Chapter 31
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Translator: Silver Dragon
Chapter: 32
Chapter Title: New Stage
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The morning in Red Rock Canyon dawned under hopeful sunlight.
"This isn't a dream, right?"
"It's real! A magic rifle with mana crystals!"
Kellogg gazed fondly at his men meticulously cleaning the mana crystal rifles by the campfire that had burned all night.
Since yesterday, a spark had begun to flicker in their eyes, once filled only with despair.
It was all thanks to the miracle left behind by the enigmatic being known as Ghost.
"With these, we can finally stand up properly against those Trade Federation bastards!"
His deputy, Batou, approached holding something.
"Captain, take a look at this."
In his hand was the note they'd found on top of the weapons crate yesterday.
"I didn't notice in the chaos yesterday, but there's something written on the back too."
Kellogg took the note.
The front still bore the bold script: [An Investment for the Future].
"The back? Let me see..."
Kellogg flipped the note over.
On the back was another message, scrawled more roughly.
[Recommended Target: Twin Rocks' Snake Head]
"Twin Rocks...?"
Batou tilted his head.
Kellogg muttered.
"That place famous for its crystals?"
"The mining town ruled by Sheriff Barrett. It's got a nasty reputation!"
It was the den of the Cobra Gang thugs who called themselves the security force.
Even with the mana crystal rifles, it would be tough for Kellogg's current forces to break through head-on.
But Kellogg gripped the note tightly.
"No. This isn't just a suggestion."
Resolution burned in Kellogg's eyes.
"It's Ghost's first test for us! We can't just ignore it."
This was a being who had unhesitatingly provided expensive supplies.
Trap or trick, there had to be some intent behind it.
Kellogg's gaze turned beyond the canyon.
Toward the western sky where Twin Rocks lay.
"Everyone, listen up! We're heading to Twin Rocks!"
Jinwoo impassively overlooked the bustling morning scene of the rebel camp from the ridgeline of Red Rock Canyon.
"They're all full of energy."
His coins had successfully activated, boosting their potential for massive gains.
That was enough.
'At this rate, they'll grow on their own for a while.'
Jinwoo turned away without regret.
Because another task had come up anyway.
As his gaze shifted to the air, the blue system window that had been floating since last night sharpened into focus.
Purify the Source of Corruption (1/2)
📍 Stage 1: Head to the mining town 'Twin Rocks' and track the Trade Federation's funding source.
"Twin Rocks, huh? That quest."
A cynical smirk curled on Jinwoo's lips.
'This damn world won't even let me rest.'
He'd half-expected it, but the target he'd tossed to Kellogg matched his quest destination perfectly.
This relentless world seemed desperate to wring every ounce of use out of him.
"Let's go, Falcon. Time to work."
"Kieeeek!"
Jinwoo mounted Falcon.
Clop clop clop!
They rode through two full days and nights.
The silhouette of the dusty mining town emerged over the horizon.
"Feels bigger than in the game, probably because it's real."
True to its name, two massive rocks stood like pillars over the town.
Twin Rocks' entrance welcomed Jinwoo.
'In the lore... it was a wealthy town famous for its crystal mines, right?'
But as he entered, Jinwoo frowned.
'Is this really a prosperous place? Worse than the game.'
The stench of corruption—greed and despair mingled—already stung his nose.
"Hey, old man! Why're you late on protection money? Answer me! Huh?"
"S-Sorry! Just a few more days!"
By the roadside, thugs with cobra tattoos grabbed an old merchant by the collar, extorting him.
"Just one coin... My mom's sick..."
"Hmph! Kid already begging!"
On the other side, a child begged for scraps on the street and got beaten mercilessly.
The gaunt residents just watched warily.
Shining badges gleamed on the thugs' chests, the source of all this chaos.
'Cobra Gang. Or do they call themselves the security force?'
Their outfits screamed money, faces slick with oil from good eating.
Jinwoo passed the scene without a flicker of expression.
'Can't save them right now.'
Everything has an order.
He headed straight for the rundown saloon in the town center to trigger the choice event.
'The encounter happens here, right?'
Afterward, the choices would shape his relationship with the town's security force.
The saloon's creaky door opened to a haze of cigarette smoke and stale alcohol.
Even in broad daylight, the dim interior was a microcosm of the outer disorder.
"So that's what I said! Haha!"
"Hey! Barkeep! Another round!"
At one table, Cobra Gang members bellowed drunkenly.
"Quik! Hey! You looked at me, didn't you? Eyes down!"
"S-Sorry, officer..."
On the other side, terrified miners with dirt-smeared faces nursed watery beer.
Fortunately, the commotion drew eyes to the stranger Jinwoo briefly—then indifference scattered them.
'Classic lawless saloon.'
Jinwoo went straight to the counter.
He spoke low to the old bartender wiping glasses.
"Your strongest stuff. One shot. And a few questions."
The bartender glanced at the silver coin and silently filled a glass from a bottle. Resignation filled his eyes.
"Questions cost extra, stranger."
Jinwoo tossed more silver on the counter as soon as he finished.
"Who's running this town?"
The bartender's hand paused at the blunt question.
"You..."
"Answer."
Another coin, and the bartender glanced over Jinwoo's shoulder, whispering.
"Owner? No such thing. Just the king."
"King?"
"Sheriff Barrett. Those cobra tattooed gangsters with badges throwing back drinks? All his hands and feet. This town's... Barrett's personal kingdom."
The explanation confirmed what Jinwoo already knew.
Jinwoo took a sip.
The harsh liquor burned down his throat.
'Tastes like shit.'
"Heard the crystals from the mines are top quality. Folks here must make bank, right? Then why the long faces?"
"What good's knowing? You won't like what you see."
The bartender shook his head, but another coin pushed forward pried his mouth open.
Capitalism works everywhere.
"What's the point? Not a coin lines our pockets..."
"Why?"
"Most goes straight to Barrett's purse. The best stuff gets loaded on Trade Federation wagons that roll in regular-like and vanishes. Everyone knows the Federation's his backer."
Jinwoo nodded, satisfied.
'Good, sticking to the script. No variables yet.'
Barrett exploits the town's resources under Federation protection.
The Cobra Gang is his enforcement muscle.
Core funding: the crystal mines.
'Event time soon. Let's draw their eyes.'
Jinwoo set down his glass.
A drunk Cobra Gang member staggered toward his back.
Right on schedule.
"Hey, stranger! From the East?"
A slurred voice came from behind.
Jinwoo turned to see a burly cobra-tattooed thug swaying.
Gleaming eyes of greed and booze!
"You, that gun on your hip looks nice. Stolen? And what's with that monster bird? Gotta pay entry tax to set foot here, yeah?"
Game scenes flashed in Jinwoo's mind.
This first encounter had choices.
One: Pay up and slip away quietly.
Two: Talk smack, scare 'em off.
'Three: Fastest and surest—drag Sheriff Barrett out into the open!'
Pick it, and the whole town's security becomes hostile, alert maxed.
'But quickest option. Pulls all aggro at once.'
Jinwoo smirked and stood.
He swiftly splashed the remaining liquor in the thug's face.
Splash!
"Gah! You bastard!"
As the startled thug recoiled, Jinwoo kicked his gut.
Thud!
"Argh!"
Crash!
"Damn it! This punk! I'll kill you!"
Every Cobra Gang member in the saloon shot up at Jinwoo's move.
"What the hell?!"
"This guy's dead! Daring to touch security?!"
As they cursed and reached for hip guns—
Jinwoo's eyes glowed red.
Red Eye Activated!
The world slowed.
Pistol whipped from pocket lightning-fast.
Phsssh phsssh!
Six silenced shots zipped through the saloon.
Screams erupted.
"Arrrgh! My hand!"
"M-Monster!"
Blood sprayed from the wrists of thugs reaching for guns simultaneously.
They wailed, staring at dropped guns and mangled hands.
Jinwoo ignored the clamor.
'Non-lethal pulls aggro way faster!'
He grabbed the instigator by the collar and booted him out the door.
Bang!
"Khek!"
The thug rolled screaming across the midday dirt.
Onlookers froze, eyes mixing fear and curiosity.
Jinwoo stepped out and stomped the thug's chest.
"Hey, you ruined my drink? Security, huh? Who's the bonehead you mutts answer to?"
"Urk! You dare attack Twin Rocks' sacred security?!"
Even in pain, the thug invoked their official title.
Jinwoo laughed incredulously.
"Security? Ha!"
He kicked the thug's face mercilessly.
Thwack! Thwack!
"Ugh! Stop! Stop!"
Low gasps rose from watching residents.
Jinwoo stomped the unconscious thug once more, then bellowed at the crowd.
This was his declaration of war on security.
"Listen up! Don't care if you're security or shit—starting today, I'm the new law in this town! Anyone who comes at me ends up like this!"
Jinwoo declared himself the outlaw.
'This locks in the aggro. Rebels like Kellogg will hear soon. Let's wrap it fast.'
"Sheriff or shithead—come out!"
Jinwoo thought.
Now it's time to bring order to Twin Rocks.