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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Prøks]
[Proofreader - Prøks]
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Chapter 155: The Demon Realm of Section 1 (1)
Porter, sitting with his legs crossed in his office, had been staring intently at the same spot for a while now.
"...Over 3,000 points in a single day?"
It was utterly unbelievable.
But no matter how hard he stared, nothing changed.
[Samael and the Crazy Mage Squad, 5,950 points]
The total contribution points for a typical Level 3 Demon Realm were a little over 1,000.
Even with monopolization, 3,000 points was an impossible number.
However, it was even more unlikely that the Demon Realm management device was malfunctioning.
Knock knock—
"Manager, it's Bao."
"Come in."
As soon as Bao entered, Porter asked,
"What about the investigation results? Did you find out?"
"It's the appearance of a red variant."
Porter's eyes lit up.
"Indeed. That's the only explanation. Which one?"
"It has been confirmed as a mid-level variant, the mustelid Northern Garriot. The Demon Realm record device will be updated soon."
"Northern Garriot?"
"Yes."
Red variant.
Among the variants that could appear in each Demon Realm, particularly dangerous ones were classified as red.
There had been no record of a red variant appearing in the Demon Realms of Section 9 in recent years.
Even so, considering the achievement score of over 3,000 points in a Level 3 Demon Realm, the appearance of a red variant was somewhat expected. However, the Northern Garriot was not a creature Porter was familiar with.
"Was there a red variant among the mustelids? What kind of creature was the Northern Garriot?"
The lower-level Demon Realms had already been thoroughly analyzed through numerous empirical data.
There were roughly four types of red variants that could appear in Level 3 Demon Realms.
Among them, the Northern Garriot had not appeared in recent years.
Bao replied,
"In terms of individual characteristics, it's not significantly different from ordinary variants. However, it has a unique characteristic of forming groups."
Porter uncrossed his legs and fiddled with the Demon Realm management device a few times before letting out a dumbfounded chuckle.
"There are no other special traits. It's classified as red solely because of its group behavior. I see."
Porter recalled the two cleaners he had met in the morning. He had wondered what they meant by monsters attacking in droves, but now he understood the situation.
"The Kalma Group was annihilated... It's unclear whether to call this luck or skill. How did he manage that?"
Just then, the door burst open with a bang.
"Who enters without knocking?"
"Me. The Crazy Mage Squad Commander."
Porter glared at the door, but upon seeing who it was, he put on an exaggerated smile.
"If it isn't the Crazy Mage Squad Commander."
"I heard you wanted to see me. What do you have to say?"
Porter cracked his neck from side to side.
'What a rude bastard.'
Swallowing his curses, Porter pointed at Bao.
"Wait outside."
"Yes."
After Bao left, Porter looked at the Crazy Mage Squad Commander.
"I've heard the rumors. They say you made quite a scene in the Level 3 Demon Realm?"
"Word travels that fast?"
"It's impressive enough to be acknowledged. Can you tell me more? How did you catch the red variant? I heard the other side suffered considerable damage."
"That's a trade secret."
Porter replied with an exaggerated laugh.
"You're more cautious than you look. Have you given any more thought to becoming a cleaner?"
The Crazy Mage Squad Commander suddenly smiled and asked in return,
"I think I've shown you my skills. Can you increase the percentage?"
"Tell me your offer."
"I'll take 90%."
Porter wagged his finger.
"You're still naive about the ways of the world. Even the existing cleaners only get 70%."
"The existing cleaners were utterly incompetent."
"Is that so? The Sahwa Party will be different."
The Crazy Mage Squad Commander said with a smile,
"Actually, 90% was a joke."
"Then?"
"100%. In return, if any equipment drops, I'll give you one or two pieces. Of course, this is on the condition that you provide me with all information in advance and with the highest priority."
The corners of Porter's mouth stiffened.
"I acknowledge that you handled the red variant. But it wasn't that difficult. Don't overstep your bounds, Crazy Mage Squad Commander."
The Crazy Mage Squad Commander suddenly pointed his index finger at Porter.
"So, are you in or out?"
"You're quite greedy."
"So you're saying no."
"Do you know what happens to those who overstep their bounds?"
The Crazy Mage Squad Commander replied with a smile,
"I know very well what happens to those who overstep their bounds. But why do you keep speaking informally?"
"What?"
"I'm asking why you keep speaking informally, as if you have no manners."
Before Porter could answer, the Crazy Mage Squad Commander stood up.
"The negotiation is over."
Slam—
Porter watched the Crazy Mage Squad Commander leave, slamming the door behind him, and shook his head.
"This guy is incredibly rude."
Porter muttered in disbelief,
"Why are all the cleaners so arrogant? I'll have to call the Sahwa Party. They're better than this."
* * *
After the unproductive conversation with Porter, I headed to the tavern at the back of the city.
'The more I see him, the more I want to mess with him.'
Porter was a scheming man.
This situation wouldn't end here.
How could such a person be the manager of a regular branch office?
This was a clear example of the Alliance's shortcomings. Due to the personnel being drawn from various places, proper management was not being implemented.
"Excuse me, are you Ruin Samael, the Commander of the Crazy Mage Squad?"
I instantly changed my expression and looked towards the source of the voice.
A small boy was approaching with a smile.
"If you don't mind, can I shake your hand?"
"..."
What was the appropriate response in this situation?
As I looked at him with an uncertain expression, the boy suddenly shook my hand and left.
"Sigh."
This wasn't the first time someone I didn't know had suddenly greeted me.
It had happened several times since I left the Level 3 Demon Realm. At first, I thought they might have ulterior motives, but that didn't seem to be the case.
"Oh, isn't that Ruin Samael, the Commander of the Crazy Mage Squad?"
Once again, I looked at the source of the voice with a perplexed expression, and this time, it was Zion standing in front of the tavern, mimicking the boy's tone while chuckling.
"Oh, Commander! Can I shake your hand? Just once?"
"Sure, a handshake."
I flew at him like lightning and aimed my slingshot at his forehead, but Zion, who was already prepared, easily dodged it with a nod.
Zion chuckled again.
"Why that expression, Commander? You look like a lost puppy."
"Shut up."
Just then, I heard another exclamation from across the street.
"Oh, isn't that the Commander of the Crazy Mage Squad?"
I turned around to see who was playing this prank, and once again, I couldn't help but wear a perplexed expression.
It was someone I knew.
"Thank you for saving us, Commander. I heard you frequent this place, so I was waiting for you. Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Evan Gariso of the Gariso Merchant Group."
It was the man with the broken blade.
The one who shouted at me to run even while being chased by the monster.
Chano, who was drinking nearby, chimed in with a smile.
"Don't just talk, show some sincerity, Evan."
"Of course, brother Chano."
Evan looked around at the crowd gathered in the tavern and said,
"As you all may have heard, the Commander here risked his own life to save us, complete strangers. He threw himself into the flames to stop the monsters. No one was watching, but he was willing to sacrifice himself. I, Evan, witnessed this scene with my own eyes. I've never seen such heroism in my entire life."
A mixture of doubtful glances and exclamations erupted from the crowd.
"Even though we are a calculating merchant group, we do not disregard a life debt. From now on, our Gariso Merchant Group will support the Crazy Mage Squad for life. Of course, I, Evan will be paying for everyone's drinks today."
Another round of cheers erupted.
Chano burst into hearty laughter and patted Evan's shoulder.
"That's my brother. Hahaha."
Zion whispered to me,
"How did you do it?"
"Do what?"
"How did you do it? What did you do to make everyone see you as a hero? Tell me."
I replied cynically,
"I don't know."
I didn't know what Evan saw or misunderstood.
This wasn't a situation I had orchestrated.
Normally, I would have gladly played along, but seeing Evan's expression, I didn't feel like it. It actually dampened my mood.
Zion looked around and said,
"What do you guys think of this situation?"
"I'm touched, meow."
[TL/N: It’s Not a mistake Palge just meowed here for some reason]
"I don't have many thoughts. It's not good to overthink things. The Commander must have taken care of it."
"Oh dear."
As soon as Zion shook his head, I struck the back of his head.
"Why are you so suspicious? Look at the contribution points. It seems like one manual hunt is better than dozens of automated hunts. What do you think about that?"
Zion was about to retort but closed his mouth. Chano, who was drinking nearby, exclaimed in admiration,
"It's amazing, even after seeing it again. Even in my memory, excluding the famous noble clans, I've never seen contribution points rise this quickly. I have a good eye for people."
I looked at Chano and shook my head.
"Brother Chano, how long are you planning to stick around here? You said you have comrades?"
"Ehahaha. Didn't I tell you? Those bland guys don't like alcohol. They're all busy preparing for the opening of the Demon Realm in Section 1 soon. It's been a while since the Demon Realm in Section 1 opened. This time, many experienced guys will probably gather. Actually, when I was with the LA mercenary group, I entered the Demon Realm in Section 1, and..." Thud!
Chano slumped over the table, still holding his drink.
Arin removed her hand from the back of Chano's neck and said,
"He talks too much."
Suddenly, the tavern fell silent.
Only then did I pick up my glass of moonshine and start drinking.
After a few rounds of drinks, the other patrons in the tavern started leaving one by one. Even as they left, they greeted me.
As the tavern became empty, Arin suddenly said,
"You saw a demon, right?"
Instantly, the gazes of my subordinates focused on me.
"It was a low-level creature, but I'm sure of it. Those black eyes that emit that kind of smoke are unique to demons."
Perhaps it was because I spoke with such a serious expression.
Everyone's expressions became serious as well.
Zion asked,
"Are you anticipating that those demons or whatever will also appear?"
"Probably."
There was no way the appearance of a monster in the Level 3 Demon Realm was a natural phenomenon.
There was no guarantee that demons wouldn't appear in the higher-level Demon Realms.
And there was definitely someone behind it.
This was completely different from the demon invasion 300 years ago.
It was secretive and insidious.
The organization Parin belonged to. I had to dig them out.
"Let's crush those demons or whatever they are."
I turned my head at the sudden voice and saw my subordinates, their eyes gleaming.
I smiled.
They were right.
I just had to crush everything, from start to finish.
"What did you guys just say? What are you going to crush?"
Suddenly, Chano, who had been lying face down, lifted his head while drooling and shaking it.
"Oh dear, it seems like my alcohol tolerance has gotten weaker these days. I must have dozed off for a bit. Where did everyone go?"
I looked at Chano.
"When did you say Section 1 would open?"
"Oh, are you planning to enter too? It's next week. Then you’re more than welcome to join us. Actually, Section 1 is generally considered one of the most difficult among the Level 3 Demon Realms."
"Compared to Section 9?"
"It's incomparable. It would be reassuring if you guys came along. Ah, of course, I'm not saying we should move together. That could be disrespectful to each other. Don't misunderstand me. If you really want, I can act as a guide. Actually, finding a guide isn't easy either. When I was with the LA mercenary group...”
Thud!
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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Prøks]
[Proofreader - Prøks]
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