Episode 12: Snake Hunt (2)
Anyone meeting Cedric Walker, the boss of the Black Serpents, for the first time would likely think of a pig.
But it doesn’t take long to realize the truth.
Cedric Walker is a cunning wolf in pig’s clothing.
“Hahaha! Thanks to Boss Cedric, we’re living the high life today.”
In the heart of Landwalk City stood the upscale tavern, Silk Cat.
Tonight, the place was eerily empty, a rarity given the exorbitant cost of a night’s stay.
Cedric Walker had rented out the entire establishment.
“I’ve heard of Silk Cat’s reputation, but it was always too pricey for me to even consider. This is beyond my expectations.”
A man with a goatee pulled a beautiful woman closer, who responded with a sultry smile rather than any sign of displeasure.
“Impressive indeed. To think all these foreign liquors are gathered in one place.”
Beside the goateed man sat a muscular figure, seemingly more interested in his drink than the company of women, emptying glass after glass.
“I’m glad to see you both enjoying yourselves.”
Cedric Walker stood, not seated, attending to their needs like a servant, pouring drinks and serving snacks.
“Renting out Silk Cat must have cost a fortune.”
“Indeed. We’re having a great time, but I’m a bit worried about your wallet.”
Cedric Walker responded with a sly smile.
“What’s money when I have the honor of hosting you both?”
“Is that so?”
“I’d be grateful if you visited more often.”
Their faces lit up at Cedric’s words.
“Thank you for saying that, Boss Cedric.”
“Well then, shall we indulge a bit more?”
The two men returned to their revelry, the goateed man with the woman, and the muscular man with his drink.
Cedric Walker watched them with cold eyes.
‘Incompetent fools.’
Anyone who knew their true identities would have been shocked by his thoughts.
The goateed man was the governor of Landwalk City, and the muscular man was its guardian knight.
Yet, to Cedric Walker, they were nothing more than lucky fools, devoid of any real talent.
‘The governor is just a puppet set up by the guild leaders. The knight is a simpleton who only knows how to swing a sword.’
Landwalk City was heavily influenced by merchants and craftsmen, naturally aligning with the guilds they formed.
The guilds would appoint a governor who suited their interests.
The knight was no different.
Though officially a knight, he was hired cheaply by the city, drowning in debt from gambling and drinking.
Despite this, Cedric Walker invested heavily in both of them.
Though they were mere figureheads, their positions were invaluable.
“By the way, Boss Cedric, about the businesses held by other organizations. It seems the Black Serpents can take them all over.”
Because they were doing things that benefited the Black Serpents, like now.
“Really?”
“Yes. The city’s entertainment district should be under the Black Serpents’ control.”
“I’m delighted, but won’t others oppose?”
“I can suppress any opposition with my authority.”
The governor thumped his chest confidently, though his goatee made him look less impressive.
“Thank you, Governor!”
Cedric Walker bowed deeply, almost touching the ground.
“There’s no need for thanks. It’s all thanks to your diligence, Boss Cedric.”
“I’m sorry I can’t offer much help.”
The guardian knight set down his empty glass.
Cedric Walker feigned surprise.
“Just protecting this city is more than enough, Sir Knight!”
“Isn’t that my duty?”
“Duty? Maintaining order in a city as large as Landwalk is no easy task. Your humility is admirable, but don’t belittle yourself too much, or others will feel ashamed.”
“Is that so?”
The knight seemed pleased with Cedric’s flattery.
“If you need anything, just let me know. I’ll do my best to help.”
“Thank you.”
Cedric Walker bowed again, though his eyes remained cold.
‘It won’t be long before I no longer have to bow to these fools.’
Cedric Walker’s goal was to rise to a position where he could control the city.
His plan was progressing steadily.
Soon, the governor and the knight would be the ones bowing to him.
“Is there anything else you need? Just say the word, and I’ll get it for you.”
It was then that one of his subordinates approached Cedric Walker and whispered something in his ear.
Cedric’s expression immediately hardened.
”…I apologize, but I must step out for a moment.”
“Something urgent, I presume.”
“Don’t worry about us, take care of your business.”
The two men, already lost in their indulgences, paid no mind to Cedric’s departure.
Outside the Silk Cat’s VIP room, Cedric Walker grabbed his subordinate by the collar.
“What did you just say? Damian Haxen is attacking our men?”
“Y-yes, sir.”
“Where the hell is that damn necromancer? How is Damian Haxen causing havoc here?”
“I-I don’t know…”
Cedric let out a deep sigh.
“Damn it, that bastard must have taken the money and run. I knew I couldn’t trust those lowlifes.”
Thinking about the money he had paid the necromancer made his blood boil.
Suppressing his anger, Cedric gave his orders.
“If it’s come to this, I’ll have to deal with Damian Haxen myself. Bring him to me alive. Understand?”
With that, Cedric turned to rejoin the governor and the knight.
But his subordinate urgently stopped him.
“Boss! You can’t just go back in! We need your orders!”
“I just gave them. Bring that bastard to me alive.”
“N-no, we can’t.”
“What?”
“We can’t capture Damian Haxen with our current strength!”
Cedric kicked his subordinate’s shin.
The man cried out, clutching his leg.
“I’m busy as hell, and you’re spouting nonsense. Do you know how much money I’ve poured into you guys? Why can’t you capture him?”
After Damian Haxen had trashed one of their bars, Cedric had armed his men to the teeth.
They were equipped with armor made from monster hides and weapons crafted by skilled artisans.
He had even provided magical tools to his top lieutenants for emergencies.
It had cost a fortune, but Cedric didn’t care.
In this business, being underestimated was the end.
Having already been humiliated by Damian Haxen once, he was willing to bear the cost.
“Even with the magical tools, that guy should be reduced to ashes. How can you not handle one man?”
The subordinate, eyes trembling, insisted.
“I-it’s true! Please believe me!”
“This bastard keeps spewing nonsense.”
Cedric raised his fist, but just then, another subordinate came running.
“B-boss!”
In his haste, the man tripped and fell but quickly got up and reached Cedric.
“D-Damian Haxen! He destroyed the southern branch!”
Cedric’s mind went blank.
What is this guy saying?
“Boss! Boss!”
Before he could process it, another subordinate came running.
He shouted even before reaching Cedric.
“Damian Haxen wiped out the eastern branch!”
In the northern district of Landwalk City.
Known for its peaceful residential areas, today it was unusually chaotic.
“Kill him! I said kill him!”
Or perhaps calling it chaos was an understatement.
Dozens of Black Serpent members were converging on the northern district’s plaza.
“Charge all at once! Just stab him anywhere!”
Astonishingly, they were all facing a single opponent.
A young man stood in the center of the plaza, confronting the Black Serpents.
His only weapon was an old longsword.
In contrast, his enemies were armed with spears, shields, crossbows, and even wore armor made from monster hides.
In terms of numbers and firepower, the Black Serpents had the clear advantage.
“Aaargh!”
Yet, it was the Black Serpents who were being pushed back.
With every swing of the young man’s sword, limbs were severed, and heads flew.
Monster hides and shields offered no protection.
“Don’t be afraid! He’s just a man! He’ll tire eventually! Keep attacking until then!”
A man who seemed to be a leader encouraged the members.
But no matter how much time passed, the young man showed no signs of fatigue.
“Aaaargh!”
“Ugh!”
In fact, his swordplay became more precise and fierce, increasing the Black Serpents’ casualties.
“This bastard…!”
Finally, the leader, unable to bear it any longer, pulled something from his pocket.
It was a cylindrical object, covered in intricate red patterns.
“Let’s see if you can survive this!”
A fireball erupted from the cylinder, shooting straight toward the young man.
The young man glanced at the fireball and swung his longsword horizontally.
The fireball followed the trajectory of the sword.
It was like watching a leaf float down a stream.
“W-what on earth…?”
The officer’s face was a mask of shock.
He’d often heard that a master could effortlessly deflect an enemy’s attack.
But he’d never heard of anyone doing such a trick against magic.
“W-wait, what?”
The young man spun around, swinging his longsword, and pointed its tip at the officer.
The spinning fireball hurtled toward the officer.
“Hold on a second!”
The fireball shot forward and exploded.
A massive blaze engulfed the officer and his men.
“What kind of thugs use magical artifacts?”
It’s the end of the world.
Damian Haxen clicked his tongue in exasperation.
“Well, at least it wrapped things up neatly.”
Magic was definitely more efficient than swordplay when dealing with a crowd.
“Now, let’s see… where to next?”
Damian Haxen unfolded a map of the city.
He scanned it to decide his next destination.
“Here we go.”
“Boss! The northwest branch has been wiped out!”
“B-b-boss! We just got word from the western branch! Only one person survived!”
Cedric Walker clutched his head as his subordinates rushed in with the news.
It was hard to believe, but he had to accept it.
The organization he’d painstakingly built was being dismantled by a single person.
Even experiencing it firsthand, it was difficult to comprehend.
He almost suspected his subordinates were collectively lying to him.
“Boss… what should we do?”
“Just shut up for a moment.”
It was clear that their own forces couldn’t stop Damian Haxen.
They needed outside help.
“Damn it… this isn’t what I spent all that money for.”
Cedric Walker lifted his head.
His gaze fell on the governor and a knight enjoying themselves in the lounge.
“Tell the others to hold off Damian Haxen as long as they can.”
“Yes, sir! Understood.”
After sending his subordinates away, Cedric Walker entered the VIP room.
The governor and the knight greeted him warmly.
“Oh, Cedric, my friend. What took you so long? Come, have a drink.”
The governor offered him a glass.
But Cedric Walker didn’t take it.
Instead, he dropped to his knees on the floor.
“I know it’s shameless, but I have a favor to ask of you both!”