Bad Born Blood-Chapter 183

Chapter 183

Border City was a place where various species resided. There was no other multi-species settlement on Planet Novus as chaotic as this one.

Even the Bellato Federation, which upheld the principle of diversity, was ultimately a human-centric nation. In the prestigious schools, bureaucratic offices, and upper-class residential areas I had seen, humans were the majority, while the proportion of alien species increased as one moved toward the slums.

’Border City’s racial diversity is excessive.’

Differences in species led to differences in thoughts and values. Even humans thought differently due to hormonal influences. The value gap between biologically distinct species was not something that could be easily bridged.

Embracing differences was difficult, an idealistic notion. It was no different from chasing a rainbow, a mirage that could never be grasped.

That was why the Bellato Federation remained a human-centric nation, and only those species whose values aligned with humanity’s could become part of mainstream society. Reality was not a dream; it remained steadfast by our side every time we woke up.

’The more species that inhabit a place and the greater the cultural diversity, the higher the societal costs.’

Border City had resolved this issue with a stroke of genius.

’They abandoned societal stability.’

They had simply given up on management altogether. They had tossed multiple species onto the razor’s edge of harsh reality, leaving them to clash, create problems, fight like warring factions, and even kill each other—all without intervention.

In most cases, an unstable society would inevitably self-destruct. However, Border City’s explosive vitality had consumed all its instability. The city was maintained by a delicate equilibrium birthed from chaos and disorder.

...There was always a reason when I found myself lost in such long-winded thoughts.

“You really think a human woman would like this?”

I spoke aloud while staring blankly at the contents of the gift box. Inside lay a severed finger, its species unknown. A ribbon was tied around it, and written in neat handwriting was the phrase: “With all my heart.”

Twitch, twitch.

The severed finger still responded through its nervous system. It twitched intermittently. The sheer tenacity of its life force was remarkable.

“They probably want me to use their fingers in bed. It’s not the first time, either. This person must have about two fingers left by now.”

Anguis Regina, standing four steps away, glanced nonchalantly at the contents of the box as she spoke.

“I wonder what they’ll send next after the fingers.”

I joked.

“Probably that. I’m actually looking forward to seeing whether they’ll really send it or not. Ah, but don’t throw away the finger. I might use it later.”

“...What?”

I instinctively snapped my head toward Anguis Regina. Even I flinched at her words.

“I’m joking. Hmm, so you do get surprised by things like this.”

Anguis Regina picked up the box containing the finger and casually tossed it into the trash.

‘...Hmm. Was that really a joke?’

That question would linger in my mind for quite some time.

Anguis Regina and I were now on the second day of the tour. From morning to night, we were pushing through an exhausting schedule, performing at four different venues each day. So far, we had been using various branches of Jafa Trading Company across Border City as our accommodations.

Srrk.

I continued opening the gift boxes that had been sent to Anguis Regina. Since there were sometimes dangerous items mixed in, a bodyguard like me had to check them first.

‘A big doll, perfume, cosmetics, handwritten letters...’

Most of them were within the realm of common sense. However, there were occasional bizarre gifts, like that severed finger from earlier.

Even I was taken aback by some of these, yet Anguis Regina remained completely unfazed. In this aspect, she was far more seasoned than I was.

In Border City, the morals, ethics, and values of different species were all tangled together. Social taboos were practically nonexistent. In short, it was a society where the concept of “normal” simply didn’t apply.

‘Blood...’

As I caught the metallic scent, I opened another box. Inside was a letter written in blood.

- If you don’t go out with me, I’ll kill myself!

It was clear at a glance that the sender’s mental state was unstable.

“Just judging by the gifts, there’s bound to be trouble during the tour.”

“There probably will be. There’s never been a time without trouble. But that’s actually better.”

“Better?”

“If something dramatic happens, more people will pay attention to me, and my fame will rise even higher. People will think, ‘Just how attractive and amazing is Anguis Regina for someone to go to such extremes for her?’ Once fame and popularity reach a certain level, they start growing on their own. At my level, charm functions like an invisible halo.”

Anguis Regina understood the mechanics of public attention and popularity all too well. She wasn’t just a puppet being controlled by Jafa.

“Did you learn that from Kinuan too?”

I probed her casually. It was a childish tactic, and Anguis Regina surely saw through my intentions.

But it would work to some extent. Anguis Regina thrived on stimulation and enjoyed the game of human interaction.

“Let’s talk about you and Kinuan. We’ll take turns sharing.”

Anguis Regina spoke as she pulled out a bottle filled with a dark red liquid. The label read: Wine from a vineyard fertilized with snake remains.

Trickle.

Anguis Regina slid a glass between her fingers and poured the wine. She placed one glass in front of me and brought the other to her lips.

“You go first. You left last time without settling the bet even after losing.”

Anguis Regina sat by the window without waiting for a response. When today’s performance had ended, the sun had already set, and now the night had deepened further.

However, the pillars of light from Border City stretched in all directions, filling the sky with artificial brightness. Occasionally, a beam would sweep toward us, illuminating the room as if it were broad daylight.

Anguis Regina gazed out the window and took a sip of her wine.

“Kinuan was an incredibly intelligent person. I never knew a person could be so sharp. And despite being from the Empire, he was gentle and kind.”

I had a strong suspicion that Kinuan had betrayed both Jafa and Anguis Regina.

“How did you meet him? The Kinuan I know isn’t the type to show kindness without gain. Everything he says and does is calculated.”

“Tell me your story first. Then I’ll share something about Jafa—something they would never tell you.”

Anguis Regina smiled and raised her glass slightly. I responded in kind, bringing my glass to my lips and taking a sip.

The wine was bitter and astringent.

“Kinuan was my teacher. I’ve had more than a few mentors, but more than half of what I’m capable of now came from Kinuan.”

“Did you like him?”

“I didn’t dislike him.”

“But you must have, at some point, considered whether you’d be willing to risk your life for him.”

I couldn’t deny it. It was the truth. Even someone as cynical as me had felt a sense of attachment and admiration toward Kinuan.

“...Yeah, I did.”

“It was the same for me. And for Jafa, too. We liked Kinuan. He carried himself as if he could do anything, and in reality, he actually could. Whenever a problem arose, we relied on Kinuan. Even my father did.”

A new figure had entered the story—Anguis Regina’s father.

“Did Kinuan kill your father?”

“That’s a rude question.”

“We’re not exactly in a relationship where we need to worry about courtesy.”

I spoke indifferently, running a finger along the rim of my glass. A faint screeching sound echoed from the friction.

“My father’s death is connected to Kinuan. Whether he did it directly or indirectly—it doesn’t matter.”

“You’re searching for Kinuan to get revenge.” ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom

“Maybe. But I believe it’s my turn to ask a question now...”

Anguis Regina brushed off my question again. But this much information was enough for me. I had a direction now.

“...Even if Jafa hadn’t hired you, you would still be looking for Kinuan, wouldn’t you? Because of the past?”

“I suppose so, but it’s not my priority. I don’t particularly care if I never find him.”

“Lukaus Custoria.”

I narrowed my eyes. She knew about me.

“Why are you bringing up that name?”

“I have quite a few acquaintances and fans from the Empire. I’ve heard the name Lukaus Custoria several times. Oh, but don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone that you’re here.”

“That would be best—for your sake and Jafa’s.”

My words carried multiple meanings.

“A decade ago, you were quite the sensation. That popularity has faded with time, of course. When Francec Accretia, the Crimson One, was the Imperial Crown Prince’s political partner and advisor, your name was used as a propaganda tool by the Empire.”

I already had a rough idea of the situation.

‘After the Storm Era, the Empire was in a state of extreme instability.’

Both the upper and lower ranks of society were in turmoil. To swiftly unify the lower classes, the Empire had aggressively leveraged my name.

A boy born as a commoner, chosen as an Imperial Guard, acknowledged for his talents and abilities, and even adopted into a noble family. On top of that, he earned the favor of Crown Prince Francec. A dramatic life.

The Empire is fair. If you work hard, anyone can rise. Look, isn’t Lukaus Custoria proof of that? He killed several corrupt nobles and still won the favor of the Imperial Family. The Empire’s rulers stand with you, even now.

During the Storm Era, I had sided with the people. It had nothing to do with my beliefs. I simply needed power at the time, so I fully utilized my background.

“You were such an influential figure that noble families across the Empire started adopting talented commoners into their households as a trend. Thanks to the chaos of the era and your reputation, social mobility in the Empire was unusually high for a while. You really are a legendary figure in many ways.”

“I appreciate the compliment, but I’d rather not hear my own story from your mouth—”

I stopped mid-sentence as a forced message popped up on my retinal display.

Naturally, it was from Jafa.

- The tour is canceled. Prioritize Anguis Regina’s security. Further instructions will follow.

I checked the location of the safe house Jafa had designated. I could hear the approaching footsteps of the Equessian mercenaries, likely moving under Jafa’s orders.

...But the footsteps soon stopped. An unnatural silence followed.

“Did you see Jafa’s message? Something’s happened.”

Anguis Regina narrowed her glittering eyes.

“I did, but I’m not going to stop the tour—”

I stood up and reached out, cutting her off. Anguis Regina caught on and shut her mouth.

Creak.

I quietly gripped my sword’s hilt, sharpening my senses to detect any anomalies.

‘This feels... familiar.’

I slightly parted my lips, drawing in air with my tongue. Environmental data rode my taste buds straight to my brain. It was difficult to pinpoint, but the faint metallic scent of combat gear clung to the air like poison, tingling on my tongue.

Screeeech.

The door opened. The first thing in my line of sight was an Equessian mercenary. But I already knew he was dead.

Thud.

The lifeless body of the Equessian was shoved inward, collapsing onto the floor.

Beyond the doorway, a pair of glowing red eyes stared at me.

Bzzt!

I drew my Firelight Saber. As the blade slid from its sheath, it absorbed the heat from the friction, emitting a faint glow. The temperature wasn’t high enough to enhance its cutting power yet. I’d need to ask Lapis for some kind of flint-like device to speed up the process later.

Chzzzt. Chzzzt.

The distorted crackle of a voice modulator rang out from beyond the door.

“Firelight?”

Just one word.

My mind rifled through my memories, searching the past like flipping through old files. I instantly recognized the feeling of déjà vu.

...I had encountered this assassin before.

Click.

I pulled out the combat mask from inside my coat and put it on. The assassin wouldn’t recognize me yet. I had changed too much since our last encounter.

“Call for backup—”

“They’re all dead. Don’t bother.”

I cut her off with a short response. The enemy’s skill was extraordinary.

Even if this assassin had not grown stronger since our last encounter... I still couldn’t guarantee victory. And if she had grown stronger, then the odds were even worse.

‘The dual-bladed female assassin who attacked Francec.’

A bitter memory resurfaced, as sharp as the taste of the wine I had just drunk.

It was one of the battles burned most vividly into my mind. I had succeeded in protecting Francec, but I had tasted bitter defeat that day.

‘She overwhelmed me purely through skill alone.’

Danger had found me once again. But despite that, I felt a flicker of anticipation rising in my chest.

If I fought this assassin again, I would know for sure—whether I had grown stronger since then, or whether I had become weaker.

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