Demon hunter's Cooking Manual

But...

"Alas."

The 'old man' sighed, sat down in the chair, and reached out to turn on the desk lamp in the office.

Click!

With the touch of the switch, the yellowed light illuminated the office, also lighting up the 'old man' sitting in the chair.

Just as the nickname called him.

The 'old man's hair had long turned gray, his face slack, especially the crow's feet at the corners of his eyes, but the 'old man's attire was extremely proper: gray-black trousers, matching vest, and a white shirt, whose sleeves were rolled up high at this moment, revealing the remaining trace of muscle on his arms.

As a native 'Nightless City' person.

In his early years, the 'old man' also rose through the ranks by being bold and fearless.

Once he became the boss of several blocks near District 16, the 'old man' still didn't give up the necessary training. Unfortunately, time is ruthless, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't resist.

Even when...

He touched upon the 'mysterious.'

That was a chance encounter.

Could be considered his luck.

However, he always kept a respectful distance from that kind of strength.

Because he knew he couldn't master it.

As for learning?

Don't joke.

He's not a big shot like 'Jing.'

Impossible to have the opportunity to learn.

And becoming a big figure like 'Jing'?

He had thought about it too.

But whenever he thought about it, the strength he accidentally gained would warn him.

More than once.

Consecutively.

This continuous warning made it clear to him that he didn't have the chance.

If he took a gamble, there was a high probability he'd die without a burial place.

Thus, the 'old man' honestly guarded his own piece of land, not vying for anything, nor making any excessive moves. Plus, with the help of that special strength, he mixed well in District 16.

However, that's just what ordinary people saw.

The 'old man' himself walked on thin ice.

Because that tiny bit of ability started to frantically sound alarms a year ago.

Though intermittent, it didn't stop.

No matter where he went.

It's the same.

It seemed the whole District 16 had become fraught with danger.

That's why he began recruiting more underlings.

More people, more strength.

In 'Nightless City,' it's not empty talk.

Unfortunately, those underlings were not up to heavy use.

Only Jason was still okay.

Especially Jason's kind of 'danger-free' demeanor, he appreciated it even more.

At least, within his ability, not once had it alarmed about Jason.

You know, this is incredibly rare.

Even his most loyal subordinates occasionally caused slight, mild alarms from his ability.

Regarding this, the 'old man' didn't care.

It's far too common in 'Nightless City.'

He knew how to avoid them.

But likewise, he valued Jason more.

After all, someone different.

Indeed, the 'old man' even thought of handing over the business to Jason after he retired.

Therefore, he treated Jason preferentially.

Trying to meet Jason's reasonable requests as much as possible.

For example: sending subordinates to teach shooting, combat, etc.

Unfortunately...

"Alas."

The 'old man' sighed once more.

He wanted this successor to be safe and sound.

But his ability couldn't achieve that.

Standing up, the 'old man' opened the liquor cabinet, took out a bottle of cherished whiskey—this is good stuff from District 15, getting it took a great expense, totally unlike the inferior product from Ring City District.

He picked up two glasses and took two ice balls from the refrigerator, one for each glass.

Then, poured the amber-colored liquid into the glasses.

The 'old man' held one glass.

The remaining glass was placed in front of his desk.

Ring!

Gently, the 'old man' clinked his glass against the one on the desk.

Then, he raised his glass towards the empty chair.

In the 'old man's eyes, there was a bit of guilt.

And a tinge of unwillingness.

But more than that, there was regret.

He said nothing, and after downing the drink in his glass, he sat back behind the desk.

Jason was already dead.

So he had to activate the contingency plan.

Head to Uptown!

Although the cost of 100,000 gold is exorbitant, and there's still a considerable 'handling fee' at Jing's place, staying here and waiting until he's truly old will only lead to being devoured by the surrounding 'jackals'.

Instead of that.

It's better to gamble for a chance at Jing's place.

Perhaps there's still a bit of a way to survive.

Despite rumors that many who head to Uptown are swallowed whole by Jing, he too had concerns about this before, but at this point, there's no need to worry anymore.

The 'old man' thinking this over didn't contact Jing immediately.

The disparity in status between the two was too great; the 'old man' was not even qualified to contact Jing on his own.

He could only resort to indirect tactics.

Thud, thud thud!

The 'old man' tapped his index finger on the table.

Soon enough, he came up with a decent plan.

Feeling somewhat heartbroken, the 'old man' opened the drawer to the right of his desk.

Inside was a yellowed book.

From the 'mysterious'.

Not the source of his power, just something he stumbled upon.

This would make a good stepping stone.

Even if before, the 'old man' took it as an amulet.

Deliberating over his words, the 'old man' reached for the phone.

But, at that moment, the phone rang first.

Ring ring!

The old-fashioned phone emitted a clear ringtone.

The 'old man' was taken aback, then casually picked up the phone.

His phone number wasn't a secret; many knew it.

However, the fact that someone could call into his office spoke volumes about the caller's identity.

Thus, the 'old man' was very polite.

"Hello, how are you..."

"I'm Jing."

The 'old man's words were interrupted by a domineering remark.

Jing?!

The 'old man' was startled inside.

Though he intended to find Jing, it didn't mean that Jing's call was a good thing.

A previous call had caused him to lose his best subordinate, his successor.

What would he lose now?

Could it be his life?

Thinking this, the 'old man's heart tightened.

To his relief, he didn't feel a warning, which helped him stay rational, and he exhaled slightly.

"Your Excellency Jing, may I ask what you need?"

The 'old man' tried to make his tone humble.

"Is there anything special about Jason?"

Jing's question was unexpected.

Jason?

Asking about Jason?

Could something have happened there?

The 'old man' secretly speculated.

However, he quickly replied.

"Jason is a cautious, hardworking, and studious young man, and not greedy, knowing how to stay safe."

The 'old man' answered like this.

Since Jing asked, then Jason must have something worth noticing.

Even if the 'old man' didn't know.

But if Jing says there is, then there must be.

"Oh?"

Jing's tone drew out.

The 'old man's heart lifted accordingly.

Unexpectedly, Jing then said.

"Oh, that's how it is."

"No wonder he became the best 'courier' in Nightless City."

With these words, Jing then hung up the phone.

A bit inconclusive.

But the 'old man's face changed several times.

His power was frantically warning him at this moment.

Not the first time.

But every time it happened, his life was concerned.

Without any hesitation, the 'old man' picked up the book in hand and pressed a concealed button under the desk.

Silently, a door opened on one side of the wall.

The 'old man' swiftly entered.

About a minute later.

Two rockets with dazzling tail flames shot towards the 'old man's office from afar.

One even went straight into the 'old man's office.

Bang! Bang!

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