Apostle of the Void

[Translator - Kiteretsu]

[Proofreader - Kyros]

Chapter 10 - Short-Term Contract Worker (2)

That day, Arzen spent about 30 coins to buy a ragged cloak and some clothes to wear.

The guild branch has an agency that handles deceased or missing persons.

If family members aren’t found within 60 days, the bodies are sold cheaply by that agency.

It’s natural for most people to avoid it, thinking it’s ominous.

However, Arzen had lived closely with death since childhood, so he didn’t understand why it was considered so ominous.

He also bought a secondhand Akahaloo skin robe, which looked no different from new ones.

For Arzen, it was hard to grasp why people wouldn’t buy used items.

Of course, I wouldn’t buy used underwear or anything, just a cloak and boots…

Boots were mostly large, as there weren’t many delicate adventurers like Arzen, but they were fine as long as they were wearable.

After all, he would only wear them a few times before discarding them.

He also stopped by a medical supply store to buy a mask used for sanitation.

No matter how he thought about it, the smell from the sewers was too awful to ignore.

“Hey, old lady, this really doesn’t let any smell through, right? It’s not going to stink, is it?”

“Ah, have you been fooled all your life? Of course it lets smells through, who’d sell it if it didn’t!”

“Seems I’ve lived my whole life being deceived.”

“Ha!”

After that, he headed to the shop that Samson had taken him to that morning.

He was curious about the taste of the basil pesto sandwich that Samson had eaten.

“Hey, what’s in this sandwich?”

“It’s basil pesto, of course!”

“What’s basil pesto?”

“It’s basil pesto, what else could it be?”

The owner’s curt reply made Arzen frown.

No matter how good the food was, he disliked unfriendly places.

I won’t put up with it… I’ve decided I won’t tolerate those who look down on me.

Just as he was about to leave without ordering, someone punched the owner on the top of the head.

“Hey, whether I’m older than you or not, I told you to speak properly, didn’t I?”

The owner was a scrawny man, while the one who spoke was an enormous woman.

“Basil pesto is made by grinding basil leaves with garlic and pine nuts, then mixing them well with olive oil.”

“Oh, olive…”

“Yes, the number 4 island in Wrinkle Land is famous for its olive trees! It’s a world-renowned olive-producing area. Even the great Yong-hyun is said to visit often to relax. We also mix in some tangerine juice.”

Now that she mentioned it, the olive oil from the “Egg & Bacon Sausage Set” he had for breakfast was indeed delicious.

Arzen sat back down.

After paying for the basil pesto, the owner’s wife smiled warmly, saying she’d prepare it deliciously.

Is that the sea…?

From the outdoor table, he could see the horizon of the ocean coloring the view with its blue.

He could feel the sea breeze bringing both summer warmth and ocean coolness.

Sitting at that table, Arzen briefly stared blankly at the sea.

The waves, white and foamy, crashing on the shore.

It felt like something he could watch for a lifetime without getting bored.

I never imagined this before…

As he lost himself in thought, someone approached and hit Arzen.

- "Have you memorized the scriptures?"

- "Have you memorized all 25 combat readiness protocols?"

- "You’ve memorized them all? Recite them. If you get even one wrong, it’s twenty lashes."

Just like this…

Without being exposed to violence…

Just having time to watch something freely…

Humans can find happiness.

'But what if I can gain money, power, and the purest priestess in the world from here?'

Heh, heh, heh, heh heh heh.

A laugh escaped him.

Dreams will come true, and destiny stood by the boy in the name of emptiness.

'Just wait a little longer! I, Arzen, will take all your money and power!'

At that moment, the owner’s wife brought a sandwich to the table.

“Here you go, basil pesto sandwich!”

Next to the plate was a glass cup exuding a refreshing aroma.

“Oh, this is olive juice. It’s tangerine juice mixed with olives, and it’s very popular.”

“I didn’t order this.”

“Our husband was grumbling earlier. He has a very delicate personality. Regulars know this, but newcomers often feel uncomfortable.”

“!”

“But that just shows how dedicated he is to his cooking. So I hope you’ll forgive him with this.”

Arzen took a sip of the olive juice.

The tangy flavor filled his mouth and coolly slid down his throat.

It was a taste that could easily forgive even the owner’s grandmother.

“Right.”

“Yeah, thank you.”

If Arzen hadn’t gained the power of emptiness, he might have thought:

'Living in a place like this, surrounded by peaceful and kind people, wouldn’t be so bad…'

But that wasn’t possible.

'I, Arzen, am a being chosen by destiny to be a king!'

A king must reign.

Even in this kingdom of beasts, where adventurers must flee with their tails tucked between their legs.

'Still, the taste is good…'

Taking a hearty bite of the basil pesto sandwich, Arzen looked back at the azure sea.

'I should invite Ulman and Rock here for a meal sometime.'

Arzen glanced at the menu.

There were about six options, all looking delicious.

He could ask the kind owner’s wife what would be best to serve guests.

'Alright, I’m full now… time to get to work.'

[Translator - Kiteretsu]

[Proofreader - Kyros]