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Chapter 184: Liar

~Joseph’s perspective~

「B-Bomb!?」

「Kufufufu, I don’t know where in the arena it’s set up, though. It’s not a lie, you know?」

Most of what I have said so far is the truth. The only part I lied about was, “I don’t care about my own life.”

Weaving a few lies into a majority of truth is a simple but effective method that won’t be noticed by the other person. In addition, this time, while giving out two pieces of information, I changed the topic from my own survival to revealing the opponents fighting strategy.

It will be extremely difficult to find out my true purpose under the time constraints of the “King’s Life” and the “Bomb”.

I am a liar.

My expertise is preventing others from discovering my true self. Of course I love armed combat, but I also love psychological warfare.

Besides, I am betting my life on this psychological game. …When I think about that, I just get shivers!

「How much time is left before the bomb detonates?」

「I don’t know that either. However, if it explodes… kufufu, it will cause a huge amount of damage.」

The dark elf named Nelfie was truly restless. Even now, as we were having this conversation, she was keeping a keen eye on my every move.

Additionally, her high military strength and intelligence and judgment in organizing the flow of battle far surpasses mine. In addition, the foul skill called [Clone], which allows you to divert and attack at the same time, is very compatible with [Stealth], and the synergistic effect is immeasurable. As a fellow assassin, this is an ability I want so badly.

Furthermore, my current situation is extremely disadvantageous. The arrow that pierced my abdomen was probably enchanted with the status ailment of “paralysis,” making my limbs unable to move as I want.

…However, it is precisely because I am at a disadvantage that my spirit flares.

「Fufufufufu, the scene of a huge explosion and the extinguishing of many lives in an instant. The hellscape of screams and wails that would follow… I would have liked to have seen it with my own eyes if possible.」

「This is really bad, Nelfie-san! We need to evacuate the people in the arena as soon as possible, or do something about the bomb!!」

Moreover, Michael is a good guy. He has a strong sense of justice and a spirit of self-sacrifice. That’s why it’s so easy to control and conquer him.

Furthermore, him stirring up Nelfie-san’s emotion is what I want to see the most in this situation. If you want to outwit Nelfie-san, who shows no opening at all, the only way possible is to use Michael.

「Calm down, Michael. We can’t say that the information Joseph is telling us is very reliable. In the first place, why would a prison escapee know such important information?」

「O-Oh, right. If that isn’t clear, the information Joseph is giving will have low credibility.」

「As expected of Nelfie-san! That’s a very good question! …Well, let me tell you something special, then….When I went to prison 10 years ago, do you really think I let myself be captured for no purpose at all?」

「……What do you mean?」

「It’s quite simple, really. I was captured on purpose after setting up some eavesdropping magic tools inside the royal castle, which is the place where you can get the most accurate and fresh information in this country. A two-piece tool. If you can set it up first and then bring in the receiving magic tool, you can constantly get information even in the prison.」

「What about the physical examination! I am sure you weren’t allowed to bring in any weapons or magic tools! Of course, your magic bag will be confiscated when you enter the prison!」

「Kufufu…both the pieces for eavesdropping are very small, you know? Even if it’s a physical examination, no one will inspect the inside of your butthole.」

「…In other words, you entered the prison with a magic device for reception hidden inside your body…」

「Exactly! Now, doesn’t this ensure the credibility of the information I told you?」

By successfully prolonging the conversation this far, the effect of the paralysis status ailment has become considerably weaker. And I’m almost ready to escape. If I can divert Nelfie-san’s attention for just a moment, I think I will be able to escape from this place with my magic and skills.

Well, that was also set up before this battle.

——DONNNNNN! !

「What is that sound?」

「!! Something is coming from the back of the passage.」

Oh, it looks like the “10 minutes” period for the device to activate has just passed.

My special golems. If the numerical advantage were suddenly reversed, even Nelfie-san’s attention would be divided.

「Kufufu… Well then, you two, it’s time for me to excuse myself.」

「Damn! Wait!!」

「We shall meet again somewhere else again, Nelfie-san. At that time, it won’t be the same as this time…」

I turned the ground into mud with a combination of water and earth attributes, submerged my body, and moved to the passageway below. I quickly canceled the magic and returned the ground to its original state and completed the improvised emergency exit that only I can use.

My Mad Puppets… Oh, are they already defeated? She is strong, after all.

——Phew…. Well, it’s about time for me to start working towards my own goals.

10 years ago, I allowed myself to be intentionally arrested to get the information I wanted. I knew it was inside the royal castle, but I didn’t know its exact location. Moreover, only a very few people know about its existence. At the time, I had no choice but to accept imprisonment, but my skills got dull, unfortunately.

However, after fulfilling the contract with First Prince Fernando, the slave emblem engraved on my left chest has disappeared. I am free now.

After this…the more chaotic this royal capital becomes, the easier it will be for me to achieve my goals. Please do your best, Star Supremacy

Anyway, I wonder when Nelfie-san and the others will realize the existence of the second bomb.

Kufufufu…I’m a liar after all.