World's Best Protagonist [BL]-Chapter 26: Ilya Noir Rozentine

I never thought my life would turn into the kind of story I spent years obsessing over—monsters, superpowers, portals, etc. Books were my sanctuary—universes filled with adventure, heartbreak, and characters so vividly real that I sometimes wished they were.

But I never, in my nerdiest, most sleep-deprived state, imagined I’d meet one in real life. How could this be possible? How could someone from a book...be alive and...real?!

This is just so...

This is beyond amazing!

I’ve never really finished that book so I’m not that attached but to an avid reader like me, seeing characters come to life just evokes my slumbering emotions! The joy and thrill when something created solely by an imagination is moving in reality!

They not only broke the fourth wall but freed themselves from the confines of mere inks on pages! This should be recorded in history! Something to be known to the world!

But wait, this is a book inside that strange library, so my last exaggerated thought is impossible. Is it possible to borrow that book though? I wanted to show it to Etienne.

I remember the book title was Man in Gorgeous Disguise, and the plot of the story is about a tyrant king who slaughtered...slaughtered...

Slowly, the excitement in my eyes vanished as it met those crimson eyes again. They creased, as though they were amused while observing a prey.

The hairs in my body unwillingly gave a standing ovation in that simple yet deadly performance. I tried to hide the growing uneasiness and the urge to ask questions, reminding myself that I was the captive and not the interrogator.

Noir tapped his fingers on his crossed legs, watching me silently with the same scrutiny I might have given his story. The frustration I felt when I found out it was unfinished will bite me back after I failed to give him an answer. I just know it.

Even the lone bead of sweat that formed on my forehead was afraid to trickle down my face due to his intense stare. I lowered my gaze and they landed on his hands.

His long, white, delicate fingers could rival a woman’s. And I only noticed it now, but he really does have feminine features.

Noir has shoulder-length pink hair, and the ends of it were slightly curled and layered. His nose is tall and straight, his lips are pinkish, and he has doe eyes, innocent when wide open but when he smiles, they shape like crescents which give off sinister vibes.

Or is it because his smile is just creepy? Or maybe it has something to do with the color.

"Newbie. I asked you."

His voice was playful and always lively, but underneath that tone lurked malice.

"I’m not. You don’t look interested in the answer that much. You just asked it to scare me, do you?"

Noir chuckled.

"That’s right. It’s not that difficult to know about you. Jade Dela Torre. The only child of a gangster and a kindergarten teacher. Mother’s dead, father’s still kicking. Born on Earth twenty-five years ago. Currently living alone, and doesn’t have a good relationship with his neighbors."

"They were too loud in the morning. I worked the night shift before, so I couldn’t get a proper sleep because of that."

"Poor you."

"I’m surprised to hear that my old man hasn’t kicked the bucket yet. I thought that once one of his enemies was awakened and came back to take revenge, he’d be dead. How’d you know he’s still alive?"

"From the report."

"Is he living well?"

"Why are you concerned?"

"Just curious."

Noir raised his brow. "He is, and it was reported that he’s looking for his son."

I scoffed. "That’s a lie." I paused. "Er, I think that may be true. I stole money from him before I left. With his money-infested brain, bet he wants it back with an interest."

"Poor you."

"Yes. I’m pitiful, aren’t I? So, can you let go of me now?"

"Sure."

Noir took out a knife and leaned forward. I sighed in relief that he was easily convinced. However, the knife went to the part where there was no rope tied—my neck.

"Is that the answer you want to hear?" Noir’s voice dripped with malice, laced with a sneering chuckle.

My chin raised when the tip of the knife pointed at the soft spot below my jaw. I could feel the cold metal touching my skin. My breath hitched and my eyes locked on Noir’s, trying to gauge what was running on his mind.

At the same time, I’m wondering if this guy is bipolar. We were just having a nice conversation, and then he suddenly flipped and pulled out something like this.

He must be traumatized being raised as a girl when he has two balls dangling between his legs. Imagine the uncomfortable feeling of wearing a padded corset and laced underwear. Yikes.

"You seem unbothered by the fact that you can die anytime. Knives don’t scare you, newbie?" I nodded. Noir clicked his tongue and threw the knife away. "Then, I wonder if you’d be scared if you watch yourself stripping naked and dancing in the street like a ballerina. How about that?"

He took out his phone, ready to film me getting controlled.

The air in the room thickened. I could feel something overriding my system. My body convulsed; my stomach churned. That feeling of something foreign entering your body paralyzes you, then gain control of your immobile state.

Oh, shit. I don’t know how to dance like a ballerina. Will I learn automatically just because I’m a puppet, or my body will force itself? I already feel sorry for my toes.

I tried my best to raise my trembling hand and pull Noir’s collar. The bastard waited until I could do so, with amusement in his eyes.

I wanted to rely on my automatic skill, but that shit only works against an attack that results in my death. The only thing this puppet ability will kill in me is my dignity. Something I could live without, I tell you, but the deed is not appropriate for all viewers.

"Ooh~. You became faster, newbie. I guess all those hardcore training works, huh?"

After my body was released from his ability, I panted for air. It’s like the thread that wrapped around my neck snapped, and I was able to breathe properly again.

"What do you want?" I asked, still gasping.

It took me a minute to nullify that level of power, but I know that’s not his best. If he tried his 100% percent on me, I’d be pirouetting in the street naked in the blink of an eye.

Noir stared at me, pondering if I truly going to tell him anything. He slowly sat back on the chair, tilting his head like a curious kid, before finally letting himself trust me.

"Tell me how do you know that name."

I stared back at him. How much am I allowed to say? What will happen if the NSA learns of the existence of that strange library, and what will become of me who kept that a secret from the authorities?

I let out a frustrated sigh, but I’ve already decided.

"I just read it in a book. In a strange library. Inside a vortex."

Noir’s blank face told me he didn’t buy it. I told him the truth, there’s nothing I can do if he doesn’t believe me. He raised his hand like a puppeteer ready to move his dolls.

Fuck, let there be no kids on the street.