First kill

A few hours earlier.

Rose was making a late lunch while listening to Arnold's plan.

"It's quite complicated, but I'm sure you're capable of doing this. We have been accused of using Corpse Fertilization, so why not turn it around?"

Rose blushed and giggled as her first man complimented her and said 'we'.

Of course, she was so easily excited because this evil man was using his Persuade and Flatter skills on her at all times.

"But how to turn it around?

Rose finally reacted and asked.

"We make corpse fertilizer on their turf then take the initiative. And by initiative, I mean we need to contact the Cathedral."

As Arnold spoke, poor Rose grew pale and lost her appetite. She thought Arnold didn't know what he was talking about and got angry.

"Y-you cannot be serious. Why would we make corpse fertilizer? And how?!"

Arnold was unfazed. He silently stared at his new lover, and she stared back, not to be outdone in this silent power play.

In this fashion, the minutes passed and their lunch almost burned.

…

Rose balked. She couldn't bear that intense gaze and fearfully turned away to check on the food.

Arnold secretly wiped his sweat.

'Damn it, that was close.'

He really, really didn't want the food to burn. After eating trash for so long, he was starving for delicious food.

Some time later, lunch was ready. Arnold set the table and Rose served the dishes, looking like a harmonious couple. In reality, they hadn't known each other for long and already had a fight; Arnold was embarrassed.

"I understand your doubts, but this is actually the safest way to escape suspicion. Now that the forbidden words 'Corpse Fertilization' have spread, in the pea-sized brains of the clergy, they need to find the fertilizer no matter what."

Rose cutely puffed her cheeks.

"But, it's a groundless rumor! There won't necessarily be corpse fertilizer anywhere."

"Ha! In the first place, they always believe that there is no smoke without fire, and that people are guilty until proven otherwise. You know that."

The young woman finally fell silent.

It was precisely because she knew that, that she had been so scared.

"Simply put, we have to kill someone who has a lot of hatred in his heart, make corpse fertilizer and bury it in your uncle's backyard. The Cathedral will take care of the rest."

Rose was shocked out of her mind. She hated her uncle, but was she capable of going this far? And how could this young man utter these terrifying words so calmly?

Were Class Holders that different from normal people?

Arnold ignored the depressed girl for a moment as he focused all of his attention on his meal.

'Isn't this rotisserie chicken? Mashed potatoes, grilled corn, and there's even strawberry juice. Oh my word, I've been blessed by the Devils. I should be nicer to Rose.'

After he sampled a few dishes, Arnold couldn't take it anymore.

"Delicious! Best meal of my life! You're the best, Rosaliiiind."

He then abandoned the ustensiles in favor of his much quicker hands, and proceeded to gorge himself as he praised the cook.

Rose was speechless.

…

Back to the present.

Rose trembled with fear when she had to kill a person for the first time, and Arnold also clenched his fist.

Stonehead Hubert glanced at the two hooded figures in front of him and scoffed.

"Some brats still wet behind their ears shouldn't be here. Leave now before I, hik, change my mind and, hik, teach ya a lesson."

The poor bastard resumed drinking and seemed to forget about the two kids.

They frowned. Arnold noticed that the man acted drunk and careless, but his muscles were tense and he kept the bottle of alcohol in his hand.

'This could be dangerous.'

He pushed Rose back and handed her his robe, eyes narrowed.

Stonehead Hubert clicked his tongue.

"Shit, you're actually a damn kid. Even kids get to look down on me now, huh?!"

The strong man stood up and cracked his knuckles.

Stonehead Hubert was taller, heavier and stronger than him, and Arnold had no experience in combat.

But he had to do this. Helping Rose was only a bonus, his real goal had always been far loftier and more difficult to achieve.

'I might die.'

He thought and smirked.

Arnold fixed his posture and silently charged at his target.

Sensing danger, Stonehead Hubert moved at the same time, barely dodging the approaching fist.

Arnold then activated his Advanced Beggar skill, Brawl.

[Brawl: Enhance fighting capabilities. Useful for fist fights and street brawling.]

Suddenly, a much faster second punch came from Stonehead Hubert's blind angle. His pupils widened as the fist connected with his jaw.

"Kuah!"

Unfortunately, Arnold wasn't strong enough. His full force made Hubert fall back a single step, then he swung his bottle at Arnold's head.

The young man barely dodged and closed in on his target again.

As they fought, both Arnold and Hubert focused entirely on their opponent.

Unfortunately, Stonehead Hubert forgot that he had two enemies. By the time he noticed someone behind him, the tip of a kitchen knife was already protruding from his stomach.

Rose stumbled back to the wall behind her. She kept looking at her bloody hands in disbelief.

"What… what have I done?"

The crimson blood was coagulating and spilling on the floor.

"A-ah, urg."

The young woman leaned over and lost her lunch, heaving and retching.

…

Unfortunately, Arnold could only spare her a glance. He had to focus on the rapidly dying man in front of him.

The main ingredient for corpse fertilizer was a fresh corpse of someone filled with grudges and hatred.

He wasn't sure Stonehead Hubert qualified for this position, but the generous Arnold would help.

He approached his target for the final time.

"Should I call you Stonehead Hubert, or Trent Baker?"

The dying man resisted the pain and looked at Arnold, shocked. Soon enough that shock became rage as he hurled himself at the young man.

"Graaaah! Scum, trash, bastard! Did that son of a bitch La Fayette send you to get rid of me? Didn't I beg and apologize to him? Why do this? Tell me WHY?!"

The bloody Trent moved like a beast as he tried to punch Arnold.

Thankfully, he had lost too much blood to be a threat.

But Arnold didn't want the commotion to get too big, otherwise they would get caught by the guards.

"Just shut up!"

He swiftly grabbed the nearby bottle, activated Brawl and smashed his opponent's head. That turned out to be the last straw.

Trent Baker died tragically.

…

Arnold collapsed and caught his breath. He turned to his accomplice and realized she was still throwing up.

At the same time.

[Alignment : Neutral Evil]

He now had to avoid the guards at all cost.