Chapter 110: Hidden

When a tiger died, it left behind its skin. When a summoned being died, it left behind an essence. 

Often referred to as an heirloom, this object made mankind a little bolder.

It was because the dead summoned creature could be resurrected using this object. 

Life Coins were unlimited—who would hesitate?

But because of that, the essence was considered more valuable than any person’s life. If the essence existed, a talented individual could inherit the summoned being.

“Ugh—why do we have to do this?”

“Since I sent Noah, the others will be coming soon.”

“So what?! Someone’s coming soon, so why are we doing this?!”

Like a pampered young lady whining about doing hard labor, Syrah muttered that she didn’t see why they had to search for the essence while rummaging through the remains of the undead.

It made sense. They weren’t her summons, and their masters would come eventually and claw through everything to find the essence of their own summons. So doing it now felt pointless.

“Image management.”

“… Image management?”

“Yes. I’m managing my image.”

But people were always curious about others doing seemingly meaningless things—especially if it looked foolish, like helping someone who didn’t appear useful.

“People try to be kind to those who look good.”

“… Why?”

“Whether it’s to deceive, or because they think that person might help them someday—it’ll benefit them somehow.”

If Ian made a good impression, people were more likely to judge him favorably based on looks alone. It was what many would call hypocrisy.

“By the way, I saw them taking down boss mobs earlier. Why haven’t they come yet? What are they doing?”

“Summoner—!”

As if calling a tiger brought it running, Empress came flying from the distance, even using magic.

She soared through the air like a high-speed aircraft and stopped abruptly in front of Ian, sending a blast of wind his way.

Ian grabbed his fluttering bangs and glared at her.

“… What’s going on?”

“Look at this!”

She held up the staff she had flown in on. It had originally been a simple wooden cane, nothing at the tip. But now, mounted at the end, was the first red gem Ian had ever seen—something far too valuable to be just a jewel.

“Ta-da! I picked this up over there, and look what happened!”

“… You picked that up over there?”

Ian looked toward where Empress had pointed—the place where Death King Lasti had fallen. The item now embedded in her staff had been dropped by Lasti.

“Hand it over.”

“Why?! It’s mine!”

“Quit whining. Why is that yours?”

Empress clung to the staff desperately, trying to protect her prize, but a summon couldn’t disobey the summoner’s command. In the end, she had to surrender it, looking like a child whose favorite toy had just been taken away.

Ian ignored her sulking and focused on the wand—specifically, the object at the tip.

‘This…’

[Essence of Lasti]

[The essence of the Death King and the Lord of the Dead Lasti.]

‘Is this just japtem?’

“Give it back!”

Ian handed the staff back to Empress, still thinking about the object embedded in it. 

In the game, it would’ve been considered an achievement item—a useless piece of junk only good for showing you’d beaten a boss.

But that was in the game.

‘A bug… is that what it is?’

Items that were worthless in the game… Half of a ceremonial set that shouldn’t exist… The exception had become reality, and the trash had become a bug.

It was their first time encountering something like this since falling into this world, and it was far from ordinary.

***

“So, what’s different about that wand?”

“It’s very different.”

Empress nodded and explained the object at the tip of the wand.

It was an essence that only long-lived devils possessed—containing all the magical power of a devil that had lived for centuries…

As the explanation drifted into professional jargon, Ian quickly lost interest and focused on what really mattered.

“How strong are you now?”

“What—!? That’s not something you can sum up with just ‘stronger’!”

Empress was reluctant to answer, saying that strength wasn’t something so easily defined.

But wasn’t that just a fancy excuse? For modern people, the simplest measure still mattered. You might not understand what made a house beautiful, but when someone said it was worth ten billion dollars, everyone agreed it was a great house.

“In the end, don’t you just use the essence to get stronger?”

“…Even if there are around ten people, I can win.”

“That’s great.”

“Isn’t it?”

After hearing the detailed explanation, Ian smiled brightly and praised her.

“Well done.”

“…So, can I have this?”

“Of course. It was originally yours.”

Empress, having received official permission from Ian, hugged the wand as if she would never let it go again. She looked genuinely overjoyed.

He thought it was great, but when he considered the significance of exclusive craftsmanship for a summon…

‘Well, compared to Anna and Theresia…’

The two of them, who had also received exclusive items, had even sworn to serve Ian for the rest of their lives. 

Thinking about it, it was odd that Empress was simply happy.

Maybe it wasn’t just about Ian handing over the finished product—perhaps it had something to do with her triggering a bug.

Thruud! Thruud!

“I-a-an!”

“Ah, here it is.”

Noah finally arrived at the battlefield with the others. 

Ian straightened his back, thinking he was finally free from this dreadful labor.

***

The Emperor looked at Ian, seated in front of him, with a puzzled expression. His attitude was far too arrogant for someone summoned before the Emperor, yet… the Emperor didn’t point it out.

“I was the one who gave the order, but I didn’t believe it was actually possible.”

Looking at Ian, who had solved the issue in just an hour, the Emperor wondered how he’d managed it.

Perhaps, that’s what defines a warrior—someone who overcomes hardship and adversity when others say it’s impossible.

“If I had known it would be this easy… From now on, I’ll just summon you for everything.”

“You don’t have to, Your Majesty,” Ian replied with a soft smile.

Being called every time something happened? He wasn’t some errand boy. Not every problem could be solved by a single person.

Humans already possessed enough strength. If they lacked it, they needed to develop it themselves.

“No, that’s not how it should work.”

“Hmm? Why not? You did accomplish your mission splendidly this time, didn’t you?”

“That’s true.”

As the Emperor tilted his head in confusion, Ian began explaining why he shouldn’t be used so freely.

An unseen dagger was the sharpest weapon—the Joker had to stay hidden to be most effective.

“Who do you think received the most attention from this mission?”

“Hey, Ian, you—”

“Unfortunately, not me.”

Even though Ian had interrupted the Emperor, he continued calmly.

“First is Artia, the Emperor’s summon. Next is Ifrit, the summon of Duke Eritz. I didn’t even make it to third place.”

“…Now that you say it, you didn’t really do anything, did you?”

“Exactly.”

At first, it seemed like Ian had done something amazing. But when you looked closer, there wasn’t anything particularly special.

He simply did what everyone else could do—he just did it first.

That alone was enough to call him a hero, but… the Emperor didn’t seem very fond of that idea.

“So it’s better to stay hidden.”

Ian had no hesitation in suggesting that his contributions be kept under wraps. That suggestion made the Emperor pause.

Wasn’t it natural for people to seek recognition and praise? Just a few days ago, Ian had been chasing it relentlessly.

Rather than a sudden personality change, it was clear something else had shifted inside him.

“What do you mean by that?”

“There’s no deeper meaning.”

“You’ve changed. Are you satisfied just being granted the title of marquis? You didn’t seem that kind of person.”

The only real difference between Ian now and a few months ago was his new title. That was it.

According to political theory, people seek recognition after acquiring wealth. Perhaps Ian was the same.

The Emperor nodded, seeing the determination in Ian’s eyes.

“Very well. If that’s what you want—I’ll honor that wish.”

There wasn’t a single person in power who would refuse someone asking to hide their achievements.

The Emperor had the power to fulfill Ian’s request, and Ian asked that his involvement, along with his companions Stella and Syrah, be kept confidential.

It was more than enough. The Emperor even went as far as to erase all records of their involvement on the spot.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

After offering his gratitude, Ian stepped out of the tent as smoothly as flowing water.

He let out a quiet sigh of relief.

‘At least Lasti’s essence wasn’t exposed.’

He chuckled. 

The Empress, a 4-star summon who had once served the first Emperor, was something he had never expected to see in his life.

It was perfectly reasonable for no one to even know she existed.