Chapter 691

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Chapter 691: Kidnapping (3)

Going to the Black Sector, disposing of Palsi, and proceeding with the hostage exchange.

The moment he heard Yeongwoo’s plan, Dots Salzeo’s mouth fell wide open.

—The Black Sector…? That place is a den of villains.

Dots, too, had learned about the Black Sector through his classes.

“We’re villains, so naturally we’re going to a villain den. What, did you think you’d been kidnapped by philanthropists this whole time?”

—But that place…

Was the Black Sector just some ordinary villain hideout?

It was a criminal marketplace with a 58% incident rate.

A region that was danger incarnate, where petty thieves and underworld kingpins alike mixed together and turned the whole place into chaos.

“We’ve already been there once before, so don’t worry too much. If your brother brings the money properly, you’ll get home safe.”

Though Yeongwoo tried to reassure him like that, Dots still looked utterly unconvinced.

That was how terrifying everything he’d learned about the Black Sector had been.

—But they say everyone there starts fighting the moment their eyes meet.

“Aren’t your people technically villain-aligned too? Why are you so scared? The place where we got your ship from in the first place was the Black Sector.”

Scratching his chin, Yeongwoo gave Mantero an order.

“Assistant Manager, let’s move near the Black Sector first.”

At that, Mantero unfolded a star map into the air and spoke.

—We’re quite far from the Black Sector, so we’ll have to use another black hole.

“Well, that can’t be helped. Other than that, there aren’t any problems, right?”

At this, Mantero slightly turned his head toward Yeongwoo.

—We still haven’t received a response from the young patriarch yet. Is it really fine to depart already?

“We have to dispose of Palsi anyway, so we’re just heading over early to secure a position. Besides, his younger brother’s life is on the line. The young patriarch won’t drag his feet for long.”

Besides, when he had visited with the Great Thief Kejen before, he hadn’t really gotten to properly look around the Black Sector.

Yeongwoo intended to use this opportunity to cash in Palsi while wandering around the Black Sector a bit.

“Alright, let’s move. We’ve got a mountain of things to do.”

As Yeongwoo said this while grabbing Dots by the back of the neck, Mantero took hold of the controls.

—Then we will depart immediately for the Black Sector.

* * *

The newly added “Black Accord.”

And the ultra-high-speed travel they could use in exchange for it.

Having crossed the vast universe in an instant, the Earth Ship arrived in the Tuani Galaxy in the blink of an eye.

Of course, to most people present, including Yeongwoo, it still looked like nothing more than a pitch-black expanse of outer space.

—I deliberately brought us somewhere a bit away from the Black Sector. If Salzeo intends to set a trap, they’ll likely try to identify the Earth Ship’s location first.

“As expected of Assistant Manager. You’ve practically become a full-time criminal now.”

—…However, you need to make a decision now.

At Mantero’s words, Yeongwoo looked at him.

“What decision?”

—About what you’ll ride over there.

“Ah.”

When he had visited the Black Sector previously, he’d used a scrap shuttle together with the Great Thief Kejen.

Because they had planned to steal someone else’s ship when leaving the Black Sector anyway.

But wasn’t that only possible thanks to Kejen’s guidance, since he was practically a local of the Black Sector?

“Well, I was thinking maybe we’d ride another scrap shuttle this time too.”

As Yeongwoo shrugged, Mantero presented a second option.

—I think it would be better if you took a ship this time.

“A ship? Then wouldn’t I become the robbery victim this time? That place is full of thieves.”

At that, Mantero looked around at the others in the cockpit.

—That is why the others will have to help. If enough personnel remain stationed aboard the ship, it is unlikely you’ll be robbed easily.

There were no less than two Grade-3 Good Deed Practitioners here, and Jeonggu’s martial prowess had also risen considerably, so he was suggesting they make active use of them.

“No, I get that, but is there really a reason we have to take a ship?”

At Yeongwoo’s words, this time Koatu opened his mouth.

—If things go wrong with Salzeo in the Black Sector, you won’t have time to go looking for a ship to escape with. Having your own ship waiting for you there would be advantageous in many ways.

“But if those two help us, Salzeo won’t really be able to do much anyway, right?”

When Yeongwoo pointed at Tiape and Poachi, Tiape immediately flared up.

―If you think we’re going to help you again, you’re gravely mistaken. I have no intention of setting even a toe in such a filthy place.

Before Yeongwoo could even respond, Koatu continued speaking.

—It’s the Black Sector. Salzeo isn’t the only problem there. If any major disturbance breaks out, all the others nearby will swarm in too.

“Ah.”

Perhaps because he had experience there, Yeongwoo immediately understood what Koatu meant.

Hadn’t he already witnessed complete chaos breaking out in the Eastern Free Trade District while he was with Kejen?

Almost everyone walking around the Black Sector was always prepared to commit crimes at any time, so the moment they found even the slightest excuse, it was normal for them to charge in aggressively.

“Then… who’s going to guard my ship?”

As Yeongwoo said this while looking at Poachi, the latter firmly shook his head.

―I will not go to the Black Sector. That place truly is an abyss where nothing can be predicted.

“I’ll give you a discount on travel expenses.”

―Your discourtesy goes too far.

“You only have to stay inside the ship though.”

―Even that alone would entangle me in countless ill-fated connections. Do not speak to me any further. Nothing but wicked words comes out of your mouth.

Well, would Grade-3 Good Deed Practitioners really move for mere money?

Having ultimately concluded they would have to solve things internally, Yeongwoo reluctantly looked toward Jeonggu and Jiseon.

“I guess both of you will have to come this time. Father alone won’t be able to protect the ship.”

―You want me to go too…? You said that place is crawling with criminals.

Jiseon said this with visible displeasure, and Yeongwoo answered indifferently.

“This place isn’t much different anyway, so what’s new?”

Then he looked back at Mantero and asked,

[Translator - Night]

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“By the way, who’s going to pilot the ship?”

—I will set the destination so it heads near the Black Sector hangars. Then they’ll assist with docking using their guidance devices from over there.

“Hm? Don’t you have to fight that martial artist to gain entry…?”

He was referring to the gatekeeper, Sezak.

At this, Koatu added an explanation.

—Since you were already granted entry permission last time, you won’t need to fight again. Of course, that changes if you want to alter your entry rank.

“Oh, really?”

Hearing this, Yeongwoo pulled out the rectangular piece of metal buried deep in his clothes.

[Black Sector]

| Security Grade: 3

| Appraiser: Sezak

“That’s a relief at least. We might end up fighting Salzeo bastards in the Black Sector, so it’s good that I won’t waste energy beforehand.”

If he didn’t even need to retake the entrance test, then much had already been decided.

All they had to do now was go to the Black Sector and complete the transaction safely.

Then Koatu glanced subtly at Dots Salzeo before offering Yeongwoo some advice.

—And don’t you have two ship requisition permits?

“Right?”

—Then while you’re heading to the Black Sector, take a look at the ships on sale there too. Surprisingly valuable ships appear on the market there fairly often.

“You call them goods for sale, but aren’t they basically stolen merchandise?”

—Which is why they’re usually cheaper than market price.

“Reasonable.”

Yeongwoo grinned as though he liked the idea.

Then he shoved Dots in the back and spoke to Mantero.

“We’re leaving right now, so set the course.”

—Our accompanying passengers are… Mr. Jeonggu and Ms. Jiseon?

At this, Yeongwoo glanced toward his parents before nodding.

“Yes. Today’s a family trip.”

* * *

A voyage to the Black Sector in order to sell a hostage.

As expected of a ship belonging to the prestigious Salzeo family of the cosmos, the metallic vessel carrying the Renaissance family sliced through space at incredible speed.

And the closer they got to the Black Sector, the paler Dots Salzeo’s face became.

“You’re about to become a free man soon, so why do you look like that?”

After noticing Dots’ deathly pale complexion, Yeongwoo asked, and Dots soon answered with a tense expression.

—I was taught that unless absolutely unavoidable, it’s best never to go to the Black Sector.

“Ah, well, it’s definitely not the kind of place young masters should casually wander into.”

—…That’s not the only reason.

“Then what?”

—Do you not know what kind of family ours is?

“Huh? Your family is…”

Salzeo.

A prestigious cosmic family whose iron rule was that every grudge must be repaid.

Recalling this fact, Yeongwoo finally opened his mouth slightly.

“You’re right. There’s no way anyone in the Black Sector would welcome your family.”

In the Black Sector, it was best not to stand out whenever possible.

But now imagine having to walk through the middle of that lawless zone while dragging along a Salzeo.

—You’re planning to wander around the Black Sector before my brother arrives? Then I’ll die before the deal even starts.

“True.”

Yeongwoo found it easy to understand.

How many villains in the Black Sector must hold grudges against the Salzeo family?

And aside from grudges, it was obvious as daylight that there would be countless criminals hoping to make a fortune by kidnapping the one-armed Salzeo heir.

“It is a bit of a problem, but don’t worry too much.”

—……?

“Because nobody’s going to see you anyway.”

Swish.

As Yeongwoo pulled out the transparent cloak, Dots Salzeo shuddered violently.

—Just because I wear that doesn’t mean I become invincible. We still have to walk around in the middle of a region swarming with criminals, don’t we?

“For now, just wear this while moving around. Once we arrive at the Black Sector, I’ll see if there’s somewhere safe to stash you.”

Once a transaction position was established in the Black Sector, all payment would be received and managed by the Black Sector’s transaction system.

So if Dots Salzeo counted as a type of product, perhaps the transaction system might store him in a separate location.

“Well, if there’s no separate storage system, then we’ll just have to keep a low profile as much as possible.”

The moment Yeongwoo said this, the Black Sector revealed its majestic form beyond the cockpit window.

At last, they had arrived at their destination.

—Th-that’s the Black Sector…?

While Dots Salzeo widened his eyes upon seeing the real Black Sector for the first time, the Grade-3 entry permit in Yeongwoo’s hand briefly vibrated.

Bzzzt!

Then system text from the Black Sector appeared in Yeongwoo’s field of vision.

「Grade 3 repeat visitor detected.」

「Would you like to undergo a rank reevaluation? If not, the Grade 3 exclusive guide will activate.」

[Translator - Night]

[Proofreader - Gun]