Gourmet Hunter - Chapter 53 (Patreon)

Chapter 53: The Task at Hand

The night brought a slight chill, with the quiet and noise of Meteor Street distinctly separate.

The bar, a place for leisure, was brightly lit, while the residential area engulfed by the night was pitch-dark and utterly silent.

Chrollo Lucilfer led the way in silence, followed closely by Luo, who trod the same path as before.

Turning off the main street and into an alleyway, guided by the sporadically dim yellow streetlights, they quickly arrived at the elder's house.

The rusty iron gate, with two guards still standing inside, opened without question this time, perhaps forewarned of their arrival, allowing Chrollo and Luo to enter.

Crossing the courtyard and entering the house, the duplex's living room was less crowded than before, with only three people present: the elder and his two aides.

Upon seeing Chrollo and Luo's arrival, the elder, hands clasping his cane, greeted them with a raspy voice, "Sit."

Chrollo and Luo, without hesitation, took their seats on the sofa.

"Luo, I have a task for you," the elder began, getting straight to the point.

Luo, already having an idea, calmly inquired, "What task?"

"As a bodyguard, you are to ensure the safety of an employer for a duration of half a month," the elder explained, omitting any mention of the Southern piece Auction House and simply outlining the task.

"A bodyguard?" Luo feigned confusion.

"Day after tomorrow, at 8 AM, gather at the East Street exit. A car will be there to pick you up, and someone will explain the specifics. So, for now, just listen," the elder stated indifferently, his gaze dismissive, adding, "Besides you, there will be four others."

Luo's eyelids slightly lifted, his face calm.

"Your task is not only to protect the employer but also to authenticate a collectible."

"This collectible will be brought to you for authentication at the end of the task."

Some people are insatiable.

They seek to reap benefits without willing to give much in return.

Mafia employers, after purchasing antiques and playthings from the Southern piece Auction House, need to pay the elder with the most valuable collectible as remuneration. However, given the existence of genuine and counterfeit items, a world of skilled counterfeiters thrives, often making fakes indistinguishable from the real thing at a fraction of the cost of hiring an appraiser.

Having received counterfeits from mafia employers before, the elder took this matter very seriously.

The items from the Southern piece Auction House are undoubtedly genuine, but a switcheroo during payment would go unnoticed by his unsophisticated men.

Thus, talents like Luo are exactly what the elder needs.

"I know you have questions, but don't ask now. Someone will explain everything the day after tomorrow."

"After completing this task, I will pay you five million Jenny. You may refuse, but I cannot guarantee the safety of certain individuals in the West Street after the day after tomorrow," the elder subtly threatened, emphasizing Luo's silence as he roughly outlined the task, ending with a not-so-veiled threat.

Several people from the West Street might disappear, not just one—indicating that the threat included even Machi and others.

"I understand," Luo responded, his expression calm but a coldness flickering in his eyes.

Seeing Luo's calm demeanor, the elder nodded in satisfaction, "You may leave now."

As Chrollo rose silently, Luo followed suit promptly.

"Remember, day after tomorrow, 8 AM."

As they stood, the elder reminded them once more.

Luo nodded and followed Chrollo out of the house.

After watching them leave, the elder gazed at the closed door, falling into silence.

Kuli and Wogret, standing behind him like statues, remained expressionless and silent, their breathing minimized.

After some time, the elder suddenly asked, "Who's the employer?"

"Barney J. Geffel," Kuli answered.

"It's him!" the elder exclaimed, a raspy chuckle escaping him.

Kuli, with a glint in his eye, asked softly, "Any orders, elder?"

"I can sense your excitement," the elder said, turning slightly to look at Kuli, who was responsible for liaising with the employer, while Wogret was in charge of selecting personnel.

Hearing the elder's reminder, Kuli chose silence.

"What's the reason?" the elder asked, turning away.

"Barney J. Geffel's capable men were recently killed in a feud with a rival, and with the Southern piece Auction House auction approaching, it's likely why he sought us out," Kuli replied promptly.

"Heh..." the elder let out a cold chuckle.

"This time, both of you will go as well."

A moment later, a cold greed flashed in the elder's eyes.

"Yes," Kuli replied eagerly, Wogret slightly surprised but acknowledging nonetheless.

The elder coldly commanded, "I want all the collectibles Barney J. Geffel acquires at the Southern piece Auction House. You know what to do."

"Understood," Kuli responded quickly, then cautiously asked, "Should I continue to wait?"

"You just need to bring back all the collectibles. I don't care about the rest," the elder stated, rising abruptly.

Kuli, suppressing his excitement, confirmed, "Understood."

As the elder walked towards the staircase to head upstairs for rest, Kuli and Wogret stood still, watching him ascend before turning their gaze away.

"Who is Barney J. Geffel, to make the elder make such a decision?" Wogret whispered to Kuli.

Kuli replied with a cold smile, "A drug lord who started with narcotics, fervently collecting human organs and ancient treasures. He almost controls the drug supply of an entire region, hence his many enemies. The elder's decision is naturally because Barney J. Geffel is wealthy and will surely bid on many collectibles at the Southern piece Auction House."

"The elder is interested in these collectibles. As for the spirit of the contract... do you think the elder cares?"

Wogret, realizing the implication, understood this was an opportunity the elder couldn't miss.

"This mission, only the two of us will return. The personnel we initially agreed upon, you may replace them if you wish," Kuli said, his tone cold.

"Understood," Wogret chuckled, grasping Kuli's intent.

"Do me a favor, Wogret," Kuli extended his hand, slowly closing it into a fist.

"Is it Luo?" Wogret asked.

"Yes," Kuli nodded.

"Consider it a favor," Wogret agreed.

........

In the quiet, dimly lit alleyway, steady footsteps echoed.

Rats and cockroaches scrambled away in the dark, avoiding the sound of the footsteps.

"Can you bear it?" Luo, walking behind Chrollo, suddenly asked out of the blue.

Chrollo, without turning back, continued forward.

"Necessary tolerance is the foundation for the next step."

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