I immediately went on alert when Nano said there was someone right behind me with malicious intent. I thought it might be someone from the Loki Familia, but it wasn't. It was a man dressed far too elegantly for a place like this.
'Nano, analyze him. How strong is he?'
[Target identified. Male, approximately 30–35 years old. High-quality clothing, incompatible with the environment—possible individual with resources or hidden intentions.]
[Physical Evaluation: Strength: 142 | Endurance: 128 | Dexterity: 161 | Agility: 157 | Magic: 89]
[Body movement indicates advanced hand-to-hand combat training.]
[Threat Analysis: Low level. Probability of host victory in direct confrontation: 100%.]
[Recommendation: Attack with full force. Victory can be achieved easily.]
'Wow… this analysis is really good. It can even detect the enemy's strength?' Since she didn't mention a level and said my victory probability is 100%, he is probably Level 1.
He is much weaker than me. Still, even knowing that, I felt a bit nervous. This would be my first direct confrontation with someone.
"What are you doing in a place like this? Are you lost?" the man asked. The way he walked was strange, as if he had a limp. I had never seen him before.
He's not a character from the original story, is he? Not that I know many characters.
[Correct. He is not part of the original story.]
After hearing Nano's answer, I let out a sigh and looked at the man.
"I'm not lost. I'm just looking for some information."
"Information? What kind of information? Maybe I can help you with that." The man approached and stopped about two meters away. I could finally see his face clearly—he had a strange mustache and light-colored eyes.
He was a handsome man, but with a mysterious aura. The typical look of a mafioso or an unpleasant "villain."
"I'm looking for an illegal market in this area. You definitely know one, don't you?" I asked him directly. His eyes widened in surprise, then he burst out laughing.
"Hahaha, do you think I'm some kind of criminal or something? Of course I don't know a place like that." He waved his hand dismissively, laughing as if I had just said something absurd.
I didn't laugh at all. I just stared at him in silence.
After a few seconds, his expression changed. He became serious and looked at me.
"I'm serious. Who are you?" He lifted his shirt and pulled a knife from its sheath. From the shine of the blade, I could tell it was high quality.
Nano, analyze that knife if possible.
[Object identified: high-quality combat knife.]
[Composition: Refined metal alloy with high carbon concentration. Extremely sharp edge, minimal wear—recent maintenance.]
[Properties: Capable of easily piercing human tissue and light armor. Reinforced structure, low chance of breaking on impact.]
[Observation: Blade reflection suggests possible special treatment to reduce friction and increase lethality.]
[Conclusion: Lethal weapon. In the hands of an experienced user, it significantly increases close-combat risk.]
[Recommendation: Avoid close range. Prioritize distance and evasion.]
'Evasion? What are my chances of winning with my current abilities and strength, even without a weapon?'
[Direct Comparison:
Host — Strength: 665 | Endurance: 499 | Dexterity: 478 | Agility: 513 | Magic: 315
Target — Strength: 142 | Endurance: 128 | Dexterity: 161 | Agility: 157 | Magic: 89]
[Conclusion: The target is significantly stronger than a normal human, but still far inferior to the host in all attributes.]
[Probability of Victory: Approximately 100% in direct combat.]
[Observation: The target's experience may prolong the fight slightly, but does not affect the final outcome.]
[Recommendation: Quick neutralization is viable. Avoid unnecessary prolonging of the fight.]
'I see… so there's no reason to retreat.' I thought. Good.
"What's wrong? Did a goblin eat your tongue?" the man asked. "I asked who you are."
"Is it really important for you to know who I am?" I smiled, mocking him. "I'm not anyone important, so don't worry about it. What about you? Did I accidentally walk into a criminal organization's territory?"
"..."
The man stared at me in silence.
"Wait, seriously? Do you guys buy magic stones or items? I wouldn't mind selling to you. Well, I don't have any right now, but I'll have plenty to sell soon." I shrugged.
The man looked at me with an unsettling, murderous gaze.
A drop of sweat ran down my forehead, even though I knew I was stronger than him.
Then, the man lunged at me. He kicked off the ground and tried to close the distance instantly, but…
I could clearly follow his movements.
"What is this? Are your eyes glowing?" the man asked before even attacking.
He swung his knife toward my neck, but I leaned my body back and avoided it. Using that position, I flipped backward and struck his chin with my foot.
I felt his jaw break—a loud, unpleasant sound reached my ears.
When I landed and looked at him, he was already unconscious on the ground, blood pouring from his mouth.
'That was way too easy…' I had never performed a move like that before, but it was surprisingly simple.
'And his movements looked almost like slow motion. Is that because of Nano?'
[Correct. This unit is optimizing your neural perception and reaction time, making the target's movements appear slower. Additionally, combat data has been applied to your muscles, enabling automatic execution of movements. In simple terms: you are seeing faster, thinking faster, and reacting more efficiently.]
"Nano really is overpowered," I said as I approached the man.
I crouched down and picked up the knife from the ground.
"At least now I'm not empty-handed. Thanks, unnamed criminal."
I thought about killing him, but gave up on the idea and walked out of the alley as if nothing had happened.
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