NOVEL NEXT Chapter 174- A Lurker
"No. I just wanted to say... I will not accompany you," Nista stated formally. Through the translucent red veil, her eyes focused on Kyle, observing his face. It was clear he seemed desperate—coming all the way here, feigning concern and calling for help, just to make an excuse to bring them out and offer a proposal that required their cooperation, all while making it appear as if they were the ones who stood to gain.
Though not overt, the situation and his expressions made it obvious. He was here for his own agenda, even if he wrapped it up in the guise of helping them.
"Sorry?" Kyle was momentarily taken aback. He had expected Prista to be the one to refuse, given her colder temperament. But it was Nista instead—the one he thought would be more eager to tag along—prompting him to ask again, confused.
"I know you're heading toward the Puppet Master's legacy," Nista said, shaking her head gently. Her tone was calm but firm. She clearly saw through his intentions. After all, she had once offered him protection during his marriage to Aleriana—an offer that, while not rejected outright, had been brushed aside. That alone had told her that this man was unusual… and prone to inviting problems upon himself.
So the timing—his presence here and the emergence of the legacy—was no coincidence.
'…'
Prista, who had heard her sister clearly, gave Kyle a blank look. She had already considered the possibility and most likely accepted it as truth. Still, she had already agreed to his offer. For her, the reward—helping the Empress break through her bottleneck—was too valuable to pass up. Even if it meant going to the Puppet Master's legacy, she was ready.
"And?" Kyle pressed, still confused as to why it was Nista who had turned him down. He tried to read her body language—but found nothing.
"You're too weak to survive there. So no," Nista stated flatly, shaking her head. Her rejection left both Prista and Kyle silent.
:: So, she cares for you... ::
'I can see that,' Kyle thought, recognizing the hidden concern behind Nista's refusal. It wasn't contempt or disinterest. She was worried something might happen to him if he ventured into the legacy. It was concern from a comrade—or something close. The realization made him chuckle slightly.
"Why are you laughing?" Nista narrowed her eyes. She was confused—and a little annoyed. She had just tried to protect this weak mortal, partly out of the favor she owed him for naming her. Yet here he was… laughing?
How hateful.
"Ahem. I'm laughing because no one has ever shown such worry for me before," Kyle lied. Boldly. Without even thinking.
His words hung in the silence that followed, lingering especially in Nista's ears. She trembled slightly before averting her gaze.
"Because you're ugly," she muttered—but just loud enough for Kyle to hear. His response was only a smile, amused by how awkward she was about responding to his compliment.
Simply put—she had chosen the easier way out.
"If that's what you like," Kyle replied with a smirk, tongue slipping again, before turning back toward Prista. She'd been observing the entire exchange with a frown, clearly not understanding what nonsense they were spouting—but that was good. She didn't see the subtle bond forming between them.
Which Kyle appreciated… though the real issue was his mind. He knew these women were replicas, crafted with unique personalities and strength. If he allowed himself to get emotionally entangled, things could get complicated. Especially when he was, admittedly, beginning to feel a little drawn to Nista.
"Whatever… but I'm not going. Go alone," Nista finally declared, still feeling the warmth on her ears. She understood he had clearly come here with the intention of convincing them to go with him. If she rejected him, he might abandon the plan altogether to avoid risking his life in a place crawling with wolves—dozens, maybe hundreds, of cultivators with their own agendas.
To a cultivator, the only thing more precious than immortality… was the path to reach it—resources. And once they appeared, everyone's masks came off, replaced by one thing: brutality.
Especially considering Kyle's status as Aleriana's husband, he'd become an even more obvious target—especially for factions supporting other heirs to the throne.
"Hahh… fine then. I guess only Prista will have to protect me," Kyle sighed dramatically. He understood the intent behind Nista's rejection—her concern was genuine. But he played along, pretending to go alone, and began to walk away.
"Wait, are you going too?" Nista suddenly turned to her sister, stunned. She had assumed Prista's response was just for show—and that she would ultimately side with her.
"Of course. I need to help the Queen, and if things become dangerous, I will just leave him behind," Prista replied casually, waving a hand as she stepped in line behind Kyle while saying something that made Kyle stop and look back, clearly not expecting this woman to seamlessly say that in the moment of danger she would be the first one to run away.
'!'
On the other hand, Nista's mouth dropped open. She hadn't expected her own sister to betray her so casually. She clenched her jaw, glaring at Kyle's back. 'Did he not understand how dangerous this is?'
"I think you should trust me more, given I did get rid of the Exorvism sect alone," Kyle said, trying to give someone lurking nearby a particular signal and information that was definitely not true, considering it was Aleriana and others who killed those 500 members within the sect.
He just took the credit and made his way forward, ignoring everything.
'!'
'Alone?', Prista was the one taken by surprise, considering she had thought that maybe it was the princess who did it. But after hearing that confident tone from Kyle, she felt that maybe it was him.
As she saw him continue his movements, she did the same and tagged along while clearly giving a glance back toward her sister.
"Fine!" Nista finally yelled, stomping her foot before rushing after him, her eyes filled with resentment—for his recklessness, and for dragging her into this madness.