Chapter 234 : Gold Rush (4)

Gold Rush (4)

Lee Gyeongbok didn't rush in recklessly but calmly retraced the situation.

'Most of the mercenaries are dead, and even the ones who survived ran away.'

Within the detection range of his divine energy, the only ally left was Light, standing beside him.

But that didn't mean he could ask for her cooperation.

'I could die if I mess this up. In that case, there's no point in having her as an ally.'

There was no guarantee Light would survive the barrage. She was a character whose disposition changed depending on choices, making her a crucial asset.

He couldn't let her die here.

'In the end, I'm the only one who can move.'

The only resource available was himself. Oddly, Lee Gyeongbok found comfort in that fact.

'Meanwhile, the enemy has support to the rear.'

The gang was advancing with a Gatling gun at the forefront. He'd already seen outlaws get caught in the crossfire and die, so they wouldn't easily step forward.

- If this was just about killing them, it'd be over in no time.

- For real, lol, if it was Godple, he'd just headshot them instantly with a rifle.

- Perfectly possible to thread the needle for a pinpoint shot, lol.

- Keeping people alive is what's really tough.

Lee Gyeongbok silently agreed with the chatting voices. The Gatling gun was shielded on either side and in front with steel plates for protection.

To secure the gunner's line of sight, they'd left a narrow slit—and Lee Gyeongbok had the skill to target exactly that spot.

'Still, peeking through that tiny slit for a clear shot must be difficult. That's why they're sweeping side to side.'

The Gatling gunner, johnny, wasn't 'aiming' at targets. He was moving the barrel slowly side to side while advancing.

Some outlaw in the rear would alert him if an enemy appeared, and then he'd unleash a volley.

'Thanks to that, I see the pattern.'

The divine energy that had gathered information now traced routes in his mind. The moment Lee Gyeongbok made a move, johnny would spray another hail of bullets.

Yet there was a path even within that barrage.

"I'll take care of him. Wait here."

"What? You're going to do that alone?"

At Lee Gyeongbok's words, light's eyes grew wide in disbelief.

-(Inner translation) Are you crazy!?

― So even Light is a normie in the end?

― Ah, haha, this is the normal reaction.

― Unfortunately, there was no such thing as perfect-logic in the Old West.

But his voice brimmed with conviction.

"Trust me."

"... You've got some method, right? Fine."

Lee Gyeongbok grinned at her reply and dashed out at once.

― Hey, at least tell us what you're planning!

― Why don't you ever use your blinker?!

― Is he just charging in? Is that right!?

― Hyung?!

― Trust in the man!

Viewers were startled by his sudden, unannounced charge.

"Someone's coming!"

"Shoot! Shoot now!"

"Doesn't matter who it is—they're dead!"

As the outlaws shouted, the Gatling gun whirred fiercely and bullets began to pour.

To get caught in that line of fire meant certain death.

Yet Lee Gyeongbok was still smiling.

'Exactly as I predicted.'

Just as the hail of bullets closed in, he slid across the ground as if slipping. At the end of his slide lay a fallen mercenary.

Almost like he was pulling up a blanket, Lee Gyeongbok grabbed the back of the mercenary's neck and hoisted the corpse.

― Meat shield, omg

― Damn, even I'm on edge watching this

― Look at those bullets whizzing over his head

― The height difference saved him, lol

― Of course Godple calculated that, lol

Round after round thudded into the mercenary's body. The rest of the bullets narrowly zipped past over Lee Gyeongbok's head.

It was a method only possible because he was on higher ground.

But he hadn't grabbed the body solely as a shield.

'Now!'

He rose, drew a knife from the dead mercenary's belt, and without pause, rushed forward and threw the knife at the Gatling gun.

― Hyung!?

― Knife?

― Is that really the right call?

― Wait, bullets can't even pierce that steel, though?

― Is this a circus act?

The viewers were dumbfounded by the sight. What was the point of throwing a knife at a steel plate that could stop bullets? The move seemed pointless or flat-out wrong.

But the situation took a sudden turn.

"Aaagh! M-my eyes! My eyes!"

With Johnny's scream, the spinning Gatling gun ground to a halt, and the hailing bullets abruptly stopped, cutting off right beside Lee Gyeongbok.

― Whoa?

― He threw the knife through the slit?

― Wait, did he really predict and throw like that!?

― Lead shot with a knife, omg

-(Kemalcon)(Kemalcon)(Kemalcon)

― He dies if he misses even slightly—but he doesn't.

― There are no mistakes. Because he is perfect. (Nod)

Chat buzzed with amazement and praise. But Lee Gyeongbok wasn't done.

"Good angle."

Grinning, he grabbed his bolt-action rifle. With Johnny stabbed, his upper body slumped into the gap.

It took not even three seconds from aiming to firing.

"Aaaaargh!"

A single gunshot, a scream followed. Johnny clenched his teeth, hit in the shoulder.

"You son of a biiiiitch!"

He was bleeding heavily from both his right eye and arm, but "Big Guy"

Johnny was tough.

He reached for the Gatling gun with his remaining arm. But Lee Gyeongbok was already anticipating it.

He didn't bother reloading the rifle—instead, drew his pistol.

'This side, done.'

With a shot, johnny was pushed backward. Struck in both shoulders, he collapsed, staggering.

But Lee Gyeongbok remained vigilant.

"What—what the hell!?"

"Big Guy is down!"

"Gatling! Get the Gatling!"

Nearby outlaws rushed in, trying to seize the gun.

Lee Gyeongbok charged and fired again. Bullets threaded through the gap stopped them.

Yet ammo wasn't infinite; while he was reloading, one outlaw managed to grab the Gatling gun.

Lee Gyeongbok wasn't worried.

"I'll—hngh!"

The outlaw tumbled backward with an arrow now sticking out of his chest.

― Light! Light! Light!

― Such timely intervention, lol

― Haha, she said she'd wait, not that she wouldn't help

― Only possible because it's a bow

― Lol, what's with that high-arc shot

Thanks to Light's supportive fire, Lee Gyeongbok succeeded in snatching the Gatling gun.

He then knocked Johnny out with a kick to the jaw.

"Whoa, this thing is heavier than I thought."

He spun the Gatling gun, letting out a dry laugh. No wonder the boss had been called "Big Guy."

But it was only heavier than expected; he soon swung the Gatling gun around.

"Huh? Huh!?"

"What the—"

"You've gotta be kidding me!"

As the barrel turned toward them, the outlaws broke out in panic. Lee Gyeongbok beamed brightly.

"All right, then. Time for some justice."

With that, the Gatling began to roar in the opposite direction. The terrified outlaws tried to flee or shoot back.

― Haha, did they think they were Godple or something?

― Uh-huh, not a single shot is landing~

― Whoever bolted on those extra steel plates did a great job, lol

― Ting, ting-ting-ting, Tang, Tang-tang-tang, like playing the frying pan game... oh, wait, wrong place?

― Loool, what a boomer drinking game reference

― Hey! Back in my day, we'd play frying pan, bunny-bunny, and dead-man-rise and all that!

― Lol, that probably didn't even happen in the Wild West.

― Of course not, lmao

All the bullets ricocheted off the armor plates, filling the air with cheerful metallic notes. The viewers relaxed and enjoyed the sight of outlaws being mowed down.

― Yesss! That's so satisfying!

― THIS is the outlaw life you all love!

― Gatling Sensei, are you watching?

-???: I invented this to keep people from dying, you know!

― The real Gatling was meant to reduce casualties, lol

― If the outlaws are gone, fewer people die, so it's fine^^

― Actually, no "people" have died here, right?

― Turning defense into offense perfectly, haha

It was nothing short of a perfect reversal.

* * *

The gang's attack ended after about seventeen minutes. Overwhelmed by the Gatling gun, the remaining outlaws chose to flee.

― Haha, they finally snapped to their senses

― It'd be an IQ issue not to bail at this point, lol

― Kind of wish it was a perfect wipeout though?

― Still, this was a total stomp, lol

― For real, how many gangs just got destroyed here?

The viewers expressed slight regret at the outlaws' escape, but were mostly satisfied.

But Lee Gyeongbok felt differently.

"Looks like the developers wanted a cleaner ending."

It seemed cryptic, when suddenly, the outlaws fleeing in the distance began to fall, one after another.

As question marks popped up in the chat, a new group came galloping in on horseback.

― Oh! Reinforcements?

― Loool, the fleeing guys are getting insta-wiped

― Nice, that's a clean finish!

― Delaying isn't entirely pointless here after all, lol

― Swept up real nice, huh?

Some of them split off to capture the surviving outlaws.

Not long after, Lee Gyeongbok was able to greet them.

"Dear me..."

"What happened here?"

"Why is the Gatling gun here?"

They looked around, unable to hide their astonishment. Two figures at the head of the group approached Lee Gyeongbok.

One was a Federal Marshal, and the other appeared to be from the Preston Detective Agency.

"You are?"

"I'm Alex of the Preston Detective Agency."

As Lee Gyeongbok showed his badge, both men brightened.

"Ah! You must be Agent Alex! I've heard so much about you! I'm Saul, a grade-one agent from the Agency."

The more welcoming of the two, saul, was from the Agency. The Federal Marshal beside him extended a hand.

"I'm Herbert, and I was in charge of this operation. Truly impressive work!"

It didn't seem like simple politeness; Herbert swallowed nervously, eyeing the Gatling gun.

"If this had ended up in outlaw hands, who knows how many of our marshals and detectives would've died..."

"I don't even want to imagine it,"

Saul added, shuddering.

― Oh? That's true.

― If he'd only held out, the reinforcements probably would've been decimated.

― Lol, no wonder they're so thankful

― Do you all understand now? Just bunkering isn't always the answer!

― Uh-uh, I'm never selling my stocks. I'll just keep holding!

― Talking about stocks, lol

Viewers were pleased with their gratitude. And their thanks weren't just words.

"With skills like this, you must be in high demand. Have you ever considered quitting as a detective to become a Federal Marshal?"

― Whoa?

― Oh? Federal Marshal job?

― Can you just change jobs like that?

The chat buzzed, but Saul immediately interjected.

"Aren't you being a little hasty, especially with me right here? You can't just take Agent Alex from us that easily."

"Ah, pardon me. Got carried away for a moment. Let's sort out the situation first."

Herbert smiled sheepishly and waved his hand, setting his marshals into motion.

"Get everyone treated and prep for interrogation."

"Yes, sir."

"Find out where that Gatling gun came from. Was it stolen from the army, or lost during the war?"

"Yes, sir."

The Federal Marshals loaded the unconscious Johnny onto the Gatling gun and took him away. Herbert turned back to Lee Gyeongbok.

"You've done a truly great service. I sincerely mean it. Let me thank you on behalf of the Federal Marshals."

"I just did what needed to be done."

When Lee Gyeongbok answered modestly, herbert broke into a wider smile.

"That's why you deserve this reward. Please, accept this if you will."

He offered a long gun. Lee Gyeongbok blinked in surprise as Herbert explained.

"A custom Federal Marshals repeater, called the 'High Noon Repeater.' It's the top model we have. Not only is it an excellent weapon, but showing this will let you receive help from the Marshals as well."

― Oh? It's not just a gun!

― Like a badge of the Marshals or something?

― Of course it has options, gotta check the options!

― I was thinking a repeater would be nice after all this

― Yep, crowds mean more ammo and quick reloading is key

― So good

With the chat enthused, Lee Gyeongbok accepted the repeater gratefully.

"Yes, I'll accept it with thanks."

"Good. I hope we meet again soon. I'll take my leave now."

Herbert shook his hand again and withdrew. Saul looked back and then said to Lee Gyeongbok:

"I've never seen him this happy before. Well, it's understandable. The feat you've achieved is truly astonishing, agent Alex."

"You flatter me."

"No, really. As you know, our Agency evaluates merit fairly. You should be highly rated for this."

He reached into his coat, retrieving a badge.

But its material and insignia were different from Lee Gyeongbok's.

"This is my grade-one agent badge. It signifies the highest security clearance."

― Why the sudden bragging?

― Loool, western-era flexing

-???: I pulled a grade-one badge as a free user, is it good?

-???: Drew this badge by accident, am I cracked or what?

― Why are badges like card shuffling in this world? Lol

― Even though it's in character, it's still annoying, lol

As chat laughed along, saul handed Lee Gyeongbok the badge, filling the chat window with question marks.

"I'll be collecting your previous badge."

"Ah, you mean..."

Realizing Saul's intention, Lee Gyeongbok responded with a smile and handed his old badge over.

"Contributed to capturing the Hired Gun gang and numerous outlaws. Prevented countless casualties among marshals and detectives by securing the Gatling gun."

Saul coolly recited his achievements and then smiled.

"Congratulations. Agent Alex, you are hereby promoted to grade-one agent."

Laughter erupted in the chat at those words.

― He's finally being properly recognized!

― Seriously, it was weird that our guy wasn't grade-one already

― The detective agency is finally running right, lol

― This achievement deserves grade-one!

― Such fairness!

― No matter what era, godple is recognized

― Wow, grade-one in just three chapters, crazy

― How hard do normies have to work, then!?

― Haha, finish even a single job properly first!

Just as a warm atmosphere began to settle—

"No responsibility!? Is that what you say as a Federal Marshal!?"

A sudden shout drew everyone's attention.

At the center stood Oswald, owner of Rich Hills, throwing a fit.

"You let these damned outlaws gather, and what was the Federal Marshals even doing!?"

"We deeply regret the many casualties, but..."

Herbert tried to calm him, but Oswald wasn't having it.

"Casualties aren't the issue! Do you know how much has been lost!? And what about that Gatling gun—!"

Oswald, veins bulging in his neck, suddenly pointed at Lee Gyeongbok.

"Ah, you! You're responsible too! That damn Gatling gun turned my town to rubble! I'll demand compensation from Preston Detective Agency!"

Everyone present, and the viewers, were dumbfounded by his words.

― What an original load of crap?

― Kick the outlaws out and now you want compensation?

― Did he lose his mind after the town got wrecked? Lol

― Now we see the real villain isn't Johnny but THIS guy, haha

― This won't do! Time to shoot!

― Loool, just shoot first, ask later?

― But honestly, even the Agency and Marshals probably get it

― Damn, making me want to dispense some justice

Light didn't bother hiding her contempt.

"I was wrong; even a pig would be grateful for being saved. He squeals like a pig, but he's not even as good as one."

Lee Gyeongbok let out a snort at her biting words. Then he approached Herbert and Oswald.

"Mr. Herbert, could I ask for your assistance for a moment?"

He showed him the High Noon Repeater he'd just received. Herbert's eyes widened, but he coughed it off.

"Of course. What do you need help with?"

"I'd like to accuse Oswald here of several crimes."

Oswald's red face looked about to burst.

"Crimes? What crimes!? Can't you see I'm the victim here, the victim!"

"There are plenty of other issues, apart from that."

Unpaid wages for the miners, labor exploitation through drugs, and more.

Lee Gyeongbok explained to Herbert what he'd found.

Oswald didn't recoil; instead, he scoffed.

"Trying to avoid compensation by pinning false accusations on me! Maybe you should write novels instead of being a detective!"

"That's enough!"

Herbert cut him off. But he didn't look comfortable.

"Personal feelings aside, facts are facts. But without evidence, we're powerless."

The chat was abuzz at his reply.

― Is there any evidence for this?

― Maybe if he'd been giving out drugs for free, but he was selling them;;

― In the Old West, narcotics laws barely existed...

― And wage theft is iffy too. Slavery was just recently abolished.

― Yep, the war that the mercs keep mentioning is the Civil War

Given the game's time period, these charges would be hard to prove. But the situation changed with the arrival of one person.

"What the detective said is true. I'll testify."

Everyone turned toward the new voice. Oswald's eyes flew open in disbelief.

"You!? Sheriff!? What nonsense is this!?"

The person volunteering as witness was none other than Rich Hills' Sheriff.

-?????

― The trash sheriff suddenly steps up?

― What is happening here!?

― Weren't they in cahoots?

― Changed his ways after a near-death experience?

The viewers were startled. The sheriff gave Oswald a scornful look.

"I can't say I'm proud of my job as sheriff. But Oswald, you've crossed the line."

"You, you ungrateful...!"

Ignoring the spluttering Oswald, the sheriff addressed Lee Gyeongbok.

"Thanks to your advice, detective, I managed to get the miners to evacuate safely. Thank you."

"I'm glad."

"Yes. And down there... I saw the true extent of this scumbag."

The sheriff explained the situation at the mine.

"Oswald was hiding in the mine before we even got there. But instead of helping, he tried to kick us out."

"Kicked you out?"

Herbert's eyes widened.

"He said having so many people would draw the outlaws' attention. Then he ranted about it being Prospector Mining Company property—his property—and called me a trespasser. Of course, he changed his tune once he saw our guns."

The viewers grasped the context immediately.

― Loool, flexing to the bitter end

― Even a crap sheriff can't take it when his life's at stake!

― So with things falling out, he's completely splitting with Oswald, lol

― Feels more natural because the sheriff isn't suddenly some hero, haha

― True, if it were me, I'd have kicked him too

― Pretty sure even if you shot him on the spot, the miners would've cheered

― These AI are really impressive

Oswald was visibly flustered, almost frantic.

"Y-you! The sheriff here threatened me! Isn't that a crime!?"

"I see. Go ahead and arrest him,"

Herbert said, nodding. The Federal Marshals promptly bound Oswald.

"This is outrageous! I'm innocent!"

"All will be revealed in the investigation."

He continued to protest, but stood no chance against the strong-armed marshals. The sheriff from Rich Hills was also taken away.

― Justice served, so satisfying

― Lol, good riddance Oswald

-???: The troll's been dealt with! Keep it up!

― I can see the meme monkey dancing!

― Haha, this really is a wrap-up

Viewers were pleased with the resolution.

Herbert let out a sigh, shaking his head.

"Truly, there's no end to the problems here."

"Still, the most important ones are solved first."

Saul approached Lee Gyeongbok.

"Leave the Hired Gun interrogation to us. We'll get all the information we need."

"Understood."

Lee Gyeongbok offered a faint smile.

"Finally, we can get some solid leads."

He expected they'd now be able to track down the Hired Gun gang's trail.

― Once you've got a real gang member to interrogate, it's over, lol

― Revenge stacks building up!

-???: I'll show you the hatred I've harbored for ten thousand years!

― Godli-dan stepping in, what is this lol

― Truly, sensible Illidan-sensei

The viewers clearly felt the same way.

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