My Scumbag System Chapter 486: You See Too Much, My Queen

Deeper into the Gate we advanced, facing pockets of opposition—more swarms of beetles, some spiders that spat acid, and what appeared to be mutated bats adorned with an excessive number of eyes. None posed a significant threat.

The further we ventured, the more I sensed Isabelle’s gaze on me. It wasn’t just scanning my defenses during combat, but scrutinizing my movements, my reactions, my capabilities. She was examining me as if I were an intricate puzzle missing vital pieces.

After we eradicated a chamber full of spider-like monstrosities, she halted, taking a drink from her water canteen.

I offered a noncommittal shrug, keenly aware of how close she was to probing uncomfortable truths. The less I shared, the safer I felt. "I've just picked things up along the way. You know how it is."

"Hmm." That familiar sound of skepticism from her was growing common—the hallmark of an astute mind meticulously cataloging anomalies for subsequent examination. I could almost visualize the cogs turning behind her wine-red eyes. "And the baseball bat you favor so greatly. Why choose such an unconventional implement when countless proper armaments are specifically designed for Hunter engagements? Swords, spears, axes—each would objectively offer superior reach and cleaving potential."

"It serves my purpose," I stated plainly, hoping the bluntness would effectively terminate this line of questioning.

"Indeed, it does." She tapped an elegant finger against the handle of her spear in a slow, deliberate cadence, her eyes locked onto my face. "Although, I must admit, I find myself pondering the reasons for its remarkable efficacy in your grasp. The balance is entirely off for combat. The striking surface lacks a cutting edge. And yet..." She let her words hang, clearly storing her observations for future contemplation.

Before I could resort to another evasive platitude, a profound, resonant rumble served as our salvation, causing the very foundations of the tunnel around us to tremble. Small fragments of rock and crystalline dust descended from above, pattering against my shoulders and hood like a precursor to a collapse.

"The Boss must be awake now," I declared, unable to suppress the genuine relief in my tone. Thank goodness for perfect timing.

Isabelle's focus immediately shifted from her interrogation, her demeanor transforming from curious scholar to alert warrior in an instant. She gave a single, sharp nod. "We must be nearing the central chamber."

The oppressive confines of the tunnel walls abruptly receded as we entered a colossal cavern, stretching before us like the grand hall of an subterranean cathedral. The area was immense—easily a hundred yards in width, perhaps more—with the ceiling soaring so high above that it vanished into an expanse of impenetrable darkness. Jagged formations of bioluminescent blue crystal protruded from the walls intermittently, their faint, ethereal luminescence bathing the entire chamber in an eerie, otherworldly glow that rendered everything slightly surreal.

And there, standing immobile at the geometric center of the vast chamber, like a nightmarish sculpture awaiting its unveiling, was our quarry.

It was vaguely humanoid in form but unnaturally elongated—excessively tall, gaunt, with limbs that contorted at impossible angles. Its skin was a mosaic of chitinous plating and exposed musculature. Where a face should have been, there was merely a smooth, featureless expanse, bisected by a single vertical slit.

"Skin Weaver," Isabelle identified softly. "A C-Rank Boss. It incorporates parts from other creatures into its own body."

The creature's head pivoted towards us, the slit on its visage widening to reveal dozens of needle-like teeth arranged in concentric rings.

"That's vile," I murmured.

"Focus, Nakano." Isabelle's Aspect intensified, a verdant energy manifesting as a visible aura around her. "It is swift and possesses rapid regenerative capabilities. Our objective is the core—the luminous spot within its chest."

I perceived it then—a pulsating blue light situated beneath the creature's ribcage, visible through the gaps in its chitinous armor.

"Understood. You draw its attention, and I'll strike the core?"

"Agreed."

The Skin Weaver emitted a sound akin to metal screeching against glass and lunged forward, its limbs a blur of motion.

Isabelle sprang to confront it, her spear blazing with the same green energy that enveloped her. She moved with the fluid grace of a dancer, each step precise as she struck at the creature's extremities, effectively capturing its focus.

I maneuvered around its flank, searching for an opening. The Skin Weaver was utterly fixated on Isabelle, its bizarre mouth agape as it attempted to bite her with those circular rows of teeth.

Isabelle's spear connected across what served as its face, leaving a deep laceration that exuded dark ichor. The creature shrieked, retaliating with elongated fingers tipped with vicious talons.

The verdant energy enveloping Isabelle solidified, forming a protective barrier that repelled the incoming strike. She retaliated with a swift jab towards its core, narrowly missing the vital center but managing to pierce its midsection.

The Skin Weaver recoiled, creating a crucial opening for me. I surged forward, my bat held aloft, aiming directly at the pulsating core visible between its ribs.

At the very last moment, the creature sensed my approach. It whirled with an unsettling swiftness, one of its limbs extending unnaturally to bat me away as if I were a mere insect.

I was sent hurtling across the cavern, colliding violently with a crystalline structure, which shattered upon impact. Agony surged through my back and shoulders, but my Kinetic Absorption ability immediately activated, transforming the destructive force into potent energy.

"Satori!" Isabelle’s voice cracked with concern, momentarily piercing her usual composure.

"I’m alright!" I managed to push myself upright, feeling the familiar surge of power coursing through my limbs. "Keep it occupied!"

Isabelle gave a curt nod, her focus returning to the formidable beast. Her assaults grew more ferocious, her spear weaving a faster pattern as she relentlessly drove the Skin Weaver back towards the cavern's heart.

I repositioned myself, carefully gauging the opportune moment. The creature's attention was now entirely consumed by Isabelle's fierce onslaught, its back presented to me as she forced it into a defensive stance.

Perfect.

I activated my Steel Body technique, a wave of invincurability washing over me. Ten seconds was all I had.

With incredible speed, I charged forward, my bat held like a piercing lance. The Skin Weaver must have detected my movement, beginning to turn, one arm already flailing to intercept my advance.

Too late.

With every iota of my strength, I thrust my bat through its back, puncturing the tough exoskeleton and striking the glowing core within. The creature stiffened, emitting a shrill, wailing cry from its slit-like mouth.

Isabelle seized the moment without hesitation. Her spear darted forward, piercing the creature's chest from the front, meeting my bat mid-point. The core fractured between our weapons with a sound like shattered glass.

A blinding flash of blue light erupted outwards, momentarily overwhelming my vision. The Skin Weaver's keening intensified to an unbearable volume before abruptly ceasing.

As my sight returned, the creature was dissolving into tendrils of black mist, its form disintegrating from within until only a small, luminous blue crystal remained—the Monster Core.

Isabelle carefully retrieved it, inspecting its quality in the ambient light. "A C-Rank core. High-grade. It should fetch a good price."

I lowered my bat, allowing the adrenaline to subside. The effects of Steel Body had worn off, leaving me to feel the lingering aches and pains from my earlier impact.

"Your spearwork was impressive," I remarked, rolling my shoulders to loosen the stiffness.

"Your... batting was effective too." A faint, almost-smile touched her lips. "Though I am curious how you withstood that impact. It seemed severe enough to break several ribs, at the very least."

I lightly tapped my chest. "Good armor."

"Indeed." She clearly harbored doubts but chose not to press the issue. "The Gate should be closing soon. We ought to make our way back."

As if summoned, the cavern floor vibrated subtly, the blue crystals dimming as the Gate initiated its deactivation sequence.

We navigated the now-clear tunnels back, devoid of any lingering threats. Any remaining monsters would have been eliminated upon the Boss's demise—a standard function of Gate mechanics.

"I must confess," Isabelle stated as we proceeded, "I had motives beyond simple necessity when I requested your participation in this excursion."

"More than just needing an extra hand?"

"I wished to observe your combat style without the distractions of an audience or the complexities of a full team." She cast a sideways glance at me. "You adopt a different demeanor when you believe no one significant is observing."

I maintained a neutral expression. "And what did you notice?"

"A paradox." Her gaze was now openly analytical. "Someone possessing the skill of a seasoned warrior, yet with the documented history of a novice. One who fights with the desperation of a trapped animal, yet exhibits the assurance of a dominant predator." She paused, then added, "It is quite compelling."

"I'm merely a man with a bat."

"No." She slowly shook her head. "You are something else entirely, Satori Nakano. I have not yet determined precisely what, but I am progressing towards that understanding."

We arrived at the Gate's threshold, the shimmering portal that would return us to our reality. Isabelle paused before stepping through.

"Your women," she stated abruptly.

"What about them?"

"They perceive it as well, don't they? Whatever it is you conceal. Their attraction to you stems from that very fact, not in spite of it." Her crimson eyes seemed to penetrate my very being. "That is why they are drawn to you. Not despite your secrets, but because of them."

I remained silent, unable to offer a response.

Isabelle let out a soft, almost melancholic laugh. "How fascinating it must be, to inspire such profound loyalty while remaining fundamentally enigmatic."

She turned towards the exit. "Let us go. We have reports to complete."

With a swift flash of azure brilliance, she vanished beyond the threshold of the Gate.

I stepped through moments after, her parting words echoing in my thoughts. Fundamentally unknowable. Perhaps therein lay the crux of the issue. Maybe that was the reason why juggling so many deceptions felt utterly draining.

Alternatively, I might just be a scumbag wielding a System and a trusty bat, merely pretending to be a person.

Nel's voice chimed softly within my consciousness.

Contemplating her words, I emerged into the radiant daylight of reality. Five women stood awaiting my return, each convinced of their true understanding of my identity.

In truth, not one of them did.

And that, most likely, was for the greater good.