Chapter 21

As expected, the places where the ruling class live are different.

The deeper I went into the territory of the Crocodile Bird, the scenery before my eyes began to grow more and more splendid.

People dressed neatly, not in shabby or old clothes.

Security guards patrolling with disciplined postures, as if to prove they had a firm grip on law and order.

Seeing that they even had custom uniforms, it seemed there was a tailor here.

“How about it? Feels completely different, right?”

“It certainly does feel different.”

If I become a member of the Crocodile Bird, can I live here?

It definitely seemed worth living here, at least to this extent.

In a world where law and order have completely collapsed, the mere existence of something resembling order is a huge advantage. If I could settle down, I’d want to live in a place with good security like this.

Even if the work is dangerous, I wouldn’t want to live in a place where a superpowered robber could break in while I’m sleeping. No joke, this is a place where that could actually happen.

“The first boss of the Crocodile Bird worked day and night to create this place. He gathered people, organized a vigilante group, and that’s how the Swamp Area came to be.”

“As a war veteran, he strived to create a sanctuary where everyone could live peacefully. Peace is a luxury in this already ruined world… but at least living without the fear of being attacked by someone is peaceful enough.”

In an apocalypse, there’s nothing more precious than a place where safety is guaranteed.

“What about the second boss?”

“Ah, that would be his son. He prioritizes the Swamp Area above all else. He’s also a powerful, top-tier superpower user.”

A powerful superpower user.

There’s nothing more reassuring in this world than that.

In the superpower ranking system—Third Class, Second Class, First Class, Top Class, and Disaster Class—even being a First Class is a huge help in surviving this world. At that level, you can usually make a living just with your abilities.

Top Class users are so sought after that people scramble to scout them just by walking around.

Disaster Class users are rare, and at that level, they’re usually not subordinate to anyone, often becoming the leaders of organizations.

Like Quaker.

…But could I become a Disaster Class user too?

Like Quaker in the original story?

I recalled the things Quaker had done in the original story.

Using his abilities to devastate an entire region.

Gesturing and collapsing a building because it was in the way of his plans.

Crushing a hero who came at him because he found them annoying.

…Each one is terrifying.

I plan to live quietly, so there’s no worry of that happening… but still, it feels unsettling.

They say that no matter what variables arise, what’s meant to happen will happen.

Thinking like that, it wouldn’t be strange if someone other than Quaker did something like that.

In the end, it means that unknown variables could arise, which is never a pleasant thought. Not that there’s much I can do about it, though.

“Chief, this is our hideout!”

We’re already here?

I was so lost in thought that I didn’t even notice we’d arrived.

I looked up and stared at the hideout.

It’s not a building, more like an official residence. It’s kind of amazing that a place like this is still intact.

Though there are traces of repairs done with abilities here and there.

I looked up at the unnaturally mixed colors on the walls and stepped inside the hideout.

“It’s clean.”

“We had to clean up since we were expecting a guest!”

“I’m not that important of a guest.”

“Meeting the boss makes you an important guest!”

Well, I guess you can’t say someone meeting the leader of the organization isn’t an important guest.

I nodded at the bearded man’s response and walked down the hallway. A bit old, but neatly organized.

The sound of my shoes tapping against the marble tiles tickled my ears.

“Nice building.”

“We repaired a relatively intact building to use. We’ve treated the walls with all sorts of things, so it won’t collapse even under most disasters or attacks! It’s practically an impregnable fortress!”

Except it got destroyed in one hit by Quaker.

Ah, maybe bringing up Quaker is a bit much.

That guy could easily collapse a building if he felt like it.

“Where’s the boss?”

“The boss’s office is on the third floor.”

Of course, it’s in a high place.

I climbed the stairs with the bearded man and his subordinate.

As the sound of my footsteps filled my ears, the bearded man suddenly spoke.

“Chief, we can only go up to the second floor. From here, you’ll have to go up alone.”

Is it for security?

When I nodded, he patted my shoulder a couple of times and turned to go back down the stairs.

Alone… huh.

Should I use my abilities to go up?

As I hesitated between the second and third floors, a voice came from the third floor.

“The boss says you can come up.”

A calm woman’s voice.

As soon as I got permission, I quickly climbed the stairs and entered the third floor.

…The atmosphere here is a bit heavy.

People scattered here and there.

And burly men who looked like bodyguards.

Who’s the owner of that voice?

And… what kind of person is the second boss?

In the original story, he was only mentioned as having been killed by Quaker.

Gender… probably male.

Age… likely younger than I thought.

I hope he’s not too strict.

With these worries, I stood in front of the office door.

“Boss. The hunter the security chief mentioned yesterday has arrived.”

“Let him in.”

A low, dignified voice came from beyond the door.

He sounds older than I thought.

As the bodyguard opened the door, I saw a relatively luxurious office.

And a person sitting by the window, looking outside.

Is this the boss?

“Are you the hunter who came to make a deal with me?”

“That’s correct.”

He turned to look at me.

A man with a gentle appearance, wearing round glasses.

Younger than I expected.

Just by looks, I’d believe he’s in his early to mid-20s.

“This might take a while, so have a seat.”

“Then I’ll take your offer.”

I sat on the sofa in the middle of the room and looked at him. He slowly walked over and sat across from me, then extended his hand.

“I’m Kwon Hyuk-jin. I’m the boss of the Crocodile Bird, though I’m not much.”

“I’m Park Yi-sak. A rookie hunter.”

“A rookie hunter boldly coming to make a deal with me? You’ve got guts.”

“If you want to gain something, you have to be bold, right?”

“True… So, what’s the item for the deal? I heard from the security chief, but I’d like to confirm it again.”

“This is it.”

I took out a USB from my pocket and placed it on the table. He picked it up, examined it, and then looked at me with interest.

“Does this contain all the information you mentioned?”

“That’s correct.”

“May I check it?”

“Of course.”

I watched as he plugged the USB into the computer on his desk and checked the files.

After nodding a few times while looking through the files, he returned to his seat.

“Just as you said, military maps and blueprints. How did you find these?”

“If you go past the edge of the Gray Forest, there’s a Dottle’s building. There was a bunker underneath it.”

“Hmm… Interesting. The information here could be a very valuable asset depending on how it’s used.”

“That’s why I came to you, boss. It’s too dangerous to fall into the hands of someone like Viper or the Fisherman.”

“An item like this would definitely not be ignored even in Seoul. You brought it to me because you thought I was the most suitable person to deal with, right?”

“I thought you were the only one who could offer a fair price.”

“You think too highly of me. Didn’t you consider that I might just wipe my mouth and take care of you?”

Is this a test, or a threat?

Without changing my posture, I answered immediately.

“I judged that you wouldn’t do something like that.”

“Oh ho.”

The interest in his eyes deepened.

For me, that’s a green light.

Closing this deal on good terms. That’s my top priority.

So, I tapped my temple with my finger.

“It wasn’t a coincidence that I brought this USB.”

I’m deliberately showing some guts.

If I show any sign of weakness here… I could get eaten alive.

“Interesting. Wouldn’t you like to join me?”

“I’m not the type to settle in one place.”

“That’s a shame. But if you change your mind, let me know. I’ll welcome you anytime. And now—we need to discuss the price. So, what do you want in exchange for this item?”

Finally, it’s time to settle.

I brought up the price I had in mind.

“I want—”