EP.162 Night of the Military Nation
As it is everywhere in the world, abandoned buildings are perfect spaces for outlaws to gather. Unmanaged buildings and unaccepted people leaned on each other to fill their deficiencies.
Today as well, the predators of the urban jungle were calculating their spoils in the neglected abandoned building.
Number 2 grinned as he looked at the small glass bottle filled with golden powder.
“Hehe. This is a massive haul. Good job, Number 1.”
The bottle wasn't large. It was a tiny glass bottle where your index finger would hit the bottom before fully inserting it.
However, precious things often prove their value through their small size.
For something to require its own bottle for such a meager amount meant, conversely, that the contents inside were that important.
“This is a spice. It's at least a Level 2 luxury good, and depending on the type, it can go up to Level 4. Level 0 lower-class citizens aren't allowed to have it, nor can they possess it. It's better for us to use it for something more meaningful.”
Number 1, who actually stole the item, had a half-doubting expression.
“It's just powder, is it really that expensive?”
“Did you really not know? Then why did you snatch 'just powder'?”
“Just because. He was holding it so preciously, so I beat him up and took it.”
“Sigh. It's a miracle that a brain-dead bastard like you managed to snatch this intact.”
“What did you call me, you bastard?”
Ignoring the bristling Number 1, Number 2 continued.
“I'm from the 'Market', so I know. It is expensive. I need to check its exact value, but if we're lucky, we might be able to buy a motor carriage. A luxury good that you consume and disappears into your body. In the Military Nation, things like this sell for a high price.”
“Are you calling me brain-dead? I wonder how brainless a bastard must be to get beaten up by a brain-dead bastard?”
“No, man. Are you still picking a fight over what happened before?”
“You just said it now!”
Number 3, who had been quietly watching Number 1 and Number 2 bicker, suddenly spoke.
“What about the risk of being tracked?”
Number 1 declared confidently.
“None. I actually checked periodically, and there was no one.”
Number 3 didn't seem reassured by Number 1's words and spoke seriously.
“Still, be careful. Our tails might have been stepped on.”
“Pah. Who's going to track us just because a Level 0 citizen got beaten up a little? Even if a Level 0 citizen reports it, it won't even be accepted. I'm saying there's no risk even if we rob them with peace of mind.”
“That's exactly why I'm saying this. If it were the police, they'd storm in openly. But if there's a backer involved, they'll take thorough revenge.”
Number 1 waved his hand, telling him not to speak nonsense, but Number 3 didn't let it slide. At his strict attitude, Number 1 clicked his tongue and muttered.
“That paranoid bastard is at it again.”
Normally, Number 3 would have retorted, but for some reason, today he didn't reply, lost in thought.
“There's no way a Level 0 could obtain spices. Someone must have given it to him. There might be another backer.”
“So what if there's a backer? Compared to Him, they're nothing, right?”
Number 1 giggled, and Number 3 didn't deny those words either.
The new wind that blew into this back alley was a storm with the power to shake the old order. A true darkness that would sweep away the miscellaneous filth. The shadow cast over the Military Nation.
With His power, those hiding under the oppression of the Military Nation might be able to breathe again.
Therefore, they couldn't be afraid of a mere Level 0 citizen's backer.
Because it would be disrespectful to Him.
“A back alley backer is just a wild dog. Compared to Him, a strong man who sneers even at generals and is rumored to have escaped from Tantalos... they're merely rabble.”
Number 1 said proudly. He acted as if following him was a stroke of luck, or the greatest honor of his life.
Number 3 sighed and awkwardly got up from his seat.
“...Alright. If we're done organizing, I'll go to the restroom for a bit.”
Number 1 shouted at the retreating Number 3.
“Take a dump as far away as possible! We can't report to Him that you were caught urinating in public near the base!”
“Do I look like a retard who can't stop midway?”
“True, if it doesn't come out, it doesn't. You'd be able to stop.”
“You bastard...”
Perhaps his business was urgent, Number 3 left in a hurry without saying anything else. Number 1 and Number 2 giggled and popped open their lukewarm beer.
Level 1 luxury good, compressed beer.
It was heavily compressed and strong, sold in a lukewarm state, making it unfit for human consumption without ice, but it was the only alcohol ordinary people could get their hands on.
There was no choice. Unless they had firmly seized power in the back alleys, they had no choice but to wet their throats with this terrible beer for now.
Number 2 mixed water into his beer glass and muttered.
“You've got to give it to that bastard's bladder. His bladder level is Level 0, I'm telling you...”
“I bet. Galen, no, Number 3 will be dragged away for public urination before any other crime.”
“Then that would be a relief. The military police won't even give him time to pull up his pants. If he gets attacked like that, he won't be able to say anything anywhere...”
Thump.
The two, who had been viciously biting and tearing into someone who wasn't here as a side dish, simultaneously shut their mouths at the sound coming from downstairs. They held their breath and listened for a moment, but no further presence could be heard after that noise.
Number 2, with a frown, said.
“Number 3, is that you? Don't tell me you're taking a dump right downstairs? I told you to do it far away because of the smell!”
There was no answer. Number 2 awkwardly got up and headed to the edge of the abandoned building.
In a building where the walls hadn't been built yet, at the edge where a slight misstep could send one falling straight down five stories, Number 2 stuck only his head out and inspected the floor below.
“What? There's no one downstairs. Was it the wind?”
At Number 2's precarious figure sticking his head out from the edge, Number 1 pointed out worriedly.
“Hey, Milsen. Isn't that dangerous? You look like you'll fall.”
“Bastard, stop being a coward. Did Galen's worry rub off on you too? What's dangerous about this?”
“You drank beer. What if you slip?”
“I really wonder how cowardly bastards like you even join an organization. If you're a retard who gets drunk off one glass of beer, you should just fall and die. Nagging like you're my mother...”
To ignore a mother's nagging.
To Number 2, who didn't know any better, I also offered my sincere advice.
“You should listen to your mother's nagging. It's all advice that becomes your flesh and blood.”
“Huh?”
The moment Number 2 asked back dumbly, I punished the unfilial child. The wire hanging from a hook spun taut and wrapped around his neck.
Holding the other end of the wire, I muttered.
“For the crime of ignoring nagging, the sentence is umbilical cord hanging.”
“Keuk!”
Right after, his body, choked by the wire, was dragged staggeringly toward the edge. The panicked Number 1 desperately grabbed Number 2's legs.
Thanks to that, Number 2 ended up being pulled from both sides, strangling his neck.
Leaving Number 2 gasping for air, Number 1 shouted.
“Who are you!”
“I am a sad and hungry man who lost his dinner. I have come to avenge my unborn dinner.”
While Number 1 moved away from the stairs, I trudged up the steps.
Phew, plan success.
Since I'm a normal human and can't fly, it would have been really troublesome if they were guarding the stairs. I'm just thankful they cleared the way on their own.
Number 1 belatedly noticed my appearance and said.
“You bastard! What did you do to Number 3?”
“The man with the small bladder is covering the wall he dirtied with his own body. In my opinion, his appearance looks dirtier than the contents of his bladder... Ugh, just imagining it makes me feel bad again. Let's fight a bit. Wait, let me catch my breath for a second.”
Setting up base on the 5th floor was worse than committing the crime. It took me a while to climb up, you know. If you're a human living with your feet on the ground, please stick to using the 1st floor.
“Who are you? Who sent you?”
“The world sent me. Anyway, do you still beat people up endlessly these days? Aren't you afraid of the solemn judgment of the Military Nation's penal code?”
As I strode closer, Number 1 looked desperately at Number 2, who was gasping and choking. If he let go, Number 2 seemed like he would fall five stories down while still being strangled.
‘There's no choice. If I get attacked in this state, we're both done. It's better to just let go. One of us has to survive!’
Having made a firm resolution, Number 1 squeezed his eyes shut and let go of his hands.
Number 2, his eyes wide open in betrayal, reached out in vain, but the hands had already left. The pulled body of Number 2 hung precariously at the very edge before dropping out of sight with a thud.
I admired it.
“Wow. He let go just like that. I thought he'd hold on a bit longer.”
“You son of a bitch...! You killed Number 2!”
“No. You're the one who let go.”
I don't just kill people like this. Number 2 is probably floundering in the wire net I made on the floor below. The sense of betrayal towards you? Well? He might feel it?
However, not knowing that, Number 1 got fully riled up and pulled out a sharply honed knife from his pocket.
“Are you alone?”
“I've been lonely lately.”
I replied, slightly lifting my magic hat. Number 1 tightly gripped his knife and checked for presences.
‘The only presence is that guy. He doesn't look that strong. If he were a strong one to begin with, he would have stormed in from the start instead of ambushing and taking us out one by one.’
Number 1's prediction is correct.
I am a normal petty thief. A perfectly normal person who gets wary if there are two opponents, runs away if there are three, and feels pain if stabbed by a knife.
That's why I have to do my best even when dealing with such rabble.
‘He was probably planning to ambush me while I was holding Number 2. But he's wrong. We are already prepared. Number 2 will understand too.’
He doesn't. He's actually quite resentful.
Having sorted out his feelings on his own, Number 1 glared at me with burning eyes.
“I'll avenge Number 2 and Number 3, you bastard!”
Number 1 raised his knife and charged right in.
I don't really want a frontal fight. If they're strong, that's a problem in its own way; if they're weak, that's a problem in its own way. I want to avoid them tripping over their own feet and accidentally stabbing me while we fight.
So.
“Ta-da.”
I took out the card I had hidden.
The 6 of Diamonds, a card with six rhombuses arranged in a circle.
‘A card? What's he going to do with that!’
To the outside eye, it's a normal card.
But its true identity is the alchemical gear I spent my entire fortune to make. One alchemical circle per card, sometimes even two, the pinnacle of squandering money.
Transmuting the card via the bio-terminal. Instantly, the card unraveled and revealed its true form.
Its true identity was a small revolver that fit perfectly in the palm of my hand.
Number 1's eyes widened.
‘Ah, a gun?!’
Yeah, a gun.
Bang.
The silenced bullet struck his ankle hard. A large hole appeared in his ankle.
It lacked the power to penetrate, but a bullet fired from such close range was enough to stop an ordinary thug.
“Keuk!”
It's just a gun. Humans don't die immediately from being shot. If he had endured the pain and stepped forward, if he had lunged at me in that state, Number 1 might have won.
But just as I was a petty thief, Number 1 was also a worthless existence.
Unable to withstand the pain, Number 1 slipped on the ground, losing his balance. After turning the revolver back into a card, I picked up a skewer and sat on top of him.
Having easily subdued Number 1, I spoke leisurely.
“Friends. If you don't want to cultivate any more friendship with me, let's compromise slowly. If you just hand over the spice, I can let this end here.”
“Keuk! Bullshit...!”
Number 1, pinned beneath me, struggled without losing a bit of his fighting spirit.
Almost knocked over by his vigorous thrashing, I had no choice but to stab his shoulder with the skewer.
“Aaaaaaaagh!”
With something piercing his body, Number 1 became much more docile. Instead of throwing a bigger fit, he clenched his teeth and shouted.
“Do you know who we are? We are the 'Shadow' of the Military Nation! If you kill me, He won't leave you alone!”
He? Who is He again? And what kind of organization is Shadow? Why did all these weird things enter the back alley with no food while I was gone?
Well, that's outside my interest for now.
Because that's not what's important right now.
“Whatever. Where's the spice? That's quite a precious item, so I'd like it returned.”
“Ha!”
Perhaps not fully grasping the current situation, Number 1 bluffed to the max even while pinned down.
“The spice? Hmph. It's in my stomach. Slice my belly open and take it out!”
He's lying. He had hidden the spice in his inner pocket.
I could just search his clothes and take it, but I was curious about the source of his baseless bluff, so I asked.
“You shouldn't say things like that so lightly, friend. What if I really slice your belly open?”
“Ha! Try it! Do you even have the guts to do it?”
Because that confident remark was unexpectedly sincere, I kept my mouth shut.
While I was silent, Number 1 spoke triumphantly.
“What, are you scared? We're all prepared to die. Would we commit robbery in the Military Nation without that level of resolve?”
That was true.
If caught committing robbery in the Military Nation, it's at least 15 years of forced labor. Depending on the number of people attacked or the nature of the crime, it could even be an immediate execution.
If they were to wash their hands of it and go into hiding now, there might still be a chance to survive, but...
“If our fate is to labor until we die anyway, and eventually just die! Then we'll at least live flashily before we go! For Him who will fulfill our wishes, we are prepared to die, and prepared to kill!”
I understand. As a mind reader, I understood his hope and desire.
‘I am a lower-class citizen of this country with no dreams or hope. Only He can change this fate! He will overthrow the Military Nation and rule the underworld! Then, as His follower, I can change my life too...!’
The Military Nation, a country where the state steps forward and takes everything, has no dreams, no hope, no romance, and no luxury. They just slowly wear away in their repetitive daily lives.
The future shown by a country where everything is controlled is such a firm and controlled gray. Those with romance simply wither and die.
However.
“My friend. You shouldn't say you're prepared to die so lightly. Especially not in front of me.”
Since no living person has ever experienced death, we don't know if their resolve to die is true or false.
Even if they are sincere right now, there are plenty of cases where people pathetically thrash around right before they die.
But those who claim to be prepared to die wield that resolve like a weapon and kill others. As if they could pay for those sins with their own death.
Without proving they have the ability to pay it back, they just keep creating sins.
So, if there's someone who says they're prepared to die. At least if their belief in their own resolve is true.
You have to test it.
I spoke leisurely.
“Actually, the nickname of that spice is Sprinkled Gold Dust. It's made by picking and drying only the pistils of a flower occasionally found on the southeastern coast, a top-tier spice where a handful of powder can buy a plot of land. Since it's an edible luxury, it can fetch a very high price even in the Military Nation.”
“Haha! How unfortunate! Something so amazing will become my shit!”
‘He looked unusual for some reason...! Good, even if I get deceived by this guy, or even if it gets taken, if I report it to Him! It will help His grand endeavor...!’
“But ta-da. The spice was right here.”
I shook the bottle full of golden-glowing powder right in front of his eyes. His eyes instantly filled with bewilderment.
‘I definitely put it in my inner pocket. How did he know?’
“I'm a magician. I can take things out of a box without even touching them. Although this time, the box was your gut.”
I obviously read his mind and pickpocketed it, but I spoke as if I had really taken it out of his stomach.
“You know? The flower that is the source of this spice is a poisonous plant that can kill you if eaten incorrectly. The pistil is the part with the least toxins and a unique scent, but this spice made by drying and compressing it... if you eat too much, it becomes a poison that kills people.”
‘What? Poison...?’
“Actually, there would have been even more people who died to claim this spice before that. So since the old days, this spice has been compared to human lives.”
So his claim that he ate all the spice had to be a lie...
Though it might not be a lie anymore.
“As you said, I have neither the resolve to die nor the resolve to kill. Someone without resolve probably doesn't deserve to have a spice as precious as a human life.”
Spitting out a sigh, I grabbed his hair and yanked his head up. Through his slightly parted lips, I inserted the card rolled into a circle.
A mouth that wouldn't close. While Number 1 panicked, I grabbed the spice bottle with two fingers. The puzzlement in Number 1's eyes gradually turned to terror.
“Sorry for taking it out arbitrarily. I'll put it back.”
It's okay. Because glass bottles are sturdy.
If he's lucky, he might just survive.