Chapter 75 - Effects of the Corrosive Dagger

"Boss, you're now OP. We didn't even recognize you at first glance," White Emperor said with a wry smile as he watched Malik devour his fifth plate of food like a starving beast.

"How can you call this OP? I'm clearly weaker than all of you here," Malik replied between mouthfuls.

"Weaker? Which of us could slay a Tier 1 player while still at Tier 0? You were promoted to Tier 1 right after the fight! What kind of heaven-defying luck is that, Boss?" Young Star chirped in.

"How did you know?" Malik blinked, caught off guard. The trio glanced at each other—then burst into laughter.

"There's no one in Black Moon Kingdom who isn't looking for the Duke of Green Leaf Town. Even now, we can't afford to be seen working openly with you. The information network in this city is too deep. It's very likely we're already being spied on," White Emperor revealed just as Malik dropped the empty plate and scooped up the sixth.

"You're right. We're being watched. Or should I say… Boss is being watched," Angel Michael added, his tone calm as he activated Eyes of the Crawler, a special skill granted by the pendant he earned from the Feral Dungeon.

"Which level?" Malik asked mid-bite, barely slowing down.

"Tier 1, Level 33 Assassin. Random equipment, but the weakest piece is Silver-rank," Angel Michael replied.

Malik's eyes flickered.

Random equipment… he recalled Yvonne's words—ones he now understood better.

"What were you guys doing before this?"

"The quest—'Finding the Bandits,'" they answered in unison.

"We heard the Bandits plan to attack Blackroot Mine, so we gathered there with other players to protect it," White Emperor explained, then sighed.

"We also heard he's been seen in the city recently… killing both players and NPCs," Young Star added, his tone low.

"He's been sabotaging traders, kidnapping or killing them. For the past three days, Blackroot City's been suffering a shortage of goods," Angel Michael finished grimly.

"Sounds like a tough mission then," Malik nodded. "Don't worry. I'll handle things over here and join you soon so we can clear it all together."

Without waiting, he reached for the plate in front of White Emperor and dug into it while the latter looked on, both annoyed and amused.

"If that's the case… we'll take our leave, Boss," White Emperor said. The trio stood up and exited the restaurant without further words.

Malik, however, made sure to clean off every last plate on the table before grabbing a jug and chugging it straight from the mouth.

Ping!

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System notifications floated before him, but Malik didn't even glance at them. He drained the jar until it was dry.

"Good stuff," he belched loudly. Heads turned in his direction—but he didn't care.

The waitress stepped beside him, hesitant.

"Sir, that wine… I'm sorry, it wasn't diluted yet."

"Why are you sorry? It's good stuff. Bring me three more jars—I'll pay double," Malik grinned, pulling 20 gold coins from his inventory. That was more than enough for both the wine and the food.

"Good sir, even with three extra jars, your bill's only 15 gold."

"Keep the change," he said, swaying slightly as he got to his feet.

The waitress thanked him profusely, and before long, three more jars were placed before him. Malik popped another open and continued gulping as the other customers stared at him with awe, confusion… and a touch of fear.

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Malik didn't care.

He staggered out of the restaurant, drinking from one of the jars. Just then, a player in a red cloak stood up and followed him quietly.

"Who is that guy? To think he's being tracked by the Red Assassin…" one of the nearby players muttered, eyeing Malik.

"Should I warn him? What if the Red Players target me too…? I can't risk it. But still, that guy looks badass. I couldn't see through his level or his name. For three Tier 1 players to call him Boss… he must be a master of disguise," the player mused, tapping his large foot nervously against the floor.

"What should I get you, Sir Goliath?" the waitress said, snapping him out of thought.

"I want that wine. The same wine he drank," Goliath said in a shaky voice.

"Unfortunately, sir… that gentleman took all of it. Only two undiluted jars remain. My boss is about to dilute them now—"

"No! Don't dilute it! Give me those two. I'll pay anything."

After some haggling and pleading, the undiluted jars were sold to Goliath. He took a swig immediately—and nearly collapsed on the spot. Nausea hit him like a boulder, and his eyes rolled back.

"This… this is highly toxic! How the hell did he down so much of this?"

He looked at the waitress who simply shook her head. No returns.

"I guess… I'll have to find him. I'll find him and return the wine." Goliath stood, grabbing the two jars. His body was massive, larger than most players, with a greatsword strapped across his back. He exited the restaurant and sprinted toward the district where Red Players were known to gather.

He had a feeling—something big was about to happen.

—

Meanwhile, the Red Assassin watched Malik toss the empty jar onto the ground, leaving only one left in his grip. Malik staggered like a drunken fool.

"I've sent you guys the coordinates… We're just a stroll away from base," Red Assassin messaged his comrades, then turned to leave.

But then—Malik was gone.

"What?! Where did he go?" Red Assassin spun around, his instincts kicking in. He sensed something—someone—and retreated explosively.

"You can use stealth?" Red Assassin exclaimed when Malik suddenly emerged behind him, a smirk on his face and a dagger in hand. But not just any dagger—the Corrosive Dagger.

"Good reaction speed," Malik laughed. "But still… you can't escape my corrosion."

The assassin moved to activate Stealth—but nothing happened.

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"What in the world…!?" Red Assassin gasped, panic in his eyes.

A sinister grin curved Malik's lips. He activated his own stealth, appearing right before the assassin—and with one swift motion, slashed the player's throat. The body hit the ground with a soft thud.

All around him, cloaked figures stepped out from the shadows.

Dozens of Red Players.

Malik cracked his neck lazily, and with a sip from his wine, he turned to them. 

"Now then… shall we play?"