NOVEL NEXT
Chapter 12
[Translator – Kie]
[Proofreader – Demon God’s male Disciple]
[Quality Checker – Kawaii]
Chapter 12: Hunting the Serpent (2)
Anyone who met Cedric Walker for the first time might think of him as a pig, but when they start to know him they realize that he is instead a cunning wolf in the form of a pig.
“Hahahaha! It has been a great day today, all thanks to boss Cedric”
‘Silk Cat’ is an upscale bar in Landwalk city, because it is located at the very centre of the place. It is very popular among the upper class of the city.
However this evening instead of the usual bustling of the people there was complete silence in the city, an unusual emptiness hung in the air, the surroundings eerily devoid of the usual bustle.The reason? Cedric Walker had rented out the entire place.
“I’ve often heard of Silk Cat’s reputation, but it was too expensive for me to consider coming here… This really exceeds my expectations, truly.”
Seated beside a beauty, a man with a goatee gently encircled his hand on her waist as he began to speak.
The beauty didn’t show any sign of displeasure but instead smiled enchantingly.
“Truly remarkable!They have wines from all around the world with them.”
Beside the man with the goatee sat a muscular and robust man.
Seemingly only interested in his drink, he sat there emptying his glass without any female companion.
“I’m glad you both are enjoying yourselves.”
Cedric Walker stood besides them, not taking a seat at the table. In fact, he was acting like a servant, pouring drinks for them and picking up the discarded items form , as if he were a waiter and not the host.
“To rent out the Silk Cat entirely must have cost quite a fortune.”
“Indeed, it must have. While it’s true that we’re having a good time, you must have paid a lot for this.”
A grin spread across Cedric’s face as he caught wind of their words.
“I am happy to spend this much money if I can make you happy.”
“Is that so?”
“I would appreciate it if you could visit more often, ”
The faces of the two men lit up as they heard Cedric’s words.
“Your words mean a lot, thank you.”
“Then shall we enjoy a bit more?”
The two men indulged again. The man with the goatee focused on the woman, while the muscular man concentrated on his drink.
The cold gaze of Cedric Walker watching these two was chilling.
‘They’re incapable trash.’
If someone who knew the identities of those two had heard, they would have been shocked at Cedric’s statement. The man with the goatee held the esteemed position of the governor of Landwalk City, and the muscular man served as the guardian knight protecting Landwalk City.
In Cedric Walker’s perspective, both of them were on their posts due to their luck and the situation in the city, they are not competent at all, appearing as inconsequential insignificant trash.
‘Ultimately, the governor is nothing but a scarecrow set up by the guild leaders and that knight is just a brute good at wielding a sword.’
Landwalk City was heavily influenced by merchants and craftsmen; it naturally swayed to the desires of the guilds that had coalesced.
For the sake of safeguarding their interests, the guilds established governors aligned with their tastes. The knight was hardly any different.
Formally a knight, he was hired by the city for a pittance, being immersed in gambling and alcohol, offering nothing more.
Yet Cedric Walker was heavily investing in these two.
Both were nothing more than empty-headed fools, but their facade held considerable value.
“Ah, Sir Cedric. Regarding the establishments owned by other gangs, it seems feasible for the Black serpent to acquire them all.”
This was due to the profitable dealings the Black serpent gang had with them currently.
“Is it really alright?”
“Yes. Let the Black serpent manage all the entertainment venues in the city.”
“While I am pleased about that, won’t the others object?”
“I have sufficient authority to suppress any opposition.”
The governor confidently asserted, though his goat-like beard didn’t make him particularly impressive.
“Thank you very much Governor!”
Cedric bowed his head as if to plant it in the ground.
“No need for thanks. It all thanks to Sir Cedric’s diligence and competence”
“I regret that there isn’t much I can do in this situation.”
The guardian knight spoke, setting down an empty glass.
Cedric feigned surprise as if questioning his statement.
“Just by safeguarding this city, you do a service deserving of gratitude, Sir Knight!”
“Isn’t that just something I should do?”
“It might be expected, but maintaining security in a large city like the Landwalk isn’t an easy
task, you know? While you may be humble, excessively lowering yourself embarrasses others.”
“Is that so?”
The guardian knight seemed satisfied with Cedric’s flattery.
“Still, if there’s anything you need, just tell me. I’ll do my best to assist you.”
“Thank you very much sir knight.”
Cedric once again bowed his head to them.
Though not visible to the two men, Cedric’s eyes were icy at that moment.
‘There’s not much time before trash like these will bow to me.’
Cedric’s ambition was to attain a position of power, allowing him to wield absolute control over the city.
The plan was still being diligently executed.
It won’t be long before the governor and the knight would bow to Cedric instead.
“Is there anything lacking? I’ll immediately go and get it for you.”
It was when Cedric Walker spoke thus.
One of his subordinates approached him and whispered.
Cedric Walker’s expression immediately stiffened.
“…I’m truly sorry to you both, but I’ll have to step away for a moment.”
“Seems like there’s urgent business.”
“Let’s not worry about it and attend to our matters.”
Already deeply immersed in women and alcohol, the two didn’t pay attention to whether Cedric Walker left or not.
Emerging from the guest room at Silk Cat, Cedric Walker grabbed his subordinate by the collar.
“What did you just say? Damien Hasken is attacking our people?”
“T-That’s correct.”
“What in the world is that dark mage doing? How can he allow that brat Damien to come here and cause a ruckus at my place as if he owns this city!”
“I-I don’t know s-sir…”
Cedric let out a deep sigh.
“Darn it, he must’ve just taken the money and run. This is why wishy-washy people aren’t to be trusted.”
Thinking about the payment that he gave to the dark mage made his blood boil.
Suppressing his anger, Cedric Walker commanded his subordinate.
“Given the situation, I must personally take care of Damien Hasken. That scoundrel must be brought here alive. Do you Understand?”
After saying this Cedric turned around to return to the room to entertain the governor and the knight.
His subordinate urgently grabbed hold of Cedric Walker.
“Boss! You can’t just go in! You need to issue orders for us!”
“I just said. Capture that guy alive.”
“No, it’s not possible.”
“What?”
“With our abilities, we can’t capture Damien Hasken!”
Upon hearing this, Cedric Walker struck his subordinate’s thigh.
The subordinate screamed, clinging onto Cedric Walker’s leg.
Can’t you see that I am busy right now. Cut the nonsense. How much money have I invested to train you all? Yet you are saying can’t you capture some insignificant brat!”
After the tavern was wrecked by Damien Hasken, Cedric rigorously armed and trained his gang members.
He provided them armor made of monster hide and weapons crafted by skilled artisans.
If that wasn’t all he even taught and allowed the higher ups to use magic tools in times of emergency.
No matter how much it was , Cedric didn’t care at all.
In this business, underestimating your opponent could lead to downfall.
He was already humiliated by Damien previously so doing this much to rectify it didn’t mean that much to him
“Even if we use magical tools, that guy turns everything to ashes. Does it make sense to you that we can’t deal with just one guy?”
A member of the gang spoke with trembling eyes.
“I-I’m telling the truth! P-Please believe me!”
“So you won’t stop ranting huh?.”
Cedric Walker struck at his subordinate with his fist. At that moment, another subordinate of his rushed in hurridely.
“B-Boss!”
It was so urgent that the subordinate stumbled and fell to the ground.
However, they quickly got up and reached Cedric Walker.
“D-Damien Hasken! Our southern branch has been destroyed by that guy!”
Cedric Walker’s mind hardened instantly.
What is this guy saying now?
“Boss! Boss!”
Before Cedric Walker could regain his senses, another subordinate rushed in.
Before reaching Cedric Walker, the subordinate shouted.
“The eastern branch has been annihilated by Damien Hasken!”
***
The northern district of Landwalk City.
Known for its numerous residential areas and usually peaceful surroundings, today was unusually chaotic.
“Kill him! I said kill him!”
No, would this even qualify as chaos?
Scores of Black Serpent gangs’ members had gathered in the square of the northern district.
“Everyone charge! Crush him to pieces!”
Surprisingly, there was only one person opposing them in the square’s center.
A young man was standing against all members of the Black Serpent gang in the midst of the square.
His weapon? Just an old longsword.
In contrast, the enemies were equipped with spears, shields, crossbows which were made by skilled artisans and even armor made of monster hide.
In terms of numbers and strength, the Black Serpent gang members were overwhelmingly superior.
“Aaargh!”
However, it was the members of Black Serpent who were being pushed back.
Every swing of the young man’s sword severed the limbs of the gang members.
Some lost their heads.
Neither the monster hide nor the shields were of any help against the sword of the young man.
“Don’t be afraid! He’s human too! He’ll get tired soon! Keep charging until then!”
A man who seemed like an officer rallied the members.
But no matter how much time passed, the young man didn’t seem to get tired at all.
“Aaaargh!”
Instead, his swordsmanship became more intricate and ferocious resulting in the casualties among the Black Serpent gang to increase.
“T-This guy…!”
Finally, an officer who couldn’t bear it anymore pulled something out from his bosom.
It was a cylinder with peculiar patterns densely drawn in red.
“Let’s see if you can survive this!”
A fireball erupted from the cylinder.
It flew straight towards the young man.
Glancing at the fireball, the youth swung his longsword horizontally.
The fireball followed the trajectory of the sword.
It looked as if leaves were flowing along a stream.
“W-What’s that…?”
Shock appeared on the officer’s face.
He had often heard that once you became a master, you could smoothly deflect an enemy’s attacks. However, hearing that someone could pull off such a trick against magic was entirely new to him.
“H-How?”
The young man swung his sword, twirling his body.
Then he aimed the tip of his sword towards the officer.
The spinning fireball flew towards the officer.
“W-Wait!”
The darting fireball exploded.
A massive flame engulfed the officer and the gang members.
‘What kind of thugs even use magical tools?’
In the end, Damien Hasken sighed, tongue-tied.
‘Still, it ended quite neatly, thanks to that.’
Apparently, dealing with magic was better against multiple opponents than mere swordplay.
‘Now, let’s see… Where should I head next?’
Damien unfolded the city map.
Scanning the map, he decided on his next destination.
‘I should head here.’
‘Boss! The northwest branch has been wiped out!’
‘B-Boss! We’ve received a message from the west branch! There’s only one survivor left the others are killed by Damien Hasken!”
Seeing his subordinates rush in successively, Cedric Walker grabbed his head.
He couldn’t believe it, but he had to.
The gang he painstakingly built was being destroyed by just one person.
He was experiencing it for the first time hence, it was hard to believe.
He was even starting to doubt whether his subordinates were all collectively lying.
“B-Boss… W-What should we do?”
“Just shut up and wait.”
It was evident that with the gang’s own power, they couldn’t stop Damien Hasken.
In that case, they needed to seek help from the outside.
“Damn… I didn’t stash away my money for times like this.”
Cedric Walker lifted his head.
He looked towards where the governor and the knight were enjoying themselves.
“Go and tell the guys to do their best and hold Damien Hasken.”
“Yes! Understood.”
After sending out his subordinates, Cedric Walker entered the VIP room.
The governor and the knight warmly welcomed Cedric Walker.
“Oh, Sir Cedric! Why are you only arriving now? Let’s quickly have a drink.”
The governor offered a glass, but Cedric Walker didn’t accept it.
Instead, he kneeled on the floor.
“I admit it’s a bit shameless of me, but I have a favor to ask from both of you.”
[Translator – Kie]
[Proofreader – Demon God’s male Disciple]
[Quality Checker – Kawaii]