Past Life Extra 9: A Transition I Didn't Know How to Title
The smoke of battle had long since dissipated from the harbor docks, leaving only a scene of devastation and solidified dark red.
After the bloody storm stirred up by Tsukimi Shisui, the remaining bloodstains were not immediately cleaned up.
Knox's cleanup crew deliberately left the horrific scene lingering at the dock for a day or two.
As a result, when the sea breeze blows through the port area, it inevitably carries with it an overwhelming stench of blood.
It spread all the way to the surrounding streets and alleys.
The name of Tsukimi Shisui's ruthlessness spread silently along with this chilling aura.
As the news spread, naturally, there were voices of doubt.
After all, the description of "dozens of desperate criminals armed with standard-issue guns being brutally murdered by a single person" sounds too absurd.
It's like an exaggerated drama concocted by street thugs.
Some scoffed, believing that Knox was deliberately exaggerating to consolidate his territory with a false sense of deterrence;
Some people were skeptical, speculating whether the protagonist in the rumor was human.
However, the wave of doubts was quickly suppressed by the emergence of eyewitnesses.
Those delivery workers who weren't deliberately silenced by Knox, still shaken, recounted in trembling voices the scenes they had witnessed while looking back during their escapes in the corners of the tavern and warehouse.
They witnessed the figure suddenly rush into the hail of bullets, black tentacles surging, and the desperate criminals instantly turned into a pile of flesh and blood.
The doubts quickly dissipated.
Instead, there was a sense of awe mixed with fear.
In this land ravaged by war, "reverence for the strong" is one of the survival rules ingrained in people's bones.
Moreover, most people living in the Middle East have been involved in territorial disputes and regional conflicts.
Small-scale wars are interspersed throughout their lives.
Therefore, they knew more or less about those monsters that were naturally suited for war.
--Ghouls are creatures that can quickly heal their wounds and regain their fighting strength by consuming flesh and blood.
With a little thought, anyone with a brain can guess the outline of the truth.
"Knox has probably recruited another one of those monsters."
In the small tavern where mercenaries, assassins, intelligence brokers, and ordinary people gathered, the whispers were tinged with a newfound sense of apprehension and fear of provoking them.
Knox a force active in the Middle East, with tentacles extending to multiple countries around the world.
On the surface, it presents itself as a security company, responsible for protecting its employers and their property.
This business is very popular in the Middle East.
It's important to understand that this land is frequently plagued by conflicts for various reasons.
On the other hand, it also possesses abundant oil resources that are unparalleled globally.
This has led many wealthy individuals, and even small countries with limited strength, to choose to hire foreign mercenaries at high prices in order to attract as much fighting power as possible.
These mercenaries would then refer to themselves as a "security organization."
It's worth mentioning, however, that Knox has grown to its current size, owning its own port.
It's impossible to rely solely on this one business.
Smuggling is another source of funding for them.
For example, the Japan region overseen by Jackal was part of Knox's vast smuggling network.
However, this relatively stable industry is naturally insufficient to unleash the full power of the Tsukimi Shisui.
"Anyway, I've submitted your information to security. You don't have any objections, do you?"
Inside the tavern, Jackal walked up to the young man dressed in a hooded black coat, pulled out a chair, and sat down opposite him.
Beneath the hood, a white-haired Shisui greeted them indifferently.
"Um."
Shisui's answer was exactly what the Jackal had expected.
However, Jackal didn't make a decision on his own; after preparing all the application materials, he came to ask him.
Shisui understood that this was the Jackal's way of taking care of him.
Thanks, please order whatever you like to drink.
He gestured for a waiter to come over.
The Jackal didn't stand on ceremony.
I ordered a draft beer and a few side dishes, and then sent away the waiter who came over.
He knew that in the past six months, Shisui had made further progress and had begun to take charge of some matters related to arms.
Unlike ordinary goods, these kinds of sensitive items are not meant to be exposed in any way.
That's why Shisui is in such a predicament now.
Because he is adjusting his work schedule, switching to a nocturnal work pattern.
Speaking of which, if it weren't for the ship's maintenance period, Shisui probably wouldn't have had time to come to the tavern tonight.
The wine and dishes arrived shortly afterward.
After the waiter had walked away, the Jackal continued.
"When you first go in, you'll need to team up with others. They won't approve new recruits going solo."
Upon hearing this, Shisui's half-closed eyes opened slightly.
"Those above should know very well what I am, right? I have no interest in bringing a burden along."
"Don't worry, the higher-ups won't waste manpower on anything. Your teammates are all quite capable."
The tavern was crowded and noisy, Jackal didn't say anything explicitly.
But Shisui understood.
Knox has quite a few Ghouls and ruthless individuals who are no less powerful Ghouls when armed.
In fact, some smuggling chains specifically supply these warmongers with materials.
Even Shisui himself has never lacked food since arriving here.
Seeing the interest on Shisui's face, the Jackal felt relieved.
He had known Tsukimi Shisui for a long time.
Therefore, it's clear that although this person is perfectly capable of working in the smuggling chain, they simply don't enjoy socializing.
That's why he helped recommend him to a battlefield that was more suitable for him.
However, during the transition period, you still have to team up with others; that's the rule, and he couldn't help Shisui quit.
However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. If you're fighting side by side on the battlefield, you might make a lot of good friends.
This is a great opportunity to expand your network.
After finishing their business, the two began to drink quietly.
The noise from inside the tavern didn't bother this corner; the leisurely and pleasant night was just beginning.