DTW 90

Chapter : 90

The Long Road to Poison Mastery (12)

Suhyeon released her grip on Luiril’s neck. The redness in the elf’s face slowly faded. She stared at Suhyeon with confused eyes.

‘I can practically hear her brain working.’

Elves like Luiril were fundamentally unpredictable if left alone. They were talented and clever—and their reasons for acting were often unusual…

“Looks like we can finally have a proper conversation.”

Luiril slumped down as if surrendering.

“Aida serves guests efficiently, but she’s not slow, so let’s finish this quickly before she gets involved.”

“What do you want?”

“That depends on what you have.”

Suhyeon sat opposite Luiril.

“After we parted ways, I did my own investigation.”

“…….”

“You’re impressive. It’s surprising that rumors haven’t spread yet. People are usually so secretive about artifacts….”

“I don’t understand what you’re saying.”

“Being stubborn won’t help you now. Six months ago, an artifact was stolen from Company N’s vault; a year ago, mercenary company Siwol had an artifact stolen. The victims probably suspected many things but couldn’t pinpoint it right away. But I can tell just by looking—it’s the work of a teleporting ability user. And counting what I don’t know, who knows how many times this has happened.”

Luiril turned her gaze away with a stubborn look, whistling. She clearly didn’t want to talk.

“Is it a child?”

“Say what you want to say.”

“I want you to ‘lend’ me the artifacts you have.”

Though she had lost the upper hand to Suhyeon, Luiril resolved to remain composed. But Suhyeon’s words were irritating enough to shake even that resolve. Lend them? That was the kind of phrasing thieves used when retrieving items.

“What do you mean, ‘lend’?”

“I’ll return them someday. Someday.”

‘%#&$#&……’*

“Think of it positively. It won’t be without benefits for you either.”

“I don’t believe that at all. What benefits?”

“For starters, you get to survive.”

“…Yeah, anything else?”

“That’s it?”

“You… idiot…”

“Survival isn’t a simple condition.”

“If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t even be in danger!”

“Ah, you misunderstood. I meant something else.”

“?”

“Your life isn’t at risk because of me. I could put you in danger anytime, but right now, it’s another reason. Do you know who’s involved in these artifact thefts? The Chinese side is involved.”

“I know that already. You think I’d be afraid of them? I’ve gotten away with it a few times already.”

“Have you ever left even a trace?”

“…No.”

Normally, she could have retrieved artifacts with her teleportation ability without leaving a trace. But the psychic present at the scene revealed her ability through clever improvisation.

“Don’t underestimate the Chinese government. Let me explain how things will go. First, the artifact-tracking team will hear the auction took place and arrest the organizers. Even if you run, they won’t let you escape—they’re at that level.”

Luiril listened silently to Suhyeon.

“Next comes torture. They’ll squeeze information out of them, and then they’ll know about a teleporting ability user like you. Naturally, they’ll also suspect you of unresolved thefts in their own country. After that, a dedicated team will be assigned just to track you.”

“…I can just avoid them.”

“If avoiding them worked, people wouldn’t be afraid. Believe it or not, your freedom is yours, but don’t underestimate humans—especially those in government. They’ve dealt with psychics before. Don’t think leaving no trace makes you perfect. Nothing in this world is perfect.”

Suhyeon was right. Luiril didn’t know it, but they also had ways to counteract psychic abilities. If they set a trap, she would inevitably fall into it.

Luiril didn’t want to admit it, but she couldn’t entirely deny it either. She remained silent for a moment, then finally spoke.

“So, you can stop that?”

“Compared to wandering alone like now, you’d be much safer. The Chinese government can’t easily touch anyone associated with the Korean government. The stakes are too high. Of course, if you want to survive, stop stealing. I can’t save someone who’s walking into death.”

A lone elf like Luiril, without backing, could be captured. But hiding under Suhyeon’s protection made that impossible.

She also knew how powerful the human organizations in Cameron were. That’s why she had always been cautious, but this time things had gone awry. Suhyeon’s warning that she could be caught was convincing.

“Of course, if you refuse to cooperate, you’ll die first. Cooperate now if you want to survive.”

“…….”

Luiril’s mind was in turmoil. The human in front of her didn’t look easy to deal with. And gambling while poisoned was dangerous.

“By the way, why steal artifacts?”

“I told you before.”

“You really stole them just out of curiosity?”

“Is there a problem with that?”

Suhyeon chuckled lightly. Artifacts were nothing less than tangible power. Naturally, those who wanted them did so out of real desire.

“No plan for collecting them?”

“Nope.”

Luiril’s theft of artifacts started with a trivial reason. She saw one she liked and had the ability to steal it. That was all.

Since then, she had been steadily collecting artifacts. Her actions resembled those of collectors gathering art.

“They brought a car.”

“Oh, thanks.”

“Have you two talked?”

Aida asked, and Suhyeon and Luiril looked at each other, nodding simultaneously.

“Well, that was interesting.”

“Was it? Glad to hear that.”

They exchanged awkward glances.

“So, Luiril, I want to hear about your recent activities. We haven’t seen each other since last time… How have you been?”

“Very well. I also heard a lot of interesting stories.”

Luiril glared at Suhyeon, signaling her not to say anything foolish in front of Aida. Suhyeon shrugged unconcernedly.

“Really? I’d like to hear too.”

“Aida, can you step outside for a moment? I have something to discuss with this person.”

“Something I shouldn’t hear?”

Aida looked disappointed at Luiril.

“It’s not that you can’t, but it’s the kind of thing someone else shouldn’t hear. Especially, this human will be embarrassed.”

“Is that so? Then…”

Aida stood up willingly, leaving Suhyeon and Luiril alone. Luiril looked at Suhyeon, as if to gauge him.

“You look confident, but I don’t care what that guy imagines.”

Luiril blushed, feeling like Suhyeon had suddenly withdrawn in their pride contest.

“So, what’s your answer? I want to hear it now.”

“You’re saying you’ll spare me if I hand over the artifacts?”

“Yes.”

“How do I know I can trust that?”

“I never asked you to.”

Suhyeon stared at her with his indifferent expression. Luiril recoiled slightly. The relaxed atmosphere from before had shifted drastically.

“Sorry, but this isn’t a negotiation. It’s an order. If you want to live, hand over the artifacts. I’ll cooperate as much as possible with the elves here. Refuse, and you die here.”

Suhyeon had already said too much to Luiril to let her go freely. If she got caught elsewhere, it would become a hassle.

The explanation was enough. Now it was time to push hard.

“Your answer?”

This question was essentially already decided.

“Go back first. I’ll check Posukan and return.”

“I’ll come with you.”

“Did you hear anything from the team?”

Gorgan flinched. Suhyeon smirked. Knowing Gorgan’s personality, he wouldn’t normally question this, so it was a good test.

In fact, Gorgan had heard from the team to follow if Suhyeon tried to act alone.

“It’s fine. I can handle it alone. No need to worry.”

“But…”

“It’s an order. And leaving that human alone isn’t ideal either.”

Suhyeon pointed to Lee Seung-soo. While he wouldn’t open what Suhyeon brought, his curiosity and greed couldn’t be ignored. Surveillance was better for both sides.

“Understood.”

“Good. Go back first.”

After Lee Seung-soo and Gorgan left, Suhyeon looked at Luiril.

“So, where is it?”

She finally surrendered. Suhyeon had thoroughly cornered her.

“Far from here. It’s a long way.”

“Good. If it’s near Posukan, we can handle it together.”

Before going in, Suhyeon planned to check the poison as Seogang-seok had advised. He mounted the large motorcycle borrowed from Ethan.

‘This guy has an interesting taste…’

“Let’s go.”

“Let me tell you a few things. After you hand over the artifacts, you’ll join our team.”

“What team?”

“Don’t play dumb. I know everything you asked Aida before departure.”

“…….”

Luiril turned away once more. She had tried to gather information on Suhyeon before leaving but had ended up in his hands anyway.

“If you want to survive, behave there. The team members are decent, so it won’t be uncomfortable. You can run, but I can’t guarantee your life.”

“Antidote?”

“You’ll get regular suppressants. You won’t have seizures if you take them.”

“Handing over the artifacts doesn’t end it?”

“Sorry, but you’re a teleporting ability user. You know you could retrieve the artifacts anytime if you wanted.”

Luiril clicked her tongue softly. Suhyeon had no visible gaps in his plan.

“You’ll get the antidote once everything is settled and I’m sure you can’t retrieve the artifacts again.”

“Will that day ever come?”

“Of course.”

“…?”

Suhyeon’s unexpected certainty surprised Luiril. There weren’t many ways to hide the items from him completely.

‘The psychic-nullifying device will be here soon.’

Suhyeon had brought it himself, and being government-affiliated, he would hear results faster than anyone. With the device, even a thief like Luiril wouldn’t be scary.

“I know your habits, but once in the team, be careful. There’s a member, Lee So-hee, assigned to you. You must report your movements.”

“Isn’t that too much?”

“If you feel wronged, reflect on your past actions. You’re prone to causing trouble.”

With the right ability, clever mind, and drive, she couldn’t be left unchecked.

“This isn’t a joke. Don’t even think about going to China for a while. You could really die.”

“Got it.”

“I’ll explain how their tracking works. If the trail is lost, don’t worry, it won’t go this far.”

If Luiril got captured and spilled information, Suhyeon would be inconvenienced. That had to be avoided.

Thanks to non-stop travel, Suhyeon shortened the time to reach Posukan.

“It’s around here?”

Skepticism filled Suhyeon’s voice. Inside lay Posukan’s wetlands, and behind it stretched the empty Ames Plains. There was nowhere to hide.

“It’s below.”