Chapter 24: New Mission
"Finally! I'm here!"
Three days. Three days had passed since Shiro's birthday. Three days since he started this new adventure.
A new city marked a new beginning. Although this wasn't a wealthy city, quite the opposite, Shiro would still stay here for at least 12 days and then head on to his next destination.
That wasn't the plan from the start, but it became so when the system notification appeared.
Ding
[New Mission]
[Life of a Helgian - Live the life of people in Helgia city / steal, beg, become a prostitute, open up a shabby store for at least 10 days] [incomplete]
[Reward: +1 fame, 10 GC]
Shiro's eyes twitched as he looked at the screen. This was an area that was really shabby with almost no natural resources.
No large company was willing to set up a factory here as a place this far away with such hazardous climates and almost no resources would guarantee loss.
As a result, many chose to steal, beg, or even start up a red-light area. Those with some self-respect left would open up a market and with years of saving could build their own house. They'd be able to sustain themselves.
Shiro contemplated for a second before deciding to accept the mission.
Very quickly, he started walking, crossing many streets in the span of two hours.
While crossing the streets, his eyes would occasionally wander, looking at the shops.
Should I open a shop?
Well, becoming a beggar looks easier. He was going to stay here no longer than 12 days.
Dignity? What was that? Is it edible?
This mouth won't feed itself - Shiro understood this kind of mentality clearly. Although he could feed himself properly, he still ate food carefully. Old habits die hard.
Soon his steps came to a halt as he looked at the building with the corner of his eyes.
A three-story house... Such a complex was considered luxury in this area.
With a swift motion, he took off the coat, smeared dirt on his body and hair. Removing his boots, he placed them in the bag, tore parts and bits of his clothes. Still wearing the thick backpack, he stood by the stable opposite the complex.
At first glance, one might not be able to identify him as a beggar, but if observant enough, they'll be able to make out that he's not one.
"Well, let's just complete the system's mission now. I have to eat what I beg and get. Begging or not, as long as he ate what other poor ones ate and pissed on the roadsides, then the mission would be complete."
"Please, help me. I'm cold and hungry…"
"Oh, so Hungry..."
"My stomach is burning..."
Drops of tears slowly gushed out of his eyes.
Unfortunately, no one stopped by to help him.
'F*ck, I have been starving myself since morning,' he complained inwardly.
That was when he noticed a man walking by. He casually threw a quarter of a brown bread on the ground.
'Sigh,' Shiro sighed inwardly as he picked up the small piece. Instinctively, he stretched his right hand to clean the bread but then retracted it back as he realized dirt was still present on his palm.
'Whatever, I should just get done with this shitty mission.' Opening his mouth, Shiro finished the bread in one bite.
After taking three long breaths, Shiro was about to start his rambling again, but was stopped by a small muffled sound.
"Brother, are you hungry?"
He had sensed her presence a long time ago; she had been quiet for the past 20 minutes.
Without beating around the bush, Shiro nodded his head.
"Come with me, brother. I will give you some food." Her innocent voice entered his ears.
Looking at the small little girl with a foolish smile, Shiro just gave a subtle nod.
If it was another beggar, then he'd sell her. Those thugs with black hearts would try to use her in any way to make money, from selling her to cutting her up...
He froze as he bit his lips. Not like I'm any different. I'd probably do the same if I had to generate money at a very fast pace in a short time. This world is full of weird people after all.
Seeing that Shiro stopped in his tracks, the little girl grabbed his hand, urging him to walk a bit further.
Shiro nodded once again as he grabbed his bag.
Hmm, she's looking at the bag with curiosity...
Following the lead of the small girl, he finally appeared in front of an old house.
Possessing a house in this area was a luxury. But from what Shiro saw when he entered the house, he could tell that their living condition wasn't that good.
A man who was enveloped in the smell of alcohol...
Ignoring the man, Shiro looked around the house, looking at the frail woman who just came out to greet him.
This woman was so frail that it seemed as though her bones were sticking out of her body.
"Sister... I brought this brother…"
"He is a bit hungry…"
'I have to take food from these people…?' He quietly watched as the little girl entered and then brought out a mug a few seconds later.
"Here, brother, drink some water…"
The mug was brown in color and was chipped at the side, which proved the poor
lifestyle the little girl and her family had.
Shiro gave out a smile in return as he grabbed the mug and took a few large gulps of it.
"Ahh~ The water was refreshing. Thanks for that."
The little girl smiled brightly as a pair of dimples appeared on her cheeks.
"I'm glad you like it, brother. You can drink some more."
Shiro grinned even more as he looked at the water in the mug.
Little girl... Your acting isn't up to the standard. It isn't, quite disappointing actually.
Thinking of this, Shiro quietly took another gulp of the water.