Chapter 366
Chapter 366
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 366
Chapter Title: Collection
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I was at a loss for words when she asked what I was doing.
Specifically, until just moments ago, Liztina had been spouting all sorts of nonsense and trying to take off my pants. But for some reason, the tables had turned, and I'd ended up taking them off myself—exposing my pubic hair. Not my dick. Yet.
What the fuck is this?
—Zzzt.
A strange tension hung between Liztina and me for a moment. After a while in that awkward silence, she spoke first.
"L-Lizette! Barging in like that without permission! How many times have I told you not to come in if the door's locked!"
"Then why lock it? Anyway, what's this? What are you doing messing around with this asshole?"
"We're not messing around!"
"Ah, shut up. Don't get pissy."
Lizette said it like she was annoyed. She wasn't in that 90% exposure back-alley casual getup from before—instead, she was dressed in the red cheongsam training uniform with gold embroidery, just like the first time I'd seen her.
Is she wearing her training gear because she's on the job?
Anyway, Lizette stared right at me, so I threw out an awkward greeting.
"Hey, fuck, good to see you. How you been? Long time."
"Yeah, come on in, you little punk. So what's up?"
"Nothing big. Was gonna ask you to hit the slums with me today, but then the Guild Master called."
"Oh? What for?"
"We've had all sorts of shit going on, right? Probably wants to talk about that. Ain't that right, Guild Master?"
I passed the ball, and the quick-on-the-uptake Guild Master caught it smoothly.
"Y-Yes! That's exactly why I called him!"
Lizette looked suspicious, but she was too lazy to dig deeper. Still, why the hell did she bust down the door in the first place?
"Whatever. More importantly, Sis—where'd those settlement docs go? Couldn't find 'em."
"Ask Mariel."
"That's why I'm asking you, Sis."
"Sent her on an errand a bit ago. Just wait. Or did you smash the door over that? How many times have I told you to work on your patience?"
They started chatting about guild business, which put me in a real awkward spot. No way I could stick around for this. I shot her a look, and Liztina let out a sigh.
"Haa... Fine, then. You should head out now."
That was all I needed to hear.
I'd originally planned to drag Lizette along to the slums for some payback, but screw it now. She looked like she was working today, and interrupting felt shitty.
The idea was to go together, shake down some protection money, have a deep talk about building a tribute racket, and pitch partnering up as bosses.
But say all that in front of the Guild Master? No chance.
Calling it quits today.
"Yes. Take care, stay healthy. I'll see myself out."
"...Hold on."
I bowed politely, grabbed my torn sword belt, and just as I was about to bolt, she muttered something like she had more to say.
What now?
"We'll catch up next time."
Like a bolt from the blue.
This woman...! She planning to finish me off later?!
"Huh? Next time? W-what other business?"
"Think there isn't? Anyway, next time... if the chance comes... Argh, forget it! Just get out! My head's killing me!"
At least she was letting me go for now, so I made a quick exit.
"Anyway, Lizette! We'll do it later!"
"Yeah, whatever... Got stuff to handle, but if schedules line up, I'll tag along. But what the hell happened to that belt?"
"Huh? Belt?"
Your Guild Master ripped it off trying to peek at my junk.
Fuck me.
Gonna need a new belt. Snapped clean in half—no salvaging it. I yanked off the pouch and canteen, crammed them into my thigh pocket. Sword I could just carry in its scabbard... Belt's trash.
As I fumbled for an excuse, Liztina jumped in first.
"L-Lizette? More importantly, what's the deal with the settlements?"
"What? Gotta pay the crew their wages. Obvious..."
"—Then farewell!"
And with that, I slipped out.
Better not show my face around here again.
"What a clusterfuck."
I'd really gone and done something insane.
No, the whole thing today was outside my realm of sanity. Can't believe she'd try stripping me because she was embarrassed about her half-naked slip-up.
No clue where she picked up that kind of twisted thinking. Guess nobody normal throws punches for a living.
Best to let this die quietly. Telling Karin could snowball, and who knows what backlash that brings.
If she storms in yelling about "avenging her husband," it'd be a mess all around.
"...Heavenly Demon?"
"Nah, fuck, Mariel?"
Heading down the stairs and crossing the training grounds under dirty looks, Mariel came walking up from the other side, carrying some box.
"You done with the Guild Master?"
"Yeah, kid. Stay alive."
"Uh... You too."
"And take this."
Perfect timing.
Have Mariel patch it up.
"What's this? A torn belt?"
"Yup."
"W-wait! Don't need it! It's garbage!"
"Bye."
Casual wave, and I was out of the guild. Mariel yelled something pissed-off, but nothing worth caring about.
Still midday.
No plans today, so plenty of free time. Figured I'd swing by Risha's place and started toward the slums.
On the way, I could strong-arm some "loans" from the slum trash.
What I really needed Lizette for was picking her brain on building a tribute organization. Me running around shaking down and beating up slum rats? They're broke as hell—wouldn't net shit hourly.
Pocket change at best.
But Lizette turned it into a full business. Gotta respect the chops of someone who climbed to senior instructor.
Lost in those thoughts, I slipped into the dark slum alleys.
Beggars crawling everywhere already. —Shing. Sword out, throat cleared.
"Ah, ahh."
—Flinch.
The slum dwellers—who'd been playing dead with their heads down—started trembling and looked my way. Let's see, which one of these fuckers slapped me back then?
Time to sort 'em out.
"—Shall we head to Jongno?"
The tune I'm belting out:
Teacher Seolun's Compass.
"Or Myeongdong~ Better yet, Cheongnyangni~."
A dreamlike, beautiful melody poured from my cleared throat.
How gorgeous is this song?
But these slum vermin—twisted human trash, demons through and through—freaked at the heavenly notes, leaping up in horror.
"Th-that... murder melody!!! It's here!!!!!"
"The Murder Bard's back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"It's that guy from before!! Run!!!!!!!!!!!!"
—Rumble!
And they bolted like maniacs.
"Gotcha."
Those who clocked me were the exact slappers. —Flash! No need to check. I launched after the rich one—fully dressed top and all, not half-naked.
"Kim Katt's deadly game of tag starts now!!!!"
"Why me! Stay back!!!!"
The marked rich slum rat fled in tears. See, that's the problem with flashing cash like that. Everyone else going shirtless, but you gotta wear yours?
These are the worst ones.
"Kim Katt Dropkiiiick!!!!!"
—Guhek!
Sword in hand, dropkick landed perfectly on his back—sole slamming in with a meaty burst. Arms flailing, he soared far and tumbled.
"Heh heh heh, you little shits tried killing me, now playing dead?"
"Ughhh...! Kkak! Mercy!"
"Wanna live?"
"Yes! Sorry! Please!"
"Hand over everything."
"..."
—Rummage rummage.
Near foaming at the mouth, he dug into his panties.
What the?
One last wank before croaking?
Kinda nasty, but I respected the grit—satisfying his urges at the end. That's how you survive this mad world.
Started feeling heartwarming.
"H-here... My whole fortune."
But nope—two copper coins. The shock hit like a bat to the back of the head.
"What? Not jerking off?"
"Huh? What're you talking about?"
"You fuck... daring to disappoint me!!!!!"
"Aaak!!!!"
Snatched the cash on impulse, unleashed a merciless beatdown. Bonus: his "fortune" was actually four coppers. Lied to me—justified.
"Weird..."
—Aaaah!!
—Kaaaah!!!
—Murder Bard alert!!!!!
I kept at it all the way to Risha's shop, thrashing every slum rat in sight and reclaiming their coin. Squeezed a few hard, and bam—ten coppers in the pouch.
A bit more and I could snag a decent sword belt.
"Weird."
But something's off.
Rage boiling hotter than usual. Makes sense, though—they slapped me.
"Eh, good's good."
Total haul: twelve coppers. Daily brigand stint wrapped, and I hit Risha's shop. Feels like home now.
Didn't even knock—just walked in.
"Risha."
"You're here?"
Petite Risha greeted me warmly as always. Big smile, arms out for a natural hug.
"Hehe, was waiting... But no transformation today, sorry."
"Huh? What happened?"
"Used up a ton of mana on research lately. Really sorry."
"Ah? No biggie, don't sweat it."
Not like I needed that for kicks. Risha's face alone was plenty.
"Hehe, glad you understand."
We chatted about this and that, and I scored a meal. Hit the spot since I was starving—homemade bliss.
"By the way, no more of those old heretic items you've been bringing?"
"Ah, those."
The heretic gear with evil patterns.
Ominous crap reeking of dark mana. Whenever I scored some, straight to Risha.
Elise and I'd seen those patterns to death... Last one was on that white giant's chest, with the lich priests and ghouls.
Nothing since. No heretic sightings.
Different breed from Ezath cultists.
My guess: necromancer-adjacent tech. That underground tunnel they hid in? Ghouls digging it.
"Sadly, zilch since. Crusade takedowns were different crews. But if I snag any, yours first."
"Hehe, no rush."
"Need 'em now?"
"Would help... but not urgent. Don't stress."
Where the hell are these heretic pricks hiding?
I nodded, finished eating. Hugged and talked till she had to open shop, then I headed out.
Time to head home.
Back at the lodging, neither had returned. Per Winia's orders, I stood before the Alraune pot and jerked off, splattering cum on the flower.
—Twitch.
"Ugh, fuck. Flower wank."
My daily grind.
Man, Alraune's grown huge. More petals or whatever. Thriving like Winia said.
I only contributed jizz, but damn if it didn't feel rewarding. Must be how plant folks feel.
After, windows wide, just in panties for intense nude calisthenics to hone the body. Then showered.
Right on cue, Winia and Cloudie rolled in.
"Katt, you're back already?"
"No real plans today."
Greeted 'em, took their clothes.
Cloudie looked shopping-loaded—bags bulging. Hung Winia's staff and hat on the wall. Once unpacked, shirtless Winia spoke up.
"Darkie, you feed the Alraune?"
"Just did."
"Good boy."
First thing she asks.
"Oh yeah, Darkie. Snagged you a job."
"Ooh, what?"
"Troll hunt."
Troll?