Chapter 173

Thieves only kept close to their own kind when they were off the clock, and even after they had retired from their thieving pasts.

The main reason for this was that they simply couldn't blend in with others. Their way of thinking was different. Ordinary people would curse and point fingers if someone hit them from behind, and when someone ducked expecting to be hit, they'd erupt in anger, questioning your trust.

And because thieves interpret everything to have some sort of hidden meaning behind it, ordinary people would later complain about not being listened to properly. What was normal for thieves was considered "strange" behavior to ordinary people, and the opposite was true as well.

The Thieves Guild is so insular for that very reason. If you're not a thief, you can't get close to them.

There's a saying: A bag carried in front is theirs, but the moment it's on your back, it's mine. And if it's on the side? We split it half-half.

Such incidents are common among thieves, and they don't even get angry over it. It's a bit of a unique mindset.

In the heat of the moment, they'll bristle with rage, hurling curses and sometimes even drawing knives. But when they meet later for the next 'job', they'll mention past incidents, but never bring it up in bad blood.

Midgard Valaran Community.

A thief-class player, who in real life studied psychology, summarized it like that.

Their thought process is different from ordinary people. For instance, they don't understand why ordinary people buy something with money, when they could just steal it. Only those who can truly empathize with this mindset can get close to them.

It was an implication that one should consider them as a different species. And such a notion was indeed occurring at the border area between Valaran and Camilton.

"Damn it, you had the dragon card!"

"What? You saw my card?"

"Yes, I saw it, you bastard! What trick are you playing?"

While on duty, the thief, Hamilton, threw his card and grabbed his opponent's collar.

However, his opponent just raised his hands up as if he was innocent.

"You peeked at my hand, and I pulled a bottom card. If we're being honest, you cheated first. So let's settle this by letting me take 70% of the stake. How about that?"

"Settle?"

"Make it half. Fifty-fifty."

Thud.

Hamilton, smiled slyly and released Hunir's collar.

"…I like that offer. That silver pipe behind you—it's reflecting your hand."

"Next time I sit there, I'll make good use of it. Now, it's my turn. This new uniform I got, it has this special pocket on the sleeve. Must be the captain's thoughtfulness."

"Damn. I should've thought of using it first!"

Hamilton exclaimed in regret, but there was no sign of anger. It was merely regret that he hadn't used it first.

"Next hand, please. Just shifting my position a bit… there, now you can't see, right?"

"Can't see it. Now, how about you fasten up that little pocket on your sleeve?"

"Let's see. Fastening… and done."

A dramatic agreement was reached.

Hunir moved to a spot where the cards weren't reflected in the pipe, while Hamilton got him to button the pocket on his sleeve before reaching for the cards.

Then Hunir hesitated.

"Wait a second. We have guests."

At the end of the hallway, two people were approaching.

One was Kartna, a familiar face, but the man beside him was not.

"…An adventurer?"

"Seems so."

"Did Kartna sell us out?"

"If he had, he wouldn't have walked in so boldly. Should I report it, or will you…?"

"I'll do it."

Hamilton went in to report. He was instructed to make contact every five minutes. If there was no response, it would be assumed that they both had been in danger.

Meanwhile, Hunir stood up, spreading his arms in a mockingly welcoming gesture.

"Look who it is! Our old friend!"

"Today, there are two heads."

Speaking for the silent adventurer, Kartna responded. Hunir tilted his head in confusion.

"Two heads mean two boxes. The contents are what matter."

"Would two daggers make a welcome guest?"

"If they're over a handspan long, then yes…"

"A broken sword can still be sharp."

Hunir tilted his head again.

No matter how he looked at him, the adventurer didn't seem like a thief. Yet Kartna was claiming him as an ally.

"A sword aimed at the heart?"

"If it's the enemy's heart."

A sword aimed at the heart signified an enemy. In response to the question of whether he was a threat, Kartna said no.

Hunir shrugged.

"Interesting situation. It's been a long time since something like this happened. I don't suppose the adventurer promised something more than what the guild is worth…"

"Really he's just a guest. He only wants to use the passage."

"His name?"

"Let's stick to tradition. Do we ask for the personal details of every passerby?"

"No tradition includes adventurers. Except for our friends who walk the night."

It was a firm response. Given their position, always at risk of being swept up in raids or the like, they couldn't afford even a slight concession on this matter.

Eventually, Seoiin stepped forward.

"It's better for me to talk directly. What's your name?"

"I asked first."

"Then let's change the subject. Instead of continuing these awkward exchanges, let's discuss what really interests us."

"Interest?"

"What you can gain from me."

"You mean to offer a fee for passage through?"

"More like a challenge. I have something in my bag you need, and you have something I need."

Hunir laughed mockingly.

"Sorry, kid. We don't do honorable duels."

"Why are you bringing up duels? Was your childhood dream to be a righteous knight?"

"Well, just now, you…"

"How about that?"

Seojin gestured. Following his direction, Hunir noticed the cards scattered in disarray.

"…Cards?"

"The rule is, down to the 7th basement."

"…?"

Hunir's expression changed slightly. It wasn't the thief-specific jargon that surprised him. It was the meaning behind the phrase "7th basement."

"Do you know what you're saying?"

"Would I use a phrase unknown to thieves? If you plan on running, I won't stop you."

"No way. The stakes?"

"I'll put this forward."

Thud.

He tossed something in front of Hunir. A seemingly unremarkable item, but Hunir was shocked.

'It's a treasure.'

What else could one call it?

The necklace Seojin threw was Unique ranked.

But it was not just any Unique ranked item. Until recently, it had been securely stored in the Valaran royal family's secret vault.

"I assume you can appraise the worth of the stakes?"

"Are you rich?"

"Why stop there?"

"That's right, I've seen this before. It must have been tough to acquire. So, are you royalty? No, you're clearly an adventurer."

Hunir closely examined the necklace. Despite knowing its value, he refrained from touching it, not even with the tip of his finger. From the moment it was presented as a stake, it became something that couldn't be stolen, unless he won the game.

"What do you want?"

"Something worthy of that necklace."

"You must want something specific. Like safe passage through here, for example."

"Why would I bother with that? I could just sneak through without being caught."

Hunir let out a soft gasp. Instead of asking if that was possible, he chuckled and looked at his fellow thief standing next to Seojin.

"Hey, Kartna. This guy's an adventurer, right?"

"He's a client. The type that comes during the day and night."

"I thought so. It's really interesting… I usually wouldn't ask, but do you really think you can make it through?"

"You only aim for things you can steal, huh?"

"What a fine answer to a dumb question. The 7th basement, huh? It's been a while since I had a fun game."

"The stakes?"

"How about this?"

Hunir held up a photo between his index and middle finger.

"Secret records left behind by a prominent mage. Something that would end the scandalous rumors about Count Dunberton, one of the Camilton Empire's honorable knights."

In the photo, a man and woman, clearly of nobility, were pictured. Seojin, intrigued, stroked his chin and spoke.

"I suppose I can ask for a bit more?"

"How about two? Someone of status similar to Count Dunberton."

"I see this type of thing is your taste. But I'd prefer quality over quantity, something a bit higher."

"Hey, even though this necklace is a prized trophy…"

"Alright, I'm satisfied. One photo will do. But let's include your name too."

"…My name?"

Hunir's expression twisted drastically.

"In exchange, I'll add my name too. Of course, a price of the one already set is worth more than the one coming to steal the seat, but that difference can be made up for with this necklace…"

"Err, adventurer?" Kartna, confused, interjected.

He didn't know what Seojin was thinking, but to the thieves here at least, a name wasn't something to be taken lightly.

"Speak, Kartna."

"I am different from him. I'm a guild master, so I have to be somewhat public… but…"

"This guy prefers to remain hidden?"

"You could say that."

"A bit more precisely, revealing his name means cutting off his lifeline."

"Exactly."

Seojin shrugged and looked back at Hunir.

"Similar for me. I bet the emperor would be thrilled to know where I am and what I'm doing."

"…How would I tell the emperor?"

"That's for you to figure out. So, are we doing this or not? If not, forget it."

"You're not lying, are you?"

"Would I stoop that low to lie in a game of stakes."

For a thief, lying in a game of stakes meant not being able to sleep peacefully even for a single day.

Especially if it's a 7th basement rule.

Seojin already understood that rule well when he stepped into this game.

While Humir was considering it, the door behind them opened. Several people, including Hamilton who had gone in earlier, came out to watch.

"What's going on?"

"Is it really an adventurer? Kartna finally…"

"That's not what it is. Ask your friend to explain."

Confused glances were directed at Hunir. After sitting quietly for a bit longer, Hunir sighed and began to explain.

Essentially, this was his acceptance of Seojin's offer.

"What a splendid offer! You wouldn't back out like a fool, now would you, Hunir?"

"Hey, y'all, it's a 7th basement game! Anyone who wants to watch, come out!"

The onlookers began to buzz with excitement. It was fun to hold the cards themselves, but it was even more thrilling to see others wagering valuable items.

Especially when the stakes went beyond just being 'useful'.

"Names are on the line! Hunir and the mysterious adventurer!"

Now, a dozen or so thieves had surrounded Hunir and Seojin, with more joining in.

And then.

"The 7th basement? Is there room for one more?"

"Me too! I'll put my name in! A necklace cherished from the royal family. Just look at it. How could I pass it up?"

Two more overconfident challengers joined in.

The thieves' gambling rule, the 7th basement.

It meant any trickery or cheating was fair game, as long as you didn't get caught.

"No matter how loud you are in the 7th basement, it doesn't reach the surface… That's what it meant. It was hard for me to understand, but that's what it was."

Recalling Heinrich's letter, Seojin grinned at these three potential victims.

"Feel free to join. As long as your stakes match, there's no reason for me to refuse."