Pseudo Resident’s Illegal Stay in Another World

Chapter 156: Hassan and the Nine-Headed Thief (7)

Sodomora was considered a large city even within the kingdom.

And that evening, the city scenery was quite lively.

Even in the late hours, the dark streets were still filled with drunkards and people returning from work, bumping shoulders with each other. The nightlife brought out the busy tavern and innkeepers who worked to attract customers.

Passing them were adventurers, mercenaries, and hunters returning after completing their quests.

Their hands were heavy with plenty of spoils, evidence of the hardships they endured throughout the day.

Though their bodies were covered in mud and weeds, their expressions were generally bright, and their footsteps were light.

"I took down three goblins all by myself!"

"You bastard, how many times do I have to tell you? Let's go drink already."

"I need to save money for potions since I have to go hunt goblins again tomorrow."

Perhaps they would celebrate with a drink and sprawl on a soft bed, feeling good about their achievements.

The happiness of people in this world revolved around eating well, resting well, and sleeping well. A very simple worldview.

Of course, these people probably had their own struggles as well, but nonetheless, the evening streets were mostly filled with people wearing bright smiles.

As I watched the passing crowd, I realized it was time for our promised evening meeting. So, I immediately departed toward the underground.

There, I would meet with the thief executives.

I was feeling a bit nervous.

To ease my tension, I scrutinized the faces of other people around me, something I don't usually do.

"Phew..."

"Everything will be fine if we stick to the plan, Samaritan."

Hippolyte patted my back reassuringly as if trying to ease my tension. It felt like she was blessing some of Mars' remains into me, so I felt a bit calmer.

The plan was as follows.

I would go ahead and infiltrate the thieves' meeting place, attracting their attention while Hippolyte and Luna ambushed them.

It was such a simple and straightforward plan.

However, I couldn't help but worry about Hippolyte, who would be weakened at night, and Luna, who seemed soft and fragile, would be able to handle the thieves well.

"Hassan, I'll show you the strength of my new Silence Totem! Hehe, it will be truly terrifying."

"Thieves are nothing to be afraid of."

Both Luna and Hippolyte exuded confidence, leaving little room for me to say anything further. If only I could ask for support from others, it would be better.

However, doing so would reduce our reward, and the risk of the information getting spread would increase. In the end, the ones we could call for help were only Paranoy and Marco.

They were trustworthy enough, to some extent.

"Mr. Hassan, you'll be more than enough on your own! Show those vile thieves what you're made of...!"

"After it's done, let's go for drinks, Brother."

But, can I really trust them...?

Anyway, the dice had been rolled, and I have no choice but to move forward. Thus, I slowly made my way into the central street’s underground, where the thieves would gather.

I descended the staircase similar to that of a large underground station just like last time, then passed through the crowded market, and a complex underground area finally appeared before my eyes.

A few lanterns illuminated narrow corridors. It looked like Pluto's underground labyrinth.

Of course, the ones coming out from there would be not monsters but robbers and thieves. But in some ways, this place might be worse. After all, bandits and thieves had a reputation for being despicable.

Srrrrr—

I spread out the scroll I received from Dorothea under one of the lanterns, it detailed the underground area with precise drawings and descriptions, almost like a map.

Sodomora Market - (Sign)

Below that, there was a seal representing Sodomora. The seal was possibly something that was only used in a government official document.

Even in a chaotic world like this, obtaining such official documents wouldn't be easy. So, the Thieves' Guild seemed to have considerable influence, perhaps even bribing government officials.

If we eradicated this kind of criminal organization at once in a day, the repercussions would be immense. Many of the involved people would be killed in consequence.

But of course, that was nothing I ought to be concerned about.

I just needed to focus on my task today.

All that mattered was that I did my job well.

Swoosh—

I covered my face with the black cloth I received yesterday.

"W-What the...?"

"R-Robber!"

Whether it was because a big-statured Samaritan or not, it made me seem very imposing.

Anyone who saw me quickly fled with their faces drained of color. It was a bit unfair, but I'd rather deal with this than get involved in more troublesome matters.

Thus, I continued to walk through the underground, following the map. It was more complex and expansive than I expected, which posed a problem.

We decided that Hippolyte and Luna would join me later to avoid arousing suspicion from the thieves. But even if we had copied the map, I was not entirely sure they could find their way around easily.

"What the hell is this?"

As I progressed with the map, four paths appeared that weren't marked on it. Four dark and obscure corridors which would lead me in different directions.

I began to feel flustered, wondering if I had misread the map.

Or maybe the map itself was incorrect?

And that was why no one couldn’t figure out the meeting place.

So, I lifted the yellow camel leather and brushed it against my hair. This leather had the property of attracting other objects with similar characteristics.

Thus, the scroll I rubbed against me as if to generate static electricity began floating, as if attracted to something.

Damn it! In the end, No one could find the meeting place unless they were an executive of the Thieves’ Guild themselves.

To prepare for Luna and Hippolyte, who would follow after me, I took a chalk from my pocket and marked the wall with small strokes. The deeper I went inside, the more it felt like I was getting lost in a labyrinth, and my heart pounded loudly.

Thump— Thump—

It took so long that I lost track of how much I had been walking.

Following the mysterious magical parchment, I arrived at a space akin to a wide cavern. Open and with a ceiling soaring high, the area was reminiscent of a modest-sized sports field.

And there, several people clad in black clothes and wearing masks were present. Their physiques varied, some tall and some short, some slim and some stout, each one distinct.

"Finally, you came."

A deep man's voice resonated from somewhere deep underground. It was probably from the farthest corner, where a man sat against a broken pillar.

"Are you the ninth one? You certainly look strong. Today's task indeed requires some strength, and so will our future ones."

Swoosh—

The man stood up from his seat.

His black attire blended into the shadows, making it hard to see him. But his body size was quite impressive.

He seemed as tall as me, maybe even a bit taller.

I asked.

“Are you Hydra, the King of Thieves?"

And the man replied.

"We are Hydra, and I am Ismael, the son of the King on top of the mountain. I am the greatest thief among thieves, stealing humans’ most precious treasure— their lives."

Swoosh—

The man's eyes beneath the hood and mask were crimson red.

And from what I had experienced in this world, people with red eyes tended to be a bit crazy.

"Fron today, the Thieves' Guild Hydra will steal lives and spread terror on the above land. We are no longer mere thieves stealing belongings; we have chosen to be assassins as our profession."

See? Fuck. What a complete nutjob.

However, it seemed that I was not the only one opposing this strange opinion. Another large figure as big as Ismael, who was also wearing a mask, spoke up.

"Choosing to be an assassin as a profession? Have you gone mad? Thieves don't do such things. We steal without harming anyone; that's what makes this job romantic."

I recognized the voice. It belonged to someone I had encountered before—the supervisor for the interview process who cracked a whip from above the metal bars and urged people to pick the locks from behind them. He was probably one of the guild executives named Big Joe.

He seemed to have an unfavorable opinion about his current leader, Ismael.

According to Dorothea's words last night, there were quite a few people besides Dorothea and Big Joe who were at odds with the current leader.

However, Ismael didn't even blink at that opposition.

"The leader's command is absolute and unchanging, regardless of any generation, Big Joe. You still haven't gotten over the fact that I killed my father, the previous leader, right? Killing the leader is a just tradition."

"...."

"It was him who was bad. He was the King on top of the mountain– someone who received the blessings of night and death, a natural-born assassin, a monster who received several different blessings from different gods. Therefore, as his son, I am also a monster."

He rambled on about being a monster himself. But he did look undeniably strong. I wondered if I could win if I fought him.

I was not sure how much my newly acquired strength would be effective towards him. But it seemed like I would be in trouble if I tried to fight him straightforwardly.

"The day we were stuck in the depths of the sunless underground ends today. Today, we shall become the masters of Sodomora. And our first sacrificial lamb will be..."

"I really can't listen to this anymore."

Someone interrupted Ismael's confident speech. It was a familiar female voice. It must be Dorothea.

"Dorothea? Can't listen, you say. What do you mean by that?"

As Ismael asked into the void, a slender figure emerged from the dark shadows.

She wore black cloth but her slim belly was exposed enough to be recognized.

"We won't go up to the surface today. And we won't assassinate anyone."

"Everyone must follow the leader's command, or are you suggesting a duel to challenge me for the position? You must be well aware of my strength."

"According to the rules, when all nine executives are gathered, with the consent of three executives, a new Leader can be recommended."

"I see you remember that. But is there anyone among you brave enough to face me?"

Swoosh— Thump—

Leader Ismael slammed his fist against a pillar.

At that moment, the part of the pillar that collided with his fist fell to the ground, crumbling into dust and fragments. I couldn’t believe this. He destroyed the wall with just his hand. It showed that he had a quite strong force.

The tense atmosphere turned more intense with that display of strength.

"So, Dorothea, what were you saying?"

"...I want to recommend the new ninth head as the new leader."

The woman's voice beneath the dark veil caused everyone's gaze to focus on me. Then they started speaking one by one.

"Make that guy we just met the new leader? Even though we thieves are already a bunch of unruly people, this seems a bit too much."

"What's this guy's deal? Am I the only one who doesn't know who he is?"

"Second to that."

The reactions weren't favorable. That was expected. After all, she recommended making someone they had just met the new leader. She probably had a few screws loose in her head.

But my job right now was to buy time. The more this turmoil escalated, the better.

"If that's the case, I, Big Joe, will also recommend him. Whoever becomes the leader, it's still better than having that idiot sitting on our heads."

Two recommendations so far.

Up to this point.

According to Dorothea, this guy named Big Joe had a lot of grievances with the current regime. That was why he would support her recommendation about me without a doubt.

That was all we— our party— planned, and the problem was what came next.

To start the fight for the position, we needed the agreement of three executives. And during that time, I could wait for the support of Hipolyte and Luna.

"...."

Everyone was just exchanging glances, and the last recommendation hadn't come yet. Of course, suddenly recommending someone new and calling them the leader would be strange.

However, Dorothea added another comment.

"The ninth head has received the blessing of the night. He is a staunch orthodox. He has true legitimacy, unlike the pretender currently leading us."

"Is that true?"

A fairly tall and slender man spoke up. He had been leaning against a pillar, seemingly uninterested in the conversation. Yet, when my blessing was mentioned, he seemed intrigued.

Dorothea continued.

"Yes, Astrid. His skills are even better than mine. He also has great dexterity and managed to pass the test in less than a minute."

"Oh, less than a minute? Impressive."

As everyone expressed their admiration, the big man, the supervisor Big Joe, also spoke up.

“Not only that, but he also broke a titanium lock with his strength. He's quite strong,"

“He opened that lock using brute force? Interesting. Alright, then add one more vote from me.“

The tall and lanky man finally recommended me.

Thus, we secured the three recommendations needed to change the head of the thieves' guild.

"These bastards, you guys just want to cause chaos on a day with a big event like this. Then we should take each other's lives according to the rules."

I heard that you could do anything in the battle for the leader position, and the last person standing wins. No rules apply.

It was very reminiscent of the battles in the arena.

"Interesting. For the first time after a while, we finally have the ninth comrade. But now I have to kill that comrade with my own hands. This is why it might be better to leave the ninth position vacant."

Pull—

Ismael pulled a sharp dagger from his waist.

"Come on, you brat."

Unlike his body size, his weapon of choice was a dagger? The reach advantage was crucial in a fight. So, I couldn’t quite figure out this guy’s fighting style.

"Or should I go first?!"

Step— Step—

His massive frame lunged towards me. I hadn’t even drawn my weapon yet. Damn it. Are we going to start fighting right away without any signal?

"Go die!"

Suddenly, the thief's leader, Ismael, swung the dagger downward with full force towards me. He seemed to aim for my neck, so I raised my hand to block his attack.

Screeech!

The sturdy metal gauntlet caught the blade and let out a loud screech.

"Ah, not bad. Your gear is impressive, but it seems the metal plate on this part is a bit lacking!"

Then, the man forcefully kicks my abdomen, pushing me back.

"Ugh-."

Caught off guard by the sudden attack, I couldn't help but writhe in pain. My breath escaped me in a gasp, and the world spun before my eyes as my waist involuntarily bent.

But I couldn’t just stay huddled in pain.

His dagger relentlessly slashed from left to right, right to left, leaving no opportunity to evade.

Sweak—

Sweak—!

Every time the blade sliced through the air, it sounded as though it was striking my ears. If the attack were to land even just once, it would surely be a fatal blow.

"You're surprisingly agile for someone your size. But how long can you keep dodging? Just one hit. Just one injury, and you'll die. This dagger is coated with a Hydra's venom!"

He applied venom to that dagger? That sneaky bastard!

You goddamn coward!

"You goddamn bastard!”

“You think you can get away by just running? Eventually, you'll be caught!"

"Fuck you, coward bastard!"

Like hell! Just a graze would be deadly. This was so fucking dirty trick, so I had no choice but to run around frantically. While doing so, I used my club to knock out the hanging lamps one by one.

Clang!

Each time, the dark cave grew darker, and now only the vague outlines of people could barely be seen.

However, I ended up cornered by the man, and my escape route was blocked.

"Now, you can't run anymore. I'll kill you. Hippolyte and Actaeon will soon follow. The city will fall into chaos, and I'll sit amidst the burning ashes, laughing at everyone."

"That's not my business, you bastard."

"Yeah, it is certainly not your business because you're going to die."

His eyes were crescent-shaped crimson.

Red eyes, he had red eyes.

It reminded me of Elfriede. It was so terrifying. I was sure that beneath that mask, there was a menacing grin. A sadistic smile from someone who took pleasure in tormenting and hitting people.

I no longer wanted to fall prey to that laughter. Today, I would extinguish all my fear of those red eyes.

Sweep—

I lifted my club with all my might and swung it fiercely. I hurled it towards the head of the thief's leader, Ismael.

The club that I fiercely swung was like a projectile, and it struck the guy's head. However, he casually dodged it by tilting his head slightly.

"Are you throwing away your weapon? Has fear driven you mad?"

"I'm not throwing away my weapon. You fucking criminal!"

Clang—

The club hit the one last hanging lamp on the wall, and it went out. With that, the vast cave plunged into complete darkness.

Scriiing—

I drew my trusty dagger from my waist. I'd used it countless times, so it felt like an extension of my own body.

Its length and sharpness were already imprinted in my mind even without seeing it. So, I tightly gripped its handle and said.

"Now, you won't be able to see a single strand of my hair. You idiot. None one can prevent that treatment center from being mine."