NOVEL NEXT Chapter 85
1.
As the engineering technology in blood manipulation advanced remarkably, the citizens of this city enjoyed unusually warm winters, unlike those elsewhere.
Opening my eyes and sweeping off the mat, I started another day by begging on the streets, just like any other day. Today, I needed to find somewhere to beg so I wouldn’t starve.
A homeless man with nothing but his bare hands can’t even do casual labor. There’s no way to assign work to someone whose identity isn’t guaranteed without the risk of responsibility when issues arise.
I envied the casual laborers who complained about their lives, spending their earnings daily in a dark pit where no light shone. At least they could try to do something with their own hands. But for someone like me, a wanderer, today’s life couldn’t be guaranteed unless I relied on someone’s kindness.
Even without proof of birth or a name given by parents, wandering around Blood Haven, my situation was even more dire. It was fortunate that my destitute appearance garnered some sympathy, allowing me to collect enough money from alms to buy at least a loaf of bread.
Even though it was just a pittance, barely enough to buy cheap bread due to soaring prices, I had no intention of complaining. In this Blood Haven, there were countless others who couldn’t even afford to eat and couldn’t survive the cold winter. At least I knew I wouldn’t starve today.
The simultaneous worry of food and shelter was somewhat alleviated since I only had to worry about shelter. Despite the insignificant weight of the coins in my hand, my steps felt heavy as I headed to buy bread, realizing I could make it through another day.
But luck seemed to turn as the sun began to set, and before I could reach the bakery selling cheap bread, a sharp whistle pierced the air.
“Hey, kid. Looks like you’ve got some money from your generous soul?”
The disgusting voice drilled into my ears again. Even though today was better than usual, it still felt like a day of misery… No, I was practically a beggar myself, so it was all the same.
Anyway, today was turning out to be a terrible day.
2.
I turned my head.
Even without seeing him, I could guess what kind of person he was from his voice. Yet, the urge to confirm his appearance drove me to look, and there stood exactly what I expected—a towering figure that made my skin crawl.
His appearance was filthy, beyond what I heard people say. His face was greasy, and his hair, despite its ragged state, clung to his head, making him look like a living embodiment of filth.
His uncleanliness was overwhelming, and his body parts were so dominant that it was hard not to be intimidated.
Even in this place where weaklings thrived, his appearance made him stand out, ensuring he was always the predator rather than prey.
In such a place, one would usually avoid confrontation with someone so intimidating, but recalling the recent events where he harmed a friend, even the necessary actions felt repulsive.
“What do you want?” I growled, adding even more ferocity to my already harsh voice.
His expression froze in surprise at the intense disgust and hostility in my tone, but only for a moment.
Then, in his usual vile manner, he spoke, “There’s no point hiding it. Come here and give it to me. I won’t take everything.”
…He said he wouldn’t take everything, yet here he was.
How could I possibly split a few coins to buy cheap bread for you?
All he wanted was to grab whatever he could for himself, including the little bit meant for sustenance.
His arrogance made me sick.
How did he know about the alms I received, though?
Probably, someone who saw me begging reported it to him.
This scum had nothing redeeming about him. Even if he was part of the thief guild that occasionally hired homeless people, it was unjust for him to covet the money others needed for survival.
“Huh. I’ve been fooled all along. Laughable, trying to take everything instead of half.”
His disdainful behavior towards weaker individuals was unbearable, especially after recalling the incident that made me view him as trash.
This was a common occurrence in Blood Haven, but knowing he targeted someone I considered a friend made it even more repulsive.
Even though we fought often, there was a sense of camaraderie with Elshimer. He was the only one who stood up against this thief, beating him until he couldn’t move for days.
Thinking about it made me furious. Why should I bow to someone who relies on brute force and minions to overpower others?
Just as that thought crossed my mind,
“Duff.”
I spat out his name, filled with revulsion. This parasite made Blood Haven, a place supposed to be better than Sylvantrium, a harsher place to live.
“Give money to someone like you? Get lost, you bastard. How about returning the money you stole from Elshimer?”
With proper etiquette, I responded politely with a courteous gesture, even though I despised him.
In the past, I might have thrown stones at him, but now I was learning to resolve conflicts through dialogue, as some preachers taught.
Indeed, they were right.
“Tsk!”
Duff’s face, already red, turned even more furious as he glared at me menacingly.
Usually, I’d punch him before he could react, ending the conversation instantly.
“Why? Is it wrong to call you a bastard?”
Seeing Duff’s face flush, he lunged at me, enraged.
“You think I’m easy prey because I haven’t beaten you up enough? Come here! I’ll tear that mouth off your face!!”
He charged at me, more agitated than I was, making it clear how much anger he had bottled up.
Even though I hadn’t been hit by him before, his words made it seem like he had beaten me often.
“Damn bastard! I’ll kill you!!”
His expletives poured out as he charged at me, his massive frame making anyone fear for their life.
Elshimer had told me Duff’s charge was full of flaws.
“Full of holes.”
That charge was merely a show of force, not nearly as powerful as Elshimer’s.
Why?
After narrowly avoiding his charge, I slipped my foot into his path, causing him to stumble.
“Wha… Whaaah!!”
Clang!
He fell, revealing the flaws in his attack.
If Elshimer had done this, he would have stepped on my foot, idiot.
“Ugh…”
Still disoriented, Duff struggled to get up. I approached him.
“Wha… What the…”
Even as he tried to intimidate me with harsh words, I placed my foot on his stomach, immobilizing him.
“Don’t scream. If you make a sound, I’ll crush your throat and head, turning you into a vegetable.”
My threat was more intense than before.
“Gah… Hihik!!”
Duff’s face contorted in fear at the sound of my menacing voice.
Sometimes, he needs to experience this. He needs to understand that anyone can become prey.
3.
Ah, refreshing.
“I’ve been watching you closely. If I hear you’ve touched someone else’s belongings, I’ll come personally and strip you naked.”
“He… Hei!”
“Answer.”
“Yes… Yes!”
“Good. You answered well. Remember, it’s not just about answering; you need to act on it too.”
This satisfying feeling of asserting power over those who rely on brute strength to take more than they deserve.
After properly educating Duff, who had lunged at me recklessly, and returning the money I had taken from desperate beggars, my steps felt lighter as I headed home with a piece of cheap bread in hand.
Though I didn’t recover the money Elshimer had lost, I took some medicine from Duff’s pocket.
Would this help him get back on his feet?
Anyway, it felt strange to have used force against someone who used force to dominate others.
I need to change this guy’s attitude.
For now, I’ll reflect and leave tomorrow’s task to tomorrow’s self.
Completing my reflection, I arrived at the storage spot for my mat, which had kept me warm through many cold winters.
“…Eh?”
My voice echoed with surprise as I saw someone sleeping under my mat.