As soon as we entered the slums, Nameless accepted my request to find a spot where the whole place could be seen and guided me in front of a building.
This place is…
“Master, this is the highest point in the slums.”
“…Thanks.”
With a slight smile, I slowly surveyed the building Nameless had pointed out.
It was a church.
However, the once-solid walls that should have stood tall were cracked in places, losing their grandeur, and the once-splendid building was covered in filth and grime, filled with the taint of evil.
What about the cross at the very top?
It was supposed to shine light to guide lost souls like a lighthouse in the night sea, but it was now covered in crow droppings, losing its radiance, with obvious signs of repair here and there.
Hmm, considering the nature of the slums, the church should have flourished even more, but how did it end up like this?
Well, it doesn’t matter to me; no, if anything, it’s amusing.
Seeing this seems to quench some of my ugly desires.
With a sly smile, I stepped into the eerily quiet church alongside Nameless.
I looked around, eyes sparkling, shaking my head as I peered down.
“Indeed, this is a place you can proudly introduce.”
Of course, good eyesight helps, but the church’s position was perfectly centered within the slums, allowing me to see several areas with just a slight turn of my head.
I reached out to pat Nameless on the head in appreciation, and Nameless bowed down, placing her head in my hand.
Hmm, if I asked her to fetch a ball soon, she might actually do it.
A thought of “Is this okay?” crossed my mind, but it wasn’t that important, so I stopped tilting my head and roughly ruffled Nameless’s hair.
“Well done.”
“Thank you.”
Hmm, I wonder if she likes this treatment.
Seeing her cheeky grin, as if showing off that she’s pleased without a thought of hiding it, I let out a light sigh and turned my gaze back to the slums.
Even though it was still early morning, people were bustling about in the slums.
“Huh?”
However, there was one puzzling thing that made me tilt my head.
They acted without hesitation, as if they had given roles assigned to them, moving in a way that didn’t interfere with each other’s paths.
This was an unexpected scene for someone like me, who had anticipated intense competition.
As I gasped silently in admiration, Nameless settled beside me and spoke in a small voice.
“Aren’t they cooperating with each other?”
As much as I wanted to agree with Nameless, I couldn’t help but wonder…
Could it be that the people in the slums genuinely cooperate with one another?
“I think we need to watch a bit longer.”
Nameless nodded thoughtfully, then seemed to remember something and spoke again.
“Or maybe there’s someone above them they follow?”
“Hmmm, you might be right.”
Yes, it would be more appropriate to think that someone is above them.
I squinted and continued to observe.
At first, I was unsure, but after about an hour of watching them, I noticed something catching my eye.
Despite being shabby and soiled with grime, the sign of a building with a certain picture on it led me to guess it was a tavern, and most of the people in the slums were heading there.
Of course, slum-dwellers could frequent taverns, so it wouldn’t be suspicious based on that alone.
Moreover, predicting that since it was a tavern, it might also be a spot for trading alcohol or drugs, I initially paid little attention to it. However, I recognized several familiar faces among those entering – faces I had remembered from the day before.
Not good.
I frowned more than I intended, and noticing my expression, Nameless spoke up, her concern showing.
“Master? What’s wrong?”
“Sorry, just got lost in thought.”
To reassure worried Nameless, I forced a smile and waved my hand before falling back into my thoughts.
The people I remembered were mostly those who had something to protect.
They weren’t the kind to irresponsibly drop into a tavern for drugs and alcohol, mere debris that does nothing but offer momentary pleasure, right?
I gritted my teeth.
Are they truly people from the slums?
Is there really no hope for their rehabilitation?
Am I not getting anything out of being here?
Could I be wrong?
As I sank into gloomy thoughts, Nameless’s earlier words popped into my head, sparking a sudden thought.
Could it be that the tavern is where the leader of the slums has taken up residence, sending people there for observation purposes?
Or could it be that they are visiting to receive something in return for their roles?
At worst, maybe the slum residents are being exploited.
My speculation lasted long, but my actions were swift.
I stood up and called for Nameless.
“I need to see what that place is all about.”
“Yes, Master.”
Nameless readied her wooden sword.
When we arrived at the tavern, there was a man guarding the entrance, who, despite the slums, had a robust physique, suggesting he wasn’t a resident of this place.
So, does that mean he’s an outsider?
Well, I’d soon find out with my own two eyes, so I walked towards the tavern without deep thought.
As we approached the entrance of the tavern, sure enough, the sturdy man blocked my way.
“What’s this? A little boy?”
“…Little boy?”
I looked around, surprised by the unexpected reaction.
Hmm, there are no little boys here.
Could he really be referring to me? I pointed to my face with my finger, and the man smirked and nodded.
Me, a little boy?
“Hey, kid, this isn’t a playground; it’s a dangerous place. Run back and hold your big brother’s hand.”
Big brother…?
Could he possibly mean Nameless?
I glanced back at Nameless, who was sweating profusely and shaking her head continuously.
“Sigh…”
Well, I guess there could be a misunderstanding.
I’m short, and that guy is tall?
Plus, I look quite young?
Trying to think positively, I suppressed my want to yell and calmly spoke up.
“I have business here, so could you open the door for me?”
I smiled to keep him from being on guard.
The man, however, looked me up and down before grinning wickedly.
“Oh, so that’s your purpose? Definitely top-shelf material…”
What purpose could he mean?
I frowned at his sudden words and got lost in thought, but before I could react, Nameless moved faster, pulling out her wooden sword and aiming it at the man.
“Trash, how dare you send such unholy looks toward my Master!”
“What the hell! Guys, we have an intruder! Hurry up and come out!”
As I faced this sudden nuisance, I squeezed my eyes shut and rubbed my face.
“Nameless…”
“Sorry, Master.”
Nameless bowed her head apologetically.
“But that guy over there crossed the line.”
Seeing her look so serious, as if she truly did the right thing, I had nothing more to say.
I didn’t even understand what that man’s words had meant; why was Nameless angry?
As I pondered, I heard the voice of the man guarding the door calling out, and people came pouring out of the tavern, armed.
“Hmmm, four of them?”
I quickly scanned their presence, sighed, stepped back, and waved my hand.
“Nameless, this mess is on you to handle.”
To be honest, I doubted there would be anyone with high skills in this shabby slum, but given their level, Nameless could easily handle this without my intervention.
Besides, real experience would greatly aid her growth.
Well, I may not have experience myself.
Nameless nodded and readied her wooden sword.
“Yes, Master.”
After a brief stand-off, Nameless clashed with them, while I pulled a strawberry from my pocket and took a bite.
Mmmm, sweet.
“Nameless, why don’t you handle this?”
“Yes, Master.”
After a quick response to me, she glanced at the foes.
The number of those coming out of the tavern was four, and including the guy at the entrance, there were five.
No matter how weak they might be, they were armed with wooden swords.
Even if they swung their swords with all their might, they wouldn’t be able to kill.
Well, even if someone were to die, Master would understand since it’s real combat.
There’s no need to hesitate.
“Uwaaaah!”
The man at the front lunged at me, moving at a speed that made me yawn, just like a common street thug.
If I followed what Master taught me, I would never lose.
I swung my wooden sword with minimal movement, striking the charging man on the head.
-Thud!
With a clear sound, the first man fell flat on the ground.
Watching the scene, tensed and sweating, the fallen one’s comrades looked utterly ridiculous.
“Scum, come at me quickly.”
Master is waiting.
