Earth Dungeon 33.1

Test

Chapter 33.1. Officials

Five men sneaked through the door connecting the ruins to the outer city and entered. A large man led the way, striding with a breeze that showcased his muscles, followed by a group of intimidating-looking men. An older man with a hunched back stood out, clutching his bag tightly and nervously scanning the surroundings to prevent it from being stolen.

Ordinarily, he would go unnoticed with his plain brown clothes and unkempt beard. His eyes darted around, his body tense with nervousness, and despite being fairly tall, his hunched posture made him look frail and weak. 

The four men surrounding him, including the large man, seemed to protect him, giving the impression that he might be carrying something valuable.

Barracks lined up, various vegetables, suspicious meat skewers from unknown sources, and what could easily be mistaken for garbage were placed in front of mats. It was a black market where only cheapness mattered. Many people were coming and going, engaged in bustling buying and selling. There were all kinds of people, from rough characters to those with shifty looks. Ignoring the stalls, the men continued walking, even though one would expect the black market to be their destination if they were residents of the ruins.

After walking for a while, the noise subsided, and the surroundings changed from barracks to decent houses. The window glasses were dirty but not broken, and the houses looked old and dilapidated.

The asphalt pavement had cracks and holes, but no weeds were growing. Older ladies were engrossed in discussions, like in a neighborhood gathering, while children playing around. With a sidelong glance at the scene, the group continued to advance, and the landscape transformed into a sight of relatively new houses, shelves with merchandise, and neatly dressed people glimpsing in new clothes. Nearby, there was even a school covered with iron walls that resembled a prison.

"Man, it feels so out of place here. This is where even wealthy people from the outer town come."

The large man at the front looks around and hesitantly speaks. The other three also look around, nodding with strained expressions. For the residents of the abandoned town, wealthy and clean individuals are uncomfortable opponents.

"Come to think of it... cough. Ahem. By the way, Ooki, you're from the outer town? Even though those people are wealthy, why don't they go to the inner town?"

Ooki-kun nods in response to the nervous voice of the hunchbacked man.

"This area is where those who profit from dealings with the outer town or those who have fallen in power struggles reside. That's why they have more money and power than the clumsy folks from the inner town."

"I see. Is that so? Uh, well, I only come to the black market, so I didn't know. Thank you, Ooki-kun."

"Um, my name isn't Ooki..."

The scrawny man narrows his eyes, impressed by what he learned, and smirks submissively.

"So, there are strong people around here, right?"

"Occasionally, you'll find Level 1 skilled individuals in this area. They're the security guards from the outer town."

"You have a way with words, calling thugs security guards."

When the hunchbacked man comments that Level 1 skilled individuals are rare, Ooki shakes his head and denies it.

"No, they are the soldiers of the country. Don't they have consistent equipment? They are trained individuals. Well, many got bribed, though. They are different from low-level punks."

People wearing bulletproof vests stand on street corners, with crossbows slung over their shoulders and large military knives at their waists. Their physique ranges from people the same size as the outer town to those who may appear slender but have muscular bodies. Their sharp gaze and disciplined posture indicate that they have undergone training.

"Well, well. I don't intend to cause trouble in the outer town. Shall we enjoy the meal? Ahem, it's scary."

After hearing those words, Ooki and the others almost laugh and quickly compose themselves.

As they hurriedly walked, there was a restaurant ahead. It was a restaurant that one wouldn't typically find in the ruins, and even in the outer district, it was uncommon. After all, it had a proper storefront. In front of the entrance, I saw a menu board with today's recommendations written in chalk on a wooden board. It had the feel of a place where one could casually enter but with slightly higher prices. Of course, this was based on the standards before the walls were erected.

When I pushed open the door, a pleasant chime rang, and the inside of the restaurant was refreshingly cool. The air conditioning was working. It was a luxury afforded by having electricity in the outer district.

"Um, I-I'm from the Amatsugahara Corporation, and I have an appointment today. I'm Amano Sakimori." 

When I timidly told the store clerk who came to pick me up, who wore a neat uniform, I told the girl my identity, and the girl looked at me and smiled.

"Welcome. Anayama-sama is already waiting for you."

All five of them had taken a bath and were dressed in clothes that were somewhat worn but presentable. They probably didn't look like people from the ruins. The weak-looking, hunched-over Mamoru, who was mistaken for a feeble old man, was guided without any prejudiced looks.

"Isn't using your real name pointless in this act?"

"I-I don't understand what you're saying, but it's just a test. It won't hurt,"

Whispered Ooki quietly into my ear, so I responded. Using my real name could show how widely it has spread, and this act has multiple benefits.

As they guided us, they observed the interior, which was ordinary and nicely maintained. It was an ordinary and clean environment. It used to be an Italian restaurant chain, so the interior was spacious, and the cleanliness was well-maintained. There had been renovations, and they built several walls, providing numerous private rooms. They likely designed it for conducting secret meetings. It was a location close to the inner district.

They used this kind of meeting place for transactions like this.