The Druid Who Swallowed Mother Nature - Chapter 49



Only Noblemtl

Episode 49. Why is this kid here?

The market of Gellag City boasted an overwhelming scale compared to any other city.

Advanced production technology and business-friendly policies are cited as reasons, but unrestricted trade is actually the biggest factor.

There is nothing that is not traded in Galaga City.

In a corrupt city consumed by capital, circumvention of legal regulations was easy.

It was to the point where the saying that if you couldn’t get something, blame your wallet was considered a golden rule.

The exchange that represented the reality of such a city was the black market.

On the surface, it appeared to be a normal market, but it was a hotbed of illegal activity with black market transactions taking place behind the scenes.

Even the scale of the market varied greatly, and the huge black market called auction had sales and operating systems comparable to those of corporations.

‘So the traitor from the Tower of Magic is trying to hand over the blade knuckles.’

Most items up for auction are stolen goods.

Even if the long-term possessions of the rooftop were added, it would be like pouring a drop of water on the ocean.

‘It may be morally reprehensible, but I have also benefited greatly from it.’

Among the players, there were few who were not auction users.

The all-in-one store where you can find everything was so attractive that it would be a shame to pass it up.

‘It’s time to visit sometime.’

I got out of a period where even my own finances were strained and I had some spare money.

The only thing that was unusual was that it was a request, but it was possible to use it.

Since I’m seeing you, I’ll pick some mulberries. A sparrow can’t pass up a mill.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been here.”

District 4, deep in the red-light district of Galaga City.

Colin, who was with us, kept breathing in and out with an expression full of emotion.

“This musty smell, this landscape full of desire. I like this neighborhood because it never changes no matter how often I visit.”

“Isn’t District 4 a disgusting place for a member of the noble Magic Tower?”

“That would be true for a member of the Magic Tower. But for a friend of a wanderer, it would be drinking, gambling, and women. He would frequent them often.”

Colin chuckled proudly.

It was a secret that would have shocked the elders of the Tower if they had heard it.

“Don’t pour bad water on Sage.”

“Of course, I don’t share personal details like this either.”

“If it were that kid, I would nag him so much that it would be painful to the ears.”

“… … Ahem, I’ll be careful again.”

He looked like he was gritting his teeth, as if he had suffered a lot.

“Go in.”

Colin clapped me on the shoulder and took the lead.

It was the most extravagant building among the neon-lit streets.

Pollution caused by bright lights that are so dazzling that they blind your eyes even in broad daylight.

It resembled the splendid Western casinos I had only seen in pictures.

It was the landmark and largest black market and auction in District 4.

“Welcome to our customer service center.”

A variety of people came and went through the main gate, greeted by the staff.

There were no restrictions on entry unless one was obviously dressed in an untidy manner.

This was because on the surface it appeared to be a legitimate market.

The interior was even more splendid than the exterior.

A large chandelier decorates the ceiling of the lobby.

A sweet, uplifting fragrance wafted through the air.

The light reflected off the marble and glowed golden, and water gushed out like a waterfall from the giant fountain.

If he was a country bumpkin who had just come to Seoul, his eyes would have been dizzy.

Fortunately, I had graduated from that stage due to my previous experience playing multiple games.

“… … As expected, you’re not surprised. Weren’t you from a low-ranking noble family?”

“… … ?”

“Ahem, it’s nothing.”

Colin muttered some incomprehensible nonsense and took a seat in the corner of the building.

“Before we launch the operation, let’s check the plan first.”

As I snapped my fingers, I felt the air around me take on a weight.

It was a basic technique for making a simple barrier and blocking wiretapping.

I recited the plan we had discussed before departure.

“The auction date where the traitor is expected to make a bid is the day after tomorrow. If we catch the transaction and retrieve the goods, the request will be neatly concluded.”

It was easier said than done.

If everything in reality went according to plan, Matap wouldn’t have asked me to do anything.

“Tracking magic, is it really effective?”

“Of course, don’t worry, there’s already a response. It’s definitely around here. When handing over the items to the organizers, you’ll need to break the seal, so you just have to make sure you don’t miss the timing.”

The blade’s knuckles were enchanted with tracking magic.

It’s a sophisticated trick for a traitor to pull off.

He temporarily took this as a seal to control his magical power.

But temporary measures were temporary measures.

The seal had to be broken to ensure there were no defects during the transaction.

That was the timing we were aiming for.

To retrieve an item when it was not yet under the jurisdiction of the auction house, it was important to move quickly and not miss the opportunity.

“It’s a good thing he didn’t hand over the items early as expected.”

“You’re saying you can’t trust the security of a dirty black market? Tsk tsk, you can’t get rid of the annoyingness of the Magic Tower even though you’re a traitor.”

“We’re lucky. If the item has already been sold on the black market, the only way to get it back is to participate in the auction.”

The auction does not ask about the source of the stolen goods.

In other words, this was proof that it could be defended no matter who tried to attack it.

It wasn’t unfounded confidence.

As evidence, even the top floor was reluctant to bully others at the auction.

‘The owner of the auction has not been revealed.’

A lawless zone that even the city government has abandoned.

It is an organization that maintains the largest black market there and hides its identity until the end.

Considering their capabilities, they were treated like a sanctuary that should not be touched.

“So, today and tomorrow, let’s do some scouting or something. The chances of that bastard showing up like an idiot are slim, but you never know.”

It was said to prepare for just one eventuality.

… … But even if you package it with care, the stench couldn’t be hidden.

I took a chance.

“Is it true that the casino at Auction House is so extravagant?”

“Then, the same! How much did I lose there! This time, I’ll definitely get my principal back… …!”

“… … .”

Colin slyly reduced his words under my sharp gaze.

“… … Ahem, don’t misunderstand. Do you think I asked you to come early just to play for money?”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“Oh, this is all part of a plan. If he’s putting the relic up for auction, it means he needs money. Wouldn’t it be hard to resist the temptation?”

When circumstances were not good, it was common to turn one’s eyes to making a fortune overnight.

If you’re aiming for a preemptive arrest, it would be more reasonable than just looking around the premises.

“I’m not trying to blame you.”

“then?”

“I just happened to be interested in it too.”

Although they received a deposit from the rooftop, it was not enough to participate in the auction.

I didn’t plan on taking out a loan, so I had to earn the rest myself.

Colin’s expression turned sour at my attention.

“That’s all good, but it’s a bit too much to let a beginner into a casino… … .”

“You don’t have to worry.”

I spoke with confidence.

That would be true.

“If you earn it, you earn it, you won’t lose it.”

I used to go to casinos much more often than that guy who was called a wanderer.

***

The auction house was connected to a secluded passageway inside the building.

“This is the catalog for the same day’s auction.”

After completing our identity verification and entering, we were able to check the auction item list from the staff.

Perhaps because it was a day with not so good water quality, there was nothing that particularly caught my eye.

Rather, the highlight was the auction catalog from the next day after the bribe was given.

‘Elixir.’

This is a plant that grows in barren land and is born with mana like humans.

This was in contrast to common plants whose survival was threatened by the absence of spirits.

‘If a person eats it, they can absorb mana and convert it into magical power. It is the most necessary item for a Sage who lacks magical power.’

This situation was the same for others.

Elixirs are a highly competitive product.

I was worried about my current assets because the auction was relatively inflated in value.

‘I have to make a big hit.’

The casino patrons were roughly equal in number to the auction house attendees.

It was killing two birds with one stone because I could take away the other person’s assets and increase my own assets.

A golden future unfolded in my mind.

Colin, on the other hand, was still nervous.

“Look, think again. If it’s your first time, I can teach you a little bit, but today, just watch… … .”

“Okay, let’s get to work.”

“No, I told you that if you’re so proud, you’ll end up with a big nose.”

Colin beat his chest loudly in frustration.

When I hit my chest, it made a drum-like sound.

“Oh my, I’d rather die than suffer. Even if you whine to me later, I won’t know.”

When I refused to back down, Colin ignored my concerns and opened the casino door.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

In the dark space, the flashing lights in all colors were dizzying to the eyes.

My heart pounded to the fast rhythm of the music that struck my eardrums.

It was an atmosphere that stimulated the raw instincts that had been hidden.

“Ugh! It was just a difference!”

“Hahaha! What a shame!”

“Bring me more chips!”

The clothes were neat, but there was no market stall.

It seemed like he didn’t mind raising his voice to some extent.

‘That way, you’ll get drunk on the atmosphere and spend money without even realizing the loss.’

This was also a strategy.

Even when players visited the casino, there were many cases where they returned empty-handed, contrary to their original plans.

“Then, shall we enjoy it first?”

Colin found his place naturally, as if he had returned to his hometown.

At first, you said you came to find a traitor, but now your true intentions have come out.

I didn’t do anything stupid like pointing out the show.

Because I came here to make money too.

“hmm…….”

I walked around and checked out the game.

Roulette, trump, slots, dice, etc.

It was a typical gamble, just as I remember.

‘If you just get involved, you’ll end up losing more than you’ll earn.’

The structure of casino games was fundamentally advantageous to the dealer.

Unless you really get lucky, you’re bound to lose in the long run.

‘There… … .’

I knew the secret of this place.

‘All the dealers are using tricks.’

It wasn’t a scam.

It was a world where you never knew where a monster that surpassed superhumans would pop out.

If he were a scammer who could fool even them, he would not be a dealer and would be playing in the big picture.

That’s why it’s a trick.

‘A small piece using the artifact of increasing luck.’

It was a way to increase the dealer’s chances of profiting without cheating.

Since it does not guarantee an unconditional victory, there is still a possibility of a jackpot for users.

Thanks to this, unlike other businesses where accidents are constantly occurring, disputes were extremely rare.

‘There are two classic strategies.’

First, arm yourself with artifacts.

It is a method of pressing down on small luck to create a bigger luck.

It was difficult to implement as there was no way to obtain the artifact immediately, although it was a stable method.

Secondly, the chaos.

This is a method to completely turn the table by revealing the trick.

But this was not intended to make money, but to sabotage business.

As a result, not only does the casino disappear, but it also incurs the wrath of the gang behind the auction.

It was a method that had to be rejected at all costs.

‘That’s what I’m saying about the classic strategy.’

Of course, there were also strategies that were treated as apostles.

Personally, I prefer this one.

‘Tricks are met with fraud.’

The tricks of a gambler that even avoid the eyes of monsters.

‘Of course, I can’t do it physically with this body.’

It’s not me, it’s someone else who will do it.

who?

Twinkle twinkle!

A tenant spirit who has recently been forced to learn the value of labor.

***

Contrary to what the media portrays, winning big money in a casino is not a fierce battle of wits with the dealer.

When you get to know him, he is dirty, humble, and petty.

It’s the search for a household.

I looked over each game room carefully.

I had confidence in any game, but it was more efficient to just pick one.

“Damn it! I lost again!”

“It’s a shame.”

It was after halfway around the stadium that I caught sight of my target.

I stopped in my tracks at the sudden scream-like shout.

The attention of the audience was unusually focused on him, making it difficult to dismiss him as just another one of the many ruined and disgraced people out there.

“How much has that guy lost just now?”

“I count more than ten million.”

“You haven’t won a single game so far? You’ve had no luck.”

Every single thing they were gossiping about was outrageous.

More than ten million dollars lost.

It was a huge amount of money that would make most people tremble.

“If you tell me now, I’ll let you off easy. You cheated me, didn’t you?”

“How could I fool all the discerning guests? If I had tried to trick them, they would have found out long ago.”

“So, does that mean I’m a fucking idiot?”

“… … Would you like to play one more game?”

“You’re beating around the bush, you idiot.”

The man stood up, banging his fist on the table.

It was a harsh action that was in contrast to her pretty voice.

The employees tolerated the man’s behavior, which should have been kicked out long ago, given the money he earned.

“Damn, next game!”

Even after losing so much, the man still carried the mountain of chips.

That was now Ogi’s territory.

No matter who tries to stop me, I won’t be able to get out because I feel bad about what I’ve lost so far.

‘It’s a perfect target.’

I licked my lips with my tongue.

If I could just strip that human and eat him, I would have more than enough to cover my goal.

‘The next game is… …roulette.’

A representative sport of casinos.

It is a game where you drop a metal ball onto a roulette wheel and guess the number where it stops.

‘I have to go out.’

It was just the right time to make a fuss.

I pushed my way through the crowd and stood next to the man.

The man paid no attention to who was next to him.

Bloodshot, greedy eyes were fixed on the table.

I glanced at the man, turned around, and looked back in surprise.

‘… … What the fuck.’

The man looked back at me with a rather intense gaze.

I became even more confident when I faced him head on.

‘Why is this kid here?’

It was a face I knew.

Definitely not in a good sense.