Killing the Possessor - Chapter 126

“…”

As crude as his words were, he had a point. No matter how much of a lunatic he was, even he wouldn’t be sitting around with his pants down if he knew there were officers lying in wait for a sting operation.

“So, what are you going to do now?”

“…For now, just hide over there. I’ll try to handle this somehow.”

Maybe it was because he had no idea how I’d even gotten in here, but he frantically pointed at his closet, as if he couldn’t imagine I might just disappear with magic.

Honestly, now would’ve been the perfect moment to use the scroll and get out. If the people at the door really were from the Public Security Bureau, things could get ugly in a hurry.

But I couldn’t quite bring myself to leave. Maybe it was just stubbornness at not being able to complete my verification. If I could watch how he dealt with other locals, I might be able to figure it out for sure.

Remember, if you think it’s a trap, use the scroll right away. Don’t get greedy for results, get it?

I finally understood why Hawk had drilled that into me. It’s surprisingly hard to walk away.

But unfortunately, I wasn’t exactly the type to listen. Letting go of the scroll I’d been fiddling with in my pocket, I obediently climbed into the closet he pointed at, planning to use magic from there if it came down to it.

If you use an artifact, instead of innate life-force magic, it can’t be traced by magic detection anyway. That’s half the reason they sent someone like me, instead of an official wizard.

As soon as I was hidden in the closet, Crudi hurried out of the room. Holding my breath, I peeked through the narrow crack in the door to watch what was happening.

“What’s going on?”

I could hear Crudi’s voice, but not the others’. He must’ve opened the door by now.

And then I remembered—he went out there just like he was a minute ago. Oh, the others must’ve been shocked, seeing a half-naked guy stroll out to greet them.

“Are you alright? We sensed some odd fluctuations nearby and came to check. You’ve been absent for over three days without notice…”

“Oh, I’ve just been sick. I had a terrible fever.”

“Excuse us.”

At that, a new voice cut in—one that sounded way too familiar.

The heavy thud of boots grew louder, heading straight in my direction.

“Hey, hey, why are you going in there?”

Crudi’s panicked voice rang out, and he thundered after whoever it was. Through the crack, I saw two men facing off.

…You’ve got to be kidding me.

The man in uniform was someone I knew.

It was none other than Ren Abyss. The very person who made me keep saying ‘Why is he here?’

Is this some kind of male lead buff? Why does this bastard always show up at the worst possible moment?

“Sir Crudi, are you sure you were home alone?”

“Isn’t that a little too much interest in my private life?”

“Just answer the question.”

Crudi sighed, running a hand through his hair. He might not have recognized Ren, but from his attitude, he clearly figured out this was his superior.

The real problem was that he could throw me under the bus to save himself. How long would it take to activate the scroll? Should I use it now?

While I was torn between options, clutching the scroll, Crudi spoke up.

“There’s no woman here.”

“I didn’t ask if there was a woman.”

“I like men even less.”

“…Are you joking right now?”

It was the first time I’d seen him snap back like that. That man was always the picture of composure, all sly smiles and smooth talk. But whether it was the original Crudi or the possessed one, he clearly had a knack for getting under people’s skin.

“Come on, just look at me. Do I look like I’d have anyone over? I was finally getting a moment alone to jerk off and you barge in asking if there’s anyone here. How do you think that makes me feel?”

If he really was a possessor, then everyone here was a stranger to him, but his attitude was unbelievably bold. Ren just glared at him in silence, seemingly at a loss for words.

And then, as if some sixth sense had kicked in, Ren’s gaze suddenly was right in my direction. He stared for an unnaturally long time.

The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. For a moment, I was convinced our eyes had met through the crack in the closet door.

Was the gap too wide? Could he actually see me?

No way… right? No, impossible… right?