Villain Hides His True Color - Chapter 66

Chapter 66

 

It could be said that a person’s thinking temporarily stops when they encounter something that wasn’t easily understood with common sense.

 

Likened to a computer, it was similar to a system crash.

 

And that was exactly how Chris felt now.

 

“So are you going to hire me or not?”

 

He stared blankly at the young child urging him for an answer.

 

Glossy black hair, a good-looking appearance that could be mistaken for a girl, and about 12 or 13 years old?

 

In Kowloon he would be old enough to just enter a gang and do all the chores the seniors tell him to do.

 

But…

 

This brat…is the monster from earlier?

 

He looked at the boy in disbelief.

 

Meanwhile, he was smiling brightly as if he was enjoying the present situation.

 

“…”

 

If someone just looked at the innocent appearance, it would be difficult for anyone to think of his identity as being linked to that of a vicious monster.

 

But for Chris who had seen him a while ago, the smile that he was showing came as eerie as that of a predator playing with its food.

 

Where the hell did this monster come from?

 

He hadn’t seen him fight properly yet, so it was hard to make a precise judgment.

 

But judging from the situation around him, he was at least as strong as himself.

 

Maybe…he might be stronger than that.

 

Vlad was the only one who could stand up to him in the streets of Kowloon.

 

So Chris was certain he had come from the outside.

 

If he had been a resident of Kowloon, his existence would have been known by now.

 

Then, what was his purpose for coming here?

 

Don’t tell me…was he here to threaten my position?

 

A strong person with his level of skill would surely be able to live well anywhere, so he was suspicious of his intention to crawl into such a place.

 

“You…Why did you come here?”

 

Chris asked, glaring at him sharply.

 

At the same time, he circulated mana and released his aura so that magic could be used.

 

However, despite that kind of threat, the boy spoke calmly.

 

“Hmm? I thought you already knew…The man next to you. Didn’t he tell you?”

 

He asked, pointing to Snoop standing next to Chris. Snoop shook his hands frantically and excused himself.

 

“N-no! I-I’ve clearly told the boss, but…”

 

Snoop turned his head slightly and gave Chris a look of blame.

 

Huh.

 

Chris wasn’t expecting this to happen to him from the guy who was more ‘loyal’ to him than anyone else.

 

Was he scared of the boy that much?

 

“I’ve heard about it. But I just couldn’t guess your intentions. Why did you say you’ll help us?”

 

The boy raised the corner of his mouth and answered.

 

“What’s the reason for working as a mercenary? It’s because of money.”

 

“Because of money? Do you really want me to believe that?”

 

“Well, believe it or not, it’s up to you. So are you going to sign a contract or not?”

 

Those who had power usually had high pride.

 

But how much money does a strong person like him coming to such a dump expect to earn?

 

It wasn’t easy to understand.

 

There’s no way there would be such a person in the world…

 

As Chris thought as such, suddenly, a memory crossed his mind.

 

A lone wolf who wanders the underworld and takes care of anything for money.

 

He was sure the name he had heard at that time was…

 

“Werewolf…Hongir.”

 

“What?”

 

As if his guess was correct, the boy asked back with his eyes wide open.

 

“How do you know the name?”

 

“I see…You were the Werewolf.”

 

Chris nodded to himself.

 

It would explain the wolf he saw earlier and the manner the boy was showing now if it was the famous Werewolf.

 

“Me? No, I’m not?”

 

The boy frowned and denied it.

 

It was said Hongir didn’t like being called Werewolf. It was consistent with what Chris knew.

 

“Is that so? I’ll apologize for that.”

 

“Well, that’s fine. In fact, it doesn’t matter what you call me.”

 

“Yes. That’s not what matters now.”

 

As he said, there were other concerns now.

 

There was no need to doubt his purpose now that he knew he was Hongir.

 

However, hiring him was another matter.

 

A while ago, he had received a report that there was an attack by the Red Blood Alliance, but that wasn’t a confirmation of a war.

 

In addition, even if there was an all-out war now, Blue Mage already had the upper hand.

 

Even without Hongir, there would be no big problem.

 

On the other hand, the problem was that the cost of hiring Hongir was known to be astronomical.

 

Naturally, they would be able to conquer Kowloon with a little more certainty if Hongir helped them, but in this situation, hiring him was like bringing a knife to catch a chicken.

 

It was an absolutely unacceptable offer, especially for Chris, who was famous for being money-hungry.

 

“I’m sorry. But our organization’s financial situation isn’t good right now. I’m afraid I can’t afford your commission.”

 

“That’s okay.”

 

“Anyway, thank you for saving my companion…”

 

“Well, I’ll just go over there and ask them to hire me.”

 

“?!”

 

The boy said, turning his back without hesitation. Chris, looking at his figure, stopped him in a hurry.

 

“W-wait!”

 

“What?”

 

The balance that had been tightly maintained would be broken at once if the boy sticks to the Red Blood Alliance.

 

Chris didn’t know what the situation was like over there, but they would surely hire Hongir if they were in a tight spot later.

 

It was nothing short of a dilemma.

 

The boy looked at him with an insidious smile as if he knew such a fact.

 

Damn it…he’s forcing my hands.

 

There was no way. Now, even if it cost a little money, he had to keep Hongir in check.

 

And, in the midst of this, Chris had thought of an idea to save money.

 

“Hmm…okay. Then, why don’t we make a contract like this?”

 

“How?”

 

“First of all, after receiving the advance payment and signing the contract, you’ll only be paid in the event of a fight.”

 

“That would be a loss to me.”

 

“Instead! Each time you fight, I’ll pay you twice as much as you would normally receive.”

 

“Hmm…”

 

The boy showed a troubled expression. Looking at him, Chris prayed earnestly.

 

Please accept it, please!

 

He would be able to eliminate a risk at the lowest possible cost if the boy accepts.

 

Rather, it could be insurance for the worst case scenario, and there would be no more variables.

 

Did such prayers go through? The boy, who had been silent for a while, finally nodded.

 

“Well, that’s fine. But instead of a set price, let’s decide on a price when the time comes. It’s not like every fight is the same.”

 

“All right! Good. Now we’re understanding each other. Hahaha!”

 

There would be no big worry if a war broke out in the future now that he had Hongir tied up in his hands.

 

And rather, to be able to negotiate the charge of the contract was a benefit to him.

 

Hehe…the advance payment can be recouped if I sell his name and put pressure on the Red Blood Alliance.

 

Chris smiled, hiding his insidious intentions.

 

However, a few days later he had no choice but to realize that the contract was the worst mistake he had ever made.

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

“Attack!”

 

“Attack! We can’t be pushed back here!”

 

After the incident that day, Red Blood Alliance began to actively pressure Blue Mage.

 

Red Blood Alliance began to engage in guerrilla warfare by attacking various businesses Blue Mage operated.

 

Chris was naturally prepared for this, but what the hell were they up to? They had appeared and disappeared as if they had teleported as a group.

 

And finally today, as if Red Blood Alliance was determined to end it, they had led armed members and attacked a drug factory that could be called the Blue Mage’s cash cow.

 

Their number was estimated to be more than 300.

 

On the other hand, Blue Mage had only about 200.

 

“Fuck! Don’t doze off and keep fighting! I’ll kill those who run away myself!”

 

It was a very lop-sided situation in terms of numbers, but Chris couldn’t give up.

 

This was because the side of victory in this war would surely shift if he handed over this place.

 

“Vlad didn’t even show up, you little brats!”

 

Chris squeezed out his mana, and blades of wind flew in all directions.

 

But…

 

Contrary to his will, the fight was taking a turn for the worse.

 

“Keuhaha! We have the Dark Specter on our side!!”

 

“Let’s finish it once and for all!”

 

The battle had been even at first, but ever since the appearance of a mysterious person wrapped in darkness on the Red Blood Alliance camp, it had turned into a one-sided slaughter.

 

“M-monster!”

 

“Run away! Keuaak!”

 

The shadows oozing from the monster’s body penetrated the bodies of Blue Mage members.

 

They had tried to focus guns and magic, but perhaps because the monster had the ability to nullify range attacks, all the projectiles were sucked into the darkness surrounding it.

 

“Damn it! Where the hell did that monster come from?”

 

He had never seen such a monster in Kowloon.

 

Red Blood Alliance seemed to have brought a mercenary from outside.

 

On top of that, he was no match for it even when he had tried to step forward himself.

 

Shit! Shit! Shit! What are we going to do?

 

Chris bit his lips and looked around. Even at this moment, Blue Mage members were being brutally murdered.

 

A way…

 

***

 

[ Translator – Yasi ]

[ Proofreader – Karane ]

 

***

 

At the end of his gaze, he saw a child fiddling with a game console in one corner of the factory.

 

Looking at his carefree appearance, an uncontrollable anger rose. He ran straight to the boy and shouted.

 

“Hongir! What are you doing here? Can’t you see our members are dying?”

 

The boy replied with a sullen look.

 

“You told me to stay out of the battle. Did you change your mind?”

 

“Th-that’s something you have to decide on your own!”

 

“You have to pay for the fight.”

 

“Yes! How much do you want? We don’t have time, so tell me quickly!”

 

“Four million.”

 

“Wh-what?”

 

At first, he thought he had misheard. Four million?

 

“I don’t have time for jokes. Tell me quickly. If I’ve done something to upset you, I’ll apologize.”

 

However, the boy continued to fiddle with his game console.

 

“Four million.”

 

“You’re crazy! Are you serious…”

 

“Four million.”

 

“Come on, be a little more realistic…”

 

“Four million.”

 

“…”

 

The boy rolled up one corner of his mouth. At that moment, Chris came to a realization.

 

He wasn’t playing around, and he was also aware of the situation.

 

Rather, he understood the situation better than anyone else here and was trying to suck him dry.

 

This son of a bitch!

 

He trembled as he stared at the boy.

 

But in the end, he had no choice but to accept the proposal.

 

“…Fine. I’ll give it to you. However, this situation must be resolved.”

 

Only then did the boy put away his game console and stood up.

 

“Don’t worry, just get the money ready.”

 

He immediately turned into a giant wolf and giggled with his torn mouth.

 

Chris thought as he looked at it.

 

Yes…it would be cheaper than the factory being blown away. This won’t happen again if we overcome this crisis…

 

Hongir, who had thus entered the battlefield, fought fiercely against the Dark Specter.

 

And maybe the Dark Specter was weak in close combat, but it was helplessly attacked by him.

 

As a result,

 

“D-damn it! Retreat! Everybody back!”

 

Red Blood Alliance, who had confidently come, quickly fled, leaving their wounded colleagues behind.

 

They had defeated nearly 300 with only 200.

 

This could be said to be a sweeping victory that would have been recorded in a page of history if this was a real battlefield.

 

But…instead of shouting for being victorious, Chris had no choice but to curse.

 

“N-no…It can’t be…”

 

Next to the scattered bodies wearing blue and red was the factory that was used to refine drugs, destroyed beyond recognition.

 

And now, of the 200 people from Blue Mage, there were only a handful left standing in one piece.

 

Both sides had suffered great losses in the fight between two monsters.

 

It was simply a hurtful victory.

 

To him who was cursing, a giant wolf came up to him and spoke.

 

“I’ve done my job, so please prepare the four million as promised.”

 

“Ah…”

 

In the end, Chris slumped to the floor.

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

Blue Mage had suffered tremendous damage due to the battle at the factory.

 

One of their largest money sources was destroyed, and of the members who were active on the front line, nearly 200 people were killed or injured and had left the organization.

 

All things considered, it wasn’t a large number if the 2nd and 3rd string members spread throughout Kowloon were accounted for. However, considering that most of the members who had participated in the battle were key personnel of Blue Mage, it could be said to be a truly devastating loss.

 

On top of that, Chris had paid a whopping sum of four million…

 

As such, he had no choice but to feel a sense of crisis about the current situation.

 

He calmly calculated the benefits and losses of continuing this war, and then came to a conclusion.

 

At this rate…both sides will be destroyed.

 

He was certain Red Blood Alliance had also suffered a lot.

 

And…Vlad must have spent a lot of money on the mercenary.

 

It would just be a matter of filling the pockets of the two mercenaries if things continued.

 

Pride means nothing, even if I have to bend down for a while…As long as I can keep my money.

 

In the end, he had asked Red Blood Alliance boss, Vlad, to meet him secretly.

 

And perhaps because Vlad had thought the same, a meeting was quickly held.

 

An old cathedral located on the border of a district controlled by the two forces. It was the only building that had existed here before the Kowloon Group had started their urban development.

 

Now at this cathedral, key executives of the two cartels had gathered.

 

“Seeing that you had asked to meet me first, I guess you’re quite anxious, Chris?”

 

Vlad said, his expression still full of bravado as ever.

 

Normally, Chris would have felt angry at Vlad’s provocation. However, now he readily admitted and spoke bluntly.

 

“Yes. To tell you the truth, the situation isn’t so good.”

 

“Huu? What’s going on? What could you possibly mean?”

 

“Isn’t it the same for you? Two of your executives were amongst the dead bodies at the factory this time.”

 

“You…Did you call me here to pick a fight? If so, let’s settle it here right now.”

 

Vlad, in a growling voice, pulled out a pair of axes hanging from his back.

 

At that moment, Chris lowered his head toward Vlad.

 

His sudden action took everyone’s breath away.

 

“…What are you doing?”

 

“I’m apologizing for what happened. So could you please listen to me for a second?”

 

“…”

 

The boss of a large cartel that divided Kowloon. The fact that such a man had bowed his head wasn’t something to be taken lightly.

 

Did he feel the sincerity behind the action? Vlad put away his axes and stared at Chris.

 

“…Well, it’s fine if it’s just hearing you out. And I’m sure you have the respect of your men, but it’s not a very nice look seeing you bow like that.”

 

“Yes…thank you.”

 

It was a fact that men born in Kowloon become members of gangs.

 

But…

 

Regardless of which cartel they belonged to, they were all victims caught in tragic fate.

 

Therefore, while hating each other more than anyone else, they also had no choice but to understand each other.

 

For the first time in a while, a faint smile appeared on everyone’s face.

 

In the warm atmosphere, Chris explained what he had on his mind.

 

“…So you’re saying, if we fight, we should leave out the mercenaries?”

 

“Yes. We would only be filling their pockets If we go on like this.”

 

“Hmm…that certainly makes sense.”

 

“And this is a long-running battle to decide who owns Kowloon. If outsiders get involved in such a fight, wouldn’t we lose face?”

 

“Ah! I can’t believe that came out of your mouth. I thought you were just crazy about money.”

 

“Well, I wouldn’t deny that, but I have my pride as a man.”

 

“Hehe, that’s funny. I’ll trust your pride and do as you suggested this time.”

 

“Thank you for believing me. Even if I die, let’s do it fair and square like men.”

 

“Euhaha! Okay, fine. Let’s fight as men till the end!”

 

Vlad and Chris shook hands, and a gentlemen’s agreement was concluded.

 

It’s done. Now that the mercenaries are out of the way, all I’ll have to do is fight and win…

 

The moment Chris was smiling, suddenly, a loud voice came from behind.

 

“H-huh? Why is my body…heup!”

 

Looking back, Snoop’s body creaked as he pulled out a grenade.

 

?!

 

Now that the agreement was safely done, what the hell was he trying to do?

 

Chris hurriedly tried to stop him. However, the speed at which the grenade flew from Snoop’s hand was faster.

 

The grenade, which flew in a long parabola, fell among the members near Vlad.

 

“N-no!”

 

Boom–!

 

Along with a deafening sound, the flesh of Red Blood Alliance members was scattered in all directions.

 

And at that moment, an angry voice was heard.

 

“Chris…you son of a bitch! You tricked me again!”

 

Vlad, covered in blood and flesh, glared at Chris.

 

Chris really hadn’t ordered it this time, but looking at Vlad’s expression, it seemed it would be impossible to resolve the misunderstanding.

 

“Oh fuck!”

 

Why was everything so complicated? There was only one way left.

 

“Attack! Kill all the red bastards!”

 

Dudududu–!

 

“Kueaak!”

 

“Keuhok!”

 

The stale smell of gunpowder filled the cathedral, and the sound of people dying resonated everywhere.

 

“Everyone, retreat! This is a trap!”

 

Members of Red Blood Alliance ran away and Vlad shouted as they left the cathedral.

 

“Chris! Next time we meet, I’ll turn you into minced meat!”

 

Chris grimaced and cursed.

 

“Fucking hell! Fuck!”

 

For some reason, he felt like things were becoming more complicated these days.

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

Hiding in one corner of the cathedral, I watched as the two sides fought.

 

Hehe, who was going to win in the end?

 

It was only just the beginning, so it would be no fun if it was over already.

 

I must tell Elizabeth to raise the price since Vlad should be very angry after this.

 

Also, Chris won’t be able to stay as still as before now that the Red Blood Alliance will become more aggressive.

 

In any case, more and more money will go into my pocket if it repeats like this.

 

And, once I squeeze out everything, I’ll wrap up this plan when I think there’s nothing more to farm.

 

Hehe…good, good.

 

Sooner or later, all the wealth in Kowloon will come into my hands. Watching the fights was just a bonus.

 

To strike a balance, perhaps it would be for the best if the Red Blood Alliance wins tomorrow?

 

I smiled deeply and contacted Elizabeth.

____