Several figures moved through the area surrounding the wooden house, staying at a distance as they searched other parts of the slums.
Whispers floated in the air.
Whenever one of them stumbled upon something of interest, their eyes gleamed with excitement.
Kaizen and Dominica exchanged a glance, immediately understanding the identity of these individuals.
"Just petty thieves," Dominica muttered under her breath.
"Let them go," she added in a low voice. "Act like you don't notice anything. We'll handle it when we see things missing tomorrow."
...
The Next Morning
True to Dominica's prediction, several items had disappeared during the night.
Standing by the door, Dominica cursed loudly, her frustration echoing through the neighborhood.
The commotion drew attention. Neighbors glanced over.
Some wore angry expressions—they had been victims of theft as well.
Others smirked, clearly enjoying the drama.
Most, however, remained indifferent. In the slums, people often kept their noses out of others' business.
Unable to do much, Dominica resolved to return to the market to replace what was stolen.
Life for Kaizen, Dominica, and Wendy soon settled into a steady routine.
Each morning, Dominica woke early to knead dough. She placed an iron pot upside down on a fire outside and began cooking.
She flattened the dough into thin rounds, pressing each one onto the heated base of the pot.
As the pancakes cooked, Wendy watched attentively. Once they were ready, she stacked them in a basin.
When the basin was full, Kaizen carried it outside to a makeshift stall—little more than a mound of dirt with a piece of wood standing upright in the center. Dominica had fashioned the mound into a cuboid shape to hold the basin of pancakes.
The enticing aroma soon drifted through the air, drawing curious onlookers.
...
The First Sale
Children were the first to approach, their wide eyes fixed on the golden pancakes.
In addition to flour and water, these pancakes contained a sprinkle of white sugar. A humble treat, but in the slums, they might as well have been a delicacy.
"How much for one?" a boy finally mustered the courage to ask.
Dominica had already set the price: 70 Jenny per pancake.
The boy darted away to fetch his mother.
Soon, a middle-aged woman appeared.
"Can I try one first?" she asked.
"Sure." Kaizen tore off a small piece and handed it to her.
After tasting it, she nodded approvingly. "I'll take six."
Kaizen handed over the pancakes and received 420 Jenny in return.
Holding the fragmented coins in his hand, Kaizen's thoughts drifted.
This was the smallest amount of money he had ever earned since arriving in this world.
He recalled his days as a combatant in Heavens Arena, where even the lowest match bonuses far exceeded this. And as an assassin, his assassination missions often brought in tens of millions.
...
Life in the Slums
Despite the stark contrast to his previous life, Kaizen quickly adapted to the modest routine.
The pancakes sold steadily throughout the day. Their low price—10 Jenny cheaper than similar offerings—made them popular in the slums.
By evening, the basin was empty. Kaizen returned to the courtyard and handed the day's earnings to Dominica.
"Forty pancakes sold. Total income: 2,800 Jenny," Dominica calculated.
After subtracting material costs, they had made a profit of 1,600 Jenny. Split among the three of them, it was just over 500 Jenny each—barely enough to get by.
"Tomorrow's sales might drop," Dominica remarked as they sat down to eat. "The first day always brings curiosity, but that fades quickly."
Kaizen nodded. "Still, it's enough to keep us inconspicuous here."
Their true purpose was to remain under the radar while gathering information. The pancake stall was merely a cover.
...
Half a Month Later
The neighbors had grown accustomed to Kaizen, Dominica, and Wendy.
They appreciated the affordable pancakes and plentiful portions.
Meanwhile, Kaizen's crystal ball—a tool for monitoring progress—showed 90% completion.
The trio had also gathered intel about Horun City's recent troubles.
Reports of brutal murders had surfaced, the victims mutilated as if by large, sharp blades. Rumors of "monsters" had begun circulating.
Dominica shared her analysis one evening. "Based on what we've learned, there's more than one alienated monster in Horun City. Their combat strength may not be extraordinary, but their ability to hide is unmatched."
She frowned. "If they can evade even advanced sensory techniques, tracking them will be nearly impossible."
...
A Neighbor's Outburst
Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside.
"I'll check it out," Kaizen said, rising to his feet.
From the doorway, he saw a man yelling at a group of children.
"You liars!" the man shouted. "You said it'd just be two people, but you've got a whole crowd hiding here!"
He hurled objects at them in anger.
"You haven't even paid the rent! Get out! And don't let me catch you here again!"
Kaizen watched quietly, his expression unreadable. The slums were unforgiving, but his mission required patience. There was still work to be done.
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