I Became A Thief Who Steals Overpowered Skills - Chapter 147

Chapter 147

Combat Maid

***

The delinquent runaway student, Kraush.

Alongside him was another runaway student, Haring, as they ascended the mountain in Hardenhartz.
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Though not as severe as during winter, the snow-covered mountain was still difficult to climb.

However, with Kraush around, the situation was different.

As he emitted heat from his body, the snow around him melted away, making their progress easier.

Thanks to this, Haring could follow behind Kraush without any issues.

“You’re like a portable heater.”

“Don’t treat me like a heater.”

Kraush looked ahead, slightly exasperated, as he noticed Haring reaching out her hand, having already removed her gloves.

“So, did you understand what I explained?”

“Yes, the one who severely injured my father wasn’t the former leader of the Night Ravens.”
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The Empire had announced that the one who gravely injured the Poison King was the former leader of the Night Ravens.

Thus, Kraush had initially been worried about how to explain the situation to Haring.

If he had told her that they were going to meet Ebelasque, she might have reacted strongly.

Fortunately, she accepted the explanation more easily than expected.

“I also understand why Miss Sizelry Ephania joined this mission.”

The fact that Kraush linked Ebelasque to Sizelry played a significant role in helping Haring understand the situation.

Even though the incident between the Empire and Starlon could have caused some issues.

Haring had always wondered why Sizelry was part of this mission.

After all, Ebelasque was accused of manipulating Mary to assassinate the 4th Princess.

However, with Sizelry coming all the way to assist Ebelasque, Haring quickly realized that the previous narratives were all false accusations.

Moreover, Haring likely considered that someone as influential as the 4th Princess would know the truth of the matter.

Because of this, Haring was able to accept Kraush’s words.

In many ways, praise be to Sizelry.

“…Are you alright with the World Erosion? We’re on our way to meet one of its creators, after all.”

Haring’s brother had died because of the World Erosion caused by a World Erosion Species.

There were quite a few World Erosion Species capable of causing such an event.

Kraush could think of more than a few suspects right away.

‘The problem is, some of them are truly troublesome.’

In any case, given that Haring’s brother had died due to a World Erosion Species, Kraush expected her to have a deep-seated hatred for them.

After all, most people despised World Erosion Species.

However, Haring was surprisingly forgiving in this regard.

“The one I hate is the species that killed my brother.”

Haring had enrolled in Rahelrn Academy specifically to prevent others from suffering the same fate as her brother.

“Of course, I’m also searching for that particular World Erosion Species. But if it’s not that one, I have no reason to hate all of them.”

Haring could clearly distinguish between personal and public matters.

“And more importantly, I don’t think someone like you, who recklessly charges forward, would lie without reason.”

Is that one way of looking at it?

She wasn’t wrong.

Information’s value changes depending on who delivers it, so doubting the information was pointless.

“Besides.”

Haring smiled warmly.

“Kraush, I trust you.”

Kraush scratched the back of his neck upon seeing her smile.
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“Plus, I owe you.”

“Wasn’t helping you with your research supposed to make us even?”

“I couldn’t do anything after hearing about my father. I just waited at the Lagrain household, feeling utterly powerless.”

That was because the Lagrain family had told her to just wait.

And the feeling of helplessness was indescribable.

“But then, Kraush, you gave me something I could do. So, it’s a debt.”

From Kraush’s perspective, he had only involved her because their interests aligned.

But since she thought of it that way, he decided not to argue further.

“Well, in that case, hurry up and repay it.”

“I’ll do my best.”

Haring’s eyes sparkled with determination.

After several hours of ascending the mountain.

Given their brisk pace, it didn’t take long for Kraush to reach Ebelasque’s dwelling.

It looked like just an ordinary forest, but the reality was different.

As Kraush carefully felt around a tree, a hidden entrance suddenly opened with a creak.

‘He didn’t break it down.’

Maybe he left in a hurry.

Kraush knew Ebelasque’s whereabouts.

Perhaps Ebelasque had escaped to avoid a confrontation.

‘I hope there’s some clue left behind.’

As Kraush walked into the underground area hidden within the tree, Haring followed, looking around curiously.

There was a chance that another World Erosion Species from Ixion could be lurking here as well.

So, Kraush glanced back at Haring.

“Haring, let’s move using Invisible.”

“Got it.”

She nodded, quickly removing her gloves and extending her hand.

Kraush stared at her outstretched hand for a moment, prompting Haring to open and close her palm.

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“It’s not sweaty or anything.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

He had just momentarily paused, thinking of Bianca when he saw her hand.

Kraush took her hand.

As he did, their forms and presence began to vanish entirely.

No matter how many times he saw it, it was a truly incredible skill.

“Let’s go.”

“Okay.”

Haring’s nervousness was evident.
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After all, they were about to confront a World Erosion Species, an entity that could cost them their lives.

It was only natural.

“Don’t worry. No matter what happens, I won’t let you die.”

He was confident in his ability to escape at full speed if necessary.

After all, he was the one who had miraculously survived until the bitter end.

“…Okay.”

Hearing her determined reply, Kraush held her hand and walked deeper inside.

The once brightly lit corridor was now desolate.

The chilly air from Hardenhartz’s snowy mountains seemed to seep in, creating an eerie atmosphere that made one feel uneasy just by looking around.

As they walked down the corridor, Kraush heightened his sixth sense to detect any presence.

He wanted to be ready to react immediately if something appeared.

And then it happened.

Swish!

Kraush’s head snapped in a certain direction.

Something had triggered his sixth sense.

He put a finger to his lips, signaling Haring to keep quiet when their eyes met.

Haring nodded, and Kraush slowly approached the direction.

Through the slightly ajar door.

He heard a faint rustling sound.

And Kraush recognized the back of the figure before him.

“Haring, don’t release Invisible. Wait here.”

“Okay.”

After hearing her response, Kraush released her hand.

Then, he pushed the door, causing it to creak open.
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At that moment, the figure on the other side noticed him as well.

A short staff drawn from behind her back clicked into place as it was immediately swung toward him.

Clang!

The staff collided with Kraush’s Rain Thunder Prime, creating a resonant sound.

The figure’s eyes widened in recognition as she turned to face him.

“Kraush, Sir?”

She wore a headband with rabbit ears perched on top.

Her skin was dark, and her short black hair contrasted sharply with her maid outfit.

She was none other than Ebelasque’s eighth-ranked corpse, Number 8.

“Number 8, long time no see.”

Once she confirmed it was Kraush, Number 8 withdrew the staff and stepped back.

She wore a troubled expression.

“You arrived much sooner than expected.”

“Yes, it seems you’ve been cleaning up Ebelasque’s mess.”

Kraush glanced at the pile of belongings behind her.

Undoubtedly, they were Ebelasque’s belongings.

“You know why I’m here, don’t you?”

“Yes, you’ve come to meet the Master.”

Number 8 answered obediently but didn’t let go of the staff in her hand.

Kraush understood the meaning behind her actions.

“The Master must have sent you a letter, didn’t he?”

“You mean the one asking me not to seek him out?”

“Yes, as the Master’s servant, I believe you understand the gravity of his words. The Master also wishes to avoid clashing with you.”

“Indeed.”

Kraush let his Rain Thunder Prime hang loosely.

Just as Number 8 began to feel a sense of relief, a sharp crackling sound filled the room.

Black flames began to ignite on Kraush’s sword.

“Then Number 8, convey my message to him as well.”

As Kraush’s Annihilation Erosion flared up, smoke escaped from between his lips.

“Cut the nonsense and come here immediately.”

Number 8’s eyes narrowed.

Despite her warning, Kraush was undeterred.

“Are you serious?”

“Yes, I’m always serious.”

“I had hoped to avoid a confrontation with you.”

At that moment, Number 8’s attire began to change.

Her maid outfit tore away, transforming into a tight-fitting suit.

Simultaneously, a helmet formed over her head.

Number 8 had entered full combat mode.

An unusual aura began to emanate from her.

She was one of Ebelasque’s single-digit-ranked corpses.

Naturally, she was a formidable opponent.

“But now I’m curious.”

Number 8 spun her staff around.

At the same time, vicious-looking saw blades appeared on both ends of the staff.

“How much stronger have you become, Kraush, who once couldn’t even scratch me?”

Hearing her words, Kraush pulled his Rain Thunder Prime closer to his waist.

Simultaneously, he extended his front foot and flashed a chilling smile.

“Those are some bold words you’ll regret.”

Now that it had come to this, he would make sure to teach Ebelasque a lesson as well.

Just wait until they met again.

He was going to beat Ebelasque until his backside turned red.

***

Clang!

With a fierce metallic clash, black flames scattered.

The intense air pressure from the battle between Number 8 and Kraush had turned the room into a chaotic mess.

But neither of them paid any mind.
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“You’ve grown much stronger in such a short time.”

Number 8 marveled at Kraush, who was now blocking her attacks head-on.

Not long ago, Kraush couldn’t compete with Number 8.

But now, he had grown strong enough to astonish her.

Especially the aura blade, revealed between the black flames on his sword, which indicated that he had reached the level of a master.

“If you recognize that, then maybe you should stop wasting time and just tell me where Ebelasque is.”

“Sorry, but I haven’t even informed the Master that you’re here yet.”

Single-digit-ranked corpses like Number 8 had their own autonomy.

So, until Ebelasque directly intervened to control her, even he wouldn’t know what Number 8 was up to.

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By now, Ebelasque probably thought Number 8 was just cleaning the room.

“And I noticed something just now.”

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Clunk!

In an instant, the staff that had clashed with Kraush’s sword transformed into a four-section staff, bending at the joints.

The chains connecting the sections quickly entangled Kraush’s sword.

Simultaneously, the saw blades attached to the ends of the staff flew toward him.

Catching the swift movement with his Thunder God technique, Kraush extinguished the blade of Rain Thunder Prime.

Then, slipping out from the chains, he deflected the saw blades and stepped back.

Clack!

Number 8’s weapon reverted to its staff form as she twirled it in her hand, a faint smile on her lips.

“You haven’t fought many masters, have you?”

The moment she finished speaking.

The space around Number 8 started to distort.

At the same time, her presence felt much more overwhelming than before.

Kraush noticed faint thread-like strands brushing against her arms.

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That was the only cue his Thunder God technique needed to trigger an immediate response.

Clang!

A metallic ring echoed as Kraush barely managed to block Number 8’s staff with Rain Thunder Prime.

Her speed was so great that even his Thunder God technique struggled to keep up.

But Kraush understood what Number 8 had done.

A master’s aura could contain the essence of their life experience.

And the deeper that essence, the more destructive it became.

This essence created another level of distinction among masters, beyond just their physical prowess.

Physical prowess was the power manifested by the body.

Essence was the power manifested by the mind.

In a master’s battle, even if there was a difference in physical prowess, the one with the superior essence could still win.

Thus, balancing these two forces was crucial in a master’s fight.

Depending on which was more deeply entrenched, it could open up entirely new realms of power.

Number 8 was a corpse that had spent countless years by Ebelasque’s side.

Her essence was filled with devotion to Ebelasque.

The more she focused on Ebelasque, the stronger the power emanating from her essence would become.

This was her secret technique, forged from her essence.

Puppet.

Because she had willingly chosen to be a puppet, she could grow even stronger.

As proof, Kraush’s Thunder God technique felt almost useless against Number 8’s relentless assault.

Her staff narrowly grazed Kraush’s chin as he dodged her attack.

After evading, Kraush immediately swung down Rain Thunder Prime.

However, Number 8 was one step ahead of him.

She moved with the bizarre, erratic motions of a puppet being controlled by invisible strings.

These strange movements allowed her to unpredictably shift her attacks.

Her staff twisted at an odd angle, along with her bent arm.

After all, she was a corpse.

She could move in ways that would strain human joints or be impossible for muscles.

Moreover, she didn’t have to worry about her body overloading.

Her brain’s limits, which would normally prevent a human from harming themselves, were completely removed from the start.

The destructive power of someone fully embracing the role of a puppet was beyond imagination.

Boom!

Eventually, Kraush took a direct hit from Number 8’s staff and was sent flying backward.

He only stopped after crashing into a wall, then spat out some saliva.

It seemed he had bit the inside of his cheek during the impact, as it was mixed with blood.

“If you leave now, I’ll pretend I didn’t see you.”

The threads around Number 8’s body grew even more vivid.

Watching this, Kraush let out a brief chuckle.

“Essence is important, indeed.”

Essence deepened the longer one lived.

So, the essence of those who had lived long lives was unimaginably profound.

However, there was another way to deepen one’s essence besides longevity.

At that moment, Number 8’s body stiffened.

She sensed something ominous emanating from Kraush.

Fwoosh—

The sound of black flames burning on Kraush’s sword echoed through the quiet space.

As Kraush stood there, the black flames began to flicker wildly.

“…Kraush, Sir?”

Cold sweat slowly trickled down Number 8’s face inside her helmet as she felt a foreboding.

Essence indeed deepens over a long period.

But there is an extreme way to rapidly deepen one’s essence.

And that involves pushing oneself to the brink of death through relentless hardship.

Number 8 had no way of knowing.

The Kraush reflected in her eyes was, at most, only 15 years old.

But she couldn’t possibly comprehend the extent of the brutal life he had lived.

End of Chapter