Chapter 70: Manhunt part 7

Nick and the others kept walking until they came across a crude looking signboard.

Is this the Bedroom?

That place seemed like it was made by putting together construction materials to simulate an insects nest. There were holes in the brick walls, new walls made with wooden boards, galvanized sheet iron, and steel frames covered what seemed like pathways, and there were strange drawings and poems on the walls, floor, and ceiling. It was easy to lose track of what was up and down.

Furthermore, people used to this place would hide in unconventional places. Some were performing their duty and keeping watch, but some would forget that and indulge in sexual intercourse. The kind of slightly dirty warmth coming from them was distracting, but getting in their way would attract attention.

If it was discovered that Nick and the others were bounty hunters, Hale would surely be contacted, as a lot of people there were under his wing.

Still, there were limits to how well they could secure this place, and those limits were well surpassed by Bond, an ancient sacred sword, and his incredibly fine senses. Nicks fighting skill also meant that he could silently take down any guard they could not avoid, and while he was a little too excited about showing his skill, he had since re-focused, leaving no room for error.

Its going well.

Yes, it certainly is.

Y-Yes.

T-thats right!

Still, the atmosphere was a little awkward. In contrast to Nick, who was in good form, Sem was getting more and more irritated, until his expression was clearly filled with anger. No one was talking about it, but Karan and Tianna kept looking at Nick, as if telling him to say something.

Hey, Sem, hum

What is it?

Are you mad about something? Did I say something to upset you?

Im sorry. I guess my bad mood is showing on my face.

Sem embarrassingly rubbed his forehead with his fingers, almost as if he was checking his expression.

Bad mood Is it because of the guards?

Nick had been knocking out guards, and they all looked as bad as the first people that attacked them. They were already showing signs of illness. It seemed that awful drug was everywhere.

Not really them, more the environment around them. The lack of order and hygiene The hopelessness

Thats true

Sometimes, order can be difficult to maintain in places where the eyes of the country or feudal lords cant reach, but that is precisely when the temples should step in. And yet, there is no sign of that whatsoever. Its deplorable.

Somehow, Sems heavy sigh loosened the atmosphere.

Nick and the others amusingly looked at him.

W-what?

Youre more of a priest than most priests.

Ive been excommunicated though.

Its fine. I like people like you that barge into a place like this more than the kind of priests that you were complaining about.

Nick, are you flirting with me?

Tianna burst out laughing at what Sem said.

Hahaha! Id love to see that!

Gimme a break. The looks I get in that transvestite bar are bad enough.

Just be nice. Arent you interested in anyone there?

Im interested in hearing how Redd ended up there

N-nick Is that what you are.

Thats not it. I mean, hes a lawyer working in a transvestite bar. Hes full of mysteries.

Its nice to be able to choose what you do for a living.

I guess.

Responded Nick, and Bond put his finger in front of his mouth, signaling for them to be quiet.

Do you not think it is about time to stop chatting and focus on your work?

Did you find him?

They had been walking for a while.

I would love to say yes, but

But what? Is there a problem?

Nick asked, but Bond was hesitant to speak.

It makes our job simpler but

Just say it.

They are doing it.

Doing what?

That!

Screamed Bond as his face became red, and the other four sighed, as they understood what he meant. The man they were after certainly was that kind of man, and this was that kind of place.

If thats the case

Nick grinned.

Its our chance.

Eh?

Dammit! Why do you people have to come here and ruin my fun!?

Its your fault for not being careful when you have a bounty on your head.

It took less than five minutes.

Capturing Hale, and the woman he was with for good measure, who were hiding in something like a room for one, in a cheap hotel. It was very simple. Bond used Parallel to stop their path of escape, Tianna used magic, and Nick, Karan, and Sem captured them.

Is this not unfair?

Safety first.

Bond didnt seem very satisfied, but Nick didnt seem to care at all.

That is true but

You know, humans can be stronger and scarier than monsters. They have good footwork, intelligence, and maybe even use magic. Someone that looks weak may just be looking for an opportunity to counter-attack.

Thats true.

Whispered Karan, and everyone else had the same expression as her.

Survivors knew very well how scary humans could be.

But This is a three hundred thousand dinar bounty uh?

Mumbled Nick, and the woman that was with Hale opened her eyes wide.

Hale! You never told me you had a bounty on your head! And what did you do for it to be so high!?

S-shut up! Having a bounty is not a big deal! Why is it three hundred thousand though!? Thats way too high!

For fraud, human trafficking, and murder? If anything, its too low.

Nick responded to Hales screaming by listing off his crimes.

M-murder!? Ive never killed anyone!

Tell that to the guild.

I-I mean it! Ive punched and kicked and sold, but Ive never killed anyone!

Ahh, you have a bunch of other crimes.

Hales attempt at arguing for his innocence sounded more like an admission to having done everything short of murder.

Nick realized he didnt need to go easy on him, and tied him with a rope.

In any case, youre coming with us.

Just let me walk away! Please! I can pay

Nick was getting annoyed and did not feel like listening to him anymore, and was considering shutting his mouth with a cloth, when the door was violently opened.

What do you think youre doing to my patient?

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