Chapter 95
Chapter 95
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter Title: Vroom Vroom
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-Vroom vroom.
They say even mountains and rivers change in ten years. And sure enough, a third of that—a full three years—had slipped by.
Of course, three years isn't ten, so the mountains and rivers hadn't actually changed. But plenty of other things had.
The already filthy streets were even dirtier now, piled high with dust and fallen leaves.
Moss was creeping up the walls in those chilly back alleys where no one ever set foot.
The thin cracks spiderwebbing across building walls and windows everywhere had deepened into real fissures.
The mountains and rivers might not have budged, but everything else sure had.
-Vroom vroom.
But you know what? The mountains and rivers might change, but people? People never do.
Three years pass, and humans stay the same.
Camilla was still a total psycho after three years.
Betty was still as cheerful as ever, and Han was still as oblivious.
And Kahartel? Still fast asleep. Not that he counted as human—he was straight-up demon material.
What the hell kind of species are demons, anyway? Letting one sprawl out and sleep for three whole years?
I had no clue about demon biology, but staring at Kahartel, who hadn't twitched in three years, just sleeping away... 'What the fuck is this guy's deal?' slipped out of my mouth on its own. So I said it out loud.
This bastard's the god of sleep. Won't wake up for anything.
Humans don't change.
They just get used to things. And improve, maybe.
I was the same. Three years later, I hadn't changed a bit.
"Anis, what the hell is that?"
"Can't you tell? It's a sports car."
"No, I mean... where the hell did you even...?"
"Stole it."
"Pardon?"
"I stole it."
It was one of those rare days out in the city with Betty. We'd been wandering deserted alleys looking for something—anything—to do when we spotted the sports car parked off to the side.
No CCTV in sight, perfect. Betty just scooped it up with her powers and we were off.
"...I see. So what are you doing now?"
"Can't you tell? Hotwiring it."
Han stared at me with this dumbfounded look. Why was he giving me that face? I hadn't changed at all.
-Vroom vroom.
I'd just gotten used to things. Improved, even.
-Vroom vroom.
Yeah. I hadn't changed, but I'd gotten damn good at this.
Three years ago, petty-me was sneaking jjajangmyeon from street vendors and raiding corner stores.
Now? Boldly jacking high-end sports cars.
Talk about progress.
-Vroooom.
"Nice, got it."
I stripped the wire insulation, connected the ignition leads, and tied them off. The sports car roared to life with a guttural rumble. It'd been a while since I'd scored a sleek ride like this—I flashed a lazy grin.
Gripping the wheel, buzzing with anticipation, I felt Han's eyes on me from the passenger seat.
"What? Wanna go for a spin, Han?"
"...You offering?"
Han asked sheepishly, like he was embarrassed.
Bastard. You'd played it cool, but you wanted a ride bad, huh.
#
We went for an impromptu drive. X District's barren, desolate scenery whipped by outside the windows.
"What about Camilla and Betty?"
"Out working."
"When're they back?"
"Evening at the latest, probably."
Ever since Kahartel went into mindless sleep mode, the number of magic beasts guarding the barrier's perimeter had been steadily dropping.
Heroes kept pushing in, killing them off, but no new ones were spawning. Obvious, really.
Sensing the crisis as their numbers dwindled, we'd started buying time by heading out to the city and stirring up trouble.
Like leaking info on Han U-sol to the Hero Association, sparking clashes with heroes on the front lines.
Or riling up the disgruntled refugees in the center, inciting riots.
Pretty villainous schemes, but they worked. The heroes' fierce assault had lost some steam lately, bogged down by internal drama.
The Association was so rotten it shook from this little? Whatever. Not our problem.
It bought us some time, at least.
Next up on the worry list...
"What're we having for lunch?"
"Tteokbokki sound good?"
"I told you, I can't handle spicy."
Like our worries were anything major. Just lunch menu drama.
Truth be told, all those schemes? Camilla's brainchildren, start to finish.
Han's an idiot, and Betty not causing chaos was a win.
Me? I've always been the empty-head type. Half my life was tapping keyboards in my room.
Never planned ahead or lived productively.
Schemes? Tricks to stall heroes? No shot. I shine brightest lounging around.
Not ashamed. Humans don't change.
Anyway, Camilla was swamped again today.
"So what're you up to today, Camilla?"
"Meeting some Association exec."
"Whoa, seriously? Traitor?"
"Looks like it."
Tsk tsk. When unity's already scarce, some key Association figure betrays humanity for secret demon talks?
No idea how Camilla reeled him in, but the Association's full of weirdos.
"Humans are the best!"
"Pardon?"
"It's a gag—I'm human but also a magic beast."
"Ah, right."
Han gave a half-hearted reply. What was that look? Why stare at me like that?
Like I was some pathetic shut-in babbling nonsense after holing up all day.
Fuck! What do you want from me?!
I'm not brainy like Camilla, or handy like Betty!
Hanging in the ruined slums all day gets boring—I crack one dumb joke, and he hits me with the pity eyes.
You're a useless spare too! One-armed swordsman reject!
Maybe harsh, but I was pissed.
"Don't look at me like thaaat!!"
"W-Wait, Anis!"
Screeech—!
I yanked the wheel hard in a rage. No seatbelts—we tumbled as the car lurched sideways.
"Nngh..."
I clutched my throbbing head after smashing the window. The glass was shattered, but not a drop of blood from me.
"...What? Not bulletproof? Tch. Fancy car, no armored glass? Total junk now."
Yup. My skull cracked the side window and came out fine. Rock head.
Not surprising anymore. My physical stats transcended human ages ago.
I'd jerked the wheel knowing I'd walk off any crash.
Hell, I could jump off a tenth-floor roof unscathed. Never tried, but felt like it.
"Han, you okay?"
I sat up and checked him. Car hadn't slammed anything major—he seemed fine.
"...Yeah."
Han signaled he was good, but shot me a resentful glance.
"Good."
I ignored it and turned away.
This was all Kahartel's fault. That demon bored me to death.
Said he'd nap a bit—we said sure. Who knew demon "bit" meant three years? Immortals suck.
Dr. Camilla, esteemed physician and researcher, said he wasn't dead—just recovering power.
Forcibly breaking my engraving, then squeezing out everything to summon hordes of beasts? Tanked his energy. That's why recovery's slow.
But after three years, he's nearly topped up. Should wake soon, per Dr. Camilla.
Like waiting three years for your comatose bro post-car crash, finally hearing good news from the doc.
Not that Kahartel crashed or was my bro, but the vibe fit. Or not, whatever.
I popped the door, stepped out, dusted off, and told Han,
"Let's grab food."
"...Sure."
Han got out too and replied.
"What'll it be."
"Tteokbokki."
Ah, this steadfast bastard. Sticking to his guns.
"...Fine."
Almost snapped 'I said no spicy,' but felt bad after my road rage stunt. So I nodded.
Old me would've told him to shut it. Guess I've grown.
"Tteokbokki even available? Didn't we eat all the instant stuff?"
"Betty brought some earlier. From some famous spot."
"Oh."
Betty's the best.
Wonder when she'll be back.
With that, we headed home.
"...Everything you just said—is it all true?"
Camilla eyed the man before her. Those sly, opportunistic eyes—typical of someone hiding their intentions, biding time—met hers.
"Every word."
Camilla answered, and the man rubbed his chin, lost in thought for a moment.
She observed him with keen interest.
This guy was different from the other Association execs. They'd fear even talking to a demon side like her. Not him.
Ambition gleamed in his eyes. Camilla knew well: moderate ambition made folks easier to hook and manipulate than gutless cowards.
That's why she'd approached him first. Figured he might bite.
Unlike fattened fear-mongers obsessed with self-preservation, ambitious types took risks.
And sure enough, he started mulling her offer.
Camilla was certain. He'd take it.
"Well? Take the deal?"
Grinning like she'd found a fun toy, Camilla asked.
"........."
A brief silence.
Then his eyes lit up faintly as he lowered his hand from his chin.
"Deal."
Just as she'd predicted.
"Nom nom."
And Betty sat in the reception room chair, munching snacks.