Chapter 123: Rats and Rats (2)
Chapter 123: Rats and Rats (2)
“Let me think back… There was a time you negotiated with the Management Bureau and promised to provide food aid….”
“I believe I did provide that.”
“Ordinary people do not consider Chocolate Concentrate to be ‘food.’”
Is that so?
“It’s high in calories, has excellent shelf life, and is a universally edible food product.”
Hmm. Everything checks out, doesn't it?
“Don’t people usually think of preserved foods like jerky or hardtack?”
“Then you should have specified that. I did my part.”
It’s not like I was the one who designated it as chocolate, so what does it matter?
“Did you see that? Children of humanity. This is the kind of man your master is. He always deceives us, the weak, to take his own share. He is a wicked fellow.”
Chitter. Chitter. Chitter.
Elder Li, who had been serious just a moment ago, suddenly shifted the atmosphere and began to pour out jokes.
What a bothersome geezer.
His earlier bravado was likely just a tactic to change the mood.
This Old Man is always like this.
He enjoys conversation, relishes the atmosphere, and seeks interaction with others.
At a glance, he might seem like just an Old Man looking for someone to talk to, which might be fine. One could argue that being a conversation partner is a small price to pay for information.
However, that is a trap.
While it’s true that Elder Li loves to talk, it is also a means to make it difficult for his opponent to obtain the information they want.
Layer upon layer of jokes and stories form a curtain around The Core information the other party seeks.
If you converse with Elder Li without realizing this, your time will simply wither away with nothing to show for it. It’s like waving your hands to catch formless smoke.
So, what must one do to pull back the curtain and get the desired information?
“Stop testing the waters, will you? I came here with a rough idea of the situation.”
A frontal breakthrough that pierces the opponent's defense.
That is the way to talk to Elder Li.
As I inhaled to put weight behind my words, the faint lingering smoke tickled my nose. A slight sweetness lingered in the air.
“I’ve already heard that the balance between the groups has collapsed. I assume Kim Tae-jun and his lot are running wild.”
“That is a constant occurrence.”
True. Someone fighting to sit on a throne of trash is a common sight.
“I suppose the market balance collapsing is also a constant occurrence?”
Chitter. Chitter.
At my words, Elder Li looked at me with a smile.
It wasn't that I had struck a gap in his argument. This flow, too, was likely just a simple amusement for Elder Li—a minimum requirement that he has nothing to say to those who don't even realize that much.
That smile wasn't out of flustered embarrassment or an attempt to gloss over something; it was a sign to continue the story.
“They probably aren't originally from Nanjido. That’s why they’re running amok without knowing the rules of this place.”
“Quite an interesting guess. And?”
As if his interest was piqued, Elder Li leaned back and buried himself in the sofa.
“Those guys don't belong to Nanjido; they’re just uninvited guests.”
Should I try a bit of push and pull here?
Continuous attacks only make the Old Man's defense firmer. To draw out the target, one needs the skill of baiting.
“What are you doing? Do go on.”
Elder Li, who had shifted into a complete listener's state in a relaxed posture, tilted his head and spoke.
“But Elder, before that, I have one thing to ask.”
I broke the flow. To deliver a stronger blow.
“Speak. Are we not close?”
“The place where Spokesman Kim Tae-jun is. Do you really know where it is?”
“Are you doubting me now? Blood Hammer.”
He took the bait.
Now, let’s reel him in.
“Of course I am. Knowing your personality, if there were people causing such a ruckus, you would have stormed in long ago. And yet, those guys are still alive?”
“….”
Elder Li fell silent.
He was pretending to be nonchalant, but my senses picked up on many things.
The twitching of his facial muscles, the breath he took to suppress his seething rage.
“My guess is this: You’ve grown old, and your information-gathering skills have declined. Or….”
“This fellow, I’ve been patient, but….”
Slam!
With a loud noise, the table in front of us split in two.
It was the result of the enraged rat Mutant swinging his pipe at the table.
This much was as expected.
Now, let’s keep winding the fishing line.
Even as Elder Li raged before me, I spoke quietly.
“Those interlopers are stronger than expected, so you can't do anything about them within Nanjido. I’m betting on the latter. What do you say, Elder?”
“Chitter. You… you did that on purpose.”
Isn't that obvious?
Leaving Elder Li’s stinging gaze behind, I continued.
“So, here is my proposal. If you tell us their location, we….”
“Phew… What is it? Continue.”
I wondered what Elder Li was doing while I was talking, and it turned out he had grabbed his pipe and started inhaling the drug.
“I told you, the kids are here. Can’t you hold off on that damn drug for a bit?”
“It is merely tobacco.”
Elder Li spoke nonchalantly, but suspicious, I inhaled the smoke and caught the distinct scent of tobacco.
…How ridiculous.
Tobacco is bad too, but it’s not comparable to drugs. I guess it can't be helped. I should finish this quickly.
“About the proposal I was mentioning. If you tell us their location, we’ll take care of them. How about it?”
It should be a decent proposal for the residents of Nanjido. Isn't it like getting rid of a difficult nuisance without any loss?
“Isn't dealing with them originally your job anyway? Since it is your duty, it cannot be a condition for a trade.”
“That’s just wordplay, Elder. Are you out of cards?”
With confidence, I leaned in and continued the pressure.
Now, it’s my turn.
“To be blunt, I don't care if I have to tear all of Nanjido apart before I finish the job. You know I have the power to do that.”
I released a bit of emotion, sending a wave of intimidation toward Elder Li.
It’s something one should never do in a negotiation, but didn't he start it first?
“You kept saying it, didn't you? That we’re close. That’s why I’m being as considerate of your situation as possible.”
Creeeak. Creeeak.
Perhaps the floorboards were made of poor-quality wood; the floor groaned under the weight of my power.
While setting a limiter just in case it collapsed, I concluded my argument.
“And honestly, it’s better if I handle it. Even if he’s a defector, he’s a former Management Bureau spokesman. If you mess with him the wrong way, there might be trouble.”
Creeak.
As the vibration of the wooden floor subsided, Elder Li spoke.
“Chitter. Chitter. 65 points. Not bad.”
Huh?
“Chitter-chitter-chitter. To think The Kid who didn't even know how to push and pull back then has grown this much. It’s worth living a long life to see this.”
Elder Li, who had burst into loud laughter, stared at me with a grin.
The sharp atmosphere from a moment ago was gone, replaced only by laughter.
What is this?
It was so absurd that I just stared blankly at Elder Li.
“What, did you truly think I would act that way? I intended to hand over that information from the moment I called you.”
…This damn geezer.
I was angry enough that I had to demand an explanation.
Thud.
Kicking the table that was in the way of my legs, I spoke in an irritated tone.
“Then explain why it’s 65 points. I think I did well enough.”
No, seriously, I thought the pressure I applied with the gathered information was good. Even if the details were off, shouldn't I get at least 90 points?
“The basics were wrong. The basics.”
Elder Li had now completely reverted to an Old Man, doing nothing but clicking his tongue repeatedly.
“Ah, so please tell me what was wrong with those basics.”
I’m starting to get annoyed.
“If you don't know, I shall teach you. The reason we cannot touch them is partly because they are stronger than expected, and partly because the Management Bureau is involved, but….”
What else is there besides that?
“It is because there are more interlopers in Nanjido right now than just them.”
That’s information I didn't know.
“You have a look that says, ‘I didn't know that,’ don't you? That is why I gave you 65 points.”
As if enjoying teasing me, Elder Li continued with a laugh.
“Chitter. Chitter. Chitter. What use is it if the development, proposal, and negotiation are all good? Your basic information is lacking, so your perspective is different.”
I felt a bit of irritation at Elder Li’s teasing, but since it was clearly my mistake, I stayed quiet without getting angry. The conversation was going well, and it seemed I could get the necessary information, so there was no need to cause trouble.
However, there was one thing that bothered me.
“So, to summarize, you’re saying you’re stuck in a three-way deadlock because of them, making it hard to attack each other?”
“Indeed.”
“Then who the hell are they to be causing such a mess in Nanjido?”
It would be possible for an upper A-Rank Hero or Mutant, but I hadn't heard any information about such a high-ranking being heading to Nanjido.
Even if it were confidential, we were also heading to Nanjido with a Black Seal, so they would have given us the information.
But I hadn't received any such info, nor had I heard stories about such a powerhouse from the market merchants.
In that case, perhaps a naturally occurring Monster, or someone who became independent after a factional struggle….
“Ah, to be precise, there are two of them.”
Two?
That makes it even more suspicious.
If it were one, maybe, but if there were two, there’s no way the Management Bureau wouldn't have detected them….
“My brother and… his name was Black Marauder, I believe? Probably.”
Chitter. Chitter. Chitter.
…Wait, what?
Elder Li’s brother? Black Marauder?
Why are they here?
“Black Marauder is here?!”
Baek Si-hyun, who had been quiet in the back, poked her face forward.
Whoa, you startled me.
Come to think of it, these guys were here too.
I had forgotten about them while focusing on the negotiation.
“Yes, Black Marauder is here. The Black Marauder who resembles your master. Chitter. Chitter. Chitter.”
He’s doing that on purpose.
“Sigh…”
A sigh escaped me involuntarily.
Just when I thought I had become somewhat proficient in negotiation and verbal sparring, it turned out I was just dancing in the palm of Elder Li’s hand. I’ve shown my disciples a pathetic sight. I hope it serves as a lesson.
“Is it really Black Marauder? What about his weapon? Where was he? What’s his goal?”
“Child of humanity. Did you not see what your master was doing? When conversing, you must mix in more truth and falsehood….”
“I don't know about that!”
“…This Hero. Please take your disciple away.”
To think she could make formal speech come out of Elder Li’s mouth; Baek Si-hyun’s reckless power is more incredible than I thought.
“I’ll be the one asking, so stay quiet.”
“Yes! Master!”
Upon hearing my words, Baek Si-hyun hopped back over the sofa and stood at attention.
She looks like she believes I’ll handle everything. Apparently, my earlier blunder was nothing to her.
“You’re saying Black Marauder is really in Nanjido? Elder?”
“It is certain. A face that resembles yours, Weaponry Skills that resemble yours, a presence that resembles yours….”
At this rate, he’s just going to say it’s me.
“Stop it already.”
“Well, that’s the gist of it. Unless a new clone Mutant of yours has been created, it is certain that he is Black Marauder.”
Well, it’s not like Elder Li would give me false information…. It must be true.
Thanks to that, my head started to ache.
Kim Tae-jun’s gang was enough of a headache, but now Black Marauder too.
“His purpose?”
“Seeing as he pays no mind to our side, his goal also seems to be securing Kim Tae-jun.”
“Then can't we just form a united front?”
“He doesn't launch preemptive strikes, but he attacks indiscriminately if anyone approaches.”
“Even though your brother is there, Elder?”
“Yes. Thanks to that, I haven't even been able to have a conversation with my brother whom I haven't seen in a long time.”
As I had that conversation, I checked behind me. To see if the two disciples would react to the mention of Elder Li’s brother.
I sharpened my senses for a moment to check, but the two disciples only showed interest in Black Marauder and showed no interest at all in Elder Li’s brother.
“Where was Black Marauder sighted?”
Then, shall I divert their attention so they don't focus on that?
“He has been sighted mainly on the upper and topmost floors. It seems he is staying on the upper floor, perhaps because he hasn't grasped the spatial distortion of the topmost floor.”
“So that’s why Kim Tae-jun hasn't been caught yet, even with Black Marauder on the move.”
Elder Li also seemed to recognize my intention and didn't bring up any more information about his brother.
It was only natural.
Elder Li’s brother was essentially a Nuclear Weapon that could completely overturn the current situation.
The rat Mutant, Quilp.
One of The 13 Seats of The Society.
An O-Rank Monster.
An assassin who had reached the pinnacle had appeared.