Reborn as a Useless Noble with my SSS-Class Innate Talent

The moment the guards dispersed, the hooded figure tensed like a wild animal sensing danger.

Without sparing Kyle a second glance, they turned and bolted in the opposite direction, disappearing into the crowd.

But they had barely taken a few steps before Kyle moved.

He caught the edge of their cloak with a swift, precise grip and yanked it back, halting their escape.

The figure stumbled, nearly falling from the force, and whipped around in panic, eyes wide under the hood.

Kyle's face wore a smile—pleasant, polite even—but there was something unsettling about it.

A chill, practiced calm that suggested he was done playing around.

"Going somewhere?"

He asked, voice low and almost amused.

The hooded figure stiffened, clearly realizing that the protection of the local guards was gone.

They were on their own now—and that made Kyle far more dangerous than they'd initially thought.

He didn't let go. Instead, he dragged the figure—firm but not violently—into the shadows of a nearby alley, away from prying eyes.

Queen let out a single sharp chirp from above before taking to the skies again, watching from a distance.

Kyle turned to face the figure fully.

"Drop the act."

He said simply.

The hooded figure hesitated for a breath, then sighed.

Without warning, they drew a small blade from under their cloak and lunged at Kyle.

It was a clean, practiced move, backed by internal energy. But not nearly fast enough.

Kyle caught the attacker's wrist mid-strike, his fingers wrapping around them like steel shackles. The knife froze inches from his chest.

"Why is everyone so quick to try and stab me the moment I'm nice to them? Is this just a tradition, or am I giving off the wrong kind of aura?"

Kyle muttered, his voice tinged with dry exasperation.

The hooded figure grimaced, twisting in an attempt to break free, but Kyle didn't budge. With his free hand, he reached up and pulled back the figure's hood in one smooth motion.

What he found beneath it made him pause—not out of surprise, but mild amusement.

A young woman stared back at him, her eyes defiant but wary.

Silver hair spilled out from the hood, cascading over her shoulders, and a pair of pointed ears peeked through the strands.

An elf.

The woman's expression soured as she realized she'd been completely seen through.

She gave one last, fruitless tug of her wrist, then went still, acknowledging her defeat.

"What do you want from someone like me? Going to turn me in to the guards now?"

She asked bitterly.

Kyle raised an eyebrow.

"The same guards who were ready to throw me in a cell a few minutes ago for breathing near you? I'll pass."

She stared at him in confusion, unsure of what game he was playing.

"I told you the truth earlier. I'm here to do business. I need someone who knows the town, its people, its routes, its secrets. I want you to guide me—for three days."

Kyle continued calmly.

The elf blinked.

"Three days? Why?"

"I'm thinking of expanding my business here. That requires proper investigation, not just rumors. A trustworthy guide would make the process smoother."

Kyle replied without missing a beat.

The elf was silent for a moment, eyes narrowed as she studied his face for signs of deceit.

"And you just happened to pick me for this job?"

"You'll do a good job. I just have a feeling about it."

Kyle replied.

She looked even more suspicious now.

After another pause, she let out a sigh of resignation.

"Fine. I'll take the job. But I'm not giving you my real name."

Kyle smiled.

"I didn't expect you to."

The elf crossed her arms.

"Then call me Silvy."

Kyle chuckled softly.

"Silvy, huh? Sure."

He didn't press her on the lie.

Kyle already knew she was hiding something—likely more than just her name—but he could deal with that later.

For now, she had value.

He needed someone who could help him navigate this place, and Silvy had already proven herself far more capable than the average local.

Besides, the fact that she had access to internal energy in a place like this was telling.

Someone like her wouldn't stay in this kind of village unless there was something worth protecting—or hiding.

Kyle made a mental note to keep an eye on her.

"Alright then, Silvy. Let's meet in the plaza tomorrow morning early. Be there around 06 in the morning. I'll pay you well for your efforts. How does 5 coins for three days sound?"

He said, releasing her wrist at last.

Kyle knew he was being generous and he noticed the way Silvy's eyes widened at his offer as well.

'Only a fool would miss out on such an offer. Well, a fool and someone with ulterior motives. Let's see if you're one of the two. I am looking forward to your show.'

______

The next morning, Kyle reached the plaza long before the sun crested the horizon.

The air was cool, damp with morning mist, and the sky barely tinged with hints of dawn. Yet, to his surprise, he wasn't the first to arrive.

A dozen or so villagers were already gathered around the central fountain, their figures silent and focused.

Each of them carried a container of water—jugs, flasks, even simple clay bowls.

Without a word, they approached the fountain one by one, pouring their water offerings into the basin and bowing toward the east, where the first rays of sunlight would soon appear.

Kyle observed them carefully, frowning slightly.

The moment the water from the last container hit the surface of the fountain, a visible ripple of energy surged through the plaza.

The very air shifted.

Mana, once calmly drifting like mist in the air, snapped into alignment, dancing along unseen lines of power

Kyle could feel it: the mana being drawn toward the fountain, refined, and then… converted.

Divine energy.

His eyes narrowed.

That was no simple blessing or enchantment—this was a full-scale ritual, masked under the guise of a daily tradition.

The divine energy wasn't just forming; it was being absorbed directly into the fountain.

He took a step forward, reaching out with one hand to touch the edge of the stone basin.

The closer he got, the more he could feel the divine energy subtly resisting his presence—like a foreign body sensing something that didn't belong.

Just as his fingertips were about to brush the surface, a hand gently rested on his shoulder.

"Ready to head out?"

A familiar voice asked from behind him.

Kyle stiffened instantly. He hadn't sensed anyone approach—not even a flicker of mana disturbance.

His gaze sharpened, and he quickly turned around.

Silvy stood behind him, expression unreadable, silver hair tucked beneath a cloak once again.

He took a breath to calm the tension in his shoulders.

"You're quiet."

He muttered.

She shrugged.

"You were too focused to notice."

Kyle studied her for a moment longer, then gave a slight nod. He could sense how perfectly her mana was cloaked—smoothed out and hidden so naturally it was like she wasn't there at all.

'Elves sure are impressive. They're masters of mana control, even when they don't try.'

He thought.

It was impressive. And a little concerning.