Leveling Up by Executing Monsters

Chapter 62: Chapter 62: This Profession Should Be Alright, Right?

Lloyd had always been a pragmatist. He would openly admit his own strengths without false modesty, but he also rejected exaggeration and hype. His main focus was maintaining a clear and sober self-awareness.

He had indeed been immersed in someone else’s "story" earlier. If that ’sister’ hadn’t given herself away, he likely wouldn’t have snapped out of it so quickly. It had been quite a dangerous situation.

Of course, this was also thanks to his sufficiently high Rationality, which allowed him to retain his rational thought process in that situation and not completely lose himself.

’Speaking of which... this Manifestation system really is bizarre and dangerous. It’s impossible to guard against. If it were someone less rational, wouldn’t they be trapped in it forever?’

Lloyd couldn’t help but ponder this. He hesitated for a moment but decided against asking the butler what would have happened if he hadn’t managed to wake up in the end.

But then he had another thought. ’If we’re just comparing its effect on influencing and interfering with one’s consciousness, this Manifested "story" seems inferior to my own Twisted Realm, doesn’t it?’

’The Twisted Realm is clearly more domineering and unreasonable. It has no plot, doesn’t care if others believe it, and offers no flaws that might allow someone to snap out of it. It just forcefully affects a person’s perceptions, thoughts, and Cognition. You can only rely on Rationality to endure it, and once you can’t hold on any longer, it’s game over.’

’The "story" Manifested by the butler, on the other hand, is much gentler...’

’I wonder how effective this kind of "story" is against Demons? Do high-risk Demons dream of electric sheep?’

As his thoughts reached this point, a worry surfaced in Lloyd’s mind.

’When I found that strange thing daring to impersonate my sister earlier, I activated the Twisted Realm in a fit of anger. Doesn’t that mean the butler might have noticed something?’

He quickly tried to probe for information, asking:

"Mr. Randolph, were all of my actions just now under your observation?"

"It was like watching a movie starring you."

The butler replied with a smile, continuing his unfinished critique:

"Besides your performance in terms of Rationality, which was a pleasant surprise, your control over your power also exceeded my expectations. Your Swordsmanship is already quite skilled, and you’ve grasped the power of the Veto system..."

"When you finally dealt with the ’character’ I Manifested, you used a Veto Declaration, correct? To master it in such a short time... it seems Lord Tirtus holds you in very high regard."

This answer surprised Lloyd. A High Position big shot had actually misjudged the power he used?

’Is he deliberately feigning ignorance?’

’Doesn’t seem like it. And there’s no need. Since he needs my help, having leverage over me would obviously be more effective than offering a reward.’

’Then perhaps his perspective isn’t very broad? Or maybe he just doesn’t understand the Veto and Twist systems well enough?’

Lloyd speculated internally for a bit, then continued to probe:

"If that’s the case, does that mean you also know my thoughts and memories?"

"How could that be possible? Why would you think that?"

The butler wore a look of natural astonishment, like an aerospace expert hearing someone say that rockets should be fueled with kerosene.

"Spying on another’s thoughts and memories means extending your inspiration into their consciousness. That’s an extremely dangerous act! Especially when it comes to an Extraordinary Being. You never know what you might stumble upon in there..."

"Even when prying into a consciousness that is no longer active—through Spirit Communication, for example—one must make thorough preparations and proceed with extreme caution.

"But to attempt to pry into the mind of an Extraordinary Being whose thoughts are still active? The danger and difficulty involved are unimaginable. I imagine only a Tier Nine Saint would dare attempt such a thing."

The butler explained this to Lloyd in great and earnest detail, as if afraid Lloyd might get a sudden impulse to try it himself and thereby interfere with his plans.

Hearing this, Lloyd relaxed. He quickly waved his hands dismissively and explained:

"Please don’t worry. I was just asking out of curiosity."

But the butler shook his head and sighed under his breath:

"Curiosity? For me, that is now a distant and precious thing..."

* * *

Lloyd didn’t stay in the tavern for long. After they had clarified the whole situation, they agreed to make contact again in 60 days. The butler asked him not to change his residence or workplace for the time being, and then dropped him off at his apartment building.

Lloyd hurried upstairs. The day’s events had delayed him, so he was getting home rather late.

The moment he opened the door, he saw his sister waiting to welcome him. A little sprig of her Dazed Hair stuck straight up as she smiled sweetly, a Hammerhead Shark Puppet cradled in her arms and the little kitten sitting by her feet.

A wave of warmth washed over Lloyd. His heart swelling, he quickly gave his sister a welcoming hug, then bent down, scooped up the little kitten, and gave it a couple of affectionate squishes.

Once the siblings were settled on the sofa, Evelor asked:

"Yi, how did your meeting with Mr. Randolph go? It seemed like he needed your help with something?"

"Everything went smoothly."

Lloyd gave a vague answer.

He didn’t dare let his sister know he was getting involved in the affairs of a Tier Seven powerhouse, afraid it would make her worry.

Evelor, however, had unconditional trust in Lloyd and had no intention of pressing him. Instead, she changed the subject to share some good news:

"Miss Desda completely gave up on her plan to become a folklorist today, but she’s going to keep collecting folk tales and legends. She decided to set up an editorial department for it, and for now, I’m in charge! We’ll probably even publish a magazine later, don’t you think?"

As she spoke, a clear look of pride appeared on her youthful face. She lifted her chin slightly and puffed out her small chest, clearly waiting for Lloyd to praise her.

Lloyd naturally took the hint and asked:

"Does this mean you got a promotion, sis?"

"Hmph hmph! From now on, you can call me Editor-in-Chief Evelor! How about that? Your big sister isn’t holding you back now, is she?"

Evelor declared triumphantly.

"Of course. We siblings have always been in this together. I got promoted, so it’s only right that you get promoted too."

Lloyd said, then suggested:

"So, to celebrate your promotion, I’ll apply for a day off soon. How about we go to the amusement park?"

Evelor shot up from the sofa in excitement.

"Yes! I was thinking the same thing! We haven’t been to the amusement park in forever!"

She looked just like a kid who had yet to grow up.

Lloyd was smiling and acting excited, too.

But inwardly, he had some doubts...

’Editor-in-chief of a folklore magazine?’

’That line of work should be fine... right?’

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