Reborn as a Useless Noble with my SSS-Class Innate Talent

The small group of elves froze the moment they realized someone had overheard their conversation. Tension rippled through them as they exchanged nervous glances.

"Should we… stop?"

One of them asked, voice uncertain.

"It'll just bring more trouble if someone rats us out."

Another murmured, shifting uncomfortably.

But the leader of their group, a tall elf with sharp eyes and a hardened expression, shook his head.

"We've already come this far. Giving up now would just make us look guilty."

"But if the tree really is still unstable—"

"There's no proof of that. If that foreigner could purify it, then it must be safe. Besides… don't you want to see it for yourself? What if it holds answers we've been denied?"

The leader cut in firmly.

The others hesitated, torn between fear and curiosity. Eventually, one by one, they nodded.

"I'll go after the one who overheard us just to make sure they're not causing problems."

A younger elf offered, already turning in the direction Silvy had run.

The leader grunted in approval.

"Fine. Just make sure no one follows you."

Silvy's heart pounded in her chest as she darted between trees and sprinted along the stone path toward the elder's home.

Her instincts screamed that this was no idle prank or harmless visit. Something felt wrong—terribly wrong. And Kyle needed to know, now.

When she finally reached the elder's house, she didn't hesitate. She threw herself at the front entrance, only to be stopped by the crossed spears of two elf guards.

"Halt. No unauthorized entry—"

One of them said sharply.

"It's important! I need to see Kyle—now. Something's going on!"

Silvy shouted, gasping for air.

The guards glanced at each other warily.

"Because of him. The outsider.""

The other guard muttered.

One narrowed his eyes.

"You know him, don't you?"

"Yes! He saved the tree! If you don't let me in, something bad might happen—"

The guards exchanged another quick look and then slowly lowered their weapons.

"You're lucky. We're only letting you through because of what he did for the village."

The first one said.

"Thank you."

Silvy said, not wasting another second as she bolted past them and into the house.

Moments later, another figure emerged from the shadows, casually approaching the same guards. The elf who had followed Silvy.

"Hey. You shouldn't be here. This area is restricted."

One of the guards called, frowning.

The elf hesitated, putting on an awkward smile.

"Sorry. I think I took a wrong turn. Wasn't trying to sneak around or anything."

The guards relaxed slightly, lowering their spears.

"New to this part of the village?"

One asked.

"Yeah, visiting family. Didn't mean to cause trouble."

"Well, you're headed the wrong way. The western road will take you to the—"

Before either of them could finish their sentence, the elf moved.

Too fast.

Too precise.

He struck both guards with expertly placed blows to their necks, and they crumpled without a sound.

The elf exhaled slowly and adjusted his cloak before stepping over their bodies.

"Sorry. But we can't let her ruin everything."

He murmured.

______

Silvy was just a few steps away from the elder's dining room when a figure suddenly blocked her path.

Her body froze as she recognized the elf who had followed her—his expression cold, devoid of the usual polite indifference.

"Your time's up. You need to disappear… for a while."

He said quietly.

Silvy blinked, the tension crackling in the air around her.

"Disappear? That's not really my style. I'd rather disappear somewhere warm. Like on a beach. With a drink. And maybe an umbrella."

She said with a dry chuckle, trying to keep her voice steady.

The elf didn't laugh.

"That can be arranged."

He muttered, stepping forward and swinging his hand toward her neck.

Silvy ducked instinctively and rolled backward, barely missing the strike.

Her heel caught the edge of the rug, but she managed to keep her balance and threw a punch at her attacker.

Her knuckles met resistance—but not the kind she wanted. The elf caught her fist mid-air, holding it tightly.

"Futile. Just give up. You're not strong enough to stop us."

He said, gripping her hand tighter until she winced.

Silvy clenched her teeth, defiance burning in her eyes. She wasn't going to let things end like this. Not when Kyle trusted her to do her part.

But before she could try another move, a new sound broke through the tension—the rhythmic sound of approaching footsteps.

Then a shadow passed between her and her attacker.

A sharp crack echoed through the hall as the elf holding her was struck across the temple and went flying into the wall, crumpling in a heap.

Silvy gasped and looked up, heart racing.

"Kyle…"

She whispered.

Kyle stood there calmly, brushing imaginary dust from his sleeve.

"Took you long enough to call for backup," he said, voice light but eyes sharp.

Silvy's knees weakened from relief, and a wobbly smile spread across her face.

"I didn't exactly have time to send a formal invitation."

Kyle looked down at her and extended a hand.

"Come on. Let's finish what you started."

She took it without hesitation.

______

The warm, quiet atmosphere of the elder's dining room contrasted sharply with the tense aura Kyle had grown used to in the elf village.

The meal was simple but well-prepared, and the elder was calm—grateful, even.

Between bites, Kyle finally spoke.

"I've managed to purify the elf tree, but… it's far more fragile than I anticipated. Centuries of divine contamination have worn it thin. Even a small disruption could make it collapse entirely."

The elder's expression turned grave.

"So it still faces danger."

Kyle nodded.

"It does. That's why I'm considering putting up a barrier—one that will keep out any unnecessary interference. I'd need time, and materials, but once it's done, no one will be able to approach without my permission."

The elder leaned back, eyes closing as he took in Kyle's words.

"If that's what you believe is best, then do it. I trust you, Kyle. You've already done more for us than anyone has in generations. You have the freedom to act as you see fit."

Kyle gave a rare, warm smile.

"I won't disappoint."

The dinner neared its end. Kyle pushed his plate aside and was about to stand when a sudden ripple of mana reached him. Sharp, frantic—familiar.

'Silvy.'

His smile faded instantly. He stood in one fluid motion, startling the elder.

"Something's wrong. I'll be back."

He rushed out before the elder could respond.

Following the flickering signal of Silvy's mana, Kyle moved quickly through the village paths. His eyes narrowed as he rounded a corner—and saw her.

Silvy was struggling in the grasp of a taller elf, her expression twisted in panic and defiance. Her arm was pinned, and she couldn't reach for her dagger.

Her mana flared wildly, but it was too unfocused to break free.

Kyle's eyes darkened.

Without a word, he moved.

With a single step, Kyle closed the distance, his presence crashing into the elf like a tidal wave.

Before the attacker could react, Kyle struck him across the temple with a precise blow, sending the elf crumpling to the ground unconscious.

Silvy stumbled back, eyes wide with shock and relief. Kyle caught her gently and steadied her.

___

If you're interested to check out more stories, you can do that as well. All my friend told me was that it's r18 and to be careful.