第二章

“How did he get this drunk again?”

In a derelict house in the Second District of the Lower City, Quade’s deputy—Nar Rick—glared at the drunken mess before him, clutching a bottle of liquor. He waved his hand, signaling two young Brotherhood members to haul Quade away.

“Lock him up for a day. Let him sober up before releasing him.”

Drunk like this—it seems he didn’t do much to that kid—Rick (he preferred his surname over his given name) revealed a cryptic smile.

Nar Rick, unlike Quade—whose skills had deteriorated, relegating him from enforcer to managing beggar operations—was a Brotherhood member with both ambition and capability.

He had once studied at the Shuka City Accounting Academy in the southern part of the kingdom. If not for his father, a scribe, getting into trouble, Rick might now be an accountant for a city department or even a noble family. Perhaps he could have climbed even higher, becoming a merchant in some lucrative trade. With enough money, he might have even bought a knighthood, stepping into the first tier of the Star Kingdom’s upper society—three hundred years ago, hadn’t the Shukadel family, marked by the morning glory flower, risen in just such a manner? Now they were one of the kingdom’s most influential noble houses.

But even as a fallen gangster, forever cut off from the path to nobility, Rick believed he was far more qualified to be a decision-maker in the Brotherhood than those muscle-headed, woman-obsessed thugs.

When the Brotherhood’s operations expanded to the southern coast of the kingdom, Rick, a southern street tough, was recruited for his talents. He orchestrated several successful human trafficking chains from the south to the capital, catching the attention of the Brotherhood’s higher-ups. They promoted him and transferred him to Eternal Star City—the kingdom’s capital, the heart of the stars, the radiant jewel of the western continent—tasking him with managing the Brotherhood’s beggar accounts in the capital.

Yes, Rick knew that while he was ostensibly Quade’s deputy and accountant, the higher-ups had effectively entrusted him with all the Brotherhood’s beggar operations in Eternal Star City. Just look at his “superior,” Quade—a once-feared enforcer who had carved out a reputation with axe and blade in the old Lower City’s three districts. Now he was a pathetic wreck, only finding dignity in tormenting beggar children. If not for the fact that Quade was the son of a high-ranking Brotherhood member, he would have long been trampled into the mud of Eternal Star City’s slums and left to rot.

And besides, most of the losses among the beggar children were caused by him.

Of course, it was precisely because of this that Quade’s father provided him with a generous monthly allowance, from which Rick himself could skim a tidy profit.

If not for the fact that Quade’s father was a heavyweight in the arms trade, he would have long since lost his influence within the Brotherhood.

And what happens when a gang boss loses his power?

Rick shook his head, watching as Quade was dragged away.

The beggar trade, compared to smuggling drugs and weapons, trading Eternal Oil and Lijing ore, or even collecting debts and managing street operations, seemed insignificant and lowly.

But Rick believed this was his opportunity.

The Brotherhood had risen rapidly, but human trafficking had always been its primary source of profit. The Brotherhood’s human trafficking network was comprehensive, dealing in everything from infants to the elderly, humans to elves, and even intelligent creatures from the distant lands of the Sorceress Queen. However, the most crucial aspect was the Brotherhood’s own recruitment pipeline. Infants and toddlers were collected and raised by “Black-Hearted Widow” Beth, with some sold off. Slightly older children were sent to Rick, who “toughened” them into beggars. Those in their teens were then handed over to “Ironhide” Locke for enforcer training, “Flirty” Belicia for brothel work, or other specialized handlers, eventually becoming full-fledged members of the Brotherhood.

Thus, as the manager of the beggar operations, Rick saw himself as a vital link in the Brotherhood’s human trafficking chain—the very foundation of its future. He was also the node through which the Brotherhood’s future bloodline flowed, all while overseeing a network of street-level informants in the capital. Just think: he was the first Brotherhood figure these future members would encounter as they formed their earliest memories. He could identify promising candidates in their childhood, extend timely favors, and in the future…

See? This is why Nar Rick is a man of ambition.

And more than that—this thought always excited Rick—this was Eternal Star City! The capital of the Star Kingdom, the second-largest kingdom on the western continent, and the birthplace of the Black Street Brotherhood. Working here meant the Brotherhood’s bigwigs would always have their eyes on you. And if they were watching, there was always a chance for promotion.

Of course, the risk of disaster was equally high.

Fortunately, Rick thought, clasping his hands behind his back and raising an eyebrow as he watched the drunken Quade disappear into the distance, there’s always this fool to take the fall.

Under the moonlight, Rick turned his head and continued walking, looking at the twenty or so dilapidated houses in front of him. He knew that each of these derelict buildings housed many beggars, and these were the most important seedlings and chips for him to climb up in the future.

For instance, the black-haired Thales from the sixth house. Two years ago, when Beth, who took care of babies, sent him over, she had a different attitude towards that child.

Sure enough, to this day, this child, although only eight years old (was it eight or seven?), was clever and cunning. Just a week ago, he surprisingly came up with a scheme to act for begging — a lovely child was beaten up by other bigger kids, who stole his money and food. Therefore, when he hid in a corner, weeping alone, passing ladies could not help but give him more compensation — Rick thought to himself, compared to those beggars who cried until they were hoarse and annoying, the gang was desperate for someone who could think.

This child would certainly climb higher when he grew up.

He should reward him a little to win Thales' gratitude. Of course, a reward without contrast would not evoke appreciation.

That was why tonight, when the boy sharing a room with Thales told him that Thales might be hiding money, Rick encouraged Quaid to settle the score with him. By the time Quaid beat Thales to the brink of death, he would step in to stop it, even at the cost of clashing with Quaid (that useless person only had this much use), and then Thales would intentionally or unintentionally see him as a support.

Rick didn’t care whether each beggar had paid their dues; that was something short-sighted people would worry about. Compared to a few copper coins, Rick knew that human relationships were a more important asset.

But that boy — Thales was still too clever. Rick knew that, whether Thales had money to give Quaid or not, the latter would torment him to death (if Thales really did take out money, it would only be worse). But obviously, that boy found a way to escape this catastrophe — normally, enthusiastic Quaid would “carefully” concoct these disobedient children to entertain him, regardless of whether they were really disobedient.

It didn’t matter; what had to be done still had to be done, even if the effect was not good. At worst, he could find another reason for Quaid to beat him up.

Rick walked to the sixth house and stepped over the broken door panel.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

He saw Thales gasping for breath in the overgrown yard, lying on the ground, while several children were applying something on him — my god, a few seven, eight, or nine-year-olds were actually planting Uldron leaves in the yard? Typically, only experienced gang members and impoverished people who had lived for many years would know that this wild plant could be used as a quick and cheap remedy for external injuries.

“Ah! Mr. Rick!” The limping Ryan was the first to notice Rick's arrival. His experience of having a broken leg made him more sensitive to the surroundings.

Quaid had only left for less than an hour, and the fear in the yard had not yet dissipated. Ned — the snitching boy still had traces of tears on his face, Kelly was covering his dark face, and the bigger kid, Sinti, took a step back in fright.

Especially the smallest girl, who even screamed in fear.

Beth had instructed before that she was a descendant of a noble with hereditary traits and had a high chance of being a beauty. Don't mess her up; later, if Belicia coached her a bit more, there could be a lot of profit. It's a pity that his beggars had to be handed over to the association once they turned ten, at most twelve. If only he could keep her until fifteen... then send her away, that would be fine; otherwise, thirteen would also work.

“Mr. Rick!” Thales interrupted Rick's subtle thoughts, struggling to turn his head, the injury on his back making him grimace in pain.

“Ah, I’m sorry, Thales,” Rick sighed, showing a compassionate expression: “I can’t stop him — Quaid — after all, I’m just his assistant and can’t afford to offend his backers.”

“I can only come quietly afterward,” under the careful gaze of several children, Rick squatted down, anxiously checking Thales's injuries, “Fortunately, he didn’t go too hard today, otherwise—”

"Mr. Rick, I'm fine," Thales struggled to say, "I'm just really sorry, my allowance last week really—”

“Forget about the allowance!” Rick took the broken bowl from Cinti's hands, emptied the water inside, picked a few pieces of Uldron leaves, and started grinding with a stone, “You were sent to me when you were just little ones, and over the years, I've watched you grow from shivering little creatures into rough, clumsy children. To me, you are far more important than a few pennies,” A pained expression crossed Rick’s face, “At your age, you shouldn’t be begging on the streets, but that’s the rule of the brotherhood—”

“Mr. Rick,” Thales seemed a bit moved, tightening his fists, “I—”

“Here, use the stone to crush the herbs; it works better than chewing them with your mouth,” Rick wiped the herbs in the bowl and applied them to Thales himself, while Kelet beside him bit her lip and let out a whimper.

“Thank you, Mr. Rick,” Corlia said softly, “I wish it were you taking care of us, instead of Quaid.”

“Don’t let Quaid hear you say that,” Rick smiled wryly, “To be honest, I’m quite afraid of him.”

The kids shared a knowing smile—Rick knew that showing common ground and humor at the right moment was a good way to make people accept him.

“Thank you very much, Mr. Rick.” Thales said earnestly, knowing that he appeared more mature in the eyes of many, so there was no need to act too childish.

Rick nodded: “Take care of yourself; you’re a smart kid, and I believe you can do well.”

“By the way,” Rick seemed to suddenly remember something, handed the bowl to Nide, pulled out a pouch of coins from his waist, and gave it to the bewildered Cinti: “I have to submit every month, and I don’t have much of my own money. Here are thirty copper coins; go to the Grove Apothecary—the one at the boundary of the Twilight Zone and the Lower District—and buy some healing medicine. This money should be enough, provided the prices haven’t gone up.”

Of course, this money wasn’t enough—Rick thought to himself, having visited the Grove Apothecary a week ago, just when the price had gone up. So, when the children find out they are short on money, they will think it’s due to the sudden price rise.

If the money isn’t enough, what can they do? Of course, they will take it from the allowance earned from begging, which means they definitely won’t have enough next week. At that time—

“Be careful when buying the medicine; don’t let anyone know—especially Quaid,” Rick said with a smile as he stood up.

Of course, Rick thought, Quaid would find out.

If they don’t go buy the medicine, that would be even better; then Quaid would know they really hid the money.

Rick’s mouth curled upwards slightly.

Then, he would reap their final loyalty.

“Mr. Rick,” Corlia looked at the pouch of coins in Cinti’s hand, nearly in tears, “You... you’re really a good person.”

Nide beside her bit his lip, nodding vigorously.

Even the older kid, Cinti, seemed touched, weighing the pouch in her hand.

Rick sighed, shook his head, and waved his hand: “No, I should apologize. This is all I can do for you.”

“Mr. Rick,” Thales lay on the ground, but looked at Rick with hesitation, “I don’t know—”

“Hmm?” Rick raised an eyebrow, “What’s wrong?”

“I heard that when we grow up, we’ll be sent to other places for training,” Thales asked cautiously, as if afraid of offending Rick, “So—after we finish training, can we work under you?”

Hearing this, Kelet, Nide, and Corlia looked at Rick with hope.

Snap, Rick snapped his fingers in his mind.

Point scored.

Faster than expected.

“Hehe, about that,” Rick broke into a smile, “Don’t be fooled by how I seem now; in the brotherhood, I’m a man with ideals.”

Rick bent down with a smile, ruffled Thales hair, appearing more approachable: “My little subordinates will be the best and strongest in the entire brotherhood!”

This is my honest truth, Rick thought to himself.

“So, if you want to be my subordinates, you’d better work hard!”

“Hmm!” The kids nodded in unison, full of hope, and Thales was no exception.

“I’m off now, Thales , and the rest of you,” Rick turned around, tilting his head to reveal his profile, “Next time something like this happens, come tell me secretly. Although I can’t stop him directly, I can cause some trouble to keep him away from you.”

After saying that, Rick flashed his white teeth, glinting in the moonlight, and left the courtyard of House Six without looking back.

“Mr. Rick is really a good person,” Nide wiped the tears from his face, “Not like that bad Quaid.”

“Hmm.” Corlia nodded, her eyes full of joy, as if she had tasted candy.

“But,” the limping Ryan, still in shock, hesitated and spoke up, “I always feel like Mr. Rick is even more frightening than Quaid.”

“So you’re a coward!”

“Coward Lyne, how can you ask for money looking like that!”

Only Thales, after Rick left, slowly calmed his gaze.

When he saw Cynthia counting the thirty coppers in her purse one by one, Thales let out a slight breath.

His back still hurt; he knew that proper external injury medicine would be better for his wounds. But Thales had just visited Grove Apothecary yesterday morning, where he took the typhoid medicine from Yanni at the back door. He had heard her complain that her stingy boss raised the prices of the medicines, with even the external injury medicine increasing to thirty-five coppers—exactly five coppers more than what Rick had given.

However, he also learned a crucial point from Yara, the bar owner's daughter at the Sunset Bar.

The considerable expenses of Quade at the bar were all covered by Rick.

But—

“I have to turn in every month; my own money isn’t much…”

Rick's recent words echoed in the traveler’s ears, and he couldn’t help but glance at the bag of coppers beside him.

The beggars had already forgotten their fears, playfully pushing each other.

Only Thales furrowed his brow, awkwardly turned his head to glance at his scarred back, sighed heavily, and let it drop again.

This damned world.

——————————————————

Rick walked to the tenth house, calculating that there was an eight-year-old child named Karak inside, a tough little character who needed to be dealt with and drawn under his command. Just then, he suddenly felt a chill at the back of his neck.

This was his innate ability.

In absolute tranquility (absolute tranquility—any slight distraction would break it), if a living creature approached within about five meters, he would feel a chill at his neck.

And that was it.

But don’t say he wasn’t a warrior; even if he were, compared to those powerful and diverse abilities of the kingdom’s elite units, as well as the formidable Endblade Warriors, knights, and even the mysterious magical energy users, his ability was hardly worth mentioning. Even the interns in the various divine temples could easily pin him down.

But Rick felt that one day, this ability would save his life.

Like now.

Rick quickly turned around, searching the surroundings under the moonlight while his left hand reached into his pocket to grasp the small but deadly mini crossbow.

Bright moonlight.

A deserted street.

No cover.

But utterly empty.

Rick took a deep breath and maintained his absolute calm.

He felt that the cold at the back of his neck was still persistent.

Could it be a rat crawling through the sewer beneath him?

Rick turned in three different directions, racing forward for a bit, but the lingering chill at his neck made him discard this hypothesis.

What rat would run twenty meters in three different directions directly beneath him?

Rick's heart grew increasingly fearful.

He shouldn’t have come out alone; even if this was a deserted building, it was Brotherhood territory.

He should have brought twenty thugs, each with a magic energy gun, no matter how heavy that damned thing was.

Just like the big boss of the Brotherhood responsible for drug trafficking, Razanch Feso, who was always followed by thirty people.

In fact, if he could afford it, he should have hired two Endblade Warriors, or a power user, or even a magical energy user—never mind, the magical energy users were too scary.

Narlik, you need to stay calm, he told himself; you’re the man meant to govern the entire Eternal Star City and even the underground world of the Star Kingdom in the future, stay calm, you must stay calm.

He forced himself to appear composed and turned around, retracing his steps as if he had just been jogging for fitness.

Did he offend anyone? Does anyone want his life? Was there anything worth noticing in this neighborhood?

He walked several hundred meters, and under the moonlight, the surroundings were empty.

But the chill at the back of his neck remained.