Destined Villain's Life
Chapter 24: [24] A trip to the underworld {end}

Chapter 24: [24] A trip to the underworld {end}

Before leaving, Zick, of course, transferred the promised money to Dain. He also wanted to accelerate the progress of the research.

While walking through the streets again, he suddenly stopped.

"Hmm?"

Turning back, Zick saw Scout-33 clutching the corner of his clothes, her blank eyes fixed on the ground, motionless.

’Does she even know how to speak at this point?’

Zick didn’t stop her and continued walking calmly. He was aware of Scout-33’s weak consciousness. It would be strange if a child wasn’t nervous about being outside for the first time.

"Do you understand what I’m saying?" Zick asked curiously while walking.

Scout-33 nodded slowly.

"I see. Keep your special skill activated and tell me if anyone is following us or keeping an eye on us," Zick ordered while staying vigilant himself.

Though a few people watched him briefly, no one followed.

’It’s disappointing that neither Scout-33 nor Dain have high destiny. I need destiny points to grow faster...’

Finding someone with high destiny seemed like a gamble—Dain, despite his future accomplishments, didn’t have any.

Before long, Zick arrived at the entrance of a long alleyway and stepped in without hesitation.

Surprisingly, there was no trash or unpleasant stench in the area, as if it were regularly maintained. Many people passed by on the street, yet no one dared to even glance at the alleyway.

Instantly, dozens of magic arrays scanned Zick invisibly, leaving behind only faint traces of mana.

Feeling Scout-33’s grip tighten, Zick spoke coldly, "Get used to it."

Internally, he wasn’t too concerned about her safety. Her internal structure was a fusion of mechanical and biological components, making her incredibly durable.

Soon, various stalls came into view, selling an assortment of items. The vendors here were shady, and buying something without proper knowledge could lead to a gruesome death. There were many things that the weak simply shouldn’t touch.

This was one of the black markets in The Pandemonium. There were larger ones, but entering them required a certain level of influence in End’s Wing.

’It was bigger the first time I came here in the past...’ Zick noted as he observed the market unfolding before him.

Weirdly named shops with eccentric atmospheres lined the alleyway.

A fat man loudly advertised a brothel featuring "naked women’s blossom."

The slave market briefly caught Zick’s attention, but he could only shake his head. He didn’t have the money to buy anything useful.

After passing through the hectic yet familiar market, he finally reached his destination—

[Decker’s Bar]

A classy bar that every visitor to this black market was recommended to visit at least once.

As soon as he entered the three-story establishment, the stench of alcohol hit him.

’...I was once addicted to drinking too.’

Zick smiled bitterly at the memory.

Sitting at the bar with Scout-33, he ordered a soft drink for her. She took a sip blankly—not because she lacked emotions, but because she had no function to display expressions.

Turning his attention to a woman behind the service area table, standing alongside an old bartender, Zick examined her.

Her pinkish hair and revealing clothes drew a lot of attention, which she seemed to enjoy.

"I need a new account in End’s Wing," Zick stated.

Her smile widened. "That’ll be 2,000, including the first-time discount."

Without hesitation, Zick returned her smile and paid the fee.

After receiving the new account, he quickly modified it to ensure no one but him could access it. He set the display name to [Cash Out].

Money was his primary goal, aside from establishing a base here. He swiftly published dozens of pieces of information—secrets that should have only surface in the future.

[Information on the criminal Cold Furlic – 5,000 Wing Points.]

[Information on Jack, the car dealer – 20,000 Wing Points.]

...And so on. They were all famous criminals or cartel members.

No one would trust a brand-new information broker appearing out of nowhere, but Zick wasn’t worried. There were always rich people who didn’t care about money.

Among the listings, one piece of information held the most significance to him:

[Proof of Chaselt’s Innocence – 50,000 Wing Points.]

This was aimed at the Dragon Heir—Zick’s next recruitment target. They were just beginning to rise, but he knew exactly how powerful they would become in a decade.

’They usually stay at this bar, but it seems I’m not lucky enough to meet them today.’

A flicker of disappointment crossed Zick’s eyes.

’Approaching them as an information broker for now is a good move. But meeting them would’ve made strengthening our relationship much easier...’

Having accomplished his goal, Zick didn’t linger. Fights could break out here at any moment, and getting caught up in one wouldn’t be ideal for him right now.

By the time he arrived at Dain’s workshop, night had already fallen.

’I still have a day left. Money problem can be fixed gradually. Now, I need to think about manpower. The Dragon Heir is one option, but I can’t put all my focus on them alone.’

If he failed to recruit them, he would be back at square one.

More than anything, he needed a frontman.

’I can’t handle everything myself. A loyal hound... No, I need a smart and loyal hound to take care of tasks for me.’

If he found such a person, even losing the Dragon Heir wouldn’t be a problem. He knew of many talented individuals who would rise to prominence in the future.

Recruiting them all on his own would be impossible.

’Khein...’

A name suddenly surfaced in his mind. Though strict, his talent and strength were undeniable.

’It seems very possible...’

Excitement stirred in Zick’s heart at the thought of working with an old friend again—this time as a superior though.

As he was lost in thought, he felt a slight tug on his shirt from behind.

"...Father?"

Hearing Scout-33’s unexpected words, Zick froze for a moment, his mind blank.

’Did a single soft drink make her see me as her father?’

He wasn’t sure what to think.

"...Call me Master from now on."

"..."

Regardless, Zick had already decided to leave Scout-33 in Dain’s workshop. He wanted her to mature quickly, which was why he had taken her out in the first place.