was so natural that I almost thought it was just out for a stroll.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘Is that thing running away?’
EmojisForTestingPurposeI aimed my Napoleon rifle at its thick calf and pulled the trigger.
EmojisForTestingPurposeBang!
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe magic-infused bullet pierced its skin, causing it to rip open.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThrough the wound, Jeanne’s divine power seeped in, making the injury spread rapidly.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThen Vanessa dashed in and—swish—finished it off.
EmojisForTestingPurpose[B-1 Gate Cleared.]
EmojisForTestingPurpose[Completion Rank: SSS]
EmojisForTestingPurpose“……”
EmojisForTestingPurposeIt seemed like I wasn’t even needed for B-rank gates.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘I should probably start thinking about how to utilize my fountain pen ability.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeThat night, after returning from the gate raid—
EmojisForTestingPurposeVanessa stood by the dimly lit window.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe magic she had planted in the priest the day before was now moving somewhere else.
EmojisForTestingPurposeSeeing that the magic kept circling in one spot, Vanessa turned toward Choi Jeosun’s room.
EmojisForTestingPurposeSensing that he was asleep, she quietly slipped out of the store.
EmojisForTestingPurposeTonight’s stroll… was going to be a long one.