Arcane Sniper [Matan’s Shooter]

For the first time, the king’s expression changed.

Leeha found this reaction rather puzzling.

‘When he referred to Kyle as someone buried in demonic energy, I thought he would already know. Are the two things different?’

Did it mean that he knew the situation Kyle was in but didn’t realize it was the work of a Arcane Sniper?

Perhaps Kyle was different from a typical Arcane Sniper. Either way, this detail wasn’t crucial for Leeha at that moment.

“Do you know about it?”

“Of course. It’s not something I’m unfamiliar with.”

“Then I trust you are well aware of the power of the ‘Arcane Bullet’.”

“I also know its power. So?”

Hearing the king’s words, Leeha felt his body tensing up.

The king knew about the Arcane Sniper and the power of the Arcane Bullet. He might even know more about it than Leeha himself.

Yet, the king remained so composed?

Listening to the king’s query, Leeha spoke once again, clearly and slowly.

“Then you must understand. I informed you that the Arcane Sniper has seen Your Majesty’s face.”

In truth, Leeha didn’t know how exactly the Arcane Bullet activated.

What conditions did a Arcane Sniper need, apart from Kaztor being present?

Leeha knew nothing concrete. Hence, he added the premise that the shooter “must know the face”.

Anyone could be killed. In this premise, the crucial element was knowing the identity of that “anyone.”

And at this crucial moment, there was no need to say, “I don’t know well, but it might be like this.”

It was a timing that called for forceful assertion.

Leeha recognized this juncture well.

“… Are you, a mere human, threatening our king?”

The first one to grasp the situation, apart from Leeha’s group, was the third prince, Ulrek. The hostility in his voice towards Leeha was deep and resonated differently from the growl of a tiger or a lion.

“Do you call a straightforward warning a threat? This is not a threat. I am merely pointing out a highly probable event based on sufficient evidence. Moreover… from your reaction, it seems even the Saurus cannot avoid the Arcane Bullet. Hence, you should pay more attention to my words.”

“Ugh, grrr—”

Ulrek was at a loss for words.

Even his extreme reaction showed that Leeha had gained something.

Strengthening his claim and gathering information to dismantle the enemy’s argument far outweighed any hostility from Ulrek.

“But doesn’t he possess a different power apart from the Arcane Sniper?”

“Yes, precisely. That’s the problem. This person is submerged in demonic energy, meaning there’s someone outside controlling him using powers planted in him. That Dark Elf… desires to enter this place. As you said, this place with advanced civilization and abundant resources.”

“So, they’ll use the Arcane Bullet to kill me or threaten me with death to enter this place, is that what you’re saying?”

“I’m saying that’s a possibility.”

Kaztor’s desire to enter this place was to prevent Elizabeth, Brown, and Kyle from doing the same. Leeha didn’t know whether Kaztor himself had any interest in Saur Land.

But what’s the point in mentioning that?

No matter the reason, the fact that he “wanted to enter” was undeniable.

“Furthermore, the Dark Elf interested in this place, who can control the Arcane Sniper, is also acquainted with the Demon King’s Fragments. If you avoided them because of disgust rather than fear, from now on, you won’t be able to avoid them. When they join forces and come here, will you be able to handle it?”

“Heh…”

The king, who was about to rise from the throne, appeared to be deep in thought.

Leeha allowed the king some time. He collected his thoughts on what benefits could be gained from this place.

If Kyle could be treated, how would that work out?

If they knew about the Arcane Sniper, how much more did they know compared to the Three Musketeers?

Additionally, could he persuade them to exert their overwhelming power externally?

For that very reason, Leeha spoke forcefully.

“I asked if you would be able to handle it, Your Majesty.”

“If I…”

The king opened his mouth quietly. Leeha locked eyes with him.

“If I kill all of you here, what would happen then? Wouldn’t that prevent the Arcane Sniper from leaking outside?”

Everyone except Leeha flinched at that.

Even Alexander whispered to Bailephus, advising him to prepare for a sudden turn of events.

However, Leeha did not move.

There was one piece of information that none of them, including Luger and Kidd, possessed.

“If it could be eliminated that easily, the legacy of Arcane Sniper wouldn’t still be ongoing. Even if you killed all of us, Arcane Sniper would continue to exist.”

Leeha’s theory would have been true if Zamiel’s words were correct.

In the conversation between Francis and Zamiel, Francis asserted that Arcane Sniper’s gun had to be in some conspicuous place.

Could it be part of their contract? When did Leeha start pondering about this?

‘What if Arcane Sniper died not because all the bullets had been used but due to an unexpected accident? What would happen then?’

What would become of Zamiel and the gun?

It was one of the hypotheses Leeha had started from that question.

The gun of Arcane Sniper was not an item that could be sealed or hidden somewhere.

Zamiel would somehow find a way to escape.

“How can you be so sure? Even if it does happen, what of it? He might choose not to kill us.”

“… You didn’t understand my words. I told you that a Dark Elf, who knows well about Arcane Sniper and how to wield his power, wants to come here. As long as you cannot eradicate him! And as long as you do not completely remove the essence of Arcane Sniper… Saur Land will remain in danger!”

Leeha shouted, feeling frustrated.

How could they utter such nonsense while knowing about Arcane Sniper!

But as soon as the King heard Leeha’s words, his expression changed.

“So, human Ha Leeha, while there are individuals here favorable to you, with Arcane Sniper in your hands… you want us to cure him?”

The smile on the dinosaur’s face was faint.

Only then did Leeha understand their intent.

Initially, he truly intended to send Leeha’s group away. However, after comprehending the real threat Leeha talked about, his mind must have changed.

What methods would they have to handle the incoming danger, having declared their separation from the world?

They instead tried to draw an answer from Leeha.

“Yes. If you do so, I will kill the Dark Elf for you.”

It was this very statement, securing their safety.

Swoosh…!

A holographic window unfurled before Leeha’s eyes.

『Request of Saur Land』

Description: “Indeed, you are the human who eliminated the escaped dragon. You’re smart for a mere human, so you must have found the points to question from what I have said. If the Arcane Sniper could be eliminated through treatment, we would have done it already. However, that’s impossible. Using all our technical prowess, the best we could do is return the state of those buried in demonic energy to normal… but do you still want treatment? Of course, don’t forget there’s a price.”

The King of Saur Land, Trudon, wishes to make a request. Let’s execute the most certain method to safeguard Saur Land’s security.

Content: Kill the Dark Elf Kaztor, who can manipulate Arcane Sniper.

Pre-reward: Treatment of Kyle’s condition using Saur Land’s technology.

Reward: ?

Will you accept it?

Leeha quickly scanned the quest window.

The other users watched Leeha, who seemed to be staring into space momentarily.

Was it because they weren’t the ones directly negotiating with King Trudon that the quest window didn’t appear?

Luger and Kidd grumbled in discontent. However, knowing they lacked the necessary information to engage in a debate with Trudon, they had no choice but to accept it.

Middle Earth did not grant equal opportunities to everyone.

It reached out only to the prepared.

‘There’s a hidden reward besides the upfront one. Moreover, Kaztor…’

Wasn’t he someone who had to be killed anyway?

Leeha didn’t need much time to think. Even just improving Kyle’s condition would make Elizabeth and Brown regard Leeha as their lifesaver.

‘And if I could learn one or two more skills there… hehe!’

The face that had fiercely debated with Trudon moments ago had vanished, replaced by a sly smile. Seeing this, Kidd let out a sigh.

Leeha, sensing the atmosphere, quietly pressed the accept button.

Trudon nodded in accordance.

“Good. I accept that proposal. Ulrek?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Conduct a thorough examination of the one encroached by demonic energy, and ensure the others have ample rest.”

“Understood.”

Was it because the King had shown favor again?

The Third Prince Ulrek approached Leeha with a friendly look, as if he had never shown hostility.

“Human Ha Leeha and your companions, follow me.”

And then took the lead.

Outside the door, a dinosaur wearing a bronze helmet was waiting for Ulrek.

“Is it trying to be friendly?”

“Well, one bite from those teeth and there won’t be much flesh left…”

“The smile of a dinosaur really takes some getting used to.”

Even though it reduced its size, the ground trembled with every step it took—thud, thud. Following its footsteps, the group exited the palace. The place they arrived at, watching the gazes of other dinosaurs, was as grand as the palace itself.

NPCs were staring at the building with wide-open eyes.

Players had similar reactions, but their amazement was for slightly different reasons.

“This is…?”

“Isn’t this a hospital? It’s almost the size of a general hospital!”

“I didn’t expect to see the cross symbol here!”

It was a modern building with a modern structure. The interior was even more astonishing. With marble columns and floors, the lobby was furnished with waiting chairs, and there were admin offices just like one would see ‘outside the game.’

The only unnatural thing was that the ones waiting were not humans but dinosaurs.

“Those who are possessed by demon energy will be examined here. The rest of the humans—”

“Me, me too! Please let me stay here with my child. I am his mother.”

Elizabeth hurriedly shouted at Ulrek’s words.

Ulrek nodded.

“Fine. You may need a guardian. Anyone else—”

“I am his father. I will stay too.”

“In that case, I can’t leave either. I’ll stay as well.”

Brown and Browless also interrupted Ulrek and sat down on chairs.

Ulrek’s expression twitched, but before he could say anything, Elizabeth spoke again.

“Leeha… Could you stay as well?”

“Me? Uh… Should I?”

Leeha glanced at Ulrek. Ulrek sighed.

Taking it as silent approval, Leeha nodded.

“Alright, I will.”

Moreover, staying here would be a chance to observe their ‘advanced civilization’, and most importantly, the Three Musketeers were here.

When Leeha gave a quick look, Ulrek shook his head as if he couldn’t help it and spoke.

“Fine. Spino, take the others away except for the five of them.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Ulrek’s assistant, Spino, led Alexander, Bailephus, Fernand, Kidd, and Luger out of the hospital.

In fact, there wasn’t much Leeha and the others could do at the hospital.

Ulrek’s presence drastically reduced the waiting time, giving them priority for all examinations.

Leeha watched in astonishment as Kyle filled out a simple questionnaire, had blood drawn, and even underwent something similar to X-rays and CT scans.

‘Is this concept even feasible?’

Magic wasn’t something that could be explained by science, but this felt like over-technology, closely resembling modern medicine.

However, Leeha ended that thought with a laugh after hearing a whispered conversation between Kidd and Luger.

“It’s a hotel.”

“Damn, it’s better than a five-star hotel in Berlin! What is this place?”

Saur Land, a place where long-armed dinosaurs lived, was literally another world. Leeha thought that this might be an entertaining bonus stage, unrelated to Middle Earth’s main storyline. The examination proceeded swiftly.

During that time, Leeha had many conversations with Ulrek and the old generation of the Three Musketeers.

He learned some surprising facts there.

“So, you can enter Laputa?”

“No, I meant we can locate its vicinity. It is a land where divine power converges, and only a chosen few among us can enter.”

“So has anyone—any dinosaur been there?”

“Indeed.”

“Who is—”

Leeha eagerly asked, and Ulrek revealed his dinosaur teeth in a grin.

Leeha now understood that it was a smile.