Chapter 60: The Heavenly Death Star Of Chilgok County (3)

Chapter 60: The Heavenly Death Star Of Chilgok County (3)

I was a bit worried, but I managed to reach the shanty I called home without any problems.

The traumatic encounter with the Cheongsapa had left me reluctant to return, but normally, it was just a poor neighborhood tinged with a musty odor.

In fact, I had been living there for nearly two months without any issues.

Its been a while.

It had been some time since Id visited this shack. I didnt miss the place, especially because I couldnt just push the computer power button with my toe as I walked in. So, I opened the door casually.

The door, which was half-broken as though someone had forced their way in, creaked as I opened it. The sole window was ajar, letting the outside air flow through.

Why would someone do this to a door that doesnt even have a lock?

Its been cleaned out.

The interior, once bearing the appearance of habitation, now lay bare, stripped of everything.

I didnt store anything of value here, but the place had been emptied to the point that even a dry towel would have seemed drenched by comparison.

No, not even the dry straw.

The pile of straw I used as a bed had also been taken.

It had been vacant for some time, but they had cleared it out with surprising thoroughness.

It should be around here.

I picked up a branch from outside and began to dig at the spot where I had hidden my brush pen, hoping they hadnt taken that as well.

Fortunately, the brush pen was still there, concealed by weeds and buried in the earth.

I brushed off the dirt and slipped the brush pen into my pocket.

It was fortunate that I had come.

Even if I were to purchase better tools later for writing a book, this would be useful for practice. It would surely aid in crafting a manuscript.

I should pack up quickly and leave

Just then, the door burst open behind me.

What! Who is this! Isnt this our money pouch? Just back in Chilgok County and there you are! Long time no see!

Damn it. Why were these thugs here?

I turned to see the Cheongsapa gang members who had assaulted me on a rainy day.

I told you, this guy lives here.

I heard he was gone. But look, hes here!

Hearing the gang members behind me, I knew they had come looking for me.

Nice to see you after a long time.

Was there any way to escape?

The entrance was blocked.

Even if I threw a bread punch at the guy in front and a barbarian roundhouse kick at another, the remaining two would subdue me.

Listen to the sound of his brain ticking. Just come along quietly, and you wont get hurt.

The Cheongsapa guys gestured at me with smug expressions.

There seemed to be no way out at that moment.

I decided to just follow them for now.

The things you least want to encounter always show up at the worst possible times.

Like escaping from night self-study only to run into a famously strict teacher. Or having your early all-in strategy in a game fail due to enemy scouting. Or feeling the urge in your stomach just when youre barely avoiding being late.

But why now of all times?

As I followed the Cheongsapa guys, other members started to recognize me.

What! Look who it is! Still in business, I see!Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

Kid, I heard your business is doing well. Making good money.

Right? The young barbarian is working hard!

Just listening to their conversation, it sounded as if 30-year regulars were encouraging a second-generation young shop owner.

Its been a while, Cheongsapa members. Nothing much happening lately?

I spoke to them like a young store owner dealing with annoying customers who order just one meal but give life advice for over 30 minutes, without ordering any profitable drinks.

I turned around, tensed my toes, and tried to make a quick getaway.

Bang!

Out of nowhere, a sound like a drum exploding echoed in my head.

Uh?

My legs buckled instantly.

As my knees hit the ground, my face kissed the floor. My cheek scraped against it mercilessly, and dirt filled my mouth.

Blood?

Blood started to trickle from the back of my head, across my cheek. The dull pain set in slower than the noise had. In my blurred vision, I caught sight of a Cheongsapa thug holding a club.

Ah, I had been hit in the head with a club.

Damn it. I talk nicely to this barbarian, and he thinks its an invitation. Hey, do you think Cheongsapa is easy to mess with?

The incredulous voice of the thug came from behind me.

Here! This barbarian! He wants to keep getting beaten until he understands his place!

Cough!

Someone kicked me hard in the ribs as I lay there. It was a kick even a retired punch-drunk boxer would admire.

Ugh!

The pain surged up through my throat, bringing up everything I had eaten. But this was just the beginning.

Isnt it right for a barbarian crawling into Chilgok County, extorting money from innocent people, to pay taxes?

Why doesnt this guy, who was beaten before, understand his place?

Hey! Beat him up!

The one-sided violence, reminiscent of that rainy day, came flooding back. I couldnt muster any strength in my body but had to curl up to avoid death.

It hurts.

Stop!!!

Just when the pain was about to drive me insane, the boss of Cheongsapa stopped his men.

Pant, pant! Is there something you dont like?

The thug, tired from beating me, caught his breath and spoke to the boss.

If hes too damaged, he cant make money. Stop beating him. Just cripple his legs and be done with it.

The boss pointed to the knife tied to the thugs waist.

Ah! Just cut the tendons in the back of the legs so he cant run away and use him for performances, right?

You catch on fast.

Understood!

Ah, no.

Not my legs.

In a daze, I gasped for air and desperately tried to wriggle away from the thug.

Whoa, whoa! Its okay. Its okay. You wont die. We are kind-hearted gangsters. Well just cut the tendons in your legs. Then, when you get up, youll work hard for us. Got it?

The thug grabbed my legs and dragged them toward him.

No, I cant become crippled.

Please.

Just as the thug drew his knife, thinking it was the end for me, the atmosphere suddenly changed.

It was a chilling sensation, like a viper targeting the back of my neck. A bone-chilling murderous intent made me forget even the pain in my body.

Ugh! What, whats this?

The thug who was about to cut my legs started and looked in one direction.

You guys.

A low voice seemed to envelop the entire shanty town. The whole Cheongsapa group turned their heads toward the source of the voice, which hissed like a viper targeting its prey.

I, too, struggled to turn my head in the direction of that murderous intent.

What are you doing right now?

There stood the Heavenly Death Star, wearing an expression I had never seen before.