Chapter 19: Killing Intent Sense
"The Nexus Public Space is arranged in a large circle, divided into four sectors: East, West, South, and North."
"The biggest difference between each sector is the real-world region they sample from when recruiting Reincarnators."
The clown glanced at Kaito and smiled. "You're probably from China or Japan, right? The East Sector is mostly made up of people from East Asia. Because of the large population, it has always been the most competitive sector."
Kaito didn't respond. Evans didn't seem to mind. He acted nothing like a so-called "veteran," showing no condescension toward the newcomer. He seemed perfectly content in his self-defined role as a broker who worked for a fee.
He led Kaito past the neat stone road and into a shantytown area. It was a sprawling district of simple stalls set up under large tarpaulin shelters. Many Reincarnators were crowded around these stalls, browsing and bartering.
Evans gestured toward the massive shantytown. "This is the greatest boon for new Reincarnators in the public space—the Stall District! Or as it's commonly known, the Flea Market!"
"Reincarnators trade items, currencies, and anything else they don't need here."
Evans's mouth split into a wide grin as he added, "Including the bodies of other Reincarnators."
As usual, Kaito showed no emotional reaction to such a statement. He seemed completely unfazed by the lawless, amoral environment of the Nexus. He thought of his 5750 Dimensional Points and his even more precious Singularities, but he kept quiet and continued to follow Evans.
Past the Stall District, the buildings began to grow taller and more refined, with standalone structures bearing unique, Japanese-style neon signs. The roads converged here, as if this were the central hub of the vast area.
"This is where the public facilities are located," Evans explained.
"You have the [Appraisal Office] for identifying unknown artifacts, the [Alchemy Workshop] for repairing and upgrading items, the [Training Hall] for honing skills and proficiencies, and the [Rank Management Office] for applying for advancement challenges!"
"And behind these four great institutions is the miracle of our East Sector—The Goddess's Sanctum!"
At the mention of the Goddess, even a cynical clown like Evans seemed to show a flicker of reverence.
"If you ever obtain something called a [Singularity] during your adventures, you can exchange it for rewards at the Sanctum. Of course, there are some restrictions."
By now, they had arrived in front of the four large buildings. The area was still bustling with Reincarnators. Kaito noticed that the [Alchemy Workshop] and the [Training Hall] were the most crowded.
Evans looked around, then put a hand to his mouth in a theatrical gesture and whispered, "Here's a little bonus tip for you. The [Alchemy Workshop] offers a service that lets you create a custom avatar, a new appearance. It's a paid service, of course."
Kaito nodded. The information was useful, but it had only saved him a bit of time he would have spent observing and figuring things out himself. Overall, it wasn't of particularly high value. However, he had no intention of breaking their deal. As Evans had instructed, he held out his right hand to meet Evans's own.
[ID# Ex051 (Mercenary Tao) is paying 300 Dimensional Points to ID# JK74195131 (Evans the Clown). Accept?]
The notification appeared before both of them at the same time. In that instant, they both froze.
Thump, thump…
A muscle in Evans's face twitched. The rigid, painted smile quickly melted away, replaced by a grin that stretched so wide it looked grotesque. But the sound of his suddenly racing heart was unmistakable.
Kaito slowly lowered his hand. He had changed his [Codename] to [Mercenary Tao] on a whim, but he hadn't expected the difference between their ID numbers to be so stark. He realized in an instant that the special trial of [Sin and Karma] was far more significant than he had imagined. His status as a [Karma Reincarnator] was likely a very special case among the general population.
He also understood now why that powerful swordsman had been so relentlessly pursuing him. During Kaito's attack, his opponent's high Spirit stat must have allowed him to see his full ID number…
The grin on Evans's face was impossible to hide.
"Ha! What an unexpected windfall."
"Newcomer, how about I give you another, more important piece of information, free of charge?"
He took several quick steps forward, closing the distance until he was almost touching Kaito.
"Some very powerful people are looking for a certain stolen [Card]," he whispered. "And just by coincidence, a newcomer with a very special ID number shows up in the Nexus right around the same time…"
"Tell me, what do you think would happen if I were to spread this little bit of news?"
Evans stared at Kaito expectantly. He was curious to see how this impossibly composed rookie would react when he realized his most critical secret was about to be exposed.
But Kaito just chuckled.
"Mr. Clown, your current performance is much funnier than when you broke your fingers."
He shook his head. Even through the black mist, Evans could feel the scorn and mockery in his voice.
The ever-present smile on Evans's face slowly vanished. He took another step forward, his chest now nearly bumping against Kaito's.
But Kaito didn't move an inch.
"Since the Nexus provides this public market as a resource for Reincarnators, it must have a rule that prevents any and all forms of mutual aggression." As he spoke, Kaito reached out a finger to poke Evans, and sure enough, his hand met an invisible barrier, preventing him from touching the clown's body.
As Evans's face darkened, Kaito continued, "I also know that you were waiting for me specifically, Mr. Evans. You must have some kind of prophetic or divination ability that led you to me… right?"
"After all, for a simple broker to completely ignore other potential newcomer clients without even trying to haggle… that would be a very foolish business practice, wouldn't it?"
Only then did Evans realize he had revealed his hand from the very beginning.
He took off his hat and rubbed his face. His features rapidly shifted and reformed into a completely different appearance. The Evans that now stood before Kaito was a brutish-looking man with no eyebrows and a face full of thick, scarred flesh.
He stared at Kaito intently, as if trying to see through the black mist into his eyes.
"It's been a long time since I've seen a rookie like you. I guess all the special-ID Reincarnators really are monsters…"
This new, thuggish Evans didn't continue his threats. Instead, a light flashed in his hand, and an item appeared.
[Ability Scroll: Devil Lance (C+)]
[Quality: Blue (Rare)]
[Description: A deadly striking art from the world of Kengan Ashura, a powerful piercing attack combining the Kaiwan and Niko Styles.]
[Requirements: Constitution > 15; Hand-to-Hand Combat proficiency Lv4 or higher.]
"I know you must have made a huge score in your trial mission," Evans said, his eyes burning with intensity. "I want to trade this scroll for any [Singularities] you might have obtained!"
Kaito calmly shook his head. "Unfortunately, I don't have anything like that."
They stared at each other in silence. Finally, Evans took a few steps back and held up his right hand again.
[ID# JK74195131 (Evans the Clown) is paying 300 Dimensional Points to ID# Ex051. Accept?]
[Accept]
"For a monster rookie like you, this one's on the house," Evans said, waving his hand dismissively. "Consider today's information an investment in your future." He generously returned the 300 Dimensional Points.
With a final wave, he turned and disappeared into the crowd.
But from an angle Kaito couldn't see, Evans's signature clown smile had returned to his face.
"Heh…" Kaito watched Evans vanish, an equally interested smile on his own face.
He thought about the third effect of the special Silver Story Equipment he was wearing.
[Effect 3: Killing Intent Sense - The wearer can perceive the killing intent of any being whose Spirit is no more than twice their own.]
"So this is Killing Intent Sense…" Kaito mused. "What a truly disgusting guy you are, Evans."