God of Tricksters

In the deep poisonous valley, the Poison King opened up a cave that had been covered by a giant boulder.

When he opened it, a pair of eyes shone within the darkness and asked, "So, have you got your answer?"

The Poison King smirked and said, "Of course. It seems that we're going to be together for quite a while."

The man gradually rose from his position and walked outside, revealing his appearance. However, he still had his masquerade on, covering most of his face.

When he left the cave, the Poison King opened his mouth. "Still, I do want one thing from you. I want to test your power!"

The Poison King didn't wait until he suddenly released the same wind tornado that he used against Theo earlier.

However, the man raised his hand and let out a black bubble.

When the tornado hit the black bubble, the tornado was swallowed into nothingness as if it had never existed.

"My poison was swallowed? I couldn't even corrode your power…" The Poison King sucked a cold breath.

"My devouring power can swallow everything, including your ability to corrode my power." The masked man snorted.

"As expected… you're amusing." The Poison King smirked. "I don't know your name, but I guess I will have a fun time for the rest of my life."

"Hmph."

The two men eventually walked away from the place, disappearing into the wilderness.

…

Meanwhile, Theo managed to regroup with Ruth afterward.

"Did he truly not chase after us?" Theo asked Ruth.

"I stayed for a few seconds, but he remained there. Although I couldn't confirm it, I'm pretty sure that he won't move for a while. So, I believe we're safe now."

"What is he planning?" Theo looked down, contemplating. It was clear that the Poison King was a weird guy.

On the one hand, he didn't even bat an eye when he saw his daughter, as well as the Mythical Rank Experts from his influence, die one by one. Instead of crying, he seemed to be happy about it as if he was relieved from his duty. On the other hand, the Poison King would become an extremely powerful enemy if he aimed at his life.

"What should I do right now?" Theo muttered inwardly.

"Should I remain in this place to watch over him? If he wants to act, I can let you know." Ruth offered a solution.

"That's…" Theo hesitated, knowing how powerful the Poison King was.

"Although my strength can't be compared to him, I've been living as an assassin for a long time. Just observing him should pose no problem for me."

Theo thought for a moment and said, "I understand. Let's do it your way. Besides, I guess I'm too pathetic right now…"

Theo must be mentioning how he was completely overwhelmed by the Poison King. However, Ruth shook her head and said, "Not at all. You're already that strong when you're this young. You haven't even become a Mythical Rank Expert, so it's clear that your potential is far bigger than anyone else. I'm prepared to bet my future on you. As long as you don't think you're worthless, it means that I'm not an idiot who invests in something useless."

"I guess…." Theo made a small smile as he said, "Thanks, Ruth."

"No. I should be the one thanking you." Ruth shook her head, smiling.

"Let's go meet the rest then."

"Roger that."

They continued their trip for a bit longer until they reached the rendezvous point that Theo had set up before the mission started.

As expected, everyone was waiting in silence. Mark still remained there because it wasn't time for the revelation. Ergene didn't do anything rash because she knew the consequences, while Nella just enjoyed her time here. Ryo was a quiet person, so waiting like this wasn't that troublesome for him.

However, Ellen and Phyrill were confused. Their faces seemed to have one thousand questions, but they didn't utter a single of them before Theo returned.

But to their shock, they saw another Ruth coming back with Theo.

"Eh?" Phyrill and Ellen were shocked as they were the only ones who didn't know Joker was Theo.

Meanwhile, Theo said, "I know that there are many questions you have in mind now. But let me officially invite you again, I want you in my group, Phyrill Hilbert."

"That's…" Phyrill looked down, hesitating. Although he was thankful that Theo saved them, he still didn't know whether to accept it or not, considering this was a kidnapping.

"I know what you're thinking…" Theo smiled. "First of all, I'll be paying you for your work, so you don't need to worry about not being able to earn. And my group is stronger than your average group, so learning from them is better than learning from the teachers in the World Martial Institute."

"No, no… That's not the problem." Phyrill shook his head. "My family is fine, but her family is… just a normal family. If the World Martial Institute, especially Ragnar, targeted them, then…"

"Don't worry about that. I'll ensure both of your family's safety. Right now, it's clear that Ragnar has sacrificed you. I've got the video proof. Then, with the current conflict as well as me helping the people from the World Martial Institute, I can pressure them to not involve both of your families in this conflict. If they still dare to do it, I don't mind erasing the World Martial Institute from this world. I'll promise you that one thing!

"Of course, I'll take care of everything you need. And your girlfriend can go with you, I don't really mind that. You've shown me that you're a bigger person who dares to sacrifice yourself for her, so it's clear that you're someone who won't abandon my group that easily." Theo smirked. "Besides, there is one more reason for me inviting you…"

Suddenly, Theo disappeared into thin air while Nella ripped apart her face mask, showing her real appearance.

"I can finally use my original face again." Nella smiled. "It's been a few years since we last met in the Grand Gaia Competition, right?"

"Eh?!" Phyrill and Ellen looked at her with dumbfounded expressions. "You… You are Nella Griffith?!"

"Correct. And…" Nella glanced at Mark, who turned off the power of the illusion and revealed his original appearance.

The familiar blue hair and blue eyes that once shook the entire world, Theodore Griffith.

"The… Theo…" Phyrill and Ellen dropped their jaws to the ground as if they were looking at a ghost.

"It's been five years, Phyrill, Ellen." Theo smiled at this reunion.