Chapter 16: Blackhole Plains Gathering Area [1/3]

1 daily chapter has been released and 2 more for the bonuses of reaching 50pw after 1h, next will be 4 more chapters if we reach 100 so vote.

-----------------------------------

Eileen told Renji that the gathering area was not far from their current location in the Relic Cave, just a few miles away.

Renji didn't think it was a big deal at first.

But after only walking a few miles, he was sweating bullets and his legs started to hurt.

Noticing the disdainful look from the young woman beside him, Renji couldn't help but recall his high school days when he had scored full marks in physical education. He used to be good at long-distance running and could even do several pull-ups. but after graduating from college, his physical fitness had deteriorated significantly.

Darn it!

Why didn't I keep up with regular exercise?

With this classic lament echoing in his mind, Renji became even more determined to level up quickly.

Half an hour later,

"See, that's the Blackhole Plains gathering area" Eileen said, pointing to a fortress in the distance, her face showing relief.

The phrase she'd heard most during their walk was, "How much longer until we get there?"

Renji, who was panting heavily, glanced at Eileen, who seemed as energetic as ever even after walking several miles. He then looked in the direction she was pointing.

What he saw was a massive wall encircling a wasteland. The wall was so wide that he couldn't see its end. Below it, there were numerous vehicles and pedestrians coming and going.

"You call this a gathering area?" Renji looked at the young woman, puzzled.

The crowd, the area, and the fortress-like walls made it look more like a city than a gathering area.

In the game, a gathering area with a few thousand people was considered large. But the scale of this Blackhole Plains gathering area suggested a population in the tens of thousands.

Had the world developed so well in the five hundred years since?

Apparently not.

"All thanks to you guys" Eileen pointed at Renji.

"What do you mean?"

"It's the 'legacy.' The Relic Caves used to be famous in the Holy Kingdom. Every year, many newcomers would come here hoping to unearth the legendary Emperor's legacy. At its peak, even major corporations and tycoons were involved. Over time, the gathering area naturally grew larger and larger."

"Although the initial craze for the Relic Caves has died down and many major powers have left, the scale and development of the gathering area have been maintained. As for why we haven't applied for city status and changed the name,"

Eileen paused for dramatic effect.

When they reached the entrance of the Blackhole Plains gathering area, Eileen pointed to a long line of people waiting to enter.

"If it became one of Blackhole City and fell under the unified management of the Holy Kingdom Church, how could these gangs openly collect tolls like they do now?" she said, with a sarcastic smile.

After hearing what Eileen had to say, Renji checked out the entrance to the place. He saw that the guys acting like security weren't in uniforms or anything. They dressed more like that guy with the scar they met before—wearing leather jackets and belts full of ammo, and covered in tattoos.

They were smoking and laughing while waving their guns to hurry people along. If you paid up, they'd barely glance at you before letting you in. If you hesitated or looked like you had something valuable, they'd surround you.

Just the sight of these armed guys was enough to make most people cough up the money, even if they didn't want to. And if you had something valuable, they'd take a cut before letting you go.

Renji also noticed there were two lines—one for pedestrians and another for vehicles. The vehicle line was more lenient; some cars were waved through without any questions.

Seeing Renji notice the other line, Eileen snorted,

"Those who can afford cars are either rich or part of these gangs. These bullies wouldn't dare mess with them."

Nodding, Renji turned his attention back.

Now they had a problem. If this were the kind of hangout he'd initially thought, it would be fine. But now, they had to get past these gang members. They seemed careless enough that paying them off would probably work, but if they recognized Eileen, that could spell trouble.

Eileen seemed to read his mind and smirked.

She patted Renji on the shoulder and said,

"Relax, old-timer. You think I'd let these jerks—these gang members—rob me every time I come and go? Us scavengers have our own special ways in and out."

That was a pleasant surprise.

Renji's eyes lit up, and he gave Eileen a thumbs-up.

"Didn't know you were so resourceful!"

"Hmph, I've got plenty of tricks up my sleeve!"

A few minutes later, they were in a dark alley somewhere in the gathering hangout.

The sewer cover wiggled a bit and then popped open with a loud noise. Renji and Eileen climbed out.

"So this is your secret way in?"

Renji asked, holding his nose and scraping something sticky off his shoe with a rock.

"What'd you think? That we'd have a VIP tunnel or something?"

Eileen said, shaking some trash off her shoulder like it was no big deal.

Okay, fine.

Renji took back his mental high-five about Eileen being clever.

"Let's go, the clinic is a few blocks from here," Eileen said, eager to get moving as it concerned her mother.

But Renji grabbed her arm to stop her.

"What's up?"

"You plan to go see your mom looking like this?" Renji asked.

"Oh,"

Eileen realized she couldn't just walk in openly. Her mom was in a shady clinic because they couldn't afford the big church-run hospital. The place was chaotic, and there might be spies from Callewa's gang.

If Callewa found out she'd returned without his men who were sent to find the 'legacy,' that would be a big problem.

"The more low-key we are, the longer it'll take for the gang to investigate. That gives us time to get your mom and get out of here,"

Renji said.

"So, unless your mom's condition is life-threatening and could worsen any moment, we shouldn't rush."

Eileen shook her head. "No, she's seriously ill, but the doctors said she could recover quickly with surgery. It's not life-threatening yet."

"Great, then we're not in a hurry. Let's find a place to change our clothes and disguise ourselves first," Renji said.

"Alright," Eileen agreed, seeing the logic in staying under the radar for now.

"So, what are we waiting for? Lead the way!" Renji urged.

Eileen looked puzzled.

"Uh, where are we going?"

"Home, of course!" Renji said, as if it were obvious.

Eileen was still confused.

"Home?"