Chapter 68: Manhunt part 5

The eastern part of the Labyrinth City was even less safe than the southern part, which housed a lot of adventurers and workers.

The Order of the Sun had barely any presence there. Bounty hunters went after vicious criminals and repeated offenders, but lighter crimes pretty much went unpunished. The area that was supposed to be developed but there were abandoned buildings/projects, which were particularly dangerous sites even in such an area. The city attempted to build a town hall, but the people in charge embezzled the money that was supposed to go to contractors, and construction was also done sloppy, which made it a precarious building.

The irregularities and laziness started piling up, until construction was abandoned.

The first people to settle there were construction workers with nowhere to go. Next, came an avalanche of wanted people that could not stay anywhere else in the Labyrinth City.

These new inhabitants started doing unregulated and haphazard remodeling in the unsafe buildings that were abandoned half-way through being built, and it expanded so much, it could be called a labyrinth.

Survivors stood at the gate of this area. This graffiti filled gate was like an entrance to the underworld.

Sorry about this detour Sem.

Hm? We came straight from Manhunt.

Thats not what I mean.

Nick giggled at Sems naive answer.

Its alright. Stepping Man is our main target, but this is also something we have to do right? And its not like Im frantically looking for Stepping Man.

Im glad to hear that.

And

Sem started talking, but stopped.

What?

Nothing. More importantly, can we really just come in?

Thats usually the case.

Said Nick with a sour expression, which prompted Karan to ask him.

Do you know about this place Nick?

Just a bit.

So you do know.

Said Tianna, to which Nick nodded.

I did some bounty hunting with my previous party, but Our leader didnt really like this kind of work, so labyrinth exploration soon became our main line of work.

This is the entrance, but we should talk to the gatekeeper first.

Theres a gatekeeper Theyre not going to attack from that side, are they?

Said an exasperated Tianna.

That does happen. Usually, one of three things happens, and it depends on who is here and why.

Three?

First, if its the Order of the Sun, theyll probably band together and attack with all they have.

Thats pretty extreme

If they dont do that, theyll be driven out. Next, if its someone that wants to live here, theyll usually be accepted. People here wont look after them or anything, but they can stay in one of the abandoned buildings, and if they have connections or abilities, they can find work with one of the factions here and be fed.

I see And the last one?

People like bounty hunters, or people looking for someone. Those kinds of people will usually be let in, but

But?

Well, youll see. Lets get going.

Nick prompted them to move on, and they passed through the graffiti filled gate.

Around them were people wearing shabby clothes, sitting or lying down.

Among them there was a thin, unhealthy looking man looking at them. The man approached them.

I havent seen you around here Are you bounty hunters?

Yes.

Then, I cant be your guard and I cant tell you where you can find whoever it is youre after, but Im also not helping whatever idiot got a bounty on their head.

Alright. We dont need a guard or a guide.

Nick shook his head, and Karan looked on, confused.

Do we look like we need a guard?

I dont mean guard in the sense of putting my body on the line to protect someone else, I mean acting as an intermediary between you and my partners to make sure they dont attack you. But if you dont hire us, we cant guarantee your safety in here.

Said the man while shrugging, and Karan whispered, seemingly understanding what he meant.

So, people are going to attack us instead of monsters? We dont need help either way.

What an interesting lady. Do you want information?

The man stretched his hand while laughing out loud, and Nick placed some copper coins on it.

It doesnt have to be precise or anything. Has anything changed lately?

The other day some idiot shot a hole in the roof of the assembly hall with magic. Because of this, the people who claim that area as their turf are fighting the people of the Hoshimi square barracks. Stay clear of that place if you dont want to be caught in the middle.

Got it.

Another thing. Dont mess with Nargava while hes working.

Nargava? Whos that?

A priest. Theres a new rule around here, dont bother him when hes healing or during his divine service.

Ehh How peaceful.

Nick was surprised, and Sem also seemed impressed.

So that sort of thing happens even in a place like this.

Got it? Go on.

The man annoyingly gestured with his chin, and Survivors went on their way.

It stinks.

Grumbled Karan while pinching her nose.

Well The ventilation and plumbing are terrible.

Nick and the others walked through the abandoned area. Everywhere they went had low ceilings and was cramped, but the area itself was surprisingly wide.

Between buildings were rooms and roads built with construction materials that were left behind, and the people living there expanded in any way they wanted.

But because of this, no one cleaned, and it couldnt be said to function well as a city.

Also

Hold on.

Simply put, the inhabitants were ruffians.

Muggings happen as often and as casually as a light greeting.

You came from outside uh?

You need to pay a toll to Geha!?

Before the shady men could finish bringing out their swords and axes, Nick and Bond rendered them unconscious with the back of their weapons.

Be careful, some people will attack when they see outsiders.

That surpassed my expectations.

This is

Sem and Tianna let out tired sighs.

I can detect when someone approaches us carrying a blade. You will do well to rely on me.

Said Bond full of confidence.

In actuality, he really was the main player here. With his excellent sight and hearing, it was possible to quickly detect hoodlums approaching them and deal with them.

Yes, we will. Sem, wake one of them up, I want to ask where Hale is.

Ah, I guess thats one way to do it.

More like, I personally feel that we shouldnt touch the gatekeeper, but after that, its free for all

I see. So who will it be?

The guy with the mohawk seems to be their leader.

Yes.

Sem approached one of the hoodlums that attacked them and cast healing magic.

H-hum? W-who are you?

Thats my line. Do you know where Hale is?

As soon as the man with the mohawk woke up, he flared up at Nick, who immediately grabbed his arm and twisted it.

Guah! S-stop!

Stop complaining, youre the one that attacked us.

Alright alright! You mean that lady killer Hale right?

Yes. Apparently he used to work as a host.

Hes probably in the bedroom.

Bedroom?

Its a building in the east that was supposed to be a lodging house. Thats what we call it. Hes a pimp there.

Alright, thats all we need to know.

G-gimme an information fee or something.

Nick was amazed by the mans shamelessness.

He was going to ask how he had the nerve to say that after attacking them, but Sem stepped forward.

Youre going to die soon you know?

Ah? What

Youve been taking some bad drugs havent you?

Whats it to you?

Is it the ones you boil and inhale? Or do you bite seeds and leaves? Do you feel depressed when you drink, or feel happy?

W-whats your problem?

Just answer.

The man backed off, intimidated by Sems pressure.

He felt he had no choice but to start talking about his consumption and situation.

I-I cant sleep. What else can I do!? I cant live a decent life here. You wouldnt get it.

Sem quietly listened, and in the end

This medicinal herb has a calming effect. You can have it as your information fee.

Its not very strong, but bear with it instead of relying on what youve been drinking.

A-alright.

Take more. Share it with the others when they wake up.

Y-yes.

The man seemed confused as he took the herbs from Sem, who paid no heed to his confusion and turned to his partners.

Lets go.

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