[CH399+ Continued] Dungeon Diver: Stealing A Monster's Power

Chapter 504

We both reappear from the back wall, and I take a few steps forward before Rodrigo turns his head to lock eyes with me.

He doesn't say a word as I walk closer and expand my [Hush] barrier throughout the room to make sure only the ears inside can listen.

His expression is one of confusion. I've changed quite a lot since the last time we met, both physically and mentally.

In his eyes, I may have just been a passerby, another random client of his sister's who happened to also be an association hunter that died in a dangerous mission to the dark continent a while back.

There's a very low chance he'd even remember who I am if I still looked and gave off the same energy readings as I did the last time we met.

Despite this, his eyes widen once I get close enough.

"It's you... was it—Jay—right? One of this year's new Elites. I was told you died. You're that hunter that collapsed the labyrinth under my nose during the last C-Class exams... I never did get a replacement core for that."

He eyes me with a stern glare, and I can't help but let out a chuckle if that's all he remembers me for.

It seems like a lifetime ago that happened, but I guess to him it hasn't been quite as long.

I reply, "Yes. It's me."

As I reply, I can't help looking at the bright golden collar around his neck, watching the soul energy swirl around him at a constant rate and occasionally crackle.

I put out a hand to shake his.

"I assume now that the recording devices are off, everything said in this room will be kept between us, right? I don't want the Association knowing I still exist."

He shifts his gaze to Bri, and she gives him a nod. He turns back to me and shakes my hand.

"Sure, it seems the secret of you being alive is connected to Bri somehow, so it's in my best interest not to say a word."

He makes a twisting motion on his lips and throws away an imaginary key.

"I won't say a word."

Green energy comes off his body only visible to my lie detector skill, telling me he's being truthful, but I still have one concern.

"What about your curse mark...? Do I have to worry about this so-called sun god learning of my existence even if you're trying to keep my presence unknown?"

He releases my hand from his grip, and I can hear his heart skip a beat, even though he keeps a calm outer demeanor.

Rodrigo squints, then starts to scan me up and down.

"How do you even know about this...?"

I feel his mana aura go right through both of us, but without soul energy, he won't be able to detect anything at all.

He speaks up again and his hands start to glow white with light magic.

"Someone must have set you up to ask that question... how do you know about that, tell me!"

Bri yells out, "Rodrigo! Stop it, these are my guests! I trust Jay. Please, answer any questions you can to help him."

He pauses in place, but keeps his fists glowing, and rightfully so.

"No- The curse mark doesn't relay any messages or truths to its owner. It works like a sharp knife to the inflicted one's neck. Either the person wearing it obeys or they die. Your words are safe... don't worry."

I reply in a calm tone while both Ember and I sit down on a couch on the opposite side of the room.

"Good. That may not have been the right way to re-introduce myself back from the dead, but it's the only way I could think of breaking the ice. Let's just say, while I was said to be dead in the dark continent, I got around and learned quite a few things."