[Chapter 34. One Alley Boss]
Large city of Parisia. A hub where merchant caravans gathered before crossing the canyon through the mountain range that spanned the continent. After a month and a half, the four heroes had finally arrived here.
True to its reputation as a major city, the gates were packed tight with lines of incoming and outgoing caravans, not a single inch of space to spare. They didn't head straight for the inner castle after passing through the city. With four heroes marching right in, it would be as good as announcing they were here to investigate the disappearances. This case called for utmost secrecy, didn't it?
"We should split up into pairs."
"Hell yeah—!"
When Ji-hyuk made the suggestion, Ganesha jumped on it with glee. From the look in her eyes, it was clear she planned to pair with him and fuck like animals day and night if things went that way.
...Sorry, but no dice.
Ji-hyuk hadn't come here for beastly sex. He'd come to solve the disappearance case. From this point on, focusing on the mission was the right call.
"I'll stick with Gunda. Elizabeth, take good care of Her Majesty."
The princess's faint smile vanished in an instant, replaced by a sour expression. She'd been all geared up to savor Ji-hyuk's cock to her heart's content, only for a bolt from the blue to strike. Still, throwing a tantrum and insisting on pairing with him would just be pathetic.
...No choice but to split.
"So how do we keep in touch?"
Having given up on his dick, the lewd princess switched back to hero mode.
"Meet back here at noon two days from now?"
"Two days? ...Fine. Let's go, you."
The princess spun on her heel without a backward glance, dragging Elizabeth along as she strode off somewhere. Once the women were out of sight, Gunda let out a long sigh.
Ji-hyuk chuckled and shot him a look.
"Must've been rough on you, huh?"
"...Honestly? Yeah, it was awkward as hell. You know how Her Majesty is."
"Still, the eye candy wasn't bad."
"I've already got someone in mind, so..."
"Oh yeah? Lucky girl. Getting affection from a solid hero like you."
"Haha... I dunno."
Gunda gave a wry smile. Ji-hyuk patted his back and said they should get moving too. The two men walked along the bustling streets of the big city. It was still early afternoon, sunlight pouring down brightly. Their boots crunched on the sun-warmed stone pavement as they entered a nearby inn.
The first-floor hall was already rowdy with drunks even in broad daylight. A few glances flicked their way, but interest waned quickly. They weren't pretty girls; no one gave a shit about a couple of rough guys.
Ji-hyuk grabbed a table, finished a quick meal, then called over a server. A young woman hurried up. He slapped a gold coin on the table.
"Buy these fine gentlemen a round. On me—!"
Chaos erupted.
"Fuckin' A, this guy's got balls—!!"
"Must've hit a big score, shit, jealous as hell."
"Sweet!"
"Big spender, love it—!"
The crowd pounded tables and whooped. Gunda stared, baffled at Ji-hyuk's sudden stunt.
"Ji-hyuk?"
Gunda murmured low. Ji-hyuk grinned and nodded for him to just watch. Drinks started making the rounds. Ji-hyuk grabbed one, mingling with the crowd, laughing, chatting, toasting. Gunda sat there like a bump on a log, watching wide-eyed.
Then Ji-hyuk hopped up on a table and beckoned the lone, awkward Gunda over. He shuffled up and perched primly beside him.
"Ah, this guy's my little bro—! Not blood, but we teamed up a while back. ...Hey, say hi to the big bros."
"Uh, h-hi... everyone."
A hairy brute slammed his mug down and eyed Gunda dismissively.
"Fuck, bro's weaker than his big bro. Skinny ass couldn't fuck to save his life."
"No backbone. Tsk tsk."
Ji-hyuk roared with laughter, slapping Gunda's back.
"He's a good kid, go easy."
"Shit, say 'good kid' when you've got nothing else."
Gunda scratched his head like an idiot, chuckling dumbly. Better to play along without screwing up Ji-hyuk's setup—staying mute like a mute seemed safest. Ji-hyuk bantered back and forth, knocking back shots effortlessly. He steered the talk naturally.
"Oh yeah, what's the deal with those heroes?"
"Heroes?"
"Heard some vanished?"
"Oh, that—!"
One drunk clapped and raised a finger, lowering his voice. The group leaned in. Even Gunda perked up.
"Not here—Palahino, know it? City past the canyon."
"Course."
"Couple heroes went poof. Two or three."
"That many? Why?"
"Why ya think? Pissed off the local alley boss."
"What business heroes got with alley bosses?"
The guy waved it off. "Innocent fool. Everything's connected under the table. Money talks."
He made a circle with his fingers.
"Word is, the alley bosses here and there are in a turf war. Don't wanna split the profits. Canyon keeps 'em apart, barely."
"So they dragged heroes into it?"
"Bingo."
Ji-hyuk knew this much already. He asked if there was more. "Eh, they live in a different world from us."
He didn't push. Might raise suspicion. If Palahino had a dick collector, Parisia had the Godfather. Both nuts, but Godfather wasn't the type to toy with heroes on a whim. The rumors pointed to the black elf dick collector, Vüdel. She'd do it, crazy bitch.
...Gotta meet that fucker myself.
Fragmented rumors weren't cutting it. Ji-hyuk said it was fun, bought another round, and left. Gunda hustled after him.
"Heroes vanishing in Palahino... we heading straight there?"
"Nah, more to do here first."
"More?"
Ji-hyuk glanced at him and jerked his head—follow quietly. Gunda trailed like a loyal dog. They hit the plaza. The fountain area teemed with every race imaginable. Gunda, new to Parisia, gawked curiously. Ji-hyuk veered to a corner swarming with beggars. They groveled, pleading for coins. He ignored them, zeroing in on a ragged guy clutching a can in the most remote spot.
This beggar was infamous even among them—a madman. He prostrated as Ji-hyuk approached. But Ji-hyuk knew he wasn't ordinary. The sole direct line to the alley boss, the Godfather. His existence was ultra-secret; only a handful in the back alleys knew. A secret comms network of sorts.
The hero squatted and dropped a gold coin with a clink.
"Th-thank you, sir—..."
The beggar peeked, saw gold—not copper—and froze. No rich guy tossed gold to scum like him.
...He gets what this means.
Ji-hyuk smirked as thoughts raced across the man's face.
"Tell him I want a meet tonight. Got business to discuss."
"...Who should I say?"
The beggar stared hard, memorizing features. Ji-hyuk revealed himself.
"Hero Kang Ji-hyuk."
As red hues smeared the sky like pastel, Ji-hyuk and Gunda entered their room. Gunda dumped his bag and spear, sprawling on the bed. A long sigh escaped. Ji-hyuk flopped down too, staring at the crude ceiling. Spiderwebs dangled everywhere. Gunda rolled around, then bolted up.
"Hey, Ji-hyuk... what was with that beggar?"
"Direct line to the alley boss."
"...So we meeting him?"
"Depends. If he doesn't flake."
Gunda nodded thoughtfully, then ventured, "...You're incredible. I'm lost on where to start, but you've already lined up the boss."
"Everyone's got their strengths. You've got yours."
"...Maybe."
Gunda smiled bitterly. Ji-hyuk sat up too.
"Definitely. You're righteous, diligent. That's huge help for me."
"Haha... thanks."
Ji-hyuk grinned and said rest up. They changed into simple clothes and lay straight. Dusk fell fast. In the dark, they breathed steadily, lost in thought. Muffled moans, raucous shouts, creaking floors, bellows—all mingled in the air. Night deepened.
Ji-hyuk's eyes snapped open at creaking wood. Footsteps halted at the door. His hand crept to the sword sheath by the bed. Gunda stirred too, gripping his spear, eyes locked on the door.
Knock knock.
Gunda lit the candle with flint. Their gazes met, then split. He crept to the door. Ji-hyuk rose, holy sword ready.
"...Who is it?"
A voice from outside: "-From downstairs. Your drink order."
Gazes clashed again. Ji-hyuk shook his head—no order. Gunda: "Didn't order any."
"-Just delivering."
"...What now?"
Obviously Godfather's man. Ji-hyuk nodded. Still, caution. "Check carefully before opening."
Gunda cracked the door slow. A woman with a tray of bottles, server getup. He widened the gap. She entered with "Excuse me."
Perfect server—until she slammed the tray down, bowed to Ji-hyuk.
"Your Excellency, the master awaits."
...Knew it. Ji-hyuk smirked. Gunda speared at her throat—any funny move, she'd get a hole in the skull.
"Guide outside. Master wants you alone."
Gunda stays. Ji-hyuk nodded. As he headed out, Gunda blocked with his body, worried.
"Sure I can't come?"
"No issue."
"...Got it. I'll wait."
Gunda stepped aside. Ji-hyuk exited. Guide as promised—a burly thug pointed to a nearby room.
"Here."
Guards everywhere, ready to pounce. ...Paranoid as always. Godfather was a normie, unlike the dick collector—hence the entourage.
"Sword, please?"
Ji-hyuk handed it over. Door opened. Inside blazed with mana orbs. Across the table stood a sturdy middle-aged man, hands clasped behind. Flanking: a huge orc and a bald elf bitch, glaring murderously.
"Ah, welcome, Hero Kang Ji-hyuk."
The alley boss ruling Parisia's backstreets, Godfather Basil—. Ji-hyuk finally faced the money-mad bastard.