https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-88-Path-of-the-Crimson-Scales-1-/13676229/
Chapter 87 – The Second Meeting
Singo, Stuffed Bun, Tian Sheng Zhan Kuang, and Xia Ye Qiu Yu once again gathered in the plaza. No longer mocked as the "Black Slave Four," they now stood as figures of controversy—so much so that even some Players harbored resentment toward them.
Peacekeeper was relatively harmless—its role was simply to apprehend criminals and prevent newbies from being stripped bare by high-level thieves, maintaining basic order within Bathor City. But Singo? His position as Tax Collector was another story entirely.
During his tenure, Singo had been relentless—constantly proposing new policies, suggesting a range of taxes including Property Tax, Income Tax, and Guild Tax. Many of his ideas were adopted, significantly boosting Bathor City’s treasury. And naturally, he collected a healthy share of the profits, earning himself the unflattering nickname: Xin Bapi—"Xin the Skinflint."
The Guild Tax, in particular, had drawn intense fury. It required each Guild to pay a larger percentage of their collective income. As a result, Guild members began openly confronting him, even staging picket lines outside his residence.
Stuffed Bun, clad in his Constable Uniform, stared at Singo with a mix of disbelief and concern. "Dude, you’ve been running wild lately—how dare you show up in the plaza? Don’t you fear an assassination?"
Tian Sheng Zhan Kuang, stroking his bald head, chuckled. "Didn’t the former leader of Royal Power threaten to paint your face on the City Wall?"
Singo crossed his arms, utterly confident. "No worries. I’ve struck a Tax Non-Experience Points Expansion Pact with them. I won’t submit the new third tax proposal, and in return, they leave me alone—just pay their taxes normally. Peaceful coexistence."
His voice trembled with excitement. "So, how’s your Faction Contribution? I’m already at thirty-one thousand."
"Thirty-one thousand?!"
"Wait—what?!"
Stuffed Bun blinked, convinced he’d misheard.
Singo waved a dismissive hand, feigning nonchalance. "Raising Bathor City’s tax revenue by 600% in a month? This contribution isn’t even excessive."
Stuffed Bun whistled. "No wonder they’re trying to burn down your door. You’re basically stealing food right out of other people’s mouths."
Xia Ye Qiu Yu spoke up. "I’m at twelve thousand seven hundred, but I was leaning toward the Dragonblood Sorcerer path. Still, the Half-Dragon Template looks too ugly. So I’ve switched to Third-Rank Sorcerer instead."
Singo scoffed. "Hmph. Looks don’t matter when strength is on the table."
Xia Ye Qiu Yu’s eyebrows shot up in irritation.
Tian Sheng Zhan Kuang scratched his head sheepishly. "I’m a bit afraid of heights, so I just bought the Half-Dragon Transformation boon. No need for Flight Mount or anything flashy."
Stuffed Bun gaped. "Dude… you’re afraid of heights?"
Singo couldn’t resist teasing. "Yet you were swinging that ship-cleaving greatsword in zero gravity, slicing up enemy capital ships like it was nothing."
Tian Sheng Zhan Kuang rubbed his head, grinning. "Out in space, you can’t see the ground below—no fear. But when I started re-entering the atmosphere and saw the planet’s surface getting closer… yeah, that’s when my knees started shaking."
Stuffed Bun: "..."
After a long pause, he finally said, "My Contribution Value is twelve thousand five hundred. That should be enough to buy the Crimson Scales Token."
His voice trembled with excitement—he’d been waiting for this moment for far too long.
Singo pulled out a pre-prepared invitation letter. The ink on it still burned with a ferociously vivid flame.
"Alright… it’s time. Harvest time."
"Let’s go."
They entered a secluded, secure chamber and activated the [Mysterious Invitation Letter].
Singo had been wise to prepare in advance. This letter had become a legendary item on the Black Market, now valued at nearly a hundred gold coins—and most copies were held by wealthy, powerful Guilds. For a solo Player to obtain one? Nearly impossible.
[Confirm usage of the Mysterious Invitation!]
As expected, the familiar Flame Portal opened, followed by the narrow, dark corridor. The four had grown accustomed to the journey.
"Got your lines ready?"
"Yeah. Unlike you, I’m not dumb enough to waste Favor Level on a careless slip."
"Hey, that was your fault!"
As torches flared to life, a mysterious Sorcerer—half dragon, half human—appeared at the end of the passage.
Kai Xiusu spoke in the smooth, deliberate tone of a Non-Player Character:
"Ah… it is a pleasure to see you again, brave souls from the unknown realms. Have you completed the tasks I assigned?"
Singo stepped forward, calm and composed.
"Yes, Master Kai Xiusu. The blood-soaked tears of the Tieflings have been unveiled. I believe those hypocritical elites will soon face the consequences they deserve."
"Excellent work," Kai Xiusu murmured, giving a slight nod. His golden eyes gave nothing away. The others nodded in unison.
Stuffed Bun whispered urgently: "Hurry up—this invitation must have a time limit."
Singo waved it off. "Don’t you understand profit maximization? Clinging to the faction leader’s coat tails is how you win big in the next mission."
Still, he didn’t hesitate. He opened the Shop Interface.
"Master Kai Xiusu, I’d like to purchase some gear."
Hunting Longbow – Increases damage against beast-type creatures. When aiming, applies Hunter’s Mark, which enhances accuracy and deals continuous extra damage. Price: 80 gold coins.
"I’ll take it."
Singo winced visibly as he handed over the coins—but he did it anyway.
Ring of Burning – Each weapon strike inflicts additional, stackable Fire damage. Price: 40 gold coins.
"Got it."
He gritted his teeth. "Shuddering Scales Armor" – +3 to Armor Class. On hit, has a chance to apply the Shuddering Static effect to the enemy. Price: 100 gold coins.
"I’ll take it!" Singo dumped his overstuffed coin pouch onto the table. The clinking sound of gold echoed through the chamber—painfully familiar to him.
Kai Xiusu took the coins, casually rummaging through his Dimensional Sack before pulling out the three items, glowing with a potent magical aura.
"Here they are. Yours."
The others held their breath. It wasn’t just magic shimmering in the air—it felt like pure money radiating from the gear.
Stuffed Bun stared, dumbfounded. "No way… Hardcore Player, did you rob a bank?"
"How the hell did you get this much gold?"
Singo, now holding his gear, patted his nearly empty wallet with a wry smile. "This much gold? Pfft. Easy."
"Every time I collect extra taxes, I get a commission. And here—this is your compensation from last time, plus the Favor Level balance."
Ping!
With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the Ring of Burning like a coin. Stuffed Bun lunged forward, catching it mid-air—fearful of damaging the priceless item.
"Combined, that’s over two hundred gold coins…"
"No wonder the Guilds want to kill you. You’re not a Tax Collector—you’re a money thief."
Stuffed Bun shook his head in awe.
The Ring of Burning was, without question, a God-tier item for early-game Warriors. It added raw, no-BS Fire damage—useful in both melee and ranged combat.
Still, as he held the ring, its fiery glow pulsing faintly in his palm, he couldn’t help but think: Hardcore Player may be a complete jerk—arrogant, arrogant, never gives anyone a break—but at least he’s not entirely unbearable.
(End of Chapter)
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