Noan''s words were like knives piercing through Caleb''s pride.

    His face flushed red with fury, and his fists clenched tightly.

    This was a mockery—blatant, undisguised contempt.

    "Angry?" Noan tilted his head slightly, a derisive smile playing on his lips.

    Why was he taking such a risk? Because he already knew exactly what Caleb had.

    Thanks to Zhisse''s surveillance, Noan had a precise understanding of the number of soldiers and heroes Caleb possessed.

    He even knew their exact ranks.

    Zhisse had also attached tracking silk to Caleb''s heroes—if Caleb made any suspicious move, Noan could kill him instantly.

    Just because Caleb was a Level 3 Lord didn''t mean Noan couldn''t take him down.

    After all, Caleb was only an E+ rank Lord. If Noan used his full strength, eliminating him would be effortless.

    Although his Mutant Skeletons were only ranked D, Level 1, the surplus Skeletons from the past three days had become a source of reinforcement for them.

    That was why the Skeleton Shielder had easily knocked down a rank D+, Level 3 Stone Golem.

    In other words, the power of his rank D Mutant Skeletons had now surpassed that of the Stone Golem.

    Beyond that, he still had Zhisse.

    And more importantly, he still had Vylyss and Urlgan.

    His two most formidable forces had yet to reveal themselves. If they did, the battle between him and Caleb would be a one-sided slaughter.

    Another reason for Noan''s confidence was that he knew precisely why Caleb had come to him.

    Yet despite that, Caleb still carried himself with arrogance, issuing commands rather than humbly requesting aid.

    Caleb finally understood his place as he looked at Noan''s mocking and disdainful expression.

    When he saw the Skeleton Shielder easily knock down his Stone Golem, Caleb knew that Noan was anything but simple.

    Taking a deep breath, Caleb slowly unclenched his fists before speaking, "I came here to propose a collaboration."

    "Not interested. You can leave." Noan yawned lazily, then waved his hand dismissively, signaling him to go.

    Caleb frowned, his anger flaring up. But he forced himself to suppress it. Slowly, he lowered his head and softened his tone, "Please... I need your help."

    "Hahaha..." Noan suddenly chuckled. "Caleb, you seem to be misunderstanding something. I''m just an F-rank Lord. How could I possibly be qualified to collaborate with you?"

    "Besides, do you really think that after everything you''ve done, I would accept working with you?"

    Right now, he was only an F+ rank Lord. More than anyone, he desired to accumulate enough points to evolve further.

    However, things couldn''t be rushed or approached with a one-dimensional mindset.

    "What if the next event requires forming a team? If I''m the only one left alive, wouldn''t I fail before the event even begins?"

    "Don''t think I''m overanalyzing this. After seeing that zombie horde, I''m confident that my judgment isn''t far off, even if not entirely accurate."

    "Besides, this place needs a manager. Someone to act as a representative when any issues arise. And without a doubt, Caleb is the perfect candidate for that role."

    "I have no interest in getting involved in such troublesome matters. That''s why I let him live."

    Vylyss tilted her head slightly before stepping closer to Noan. Then, she sat on his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck.

    "Master, what did you mean when you told him to bring a gift?"

    Noan smiled, his finger lightly tapping the high, delicate bridge of Vylyss''s nose. "If he wants to beg for my help, he must bring something of value."

    "Heh?!" Vylyss was a bit surprised. She chuckled and asked, "Will he understand?"

    "Of course!" Noan explained. "He''s brilliant and cautious. He''ll definitely understand what I meant."

    "Is he smarter than you, Master?"

    Hearing her question, Noan nodded slightly. "That''s right. I am not an all-knowing being. It''s only natural that there are people smarter than me."

    "It''s just... I am stronger than him. And that''s why I hold the upper hand."

    Vylyss pouted in dissatisfaction. "No way! How could he possibly be smarter than you?"

    Noan simply shook his head and chuckled, offering no further explanation. He knew exactly where he stood, and he was well aware of his own level of intelligence.

    Was he brilliant? No.

    Was Caleb intelligent? Without a doubt.

    Fortunately, Caleb was only an E+ rank Lord. Otherwise, he would be a perilous existence.

    The mere fact that Caleb had suppressed his rage despite Noan''s blatant mockery was enough to prove how dangerous he was.

    The most dangerous people weren''t those who flaunted their wealth or strength but those who remained silent.

    We never truly know how powerful or resourceful they are—until we start digging into them.

    Vylyss, still sulking, rested her head against Noan''s chest. She softly asked, "Master, then why did he come to see you?"

    Noan stroked her silky hair, inhaling the soothing scent on her body. "He''s afraid."

    "Afraid?" Vylyss looked puzzled. "Afraid of what?"

    Noan smirked. "Afraid of dying."