Chapter 160 - Provocation

# Round Table

At that solemn gathering where numerous villains had assembled, the red mohawk-haired man sitting across from me, Hitchikan, was making a scene.

Well, it's not so bad that he's doing this to bring some alertness to the boring meeting. Watching these kinds of things is the most entertaining part anyway.

But the problem is that he's making a scene about me.

"Come on, let's all think about this. Where are we? This is a gathering of S-class villains who each lead their own organizations, right? So does it make sense for an A-class villain like him to be here?"

The redhead said with a shrug.

In that situation where some people were looking this way wondering what was suddenly happening.

Facing the redhead who was talking about me like that, I just quietly smiled without saying much in response.

Why, you ask?

"You bastard!!!!"

Because our Atlas old man sitting next to me was stepping in on my behalf.

Atlas, who had slammed his fist on the round table and practically stood up, exploded with anger and shouted at the guy.

"You just spout whatever nonsense comes out of that hole in your face! You dare to utter such absurdities to a close friend of Atlas? You bastard!!!"

"...Well, excuse me. Did I say something wrong?"

"Gal!!!!!!"

Atlas was now half-risen from his chair as if about to beat the redhead to a pulp. His shouting was so loud that his curse broke through the translation magic and could be heard in its original language.

Though Hitchikan still had his arms crossed and was being sarcastic, he clearly looked a bit flustered. He probably didn't expect Atlas to step in here.

...Wait, couldn't he see me sitting here whispering and chatting with Atlas? Anyway, just as Atlas was about to summon his spear to fight—

"Enough."

The clear voice of Celeste, who was sitting at the far end of the round table, suddenly rang out.

"...Violence can never be tolerated in this sacred meeting. Everyone, please calm down."

"...Hmm, tsk."

"..."

Something like a white, round barrier appeared around the round table, blocking the two.

Atlas sat back down in his chair with a rough click of his tongue, while Hitchikan sat with his chin propped up, looking displeased.

...Well, the situation finally ended with Celeste's intervention.

Phew. What a sudden commotion.

Especially that guy with the red mohawk still looked displeased, probably because things didn't go according to his plan. Still, he seemed to know he wasn't capable of confronting Atlas, who had enough power to attack cities worldwide simultaneously, so he just clicked his tongue and stayed quiet.

Hmm, this is why people need to have connections.

With their unexpected fight over, the atmosphere around the round table could have become awkward due to the sudden incident... but everyone seemed uninterested, and the introductions continued as if nothing had happened.

As expected of seasoned, experienced villains, they didn't seem to care much about whatever happened. They must be used to these kinds of situations.

Anyway, the meeting continued smoothly after that, but one difference was that I now had a few subtle glances directed at me. More precisely, they were looks of "Who is this guy to be friends with Atlas?"

Atlas. Though he looks like an old man on the outside, in reality, he's one of the handful of strongest among these brilliant villains. They must be curious about what kind of relationship I have with someone who would get angry on my behalf, especially since I'm just an A-class.

This is troublesome. I didn't expect to draw this kind of attention starting today.

...No, rather, since things have turned out this way...?

Of course, regardless of what I did, Celeste, the representative of this meeting, didn't even glance in my direction afterward. Well, since Atlas was the one who recommended me, she probably already knew we were acquainted.

Anyway, the order that started with Celeste went around and around until it reached the short blonde knight sitting right next to Celeste.

"...My name is Arthur. I am the leader of the Seven Heavens Knights."

The man who briefly introduced himself.

Though his armor was noticeable, there were many more outlandish outfits, so not many people paid attention to him.

However, I alone took notice of him.

Arthur. The leader of the Seven-something, simply put, he's Celeste's loyal subordinate. After all, the Seven is a subordinate organization of Celeste's alliance, Etheria. You can tell just by the fact that he's sitting next to Celeste.

For reference, though it's easy to mistake this man's abilities as combat-related due to his knight attire including the armor he's wearing... that's actually a disguise. He possesses a more special ability.

It's the ability to know the danger level of his opponent. In other words, their strength. Thanks to this ability, he immediately became Celeste's core subordinate. One of Celeste's purposes for this meeting was probably to measure the danger levels of other villains.

Of course, weak and harmless me has nothing to worry about. What kind of evaluation would I get with just teleportation or psychokinesis... black tentacles? It wouldn't be strange to be treated as C-class. So Celeste won't pay any attention to me today, which means if I want to show my influence here, I'll need to speak up in a different way later.

While I was thinking about that, the turn finally came back to Celeste after going around once.

"I am Celeste, the leader of Etheria and the host of this gathering, Kathedal."

After stating what everyone already knew, she continued with her voice that exuded holiness.

"...Now that we've finished introducing ourselves."

"I will now begin with the main purpose for which I convened this meeting."

Celeste began her explanation with a voice that was still refreshing yet sacred and clear.

Kathedal. A gathering where all villains meet periodically.

The basic principle of this meeting is for everyone to share at least one piece of high-quality information they know.

Everyone here runs an organization, and with many ears listening, they possess various information.

Whether it's about the association's movements, information about supernatural abilities, government or international affairs, let's share information that can be useful in any way.

Just like how hero associations from different countries flexibly share information with each other, villains should also gather to share information.

Everyone nodded and accepted her explanation.

As people who influence not just cities but countries and continents, they all sympathize with the importance of information.

In other words, this meeting is beneficial for everyone.

Although you have to share one piece of high-quality information, you can gain dozens in return. Plus, with Celeste managing it, the quality of information is maintained to some extent. If you consistently provide low-quality information, you'll be expelled from the gathering.

Anyway, everyone seemed to accept Celeste's explanation.

She then explained that they would have an information sharing session today as well, but just for this time, it was okay to pass if you didn't have any information to share.

She began by sharing a piece of information she had prepared.

"Everyone. You all probably know this. The fact that the number of ability users is gradually increasing worldwide."

Some nodded at her words. Well, it's a fact that even appears on the news.

And then, Celeste dropped a shocking piece of information.

"In response, the International Hero Association, which now has a more streamlined supply of heroes than before, is dispatching S-class heroes from hero powerhouses like the United States to other countries. Everyone, please be especially cautious."

The villains' expressions hardened at those words.

There was an atmosphere of disbelief that the United States, which had been extremely reluctant to let their heroes leave the country, would do such a thing. But since Celeste shared it, they couldn't disbelieve it, so everyone just had grim expressions.

Of course, I, who already knew about this, wasn't particularly moved. They wouldn't send anyone to Korea anyway. I just need to deal with Stardust well.

Anyway, after sharing her information, Celeste asked everyone to take turns and share any information they might have.

Most just passed. Well, since there's no need to share today, they're probably saying they'll share next time. They're not prepared either.

Still, some did share information they knew. Even then, it was short, simple, and speculative.

In the meantime, my turn was approaching.

And.

I hesitated a bit.

Originally, I had no intention of stepping up from the first day. I was just going to quietly pass.

But.

"..."

I looked at that red mohawk who was still being provocative.

...Hmm, since I've already drawn attention because of him.

Maybe I should just step up?

So when my turn came.

I decided to step up.

Yeah. Well, the sooner I establish influence, the better. Especially since there's a sacrificial lamb.

That Hitchman or whatever, the redhead, is going to die in 3 months anyway, right?

"Hmm..."

After a moment of silence, I opened my mouth.

"This is just information I've heard, but about Germany in Europe."

That's how I started.

The redhead turned his head with interest as I mentioned Germany, where he lives.

In that state, I continued with a slight smile.

"I heard rumors that something big is going to happen in Germany. I advise caution when going to Germany for the time being."

After saying that, I slightly turned my head towards the redhead.

"...Especially, those who live in Germany. Please be more careful."

Then, towards him who met my eyes.

I told him once more with a smiling face.

"Because you never know what tragic event might occur within 3 months?"

A clear provocation, said with a smirk towards him.

The redhead didn't stay quiet either.

"You bastard! Are you threatening me?!"

He slammed the table.

And not to be outdone, Atlas also slammed the table and stepped in.

"You bastard!!! Now even when he gives you advice, it's a provocation?!"

The fight that was about to break out again was mediated by Celeste, who sighed and intervened once more.

In the end, Hitchman sat back down, still glaring at me with a face as red as his hair. Of course, I just smiled and ignored him.

Well, that worked out.

He won't believe what I said anyway, and he'll die from that incident in 3 months, so there's nothing more to worry about now.

So my turn passed, and like before, everyone seemed uninterested in the recent commotion.

They just seemed to think of it as the usual power struggle between villains.

...Of course, when he dies from that incident in 3 months, I wonder what they'll think then.

Well, still. It will be clear to everyone that his death has nothing to do with me, so they can't accuse me of killing him just because I mentioned this.

But they will find it strange. How I knew it was going to happen. Of course, they might think I just got lucky... but they might also wonder if I actually took some kind of action.

Of course, it will obviously seem unrelated, but there might be suspicion that I used some high-level strategy.

And such suspicion will make me seem more threatening.

Yes.

This is the way of the weak.

Making others think I'm dangerous. Packaging myself to appear stronger than I actually am.

And our redhead is the sacrificial lamb.

Well, I'm not actually going to do anything, so maybe not. I don't know if others will think the same way though.

While I was thinking about that, the information sharing session came to an end.

With Celeste's final words about meeting again in 4 months, the meeting was adjourned.

Everyone got up from their seats and returned through the corridor they had come from.

The redhead glared at me again on the way, but I just ignored him with a smile. This is the last time I'll see him in person. Live well. For the remaining 3 months.

"Sigh. You must have been troubled because of that strange guy, but it wasn't a bad meeting overall. Especially your final provocation was excellent! It was so satisfying! Hahaha!"

"Haha, thank you for your help. I could have been in trouble, but thanks to you, Atlas, I got him good."

"Hahaha! No, no! It was only natural for me to help!"

Laughing cheerfully like that, we went back through the black corridor we had come through.

Hmm, now I can finally go home.

The big event is over, so let's rest well.

Although no one probably paid attention to me today, well. I can take it slow from next time.

***

At the round table where everyone had left.

In that dark place, Arthur reported to his superior, Celeste, with a serious voice.

"...Is it true?"

"Yes, Celeste. That man called Egostic... according to my ability, he was judged to be the most dangerous."

"...Egostic."

Celeste, stroking her white hair, quietly fell into thought.