novelraw Chapter 28 : I am Not a Psychopath (5)
Chapter 28 : I am Not a Psychopath (5)
Chapter 28 - I am Not a Psychopath (5)
Knock, knock, knock, knock.
Lee Taebaek went down the stairs and opened the door. The Python revolver was stuck in his waistband.
“Good day, you're Sir Lee Taebaek, correct?”
A man stood there, holding a duffel bag in one hand. He had narrow eyes. A mask covered the lower half of his face. Although they hadn't exchanged words yet, he seemed like the uptight, inflexible type.
“I was dispatched by the Branch Master...”
Jin Sobang's subordinate rattled on.
It was a Beggars' Sect-style name ending in 'gae', so he had boldly erased it from his mind from the start.
If there are too many similar names, the characters get mixed up in his head.
Whether Lee Taebaek was indifferent or not, the man chattered on ceaselessly. He was business-like to a fault, as if simply outputting a pre-determined input.
So this is why he sent him.
He must have thought he was the type to be less easily swayed.
How obvious.
The narrow-eyed man extended his arm and handed over the bag.
“Here, this bag contains 300 million.”
As soon as he took it, Lee Taebaek's hand holding the duffel bag dropped with a thud. 300 million for the trouble.
There's some reward for taking a beating.
'Though I wasn't actually hurt.'
It also felt like the value of labor was cheapening.
Fuck, what was the youth of my twenties even for.
“Ah, and.”
While he was soaked in regret, the narrow-eyed man reached behind his back.
Lee Taebaek's hand went down as well. So he could draw his sword at a moment's notice. In Lake City, chronic suspicion is one of the essential virtues.
But when he saw the object the narrow-eyed man took from his back pocket, Lee Taebaek's hand froze. It was a terminal.
“I was told to deliver this as well.”
The narrow-eyed man said, holding out the terminal.
“I assume you know how to operate it, so I won't explain.”
Lee Taebaek rolled the terminal around in his hand, getting a feel for its physical properties.
The terminal's design was similar to a smartphone.
In fact, its operation was also roughly the same as a smartphone from Earth. As a developer, Lee Taebaek had intentionally adopted the familiar design for the convenience of gamers.
“I have put my phone number in there. If you have anything to say to the Branch Master, I would appreciate it if you would relay it through me.”
The narrow-eyed man backed away from the door. He probably wanted to get out of this place as soon as possible, if only because of the Orthodox-Demonic Non-Aggression Pact.
“For your reference, the Branch Master arbitrarily set the terminal's registered name as 'Imugi'. It seems you wished to hide your real name from the place you requested the terminal, so I do hope my guess is correct.”
“...Why an Imugi of all things...?”
It feels like I could open a dictionary, point to any random word, and it would be better than 'Imugi'.
“I'm not sure about that either. Shall I ask the Branch Master separately?”
“Forget it.”
I should use this as leverage to extort more.
“The Branch Master also added that if there is anything you need, he will grant it if possible.”
“Something I need.”
Lee Taebaek idly fiddled with the terminal and the bag strap, thinking. Then he looked at the narrow-eyed man and flinched dramatically.
“By any chance, have you heard of the Lilith Cult?”
“Uhm, I'm sorry. It doesn't ring a bell.”
“I see.”
The narrow-eyed man let out a sigh of relief.
“Then I'll be on my way.”
“I haven't told you what I need yet.”
“...Sir? Wasn't that question what you needed?”
The narrow-eyed man was flustered. To the point that you could see his pupils widen slightly between his eyelids.
“If you had answered, it might have been different, but you said you don't know anything. So you'll have to give me something else.”
“Wh-What do you mea—”
The narrow-eyed man recalled Jin Sobang's warning.
— That bastard is a total daylight robber. His shamelessness is that of the Unorthodox Faction, and his scheming mind is as vicious as the Demonic Cult's.
Was this what he meant?
I said that out of courtesy, but this guy is talking as if I owe him.
“That mask looks nice.”
“Sir?”
“I said, your mask looks nice.”
“Uhm… that is… this is a special mask made with hydraulic cylinders, so even if I wanted to give it to you...”
“Wow, it's hydraulic? Then it adjusts automatically to fit the contours of your face. It should fit me well, too. What do you think?”
“...You have such handsome features, I'm sure it will suit you well.”
At the empty compliment, Lee Taebaek smiled brightly.
“Thanks.”
The man walked back the way he came with a vacant expression.
A light glinted in his knothole-like narrow eyes. Tears flowed mournfully down his bare face.
......
Just as there is a mantle beneath the earth's surface, beneath the lower districts, there exist the lowest districts.
The districts of 31 and below were called that, from District 32 to 40 which could be considered the main city area.
A high-crime area overflowing with people whose lives had been ruined and with gangs. The very abyss of Lake City.
A place where the non-normality of having neighbors who were gangsters, prostitutes, and criminals was the norm, and a rough place where gunfights broke out almost every day.
It was an area that hadn't been implemented in the planned release of Recons. There were rating issues, but more than that, it was planned to be released later as DLC.
Pshhh.
He brought the mask to his mouth. It then vented steam from its filter and adjusted its size to fit the area of his lower face.
Lee Taebaek checked the fit.
As expected of an item used by the Clean Clothes Faction, the quality was good. The seal between his skin and the mask also felt natural.
“If I'm going to the lowest districts, I have to at least do this much.”
That's right.
The lowest districts. More precisely, District 35.
Lee Taebaek intended to head to that hotbed of lawlessness. For a full investigation of the Lilith cult.
'I don't know when the landlord will be discharged, and I can't just sit around in a room zoning out forever.'
That place was a cradle of crime, but it was also a mecca of information. In particular, rumors that didn't circulate in the public usually lingered in the lowest districts.
'If even the Beggars' Sect hasn't heard of it.'
Then it had to be in the lowest districts. To look into the details, he had to stop by there eventually.
“If I do some legwork, I should be able to find something.”
His preparations complete, Lee Taebaek left the shop.
A steady drizzle was falling on the greyish-white city. It was the perfect weather for carrying the Para-Blade.
He moved, following the path indicated by the terminal's GPS. People were too busy going their own way to even look at each other.
'So this is the extreme form of a civilized society.'
He took a streetcar. Even that only went as far as District 34; after that, the tracks were cut off and he had to walk.
Just as you'd expect from the lowest districts, which had thrown public infrastructure to the dogs. Lee Taebaek clicked his tongue and got off the streetcar.
Surprisingly, the streets were quiet. That was because it was a place that was spectacular at night. However, there were a conspicuous number of back alleys between the haphazardly arranged buildings.
From the shadows cast by the buildings, outlaws glared at Lee Taebaek, their eyes glinting. It was the look of a predator eyeing its prey. Several corpses could be seen near their feet. They must have been their victims.
There was no hesitation in Lee Taebaek's steps. Perhaps his courage had grown, as he was unfazed even under the murderous glares.
Rather, he was secretly hoping they would pick a fight.
However, at his imposing aura, the outlaws withdrew their murderous glares and disappeared.
Lee Taebaek felt a sense of deflation. His steps had, at some point, reached a shantytown.
The half-finished buildings were the nice ones. Most were just rebar skeletons, emitting a bleak energy.
“The GPS is dead from here on out.”
He sighed and put away the terminal.
“Hey– you!”
It was a sharp, provocative tone. When he turned his head, three mysterious men revealed themselves from within an alley.
Every one of them was standing crookedly with their weight on one leg. Furthermore, they let out sneering laughs and gestured for him to come over.
At the sight of these picture-perfect delinquents, Lee Taebaek couldn't help but let out a 'Hah' and laugh.
“Boss, that bastard's laughing.”
“Leave him be, he's just scared shitless.”
Thug One, Two, and Three sneered.
“But that bastard's eyelashes are super long. Isn't he a woman?”
“Hey, you idiot. With a chest like that, how could he be a woman?”
Hissing pronunciation, familiar tattoos.
They were from the Triad gang from before.
“What does that matter! I'm down.”
“Me too.”
“Unanimously down.”
It seemed some remnants were left. Then again, they wouldn't have brought the entire gang to a smuggling deal.
Breaking from his thoughts, Lee Taebaek approached them. The thugs made a frivolous hip thrust.
“Ooh~ coming over on your own? Good thinking. It's useless to resist.”
“We're the Triad, you know? You've heard of us, right?”
“Your big bros will treat you gently, kekeke.”
Gripping the umbrella, he pressed the activation button.
[Operator activates Bullet Time.]
[Time Limit: ●●●●●●●●●●]
......
[※The Bug has been hotfixed.※]
[※Acquiring base EXP.※]
[※Acquiring additional EXP.※]
[※For details... (See More)※]
Lee Taebaek, dismissing the notification window, moved his arm.
Shluk.
The blade that had invaded the skull stirred the brain and came out. One of the gangsters collapsed, his eyes going dead.
Another gangster screamed.
“S-Save me… no, let me li–!”
As he said that, his hidden hand stealthily moved toward his tailbone.
“I'll ki-ill you!”
Lee Taebaek's blade thrust forward like a point.
Shwiiik!
A river of blood formed along the cracks in the stone floor. Splat. A bright red sound. A head rolled on the ground.
“'Let me li-ill you,' what kind of bullshit is that?”
With a mechanical motion, just like before, Lee Taebaek wiped the blood from his blade.
Then, as if for show, he slowly sheathed his sword. Only after the long ringing of the blade subsided did he take a step.
'The gangster is in no state to run away anyway.'
So Lee Taebaek's plan was to create a sense of fear to maximize the effect of the interrogation.
'This action isn't something a normal person would think of, either.'
In any case, his intention hit the mark.
The gangster was horrified, watching his comrades die like toys right in front of his eyes. His body froze stiffly, like a bug caught in a spider's web.
“He was your comrade. How about you explain on his behalf.”
Lee Taebaek spoke, his eyes lowered.
“H-He was always a crazy bastard!”
“Crazy bastards tend to hang out with other crazy bastards.”
“...Uuuugh, that guy, he was especially, a very, very cruel bastard. The atrocity just a moment ago was all his idea, the one you're playing ball with. I just...”
Taebaek was silent.
He just took one step forward.
“D-D-Don't come!”
Just another step.
“I-I said, don't come!”
The gangster extended his arm.
But he soon regretted it.
Lee Taebaek caught his wrist as if twisting it.
“Why are these bastards so slow to learn? Did you already forget your friend who just died from flinching?”
A rupturing sound. The gangster's arm was wrung out like a dishcloth, and a bone protruded sharply from his elbow.
For a moment, sparks flew in the gangster's eyes. A dagger slipped from his hand, which was twisted in a strange direction.
“Did you guys get group training from Haiyen when he was alive? The way you all do things is the same.”
“Uwaaah, uwaaaaah, aaaaaaaaaaak!”
“I'd at least praise you if you showed some imagination.”
Lee Taebaek planted his umbrella in a crack in the floor and clenched his fist.
He can't die. Gently.
WHACK!
His head snapped back. Just as he was about to lose consciousness, Lee Taebaek grabbed the gangster by the collar.
“These damn bug bastards.”
The moment the gangster's face returned to its original position.
“No matter how many I get rid of, they pop up like cockroaches!”
His fist shot out once more, crushing his nose. A series of short, quick punches followed.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
Lee Taebaek, letting go of the gangster's collar, furrowed his brow.
The bones in my fist are damaged from the impact.
As soon as he buffed his [Faith], it healed.
He clenched and unclenched his hand, but it didn't hurt.
Lee Taebaek turned his gaze out of the shadows and into the sunlit area. Passersby were diligently moving their feet, trying hard to pretend they hadn't heard or seen anything.
A dry laugh escaped him unconsciously.
In Lake City, the lowest districts must be especially like this. Outside the alley, young vagrants were peeking out, waiting for their chance.
When Lee Taebaek leaves, they'll swarm the corpses like a pack of rats and take everything, down to a single silver tooth.
But he had no intention of stopping them.
Because he affirmed their way of life. These gangster hopefuls survive for a week by selling their loot. The flip side of a high-tech world is, in essence, no different from a primitive jungle. Dystopia is the bare face revealed when you peel back a layer of modern hypocrisy.
[Time Limit: ○○○○○○○○○]
[Bullet Time has ended.]
“What you want! W-What you want, please tell me!”
The gangster spoke, clutching his nose with his remaining hand. Blood gushed out from between his knuckles.
“Lilith.”
The gangster was dumbfounded by the sudden main topic.
At that, Lee Taebaek smiled and raised his fist.
“Since ancient times, there's been nothing better than a good beating for improving one's memory. Don't you go stammering in front of King Yama.”
“I-I remember! Those red-light district bastards!”
“The red-light district?”
Lee Taebaek tilted his head.
“Yeees! About a month ago. Some bastards calling themselves followers of Lilith came to District 32.”
“Continue.”
“They came and handed out relief rice to the old prostitutes, and gave out free condoms to the customers. Ah, and se-X toy disinfectant, too!”
Red-light district, prostitutes, condoms, sex toys.
A lineup faithful to the game's genre.
I feel proud, yet my mind is reeling.
Is this why it's the cult of the Chaos Goddess?
“Lead the way.”
“Are you going to let me live?”
“If I hit you one more time, your eyeballs are going to pop out like a frog's. You okay with that?”
“I'll guide you by the shortcut right… ugh–.”
The gangster groaned, but began to move with a limp.
“Stop faking it. It's your arm that's hurt, so why are you limping? Is that a signal that you want me to cripple your legs?”
This guy is a machine (Cyber).
“...I have a cramp in my leg… I'm sorry.”
“Bullshit. There are so many stray cats here.”
Another psycho.
The two combined.
A Cyber Psycho.
“You're not laughing?”
Lee Taebaek goaded him, poking him in the spine with the umbrella. The gangster forced a servile smile.
“Ha, haha! You're right, sir, squeak! Squeak! Here, kitties~ come and catch my rat!”
Shank–.
“Ugh!”
“Not funny.”
Is he really a madman?
Aside from his pretty eyes, it seemed his mind was not so prettily insane.
“Let's go.”
“...Yes, sir.”
Every time the gangster walked, blood dripping from his elbow marked the ground with red dots, like a trail.
“Sob...”
The gangster muttered in a sorrowful tone.
“My current life… I don't know, but what sin did I commit in my past life...”
“I know, right.”
Lee Taebaek joined in the lament.
“What did I do so wrong in my past life to suffer like this?”
“No matter how I look at it, it seems like you're enjoying yourself, sir.”
“The drugs must be kicking in again. The rat is speaking.”
“Squeak! Squeak!”
And so, the two headed for the red-light district, Lee Taebaek's destination(?).
Meeeeow.
The stray cats raised their heads and saw them off. At the same time, the young vagrants poured into the alley.
They shoved each other's shoulders and threw their bodies brutishly toward the gangsters' corpses.
“XXXX!”
A cheap curse was carried on the sound of the rain.
“......”
He only turned his head to glance at the scene. His mind was in turmoil.
With that, he had the gangster lead the way and seeped into the city's abyss.
'I've created a fucked-up world.'
The whole way there, a bitter taste filled his mouth.