Chapter 44

Chapter 44 - Not Trafficking Humans, Am I?

The strange battle situation left Artoria somewhat puzzled. She had intended to leave a few opponents for Adrian to gain real combat experience, but now they were attacking each other.

Adrian had just dealt with his opponent when he saw five people jumping up simultaneously. He shook his head helplessly at Artoria, indicating that they could skip the formalities and take care of them.

Artoria swiftly incapacitated the five individuals who were about to target Tom, whose ability to draw hatred was truly unparalleled.

By now, Tom had positioned himself in front of Peterman, and in a swift series of strikes, he had pierced with his sword more than ten times, before sheathing it back on his waist.

Peterman was momentarily in a daze, as if a great swordsman had assaulted him with numerous attacks. When he realized it, he quickly patted his body all over.

To his astonishment, he found that aside from the bow being destroyed, he seemed entirely unhurt. In the next moment, he discovered that he was wrong. As his clothes fell off in a rustle, leaving only his underwear, his hat broke into pieces along with his once thick, black hair.

Tom's revenge was straightforward: if you damage my hat, I'll ruin your clothes; if you cut my hair, I'll shave your head. And he'd ensure not to hurt a single bit of your skin.

Thus, when Adrian's sword was pointed at Peterman's neck, he didn't even put up a fight.

Adrian looked at Peterman's shining bald head and considered that Tom was pretty good at cutting hair. Maybe he could get a haircut from him next time?

"Talk, why were you targeting us?"

Peterman squatted down obediently, with nine people lying on the ground in a life or death situation. He was the only one left unharmed, apart from losing some hair. Considering Artoria's speed in dispatching the five earlier, he was clearly no match. The tiger staring down this cat must have also contributed to his surrender. He looked at Adrian with a meaningful glance, but he knew better than to say it out loud. He could only answer the question honestly, "In fact, we were only after your cat. Someone offered a high price three days ago, but after seeing the two of you today, we thought we might as well make some extra money."

Considering the recent inquiries Adrian had been receiving, he had guessed this possibility. Tom's performances had significantly decreased. Now, to his surprise, they had hired human traffickers. "Oh? Who's the buyer?"

Peterman shook his head, "I don't know. When that person contacted us, they were wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a mask."

The attire sounded familiar. Hadn't the pudgy thug who looked like a translator said the same thing? Were troublemakers these days so cautious, or was it the same person?

Adrian's tone turned unfriendly, "You dared to take action without knowing who they were? Aren't you afraid they'll back out?"

Peterman explained, "Because although this sort of thing is common on this island, many still care about their reputation and prefer not to reveal their identity. And he gave us a one million berry deposit, so we felt it was worth taking the risk. Even if he reneges later, selling a unique item like this cat should be relatively easy."

Item? Upon hearing this, Tom looked displeased and was about to jab Peterman with his sword.

Peterman was quick to correct himself, "I mean, such an intelligent cat would surely be popular!"

Adrian pressed further, "So, after you succeed, how will you contact them?"

"He left me a Den Den Mushi number." Peterman looked a bit embarrassed as he searched through the pile of clothes on the ground, hoping the Den Den Mushi hadn't been destroyed.

"Very well." Catching the mastermind was the best scenario. Adrian asked, "Do you know what to do next?"

"Yes, I'll contact them immediately and inquire about the exchange location!" Peterman hesitated and added, "By the way... I don't suppose you're going to kill us?"

Adrian pondered, "Well... originally, I planned to just kill you. Traffickers like you deserve no sympathy."

Peterman's face turned grim, but he didn't dare to voice any objections. He knew how much people despised his line of work. However, since Adrian was offering options, he must have something to negotiate.

Indeed, Adrian continued, "But since you're cooperating, I can offer you two additional choices. The first is to send you to the human auction house. 'An eye for an eye' seems fair; you want to sell me, I'll sell you."

Peterman's face turned ashen. Being sold as a slave was worse than death, especially for someone like him—strong, with distinctive features, and knowledgeable about the trade. He was well aware he would fetch a high price, but he'd face even harsher treatment once he became a slave.

He realized he wouldn't receive any special treatment at the auction house. Adrian wouldn't spare him, so he awaited the second choice with a sense of dread.

"The second choice is for me to take a loss. I'll deliver you to the Marines in exchange for a bounty... Do you have bounties?"

"Yes! Yes! My bounty is 2 million berries, and those two guys have bounties of 800,000 and 600,000!" The possibility of surviving at the Marines had never seemed so

appealing to Peterman. He had always thought having a bounty was troublesome, but now he was thankful for it.

"Quite low!" Adrian couldn't help but comment. Anime made it seem like bounties were in the millions or even billions. He sighed, "Anyway, contact them. Don't make trouble for me."

"Alright." Peterman fumbled through the pile of clothes and found the surviving Den Den Mushi. He dialed the number the buyer had left.

Bubbling... bubbling... bubbling... click.

The call connected, but the other side remained silent.

Peterman had no choice but to initiate, "This is Peterman."

Apart from a new pair of sunglasses, the Den Den Mushi hadn't changed much. "Ah, it's you. How did the task I assigned you three days ago go?"

By emphasizing the time, the buyer likely intended to confirm Peterman's identity.

To Adrian, Tom, and Artoria, Peterman obediently replied, "The goods are ready. Where should we make the exchange?"