The Tempting SA-Rank
The Yamamoto expedition team entered the Black Market building, and we began to move as well.
To stick to the plan, we needed to hurry a bit.
I hadn't spotted Song Jae-ha yet, but it didn't bother me much.
He wasn't a big enough variable to worry about.
If we ran into him by chance, I'd deal with it depending on the situation.
More importantly right now...
There are quite a few eyes watching us.
Before moving, I'd scanned the area once, and plenty of people were keeping tabs on the Black Market.
The Association and government watchers were one thing, but it seemed like major guilds had sent quite a few spies too.
They acted disinterested, but not entirely.
Judging by their levels, they were just there to observe, nothing more.
Even if it didn't directly involve them, as fellow countrymen in the underworld, they showed at least minimal interest.
A bit annoying.
Even with Stealth, being watched felt unpleasant in every way.
[Let's kill them all! It pisses me off! Wipe them out!]
The left head's usual nagging tempted me a little.
Part of me wanted to clear them all out before getting serious...
But no need to stir up trouble.
I felt a little sorry for the left head, but we had too much at stake right now.
Above all, I was too busy to handle it personally.
I couldn't let Zhang Wei or Kazuki—one of those two SA-ranks—die first because we dawdled.
Just those two should be enough for evolution...
I hoped both came out unscathed.
"Ichijo."
"Yes, my lord! Command me as you will!"
"Clean up the surroundings with Toda. Deal with anyone watching us."
"Understood! I'll eradicate every filthy scum daring to spy on my lord!"
"...Don't kill them. I don't want to make a mess. And Song Jae-ha's nearby, so be careful. He's SA-rank. If you run into him, run."
"For my lord, I, Ichijo, would gladly sacrifice this life, even against an SA-rank—!"
"Just do as I say."
"...! Yes, sir!"
Ichijo bowed deeply. I glanced at Toda.
Both were practically zealots, so I wasn't entirely confident, but Toda was cooler-headed than Ichijo. I trusted he'd handle any surprises.
If only Toda's rank were higher...
I clicked my tongue briefly at my lingering doubts about Ichijo and Toda.
Then Snow, who'd been waiting bored beside me, spoke quietly.
"Are your orders finished?"
"The immediate ones, yes."
"Then let's hurry. Things inside have been off since earlier."
Snow had been probing the Black Market interior with her senses from the start.
I extended my own senses following her lead.
The inside was already total chaos.
They've started clashing for real.
"We need to move."
Sending off Toda and Ichijo, we hurried in too.
As I'd said before, I hoped Zhang Wei and Kazuki both survived.
Taking down just those two would secure my evolution for sure.
As I'd sensed, the Black Market interior was a complete mess.
Skirmishes large and small were breaking out everywhere even now.
Some had gone deeper underground than before—likely because the Chinese side had deliberately opened a path.
The Japanese hunters seemed oblivious, or maybe overconfident despite knowing, and plunged in blindly...
A quick scan showed they weren't faring well.
And there's one odd movement too.
While most Japanese hunters fought fiercely, one group moved smoothly without obstruction.
At first, I thought it might be Kazuki, but focusing closer, something felt off.
They navigated like they knew the way, which was suspicious. Their power seemed shy of SA-rank but too strong for plain S-rank.
One might mistake them for a top-tier S bordering SA, but it felt subtly wrong.
Not just stronger than other S-ranks—fundamentally different.
I asked Snow, suspecting the same, and she felt the weirdness too.
Intriguing, but no need to prioritize.
No matter how strong, they couldn't stop both of us.
Unless we crossed paths, no reason to seek them out.
Our targets from the start were SA-rank hunters like Kazuki and Zhang Wei.
As I prepared to track Zhang Wei or Kazuki's presence, Snow spoke quietly.
"So, what say you? Too narrow to revert to your true form? Need my help?"
"Appreciated, but I'd prefer to handle this solo if possible. Got something to check."
Snow furrowed her brow slightly.
"Hmph. Must I deal with small fry again? You use me too roughly. You hog all the fun."
"...Sorry about that."
"Fine. Make it up to me after this ends."
I gave a wry smile at Snow's back as she turned away calmly.
I've worked her hard lately.
Like with the Cheongsong Sword a few days ago. After this, I'd properly repay her.
More importantly, Snow—that path's wrong?
Breaking down leads to the same place anyway?
True, but...
Don't smash full force.
The whole building will collapse.
Can't ruin my plans.
Even in human form, it'd crumble.
After that, I led the way instead of directionally challenged Snow, descending deep underground.
First target: Zhang Wei.
Easier to hunt than uncertain Kazuki—he'd be deep in the core.
Wait just a bit, Zhang Wei.
Coming to meet you.
Snow, please don't charge ahead.
Really not that way.
We cut down anyone we encountered, regardless of nationality.
I considered hypnotizing them like Toda or Ichijo to make minions, but with our current numbers, no need for the hassle.
Leaving cleanup to Snow might make her level the building.
She vented splendidly on occasional S-rank hunters.
Good. You've gotten skilled in human form combat.
Especially your swordplay's improved.
Still more brute force than technique, but...
Splitting two at once? Definite progress.
Good job, our Snow.
I got smacked with the flat of her blade.
Praise might've been excessive.
Tease—er, praise—moderately next time...
After Song Jae-ha took—returned—the Cheongsong Sword, hurting Snow's feelings, I'd hastily gotten her a new one.
Bullied Jeong Soo-ah for the best sword in Black Market storage; Snow seemed pleased enough.
Not as much as the first gift, but it soothed her. Relief.
Promised better soon.
Speaking of, Charlotte's White Rose was stunning.
White blade, perfect for Snow.
Maybe visit France?
White Rose was a ceremonial sword, not practical, but no issue.
Snow would wield anything well.
With raw power over skill, definitely.
For reference, her new sword outclassed Cheongsong Sword by levels.
Absurdly expensive; Jeong Soo-ah groaned handing it over.
Could fund Black Market years normally.
Got it free, no guilt.
Black Market was mine now.
What's wrong with taking from my own?
Requests unfinished, so technically not yet—but soon. No worry.
Snakes have no conscience anyway.
Leading with Snow's "sword practice," we reached Zhang Wei neither slow nor fast.
Detours from her enjoying S-ranks delayed us.
Black Market basement lowest level. Deepest core: Zhang Wei and a few subordinates.
Maze-like complexity kept Kazuki and other Japanese from arriving.
Good, not late.
Worried when Snow dragged out S-rank fights.
If Kazuki beat us and killed Zhang Wei or one died, it'd suck for us.
First sight of Zhang Wei: utterly relaxed.
No doubt of victory.
Kazuki? Easy win.
Revealed ourselves to his smug face.
Dropping Stealth, appearing as if always there—Zhang Wei's composure cracked into shock.
I met his frozen face calmly.
"...E-enemy raid!"
"Damn, how'd they get here already?!"
"No word on the final gate breaking!"
"Kazuki's still on layer 3—how?!"
His men noticed late, shouting.
Zhang Wei, spotting us first, regained composure quickly.
A leader indeed? He rose slowly, feigning calm.
"Who are you? Never heard Kazuki had elites like you."
Surprisingly polite. I was caught off guard.
Even now, scanning us fluidly.
"Need to know our identity? You should care more about our purpose."
"...True. Then: room for negotiation?"
Still polite. A faint smile formed.
Aware we weren't friendly, yet maintained decorum.
What impressed most: his men regaining calm the instant he stepped up, unlike initial panic.
They trusted him deeply.
Shifted my view.
After Kazuma, evolution felt close.
Not exact, but about two SA-rank hunters' worth?
Planned to devour Kazuki and Zhang Wei for SS-rank.
But damn, he's tempting.
Better than expected. SA-rank despite rumors of weakness; sharp mind, observation.
Leader qualities too—trusted by men.
I had Toda, Ichijo, Jeong Soo-ah, but their ranks lagged. Made Zhang Wei appealing.
Collector instinct.
Growing forces bred desire for elites.
Revise plan? Song Jae-ha's SA too...
But killing him would rile the hunter world.
Association wouldn't sit idle after touching their hound.
Wiser to stick: devour Zhang Wei, Kazuki.
Worth the hassle for a subordinate?
Leaning no.
"Negotiation? Maybe. You've changed my mind a bit. But not enough."
"...I see. Then: your target me?"
I nodded slowly.
Zhang Wei bit his lip. Men blocked protectively; he stopped them quietly.
Knew it futile.
"...You must know who backs me, coming for my head."
"Famous wastrel? Well aware."
"Hah... 'wastrel' to my face. Rare."
"Not wrong, is it?"
He laughed wryly—clear agreement.
"Not afraid of the boss?"
"Just another to surpass."
"...Half a year ago—Charlotte's death... you?"
His quiet shock deepened my smile.
Whatever reasoning led there, it charmed me more.
How'd he connect from this banter?
Muscular build screamed general, but brainy—more strategist.
Maybe both.
Truly tempting.
No denial or confirmation: Zhang Wei groaned softly.
Men sighed.
"...You came prepared. Killing me to provoke the boss? My death alone won't suffice. Our brotherhood's rotten—you know?"
"Partly, but not the main goal."
"...Just a step."
"Exactly."
I nodded; he hesitated, then drew his weapon silently.
"...One request. Spare my men?"
His men answered first.
"No, bro!"
"We live together!"
"Even strong—we rush as one...!"
"Quiet. Won't win that way."
They shut up, calling "bro" with frustration.
After watching, I spoke.
"Regretfully, no one's getting spared. No survivors in this building today."
"......"
Zhang Wei closed his eyes.
I addressed him again.
"Not entirely hopeless. Care to serve me?"
"...Meaning?"
"Just that. Serve me—you and your men spared. All here, above, even Yamamoto expedition wiped clean."
Shelving issues and backlash, my impulsive offer stunned him.
That rattled?
"...Even if I loathe him, boss is boss. Can't serve two."
"...Pity."
I clicked my tongue openly.
Big offer despite circumstances...
No choice.
Back to plan.
"Zhang Wei! As a hunter, I won't go down easy!"
Dropping formality, he unleashed raw SA-rank aura, raising his spear.
I stepped forward quietly too.