Nol didn't know how to respond for a moment.
He wanted the "truth of the world" because he sought redemption, wanting to rid himself of the guilt that haunted him like a shadow and find the way home with everyone. He had no other choice.
But what about Teest?
"The truth of the world" wasn't a taboo subject. Back on Earth, countless scientists had debated and pondered over it.
Yes, when people were intrigued by a mystery, they usually opted for formal research. They didn't resort to torturing possible informants and then publicly displaying their bodies.
The Mad Monk revealed his motives but digging into them felt like unearthing sweet potatoes from the ground—pull one out, and a string of other questions followed.
"Next, I'm going to tell you about my tragic past… Are you looking forward to it?" Teest said with a smile, his original hair and eye color restored. The evening shadows covered his eyes, and his golden pupils turned into a deep honey color, making his gaze equally intense.
"If you'd like, I can lend you my shoulder," Nol offered.
"Really? That story began a long, long time ago—" Teest began with a sing-song voice.
Nol subtly shifted his posture and listened intently.
But just as Teest began, he stopped as if he had bitten his tongue. After a moment, he tilted his head. "Do you prefer the 'unlucky guy with cursed blood' version or the 'descendant of a fallen noble' version? If you want something more exciting, the 'innocent and persistent seeker of knowledge' version works… You choose the style, and I promise to be emotional."
Nol stared at Teest expressionlessly. Are you planning to make it up on the spot? You missed your calling as a bard.
"I'd prefer the truthful version," he said tersely.
"Ah, then I have nothing to say," Teest replied theatrically, pretending to wipe away a tear. "You're so cruel."
Nol looked at the man in front of him, amused. He didn't expect the Mad Monk to easily open up. If Teest had done so, Nol would've been concerned.
Throughout their interaction, Nol had secretly summarized Teest's "Three Laws of the Mad Monk"—
Teest never asks too much.
Teest always has his own agenda.
Teest never speaks his true feelings… at least not yet.
"Forget it. Let's discuss our next move." Nol swiftly changed the subject. "To become a main NPC in the truest sense, I need a grand debut in front of the Players. To do that, I need to kidnap a few 'Players witnesses' to keep with me."
"You're going to use quest intelligence as bait? That could work…" Teest quickly caught on. "Wait, why are you making that face?"
"Because what I'm using as bait is somewhat related to you," Nol replied, avoiding eye contact and clearing his throat. "Have you ever heard of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'?"
Teest looked at him confusedly and shook his head.
"That's what I thought. It's a challenging chain quest. 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is the final reward—a jewelry set."
"You sure this is attractive enough?" Teest asked curiously, knowing that Players usually value rare magical items and legendary weapons more than jewelry or armor, which they could craft themselves.
"It's not powerful in terms of attack, but Players will definitely want it."
[A Midsummer Night's Dream: A jewelry set that includes 1 crown, 2 earrings, and 1 necklace. Each piece has an "existence control" effect that significantly lowers or raises others' attention towards you. Wearing the complete set makes others feel a passionate love for you.
※ This effect only occurs while wearing the full set, and after the effect wears off, severe adverse reactions might occur based on individual differences.]
Nol directly inputted the item description into Teest's mind, who began to show a complicated expression.
"For Players, using the individual pieces is just perfect." Nol pointed to his left ear. "Their earrings and appearances are quite noticeable and not conducive for covert operations."
"We also need it. It's indeed valuable," Teest said thoughtfully.
Having roamed the Tahe Continent for many years, the Mad Monk knew the advantages and troubles appearance could bring. Previously, he could only manipulate impressions through various means. But as they planned to act openly, this item was perfect.
"…But what do you mean by 'somewhat related to me'? Concealing appearance concerns both of us."
Nol's gaze shifted away again.
"This reward is on a semi-open map. We NPCs can join forces with Players. But the thing about that map… uhh…"
Teest took a few steps forward, leaning in close to Nol, forcing him to meet his gaze. "What about the map?"
"That map is called 'Succubus Lair'," Nol said.
Teest: ".….."
"This set of jewelry grants bonuses when worn by a succubus or someone with succubus traits. It really suits you," Nol quickly added. "Good luck, outstanding Mr. Mad Monk. I'm counting on you!"
The corner of Teest's mouth twitched a couple of times. "…What do you mean you're counting on me? Aren't you coming?"
"I will, but everyone has a love for beauty. I'm not very resistant to charms. I'm afraid I might get soft-hearted…" Nol mumbled. "You are somewhat more… suited for the vanguard role."
"Soft-hearted, huh? Even a stray kid on the street can tell you're a pure soul." Teest was skeptical about Nol's ambiguous description of him and stared at Nol for a moment expressionlessly. "Are you sure you can convincingly play the 'leader of a monster organization' well?"
"That's why I said I need you!" Nol's voice grew slightly louder. "Don't worry, Mr. Mad Monk. I've made it this far, surpassing countless mentors."
Teest gave a long "hmm", rhythmically tapping the windowsill with his knuckles. Finally, as if having made up his mind, he stopped tapping.
"This sounds too troublesome. If you get charmed, I'd have to watch out for you in the middle of the fight… I hate complications." Teest stated, "What if I told you I could help you overcome your susceptibility to 'charm' beforehand?"
"You have an item that resists charm?" Nol's eyes lit up.
"No," Teest replied. "But starting today, I can keep charming you until you build up resistance."
"…What?!"
"I said charm you." Teest casually walked back to the table, tearing another piece of honey cake. "Literally. I also have that skill."
"Teest, tell me honestly, do you have succubus blood in you?" Nol held his breath.
"None. 'Dream Manipulation', 'Charm', and another useless skill. Those are the only three succubus talents I have."
Teest bit into the soft cake nonchalantly. "I haven't used 'Charm' yet. It's a good time for both of us to familiarize ourselves with it."
Nol gaped at Teest.
[Charm] was an offensive skill. While it didn't do physical damage, it could mess with one's mindset… But both he and Teest were straight, so no issues should arise…right?
"Alright then, I'll be relying on you," Nol finally said after debating between "potential disgrace" and "strength", choosing the latter.
...
"It seems 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is genuinely hard to obtain. No leads from Amazon or Hermitage?"
After seeing off Teest and Nol, the four Players didn't immediately leave. They met with two other Players near the village and collectively sighed in a small cabin.
Despite the cramped hut being filled with handsome men and beautiful women, the atmosphere didn't lighten.
"Maybe this quest requires the help of NPCs," the Paladin leader suggested. "The system wouldn't issue an impossible quest. We must have missed something."
"Do you think it's those two handsome brothers?"
The Holy Priestess sat on the edge of the chair, swinging her legs, speculated. "Do you honestly believe their good looks are a coincidence? I don't. There's something about them, like succubus bloodlines. Isn't 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' related to the succubus realm?"
The White Mage leaning against the wall, hearing this, took a painful breath. "Let it be. You saw how the younger brother got agitated. He's under stress, and if you try to increase his favorability now, it may backfire."
"The harder it is to gain their favor, the more valuable the quest might be. They might be main storyline NPCs. That younger brother seems to harbor a strong hatred for the Eternal Church. It's an opportunity for us… Good opportunities are rare," the Priestess remarked with a hint of gravity in her lively tone.
"I personally suggest giving up for now. The effects of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' are excellent, but we've already invested too much. The Eternal Church cultists are expanding towards Shidina, and those Demons are leagues ahead of us in power. Leveling up should be our priority," the Paladin commented earnestly.
"Leveling up? What's the point of leveling up? As long as we don't massacre, even if we train non-stop, we can't surpass those scumbags—the efficiency difference between killing monsters and killing people is huge."
Upon hearing this, the Priestess frowned, her previously gentle demeanor now nowhere to be seen. "I thought our intense search was to prevent the Eternal Church from getting it first. Anyway, I'm going to continue on this lead. You all do as you wish."
"Anakin!"
"If 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' falls into the hands of the Eternal Church, the mere thought is terrifying. I said I'll follow, and I'll continue to. Lao Yan, you're not my boss, and neither are those people at the Temple."
The Priestess forcefully tapped on the table with a cold face.
The Paladin's handsome face twitched a little, and after a while, he sighed helplessly. "It's good if someone keeps searching, but just be careful. Do you need us to help you find companions? It's too dangerous for you to act alone."
"No need. I have friends at Hermitage. One of them is currently in Grape Collar," the Holy Priestess Anakin said. "I'll check in regularly… I'm sorry for my tone earlier."
"It's fine. We all understand your concerns," the Paladin replied with a weary smile. "I hope you stay safe, Miss Qu."
"I'm a Holy Priestess. Charm spells don't work on me."
The Priestess laughed, but it wasn't a relaxed smile. "The real trouble is the Black Forest… Let's pray that we find the 'Succubus Lair' first."
...
Late at night, on the second floor of Aunt Sophie's house.
Thanks to Teest's blessing, Aunt Sophie assumed the two handsome young men were in a relationship, so she generously arranged a double bedroom for them.
"The room is soundproof. Just don't make too much noise," she said with a suggestive grin.
Nol awkwardly laughed it off at the time, but now he couldn't even muster a smile. They were bound to make some noise, but it probably had nothing to do with Aunt Sophie's assumptions—
The two stood at opposite ends of the bed. The tension in the room was palpable, as if they were about to duel.
The night belonged to the shadows. The shadow wolf's head occasionally popped out from odd corners. At the moment, it was amusing itself by sticking its head out of an open drawer. The magic staff with Kando stood at the foot of the bed, with its blue flame flickering.
"What sins did I commit in my past life to witness this in this one?" It lamented to the shadow wolf. "Why is it that every time I regain my freedom, these two beasts do something I can't comprehend?"
The shadow wolf glanced at it, confused, then quickly refocused on the two humans.
At this moment, Nol stared at Teest, as if facing a formidable enemy. He even rolled up his sleeves— although he didn't know what that would accomplish—ready for anything.
Teest looked back at him with a complex expression. He seemed to have many things he wanted to say but held back.
"I'm starting," he simply said.
In an instant, his golden eyes shone brightly, like flowing gold or falling stars.
Nol's mind went blank.
Teest was naturally handsome and quite attractive. Nol would usually be wary because of the dangerous aura under Teest's appearance, but now, that danger became a tempting ornament.
Bathed in soft moonlight, it felt like Teest was the only being in the world—his fragrant hair, flawless body, and those eyes… eyes that seemed to pull one into a honeyed mire.
He wanted those eyes, wanted their owner, wanted to see a smile from the owner of those eyes… He was willing to give anything for it. He just needed a command…
No! Snap out of it! A voice in his heart whispered. You're not even into men. This is just the effect of magic!
He wanted to get closer, to touch him, to caress his face and hair. What was he waiting for? Why was he still standing there…?
Are you crazy? The voice in his heart screamed. That's the serial killer Mad Monk! He'll hang you up!
Nol felt the tug-of-war inside him.
This was way stronger than "Dream Manipulation"—if "Dream Manipulation" was like seeing flowers in the fog, making one sink into it unknowingly, while their subconscious thoughts veered off-course; "Charm" was like shoving those flowers directly into your mouth, making you feel the blunt sweetness, irresistibly wanting to swallow…
Clap, clap.
The spell-like attraction suddenly faded, and Teest applauded by the window.
The crisp sound snapped Nol back to reality. He wiped the sweat from his face, feeling a mix of lingering fear and a deep aversion to mental magic.
"As expected, Mr. Lich has exceptional mental resistance." Teest happily said, "The first time you faced my charm head-on, you didn't move a step. I must admit, I didn't expect this—I've seen people charmed before, and they all rushed forward like monkeys in heat."
With that, Teest stretched out a finger and gently flicked it in the air. Moonlight slid by, instantly illuminating the room full of spider-web-like golden threads.
Nol: ".….."
Had he taken even a step forward just now, he would have been instantly cocooned.
…Come on, brother, was that really necessary? My strength and agility are just two-digit numbers, while yours are in the thousands!
Teest spread his hands innocently, gesturing Nol to look elsewhere.
It was then that Nol looked down and saw his surroundings.
While resisting the system's influence earlier, he seemed to have unintentionally affected some inanimate objects—his bedside table had fallen over causing a vase to shatter. The decorative painting on the wall fell, the frame broken into pieces. The bed and floor were covered with fresh scratches, as if a desperate beast had gone mad here.
'Great,' he thought with a wooden face. There was no explaining this to Aunt Sophie now.
"To be honest, I'm a bit disappointed."
After a moment of silence, Teest showed a meaningful smile. "You don't often rush towards me. I thought… hmm."
'You thought I'd run straight into the golden threads? I think you don't often get a chance to hang me up,' Nol thought sarcastically.
With a grimace, Nol stepped over the debris, casually patted the shadow wolf's head, and poured himself a glass of water. "I need a break. We'll continue in a bit."
As he passed Kando, Nol deliberately avoided eye contact. That creature was always sharp-tongued. Who knows what it would say.
Surprisingly, Kando didn't mock him. The one-eyed creature looked at Nol for a while. "You really don't have any mental resistance items?"
"Maybe I excel in subtlety, or maybe my sexual orientation is particularly firm," Nol said dryly. "Or maybe because Mr. Teest isn't a real succubus. His charm is a sub-par version—he himself said it was his first time using it."
Kando still stared at Nol. "No, I think it's not related to those reasons. Teest's charm is stronger than any succubus I've seen. It's impossible for you to be unaffected."
It narrowed its only eye, looking intently, making Nol feel as though he was being sized up by a detective.
"Magic is an absolute law." Its' tone was so serious it was chilling. "Whether it's the magic effect or the resistance level of the object, it's a predetermined outcome… You don't fit that outcome, Nol."
"You absolutely cannot let anyone else discover this," Kando continued.
"…After all, the gods don't like surprises."
The author has something to say:
It's hilarious. The two main characters in this story have a huge misconception: believing they're straight.
They won't stay straight for long, I tell you (in that tone).
Kinky Thoughts:
That orientation won't be so firm for long…