Chapter 157: Break down (3) (2/2)

The results weren’t bad. His world games gained the favor of many Transcendents, and he became instantly famous.

He felt the biggest thrill of his entire life. It was the first time he stood above others and gained recognition for being outstanding. He wanted to climb even higher. He wanted to create even more interesting worlds, and he wanted everyone to praise him. And he could make that happen. It wasn’t that far from happening.

“So you’re the guy that became famous recently.”

If only he hadn’t shown up, he would have succeeded.

Far away from where he stayed, someone came to see him—someone who emitted an aura that was much more enormous and overwhelming than himself. Someone who looked down upon everything, whose eyes were so fearsome that no one could dare look him in the eye.

“I heard you play some entertaining games. I’m also quite interested in observing worlds and playing games with mortals. I’m too bored with ripping apart and absorbing Transcendents now.”

Hearing the frightening voice, he felt defeated for the first time in his life, and he knew how humiliating it was. But he couldn’t say anything. He showed him his games as he was told and acted submissively like he was his subordinate. And that ripped apart part of the image he had built up over the years.

“Interesting. It’s a well-constructed game. Call me from now on whenever you hold these world games. If you ask for the ‘Faceless King’, my subordinate will contact me.”

Meeting him was the worst moment in his life.

So much that even now, thinking of it caused his blood to boil.

.

.

.

“…Please focus, your magnificence.”

“Oh, sorry.”

“What did you think about so much? At a glance, I thought you fell asleep.”

“Haha… I was just thinking about old times.”

The one who was called his magnificence laughed casually.

“So, what were you saying?”

“I was talking about the worlds to use for the upcoming Game. We don’t have any right now, so I had the underlings obtain some. I was explaining which ones would be interesting to pit against in certain ways.”

“Oh, go again, please. I was distracted…….”

“Yes. And… there’s something you need to know before that.”

Said the bearded man in a suit that resembled something a butler would wear. His boss raised his brows in a gesture asking what he meant.

The man nodded and spoke.

“There are reports that the Clown is acting strangely. He abandoned the Game he was supposed to host… And suddenly disappeared. Furthermore, all of his major clients have gone missing. All of them, from the minor ones to the regular clients that had been quite lucrative.”

“…….”

“It seems like someone is after us. Judging by the traces left at the transaction scene, they say it’s someone who can’t even change their appearance. Someone who just recently transcended……. Could it be one of those who hold a grudge against us?”

“…Someone who just recently transcended; who has a grudge against us.”

Hearing the two criteria, the boss took his time. Then he put his hand on his chin and clicked his tongue. The sharp-eyed boss slowly spoke, looking at the man.

“I think I know who it is.”

* * *

After finishing my long training, I came out to Utopia, pretending I wanted to take a walk. The air was no different, but the atmosphere of Utopia felt strangely more comfortable. The Traveler’s world kind of felt like it was pressing down on me.

“I should come here often to rest and gather information.”

I grabbed the purse inside my inner pocket. The Traveler gave me a handsome amount of money again when I said I was going to Utopia.

Looking around, I sat at an empty table and ordered a drink. This time, I ordered a slightly sweet juice instead of alcohol. The Transcendents were immersed in conversation as usual. Listening to their small talk, I cleared my head.

“Excuse me…….”

And someone spoke to me, poking me in the back.

I turned my head to look and discovered a familiar face.

“You came earlier than I thought. I knew you could do it.”

A face that was painted white. Funny make-up.

“Of, of course. It wasn’t difficult.”

The Clown, looking a lot more haggard than before, haltingly handed me a piece of paper.

“H-here’s the ticket for watching my boss’s Games. This should get you in with no problem. Y-you can decide after watching. And you’ll see that this Clown’s Games… are much more interesting and original than his!”

I smiled widely and nodded.

‘Idiot.’

As I swore on the inside.