Chapter 231 : Gold Rush (1)

Gold Rush (1)

As soon as the game started, a message floated up in the darkness.

[Chapter 3 – Gold Rush]

― Can't resist a gold rush in a Western, lol"

― The mining background is obvious, lol"

― Time to finally get those hired guns, damn"

While the viewers typed in chat, the screen switched over and the cutscene began.

Alex and Light, having arrived on horseback, looked up.

"Is this Rich Hills?"

"It certainly doesn't live up to the name."

When Light spoke with a furrowed brow, alex answered in a dry voice.

The shanties lined up along the gentle slope didn't fit at all with the 'Rich Hills' sign posted at the entrance of the road.

"Guess only the pigs are fattening up as usual."

Light spoke with a biting tone.

Unlike the shacks, there was a large building standing tall at the center.

[Prospector Mining Company]

The massive sign attached to it caught all eyes.

― Prospector, lol, how blatant can you get with that name"

― Looked it up, it means 'someone who looks for minerals,' lol"

― The wealth gap is insane?"

― Ah, lol, this is just calling for a revolution"

― Révolution!"

The two of them slowly entered the town along the sloping road. Lee Gyeongbok's divine energy sensed a pricking sense of threat.

"They look extremely on edge."

He was right.

The town was full of shabby miners, but in contrast, there were also burly, sharp-eyed gunmen.

They were blatantly watching the unfamiliar visitors, alex and Light.

"What nasty faces they have. Are bounty hunters here already, sniffing around?"

Light didn't avoid their stares but glared right back. Alex replied calmly.

"No, they must be mercenaries hired by the mining company. They'll need people to protect their gold."

The viewers nodded their agreement.

― Makes sense, lol, it's the lawless days after all"

― Can't leave it all up to the sheriff"

― Even railroad companies hire guards— mining companies must need more, lol"

― That's why they're all fully armed— pistols, rifles, knives, the whole lot"

Alex clicked his tongue briefly and looked at Light. She was still engaged in a staring contest with the mercenaries.

"No point in making trouble here. Let's just head for the sheriff's office for now."

In this place, rich Hills, there was no Preston Detective Agency. So, the two decided to look for the sheriff.

"I don't really trust sheriffs, but... right now there's no other way."

With Light's complaint being the last word, the cutscene ended.

"Judging by the atmosphere, wandering around would only cause resentment. I'll head straight to the office."

Looking at the minimap, there weren't many facilities marked. It seemed the town existed solely for gold mining.

The viewers agreed, and Lee Gyeongbok opened the office door right away.

"Heh..."

He couldn't help but sigh.

The sheriff was sleeping with both feet propped up on the desk, his face half-covered by his hat.

― Out cold, lololol"

― Utterly pathetic!"

― Well, what's a sheriff got to do when mercs are guarding everything"

― Chillest job ever?"

― Now *that's* job security, lololol"

Lee Gyeongbok decided to wake him up. But then he sighed again.

"Wow, the smell of booze is something else."

As the viewers laughed again, he shook the sheriff awake.

"Huh...? Wha...?"

Making an odd noise, the sheriff pushed his hat up, revealing a deeply furrowed face.

"What's..."

"We're from the Preston Detective Agency."

Lee Gyeongbok pulled out his badge and showed it to him. The sheriff's bleary eyes blinked a few times before opening wide.

He quickly rubbed his eyes and shook his head, trying to pull himself together.

"Ah, sorry about that. But what brings Preston all the way out here?"

The screen flickered for a while with his question, then came back.

"The Hired Gun gang is going to attack...?"

The sheriff's expression had turned serious. Seeing this, Lee Gyeongbok and the viewers could grasp the situation.

― Guess they're skipping the explanation this time, lol"

― Honestly, it's a pain to have to explain everything—"

― At least he's snapped to attention, lol"

The sheriff's pupils quivered.

"So, you're saying the detective agency and the Federal Marshals are sending reinforcements?"

"How many times do I have to say it? There's a chance the gang will strike *before* you get that backup!"

Light sounded utterly frustrated, making the sheriff scratch his head furiously.

'This character doesn't seem like a villain—more the type to be exasperating.'

Lee Gyeongbok sensed a vague displeasure from the sheriff. He didn't seem like someone who'd directly interfere or plot against them, just someone who'd be no help at all.

― Jeez, he really is clueless, lol"

― Is he still drunk?"

― Definitely has that incompetent vibe"

― Guess having the mercs do everything made him go soft, lol"

― What good is a sheriff with no drive!"

The viewers shared the same impression. Fortunately, this downtime didn't last long.

"Ah, understood. If that's the case..."

"I said it *is* the case!"

Pressured by Light, the sheriff nodded quickly and continued.

"Yes! Uh, in that case, I need to let the boss know right away!"

"Boss?"

"Yes! Mr. Oswald, owner of the Prospector Mining Company."

* * *

Lee Gyeongbok arrived at the company building with the others. As soon as they entered, the scene shifted.

Inside the spacious office were armed mercenaries and a slightly gaunt, broad-cheeked middle-aged man.

"Ah, welcome. You're the detectives from Preston, I presume?"

He was clearly the boss, oswald.

― Shouldn't judge by looks, but this guy just *seems* cranky"

― Seriously, that face says it all, lol"

― He already looks exhausting just to talk to, lol"

― Looks like my company's manager, damn it"

― Roc&Roll character design on point, lol"

While viewers left harsh first impressions, oswald swept his gaze over Light with a smile.

He didn't say anything, but there was a flicker of contempt in his eyes.

"Yes, Mr. Oswald. We're here because..."

"We've come to urge you to prepare."

The sheriff started to speak in a timid voice, but Alex cut him off.

As with the sheriff earlier, the screen flickered.

"The Hired Gun gang is targeting my mine?"

"Yes, so—"

Before Alex could say any more, oswald burst out laughing. He looked back at the mercenaries as if he'd just heard a great joke.

As if his laughter was infectious, the mercenaries laughed too. Even the nervous sheriff joined in awkwardly.

― ?"

― What's up with *that*?"

― Did someone ring the laugh bell?"

― Does he have a disease where he can't stop laughing?"

― Hit with fear and gone insane?"

The viewers were bewildered.

Alex and Light, however, did not laugh.

"Ah, apologies. I appreciate your concern for my company, but this isn't so serious as all that."

"Did you actually understand what we said?"

Frowning, alex asked him. But Oswald nodded without hesitation.

"Of course. But there's something you detectives are overlooking."

He laced his fingers and spoke with confidence.

"How many fools do you think have come after my gold mine until now?"

He didn't seem to expect an answer and continued, eyeing the mercs behind him.

"Mining gold isn't easy. Outlaws and others get greedy when they see it. To handle such leeches, you need a special kind of countermeasure—people like these."

"Hah, you're awfully confident."

Light let out a hollow laugh, and Oswald snorted.

"Certainly. My mercenaries are all former soldiers, veterans who survived the war. Whether by numbers or skill, I have nothing to worry about."

― Well, you'd need good security to mine gold"

― He sounds real punchable, lol"

― But if the gang comes, he'll fight alongside us, so what can you do"

― If they're ex-military, it might be a good match"

Viewers agreed.

Oswald's attitude was arrogant, but his points were valid.

"... Alright. But don't let your guard down. The gang will have their own tricks prepared. Please stay alert."

To this, oswald nodded indifferently.

"No worries. We're already on alert."

He then beckoned to a mercenary.

"Since you've come all this way, let me provide you with a place to rest. Please, think of it as a vacation and take it easy."

A mercenary led the way and opened the door.

― At least he's giving them hospitality, lol"

― Just a bit of an ass, I guess?"

― Either way, he'll have to fight with us against the gang, lol"

― No sense in fighting each other for nothing"

― Bet he'll be impressed by Godple later, lololol"

Chat rolled comments as the scene shifted. But Lee Gyeongbok's thoughts differed from the viewers'.

'No matter how I look at it, he's a villain.'

The discomfort he felt from Oswald far surpassed the sheriff or even the mercenaries. Only Lee Gyeongbok seemed to sense this, so he decided to keep watching how things would unfold.

But it didn't take long for viewers to catch on.

― Huh?"

― What's this?"

― Is *this* supposed to be the lodging?"

The screen returned.

Night had fallen in the blink of an eye.

Viewers were shocked when they saw where Alex and Light were staying.

― A single bunk bed—this is the lodging?"

― Looks like the miners' quarters, right?"

― It's one of those shacks!"

― Treating Godple like this?"

The viewers immediately voiced their complaints, but Alex didn't care about the lodging.

"There's a chance those Hired Gun bastards won't even show up."

His grave remark caught the viewers' attention.

"What's that supposed to mean? You don't trust me anymore or something?"

Light, looking out the window, whipped her head around. Alex shook his head.

"No, that's not it. I was just thinking about something Oswald said."

"Oswald? That dried-up pig? Why think about him?"

― Lolol"

― Gotta love the way Light talks"

― No offense to overweight folks, right? Right?"

― She's just insulting Oswald, but Trooper's feeling attacked, lol"

― Maybe that's why he's just a pig, lol"

― Ah, lol, really gonna start exercising now (starting tomorrow)"

Viewers enjoyed Light's sharp tongue, but Alex remained serious.

"The mercs are well-armed. And if the detectives and Federal Marshals join in? No matter how ruthless those guys are, they won't want to tangle with us."

"That's... true."

Light's expression grew serious as well. If extra people gathered in Rich Hills, the Hired Gun gang would have to rethink their plans.

But Alex's concern lay elsewhere.

"So, actually, I don't think the reinforcements will even come all the way to Rich Hills."

"What do you mean by that?"

Question marks filled both Light's face and the chat window.

"If I were in charge, I'd do it that way: post lookouts along the approach in case the gang comes, keep the main force in reserve at a distance—and only attempt an arrest once we're sure they're here."

If the target got scared and ran off, everything would go to waste. Light nodded, then abruptly widened her eyes.

"Wait, then what about us if the gang *does* show up?"

"We'll probably have to hold out until backup arrives."

The viewers were impressed with their exchange.

― Oh! That makes sense!"

― Guess this time's main goal is to withstand the assault?"

― Got that siege defense vibe"

― Lol, but Godple's here—what's there to worry about?"

― Godple's double-shot-double-kill is the real deal!"

Their talk strongly hinted at an upcoming showdown with the gang. Chat overflowed with confidence in Lee Gyeongbok's skill.

But just then—

"What's that?"

"A gunshot!"

With the sound of a single shot, the cutscene ended.

― Whoa?"

― What's going on? Is this the attack already?"

― Those gangsters are here!"

― Get ready for Godple's gunslinging!"

― Our hyung's GUN technique is always legit, lololol"

Viewers assumed it was the gang's attack. But Lee Gyeongbok thought otherwise.

"No, something's off. There was only one gunshot."

If the gang had arrived, there should have been more gunfire. But outside was eerily silent.

"Something's wrong. No one else is coming out from the other lodgings."

Light said, looking out the window. Seeing more question marks in chat, Lee Gyeongbok turned his head.

"We'd better go check things out."

Light nodded at this. As they opened the door to the outside—

"Nothing to see here, head back inside."

A hulking mercenary blocked the way. He shooed them away as if chasing off a pesky insect.

― What kind of nonsense is that!?"

― Someone fired a gun, but it's nothing?"

― Maybe someone should shoot him and see if he still thinks that!"

― Lol, except then he won't be able to think at all, lolol"

― He definitely reeks of something suspicious"

― Ugh, seriously, take a bath!"

― Why are they suddenly ragging on Trooper, lol"

― If the game says not to, it means you *should*, lol"

No one in chat wanted to obey the mercenary. Neither did Lee Gyeongbok.

"What if I refuse?"

"You'll just end up hurting yourself."

The mercenary curled his lip, looking down on Lee Gyeongbok. Though Lee Gyeongbok was a sturdy guy himself, this merc had twice his bulk.

Clearly, he was counting on his size.

Lee Gyeongbok let out a short sigh.

"Whew, just as I thought, you're not going to let us go quietly."

With that, he tried to step out again, and the mercenary raised his voice.

"I said get back inside!"

A massive arm swung down, suited to his size. But he couldn't catch Lee Gyeongbok.

Dodging lightly to the side, Lee Gyeongbok twisted at the waist and punched.

With a resounding thud, his fist struck the mercenary's ribs.

"Gu... gk—!"

The blow dropped the mercenary to his knees instantly. He couldn't even breathe, and the whimper leaking out was feeble.

― Lolol one punch down!"

― Whoa, that giant just went down in one hit?"

― Double-shot-double-kill strikes again?"

― Seriously, is he Saitama or something, lol"

― Perfect Punch Man, damn!"

― Served up some high quality schooling!"

― 'You'll just end up hurt' (and that's exactly what happened)"

― Turns out he was talking about himself, lol"

As the viewers delighted in the outcome, Lee Gyeongbok finished him off with an uppercut to the chin.

"Ah, please don't ever try this in real life. This is a liver shot, or a short strike—extremely dangerous in reality."

Viewers responded at once.

― Ah lol, is that a boxing move?"

― That's why you don't mess with someone who's actually trained, lol"

― Liver shot? I just know soy sauce chicken"

― Lol, can't resist soy sauce chicken, haha"

― Looks like Godple has nothing to worry about, lol"

― Right? Only Trooper could see soy sauce and think 'food', lol"

― Please stop eating!"

As Lee Gyeongbok smirked, light stepped out from behind.

"Wow, you floored him with just your bare hands? You could probably knock out a bear, too!"

She sized up the downed mercenary, then exclaimed in admiration. Lee Gyeongbok laughed at the exaggeration.

― Bare-fisted bear hunting? Godple could do it, easy, lol"

― That's not even an exaggeration for Godple, lol"

― What is this, Choi Baedal?"

― Huh, a delivery guy?"

― No, lol, stop thinking about food!"

― Didn't he fight bulls, not bears?"

― But a true delivery man could hunt bears too!"

The viewers didn't think she was exaggerating at all.

"All right, let's move. We need to see what happened."

Lee Gyeongbok refocused his attention.

And as always, the viewers followed his every move.

― OK! Move, move!"

― There's never a dull moment when the detective's on the case!"

― 'Eeek! Detective, get out of our town!'"

― Getting treated like a monster, lolol"

― How to keep the peace = keep detectives out"

― It's always true, just look at Kingran and God Junil"

The viewers watched Lee Gyeongbok's exploits with bated breath.

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