[VOL. 2] CHAPTER 2 UNDERGROUND WORK

The next day I went to the Guild while wearing my mask and met up with Crescent Moon.

I should ask the legendary blacksmith Mohkan to make an Akatsuki exclusive the next time I see him.

Even the blade of a common two handed sword is 100-150 centimetres long but Carlos sword exceeds the length of 175 centimetres.

Akatsuki, good timing. Im supposed to meet him now.

Aah, the mountains are pretty today.

Her Breastplate emphasises them even more.

Are you okay? Lets go.

Oops, nows not the time to admire the scenery.

Im sure this is related to that incident.

Crescent Moon together with me entered a house out of town.

Its a pretty big house but it seemed to be an unoccupied house with no residents.

Hey, I came. Its me

Crescent Moon, huh? You came. Is that your friend? Well, sit down.

When the door opened five men were waiting in the room.

They all looked pretty evil.

This fellow here is Akatsuki. Hes a mercenary same as me. I can guarantee his ability.

Im Akatsuki. I heard this job is quite profitable. What should I do?

As I introduced myself the men seemed to look at me doubtfully.

Akatsuki? Ive never heard of that name. Hes also covering his face, can we really trust that guy?

A bearded man brought his face closer to mine and jeered at me.

To be honest, Im bad with those kinds of guys but I cant turn my eyes away now.

I endured it and just stared back at him with a deadpan expression.

What? Those eyes. Want to fight? Huuuh?

You, are you complaining about someone I brought?

I held back Crescent Moon who got angry at the man who wanted to pick a fight with me and slowly opened my mouth.

Havent you misunderstood something? I was just asked to come by Crescent Moon. If you have complaints Ill go back. Tell me if you want to check my abilities. Ill show my skills in getting rid of you

As I said this in a deadpan, calm voice my opponent gave in to his anger.

You getting rid of me?! Dont be so conceited! Gyan, let me show him how to speak properly!

Looks like the man called Gyan is the leader.

Judging from his calm attitude thats likely the case.

Domur, dont lose your temper. This happened because you suddenly picked a fight. As for you, you said your name was Akatsuki? Your way of speaking is a little -

I dont really mind. Its not a bad idea to let you see my strength. Dont worry Ill go easy on you.

I interrupted Gyans words who tried to pacify and provoked them daringly.

Thiiiiis! I wont forgive you, you, Ill kill you!

As the man called Domurs eyes became bloodshot he pulled out his two-handed sword.

Looks like he forgot himself in anger.

That guy, making Domur that angry. Is this fine, Crescent Moon? The man you brought will be done in.

Hmpf, do you think Id bring a guy whod get done in by someone like that? They can do whatever they want.

Crescent Moon also noticed that I recklessly provoked my opponent.

She wont try to stop me at all.

Cant be helped. Akatsuki, fight Domur. Just Domur should do. He has plenty of experience. Surrender before you get yourself killed.

Shut up, Gyan. If I dont kill this guy I wont be satisfied

We moved to a larger place which looked like the living room.

You, I wont forgive you even if you beg for our life. Prepare yourself

Domur, dont kill him. We need his help. Akatsuki, dont you think it would be better if you apologised, too?

At that moment the men held their breath.

Its obviously imbalanced with my physique.

Whaat, you, is that a bluff? Can you even swing that sword?

Domur was daunted for an instant but then figured that Im bluffing.

Youre incredibly noisy. Do you want to fight with your mouth?

After I said that, Domur finally snapped.

You, I wont let you talk anymore! Dieee!

Domur came cutting at me with full power from the front.

But the visual impact is perfect and I always wanted to use such a sword no matter what.

Though I actually wanted a ridiculously huge sword like GaOs Okiller but theres a difference in the strength of an author and him so I cant overdo it (sad). (TN: Not sure who that GaO. Its probably super easy and I just dont get it)

Gaan!

I blocked Domurs sword which he swung down in a big arc.

Shit!

Domur wore a vexed expression, this time hes attacking from there.

Gaan! Gakin!

Of course, I dont intend to kill him so Im suppressing my power and speed to the extent that I can still block Domur.

Still, I swing around this huge sword with ease and the men watching seem to not be able to conceal their surprise.

Shi, shit, this!

Domur desperately blocks my sword.

A considerable amount of pain should run through both his arms.

I wonder if his arms got tired, Domurs sword kept falling lower and the gap grew.

I decided to finish this quickly because theres no meaning in continuing this any further.

Gakiiiin!!

Buuuun!

At the time I hit away Domurs sword my sword roared and shook and then landed next to Domurs neck.

Out of fear to be killed Domur wasnt even able to flinch.

He, heyYou

Whats the matter? Just try to move. If you do Ill make you head roll and send it flying with a kick.

I, I lost, please forgive meee

Domur is sweating profusely out of fear.

Akatsuki, I have a good understanding of your strength. Please, forgive him.

Gyan tried to hastily mediate.

My demonstration was a success.

How is it? Akatsukis skills. I told you the guy I brought wouldnt be weak, right?

Hmpf, All bark and no bite.

I said this calmly and sheathed my sword.

When the sword disappeared from Domurs neck he exhaled and sat down.

Hes not just swinging around that huge sword, that perfect block is nothing short of superhuman. I thought I was done for.

He must have cooled down as he heartily said this while patting his own neck.

So, what are you going to do? If you have any complaints Ill go home.

There are none. Akatsuki, please help us together with Crescent Moon.

That depends on the requests contents and the money.

I wont just recklessly accept.

Its troublesome to be so cautious. (TN: Being cautious is gooood. Make this a habit~)

I cant say it in a loud voice but the job is a kidnapping. We only target young rich women as requested by a certain someone. However, recently rumours started to spread and their vigilance became severe, so we were looking for helpers. (TN: I bet that certain someone is Gerg)

A kidnapping, huh? I refuse to become a wanted man just for a one-time job.

Regarding that, its alright. We use the name of a thief group living around this area called the Highway thieves as cover so they wont even search for us.

Bingo.

But I need a little more information.

The highway thieves, is it? Whats with that stale name?

Ahaha, its a laughingstock. Well, I didnt really hear their name around as often recently, maybe they went somewhere else. Well, we got the support of a big shot

There it is.

As I thought theres a guy pulling the strings from the shadows.

A Supporter, is it? Who would that be?

Slow down there, I cant tell you that. Its top secret. But Akatsuki, if a man of your calibre works for a while with us youll get to see him maybe.

Mmm, after working with them for a while, thats troublesome.

This is something I have to think about a little.

Well, I dont really care about that, I ought to get a proper reward for this work, right? So, how much is it?

Thats right, formerly I thought about giving 10 gold coins per person but I changed my mind, well give 15 gold coins. Hows that?

Honestly, the amount of money doesnt really matter.

Well, should I negotiate a little to not get suspected?

15 coins? Then you can forget about it. Make it 20 coins. Then Ill think about it (TN: MC, stay like this)

Fufufu as I expected. With your skills I thought it would rather suspicious if everything will go that smoothly, Im sorry for doubting you. Lets make it 20 coins like you asked. So? Will you accept?

As I thought, using Akatsukis original character was the correct answer here.

Fine. When will the job start?

Its sudden but tomorrow. We got information that tomorrow the daughter of a rich merchant will leave the town to go to the capital. Therell also be bodyguards but can I ask you to do it?

Fine by me, then its decided. Tomorrow Ill come here. Is it also fine with you, Crescent Moon?

I dont have any complaints. Then, till tomorrow

With this, the talk concluded and Crescent Moon and I left.

Akatsuki, someone is following us

Crescent Moon told me that in a low voice without changing her line of sight.

We confirmed that we had a follower and returned to the hideout after shaking him off.