After resting to the point I could walk without giving away that I'd just been beaten up and everything hurt all over, I brushed all the dust off my clothes and stepped out of the alley

It wasn't the first time I had received a thrashing, but it was a whole different story when your attackers had no regard for your life while others just stand and watch everything play out. If it weren't for it being a taboo, I'm sure that megalomaniac would've loved to waste some bullets just to hurt me, then leave me bleeding to death in a dumpster with a smile on his face, satisfied he managed to put someone like me in his place. Or something along those lines.

To some extent, I was also relieved. Things could have gone far worse. Fortunately, the side he struck was the one where I kept my wallet and keys, so my phone wasn't shattered or anything like that since I held it in the other pocket of my jeans.

When I looked in the direction those egoistic freaks crawled into, I realized they were heading toward Jacob's place. I hoped they wouldn't rob him, but given that his guard is a hunter... No, his mana was currently depleted because of our experiment. I suppose Jacob would have to fend for himself, but he's been a part of the Underworld before I even knew it existed, so I knew he'd got out of it, somehow.

Unlike me, he wasn't the type of merchant who would allow himself to be pushed around by the likes of them.

I dragged one foot in front of the other, feeling physically and psychologically crushed. It was a bit much to be beaten up so badly just because I brushed shoulders with him.

If there was some sort of authority keeping our behavior in check in the world above, there were none in the Underworld.

I lightly tapped my chest, relieved to know still had the badge and the dagger on—

"There he is," someone yelled from behind, followed by a couple of steps. I turned around to see the megalomaniac midget who had caused me so much pain. "Fucking grab him now!"

My innards twisted. Why? You've already done enough. Don't tell me you won't be satisfied until I'm dead.

"As if I'd allow that..." I muttered, my head going numb as I broke into full throttle. Their legs didn't appear to be augmented as well, so I had the chance of getting away.

As I rounded a corner, I slid down. When I glanced behind, they were still chasing after me like wild hounds. I barely managed to stand up, looked ahead, and then—

A man with cerulean glowing eyes appeared. Smoke slowly rose from the tip of the pipe he held in his hand. I recognized him as the one that helped me find Jacob's store.

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"Get out of the way!" I yelled at the chief, unable to halt my momentum.

I rammed my shoulder into him. For a split second, the world went dark. Smoke filled my burning lungs and caused me to cough, but I didn't feel the need to apologize. I couldn't do it. Even if I wanted to, the circumstances wouldn't allow it, and I'd already lost valuable ground because of him.

"Quite the way to greet someone who helped you, asshole," mumbled the chief, "I can't even have a smoke around here now..."

"Keep him there, Chief!" exclaimed the dwarf as he approached, speaking to him as if he knew him.

As I stared at him, my eyes widened. "Son of a bitch," I said, the gears in my head spinning at their maximum capacity. He must've helped them as well.

Clunks could be heard pounding on the street. They almost caught up to me due to the inconvenience that got in the way.

Red lights surrounded me before I even realized it.

Just ahead of me, a woman was pushing her cart toward the other side of the street. I gritted my teeth, refusing to slow down since I knew I'd be caught if I did. Rather than imagining the worst, I cast my fears aside as I put my palm on the cart's edge for stability, then leaped over.

The poor woman shrieked as she fell on her bum, cursing a few times. I ignored her polite words and apologized in my heart for bothering her.

When I looked back, I saw my pursuers' faces filled with both anger and annoyance. One of the augmented lackeys sprawled across the cart, which almost made me chuckle.

Seeing that, my lips curled into an indignant grin, yet I still couldn't help but wonder.

Why are they after me? Even though I was completely innocent and still apologized... What could the cause be—

It's because of the dagger, isn't it? But this wasn't the time to ponder about it.

Regardless of what happened, that bearded dwarf showed no signs of slowing down. It was a mistake to assume he'd eventually tire and give up.

Their persistence was certainly intimidating, but sadly for them, I had no intention of ever being caught again. I knew what they'd do if were to happen.

"Not a chance..."

I passed through flocks of people, most of whom were cloaked and focused on the items displayed at each stall. I slowed down, trying not to touch any of them, and eventually found myself in the dark alley I came through when I first entered the Underworld.

I stared at the tunnel, gasping for air. Even though I shouldn't have, I pondered about abandoning everything and leaving. It wasn't a difficult choice to make.

Just run away, Gray. Risking your life in this place is not worth it, I told myself. Screw it all and just go!

But for some reason, my legs wouldn't budge as I asked: Flee and then do what? Work as a slave for people that treat me like garbage again? All of the trouble I've been through up until now would've been for naught if I didn't get my hands on that damned medicine!

You witnessed what happened to Ethan, haven't you? You were aware of the dangers, yet you still strolled into the Underworld like it was your neighborhood. Wasn't that because you wanted a way out of the loophole you've been drowning in up until now? Haven't you had enough of being trampled upon by others, Gray?

Yeah, I was sick of it.

"I'll kill that bastard myself!" came from behind as their shadow loomed over the ground, illuminated by the dim lights behind them as I made up my mind.

I'm not leaving this hellhole empty-handed.