Chapter 76

“Anaconda… quite the nickname you’ve got there.”

“Well, it just kind of happened.”

I was called out while relaxing at home after things had settled down. I looked at the boss of the Crocodile Bird.

Still, his face was unreadable.

But seeing the fatigue in his eyes, it seemed he’d been through a lot.

“Still, take care of yourself. Even if you’re a rare talent, you’ve been sticking out too much.”

Was it a warning or advice?

Hard to tell, but it wasn’t bad to keep in mind.

I had people to protect, and the boss didn’t want the Swamp Area to get chaotic, so our interests aligned.

But it wasn’t as easy as it sounded.

Drawing attention meant trouble would come knocking, even if I did nothing.

Of course, I was prepared for it, but I’d prefer some quiet for a while.

If things followed the original story’s flow, I wouldn’t have much to interfere with for a while anyway.

During that time, it’d be best to slowly prepare to tighten the noose around Quaker.

“I’m not sure if it’s because I’m popular, but I’ll try to keep things quiet.”

“It’d be best to lay low. There are quite a few factions interested in you.”

“Being popular is a problem too.”

“Haha, better than being unknown, but too much is always trouble. Being moderately known is the best.”

“I’d like that too… but it’s too obvious that staying still won’t get me anywhere.”

Just look at what I’ve done so far.

Becoming a hunter was ordinary enough,

but I started a business, crushed competitors, and formed loose alliances with the remaining factions.

I also built some rapport with heroes and expanded into Seoul.

This time, I outright killed Quaker’s subordinates.

Looking back, I’ve been living quite busily.

Thinking I’ll have to keep this up, I’m already feeling the exhaustion.

If this were just a mundane near-future world and not some half-baked apocalypse, I could’ve settled somewhere and lived leisurely, unrelated to the original story.

Sadly, this world isn’t that forgiving.

A world where a blade could be at your throat anytime, yet civilization still limps along.

That in-between state has its perks, like being able to use modern conveniences, but it also adds more annoyances.

Like some lunatic filming our office or cyberstalkers still prowling the underworld…

The world’s full of crazies.

Sure, the views might be high, but can you really make money off views these days?

Basic X-tubers need a ton of views to make any money…

Well, not my concern.

Seeing how many people upload videos, the industry must’ve adapted.

“By the way, you didn’t call me just to give advice, did you? Is there something you want me to handle?”

“Right. We originally planned to handle it with our own manpower… but we could use an extra hand.”

“An extra hand… must be something important?”

“We’re planning an expedition to the heart of the Gray Forest.”

The heart?

The heart means…

“That place where the witch who created the Gray Forest is said to sleep?”

“Exactly.”

“I didn’t expect you’d want to bring me along.”

There must be plenty of talented Users in the Crocodile Bird.

“Can’t hurt to have some insurance.”

“I see.”

Insurance, huh.

It felt a bit off being treated as insurance, but I’ve received plenty of help, so I’ll take this request.

“Understood. When do we leave?”

“In three days. By the way, don’t you think I might stab you in the back?”

“If you were going to, you’d have done it already. And… being in the spotlight means every move I make is watched, right?”

In that situation, burying me would likely draw the heroes’ attention.

Heroes don’t often come to the Swamp Area, but if they had a reason, they’d come rushing in like Speed.

I didn’t draw attention for nothing.

A bit of attention can actually help manage my lifespan.

It’s better to maintain some rapport than to risk unnecessary trouble by messing with me.

After all, I’m not the type to just roll over and die.

They probably don’t want to take unnecessary risks either.

Especially if it’s about retrieving the remains of the ‘witch’ in the Gray Forest.

“I understand your point. I’ll take part then.”

“See you in three days.”

——————–

“Boss, you’re back?”

“Yeah. Got another annoying task.”

Is Seolhwa… in her room?

I hung my coat on the rack and sat on the sofa, thinking of Seolhwa, who wasn’t in the office.

Mina naturally took the seat next to me, leaning slightly and speaking up.

“Good work.”

“Anything happen while I was gone?”

“No. Not many clients lately.”

“Guess it’s hard to take on minor requests when things are busy.”

As your scale grows, so do your tasks.

At least until Quaker’s dealt with, this situation will likely continue.

That’s why I cashed in on Kang Woo-seong’s corpse for the bounty.

Having plenty of funds makes any activity easier.

I’ve had enough of struggling without money in my past life.

“Seems like you took on a new request… is it dangerous?”

“Did you peek again?”

“…I was worried.”

Her ability’s been a big help, so I don’t mind much, but it’s a bit unsettling.

Feeling like every move’s being watched.

“I won’t say much since I need your help often, but peeking too much is a bit…”

She looked shocked.

I’ve mostly avoided doing anything embarrassing since switching bodies, but being constantly watched like CCTV isn’t exactly pleasant.

It’s just that I understand why Mina does it, so I let it slide.

“Is… is that so…”

Maybe my words were too harsh.

Mina hung her head low.

“Don’t worry too much. It’s not that bad.”

If Mina’s ability keeps developing like this, it’s not bad for me, and I’m not petty enough to complain about her peeking now.

I casually placed a hand on Mina’s waist.

She flinched and looked up.

“Actually, it’s kind of romantic. Humans can’t usually see the same things, but we can.”

“Boss…”

I lightly pressed my lips to hers.

It lasted less than five seconds.

But that alone brightened Mina’s mood significantly.

“So, let’s keep working well together.”

“…Yes!”

“Let me in too!”

Geez.

Why does she always pop up at these moments?

Did she plan this?

She must’ve.

Seolhwa’s arms wrapped around my neck.

Her arms were slender and pale, but they hid strength that would make any athlete tremble.

If this were an assassin’s sneak attack, I might’ve been done for.

Good thing it’s Seolhwa.

“You smell like work.”

“Well, I just got back.”

“Work?”

“Yep.”

“Seolhwa, if you keep that up, Boss will be uncomf…”

“Uncomfortable?”

“…Not uncomfortable, but don’t squeeze my neck harder.”

“Tch.”

I instinctively applied repulsion to my neck.

“Are you trying to break my neck?”

“It won’t break!”

“Seolhwa, if you keep this up…”

“Then what?”

“Then we’ll have beans in our rice.”

“I hate carrots!”

One warning from Seolhwa, and my neck was free.

Why does she hate carrots so much when she eats everything else?

“Picky eaters don’t grow taller.”

“Do you hate it if I don’t grow taller?”

“…I don’t mind.”

“Then it’s fine!”

Ah.

“But I don’t like people who don’t eat carrots.”

“R-really?”

“Really.”

“Then… I’ll eat them…”

Why’s she on the verge of tears?

I patted Seolhwa’s head and got up.

It was time to start preparing dinner.

“Mina, what do you feel like today?”

“How about fried rice?”

“Fried rice… sounds good.”

After eating… I’ll need to prepare for the trip to the Gray Forest in two days.

I tied an apron alongside Mina.