God-Tier Extraction Talent: Reincarnated in a Game-like World! Chapter 490 490: The Legendary White Phantom

"He grew stronger again," Scarlet whispered softly.

She lingered there a moment longer, the gentle night breeze swirling around her as the gaping hole in the roof and the shattered floor beneath served as stark reminders of their brief confrontation. Then her face regained its composure, and she turned to leave.

When Scarlet got back to the hotel, Lilly and Alice were already stationed near the barricaded room. The shattered glass had been swept from the path, yet the scars of the prior skirmish lingered. Both women turned their gazes toward her the instant she drew near.

Alice broke the silence first.

"Well?"

Scarlet stepped nearer and cast a quick look at the wrecked room prior to responding.

"I lost him."

Lilly arched a brow. "Lost him?"

Scarlet gave a single nod. "He escaped."

That response prompted Lilly and Alice to scrutinize her more intently. Scarlet wasn't one to fail without a fight, nor did she repeat herself unnecessarily. Her curt answer only heightened their doubts.

Alice crossed her arms. "What exactly happened?"

Scarlet met her gaze steadily. "He wouldn't cooperate. We fought. Then he departed."

Lilly's brow furrowed faintly. "That's it?"

"Yes."

The brief words lingered in the atmosphere. Neither Lilly nor Alice bought that as the full tale, but they knew Scarlet too well—pressing her when she chose silence would just squander effort.

Lilly let out a quiet breath and eyed the room once more. "If White Phantom is truly in Stellar City and stirring chaos, we ought to slap a bounty on him. At minimum, let everyone know the Adventurer Guild has its eyes on him."

"Yes," Alice agreed with a nod. "I bet both locals and the lesser otherworlders would swarm after him for a solid reward."

Scarlet dismissed the notion immediately. "That'd be pointless."

Alice eyed her. "Pointless?"

Scarlet nodded. "Someone like him can vanish at will—a bounty would just make him burrow deeper. It won't aid in capturing him."

Lilly examined her expression briefly. "You sound unusually sure."

Scarlet's face remained impassive. "I am. Plus, it'd repeat the Monkey Paradise fiasco all over."

No quick retort came from them, as her logic rang true.

A hush fell, then Scarlet pivoted from the room and headed down the hall.

"Dig deeper into his companions," she instructed. "Focus on the otherworlder."

Alice tsked lightly. "We've tried. He slipped away before we showed up."

"Then search more thoroughly," Scarlet shot back without glancing over.

"She's acting off," Lilly murmured, elbowing Alice. "Think she uncovered something?"

Alice's eyes sharpened. "With my sister, I'd wager she did."

Step. Step.

Scarlet strode solo through the hotel corridor, her thoughts looping the battle repeatedly, and after years, a fierce spark ignited in her gaze.

"If he's powering up, I can't lag behind either."

. . .

In a distant corner of the city, away from the hotel zone, a towering glass skyscraper bore the Chaos Knight emblem by its entrance. The interior buzzed with light, spotlessness, and activity despite the late hour. Numerous players bustled on the upper levels, managing guild affairs, correspondence, and exchanges.

On the pinnacle floor, IceQueen gazed out a massive window at Stellar City's sprawl.

Trailing her stood ChaosCleric, the deputy guild head, and the plated knight VV, a fresh guild recruit. They waited in silence for her words.

IceQueen spun around at last, declaring with assurance, "White Phantom's in the city."

ChaosCleric's gaze tightened. "You certain?"

"Yes."

VV stayed mute as ever, grating on IceQueen, though she brushed it aside for weightier concerns.

"I summoned you both because I need outreach attempted," she disclosed.

ChaosCleric flashed brief surprise before growing grave. "You're dead set on pulling him in?"

"I want a chat first," IceQueen countered. "No fighting. Convince him to see me."

ChaosCleric dipped his head slightly. "Got it. If he strikes?"

"Protect yourself. If he's too much, retreat," IceQueen stated evenly. "I've got a tip for you two to chase too."

VV showed a rare flicker of response.

IceQueen motioned to the entrance, ushering in a statuesque, stunning player who could double as a runway star.

Were XMan present, he'd spot her instantly—his old party chief, the very one who'd pitched using him as lure.

"She'll brief you on all she knows about XMan, the player seen alongside White Phantom."

. . .

By then, Gabriel had switched hotels.

The previous spot had turned chaotic. Adventurer Guild scrutiny, an assassin's strike, and excessive watchfulness rendered it untenable. His new pick was subdued. Less opulent than before, yet tidy, low-key, and far safer from further drama.

Post check-in, Gabriel stepped into his quarters and closed the door.

The space was basic: compact bed, writing desk, single seat, slim window overlooking a serene city stretch. He set down belongings and paused briefly, reviewing Stellar City's events since arrival.

Complications had escalated beyond his preference.

Having mentally tackled urgent matters, Gabriel fired off a concise note to XMan with their next rendezvous spot and a caution to remain vigilant meantime. Task complete, he stowed the panel and approached the window.

Clutched in his grip was a pale headband.

The identical one looted from the assassin's remains earlier.

Emblazoned on the fabric: a dark serpent insignia.

Black Star Clan.

Gabriel studied it silently for moments. The fabric fluttered faintly in his fingers from a whisper of air through the window slit. He peered at Stellar City's glow and murmured steadily.

"Looks like my time in this city will stretch far longer than planned.

...

End of volume 2: New Dawn