The Return of the Genius Ranker of All Times - Chapter 258

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 258

Episode 258.

Dohyun, who had been stunned by the shocking situation, suddenly snapped back to his senses.

However, even though he had regained his composure, his confusion remained the same.

‘What kind of situation is this?’

Since Gamillion had mentioned feeling strange energy from both the 1st Prince and 2nd Prince, he had thought something might be hidden.

But this went beyond that level.

‘His entire body is red? Is that even possible?’

The Eye of Truth had the characteristic of seeing through hidden things.

In other words, if his entire body was red, it meant something was hidden throughout his entire body… This was the first time he had experienced such a phenomenon since obtaining the Eye of Truth.

While it was strange to discuss reality in terms of a game, he questioned whether this was even realistically possible.

Though he was utterly bewildered, he had a hunch when he tried to speculate.

‘What if something is hidden not externally, but inside his body?’

For instance, mana.

What if fragments of fate or something else had affected the mana circuits circulating within his body?

If that were the case, it would spread throughout his entire body, so such an appearance wouldn’t be strange.

It could be due to something else, but,

“Your complexion doesn’t look good. You’ve been feeling unwell lately, so I hope you didn’t force yourself to come out?”

“Haha, what use would I be if I couldn’t even walk around the castle? I can’t stand being cooped up.”

“…That’s right. Your Highness has always loved being active. It feels like yesterday when you were learning swordsmanship from me.”

“That was already 2 years ago, Sword Master. Ah, perhaps you miss being called ‘Master’? Haha.”

“Hehe, you shouldn’t tease an old man. Well… I do miss it a little. You possessed outstanding talent, after all.”

The conversation between those two was adding credibility to his speculation.

‘2 years ago would be when the game opened.’

He had become sickly right around that time, and the Eye of Truth was saying something was hidden throughout the prince’s entire body?

Something smelled fishy.

However, this wasn’t something he could figure out just by thinking.

After pondering for a moment, Dohyun finally opened his mouth.

“Greetings, Your Highness. To meet the 2nd Prince at a gathering I came to under His Majesty’s command is truly an honor.”

“Ah! Is that so? It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Iden de Arniss. What should I call you?”

“I am called Kaiser. The ones behind me are my Guardians.”

Perhaps it was because he spoke with as much courtesy as possible.

Even though he had suddenly interjected in a way that could have been annoying, the 2nd Prince received him with a smile.

Compared to the 1st Prince who would cut off his arm for being impudent, this was a reaction like that of an angel.

“I see, Kaiser. I was being rude by talking just between the two of us while we have a guest. It’s been so long since I met a dear face that I committed a breach of etiquette.”

“Not at all, Your Highness.”

“By the way, this is the first time His Majesty has personally invited a Disciple… How intriguing. Would it be alright if we had a brief conversation until His Majesty arrives?”

“Of course.”

Thanks to this, he naturally achieved his desired goal of having a conversation.

However, most of that conversation was directed toward satisfying the 2nd Prince’s curiosity.

“I heard you were the greatest contributor to that Forgotten Tomb incident. Since we were also keeping an eye on it, I have many questions.”

Though the 2nd Prince had good character, he was born royalty.

Satisfying his own curiosity being the top priority was like his fundamental nature.

So when the 2nd Prince asked questions about what happened in the tomb, he would briefly summarize and explain, and when follow-up questions arose, he would answer them again, repeating this process several times.

“Indeed. Thanks to you, much of my curiosity has been satisfied. To have dealt with such a massive Calamity… This is quite something. I wonder if the Disciples are more amazing than I expected, or if you’re the amazing one… I suspect it’s the latter.”

“You flatter me.”

“Haha, there’s no need to be modest. It’s an achievement you can be proud of.”

Finally satisfied, the 2nd Prince offered admiring praise instead of questions.

Though the Sword Master clicked his tongue disapprovingly from behind, even he didn’t object, as if acknowledging the achievement.

“It seems I’ve talked too much about myself. Hmm… It will probably take a few more minutes for His Majesty to arrive. Before then, is there anything you’re curious about regarding me?”

‘Now’s the time.’

Feeling that the moment he had been waiting for had finally arrived, Dohyun’s eyes lit up.

Moistening his lips with his tongue, he carefully began to speak.

“It’s nothing major… but have you ever heard this name before?”

“A name… you say?”

“The name Moonlight Order.”

He finished speaking quietly and watched the 2nd Prince, but after thinking it over, the 2nd Prince simply shook his head.

“It’s the first time I’ve heard that name. Is it a famous organization?”

“…It’s the name of an organization I heard from someone before. It somehow stuck in my memory, so I was wondering if it might be a famous place, but I suppose it’s not that well-known.”

“I see. Is there nothing else you’re curious about?”

At his nonchalant appearance, Dohyun paused for a moment before asking about fragments of fate.

However, the answer that came back was the same as before.

“That’s also the first time I’ve heard of it… Well now, it seems you don’t have much curiosity about me? Haha. I had some expectations since I’m a prince, after all.”

“How could that be? I’m just too embarrassed to dare ask.”

“Haha, you’re a guest personally invited by His Majesty, so feel free to ask comfortably.”

There was nothing strange about his face as he joked around as if hearing it for the first time.

If anything, he seemed embarrassed.

Looking at this alone, one might think he had been barking up the wrong tree, but Dohyun’s eyes only grew sharper.

When he had talked about the Moonlight Order, he had definitely seen it.

Very briefly, but his eyes and mouth had stiffened before relaxing.

‘He definitely knows the name Moonlight Order.’

‘I think so too, Owner. You can’t fool my eyes. That’s definitely the face of someone hiding something.’

‘Rizariza.’

‘Mm. Certainly, it was a somewhat unsettling reaction.’

Did pretending not to know this much mean he was in cahoots with them?

Though he didn’t feel any malice or killing intent, even this might be an advanced poker face.

He needed more information.

Just as Dohyun was about to open his mouth again.

“Hmm?”

Suddenly the corridor became noisy.

Rather than being loud, it was more like bustling activity, and he could quickly understand the reason.

“His Imperial Majesty approaches!”

“Ah! It seems His Majesty has returned. Unfortunately, we’ll have to cut our conversation short.”

The great 9th Emperor of the Arniss Empire.

Baharun de Arnis had appeared from beyond the corridor.

The Red Carpet of the Imperial Capital seemed to exist solely for him, and his appearance walking upon it was truly fitting.

Thud, thud.

The gaze of a monarch that seemed to look down on everyone.

Though he was just under 180cm tall, not particularly large in stature, the aura he emanated made him appear massive.

His attitude of finding the trailing entourage of attendants bothersome was impressive.

Step, step, step, step.

Finally, like the Red Sea parting, the attendants split to either side as the Emperor approached and stood at close range.

The air grew heavy.

“There are many guests. Iden, why are you here…”

“I was passing by and stopped for some light conversation… *cough, cough*”

The 2nd Prince, who suddenly coughed roughly while answering, had a pale complexion.

His already pale complexion was becoming almost zombie-like, making one wonder if this was the same person who had been talking just moments before.

“Tsk. Your condition has worsened. Go inside and rest.”

“…I apologize.”

The 2nd Prince bowed his head and withdrew.

The Emperor, who had been watching that retreating figure without taking his eyes off him, finally turned his head only after the 2nd Prince had disappeared from view.

“…All this gold must be mere decoration. It doesn’t seem to have any effect at all.”

“There seems to be a slight effect, at least. You were speaking quite comfortably until just a moment ago.”

“…Is that so. Thank you, Sword Master. This wasn’t originally a request I should have given you, but you accepted it readily.”

“How could that be? The person who can bring him safely should be the one to do it. I’ll take my leave now, so please converse comfortably.”

“Mm. Understood. Let’s talk separately next time.”

Only after seeing off the Sword Master did the Emperor’s gaze finally turn toward Dohyun.

The Emperor, who had been looking at Dohyun with strange eyes that seemed to see right through him, spoke calmly as if casually remarking.

“So you are Kaiser. Come inside.”

With those words, the Emperor turned and entered through the door, emanating an atmosphere that was somehow difficult to defy.

Indeed, this was the bearing befitting one who had declared that there was only one sun under heaven – the Empire’s Emperor.

However, Dohyun, watching such an Emperor, felt bewilderment instead of admiration.

It wasn’t for any petty reason like displeasure.

[Eye of Truth is activating.]

‘…This is driving me crazy. Why is the Emperor red too?’

The Empire’s Emperor, Baharun de Arnis.

He too was tinged with red coloring.

Not his entire body like the 2nd Prince, but a faint red light spread centered on his chest, reaching his shoulders and navel.

‘There’s definitely something there.’

Was it his imagination that beyond that door looked like a tiger’s den?

He had a strong feeling that if he stepped foot inside, he’d get thoroughly entangled in something.

Though he felt quite reluctant to enter, didn’t they say that even if you enter a tiger’s den, you just need to keep your wits about you?

‘This damn Main Quest, well of course it would be like this.’

Dohyun took a short deep breath and straightened his posture.

‘Right. Since it’s come to this, let’s properly figure this out.’

* * *

It had already been 30 minutes since he’d made his resolution and begun conversing in the audience chamber.

The conversation had proceeded smoothly enough to make his tension seem pointless.

“I’m well aware of your reputation. You’re quite famous among the Apostles. Do you know that wherever you go, it’s full of talk about you? I hear that among some Apostles, you’re even called a god.”

“…”

“I wonder if it’s proper for Apostles who serve God to do such a thing, but I suppose it means you’re that outstanding a talent. Exceptional heroes have a way of captivating people, so it’s understandable.”

“You flatter me.”

“It’s something to be proud of, so put aside the modesty.”

“…Yes. Thank you.”

It had been a continuous stream of such praise-filled conversation.

He’d heard the Emperor was arrogant enough to say that there was no need for two suns under heaven, but the Emperor he met in person was a man who gave credit where it was due.

‘Mm! Indeed, this is the discernment befitting the Emperor of a Great Empire. Since ancient times, they say that to become a great king, one must have good judgment. Traditionally, while the qualities of a king include leadership and exceptional abilities, the most important thing is how many talented people with real skill follow them…’

‘…I see.’

‘This Charlie is deeply moved that Master’s reputation has spread even to the Empire’s heavens.’

This was also why Charlie was standing quietly beside them with the most satisfied smile he’d shown in recent times.

At Charlie’s unleashed reaction, Jihad quietly stepped back, while Eliza just nodded with a soulless expression.

Dohyun also listened with one ear and let it pass while lost in thought.

‘Just in case, I tried probing indirectly about the Fragments of Fate or the Moon Order, but… he didn’t seem to know anything at all.’

Though he’d spoken indirectly for fear of drawing unwanted attention, he’d actually shown even less reaction than the 2nd Prince who had responded to the Moon Order.

It was different from the Lord of Sargis or Gilberun of Pratel, who had reacted immediately.

But to think the Emperor had no connection at all,

[Eye of Truth is activating.]

The red light that occupied a quarter of his body proved there was a connection.

It seemed certain that the Imperial Household was connected, but could he really know nothing at all?

His head was starting to ache from the completely incomprehensible situation.

“I think that’s enough for the introduction… It would be good to move on to the main topic now. You must be curious about why I brought you here.”

Emperor Baharun removed the hand that had been supporting his chin.

The indifferent expression he’d maintained was gone from him as he leaned his upper body slightly forward.

The wrinkles around his eyes and mouth were stretched taut, making him feel almost cold.

Looking at Dohyun with endlessly serious eyes, he slowly parted his dry lips.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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