Chapter 33
Chapter 33
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 33
Chapter Title: Slum District (3)
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Right after entering the slum district, Nameless responded to my request to find a spot where the whole area was visible at a glance and guided me to one particular building.
This place is…
"Master, this is the tallest spot in the entire slum district."
"...I see. Thank you."
With a faint smile, I slowly scanned the building Nameless had led me to.
A church.
However, the walls that should have stood firm against evil were cracked here and there, having lost their grandeur, and the once-ornate structure was caked in filth and grime filled with malice seeping through every crevice.
And what of the cross at the very top?
The cross that should shine like a lighthouse in the night sea, guiding the lost and wandering, was buried under layers of crow droppings, stripped of its light, with patched-up repairs visible all over from multiple shoddy fixes.
Hmm. Given the nature of a slum district, churches should have thrived even more here, so why has it ended up like this…?
Well, it's no loss to me—in fact, it almost makes me chuckle.
Seeing this seems to ease some of my uglier urges.
With a sardonic smile, I stepped into the church alongside Nameless, where no signs of life could be felt.
My eyes gleamed as I shook my head this way and that, peering down below.
"Impressive. This is certainly a spot worth introducing with such confidence."
Of course, my keen eyesight played a part, but the church's position was perfectly central in the slum district, so even a slight turn of the head brought multiple sections into clear view.
As I reached out to pat Nameless's head in praise, he astutely bowed at the waist to bring it within reach.
Hmm. If I tossed a stick and told him to fetch soon, he'd probably do it for real.
A thought bubbled up—'Is this really okay?'—but since it wasn't a big deal, I stopped tilting my head and roughly ruffled his hair instead.
"Good job."
"Thank you."
Hmm, does he actually like being treated this way?
He wasn't hiding it at all; with his lips curling up visibly in delight, I let out a light sigh and turned my gaze back to the slum district.
It was still early morning, yet people were bustling about in the slums.
"Hmm?"
But there was one thing that made me cock my head in puzzlement.
They moved without hesitation, as if each had a clearly assigned role, and in ways that didn't interfere with one another's paths.
For someone who had expected cutthroat competition, this was an unexpected sight.
As I gaped in quiet admiration, Nameless settled into a spot beside me and spoke in a soft voice.
"They're cooperating with each other, aren't they?"
I wanted to affirm Nameless's words, but…
Eh, not sure.
Would the people of the slums really cooperate with one another?
"We'll need to watch a bit longer."
Nameless nodded along, then seemed struck by a thought and spoke up again.
"Or perhaps there's someone worth following among them?"
"Hmm, that could be."
Yeah, it makes more sense to assume there's someone above them calling the shots.
I narrowed my eyes and observed.
At first, I was skeptical, but after watching for about an hour, patterns emerged.
A rundown building crusted with grime—judging by the faded picture on the sign, likely a tavern. Not everyone, but most of the slum dwellers passed by it.
Of course, slum folk could use a tavern, so that alone isn't suspicious.
Moreover, I'd dismissed it as just a spot for booze or drugs since it seemed to fit the tavern vibe, but the problem was that some of the people visiting matched faces I'd noted from the day before.
This rubs me the wrong way.
Maybe my frown was deeper than I thought, because Nameless approached with a worried look.
"Master? What's wrong?"
"Sorry, just got something to mull over."
To reassure the concerned Nameless, I flashed a casual smile, waved it off, and sank back into thought.
The people I remembered were mostly those with something to protect.
They weren't the type to irresponsibly hit up a tavern for drugs and booze—trash that offered only fleeting pleasure and no real benefit to life.
My teeth ground together.
So even they end up as slum dwellers?
Is there truly no hope of redemption for them?
Is there nothing for me to gain here?
Am I the one who's wrong?
As depressing thoughts swirled, Nameless's earlier words resurfaced, sparking a sudden realization.
Maybe they visit because that's where the slum leader holds court, just for reports?
Or to collect rewards for their roles.
At worst, the slum folk could be getting exploited.
The deliberation didn't last long—action came swift.
I stood right up and called to Nameless.
"I need to see that place for myself."
"Yes, Master."
Nameless adjusted his wooden sword.
The tavern we arrived at had a burly man standing guard at the entrance. Despite the slums, his sturdy build suggested he wasn't a local resident.
So the one in charge here is an outsider?
I'd confirm with my own eyes soon enough, so without overthinking, I headed for the tavern.
As I reached the entrance, sure enough, the burly man blocked my path.
"What the hell, a little brat."
"...A little brat?"
Caught off guard, I glanced around.
Hmm, no kids in sight.
Was he talking about me? Pointing at my face to check, the man snickered and nodded.
Me, a little brat?
"Kiddo, this ain't a playground. It's a real dangerous spot. Go on, hold big bro's hand and head home."
Big bro…?
Maybe he meant Nameless?
I glanced sideways at him, but he was sweating bullets and shaking his head vigorously.
"Ha…"
Well, I suppose it's an understandable mix-up.
I'm short? And that guy's tall?
Plus, I have a very youthful face?
Forcing the most positive spin, I suppressed my twitching lips and spoke calmly.
"I'm here on business, so could you open the door?"
I even smiled to keep him from getting wary.
Then the man looked me up and down and grinned sleazily.
"Ah, that kinda business? Definitely top-shelf goods…"
That kind of business?
As I furrowed my brow at the abrupt words, Nameless reacted faster, drawing his wooden sword and aiming at the man.
"You trash, dare not cast that filthy gaze on Master."
"Wh-what?! Hey, kids! Intruders! Get out here quick!"
The sudden hassle made me squeeze my eyes shut and rub my face.
"Nameless…"
"Sorry, Master."
Nameless bowed to me.
"But that guy's attitude crossed the line."
Yet with his face set like he'd done the righteous thing, I couldn't say more.
I hadn't even grasped what the man said, so why was Nameless so pissed…?
As I tilted my head, shouts from the door guard drew a rush of armed people from the tavern.
'Hmm, four of them?'
I gauged their presence lightly, sighed, stepped back, and waved dismissively.
"Nameless, your mess, you clean it up."
Not that I'd expect anyone top-tier in a slum like this anyway, but at their level, Nameless could handle it solo—no need for me.
Plus, real combat experience would aid his growth.
Not that I've had much battle experience myself.
Nameless nodded and gripped his wooden sword tighter.
"Yes, Master."
After a brief standoff, Nameless clashed with them, and I pulled a strawberry from my pocket to munch on.
Hmm, sweet.
-Heavenly Nameless
"Nameless, your mess, you clean it up."
"Yes, Master."
After a curt reply to Master, I sized up the foes.
Four had poured out of the tavern, five including the door guard.
No matter how weak they are, it's still just a wooden sword.
Even swinging with full force, they won't die.
Well, if one does croak by accident, it's combat, so Master would understand.
No need to hesitate.
"Uwaaaah!"
The frontmost guy charged me—straight out of a street thug playbook, yawn-inducingly slow.
As long as I follow Master's teachings, defeat isn't possible for me.
With minimal motion, I swung the wooden sword at the charging fool, smashing his head.
-Thwack
A clear ring echoed as the first attacker's body crumpled to the ground.
Tense, sweating, staring at their fallen comrade—pathetic and hilarious.
"Trash, come at me already."
Master is waiting.