Chapter 93: Dark City Kalbaron (3)
About a year ago, I learned how to “act lowly” from a beggar old man.
A technique to artificially make my image, demeanor, and presence seem unimpressive to induce an opponent’s carelessness.
It’s been quite useful so far.
‘In a way, the technique this swordsman showed isn’t much different.’
The difference was that he projected an image stronger than his actual abilities to intimidate others.
Realizing this, I delved deeper into thought.
What advantages could “looking impressive” have in combat, as opposed to “acting lowly”?
‘It could seize the initiative.’
I nodded.
Presence is crucial in a fight.
The mindset with which you approach a battle can make you win a tough fight or lose an easy one.
If you intimidate the opponent from the start, you could lead the fight in your favor.
‘It might also avoid unnecessary fights.’
It’s like showing off my “Special Gold Plate.”
Instilling awe to make opponents back off on their own.
Considering how often I get tangled in disputes, it seemed quite useful.
Of course, if the bluff is seen through, like with this swordsman, it could lead to trouble.
But since I have real skills, it wouldn’t be too big a penalty.
While I was lost in these thoughts, the seven bandits threatening the swordsman noticed the new black-haired youth and quickly schemed.
Was he someone they knew?
No.
Was he connected to their superiors?
Also no.
Then, was he a newcomer to the Dark City Kalbaron?
Highly likely.
His clueless demeanor, confidently leading a horse, showed he lacked basic knowledge of this place.
One of the bandits grinned and spoke.
“Bosses, should we take care of this guy too?”
“Yeah, sounds good. That horse looks in great condition… we could make some money.”
“Should we deal with him first?”
“Yeah, we need to handle him before he bolts.”
“Are you sure it’s fine to turn your backs on me…”
“Ugh! Ulrik, you filthy rat! Stop pretending to be something you’re not! It’s not scary at all!”
“…”
‘Caught in another dispute.’
I made a troubled expression.
At the same time, I realized this was the perfect moment to try the swordsman’s specialty, “looking impressive.”
The problem was that I’d only just realized it, so I hadn’t practiced enough.
Using it in such a tense situation was still too much.
But it wasn’t a big issue.
‘If I throw a few daggers over their heads like before, they’ll back off in fear…’
That’s what I thought.
Then, one of the bandits drew a curved blade from his waist and strode toward me.
Without hesitation, he swung it.
It wasn’t a threat.
The blade aimed at my throat was unmistakably meant to kill.
Unlike the kid’s gang earlier, who stuck to threats and robbery, these guys fully intended to take my life.
“Hmm.”
My expression changed.
It grew colder, harder.
One thing that hadn’t changed since leaving the village for the outside world was the principle of “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.”
Except for Daereon, I’d never shown mercy to those who aimed for my life.
Shing.
The black-haired reaper drew his sword.
Whoosh.
I swung it smoothly.
Terrifyingly fast.
Though I struck later, my sword reached the bandit first, slicing through his neck.
It happened in the blink of an eye.
Slash.
Thud! Roll…
“…”
“…”
“…”
“What are you doing! All together!”
“Damn it!”
“You bastard!”
Clang!
Clang clang!
The stunned bandits, frozen by the unbelievable reality, drew their weapons simultaneously.
With fierce battle cries, they charged, their skills far superior to typical bandit grunts.
Two of the six even had incomplete Aura Swords emanating from their weapons!
Fear flashed in Ulrik the swordsman’s eyes.
It was clear as day that if I fell, he’d be next.
But it was a needless worry.
Whooosh—!
I stood still until the enemies were close, but once I moved, it was like lightning.
With a single swing, two heads flew off, and one’s upper body was cleanly severed.
“…!”
“Crazy…!”
“Ugh, ughhh!”
A gruesome scene!
In the alley reeking of blood and filth, the bandits fell into panic.
Countless thoughts raced through their minds.
We messed with the wrong guy, how do we survive, who is this guy, how did it come to this?
But even as they thought, my sword didn’t stop.
Slash—
Slash—!
In an instant, two more heads floated into the air.
The strikes were so fast they didn’t even realize how they died.
The last one standing didn’t see it either.
The word “death” burned into his mind like a brand.
Then, the reaper, who’d been slaughtering his comrades emotionlessly like a trap in a maze, suddenly stopped his sword.
A glimmer of hope appeared on the bandit’s face.
He’d seen this before.
‘He wants to ask something!’
If I gave the black-haired reaper the information he wanted, he might spare me.
With that thought, his ragged breathing began to calm.
Sure enough, a question came from my mouth.
“Let me ask you something.”
“…B-before that!”
“Before that? Do you think you’re in a position to make demands?”
“J-just my life… please spare my life! If you guarantee that, I’ll tell you everything I know. Y-you can trust me! I’ve been settled in Kalbaron for five years! There’s almost nothing I don’t know.”
“…Fine.”
Swish, swish.
Click!
The reaper wiped his blade on a comrade’s corpse and sheathed it.
A sigh of relief escaped the bandit’s lips.
He’d passed the biggest hurdle.
Now, he just hoped my question was something he could answer.
He prayed fervently to a god he’d never visited.
And, thankfully, the god answered.
“Do you know someone called Collector Neumann?”
“…Collector Neumann! Yes, I know him.”
“You do? Then tell me everything you know about him. Most importantly, where I can find him.”
“Y-yes, understood. Collector Neumann is someone obsessively fixated on collecting rare items…”
The bandit’s explanation of Collector Neumann continued briefly.
He was a long-time resident, settled in Kalbaron even before it gained its notorious reputation.
He mainly dealt in stolen goods but would use any means to acquire rare items.
Despite such dangerous desires, he was still alive, indicating close ties with Kalbaron’s powerful figures.
“There’s even a rumor that he might be the true mastermind controlling the five guild leaders from behind. Though I think it’s mostly nonsense…”
“Interesting. But more importantly…”
“…!”
“Where can I find this Collector Neumann?”
Swish.
I placed my left hand on my scabbard.
With a ting, my thumb poised to draw the sword, the bandit’s face paled again.
He hurriedly continued.
“T-that’s…! I’m sorry! I don’t know his exact location. H-he’s too elusive… But, but! I heard he opened a small shop in Kalbaron’s inner district! He usually uses underlings, but… sometimes he manages the shop himself! That’s what I know!”
“…”
“E-even this much… it’s not perfect, but it answers about 80 percent of your questions, right? Y-you won’t get this kind of information anywhere else in Kalbaron. I’m sure of it!”
The bandit desperately defended himself.
He had no choice.
Having revealed all his cards in fear, begging for his life was his only option.
He prayed again, as he had before my question.
Though he’d never set foot in a temple, his prayer today was more devout than any priest’s.
And, miraculously, the god answered again.
“That was indeed very helpful.”
“S-so…?”
“You answered my question properly. That’s what I’ve decided.”
‘It worked!’
Huff, hah!
Kneeling on the ground, head bowed, the bandit let out a heavy breath.
Tears welled up.
His hands and feet trembled, his body drenched in cold sweat from the tension.
But it was okay.
He’d survived.
Unlike his comrades who died, he’d earned the right to see tomorrow’s sun.
“Haha, hahaha…”
Laughter burst out naturally.
His tear- and snot-stained face was pathetic, but it didn’t matter.
He stood, his expression brighter than ever, thinking he’d visit a temple tomorrow.
But then.
Seeing the reaper drawing his sword, he fell back into shock.
“W-why?”
“Someone told me.”
“W-what…!”
“Not to trust anyone in Kalbaron.”
“…!”
“Did you trust me?”
“Y-you bastard…!”
Whoosh—!
Slash!
The last bandit’s head fell, his face twisted in rage.
Looking at him, I thought.
‘No need to leave loose ends…’
Yes, I’d never intended to spare the bandits.
Why would I do something foolish like letting those who might target me again go free?
‘But this is trickier than I thought.’
Hmm, I stroked my chin, letting out a soft groan.
The bandit’s information was helpful, but it was still full of uncertainties.
I didn’t know the exact location, and even if I found it, timing it wrong meant I might not even see Neumann’s face.
‘No, before that… I just want to rest for today. Where the hell do I sleep?’
I frowned.
Even an innocent-looking kid was hell-bent on scamming me.
Could I even relieve my fatigue in this lawless place?
Was finding a place to close my eyes for a moment impossible?
How did people here live day to day?
What was I supposed to do next?
As I pondered, a voice spoke.
“…Need a guide?”
Still exuding his haughty demeanor, with that unwavering intense gaze…
The swordsman, radiating an impressive aura, subtly made an offer.
“I’m Ulrik. As someone who’s lived in Kalbaron for 15 years… I’m confident I know this place better than those dead bandits.”
“…”
Should I trust him or not?
A deep conflict arose on my face.