IBHJ Chapter 895

The lobby downstairs was packed with players, most of them clustered around the innkeeper, drawn in by her pretty face and bright smile.

Illya, used to such scenes, put on a calm face and casually took a seat at a table, observing her surroundings. After all, as Gilgamesh's Master, she'd conquered her share of connection points and developed a cool composure. But this composure always seemed to vanish around Shirou, making her come across as a bit...ditzy.

After some reflection, Illya realized it wasn't that she became ditzy, but rather that Shirou had a way of leading her thoughts astray, making her fall into his rhythm, and ultimately outsmarting her. It was the same with Mordred; she'd get caught up in the moment and lose her train of thought, leading to defeat.

Lately, Illya noticed that Artoria was starting to do the same thing, throwing her off track multiple times. The recent realization about the unusual number of players was a prime example.

Who would have thought that even the usually gentle and slightly airheaded Artoria-neesan was starting to think like Shirou?

Illya sighed and focused her attention back on the players around her.

"Evil Flower is in this inn!"

"The item has to be mine!"

"Where is it? Where is it?"

The players were getting restless, all eager to get their hands on God's Brain. But most of them were only Level 3 or 4, like Altera.

Illya felt a bit of relief. If they were all this level, escaping wouldn't be too hard. She even wondered if there might be familiar faces among them, since this South American connection point seemed linked to "Moon Gazing Beauty." Maybe even Chloe was here? Should she shout "I'm Illya"?

No. Too embarrassing.

Suddenly...

"Boom!"

A blinding golden light filled the inn, forming a glowing magic circle.

"Wh-what's happening?"

The players panicked, unsure of what to do.

The magic circle whipped up a fierce wind, sending tables and chairs flying. Another "boom," and the wind died down, revealing figures within the circle. Leading them was a woman in gleaming golden armor, her entire body radiating wealth, obviously equipped with top-tier gear.

The players behind her also radiated a rich glow, their equipment clearly top-notch.

"It-it's the One King!" Some players recognized the woman, their faces a mix of awe and envy.

"No way! Wasn't she in the Holy Land, trying to take down the Emperor? What's she doing here?"

"Could she be after Evil Flower too?"

"You've got to be kidding. If the One King is here, what chance do we have?"

...

Illya was stunned, and the other players were in shock.

The One King, Level 9 and Supreme VIP in "Moon Gazing Beauty," was the top support of the Emperor Conquest Group in the Holy Land.

The Holy Land was a map accessible only to Level 9 players, and the Emperor Conquest Group was an elite guild reserved for the most powerful among them. The One King was their ace support.

In other words, she was a god among gods, a true high roller. It was no wonder these low-level players were shaking in their boots.

The One King surveyed the inn with a look of disdain. "A cheap inn, a cheap atmosphere. This king refuses to stay in this place for even a second."

"That's quite rude of you, guest," the blonde innkeeper said with a strained smile, her forehead twitching as she gestured to the tables and chairs destroyed by the teleportation. "Perhaps you could pay for the damages first?"

The One King glanced at the innkeeper, then turned to the green-haired youth beside her. "Chain."

"Understood."

The youth, strikingly handsome with a warm, gentle smile, quickly moved his hands in front of him. He then turned to the One King and said, "It's purchased, but the property transfer registration will take seven days."

As soon as he finished speaking, a system message appeared for all the players present.

[System: Adventurer 'The One King' has purchased this property from the royal family. This inn has become the private property of 'The One King'. The property transfer procedure will be completed in seven days. Friendly reminder: Trespassing on private property without the owner's permission will result in death without incurring negative reputation...]

"How could this be... my family's home..." The innkeeper crumpled to the floor, her eyes vacant with despair.

The players watched the One King in fearful silence. They'd heard rumors of her extravagant spending and financial warfare tactics, and now they'd witnessed it firsthand.

The One King settled at a table and called out, her voice cold and commanding, "Who is Evil Flower? Come out. This King wants to make a deal!"

The room fell silent. Then, a girl's voice floated in from the doorway: "Killing for treasure is the whole point of this game. Honestly, Shirou, when did you get as uptight as Artoria? How about this..."

Heads turned to see two girls entering, chatting casually.

The girls spotted the One King and one froze. "You've got to be kidding me. How did you get here so fast?"

"This king has the power of teleportation, of course!" the One King retorted. "And with my Heavenly Eye talisman, I knew you were coming long before you arrived."

"It's good to be rich, huh, you damn moneybags!" the girl grumbled through clenched teeth.

Some players were confused. These two new players seemed very familiar with the One King.

"Of course they are! They're on the same team! She's one of the strongest DPS, My Daughter is Super Cute!" one player exclaimed.

A collective gasp went through the crowd. The two girls were also members of the Emperor Conquest Group!

That meant this little inn now housed three members of the Holy Land's most elite guild!

And they were all here for Evil Flower.

Would other members of the Emperor Conquest Group be coming too?

That would be insane!

Was Evil Flower really that unlucky to be targeted by them?

"But—"

The One King turned slightly, her gaze falling on the white-haired girl, My Daughter is Super Cute, who stood beside Sweet Little Girl. "Have you returned from Tintagel? No, that's not right. This isn't that bastard... I see, it's you! I didn't expect you to be good at this game as well..."

My Daughter is Super Cute: "????"

"My king, she is..."

"She's the one I told you about, the man I both hate and find endlessly amusing, the source of both my headaches and my joy," the One King declared.

"Ah, the hero who calmed your rage instead of me. I'd love to come to your side and see for myself, but I suppose it's not possible yet."

Chain smiled and approached My Daughter is Super Cute, extending his hand. "Hello. My king has caused you much trouble, but please don't hold it against him. He's simply very lonely."

"Hey! Don't say such unnecessary things, Chain!" the One King protested.

"One King, are you here to steal my Evil Flower?" Sweet Little Girl glared at her, grinding her teeth.

"Your Evil Flower? Hmph. That's this king's Evil Flower! It was decided the moment I arrived," the One King laughed.

The two aces of the Emperor Conquest Group bickered, the surrounding players watching in stunned silence. Meanwhile, Illya slipped away unnoticed to report back to Shirou.