Chapter 18: Verifying the Issue
The next morning, Akira arrived at the commercial district. He was searching for the person responsible for all the chaos.
He stopped in front of the merchant's truck—the same trader he had dealt with before. The man was busy inspecting the goods laid out before him.
"Hello," Akira said.
Without lifting his head, the merchant replied coldly,
"Get to the point. I'm busy."
"Were you the one who spread that rumor?"
The merchant glanced at him indifferently.
"So… you came to buy information?"
Akira narrowed his eyes.
"Don't play dumb. You know exactly what I'm talking about."
"I don't understand. What are you referring to?"
"You sold my information to that gang. They attacked me because of you."
The merchant raised an eyebrow and replied flatly,
"If that's what you mean… then the answer is no. It wasn't me."
Akira curled his lips in sarcasm.
"As if I'd believe you."
Then he added firmly,
"You're lying."
The merchant stopped working, slowly raised his head, and stared at Akira.
"What did you just call me?"
"I said you're a liar."
The merchant stood up. His massive frame blocked a large portion of the truck's window. Suddenly, a frightening aura spread across the area. His voice was low, yet heavy.
"Boy… know your place."
He stepped forward, his tone turning threatening.
"Even if you're just a child, I could crush you easily. Don't think I'm just some merchant who can't fight."
Akira felt an immense pressure emanating from him. The heavy aura almost crushed his chest—yet he showed no fear.
Gritting his teeth, Akira stared back steadily.
"Then how do you explain this?"
When the merchant realized Akira was still standing firm, he withdrew his pressure, sighed slowly, and sat back down.
After observing him for a moment, he spoke in a calmer tone.
"That day, some members of a gang saw you. I'm certain they were watching you… perhaps one of them sold that information outside the gang."
He paused before continuing,
"Or maybe you were speaking too loudly in a public place, and the rumor spread afterward."
"On top of that, some people came asking about you, trying to buy information."
"And what did you do?" Akira asked coldly.
"I refused. Simply put, there's no long-term profit in that."
Akira frowned.
"What do you mean?"
The merchant smiled slyly.
"If the rumor is true, then you're a rare customer… a renewable source of profit. I'm not stupid enough to sell your information for cheap."
"Do you understand now?"
Akira remained silent for a moment.
"…"
"Fine. I'll believe you this time. I'm leaving."
"Wait—hold on! There's something I want to ask you."
"What is it?"
"Come a little closer."
Akira approached the truck window. The merchant leaned in and whispered,
"Did you really find a mineral mine… or a rich area nearby?"
Akira shook his head.
"No."
"Come on, be honest. I just helped you."
"I'm not lying. I was just lucky… I found a small amount, nothing more."
The merchant exhaled in disappointment.
"What a shame…"
Akira turned away.
"I'm leaving now."
"Wait, why the rush?"
"Because I'm actually busy."
The merchant suddenly asked,
"Have you heard of the Crimson Child?"
Akira smiled faintly.
"Yes."
"That's you, isn't it?"
Akira chuckled softly as he walked away.
"I'll leave that to your imagination."
The merchant watched him disappear and muttered with a grin,
"A tough kid, indeed."
Annoyed, the merchant thought,
"If he won't tell me… then there's another way."
He whispered as he looked at Akira,
"Using an Appraisal Scroll on the target before me."
[First-Rank Appraisal Scroll consumed]
[Result]
[Name: Akira]
[Level: Unclassified – Level 9]
The merchant narrowed his eyes.
"Damn it… a waste. I was hoping my intuition was right."