Chapter 137
Translator: uly
Chapter: 137
Chapter Title: Noodle Tour (2)
[Heavenly Demon. Are you aware of the Michelin Guide, known as the bible of gourmets?]
“I don’t know it.”
[Places awarded three stars there are restaurants so exceptional that the food is worth traveling for.]
“Are we going to one of those?”
Nameless gave an unexpected reply.
[Of course not. I’m merely borrowing the gourmets’ expression. That some restaurants are worth the journey for delicious food.]
The Heavenly Demon, gripping the steering wheel, was dumbfounded.
“You sometimes spout utter nonsense like a madman.”
If his subordinates had seen this, they would have leaped in shock.
The Heavenly Demon, the supreme figure of the world who showed interest in nothing, casually scolding someone with a relaxed expression?
Had the Heavenly Demon displayed such human traits, the history of the martial world would have shifted dramatically.
The quiet country road turned into an endless series of mountain passes.
Downshifting two gears, the Heavenly Demon leisurely pressed the accelerator, navigating the winding path.
“Hmm.”
The scenery beyond the window was stunning.
Rolling down the window, a pleasant breeze brushed his cheek.
The trees, painted in vibrant autumn colors, formed a living painting, and a fragrant aroma wafted in, like freshly chopped dried herbs.
[How is it?]
“What do you mean?”
Nameless spoke in a pleased tone.
[This world has a hobby called driving—a drive. Racing through beautiful landscapes to relieve pent-up emotions.]
Nameless had plotted a route through scenic outskirts to another city, ensuring the Heavenly Demon wouldn’t grow bored.
To introduce him to yet another pleasure: driving.
“Hmph.”
The Heavenly Demon snorted, but his expression wasn’t displeased.
Perhaps, thanks to Nameless’s consideration, he was enjoying the refreshing breeze as he crossed the mountain path.
Gwang산 Myeonok.
A famous Hamheung cold noodle spot nestled at the base of the mountain.
Its exterior resembled a traditional wooden bucket, and business must have been booming— the parking lot was packed.
Parking the Lamas and walking toward the entrance, the Heavenly Demon frowned.
“Even gods can’t eradicate poverty, it seems.”
Nameless tilted its head at the Heavenly Demon’s mutter.
[I don’t follow.]
“Where do you keep your eyes, you fool?”
Frowning, the Heavenly Demon slipped into the bucket-shaped Gwang산 Myeonok building.
Nameless couldn’t comprehend it but let it slide.
[Now, for today’s final stop.]
After enjoying flounder sashimi cold noodles at the Hamheung cold noodle house, the Heavenly Demon emerged, and Nameless spread its arms wide.
[The last knife-cut noodle spot is in the Shield Boundary Zone where you reside, Heavenly Demon.]
The Heavenly Demon, stepping out, half-listened while surveying the surroundings.
Undeterred, Nameless pointed to the vehicle.
[Let’s hurry before it’s too late. It closes before 8 p.m.]
Climbing into the Lamas and starting the engine once more, the Heavenly Demon set off.
The return trip was even slower.
Nameless had deliberately routed through nearby landmarks, using breaks to explore.
Guessing Nameless’s intent, but with a full belly, the Heavenly Demon followed without complaint.
[Here we are.]
After twisting through the mountain roads, the Lamas entered the multi-family housing complex in the Shield Boundary Zone.
The sun had set, painting the sky red, with streetlights flickering on along the road.
Following Nameless’s guidance, he parked. Beneath a sign reading “Knife-Cut Noodles,” a shabby snack bar puffed with steam.
“Slurp.”
Seated at a worn table, the Heavenly Demon savored hand-pulled knife-cut noodles in rich anchovy broth.
The chewy noodles required thorough chewing before swallowing.
“Urk.”
Having devoured three bowls, the Heavenly Demon stepped outside.
This Ha-eoreum Knife-Cut Noodle House was renowned, yet his face was scrunched.
[Not to your taste?]
“Far from it. Quite good.”
“Quite good” was the Heavenly Demon’s term for something truly delicious.
Knowing this, Nameless beamed, arms outstretched.
[Glad to hear it.]
Rolling toward the parked Lamas, Nameless chirped energetically.
[Next Sunday’s noodle tour is set: buckwheat noodles, pocha-style banquet noodles, and pasta. That’ll conclude the grand noodle tour for you, Heavenly Demon.]
But the Heavenly Demon staring at the vehicle had furrowed brows. Noticing, Nameless looked worried.
[Shall we skip noodles next week for something else?]
Even then, the Heavenly Demon’s gaze stayed fixed on the vehicle’s roof.
“Not human, are you?”
[Pardon?]
“Have you been following me since morning?”
Nameless followed his gaze, scanning frantically. No sign of anyone.
[Heavenly Demon, who are you talking to?]
“The thing on my vehicle.”
Nameless peered at the Lamas again.
Just a housefly on the roof—nothing else.
[The fly?]
“Idiot. You can’t see it?”
Sensing something off, Nameless’s head whirred.
Round sensors popped out in a tut-tut-tuk: temperature, infrared, chemical, motion detectors—all activated.
[Whoooaa!]
Finally activating sonar and radar simultaneously, Nameless jolted.
A girl in ragged clothes perched on the roof.
[Heavenly Demon! A ghost! Ghost!]
“......”
Leaping onto the Heavenly Demon’s face and clinging, Nameless yelled.
[Look! See! Doesn’t that eerie figure register to you?]
The Heavenly Demon, versed in demonic arts and myriad spirits, found the prattling metal lump shoving pale eye-sensors in his face far creepier.
“Quiet down. Noisy.”
[Yes. Yes.]
Yet Nameless remained wrapped around the Heavenly Demon’s head.
“Why follow me?”
Arms crossed, the Heavenly Demon addressed the crouching girl on the Lamas.
No response.
“Body’s transparent, ears too?”
As the silent girl stared, the Heavenly Demon irritably flicked his hand.
Whoosh.
A fierce gust from his palm swept the roof.
A faint shadow gradually materialized where nothing had been.
[Skill? Invisibility skill?]
The shadow was a tiny girl, seemingly seven or eight.
Clad in filthy sackcloth with disheveled black hair, she resembled an abandoned kitten.
[An awakener. And so young...]
Spotting her wary eyes, Nameless chattered amiably.
[Hello? I’m Nameless. I faithfully serve the Heavenly Demon...]
“Don’t cling to my vehicle. Go elsewhere.”
At the Heavenly Demon’s curt words, the girl turned away coldly, avoiding his gaze.
“One warning only.”
Ignoring him, she squeezed her eyes shut.
“Bold little one.”
Irritated, the Heavenly Demon cracked his knuckles. Nameless spread its arms.
[Hea, Heavenly Demon. She’s just a child.]
“So?”
His eyes igniting, he seemed poised to strike like lightning.
Nameless spun urgently toward the girl.
[How about stepping down first?]
She turned away primly again. A breeze tousled her hair.
Nameless’s eye-sensors widened.
[Uh... no way...]
Between fluttering locks protruded a tiny blue horn—more like a cute hairpin than a horn.
[Goblin! It’s a goblin!]
The Heavenly Demon furrowed his brows at Nameless’s shout.
“Goblin?”
[Yes. A high-grade yokai, simply put...]
“Why’s a yokai stuck to my vehicle?”
[I don’t know. Ah, perhaps?]
Nameless trailed off, glancing at the Heavenly Demon.
“Speak.”
[...This young girl tailing you might be drawn to your fierce, adult-goblin-like rugged looks.]
“Goblin or not, irrelevant. Get down. Or else...”
As he flexed his hand again, Nameless leaped onto the roof.
[Little miss. Please come down. This vehicle is the Heavenly Demon’s treasure.]
Staring at Nameless’s gleaming eyes, the girl finally spoke.
“Hungry.”
[Pardon?]
She glared reproachfully at the Heavenly Demon—like a starving pup resenting its owner for feasting all day.
“What? Why that look?”
Bewildered, the Heavenly Demon prompted her repeat.
“Me, hungry.”
[Hmm.]
Nameless hummed, whispering to the Heavenly Demon.
[Heavenly Demon, how about a bowl of rice?]
“No.”
Sighing at the icy refusal, Nameless foresaw violence if talks dragged.
It couldn’t bear watching the Heavenly Demon harm this child.
Resolving the standoff fell to Nameless.
[Sorry. Unfortunately, the Heavenly Demon insists on celibacy and earns poorly.]
To defuse, Nameless blabbered to the goblin girl.
[See this car? A century-old junker. And he’s a day-laborer scraping by. Lives in barren Shield Boundary Zone where monsters lurk...]
Glancing back, Nameless met the Heavenly Demon’s blazing glare.
[Don’t take offense, Heavenly Demon. This is just negotiation to dodge feeding her...]
“Hmph.”
Snorting, the Heavenly Demon opened the driver’s door and entered.
[Hea, Heavenly Demon. Abandoning me too?]
“Nonsense.”
Window down, he pointed at the darkened noodle shop.
“Even if I wanted to feed her, it’s closed.”
[Oh, already that late.]
“Find a nearby all-nighter for the brat. And a way to send her packing.”
Opening the passenger door with a flick, he scowled.
The Lamas sped along the Variable Dungeon boundary’s twisting roads, Heavenly Demon driving.
In the passenger seat, the girl cradled Nameless naturally, eyes closed blissfully against the cool night breeze.
[Sorry, Heavenly Demon. Only Mom’s Home-Cooked Meals stays open late here.]
At Nameless’s words from the girl’s arms, the Heavenly Demon reluctantly turned the wheel.
Auntie at Mom’s Home-Cooked Meals, finishing cleanup after dinner rush.
Hearing the bell, she smiled warmly at regular Heavenly Demon.
“Oh my, Uncle. Late today.”
Apologetic amid dishwashing:
“What to do? We’re closed.”
“No choice.”
Waving off the following goblin girl:
“Go back. Closed here too.”
“Oh, so cute!”
Eyes widening at the disheveled girl hugging a white nanobot:
“Daughter?”
“Daughter?”
“Not daughter?”
Pondering “daughter,” the Heavenly Demon grasped it.
“No, just a goblin.”
“Huh?”
[Hahaha. Nickname. Nickname.]
Nameless, in the girl’s arms, twinkled.
“Whoa, startled me. Real nanobot?”
Stunned by the egg-shaped robot chattering, Auntie patted her chest.
“What? You’re an awakener too, Uncle?”
[No, just designed like one. I’m a guide robot. Heavenly Demon’s foreign.]
Auntie gaped at Nameless’s smooth lies.
“Those robots cost a house. You’re loaded.”
Spotting the barefoot girl’s rags:
“Uncle, why no shoes? Clothes so filthy?”
“I...”
‘Tried charity on goblin kid once,’ he began.
“Hungry.”
The girl timed perfectly.
“Poor thing, starving.”
Auntie grinned, heading to the kitchen.
“No helping it. Sit. I’ll whip up a spread quick.”
Ten bowls.
The girl polished off exactly ten rice bowls. Side dishes nearly depleted.
Dishwashing Auntie gawked at the tiny eater.
“How’s that little body hold ten bowls?”
Nameless fidgeted awkwardly.
[Fa, famous big eater. Aspires to food fighter... haha.]
“Huh?”
Auntie eyed Heavenly Demon and girl puzzled.
Girl: dirty hair and clothes, but refined features, clear eyes, haughty air—not ordinary.
Heavenly Demon: forehead lump-like scowl, annoyed. Yet kept saying “one more bowl” as rice vanished.
‘Odd pair.’
Auntie shook her head.
Regular Heavenly Demon: unusual looks, strange speech. Now nanobot companion and extraordinary girl too.
‘Daughter after all?’
Kim Bun-ok eyed the small girl across from Heavenly Demon.
No resemblance in looks, but aura felt father-daughterish.
‘Wife ran off?’
Washing remnants, Auntie偷瞥ed them like a morning drama.