I Became A Thief Who Steals Overpowered Skills - Chapter 148

**Chapter 148**

Hardenhartz Is Truly in Danger

***

The place where Kraush and Number 8 were facing off.

Kraush’s eyes burned red.

“But do you know why I don’t particularly favor that kind of essence?”

Number 8 took a step back, as if retreating.

In the dark space, Kraush’s eyes glowed red.

It was because the Heavenly Slaughter Star within him had met with his essence and began to exude a murderous intent.

Kraush’s essence was like pitch-black darkness.

An endless void that entangles, dragging one into the abyss.

A darkness brimming with countless curses, already broken beyond repair long ago, so deep that its true depths were unknown.

T h i s w a s cop ie d fr o m k i n g m t l . org
The Abyss.

That was the term that best described Kraush’s essence.

The problem was that Kraush’s essence had grown even more colossal upon meeting the Heavenly Slaughter Star and Nox.

Number 8’s hair stood on end.

Her face started to turn pale.

“What kind of life… have you led…?”

As a corpse, Number 8 had a much higher proportion of essence, rather than physical strength.

Thanks to this, she could draw out her true, original power.

However, there was a downside—she was highly sensitive to the essence of her opponents.

Number 8 had believed that her essence, nurtured over the long years, would naturally be superior to Kraush’s.

But that assumption was a grave mistake.

The essence of Kraush, who had endured, swallowing countless curses even in the face of destruction, was on a level incomparable to Number 8.

“Once anyone loses in the realm of essence, they lose their will to fight. There are probably even worse things out there than me.”

Particularly, the World Erosion Species had an exceptionally deep essence.

That’s why Kraush chose to prioritize power over essence.

When faced with an essence vastly superior to his own, the resulting gap from being overwhelmed could be lethal.

As proof, while Number 8 was momentarily frozen.

A fierce storm of black flames had already started to swirl around Kraush’s Rain Thunder Prime.

“And to be honest.”

At the moment when that storm reached its climax.

Ripples formed on the surface of the deep mental lake within Kraush, causing a vortex to rise.

“It feels unpleasant, as if I’m exposing my innermost thoughts.”

Annihilation Erosion

First Style

Sky Annihilating Draw

By the time Number 8 managed to regain her senses, it was already too late.

The raging storm of black flames had already engulfed her.
T h i s wa s c o p i e d f r o m k in gm t l . o r g

Crash!

The force of the black flames was so intense that the entire room was shattered, and Number 8 was sent tumbling across the floor.

Her biggest mistake was the delayed reaction caused by facing Kraush’s essence head-on.

Thump!

In that instant, her rolling body came to a sudden stop.

It was Kraush who had stopped her with his foot.

Only then did Number 8 realize that she had somehow dropped her staff.

Instead, Kraush’s Rain Thunder Prime was now aimed at her.

“Number 8, you know just how dangerous your master’s current undertaking is, don’t you?”

Neither Ebelasque nor Number 8 were fools.

They both knew that extracting the energy resource of World Erosion to create a god could not end well.

Moreover, Kraush had witnessed it firsthand.

He had seen what kind of monstrosity was born from Ixion—a being that could not be called a god.

“The dreams of Ixion and Ebelasque will never succeed. The only result will be the worst outcome.”

Arthur had desperately tried to stop Ixion as well.

Kraush understood that if it weren’t for Arthur, the result would have been far more horrific.

So, this time, Kraush was the one who had to stop Ixion.

Because Arthur was no longer around.

‘Tch, acting like I know everything, just like Arthur, is secretly annoying.’

You don’t know, but I do, so I’ll stop it.

Realizing he was now behaving just like Arthur, Kraush clicked his tongue inwardly.

“So, come on, trust me a bit.”

Kraush withdrew Rain Thunder Prime and lifted his foot off Number 8.

“I won’t let your master regret this.”

“…I felt it the last time too, but Mr. Kraush, you’re a gentle person.”

Number 8, who had propped herself up, suddenly shed her helmet.

She then placed a rabbit headband on her head from who knows where and spoke.

“I can definitely sense your concern for my master, Mr. Kraush.”

Number 8 also subconsciously realized how dangerous it was for Ebelasque to enter Ixion.

She was a corpse with the ability to think independently, after all.

However, Number 8 couldn’t offer Ebelasque any advice.

Even though she had the ability to think for herself, she was still a corpse that moved according to Ebelasque’s command.

“…At least, compared to those suspicious World Erosion Species, I’d rather trust you, Mr. Kraush.”

She said this as she slowly bowed her head towards Kraush.

Seeing her polite demeanor, Kraush sheathed Rain Thunder Prime at his waist.

“Speak.”

T h is w as c o p ie d fr o m k i n g m t l. o r g
“I’d like you to become my master’s ally.”

Number 8 wished that Ebelasque would no longer live trapped by the past.

After hearing her request, Kraush made a face that said it wasn’t a difficult thing to do.

“I’ll decide after seeing how things go with him.”

Number 8 finally smiled at Kraush’s characteristically straightforward answer.

“So, where exactly is he right now?”

This was the most important issue.

T h i s w as c o p i e d f r om k in gmt l. o r g
“He’s not far from here.”

Th i s w a s c o pi ed fr o m k i n g m t l. o rg
“Not far from here, you say.”

“Yes, he’s near the Hardenhartz territory.”

Upon hearing her answer, Kraush froze for a moment.

He realized that the place he had just been near was close to Ebelasque.

“Did I take a pointless detour?”

Realizing he had made a wasted trip, Kraush sighed.

But then something about their conversation struck Kraush as odd.

Why hadn’t Ebelasque left with the Ixion members and moved far away?

What could they possibly be doing there?

Kraush looked at Number 8, who also seemed unsure.

She had just been cleaning the room, after all.

Then a thought flashed through Kraush’s mind.

He recalled a tactic that one of the Ixion members had used in the past.

‘Could it be?’

[Kraush.]

At that moment, the Crimson Garden brooch lit up again.

It was Crimson Garden, who had briefly left to gather information about Ixion.

So, Kraush immediately lifted the brooch upon hearing her call.

[I found out who went to Hardenhartz.]

As expected, Crimson Garden had come back with information.

[It’s the Mad Sword Emperor.]

Upon hearing those words, Kraush bit his lip.

Damn it, it was him after all.

The Mad Sword Emperor—a maniac capable of triggering World Erosion.

And the more powerful the opponent he faced, the stronger the World Erosion he caused would become.

So, the Mad Sword Emperor had deliberately set up a trap.

He planned to use the Sword King, who had gathered at Hardenhartz for the purpose of subjugating him and Ebelasque, as a sacrifice for the World Erosion.

“Haring, Number 8.”

Kraush called out to the two and turned around.

“We’re heading back immediately.”

Hardenhartz was in danger.

***

In front of the North Sea Ice Palace in Hardenhartz.

A man was sitting on the snow-covered ground, sighing deeply.

His striking brown hair and blue eyes marked him as none other than the Hero of the Common People, Felray.

He was pondering what he was doing here.

It was no wonder, since he hadn’t been able to say a word during the meeting.

Although he was highly regarded by fellow commoners.

Felray still couldn’t entirely dismiss the difference in status.

The fact that he, a mere student leader who had risen from common birth, could do so little in the presence of nobles, royals, and even the Imperial family made that clear.

Honestly, it weighed heavily on his shoulders.

Becoming stronger was one thing, but living up to the expectations and responsibilities was far more difficult than he had imagined.

In the academy, the commoners were practically relying solely on Felray.
T his w a s c o p ied fr o m k i n g mt l .o r g

So, he had to be cautious in his actions and set an exemplary standard for others to follow.

Knowing that he was the face of the commoners, Felray had no choice.

‘Do the nobles handle these things as if it’s nothing?’

The world is indeed a complicated place.

For Felray, who had just turned 16 this year, the world felt incredibly daunting.

Perhaps that’s why he recalled the days of the martial arts tournament.

A fellow commoner, a boy named Krad from the Night Ravens.

What would it have been like if it were that boy?

That boy seemed to embody the image of the Hero of the Common People better than anyone else.

With the image of the boy lingering in his mind, Felray let out a short sigh.

“…Krad, are you in Hardenhartz?”

He had joined this mission along with the Pendalord on Sigrid’s orders.

Sigrid knew that Felray was searching for the boy named Krad.

So, she had tipped him off.

She mentioned that the boy Krad was the corpse of Ebelasque Benapoch, a World Erosion Species, and one of the key targets of this mission.

While it was unclear whether he was a corpse or something else.

Sigrid added that Ebelasque surely had the answer.

Perhaps that was why Felray had been drawn to participate in this mission as if in a trance.

Of course, Sigrid’s main orders were to report back on how this situation unfolded and to keep a close watch on Charlotte.

Sigrid was the one who looked out for the commoners attending Rahelrn Academy.

Without her, the commoners would have become easy prey for the more malicious nobles.

“I don’t know.”

Felray looked up at the sky.

Was it because he was still young, or was the burden just too heavy?

The boy named Krad, whom he had hoped to see at the academy, kept coming to mind.

At the same time, he also thought of another boy he had seen at the academy.

A boy with dark blue hair, from a completely different background and of a different age.

He was always causing new incidents at the academy, exuding an overwhelming sense of strength.

Kraush Balheim.

For some reason, he kept reminding Felray of Krad.

T hi s w a s c o p ie d fr o m k i n g m tl. o r g
Though he couldn’t pinpoint any exact similarities, there was one thing that had always bothered him.

Kraush was also using the heavy sword that Krad once wielded.

Of course, compared to Krad, his swordsmanship was on a much higher level.

Perhaps it was while Felray was vaguely mulling over the mysterious connection between the two.

Suddenly, he stood up.

The reason was that one side of the sky over Hardenhartz was gradually turning yellow.

This ominous feeling.

It was certain.

“World Erosion!?”
T h i s w a s c opie d f r o m k i n g m t l . or g

A World Erosion had erupted within Hardenhartz.

Felray was flustered.

Even within the kingdom’s walls, built with purification magic, World Erosion could still occur.

However, the World Erosions that appeared within such walls were typically limited to the 4-star variety.

But now, the sky was turning yellow.

It was strange.

There should be no way a World Erosion could appear in the territory.

Overwhelmed, Felray quickly regained his composure.

This wasn’t the time to be lost in thought.

Felray hurriedly entered the North Sea Ice Palace.

He intended to quickly inform those inside and mobilize immediately.

At that moment, he ran into someone walking out.

Dark blue hair of striking color.

Eyes so devoid of light that they were almost intimidating to face.

T h i s w a s c op i e d f r om k i n g mt l . o r g
And a name that carried an air of unparalleled seriousness—Charlotte Balheim.

Known as the Sword Queen.

“Felray.”

“Miss Charlotte?”

“Prepare yourself. A World Erosion Species has appeared.”

Upon hearing her words, Felray’s eyes widened.

Charlotte had already completed her battle preparations the moment she saw the sky.

As expected of a Balheim.

Unlike himself, who had been momentarily stunned, she had reacted faster than anyone else.

“If you’re late, my brother will have already taken care of it.”

However, her next words left Felray bewildered.

Charlotte’s brother was none other than Rai Balheim, the deputy head of the Balheim family and one of the Ten Strongest Under the Heavens, the Sword King.

“W-Wait, Miss Charlotte, what do you mean he’ll have already taken care of it?”

“He’s already on the move. He must have sensed it first.”

Charlotte clicked her tongue in regret.

No matter how much of a genius Charlotte was, she was still a late bloomer.

She had not yet reached the level of the Sword King, who was recognized by the world.

Eventually, when the time came for her talent to fully blossom, no one would be able to stand on equal footing with her.

But time was something even Charlotte could not escape.

“Did the Sword King say anything before leaving?”

“He told us to stand by.”

“Then we should follow his orders….”

The opponent was a World Erosion Species.

Felray knew well that his current self was no match for such a foe.

That’s why he tried to dissuade Charlotte, but her lips curled into a sneer as she flashed her signature smile.

“Felray, let me give you some advice.”

Upon hearing the word ‘advice,’ Felray flinched, and Charlotte continued walking, maintaining her smile.

“It’s not every day you get to see a strong person fight. Even I learn something from it.”

He couldn’t argue with that.

But what’s the point if you end up dead, Felray thought to himself.

However, Charlotte was unfazed.

“And besides, you probably won’t be able to just stand by anyway.”

Charlotte said this as she looked up at the sky, now tinged with a yellow hue.

“The fact that World Erosion has occurred means that the Erosion Species will start pouring out.”
T h is w a s cop i e d f r om k i n g m tl.o rg

Felray’s face stiffened.

In other words, whether they stood by or not, it wouldn’t make much difference.

The only way to end the World Erosion was by killing its master.

The Sword King would have to pursue and kill the World Erosion master, but the ones left behind would have to face the Erosion Species.

“Don’t worry. The One Sword is stationed at the North Sea Ice Palace in Hardenhartz.”

The strongest knight order of Balheim, the One Sword.

With them, any World Erosion could be effectively contained.

However, Charlotte’s advice to Felray was focused on something else.

“But the One Sword will be stationed here at the North Sea Ice Palace. They’ll try to deal with the master as quickly as possible.”

“That means….”

“Right, so who’s going to stop the other Erosion Species?”

Felray clenched his fists.

If the Erosion Species appeared, the areas most at risk would be the civilian settlements.

Ordinary people had no means of defending themselves against the Erosion Species.

They would be exposed to danger and hunted down by the Erosion Species.

Furthermore, Hardenhartz was a mountainous region.

The citizens living in the scattered mountain villages would all be wiped out by the Erosion Species.

Felray couldn’t just stand by and watch.

The reason he had enrolled in Rahelrn Academy and confronted World Erosion was that his village had been annihilated by World Erosion.

He had to save them.

Felray’s eyes gleamed with determination and resolve.

It was a look that perfectly matched the title of Hero of the Common People.

“I’ll lead the Pendalord and move out.”

“Do that. And take the Lion Order with you as well.”

Despite being the leader of the Lion Order, Charlotte placed little significance on them and often acted independently.

Felray, realizing this, felt a mixture of exasperation and understanding because it was Charlotte, after all.

Unfortunately, there were almost no students at Rahelrn Academy who could keep up with Charlotte.

‘Maybe the only one would be Miss Charlotte’s younger brother.’

Recalling Kraush’s confrontation with Associate Professor Kairan, Felray moved on.

Charlotte, glancing at Felray’s departing figure, also began to walk away.

Her pace gradually quickened.

“My foolish little brother.”

She didn’t know where he was, but she needed to find him quickly.

End of Chapter