Chapter 40
Chapter 40
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 40
Chapter Title: Seizing the Upper Hand
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"You're dead meat now. How dare you barge in here...!"
Woojin let out a low sigh toward the gatekeeper.
"Man, what makes this place so special that you're going on about 'how dare you' over and over?"
"What? You came here without even knowing that?!"
"And it's not you gatekeepers guarding the house who are impressive—it's the guild master, Charlson."
"You bastard...!!"
Bwoooong---!!
The gatekeeper's face turned red with rage as he swung his club at Woojin with all his might.
Hundred Flowers Valley, home to the dimensional gate leading to the Central Continent, could be considered the final region of the Dark Forest.
As such, the NPCs here were all average level 40 or higher—never to be underestimated.
Kwaang---!!!
The pillar struck by the gatekeeper's club shattered into pieces.
"You. You're an outsider, aren't you? Hundred Flowers Valley doesn't give a damn about outsiders."
Paat---!!
Kicking the debris from the broken pillar toward Woojin, the gatekeeper growled.
This was the terrifying reality of Hundred Flowers Valley.
Unlike other cities guarded by watchmen, there were no law-enforcing NPCs here, so clashes between NPCs and players were commonplace.
"How dare you defy Agen..."
Peok---!!!
"Guk!!"
In that instant, a flying stone struck the gatekeeper's head, snapping it back.
"B-Boss...!!!"
The subordinates, startled by their fallen leader, rushed to support him.
"Hey, big guy. Anyone would think Agen belonged to you."
"Y-You...!"
"Watch your words. I didn't come here to fight you, and I didn't start anything. You were the one who told me to scram out of nowhere."
Step—step—.
Woojin stood before the gatekeeper.
"I'll ask one more time. Do you really want to fight me?"
"You bastard...!"
One of the subordinates behind the gatekeeper lunged forward, swinging a fist at Woojin.
Shuk---!!
In that moment, an arrow flew from behind and embedded in the subordinate's shoulder.
"Don't do anything stupid. Stop right now if you don't want to die!"
Luen shouted urgently.
"This...!!"
But the subordinate yanked out the arrow and yelled back at her instead.
Seogeok—.
A sharp sound rang out, and...
"...Huh?"
The subordinate charging at Luen toppled forward.
Jjeureuk......
Blood flowed from the subordinate's leg.
Pushushushushu......!!
"H-Hik?!"
Blood spurted from the severed leg, and he thrashed about in panic, screaming.
"I told you to stop."
Dragging the legless subordinate out of the way, Luen sighed.
"Stay still."
She pulled a potion from her pouch and poured it over the stump.
Chiiik......!!
The bleeding slowed as the acrid smell of burning flesh filled the air.
"Aaaak!!"
"Quiet down. Unless you want the other leg gone too."
Luen glanced at Woojin before clamping a hand over the screaming subordinate's mouth.
"Where's the healer? If you go right now with the leg, they might be able to reattach it."
She carefully picked up the severed leg from the ground.
Woooong......
Placing her palm over it caused the leg to freeze solid in an instant.
"Here. Hurry."
But the subordinate's face twisted upon receiving the leg.
"Uh... there isn't one."
"What?"
"I said there isn't. Hundred Flowers Valley doesn't have any healers."
The subordinate, who had been snarling just moments ago, now whimpered to Luen as if nothing had happened.
"Wait, then... where do you get treated if you're injured?"
"There are alchemists deeper in Shadow Alley. You buy potions there, but... no one can reattach a severed limb."
"What? No healers in a city this big?"
Under Luen's sharp questioning, the subordinate hung his head.
"Why would they heal injuries from faction fights and risk getting hurt themselves...? I'd leave too if I were them."
"That's ridiculous... Fighting without any way to get healed..."
Sighing at the subordinate's words, Luen suddenly jumped to her feet as if struck by a thought.
"W-Wait...!! Everyone, stop!!"
She hurriedly blocked the path between Woojin and the gatekeepers.
"Stop this! You can't even get proper treatment if you get hurt here!"
"Who the hell are you?"
"Who? Someone trying to save your sorry asses. Back off unless you want to be crippled for life."
"Get out of the way!!"
The gatekeepers shouted at her.
"Fine. No need to worry about being crippled."
"...Huh?"
Woojin nodded as he brushed past her.
"I'll just send you straight to the grave."
"Ugh! That's why I'm worried!"
Luen leaped forward and grabbed Woojin by the waist.
"You're here to trade with Agen, right? What's the point of brawling with the gatekeepers?"
"Depends on how you look at it. This isn't a peaceful city. In a place that worships strength, sometimes showing it off is the better move."
Luen met his gaze.
She had wondered why this always cool-headed man was reacting so strongly to such a minor provocation, but one look in his eyes told her everything was part of the plan.
"We're not here for a fair trade."
Woojin gripped his sword.
"If it's not an equal relationship, better to claim the dominant position."
Clap—clap—clap—.
At that moment, applause echoed through the silent alley, causing Woojin to turn.
"If it's not an equal relationship, better to claim the dominant position."
The building door opened, and a small gnome stepped out toward him.
"I like that line."
Draped in jewels and ornaments that jingled with every step, his identity was obvious without explanation.
"You're Charlson?"
"That's me. I came out because of the commotion, and I see quite the entertaining scene."
"Doesn't look that entertaining to me."
Woojin pointed at the fallen subordinate.
"If you found it amusing, at least reattach that guy's leg as payment."
"Kekeke, why should I? Warriors consider scars an honor, don't they? This'll be something for him to brag about forever."
Charlson sneered mockingly.
"Then forget it."
"Shouldn't you defend him a bit more?"
"Why?"
"You did cut off his leg. As you see, no healers here, and reattaching it... would take someone of my stature."
"For swinging a weapon at me?"
Woojin responded coldly.
"If I needed to defend myself, I'd ask you first if it's okay to finish him off."
The subordinate's face paled as he stared at the gnome.
"Hahaha—!!"
The gnome burst into delighted laughter.
"Teron sent you, right? Looks like he finally sent something worthwhile."
He beckoned Woojin.
"Come in."
"Haven't heard your answer yet."
"...Hm?"
"A proper master has a duty to decide his subordinate's fate."
"Kekeke, he's been with me a long time. I was lax in hospitality, but you shoved a sword through my door too."
'He saw everything from the start.'
"So?"
Woojin smirked at Charlson.
"How about we both compromise? In exchange, I'll offer whatever you need on good terms."
He extended a hand to Woojin.
Woojin eyed the gnome's hand for a moment before shaking it.
"I'll hear the terms first."
"Kekeke, this'll be a fun deal."
As Woojin followed Charlson inside, the legless subordinate bowed his head deeply.
"Master was right."
"Hm?"
"About showing strength sometimes. Honestly, I was worried at first."
Walking the grand mansion's corridor, Luen spoke softly to Woojin.
"But in the end, we got a private audience with Agen's guild master."
"Eh, just luck."
Kugrrr---.
The door at the corridor's end opened, revealing a room as opulent as a palace.
"The real important part starts now."
Luen swallowed dryly and nodded tensely at Woojin's words.
"So, why'd you come to see me?"
"One question first."
"What?"
"You saw everything at the gate. Why didn't you come out sooner to greet your guest?"
"You're a funny one. Most humans who come begging to see me whine about their desperate situations first."
Charlson looked incredulous at Woojin's question.
"But you're more curious about my situation."
"In a deal, you need to grasp the other side's weakness."
"Kek... You think I'll spill it just because you say so?"
"You will. If it's really a weakness."
Charlson gave him a puzzled look.
"Strange talk. Weaknesses are for hiding. Why tell the enemy?"
Leaning in with interest, he asked.
"It changes if they think you can help."
"Hahaha! Me, master of Hundred Flowers Valley, needing help from a punk who can't even reach the Central Continent?"
Charlson roared with laughter, clutching his belly.
"We'll see if you're right or wrong."
"Dunno if I should even tell you my situation."
"Your gatekeeper said you don't have time for riffraff like me."
Unlike the arrogant Charlson, Woojin replied calmly throughout.
"......"
Yet, despite the modest volume, his voice somehow overwhelmed the gnome.
"Am I the only one who thinks it's weird? What could keep you so busy you can't meet someone like me?"
Step—.
He took a step closer to Charlson.
"Just a simple refusal?"
Charlson's cheek twitched faintly.
"Or did something go wrong?"
Bending down to meet the gnome's eyes, Woojin flashed a subtle smile.
"I have a feeling it's the latter."
Gulp—.
The gnome's throat bobbed audibly.
'I've done deals like this a million times.'
Trapped in the game, Woojin had never forgotten his real-world self.
He was a businessman who rose from nothing to the top.
The eye to read opponents.
The instinct to seize the situation in a flash.
These weren't stats or skills—they were his unique talents.
"Tell me. I can't go to the Central Continent like you said, but..."
Woojin said to Charlson.
"Whatever problem crops up in the Dark Forest, I'll handle it."
Charlson's eyes wavered.