Chapter 54 Escape Artist

"A jester?" I uttered, glaring at his face—he had clown makeup this time—aestheticized, unlike the clowns you’d see in a circus or whatever.

"And you, dear System Killer?" he inquired with nosiness carrying his tone—an ugly thirst for something, without shame in his words.

I didn’t particularly dislike this title—only his attitude.

"You can just call me that then—the System Killer," I said.

Strings wrapped around my entire body, coiling me tightly around every limb and restricting any movement I could take—yet one loose end remained, dangling within reach.

"System Killer it is—but I do admit, I’d prefer knowing your name in the least," the jester—Fisk—remarked, while not even looking at me.

I could take advantage of this—he’s certain I couldn’t get loose—and I couldn’t, even if I were to somehow unwrap myself, any movement outside "surprise" would spell instant decapitation.

"Sure..." I mumbled, eyes running downwards and skimming over all the strings.

Peeped at the wall—had a sun graffiti with the name "Goh" scribbled on it.

"I’m Sung—Sung Oh."

"Sung Oh, my pleasure," he smiled as he greeted—his face is so creepy—how many of them does he have?—such an unpleasant man, he is.

"Hmm... pleasure," I voiced indifferently.

"You know, you’re being investigated—that’s something I can help you work out, if you agree with a thing or two."

This was something I expected—no surprise there.

"Yeah?—and how could you help me?"

"Aren’t you more curious about what I’ll demand out of you?"

His voice is so raspy—he’s irritating.

"Tsk!!"

Hearing that, he softly chuckled—he really isn’t taking me seriously right now, is he?—inbred clown, I’ll make panic sweat away your little makeup.

"What do you want from me?" I replied.

"I..."

He licked his lips and began grinning—why does he feel so sexual, fucking creep!!

"...want to experiment on your body here and there—let me do that and I’ll handle the woman that has seen your face."

When I surrounded him with debris—MANA on the eyes, was it?—will he react if I do that?

"Yeah?—is that it?" yet again I answered with absence, not particularly caring about his words.

Focused on my MANA—tenderly—and had a small heap concentrate on my eyes rather than anything else.

"Trying to copy me?—it’s not that easy," Fisk let out in overt curiosity.

I was right—he’s choosing inaction because he’s underestimating me—I can get away in the least, can’t I?

As MANA went on my eyes, I could see the MANA around the strings—and his body, which I could only feel before but never witness with my bare sight other than in some very specific instances.

"I see what you did earlier... now..." I whispered.

"Oh... you actually did it?"

Slightly moved my body—strings consequently mildly cut into my body.

Then...

I focused my MANA on my entire face—his MANA was stable again, so I knew he couldn’t figure out what I’m trying to do.

*PHTOOOO!*

His expression instantly changed.

Dodging the spit with MANA imbued into it...

Re-grew my arm and immediately cut the strings wrapping my head...!! Rest was easy...

"Oou—" Fisk instinctually let out...

I sprung my arm into his stomach.

Strings held it down beyond even a blink...!!

Yet again, I cut off my arm...

Using my left palm, I pushed my decapitated limb into him... it was stuck midair because of his strings...

It’s connecting...!!

No—it softly went into his body, but his muscles instantly clamped it into immobility...!!

I smirked—and sprung myself backwards using my right leg right next to the wall.

Hardened my left hand as it went into the alley walls... spewing debris all over the surroundings yet again.

Turned as I ran...

And he was in front of me... taking a fighting stance... !! Surprise grazed my face...

Then...

No—wait...

I relaxed my expression.

Went through him.

"Hah," I let out—knew something was off about this one—it’s some clone bullshit!!

Began concealing my MANA—evading all cameras as well, I was focused.

This is annoying—why are there so many powerful people everywhere?—even after eating all these people, I’m no match for them.

And this one wasn’t even fast or strong—just sneaky and gross.

Doesn’t seem like he’s chasing me either—underestimating me or doesn’t think he can get me?—makes sense, actually, if he’s not that fast then he would stand no chance in a chase.

"Fisk..." I whispered as I pounced on top of a camera, with its view piercing the street instead of me.

As I ran, I re-grew my arm in an instant—this was no longer a problem.

It isn’t particularly about sustenance either, just about MANA control.

"Fisk... Fisk..."

This time, my voice was subtly upset.

"Tsk..."

His little offer—how does he even know about that woman?—is he part of the investigation?—did she come forward?

If she did, I can’t do anything about her.

If I kill her, I’ll get exposed in no time.

And if I let her go, I will also get exposed—possibly in some time.

Locating Fisk again will be impossible—he has multiple faces.

Actually, no matter—he will definitely show up again himself.

Wind kept hitting my face as I basked in the darkness sky—thoughts running rampant, endlessly with immediate calculations and conclusions.

Not knowing how Systems function is the most irritating part about this—none of that seemed like Shadow abilities, and I was under the guise that all of them had to involve Shadows to some extent, so what exactly does that mean?—does he have unique spells specifically made for him?

Or...

A disgusting idea crossed my mind.

Got to my place—made my decision.

I’ll have to keep my hunting ground specifically outside the City, to keep a low profile and remain undetected.

Furthermore, if I kill someone during the tournament—a smirk embraced my face—would they really do anything about it?

And I need all the information I can get my hands on... the academy is a must for me.

Although, Fisk certainly knows things...

I...

Can’t wait to wrap my hands around that clown.

Mirroring him from earlier, I proceeded to lick my lips.

Delicately, unlike him.