Earth Dungeon 34.2

Test

Chapter 34.2. Dispute

[Sakimori-san, ENEMY, Sakimori-san, ENEMY.]

[Um... Sometimes you get weird, Shizuku-san.]

Shizuku-san says in a voice that sounds like an artificial voice while hopping like a bunny in the air. I don't understand the meaning, so I'll just ignore it like before.

Well, I've been waiting. He's the boss or something. I forgot the name. Well, it doesn't matter. There's no need to remember it. Is he Eitai? A name I'll forget right away.

The boss from the outer town we met earlier walks towards us, carrying something unusual on his shoulder. It's truly a rare item.

"Hey, Amano or something? The shadow user. The boss of the ruined city, right? You don't look like it, but you're the strongest."

Eitai looks at us with a confident expression. So he figured out that I'm the strongest. Well, it was pointless.

"That's why I told you that disguises are meaningless. Aniki is too famous. With a little investigation, it's easy to see through it"

Ooki-kun says with a sigh, and I give him a reproachful look.

"Ooki-kun... This time, you should act as Sakimori."

I'm tired of the slouching posture. I expected him to investigate me unless he was an idiot. Well, I gave it a shot anyway.

I straighten up and roll my shoulders. They've become stiff for no reason.

"You seem so confident, but can't you see this? The strongest in the abandoned town?"

Eitai shows off an assault rifle by tapping his shoulder. It's a weapon that only the military should have. He's wearing a military uniform and has a magazine in his pocket.

The other six people standing in front of us all have handguns. The three in the back have the one in the middle holding a handgun, while the ones on the sides have crossbows. The ones hiding in the ruins are reconnaissance cats.

The shadow cats we scattered around are moving stealthily, and it's easy to confirm that the ones in the ruined building are crossbow users. I gaze at Eitai.

"An assault rifle, huh? That's unusual. So, is this a gift for me? I'd be happy if it is."

"Heh. Even if you're strong, you can't match this, right? I'll tell you, military rifle rounds can easily penetrate iron plates. No matter how strong your skills are. You're no match for them."

"Hmm, so what's your demand then?"

I can guess it, but I ask, sighing with boredom, and Eitai and the others laugh without breaking their smiles as they state their demand.

"Of course, it's your market territory. Just work under me from now on. I'll guarantee your life, and I'll let you keep 50% of the profits as tribute."

"I don't get it. 50% of the profits will put you in the red. Are you stupid? In this case, where you can't calculate, should I call you an idiot or just rude?"

I wish they had said at least 50% of net profits.

"! You think you're the strongest and can boast about it, huh? Huh?"

Eitai, with anger in his voice, comes at me with a terrific look on his face.

"Keep your funny face for the outer town. The abandoned town is where you'll you first."

Eitai doesn't hide his anger in the face of Sakimori's sharp words but still doesn't raise his assault rifle. Neither do the others. They seem to have enough guts to withstand the provocation.

If they have that much sense, why aren't they trying to kill me? Do they think they can make me surrender with just threats?

"If I die, the market protected by the shadow cats will easily collapse, you know? And if that happens, it means killing me is impossible."

"Haha, it won't be like that. I've done my research. You created a system to defeat the monsters around here, right?"

As Eitai calms down and returns to his composed expression, his words become difficult to understand. I indeed made things like fences and spear units, though.

"What about Hobgoblins and Archers? If we face them, there will be casualties."

"If we use bait, people will risk their lives and kill them. So even if you die, it won't be a problem."

"........."

I'm struck dumb by his unexpected words.

Eitai says it's a brilliant idea, while his followers laugh and sneer. Seriously, these guys don't understand the fear of monsters. The fear of monsters isn't about individual strength. It's because they keep appearing endlessly they could defeat the national army.

 If there are casualties and injuries every day, this market will quickly decline and disappear. They can't maintain the market without me.

That's beyond belief. Even Oooki-kun and the others are exasperated because they understand it. 

It's pitiful, not knowing the reality.

"Hey, got it? Will you become my subordinate or die?"

English Body smirks mockingly, but the choices are lacking.

"You're quite confident, but how many magazines do you have? Wouldn't it be troublesome if you ran out after using them against me?"

"Don't worry! Besides the ones here, I have plenty more magazines. Too bad for you, huh? Not living up to your expectations."

Eitai mocks, tapping the magazine attached to his clothing, but.

Oh~ You have that many. In that case, maybe I'll let you use one.

"In that case, my choice is to kill you and take that assault rifle. Anyone who wants to take over its position should stay still."

Covering my body with black shadows, as usual, I smirk cunningly. How lucky. To think I'll get my hands on an assault rifle.

I should also express my gratitude to the whatever boss. I'll give him a small gift, maybe three cents' worth.