Zack was struggling hard with his throat in my grasp, but my fingers didn't budge . .
"Cough… ghrr…".
Finally seeing fear welling up in the man's eyes, I slightly loosened my grip . .
.
"What do I gotta do…".
"Right… I'm going to need a room, can you get me that?".
"N-not right away . I'll need a month . ".
I looked into his eyes as he spoke . He didn't seem to be lying . .
"I see . Well whatever . Actually, suddenly getting myself a room will make me stand out . I just need a roof over my head is all . I'll sleep in the hallways I guess . ".
.
"Sure thing . I'll get you a spot…".
"Also, I'll need meals, well balanced meals . If you can't get that, I'm afraid I won't need you . ".
"Y-you won't need me…?".
"Nope, not at all . ".
I tighten my grip momentarily . .
.
"Oh, Ok, ok ok! I can do meals, three meals a day, no problemo!".
"Thanks a bunch . Next… info yeah, I'll need that . This place looks like it'll be fun . Lots of intrigue . ".
.
"… I'll answer anything I know . ".
"Then, let's talk about our relationship . You said you're with the Doem Camp, yes? I don't want to pick a side just yet . I'll be Trash . ".
.
"… Then I suggest you don't talk to me in public . How am I getting you the food?".
"I'll have it in this room . I can come in without anyone noticing, so it's not an issue . ".
"… Sure . ".
Zack had on an extremely bitter expression . .
.
"Yeah, that's enough for now . I'll find you when I need something again . ".
"Yeah, you do that . ".
.
I let go of his neck . He sat down and looked up at me while ma.s.saging his throat . .
"Who the h.e.l.l are you? How come you're this strong when we're not supposed to have mana…".
"Who can say…".
"You're no student . A spy… no, someone from the underworld…".
"Perhaps, but would I really reveal that?" I said, putting some strength in my gaze . .
"…Tsk" Zack tsked and looked away . .
.
"f.u.c.king politics… whatever, I ain't involved, just do whatever you gotta do . ".
"That I will, Mr . Zack . That I will . ".
"… Yeah, sure . ".
.
I turn my back to the dejected Zack and grab the door handle . .
"Ah, right . I don't think I need to tell you, but do keep this on the hush hush . ".
"… I know . ".
"Just a friendly warning . You see, I honestly don't care if I have to kill you and everyone else in your little Doem Camp—" I said, momentarily releasing a strong helping of mana and bloodl.u.s.t . .
.
"—Wha!? But your mana's supposed to be…".
"As if this trinket can seal me…" I said finally, opening the door and exiting the room . .
.
"… f.u.c.k me with a sledgehammer . I just had to pick up a freakin' monster…".
.
Listening in to Zack's muttering from the other side, I did another mental fist pump . .