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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: JayM
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A quiet inn.
Jeong Yoo-shin was sitting alone on a counter stool.
Tarman and Anne had left the city for a while, and Karin hadn’t returned from the temple yet.
He rested his chin on his hand and gazed at the street visible through the window.
The night street was a mix of people and monster-people. It looked like the Eastern District.
Clang.
The inn door opened.
Thud. Thud.
An elf with an eyepatch on one eye slowly walked in.
A decadent impression.
The smell of monster blood that wafted strongly from his dirty work clothes.
Aldein.
The chief of the monster dismantlers.
Jeong Yoo-shin stood up and gave a slight nod.
“You’re here.”
“Yeah.”
Behind Aldein, Snout and a few of his subordinates entered and stood behind him.
Aldein approached Jeong Yoo-shin and sat across from him at the counter.
A dim inn light flickered above the two men.
Jeong Yoo-shin took a bottle and two glasses from the cupboard and set them down.
“Dwarf liquor?”
“Yes.”
Jeong Yoo-shin picked up the bottle and filled the glass in front of Aldein.
Aldein stared at the drink for a moment, then downed it.
“A really nasty fellow has shown up.”
“You mean that Saul guy?”
“That’s right.”
“What kind of person is he? Snout didn’t seem to know much about him.”
At Jeong Yoo-shin’s words, Snout, who was standing behind them, scratched the back of his head with an embarrassed expression.
“He’s an old snake. It’s understandable that Snout wouldn’t know of him.”
The word “old” coming from an elf’s mouth…
That meant that Saul was clearly no ordinary man.
Aldein fiddled with his eyepatch.
“Skar, how much do you know about the Eastern District?”
“I know that it’s divided into three factions: moderate, neutral, and hardline.”
The moderates were a faction that dreamed of coexisting with the residents of Labyrinth City.
Astaroth, who worked under Lilith, was a moderate.
Vivian, the leader of the Night of Death clan, and the Arachne Tailoring Guild also belonged to the moderate faction.
The neutrals were those who acted based on their own interests, without regard for good or evil.
For example, Oswald, who ran the circus.
As for the hardliners, he hadn’t seen any, except for the monster-people that had invaded during the summer festival.
“That’s right. Which side do you think Saul is on?”
“The hardliners?”
“No.”
“He’s probably not a moderate. So he’s neutral.”
“Correct.”
Aldein held out his glass, and Jeong Yoo-shin refilled it.
“Saul has orchestrated several major illegal deals in the Eastern District’s gambling dens, taverns, and black market. He’s a skilled operator.”
“…”
Jeong Yoo-shin filled his own glass and took a sip.
“He has a few subordinates, but no clan. He’s survived in the underworld for a long time without forming a large group. He doesn’t usually reveal himself, but it seems like he’s finally poked his head out of his swamp. He must be desperate.”
“He tried to recruit me.”
“Snout told me. So what did you do?”
“I called him ‘Boss,’ and he got fed up.”
Aldein chuckled, his shoulders shaking.
“Heh heh. A person like you isn’t the type to be under anyone.”
Jeong Yoo-shin glared at the laughing Aldein.
The latter’s laughter died down, and he continued.
“He’s a secretive man. Little is known about him or his subordinates. They change frequently. So you should be prepared. Do you need my men?”
Jeong Yoo-shin thought for a moment, then shook his head.
“It’s fine. Too many people would just be a hassle.”
“Saul is a strange man.”
“In what way?”
“He was originally an elf.”
“He looked human.”
“He obtained the Humanization imprint in the labyrinth.”
“…”
Jeong Yoo-shin closed his mouth.
He had joked about the Humanization imprint in front of Saul, but it was actually a real imprint.
There were all sorts of imprints in this world.
So was that why Aldein had used the word “old” to describe him?
He understood now.
“As I said, Saul is like a snake. The fact that he came to you means one thing. He’s finished his investigation and is now deciding whether to kill you or use you as a puppet.”
“I see.”
Jeong Yoo-shin replied while nodding his head.
“Just wait for now. If I get more information, I’ll let you know through Snout. You said you needed some men to help run the inn, right? I’ll send a few over tomorrow.”
“Alright. Safe travels.”
“Be careful. See you later.”
Aldein left the inn with his subordinates.
After a short wait, Karin returned.
Lin was perched on her shoulder, and Delia’s ‘personality’ was wriggling in a leather pouch on her shoulder.
“I’m back. Skar? You look strange. Is something wrong?”
“Sit down.”
Jeong Yoo-shin sat Karin down and explained about Saul.
Karin’s face hardened after hearing the whole story.
“I’m coming with you.”
Jeong Yoo-shin shook his head.
“I’ll handle it. And you have to protect our remaining party members. Saul might try something with them. Lin and Delia are guests at the inn, after all.”
“Still!”
“Please.”
Karin bit her lip at Jeong Yoo-shin’s plea.
“Ugh! Fine.”
Karin sighed, then blushed.
She stood up, took off her pants, and stood there in her underwear.
“What?”
Karin quickly took off her leopard-print panties and held them out.
“Take it.”
After a moment of hesitation, Karin forcibly placed the leopard-print panties in Jeong Yoo-shin’s hand.
The thin waistband and small leopard-print fabric were warm from Karin’s body heat.
Even without bringing it close to his nose, a strong, musky female scent emanated from the warm panties.
Karin, her face crimson, quickly put her leather pants back on.
Jeong Yoo-shin looked at her, dazed.
“Hey. Why are you giving me your panties?”
“It’s a good luck charm.”
“…Is this a Red Wolf Tribe tradition or something?”
“No. Do you think we have such a perverted tradition?”
“You squirted pee on me last time.”
“I-It wasn’t pee! Anyway, it’s not a perverted tradition, so just take my panties. I got an imprint this time…”
Jeong Yoo-shin’s mouth dropped open as he listened to Karin’s explanation.
“That’s crazy. You got such an indecent imprint?”
Karin’s face turned even redder.
“I-It couldn’t be helped. But I’m glad. It’s better for me to be a little embarrassed than for you to be in danger.”
Jeong Yoo-shin fiddled with Karin’s panties, then unfolded them.
The inside of the warm panties was slightly damp with a sticky, transparent fluid.
“D-Don’t look!”
Karin blushed and clung to Jeong Yoo-shin.
“Uh… Sorry.”
Jeong Yoo-shin quickly apologized and scratched his head.
“By the way, do I have to wear this for ‘that imprint’ to activate?”
“N-Not at all. You can wear it if you like though.”
Jeong Yoo-shin frowned.
“Karin, are you a pervert? Why would I wear panties soaked in your fluids?”
“It’s not my fluids! I-It’s just a little sweat from the heat!”
Karin snapped, flustered.
Jeong Yoo-shin neatly folded Karin’s leopard-print panties and put them in his back pocket.
“Thank you.”
Karin fanned her face with her hand.
“A-Anyway! Don’t think I’ll just stand by. If you’re in danger, I’ll come and save you.”
Jeong Yoo-shin grinned and stroked Karin’s hair.
“Don’t worry.”
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Three days passed.
Snout came to the inn and brought information about Saul.
Jeong Yoo-shin put his head together with Snout and came up with several plans before discarding them.
His opponent already knew about him.
It was safe to assume that the man already knew about his Sacred Weapon and Revenger imprints.
He would have countermeasures for them.
Was he planning to seal his mana or kill him in one blow?
Saul’s base was a death trap.
There was no reason to walk into the lion’s den.
But if he didn’t go, Saul would send his men here instead.
There was only one good plan in this situation. It was similar, but a little different.
Jeong Yoo-shin smiled.
Late in the evening…
Jeong Yoo-shin left the inn as he was seen off by Karin, Snout, and Aldein’s new subordinates.
He immediately went to the Eastern District and stopped by Vivian’s magic shop. He was able to find it easily thanks to Karin’s detailed directions.
“Little barbarian, we meet again. What can I do for you?”
Vivian, who was wearing an elegant dress, sat leisurely at the counter.
“I’m here to see if you have anything useful for me.”
“Is there anything specific you’re looking for?”
“I’ll just browse for now.”
Jeong Yoo-shin looked around the shop.
There were strange magical ingredients, like earthworms and insects.
And lewd items, like pink handcuffs, whips of unknown purpose, and even wriggling slime and tentacle dildos.
There were also strange magic tools and scrolls sealed with various colored wax.
Jeong Yoo-shin was rummaging through the magic tools when he found a particular scroll.
A scroll sealed with black wax. It looked different from the others.
Vivian frowned as Jeong Yoo-shin brought the black scroll to the counter.
“Hmm? Why is this here? This shouldn’t be here. Little barbarian, that’s an expensive item.”
“What is it?”
“A magic scroll that creates a barrier.”
A barrier?
Jeong Yoo-shin tilted his head.
“Please explain in more detail.”
“It’s exactly as it sounds. When you tear the scroll, a circular barrier is created for about 30 minutes, cutting you off from the outside. It’s high-level magic, so it shouldn’t be here. Should I have a word with the shopkeeper?”
Jeong Yoo-shin ignored Vivian’s muttering. It wasn’t important.
“How much is it?”
“I’ll sell it to you for 100 gold coins.”
Jeong Yoo-shin thought for a moment before buying the scroll.
If Saul sealed his magic, wouldn’t he still be able to use a scroll?
It was worth a shot.
“I like this scroll. You said you’d give me a discount last time, right? Let’s make it 30 gold coins.”
“…Little one, you’re asking for too much. This kind of magic scroll is worth well over 300 gold coins.”
“But you said you’d give me a discount.”
“Isn’t 100 gold coins a discount?”
Jeong Yoo-shin stared at Vivian silently.
Vivian sighed deeply.
“Sigh. Alright. You saved my clan members, so I guess I have to. No discount next time, okay?”
“Thank you.”
He took out the gold coins from his pocket and paid.
Vivian put the gold coins in the counter and rested her chin on her hand.
“Be careful. It seems like Saul is plotting something in his base.”
How did she know?
Vivian, reading his expression, smiled gently.
“There are ways. Are you curious?”
“No. I’m good. But is it alright for you to tell me that?”
“It’s my choice.”
Vivian smiled faintly and waved her hand. A clear dismissal. Jeong Yoo-shin bowed and left the shop.
Jeong Yoo-shin left the alley and walked down the Eastern District street.
All preparations were complete.
He had already confirmed Saul’s location, as Aldein had already told him where it was.
A gambling den.
But he didn’t head there.
Instead, he went to the tavern Saul ran.
He walked for a long time while passing through the entertainment district, and arrived at a tavern on a dark street.
‘This is it.’
He looked up and read the tavern sign.
The Bucktooth’s Rest.
Saul’s tavern was a strange-looking, three-story wooden building.
A sleazy-looking man standing at the entrance rubbed his hands together.
“Customer, what can I do for you?”
“What do you think? I’m here for a drink. And to look at some of your merchandise.”
“Oh! You’re here for the auction? Of course.”
Jeong Yoo-shin followed the man into the tavern.
The wide, circular tavern was filled with people drinking. On one side, people were playing a card game he had never seen before.
Jeong Yoo-shin sat down at an empty seat on the first floor, flagged down a waiter, and ordered a drink.
“Two silver coins, sir.”
“Put it on my tab.”
“Ah, yes, sir.”
The waiter was about to refuse, but he stopped. He could tell just by looking at the man’s eyes that he was no ordinary person.
His years of experience in the tavern told him that it was best not to mess with him. The waiter decided to report to his superior and quietly brought the drink.
Jeong Yoo-shin sipped his drink and stared blankly at the stage.
On the stage, women in transparent clothes that revealed their breasts and vaginas were dancing.
A few drunkards were laughing and making lewd comments.
Jeong Yoo-shin watched the stage with an impassive expression.
After a while, most of the drunkards left, and only a few people remained.
Creak.
Thump!
The entrance door closed, and several rough-looking men approached and stood in front of the stage.
A well-dressed orc stepped onto the stage and greeted them.
“Welcome, everyone. We have some good items for today’s auction, so please look forward to it. Then, let’s begin immediately!”
The people sitting at the tables nodded.
“A powerful narcotic love potion. A potent item that can make even a chaste priestess take off her clothes and beg for a dick like a sow. We’ll start at 30 gold coins.”
“A cursed dagger. A single, well-placed stab can inflict various effects such as incapacitation, spell interruption, and muscle cramps. We’ll also start this at 30 gold coins.”
“A scroll that can raise the dead as undead. There’s a time limit, and the undead lack intelligence and can only follow simple commands, but they’re sturdy and useful. A limited edition from the Necromancer’s Guild. We’ll start this at 60 gold coins.”
“A rare poisonous herb from the 9th floor of the Forest area. A terrifying poison that can kill a giant ogre in an instant. 20 gold coins.”
Various items were sold. People raised their hands while sizing each other up.
Jeong Yoo-shin just sat with his arms crossed while ignoring them.
He wasn’t here for this. He was too busy racking his brain right now trying to figure out how to lure Saul here to waste time on such things.
After the last poisonous herb was sold, the announcer spoke.
“Now! Let’s move on to the ‘items’ you’ve all been waiting for!”
The announcer gestured, and humans and beast-people in chains walked out.
“These are slaves from outside the city. Business has been slow lately, so there aren’t many good ones! You can use them as workers or prostitutes. Or you can use them as porters or meat shields in the labyrinth.”
Jeong Yoo-shin’s impassive expression cracked.
On the stage, a ten-year-old boy and girl were huddled together while trembling.
The boy, who seemed to be the older brother, was comforting the girl, but he was also trembling slightly.
The slaves were sold one by one.
The announcer then looked down at the two children.
“These two siblings are the only ones left. This girl, though young, isn’t bad-looking, so you can use her as a prostitute. The boy has a determined look in his eyes, so he would be suitable as a meat shield for a labyrinth explorer. I’ll start at a specially low price. 10 silver coins!”
Jeong Yoo-shin, unable to stand it any longer, stood up.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake. I can’t stand this anymore.”
“…”
The tavern fell silent.
Jeong Yoo-shin slowly approached the stage and spoke.
“Did you all get a Son of a Bitch imprint? Buying and selling children who haven’t even grown hair down there yet? Everybody, freeze.”
His cold voice echoed through the tavern.
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T/N – Well, that’s one way to lure Saul out of his den. Quite reckless of the MC here. I also don’t get why he keeps rejecting help. I get Karin, but Aldein is supposed to keep the dark elements of the city in check. Just accept his help and bring his men with you, MC.
Also, so Saul was an elf before. Is that why he was so arrogant? Age making humans like the MC look like children in his eyes? And was his Humanization imprint the reason why he became such a greedy bastard? I’m kinda curious about the effect of such race changing imprints, especially on the psyche.
If you find any mistakes, feel free to point them out in the comments.
Saul being an elf was surprising. These imprints really affect people in strange ways. Perhaps its why Skar is so reckless all the time and not asking for help. He knows he isn’t the strongest in the city yet he acts like he is. Peculiar indeed.