Is That My Alter Ego

Chapter 66 – There’s a Disease That Makes You Unable to Hold Back Laughter

“………….”

The beast-girl who had suddenly entered and I exchanged glances, both of us silent. The elegant room was enveloped in a quiet stillness.

As I met her piercing gaze, I began to assess the situation rapidly.

The girl who had barged in. And the uncertain information regarding the doppelgänger.

Perhaps the diary, presumed to be linked to the doppelgänger, and the contents inscribed within it.

From what I could gather, the beast-girl before me was likely a bodyguard sent by someone referred to as the ‘Patron.’

“…A bodyguard?”

“What? I thought you were mute. Yeah, that’s exactly what you’re thinking.”

She had clearly said her name was Kali. Though she seemed to respond with a casual demeanor, the hostility in her expression lingered.

“…………”

Once again, silence and mutual scrutiny filled the space between us. I had no idea what words to utter.

Deciding to follow her lead in sharing names, I introduced myself.

“I’m Venice. Nice to meet you.”

“Why the formalities? Just be casual. I prefer it that way too.”

“…Should I?”

“Yeah.”

With that, after a swift exchange of names, I instructed Kali to take a seat and wait for a moment.

Kali plopped down onto the plush chair, pressing the cushions curiously as she surveyed the room.

‘Hmm… First, I should check my status window.’

Before I could even check the status window, Kali had entered the room, leaving me unable to do so.

‘Status window.’

[Name: Venice. / Age: 25 / Male / Condition: Optimal]

[Unique Ability (Talent Recognition): Can perceive the talents of others. Can grasp unique abilities and potential at a glance.]

[Unique Ability (Healing Magic): Can use a small amount of healing magic.]

[Unique Ability (Hypnosis): Can focus the attention of others through a kind of trigger, then initiate hypnosis. (Trigger Setting: Basic [Finger Snap])]

-However, if the subject has a strong mental resistance, the hypnosis may be broken. Hypnosis can be forcibly applied, but it may cause physical or mental strain on the subject.-

[Unique Ability (Emotion Absorption): Can absorb the emotions and memories of the target. (Note: Absorbed emotions and memories may cause changes in the user.)]

[??? (Unlock Required): ??????]

“…………..”

What on earth is this? Hypnosis and the ability to absorb emotions and memories? What on earth am I supposed to do with this?

In the case of the first avatar, I could slice through monsters with an exceptional physique, supported by quick situational judgment and command abilities.

The second avatar wielded the forbidden technique of dark magic and was astonishingly skilled in close combat.

The commonality was that they were both specialized in ‘combat.’ However, this body I have now, the third avatar, is hard to see as specialized in combat, no matter how positively I try to view it.

In fact, the physical strength and flexibility I felt when I merged with the avatar are nowhere to be found; instead, I feel as if my body has grown heavier.

It feels like the frail body of someone who has never exercised.

Well, I can understand that much. How could a person live their entire life only fighting?

Having experienced combat a couple of times, it might be nice to have an experience outside of battle this time.

‘But what about that question mark?’

[??? (Unlock Required): ??????]

A power at the very bottom of my status window, whose name I cannot even discern. Until now, there had never been hidden information like this in my status window.

Could it be some extraordinary ability? That would be wonderful, but I think it’s better not to get my hopes up.

When expectations rise, the fall is always more painful.

‘Well, I guess I’ll find out somehow as I live.’

I shut off my status window and looked around the room again. Then, suddenly, a small mirror on the desk right in front of me caught my eye.

Reflected in the mirror is a face with slick black hair and suspicious red eyes, barely visible through half-closed lids.

Even I can see that I look like a shadowy figure. My abilities are hypnosis and the bizarre power to absorb memories and emotions…

I begin to conjure up actions I might take with this appearance and these abilities. Countless scenes start to unfold in my mind.

Hypnosis… memory absorption… precious people…

“………..”

Let us cease this. Such things should not happen, nor should they ever exist. It is the genre I loathe most. I would never find myself in such a situation, not even in death.

I shake my head, casting off the useless thoughts. Kali regards me with the gaze of one observing a peculiar creature.

Hmm… Should I take a look at Kali as well? After all, she is a bodyguard I will be spending time with from now on.

‘Talent Insight.’

Kali tilted her head, as if asking if I had something to say, but I mumbled that it was nothing and used Talent Insight on her.

[Name: Kali / Age: 23 / Gender: Female / Status: Average.]

[Unique Ability (Magic Sight): Eyes that can see magic. Able to perceive the trajectory of magic, allowing for smoother use of it.]

[Unique Ability (Exceptional Physique): A body that is anything but ordinary. All physical abilities are enhanced.]

[Unique Ability (???): Requires awakening. (Awakening Condition: ?????)]

[Potential: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ (Sufficient potential to survive in this harsh world! However, one cannot become a genius.)]

Overall, her abilities and potential are not bad. It’s just that I’ve been surrounded by those who are exceptionally talented, so this seems merely adequate.

As far as I know, the eastern part of the Empire is the safest place on the continent, with the fewest monsters. This should be enough.

But what could that question mark signify? It requires awakening?

…Ah, I don’t know. I suppose the hidden unique ability will reveal itself in time.

I finished checking the status window, still filled with questions. What should I do now?

Suddenly, I became aware of the sounds of laughter and chatter drifting in through the open window. A refreshing breeze, transitioning from winter to spring, blew in pleasantly.

‘Hmm… Should I go for a walk?’

That seems like a good idea. Sitting in this room won’t solve anything, and I had only heard rumors about the East; I had never seen it for myself, so my curiosity was piqued.

“Kali. Are you able to move now?”

“Moving? Is there something you wish to do?”

Kali seemed bored sitting still in her chair, so I asked her to join me. Fortunately, it appeared she had time as well.

The thought of embarking on an exploration of a new world filled me with an unexpected thrill. I felt a smile creeping onto my face.

“Hehehe… So that’s how it is.”

“…….!”

A laugh escaped me before I realized it. Kali, hearing my voice, turned to look at me, suddenly breaking into a cold sweat and lowering her posture.

It was as if she could fold me in half with those coiled muscles at any moment.

Why is she acting like that all of a sudden? My voice did sound a bit ominous, but was it that alarming?

I turned my gaze from Kali, who was glaring at me as if she might kill me, and faced the mirror on the desk.

‘What madness is this?’

The corners of my mouth twisted into a foreboding arc, as if they might tear apart, and through the narrowed slits of my eyes, a glimmering red gaze shone like blood.

If one could judge guilt by appearance alone, I would have been seized on the spot for this expression. It was that wicked, that ominous.

I was taken aback by Kali’s sudden aggression directed at me, but with a face like this, I could hardly blame her. If I was surprised, how much more so was she, seeing me for the first time?

As I pressed my hand to my mouth, forcing my lips down, Kali, still crouched low, spoke to me.

“What… what the hell is that expression? What are you plotting!!”

“Nothing, I’m not plotting anything. This is just… my face… heh, heh…”

“You… you b*stard…!”

Why was this happening? I found nothing funny, yet laughter escaped me unbidden.

Was there some affliction that made me unable to suppress laughter? With a wicked face and a sinister laugh, Kali’s expression grew even more menacing.

I felt the need to explain myself somehow. If this continued, I would be branded a madman.

“Heh… heh… Ah, I’m sorry. I have this… condition that makes me laugh… heh heh…”

“….Don’t lie. There’s no such condition!”

“I… I swear. Heh… heh. Don’t worry, just go ahead and leave…”

“….The moment you lay a finger on me, I’ll kill you.”

I could feel Kali’s aggressive gaze following me closely.

If I truly dared to touch her, I felt I would die before I could even react, which frightened me a little, but thankfully, the laughter soon subsided.

Whether it was true wealth or not, everything from the second floor where my room was to the first floor was filled with expensive things. It felt as if I were gazing into a painting depicting the homes of ancient nobility.

As I opened the door leading outside, I passed through a well-kept yard and followed the sounds of people and machines beyond the front door, pushing it open to step out.

“Wow… this is insane.”

A massive hot air balloon floated in the sky. People dressed in neat clothing walked about, and vehicles resembling cars traversed the roads.

In this fantastical blend of medieval and modern, I felt an unexpected surge of exhilaration.

“Heh…”

“Oh, please…”

Suddenly, a wave of joy welled up from within me. I felt as if laughter would burst forth, so I covered my mouth with my hand and held my breath.

Yet, no matter how much the sensation tickled my entire body, I ultimately had no choice but to surrender.

“Heh… Hahaha…!”

“This… this b*stard again…!”

As my laughter erupted, Kali’s wary gaze returned, a mix of annoyance and disbelief.