Chapter 243: The Variable (Part 2)
“How much did she even drink...”
Ryu Min mumbled as he carried Christine on his back. Cocktails were still alcohol, and drinking too much could catch up to anyone.
“I should’ve realized when she chose high-proof cocktails... ha.”
He sighed openly, but Christine, sleeping soundly on his back, was oblivious.
‘I need to get her back to the temple. It would be awkward to wake her now.’
It would take about 20 minutes to walk to the temple—not far at all, which explained why she’d felt safe enough to drink.
But perhaps she’d felt too safe.
“Whistle—Hey, Chinese guy.”
This situation had attracted some thugs.
“Stop right there if you know what’s good for you.”
Ryu Min halted. Behind him, three white men approached confidently. They’d been following him from the bar.
‘I can’t let scum like this follow me to the temple.’
This was why he stopped willingly, though the men mistook it for fear.
“Looks like the monkey knows some English.”
“But is he Chinese or Japanese?”
“Does it matter? As long as we get the girl.”
“Hey, you Asian monkey. You’ve got quite the catch there, huh?”
“Looking for a motel at this hour? Let us help you out.”
They didn’t even bother surrounding him; they just drew guns from their pockets.
“Put the girl down and disappear if you don’t want holes in your lungs.”
“We’ll take good care of her and send her home safely. Don’t worry.”
Judging by their behavior, they were ordinary people, not players.
‘If they were players, they wouldn’t be carrying guns.’
Even faced with their threats, Ryu Min made no move to put Christine down. Instead, he glanced back at her.
‘Her thoughts aren’t readable—she’s fully out cold.’
Good. It would be better if she remained unaware of what was about to happen.
Boom—!
The sonic boom that followed sounded like a jet passing overhead, disturbing the peace of the night. But at least he would reach Florida in under 30 minutes.
‘Looks like the followers are already gathering.’
Watching people enter the warehouse, Ryu Min descended into a nearby alley and put on the Feathered Cap of Hermes.
‘Invisibility.’
His appearance and presence vanished completely. Enhanced by the Rune of Stealth, he was undetectable, making it perfect for surveillance.
Inside the warehouse, the Despair Cult followers had assembled.
‘All 22 are here, including John Delgado.’
As instructed earlier, John was addressing his followers.
“The Death Church is poaching players even in foreign territories. This is a blatant overreach. From now on, we will consider the Death Church our enemy and target their leader, the Black Scythe. However, until the 15th round is over, no threats should be made.”
“Wait, Leader.”
Cardinal Berber immediately raised an objection.
“What do you mean, no plans? I suggested kidnapping the Saintess at the council meeting.”
“That plan is on hold. It’s too dangerous.”
“Dangerous? There’s no better way to pressure the Black Scythe!”
“Do you think he wouldn’t anticipate that? He probably has hundreds of guards around her. Our 22 men wouldn’t be enough.”
“Then what are we supposed to do?”
“It would be more practical to wait until after the 15th round and strike then. By that time, half of the Death Chruch’s forces will be decimated.”
“But we’ll be depleted too. How can...”
“Have you forgotten who has the final say? The decision is made. No more arguments.”
“...”
While John Delgado gave his speech, Ryu Min silently read the thoughts of each follower.
‘Most are loyal to John. Loyal enough to die for him. But...’
There was one exception who harbored resentment: Berber.
-Son of a bitch. Acting like a real leader just because I played along. This cult might go down because of him. I should kill him and take over as leader. It’s the only way to save the Despair Cult.
Seeing Berber’s treacherous thoughts, the invisible Ryu Min smirked.
‘Found it. The variable.’