Chapter 64

I managed to block one risk of ruining the original work, so now it’s time to plan my next move.

I sat by the window of a cafe near the Maze Shopping Mall, sipping on an iced Americano I hadn’t had in a while.

Ah, this is the taste.

I was genuinely moved by the icy, teeth-chilling flavor of the iced Americano, something I hadn’t felt in a long time.

If nothing else, this taste made me feel like I was back in reality.

It’s just a simple iced coffee, nothing special, but…

Who knew it could hit me right in the feels?

I savored the taste of the iced coffee with a clear mind, free of distractions.

Slightly bitter, yet with a hint of acidity.

The ice, chillingly cold.

Paired with a decent sandwich, this was the most refreshing tea time ever.

I kind of want to buy coffee beans and a coffee machine, but they’re probably expensive.

Actually, carrying them around would be a hassle too.

But the Maze Shopping Mall should have what I’m looking for.

I feel a little regret for turning down Ina’s offer.

Still, I’d make the same choice again.

I got up from my seat, holding a now transparent glass.

I wanted to fully enjoy this leisurely time, but sadly, I can’t afford to be that carefree.

Living in this precious world means even the little free time I have must be spent surviving.

Even if it’s Seoul, which looks peaceful on the surface.

I returned the glass and was about to leave the cafe… but then I turned back.

“Where do you get your coffee beans?”

“Huh?”

—

Hmm.

Hmmmm.

I guess I should explore the Maze Shopping Mall once.

Coffee beans, a coffee machine, and various other items.

As my wishlist grows, so does my desire to explore the Maze Shopping Mall.

I wanted to hire a guide, but… it’s hard to find one.

It might be easier to just memorize the entire layout myself, but that’s tough.

For some reason, no guides are approaching me.

Maybe Ina gave them some kind of warning… probably not.

It just feels off, like they’re avoiding me.

Or maybe it’s my appearance.

I glanced at my reflection in a nearby building’s window.

Not exactly menacing, but with the face of the ultimate villain, I do give off a dangerous vibe.

The kind of guy who could kill someone without batting an eye.

Guess the guides are quick to catch on.

Ina probably thought I was worth the risk, though.

“First, let’s see if there’s a decent place to stay nearby.”

The Swamp Area is mostly motels and small hotels, but there are a few around here.

Seriously.

Some places look like they’re straight out of an apocalypse, while others are cyberpunk-themed.

I walked away from the Maze Shopping Mall and stood at the crosswalk.

If I can’t find a guide here, there’s only one way to get one.

The underworld.

If I can’t find one, I’ll just sip on an iced Americano at a nearby cafe.

Without hesitation, I crossed the street.

—

The underworld.

If the Swamp Area is the stage for second-tier outlaws, then Seoul’s underworld is the stage for the first-tier.

It’s where the so-called “real deal” gathers.

Though, they’re probably just stepping stones for someone like Quaker.

“That guy…”

“Why is he here…”

“Anaconda…”

News travels fast.

Or not? It’s been about three and a half months since I got the nickname “Anaconda,” so it’s not surprising if they know.

I leisurely strolled through the heart of the underworld, scanning my surroundings.

People who looked at me but quickly averted their eyes when I glanced back.

Probably trying to avoid picking a fight with me.

Even in the Viper’s Den-underworld, there are civilians or people close to it, and they need to be sharp to survive.

This is where the reputation I’ve built—or rather, the infamy—comes in handy.

Even if the Viper’s Den is considered second-tier, it’s not a place to be underestimated.

If the underworld clashes with it, the underworld would have a tough time.

So those who’ve heard of me either quietly leave to spread the news or watch me with interest.

Anyway, those glances don’t matter. I headed straight for a noticeably large bar in the underworld.

The music was loud enough to scratch your eardrums.

The hall was as noisy as a market.

A bald man with some experience stood behind the bar.

Without hesitation, I approached him.

As I got closer, he casually asked, “Haven’t seen you around. You from somewhere else? What can I get you?”

“One beer.”

“Beer’s good. I’ll pour you a cold draft. Want any snacks?”

“What do you have?”

“Got some jerky made from wild dog meat, peanuts, some decent crackers—”

“Peanuts.”

“Ah, a customer who knows how to enjoy snacks! Those damn fools always go for the meat. Wait a sec, I’ll get it for you.”

He quickly poured a draft beer from a machine I hadn’t seen in a while, grabbed a handful of peanuts from a jar, and placed them in front of me.

“Refreshing.”

“Of course! Beer’s best when it’s cold!”

Seoul really is different.

I downed the cold liquid in one go, following the iced Americano.

Cold yet burning.

The unique taste of beer.

A slight buzz creeping in.

The alcohol content isn’t that high, but I guess I’m weaker to alcohol than I thought.

After setting the glass down and munching on a few peanuts, I gathered my thoughts.

It’s best to ask questions efficiently.

“Boss, I need a guide.”

“Ah, for the Maze Shopping Mall? You heading there?”

“I need someone reliable who won’t screw me over.”

“Ho. I know just the guy.”

So coming here was the right move.

Confidently, I asked him to call the guide he knew.

He readily agreed and shouted, “Hey! Mole! Get out here!”

Mole… huh.

First time hearing the name, so probably not from the original work.

I can’t be sure because there were quite a few nameless characters in the original.

Extras who just pass by.

But… those extras might just be the ones to twist the fate of this world.

After all, I’m just an extra, or even less than that.

But I did take out 30% of Quaker’s forces.

Thanks to that, Quaker’s influence should be weaker than in the original.

So I can’t afford to underestimate anyone.

“Y-you called?”

“Geez, I told you to drink in moderation.”

“Hee, heehee…”

“Is this guy really reliable?”

Ugh, the smell of alcohol. I probably reek of it too, but this guy was practically soaked in it.

He looked like he could drop dead from acute alcohol poisoning any second.

As if anticipating my distrust, the bar owner, who had been laughing heartily, quickly explained.

“This guy loves his drink, so he looks like a mess, but he’s good at what he does! He’s been around since the early days of the Maze Shopping Mall!”

“So, hire him?”

“Well, he doesn’t look reliable, but he’s capable. If you don’t like him, there’s someone else—”

“N-no! I’ll do it!”

Can I really trust this?

I hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded.

If he tries to screw me over, I’ll just make him pay the price.

If this were before I possessed this body, I’d report him to the police or file a complaint, but here, I can just punch him without hesitation.

“Thanks for the recommendation. But if he ditches me, I can’t guarantee his life.”

“He values his life, so he won’t do that. And—no one’s crazy enough to ditch you.”

“Oh?”

So he knows who I am?

“Trying to scam the Anaconda who wiped out half the Viper’s Den? That’s a one-way ticket to becoming dinner.”

“Hee, heeek…!”

“I’m curious how my reputation spread.”

“If you’re planning to head to the Maze Shopping Mall, you’ll hear about it later!”

“Ah, I guess I will.”

I took out some money, placed it on the table, and left the bar.

A small man followed behind me.

“Do a good job guiding me, and I’ll give you a hefty bonus. Got it?”

“Y-yes!”

Finally, the Maze Shopping Mall exploration begins.

I stretched lightly and headed towards the Maze Shopping Mall.