Chapter 507
Chapter 507
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 507
Chapter Title: God's Atlantis
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"I've got a debt to settle with that damn one-eyed bastard too. I roughly figured out where he is... but things got complicated, so I need someone with your skills. Let's team up until we track down Barden and kill him. Heavenly Demon."
"……."
I fell silent and stared at Olivia.
The offer wasn't bad. Honestly, I was feeling the limits of going it alone. If I kept this up, I'd get so frustrated I'd smash everything in sight. And in the process, there's a high chance my target, Barden, would slip away. Then my mission would fail.
'The problem is, I know nothing about Olivia.'
Olivia Family.
The fact that it's called a Family instead of a Legion means it's a group that operates only in this zone.
With zero information, I couldn't be sure if they were trustworthy. They might just be using the word 'alliance' to exploit me.
"What's your reason for wanting to kill Barden?"
"It's our internal affair... but since it's what we want right now, I suppose I should tell you. We did business with Barden. We gave jobs to guys who didn't have a penny to their name."
"Sounds like an upstanding business."
Anywhere else, maybe. But in a lawless zone? No business here is legit. Even an idiot would know that.
But Olivia didn't change her expression at all as she replied.
"It is an upstanding business. But that damn one-eyed fucker has been fudging the books all this time and ran off with the real ones. The losses aren't small. And worse, because of him, we're being looked down on. You know what they call me in the taverns? 'Scammed! Scammed Olivia!'"
Bang!
Olivia vented her rage by slamming her foot down on the table. Her black leather boot shattered it to pieces.
"Why smash a perfectly good table all of a sudden?"
"Ah, just buy me a new one. Buy me one."
I looked at the fuming Olivia. She didn't seem to be acting. I could feel her genuine desire to find and kill Barden.
If it was an act, she could've been a top actress or politician.
I decided to join hands with her. I liked her vibe anyway, and in my current state, I might not even get close to Barden, let alone his shadow.
"You're sure you know where Barden is?"
"Positive. That bastard can't survive outside the lawless zone."
"I have to kill him. If you suddenly change your mind and say to spare him, I'll be in a real bind."
"No bullshit like that. But his corpse is ours."
"What, is there gold in the body?"
"We're hanging that fucker's corpse in front of our hideout. That way, the idiots won't even think of crawling over."
"Let's ally until we beat Barden to death. Olivia."
"Love how decisive you are. Since it's just until we kill Barden, no need for a contract?"
"No money changing hands, so no need for paper."
And this is a lawless zone.
A land without laws.
Here, a normal contract is just paper scribbled with useless words.
I glanced around. Olivia's men had relaxed a bit, but they were still wary of me.
"Where's Barden?"
"Figured you'd ask that first. Not hard to tell you. But if you charge off recklessly after hearing, that'll be a problem."
"You don't know me well. I'm the coldest guy around—no need to worry."
"Cold? Bullshit."
Olivia chuckled. She didn't say more, but she seemed to know my exploits.
This lawless zone is brutal. No one operates solo like me, and if they do, they become crime bait.
But am I normal? I killed every fool who picked a fight without knowing their place.
When lust built up, I hit the brothels.
If I spotted a woman I liked, I raped her. Sure, I made enemies of a few Families in the process, but to me, it wasn't a big deal.
"Barden joined the Jerdin Legion."
Jerdin Legion.
After a few days in the lawless zone, I knew the name. The biggest crime organization here—the ruling force of the lawless zone. They call themselves a Legion, not a Family, despite originating here.
"They're not officially active yet, but that won't last long."
"Makes sense why you need someone like me. Planning to hit the Jerdin Legion?"
"Exactly."
"They're not pushovers."
"Jerdin's had their fill for long enough. The law here is survival of the fittest, but sometimes the strong become prey."
"Other forces are joining besides you guys. How many?"
"No idea. We're not running the op."
I imagined storming the Jerdin Legion. I'm strong, but not invincible. I can play king in the west because there aren't many strong there.
No way I could topple a Legion that's ruled a city-sized zone for years alone.
"So, what do you need me to do?"
"Keep living like you have been. I'll call when the time comes. Hm, no—rampage more and grab some shares."
"Shares?"
"Influence in the lawless zone. That's what we call shares here. What's yours at now?"
Lawless Zone Influence: 0.49%
"0.49%."
"Higher than most Family bosses, as expected. Still not enough. At least hit 1% by next week."
In this zone with no official ruler, you get AP monthly based on influence.
Influence is the system quantifying your impact on the lawless zone.
"Do I really need to hit exactly 1%?"
"To talk as equals, you need at least 1%. I'm cutting you slack since you're new."
"No reason to impress you. My goal is still just Barden."
"What, lacking confidence?"
"Don't provoke me needlessly. I don't do pointless shit. Now that I know Barden's location, I'll lay low for a bit."
"...Ha. Lame. Tsk. Fine, truth time. There's a rumor about a hidden zone. Only those with 1%+ shares can enter. Probably Jerdin Legion's secret base."
"Barden might hole up there. Got it. I'll raise it to 1%."
"Work hard. If you hit 1% within a week..."
"Then?"
"Uh, well, just said it offhand... What should I do? A kiss?"
"Kiss sounds good."
"Yeah? I'll make it intense."
I realized Olivia was a mood-driven type like me.
"What's your influence?"
"Me? 2.10%!"
???
I lived even rougher to boost my influence. Smashed a few Families I'd been avoiding. It rose fast at first, but stalled around 0.7%.
"Hey, Heavenly Demon."
While eating lamb skewers at a street cart, a bald middle-aged guy next to me—the info broker I'd met first in the city—called out.
"What."
"Got a good gig. Right up your alley. Take out a Family. Interested?"
"Hate being used like a slave."
I glanced at the cart owner. He kept grilling skewers, pretending not to hear. The broker would handle the haggling. He needed me more.
"40 million pennies. Heard you're rampaging to boost influence?"
"Cut the crap. Who's the target?"
"Ulpen Family."
"Deadline?"
"Come with me now."
"……What's your name?"
"Call me Mac."
???
I followed Mac to a mansion.
Bigger than most nobles'. Fountain in the center of the garden.
"Ulpen Family. Kill everyone here. Simple, right?"
"Why are you coming?"
"Something to grab inside. And why would I send you alone without collateral?"
I sneered at him.
"Just have the money ready."
Two guards at the gate, swords drawn, menacing auras.
"What business does the Heavenly Demon have with our Family?"
"State your purpose."
"Dragon Fist!"
Heavenly Demon Divine Art: Dragon Fist.
I blasted the guards and gate away together. The shockwave echoed everywhere. The mansion stirred; combatants rushed out.
"Whoa! You really blew it away hot!"
"Watch your own ass."
"Haha, I can handle myself. Don't worry about me—go wild, Heavenly Demon."
I rampaged as he wanted. Fist first at any enemy.
"Do you know where this is... Gaaack!"
"Heavenly Demon! You don't know the heig... Gaaack!"
"Mercy! Sp... Gaaack!"
I killed anyone blocking my path and pressed on. Ignored fleeing small fry.
Difference between Legions and Families: Families center on the boss. Lose the boss, they scatter. Legions with real power have sub-masters or officers to take over if the master dies.
Found the boss. Not in the mansion, but by the pool out back.
Chest scarred like something exploded. Sleazy T-shaped goatee on his chin. Ulpen, boss of the Ulpen Family.
But my eyes went to his surroundings.
Busty beauties in swimsuits lounging around him. Blonde flaunting melon-sized tits, red bob-cut woman on a chair exuding decadent vibes.
Seven stunners, each unique.
My sunken mood slowly bubbled up.
"Heavenly Demon. We were nothing until moments ago. But now, we're sworn enemies. You're dying here today."
He stood, declaring. The pool girls retreated familiarly, faces relaxed. Convinced Ulpen would win.
I wondered what faces they'd make if I won. Already looking forward.
Ulpen slowly turned his head, rotating his clenched fist. His gaze went behind me.
"……Mac. Heard rumors of a rat spying on our Family lately... That you? I don't recall ever treating you poorly. Mind telling me why you're doing this?"
"Business. Business. That's how it is here, right? Yesterday's friend is today's ally."
"All true. But that's not the answer I want. Who's the guy behind you? Who hired you?"
"Pointless if you're dying anyway. And you can guess— one of those western merchants eyeing my business."
"Kukuku."
Mac just laughed, slyly backing away. Acting tough but scared of Ulpen.
Ulpen stepped onto the pool surface. His foot didn't sink—he walked on water. I followed, walking across to approach him.
"Heavenly Demon. Quiet one?"
"Nothing to say to you."
"You've been eyeing my girls. Interested?"
"Very."
"I've never let a man who touched my woman live. Same for any man they touch."
"Which of those girls squeezes pussy the best?"
Killing intent exploded from Ulpen. Dark red energy gathered in his fist. I matched it, igniting Heavenly Demon Qi in my clenched hand.
I wasn't sure I'd win. But I didn't think I'd lose.
"You crossed the line. Don't expect a clean death, Heavenly Demon."
"Didn't wanna say? Fine. I'll check myself."
Our fists collided in midair.