Chapter 40

It was a fierce and intense battle.

Unexpectedly, a formidable opponent joined in, turning it into a chaotic fight.

However, the team managed to minimize casualties and successfully complete the operation.

Most of the credit went to Renok, who single-handedly took on and killed Beck.

Regardless, this demonstrated to everyone just how much the mage Ban could achieve when working with a proper team.

And the reaction was as intense and tumultuous as expected.

Beck Clinton was a gangster who had been active in this area for a long time, known even to Jenny. Although his prime had passed, he was once a founder who dominated the 48th district.

There were rumors that he had discarded his old reputation and started anew by forming the gang Siger Bang, but his name wouldn't easily fade.

The news that such a seasoned fighter had died in a battle with just five freelancers was incredibly shocking.

Even the customers visiting Jenny's bar couldn't help but talk about it.

"Did you mess with Siger Bang? You must be out of your mind...."

"It wasn't just messing with them. He completely wiped them out."

"They were known for using the Panamas railway station as a trading spot, but the station was completely destroyed. That's enough to say."

"Isn't this a bit dangerous?"

Jenny sighed inwardly as she watched the customers chatting without any attempt to hide their voices.

Fights and disputes between interest groups were not uncommon in this world.

Even if a shootout broke out and bodies piled up in the sewers, as long as the unwritten rules were followed, no one would easily interfere.

Technically, the recent attack on Siger Bang should have been just another minor incident.

However, the continued chatter was likely due to the anxiety over the disruption of the weapons supply that Siger Bang had provided.

If there were problems with the current market that sold military-grade firearms at low prices, the freelancers in this world would have to wander the alleys again in search of a good arms dealer.

The number of hyenas ready to seize new interests in the process was too numerous to count.

"Beck Clinton's boss must be furious. If there's even a temporary disruption in such a large-scale business, the losses will be significant."

"Effectively, he's built his power with that capital, so it's a big deal."

"There were rumors that the leader of that gang was a great sorcerer. This is a chance to confirm that, isn't it?"

"I'm looking forward to it too. There was a lot of talk about what kind of magic he uses to keep Platon and Scavenger in check. There were also rumors that he has a powerful backer...."

"Make sure the bar doesn't get involved."

Jenny turned her head sharply at the familiar voice from beside her.

Renok had entered the bar and was listening in the same direction as her, his face still expressionless.

Jenny smiled faintly, sensing a faint worry in his words.

"Do you think this kind of thing happens only once or twice in this world? Take care of yourself. No one would dare to mess with a broker over something like this."

Facing him again, she realized that he was not as familiar with this city as she had thought.

He seemed very detached and unresponsive to external stimuli, but Jenny suspected that this mage was more considerate than he appeared.

He could be extremely ruthless and cruel when he thought it was necessary, but he was also awkward and unsure when dealing with someone like Jordan.

Jenny didn't find this side of him unpleasant.

"Dyke's side has contacted me. If you want, they're willing to come and pick you up personally. What do you think?"

They had only worked together on two missions, but Renok's status had changed dramatically since then.

While the public might not know that he had killed Beck Clinton alone, the rumor that he had survived two conflicts with a gang would spread quickly.

As if to prove this, some of the customers who had previously ignored Renok were now whispering to each other as they looked at him.

"........."

Being known in this world isn't always a good thing.

The more people who recognize him, the more people who will dislike him.

Jealousy and hatred follow the flow of money naturally.

He had only taken one step up the ladder of fame and disgrace.

He had no intention of being satisfied with this.

Jenny, too, seemed to sense something from his calm expression.

She continued with a natural smile.

"From what I've heard, the board at Dyke was quite surprised by the success of this operation. If a project that was thought to be failing suddenly gets back on track, it's understandable to be surprised. They'll treat you well if you make an appointment now."

"......Okay. Tell them to meet me tomorrow."

"Perfect. Panora seems to have something to say, so listen and then brush it off. You won't be working with her for long, after all."

Without saying anything, Jenny had also been observing the series of events and had her own thoughts.

Even considering her relatively minor role in the collaboration with Dyke, her insight was sharp.

Renok nodded, reflecting on how good a broker she was.

"Oh, and I managed to track the address of Beck Clinton's phone as you requested."

The key from Beck's body was with Renok, but he had given the phone to Jenny just in case, and it seems she had some success.

"What's inside?"

"Although the data was corrupted and I couldn't read the messages properly, I checked the call records and found out who he had been in contact with recently. Don't be surprised."

Jenny lowered her voice and whispered.

"He was in contact with the liaison of Pandemonium."

"........."

It was unexpected information, but knowing this in advance was a significant gain.

"........."

"Maybe the gang was trying to establish a connection with the Demon Hunters. You need to be careful."

"I understand."

The information was unexpected, but knowing it in advance was a significant gain.

"See you tomorrow."

"Right. Take care of yourself. Got it?"

"........."

For a moment, Renok's steps faltered.

Jenny, looking at his back, said quietly.

"The most important thing in this world isn't money."

".....Right."

"I believe you'll handle it well. I shouldn't have said anything unnecessary."

She ended the conversation as neatly as always.

But as Renok walked out of the bar, a bitter smile appeared on his lips without him realizing it.

'Did I show too much?'

Of course, the injuries from the battle with Beck Clinton still covered his body.

When he returned after completing the job, the blood in the bathroom didn't clear for three days.

Thanks to the ring from Priais that he received from Panora, which provided some stability even without a shield, he managed to walk. Otherwise, he might have had trouble moving.

Feeling the eyes of those following him, Renok descended the stairs and exhaled a long puff of smoke.

"Hmm....."

The sensation of the filter between his lips was now very familiar.

But there was a faint hesitation in Renok's gaze as he looked at the cigarette.

'I can feel the effects of Cashburn fading.'

It had been several months since he started buying these cigarettes from the orchard.

With him smoking them almost daily, it was only natural that he was starting to build a tolerance.

The decrease in the drug's effectiveness, which hadn't been noticeable until now, was becoming more apparent.

'And the sleeping pills too.... I might need to visit the orchard again soon.'

Even if he could endure the insomnia, the need to replenish the psychotropic drugs required for his work was not a choice for Renok.

These consumables were what allowed his malfunctioning body to function like a normal person for a short time.

If there were problems with these, it would start to affect his immediate battles.

This was a problem that the current Renok could not afford to tolerate.