Chapter 12: Snake Hunting (2)

When you first see the black snake's boss, Cedric Walker, anyone would think of a pig.

But after a little time, you would realize that Cedric Walker is a cunning wolf in a pig's disguise.

"Hahaha! Thanks to Boss Cedric, I'm really living it up today."

At the high-end tavern 'Silk Cat' located in the center of Landwalk City, a place that usually requires a fortune to stay for a night, was unusually empty today.

This was because Cedric Walker had rented the entire establishment.

"I often heard about the reputation of Silk Cat, but it was too expensive to even consider coming here... This is beyond my expectations."

A man with a goatee, who was sitting next to a beautiful woman, said as he wrapped his arm around her waist.

The woman didn't show any signs of displeasure; instead, she smiled seductively.

"Indeed, it's impressive. Fine wines from foreign lands are all gathered here."

Next to the man with the goatee sat a muscular, robust man.

The muscular man seemed to be interested only in the alcohol, drinking continuously without any women around.

"It's fortunate that you two are enjoying yourselves."

Cedric Walker stood by the table, not sitting down.

He even acted like a servant, pouring drinks and serving snacks.

"Rental fees for the entire Silk Cat must have been quite steep."

"Yeah, that's true. While we're having fun, I'm a bit worried about your finances, mate."

Cedric Walker smiled faintly at the two men's words.

"Money is no issue when it comes to entertaining you two."

"Hmm, is that so?"

"I would be grateful if you visited more often."

Cedric Walker's words made the two men's faces light up.

"Thank you for saying that, Boss Cedric."

"Hmm, let's enjoy ourselves a bit more."

The two men returned to their indulgences; the man with the goatee focused on the woman, while the muscular man was engrossed in his drink.

Cedric Walker's eyes, however, glinted coldly as he watched them.

'What a bunch of incompetent trash.'

If someone knew the true identities of these two men, they would have found Cedric's words absurd.

The man with the goatee was the governor of Landwalk City, and the muscular man was the city's guardian knight.

But in Cedric Walker's eyes, they were just lucky and well-connected, with no real talent.

'In the end, the governor is nothing more than a puppet set up by the guild leaders. The knight is just a fool who knows how to swing a sword.'

Landwalk City was a place where merchants and artisans had strong influence, and naturally, the city ran according to the will of the guilds.

The guilds would often set up a governor who suited their interests to protect their own benefits.

The knight was no different.

Though he was a formal knight, he was hired cheaply by the city due to his gambling and drinking debts.

Despite this, Cedric Walker had invested a lot in these two men.

They were both useless, but their positions were incredibly valuable.

"By the way, Boss Cedric. About the business premises that other organizations have... I think the Black Snakes can take them all over."

For example, as he was doing something beneficial for the Black Snakes now.

"Really?"

"Yes. The city's entertainment district will be managed entirely by the Black Snakes."

"I'm glad, but won't others resist?"

"That's something I can easily suppress with my authority."

The governor confidently pounded his chest.

His goatee, which stuck out from his face, didn't make him look particularly impressive.

"Governor, thank you!"

Cedric Walker bowed deeply, as if his head would touch the ground.

"Don't mention it. This is all thanks to Boss Cedric's diligence."

"I'm sorry, I can't do anything to help."

The guardian knight put down his empty glass and said.

Cedric Walker acted as if he was surprised by this.

"Sir Knight, just protecting this city is something we should be grateful for!"

"Isn't that just my duty?"

"Your duty? Maintaining the peace in a large city like Landwalk is no easy task. I knew you were humble, but don't belittle yourself too much; it makes others uncomfortable."

"Hmm, is that so?"

Cedric Walker's flattery made the guardian knight show a satisfied expression.

"Still, if you need anything, just let me know. I'll do my best to help."

"Thank you."

Cedric Walker bowed again.

Though the two men couldn't see it, Cedric Walker's eyes remained cold.

'I won't have to bow to these trash for much longer.'

Cedric Walker's goal was to reach a position where he could control the city.

His plan was steadily progressing.

Before long, the governor and the knight would be the ones bowing to Cedric Walker.

"Is there anything else you need? Just let me know, and I'll bring it right away."

Just as Cedric Walker said this, one of his subordinates approached and whispered in his ear.

Cedric Walker's expression immediately hardened.

"Boss, I'm really sorry, but I have to leave for a moment."

"It seems you have some urgent business."

"Don't worry about us; go take care of your business."

The two men, already deeply engrossed in women and alcohol, didn't care whether Cedric Walker left or stayed.

As Cedric Walker left the VIP room of Silk Cat, he grabbed his subordinate by the collar.

"What did you just say? Damian Hassen is attacking our people?"

"Y-Yes."

"What the hell is that black mage doing? Damian Hassen is causing chaos here!"

"I-I don't know exactly..."

Cedric Walker sighed deeply.

"Damn, I knew he'd just take the money and run. This is why you can't trust amateurs."

Thinking about the payment he had given to the black mage made his blood boil.

Cedric Walker suppressed his anger and ordered his subordinate.

"Given this situation, I need to deal with Damian Hassen myself to vent my anger. Bring him to me alive. Understand?"

Saying this, Cedric Walker was about to return to entertain the governor and the knight.

But his subordinate urgently stopped him.

"Boss! You can't just go back in! You need to give orders!"

"I just told you to bring that guy in alive."

"No, that's not possible."

"What do you mean?"

"We can't capture Damian Hassen with our current abilities!"

Hearing this, Cedric Walker kicked his subordinate's shin.

The subordinate screamed and clutched his leg.

"I'm so busy, and you're making a fuss. How much money have I invested in you? Why can't you bring him in?"

After the bar was destroyed by Damian Hassen, Cedric Walker had thoroughly armed his organization.

He provided them with armor made from monster hides and weapons crafted by skilled artisans.

He even gave magical artifacts to the officers for emergencies.

Despite the enormous cost, Cedric Walker didn't mind.

This industry was not to be underestimated.

He had already suffered a major humiliation at the hands of Damian Hassen, so this level of investment was necessary.

"Even with the magical artifacts, he should turn to ashes. How can you not capture one person?"

The subordinate, with trembling eyes, said,

"I-I'm serious! Please believe me!"

"This guy is still making a fuss."

Cedric Walker raised his fist. At that moment, someone else rushed over.

"Boss!"

The subordinate, in his haste, tripped and fell to the ground but quickly got up and reached Cedric Walker.

"Damian Hassen! He's destroyed our southern branch!"

Cedric Walker's mind froze at these words.

What is this guy saying?

"Boss! Boss!"

Before he could process it, another subordinate rushed over.

The subordinate shouted even before reaching Cedric Walker.

"Damian Hassen has annihilated our eastern branch!"

* * *

In the northern district of Landwalk City.

A peaceful area known for its residential zones was unusually chaotic today.

"Kill him! Kill that guy!"

Or, could this even be called chaos?

Dozens of Black Snakes members were gathering in the square of the northern district.

"Charge all at once! Just stab him anywhere!"

Surprisingly, the person facing them was just one person.

A young man stood in the center of the square, facing the Black Snakes.

His weapon was nothing more than an old longsword.

In contrast, his opponents were armed with spears, shields, crossbows, and even armor made from monster hides.

In terms of numbers and equipment, the Black Snakes had a clear advantage.

"Kyaah!"

However, the side that was losing was the Black Snakes.

With each swing of the young man's longsword, limbs and heads of the Black Snakes members were severed.

Neither the monster hide armor nor the shields provided much protection.

"Don't be afraid! He's just a human! He'll tire soon! Keep charging until then!"

A man who looked like an officer encouraged the members.

But no matter how much time passed, the young man didn't show any signs of fatigue.

"Ah!"

"Kyaah!"

His sword strikes became even more precise and fierce, and the Black Snakes' losses only increased.

"T-This guy..."

Finally, the officer, unable to bear it, pulled out something from his coat.

It was a red cylinder with strange, densely packed patterns.

"Let's see if you can survive this!"

A fireball erupted from inside the cylinder.

The fireball flew straight toward the young man.

The young man glanced at the fireball and swung his longsword horizontally.

The fireball followed the trajectory of the sword, as if a leaf floating in a stream.

"W-What is this..."

The officer's face showed shock.

He had often heard that a master could naturally deflect an enemy's attack.

But he had never heard of someone deflecting a magical attack like this.

"W-What?"

The young man spun his body and pointed the tip of his sword at the officer.

The spinning fireball flew toward the officer.

"H-Hold on!"

The fireball, flying at lightning speed, exploded.

A massive flame engulfed the officer and the Black Snakes members.

"What a bunch of thugs using magical artifacts."

End of the world, indeed.

Damian Hassen clicked his tongue in disappointment.

"At least it's over cleanly."

It seemed that magic was better than swordplay when dealing with multiple opponents.

"Let's see... where should I go next?"

Damian Hassen unfolded a city map.

He scanned the map and decided on his next destination.

"I'll go there."

* * *

"Boss! The northwest branch has been wiped out!"

"B-B-Boss! We've received a message from the western branch! Only one person survived!"

Watching the subordinates rush in one after another, Cedric Walker clutched his head.

It was hard to believe, but he had to.

The organization he had built with great effort was being destroyed by a single person.

Even though he was witnessing it firsthand, it was hard to believe.

He even suspected that his subordinates were lying in unison.

"Boss... W-What should we do?"

"Shut up and listen."

It was clear that the Black Snakes couldn't stop Damian Hassen with their own strength.

They needed help from outside.

"Damn... I didn't want to use this money for this."

Cedric Walker raised his head.

The governor and the knight were enjoying themselves in the VIP room.

"Go tell the others to hold off Damian Hassen as long as they can."

"Understood! I'll pass the message."

After dismissing his subordinates, Cedric Walker entered the VIP room.

The governor and the knight greeted him warmly.

"Oh, Boss Cedric. Why did you take so long? Come, have a drink."

The governor offered a glass, but Cedric Walker didn't take it.

Instead, he knelt on the floor.

"Though it's embarrassing, I have a favor to ask of you two!"