Halo woke up to see a black crow staring through his open window.

For a moment, he thought it was Liam's doing, but after careful consideration, that sounded absurd and impractical.

Liam couldn't know where exactly he lived. And another thing that sold his assumption short: this was an actual crow, not something conjured from darkness.

Still, he felt uneasy about this. The glare in its dark eyes wasn't normal. Maybe he was being too obvious, and it made him paranoid for a moment. He shooed the creature away and summoned his status.

***

[ Name: Halo D. Tenebris

Title: Shadow of Death

Rank: Knight

True ability: Death Clone - - - Description:

Flaw: Coldness

Only Sin: Death

Nemesis:?

—

Sin Fragments: 235/10000

Dominant Skill: Agility

Clones: 4 ]

***

His actions might have been too out in the open. After he sent his clones to get a few kills the previous night, they managed to rack up a few dozen Sin Fragments, but just like the night before, they were all Perverted Sinners and yet somewhat weak.

It was clear this wasn't something the people of this land did often. To have countless Chaos Eaters slaughtered in just two nights should be enough for them to know something or someone was onto them.

And as someone new to this land who happened to visit the alleged witch's library two days in a row, he could fathom why corporations would be wary of him.

But weighing his options, he realized he needed a job.

Not only as a cover-up but also to make up for the Sin Fragments he'd been spending. He paid for meals each day, and the Never Again Inn cost two Sin Fragments a night.

He needed to make up for all the Sin Fragments he'd be spending. He had Saint and Sunday elsewhere, racking up Sin Fragments for him, and judging by Saint's quest for strength, she was bound to help him climb the ranks easily.

However, each Sin Fragment spent would deplete his strength. He'd go back to square one if he ever used up all his Sin Fragments. His desire for strength and his stingy self couldn't watch that happen.

Before long, he was already strolling the streets.

He intended to head back to the library the moment he found work. Missing the library after sensing someone was watching him would mean he'd be playing right into their hands.

He couldn't miss his reading sessions after getting a job either. He needed something that would give him time for himself.

He walked for hours before directly approaching any shop, looking for something close to the library. Most of the shops had things he couldn't help but care for, like meat and vegetables. Surrounding himself with his own weakness would definitely be his end.

However, a few minutes from the library, he spotted an empty jewelry shop that piqued his interest. Actually, he didn't like this either, but compared to the ones around, it was the least effort-demanding job.

When he approached, he saw a man in a brown apron standing behind the counter like a statue, periodically brushing his long black mustache.

"What can I get you, sir?"

"Well… I'm new here, and I figured I should find a job to pay for my stay."

Halo's eyes blazed through the room.

"This job's too big for one person… so I figured you'd come begging for help sooner or later."

The man maintained his robotic motion.

"And who must you be…"

Halo forced a smile through his cold nature.

"I am Halo."

The moment he mentioned his name, it was as if the man had an innate compulsion that forced him to speak.

"No!"

Halo kept his calm and began observing his surroundings. He took the man's defensive approach in good faith. Maybe his Purpose made him wary of any shabby bastard who might sabotage it.

But this was Halo. He was a pro…

He wasn't going down so easily.

He gestured toward a necklace.

"That artifact came from a Beast Sinner's eyes. Its luminance is dulled. A thorough cleaning would increase its shine."

He wore a practiced smile and shook his head in disbelief.

"My master slew a Sinner with similar eyes. I sold the remains for fifteen Sin Fragments. Its shine was intact, as expected."

There wasn't even the slightest change in the man's expression. It discouraged Halo a little, but he continued anyway.

"Do you know about the crystal tears? My master recovered some during the Ashen Ages. I doubt you'd want to hear what they earned me."

The man only continued his periodic motion, gently brushing his mustache.

"Stop spouting nonsense. You start tomorrow. Just clean the jewelry, nothing else. Two Sin Fragments a day. Take it or leave it."

Halo met him with silence.

Of course, what he was saying was bullshit. He didn't even know what those necklaces were made of. But who knows, maybe there was something about him the robotic man couldn't ignore.

Still, he contemplated whether he should accept the offer or bargain a little. He didn't want to seem desperate.

"Surely you realize that's a rather shabby pay for a pro such as myself?"

"Take it or leave it."

Halo exhaled.

He spoke to the man for a bit, trying to learn about his new boss. Regardless of how many times he asked for his name, the man refused to share.

This was a secretive world, so he understood. Instead, he decided to call him Boss, and the man didn't seem to have a problem with it.

By this time, it was already getting late, but he didn't want to go back without visiting the library. That would go against everything he tried to accomplish.

She was startled to see Halo come in, as though she'd already accepted he wouldn't be coming.

Based on their circumstances, it would have been the best decision to get to know her, but Halo had better plans. It was too early. He needed to use his new job as a cover and clear himself of all suspicions.

He couldn't afford to play right into their hands if he wasn't already doing that.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.