The man put his hands inside the pockets of his pants with a casual look on his face. His eyes were clearer than a spring matched with purple pupils that gave him a demonic look. This man looks like he came straight out of Webtoon!
His lower body was just plain white pants, though. He also doesn't have any equipment or weapons on his body; he is just casually floating with a laid-back temperament.
'Probe!'
...
Name: Orochi
Title: Incarnation of Sun God
Profession: Esper
Level: 30
Danger Level: Unknown
...
'Fuck! This is a boss-level character! This guy is actually titled-NPC!!' Dylan's heart almost jumped.
What is a title? It's even rarer than the elusive S-rank profession. All creatures in the game that have titles were called titled characters and they were all special existences in the game.
'He's actually level 30? And an Esper to boot. This man is dangerous. I need to be careful around him and make sure not to reveal flaws and weaknesses. In my past life, I haven't even heard of Orochi in the gaming community. This isn't good.'
Outside, Dylan looks calm. However, he is deeply disturbed by Orochi's existence, which could wipe him out in just a second. He just hopes that the guy has a decent character.
'Maybe if there's a chance. I'll try to find an opportunity to weaken his consciousness and seize his body. A titled character is just too tempting.' Dylan's hand was getting itchy. 'Unfortunately for me, I can't split my soul yet because it's currently in the Savage Deer. I need to reach level 10 to obtain another opportunity to split my soul.'
Behind Orochi was a man who looked weirdly dressed. He wore all green. Green hat, shield, armor, and boots. A green framed glass with a pink heart design on the lenses that made it looks ridiculous.
'Probe!'
...
Name: Kenjaku
Profession: N/A
Level: 13
Danger Level: Dangerous
...
Dylan now understood why Kenjaku was the weakest. 'Though, I should be the weakest now since I'm only level 6. The only advantage I have against them is the four skills I have.'
In terms of equipment, he was dirt poor compared to them. Although Orochi doesn't seem to have a set of equipment. Dylan could see the piercings and bracelets on Orochi's body were of high quality. He couldn't determine their grade but he could feel a large amount of stored mana from them.
"Who is this?" Kenjaku looked at Dylan then at the blue robe warrior and scarred warrior with questioning eyes. Inwardly, he's already scheming. 'It seems he's a new member just to fill the missing one. He doesn't have decent equipment. I can use him as bait for my strategies. With him, the effectiveness of my tricks would increase.'
Dylan didn't know that he had already become an effective bait in Kenjaku's eyes.
Kevin just looked at Hank signalling him to explain. Hank, the scarred warrior, let out a cold snort. "You have the guys to ask a question after being late for almost an hour already?"
"This guy wants to join the party. I know you've already judged him since he only had a measly one bronze quality equipment. But don't underestimate him yet. He has two skills on his sleeves." Hank warned.
Kevin smiled. "That's right. I can vouch for him."
"Two skills?" Kenjaku muttered silently and his gaze changed. He looked at Dylan with a hidden cold light in his eyes. 'Not easy to use...'
It seems his plan to make Dylan a bait can only be scrapped. So, Kenjaku began to think of new schemes. First, he needs to know about the details of Dylan's skills before he can make a plan. After all, the devil is hidden in the details. One wrong error might shoot him in the foot.
Orochi, on the other hand, didn't even greet Hank and Kevin. He just levitated them quietly. He just spared a second glance at Dylan with aloof eyes before he retracted his gaze and returned to silence.
Dylan, on the other hand, silently analyzes the behavior of the two. For now, his impression was... Orochi, the supposed leader, a secretly titled NPC, looks aloof and introverted. Meanwhile, Kenjaku, the strategist gives him the vibe of a cunning fox.
'I need to be careful of these two.'
Dylan knew how dangerous a person was once he saw one. Still, he didn't need to worry about them excessively. After all, he doesn't have anything on his body that is worth coveting. There's no conflict of interest or benefits either.
In fact, they're now a temporary team. so at least he knew that they needed to communicate harmoniously on the surface and not tear each other's face just yet. Dylan knew that they also knew that they were just using each other this time for a common goal.
At least, Dylan doesn't have the guts to antagonize a level 30, titled character just yet. If he could get the other party's help. Orochi might prove to be useful to him.
"So let's go now?" Dylan asked with a natural smile that isn't so natural. After all, no matter how you practice your smile to make it look natural. In essence, it's not natural since you need to practice it.
"Actually, I have a beast companion. A savage deer. I think he would be of help in our party."
Kenjaku, this time, acknowledged Dylan's words. He let out a faint smile and said: "Dylan, right? I hope we get along together... And no worries, let's fetch you're Savage Deer. Where is it?"
'He's still a beast tamer? A savage deer might not be that strong. But it's not weak either.' Kenjaku thought while maintaining a faint smile outside.
"I let it wait not far away from here," Dylan answered and also not forgetting to let out a fake smile.
Hank, Kevin, and Kenjaku turned their heads in unison at Orochi as if asking for his consent. This surprised Dylan. Orochi's prestige in the group was a lot higher than he thought it was initially.
Orochi didn't speak or even look at them. He just walked ahead and took the lead with a commanding momentum.
At this moment, he felt that Orochi was exuding a golden aura as the sun rays in the sky naturally gathered around him. Dylan never felt so insignificant in his life as this moment; he has the illusion that Orochi is the center of the world and everything around him just works for him.
'Is he absorbing the sun light? Makes sense, he's supposedly Sun God Incarnate after all...'
On the other hand, Kenjaku, Hank, and Kevin followed him behind as if they were already used to Orochi's behavior.
'Titled NPCs are truly built different.' Dylan followed helplessly behind them with a wary smile.