Chapter 17: The Price of Shamelessness

‘What in the world? I’m merely an innocent bystander here!

Furthermore, do you villains even possess a shred of common sense?

This shop owner and I have only just met; if she truly wished to conceal the sacred armor, and possessed the ruthlessness to do so, what possible purpose would my death serve you?

Just based on this ludicrous threat, he couldn’t help but wonder if these individuals were entirely lacking in intelligence.

Leaf Su slowly began to rise from his crouch, preparing himself for inevitable resistance.

‘They’ve openly threatened to take my head; what difference would I be from a salted fish (TL Note: A Chinese idiom referring to someone utterly resigned and lifeless) if I didn’t fight back?’

‘These individuals’ attribute panels were laughably low.

With his GM class (TL Note: Game Master, implying an overpowered, administrative role in a game) equipment active, they posed no real threat or pressure to him whatsoever.

He hadn’t intended to bully anyone, yet they had chosen to make an example of him, using him as a pawn to threaten another.

Did they truly believe he was so easily intimidated?’

He resolved that the moment they made a move, he would immediately retaliate.

‘This, after all, would constitute legitimate self-defense!’

‘Moreover, those who so readily harmed innocent children were hardly upstanding individuals.

In a way, his actions would serve as a fitting punishment for them, wouldn’t they?’

****

“Kohn! Do not involve outsiders in this! He is merely my customer!” Kushi exclaimed, her gaze filled with indignant resentment as she watched the man advance towards the counter, a profound sense of helplessness washing over her.

“If you wish for this to cease, it’s quite simple,” the man with the greatsword declared, his face stern with authority.

“You merely need to hand over the item, and we will depart at once.

You may even remain here, continuing your childish games of pretend.”

As he spoke, he began to lower his massive sword towards the floor.

With a resounding *thud*, the immense greatsword, its weight unfathomable, struck the floor and instantly gouged out a small crater.

He propped the sword on the ground with a single hand, his eyes then darting sideways to Kushi, revealing a murderous intent forged from experiences unknown, yet undeniably brutal.

“I will count to three.

If the sacred armor is not produced, that child’s head will fall.” The burly man let out a dismissive snort, then effortlessly lifted the sword from the floor with a single hand.

From his imposing height, he cast a disdainful gaze downward, his eyes sweeping over the counter as the greatsword’s tip pointed directly at Leaf Su, who remained half-crouched on the ground.

“Oh, and by the way, don’t even consider screaming for help.

This area has already been [sound-sealed], ensuring that nothing that transpires within will be detected by those outside.

‘Damn it, what the hell are you pointing at?!’

‘Even with my usually calm demeanor, I find myself wanting to flatten you right now.’

“Three!”

“Two!”

“Take it, take it! I’ll give it to you, just let him go! He’s innocent!” Kushi cried out, watching in horror as the colossal sword began to slowly incline towards Leaf Su, her voice desperate to halt the impending strike.

“Heh heh,” the man named Kohn chuckled, a sly glint in his eyes.

“So, you were deceiving us all along?

The item was with you this entire time… However… since this child has heard about the sacred armor, he cannot be allowed to leave.” He finally lowered his sword, his gaze fixed on the distraught Kushi, a cunning smirk playing on his lips.

“What do you mean by that?! We had an agreement!”

“Indeed, I am letting *him* go,” Kohn stated, a chilling smile on his face.

“But I never said my subordinates would release him, did I?” He clapped his hands, and from the seven figures who had been guarding the entrance, one stepped forward, their longsword already drawn, its polished blade reflecting a cold, ominous glint.

‘Wow… are these people even human?’

‘He was astonished.

Could they truly be so utterly shameless? Leaf Su felt an overwhelming urge to pummel them.’

“Boy! To die by my blade is honor enough for you,” the man declared, his voice laced with arrogance.

“I am a B-rank adventurer, known as the man called [Han Sword] (TL Note: A title, literally ‘Korean Sword’).” Clutching his longsword, he advanced with deliberate, slow steps.

‘Goddammit, why in the world would I be honored by dying by *your* sword? In fact, I think it’s *your* turn to be honored.

How about you come over here and die by *my* hand instead?’