Chapter 159: Overtime (2)

Taken aback by the unexpected voice, Natasha momentarily spaced out.

However, Amy was Theo's personal secretary.

If she came looking for her at this hour, it meant something was wrong.

Natasha quickly composed herself, lightly slapping her cheeks.

It was a routine she always did whenever she stood before many people, due to her natural shyness.

Creak~

Natasha opened the door.

"What brings you here, Amy?"

Natasha put on an impassive expression.

"I apologize for the late hour, Natasha. Theo hasn't returned yet. I came wondering if you might know something."

Similarly, Amy's face also showed no emotion.

Perhaps because of the chilly aura emanating from both women, the reporters and guild & national officials, who had been loitering near Natasha's door, held their breaths as they listened to their conversation.

Natasha replied,

"I don't know either. But it's unusual for Theo not to have returned by now. Did he not mention when he'd be back?"

"No, he didn't mention anything. By, would you come with me to the room of the 'Demon Hunter'?"

"...Alright, let's head there immediately."

.

R_ei T_anslations _ar

.

Amy and Natasha immediately set off for Maximin's room.

The others exchanged glances and followed the two.

Among them, some had ulterior motives.

'This is interesting. Who would've known Theo Lyn Waldeurk had ties with Maximin?'

Walking behind Amy and Natasha, this thought crossed Roy's mind.

Roy was currently conducting a detailed investigation of first-year students in the Hero Department of Elinia Academy to submit to Maitri.

The details included names, origins, and rankings – not just what reporters might know.

It delved into their favorite foods, their lovers, and hidden abilities...

The majority of these details required direct verification.

Maitri had pinpointed about 20 individuals for investigation.

This list included the top ten students ranked by grade, and also had names like Noctar, Siena, and Theo Lyn Waldeurk.

'Theo Lyn Waldeurk... The more I look into him, the more intriguing he gets. Most of the others are within expectations, but he's consistently beyond them.'

Roy felt a mix of stress and fascination.

Although Maitri had set the deadline for the following week, Theo was taking up far too much of Roy's time.

Maitri's orders were absolute.

If he said by next week, then it had to be done perfectly by then.

Observation and investigation were among Roy's strong suits, and he had confidence in them.

However, time was running short.

'Haah, still, I have to do it. It's been about 3 years since I joined Turning White... This is the first major task I've been given.'

This was an opportunity.

They say life-changing chances come knocking only a few times, and this seemed to be one of those moments.

Maitri was one of the top thirteen executives of 'Turning White,' a faction destined to become a significant power on the continent in the near future.

He had made it clear that resources, whether personnel or funds, weren’t an issue for this task.

It was clear he had high expectations for this project.

That's why when he heard that Theo was attending the association's academic seminar, he infiltrated under one of his numerous disguises.

He hoped to gather information from outside the academy.

But what a surprise.

He had only expected to find out about any secret lovers, but it seemed Theo had connections with the famous 'Demon Hunter.'

"Really? Even against someone with skilled to be called ‘Demon Hunter’?”

"Indeed. I believe that one's true nature is revealed by how they act when faced with overwhelming force. By that measure, you pass."

"I'm not quite sure I follow."

"It's natural to feel that way. My son, Markvern, was very much like you."

“...Is that so?”

I stared at Maximin, trying to understand his casual reference to Markvern.

Maximin smirked.

"Theo, you truly are someone who evokes many feelings in me. Here, consider this a token of appreciation for entertaining an old man. Watch closely."

Maximin quickly got into a stance, raising his sword.

I recognized the stance immediately.

It was the sword dance I had seen from Piel.

Maximin began his dance.

His style was distinctly different from Piel's.

While Piel's dance was clean and elegant, Maximin's was rugged and dominant.

Instinctively, I activated my enhanced [Observer's Eye], capturing every movement of Maximin.

Seizing what can be seized.

Discard what must be discarded.

Let no one else enter.

The only vision is of me, performing this sword dance.

My eyes captured Maximin's movements, integrating them with my own sword techniques in real-time.

"...Whew."

I'm not sure how much time had passed when Maximin concluded his dance.

"Thank you, Lord 'Demon Hunter'."

With genuine respect, I placed my right hand over my chest and slightly bowed my head.

It might have been the noble courtesy engraved into Theo's habits, but right now, it held my sincere gratitude.

Maximin chuckled.

"Ha! So, what did you think of the sword technique of a retired old man? Not too bad, right, Theo?"

"Yes, I've learned a lot. Thank you, Lord 'Demon Hunter'."

"I'm glad to hear that. Look at the time! I kept you too long, especially when it's a rare day out of the Academy for you. I apologize, Theo."

"Not at all. I can't express how grateful I am for the valuable time you've given me."

I truly meant it.

Of course, I was hungry and drenched in sweat, but to experience such a profound moment was fulfilling.

"Then, I'll take my leave now, Lord 'Demon Hunter.' I look forward to our next meeting."

"As do I, Theo. I'll send a formal invitation soon."

Maximin glanced at a small room inside.

"Piel! Theo is leaving now. Do you not want to say goodbye?"

For several hours, Maximin had been calling out to Piel, who had shut herself inside the room.

-...Why should I see him?

From the room, Piel's sulky voice echoed.

"She must be going through puberty."

Maximin lifted his arms in an exasperated gesture.

I left Maximin's room.

Upon exiting, the sight before me was:

Natasha and Amy approaching me.

Following them were reporters, guild & national representatives.

And then,

'Huh? Why is that person there?'