Chapter 205: Wind-Sweeping Broom, Trading for Information

Chapter 205: Chapter 205: Wind-Sweeping Broom, Trading for Information

The sewer rat was killed.

"I hit it! Big brother! I did it!"

Nathan Gallo stared at his accomplishment, unable to hide his excitement.

The hand gripping the broom trembled slightly with exhilaration.

He turned to look at Graham Gallo, his eyes filled with anticipation, seeking approval.

A hint of approval appeared on Graham Gallo’s face.

He walked over and ruffled Nathan’s hair. "Nice work, Nathan."

His tone was filled with relief, but he didn’t let his guard down completely.

After reassuring his brother, he turned fully to fix his gaze on Seraphina Sullivan, who had been standing by and watching silently the whole time.

His expression grew cautious. Although he didn’t raise the Metal broom in his hands, he held it in a stance ready to react to any sudden developments.

Nathan’s gaze followed his brother’s to Seraphina. His excitement faded, replaced by a mixture of curiosity and wariness in his eyes.

The air seemed to freeze for a moment.

Compared to the two brothers’ unconcealed caution and vigilance, Seraphina’s attention was drawn to the peculiar "weapons" in their hands.

Using brooms as primary combat weapons in these ruins was, by any measure, exceedingly strange.

Unless... the brooms themselves were anything but ordinary.

With a flicker of thought, she silently activated the [Item Identification] Ability of her Analysis Glasses.

Her gaze focused on the Metal broom in Graham Gallo’s hands.

[Wind Cleaning Broom]

Effect: Constructed from a Lightweight Alloy and special Energy-conducting fiber, with a built-in miniature Wind Rune Array. Significantly enhances the power and Effect of the "Broom Cleaning Three Forms" Martial Arts, with an extra bonus for "Wind Sweep" type Skills. Possesses a basic cleaning function.

After reading the brief description, Seraphina nodded in understanding.

’So that’s how it is. This broom isn’t an ordinary cleaning tool, but a "specialized weapon" designed for their unique Martial Arts.’

’It even incorporates "rune" technology that seems to surpass conventional science or understanding.’

This made her even more curious about the background setting of this instance world.

’What kind of special instance is this Junkheap Ruins apocalypse dungeon?’

But in the brief moment she spent identifying the broom,

Graham Gallo, standing opposite her, clearly misinterpreted her silence and stare.

He took Seraphina’s scrutiny as some kind of malicious assessment. The Anti-Poison Mask that concealed all her expressions only added to her mysterious and dangerous air.

He took a deep breath and was the first to speak, deliberately keeping his voice steady in an attempt to defuse any potential conflict.

"This... friend,"

He used a neutral term, as Seraphina’s gear and build made it difficult for him to determine her Gender.

"We’re just out here in the Junkheap Ruins looking for some mutated animals to practice our Martial Arts on. We have no intention of making an enemy of you."

He paused, his tone carrying a hint of imperceptible resignation and sincerity.

"Besides, we don’t have any food or valuables on us, so... please don’t attack us."

This statement, which was practically a show of weakness, deeply puzzled Seraphina.

In a post-apocalyptic environment where the law of the jungle reigned, proactively revealing one’s "harmlessness" and "poverty" was usually not a wise move.

It was like telling a robber, "I don’t have any money, so don’t waste your energy," which could sometimes provoke an even worse reaction.

She also noticed that the young man named Nathan shrank back slightly as his brother spoke, gripping his broom tighter, his eyes betraying obvious fear.

He whispered to Graham Gallo, his voice trembling:

"Brother, you don’t think this person is... a Scavenger Thug, do you?"

"Shut up!" Graham Gallo immediately hissed, cutting his brother off.

His tone was stern, but he didn’t dare take his eyes off Seraphina for a second.

Although, he too felt that this well-equipped person before them bore some resemblance to the rumored "Scavenger Thugs" who roamed the ruins preying on the weak.

Especially that cold, unapproachable aura.

Although Seraphina didn’t know what "Scavenger Thug" specifically meant in this world, judging by the brothers’ reactions, it was clearly a detestable existence.

She needed information, and these two were her only source at the moment.

She couldn’t let them run away or start a fight out of excessive fear.

"I’m not a Scavenger Thug."

Seraphina clarified.

The Anti-Poison Mask made her voice sound a bit deep and distorted.

But it was still possible to distinguish a female tone.

Sure enough, upon hearing she was female, the tension in Graham Gallo’s shoulders eased almost imperceptibly.

In his experience, there were very few lone female operatives among the vicious Scavenger Thug gangs, especially not one whose voice didn’t sound menacing.

To further show her goodwill, she wrapped her black whip around her waist and held out her open hands, signaling that she had no intention of attacking.

Then she slowly took a few steps closer, maintaining a distance that was both non-threatening and good for clear conversation.

"As it happens, I have some questions for you,"

Seraphina said in a calm tone. "I won’t ask for your help for free. I can offer payment."

As she spoke, she feigned taking something from her jacket pocket, but actually retrieved it from her personal Space.

It was a small, individually wrapped box of mints.

In her opinion, in an environment like this, pulling out bread or bottled water would be too conspicuous.

It could attract unnecessary trouble. This unopened, sweet little snack, on the other hand, felt special without being as coveted as a staple food.

However, Seraphina had completely underestimated the rarity and allure that "candy" represented in this world shrouded by pollution and despair.

The shiny plastic wrapper seemed to glow against the bleak backdrop.

Almost simultaneously, the eyes of the two brothers, Graham and Nathan Gallo, were drawn to the box of candy as if by a magnet!

Beneath his mask, Nathan’s mouth moved involuntarily, and the sound of him swallowing his saliva was clearly audible.

He excitedly tugged on Graham Gallo’s sleeve, his voice trembling with delight.

"Brother! It’s candy! It’s actually candy!"

Even the relatively composed Graham Gallo’s breathing quickened noticeably, his eyes filled with incredulous desire.

This small payment had clearly far exceeded their expectations, and it instantly changed the nature of the conversation.

The surprise in Graham Gallo’s eyes lasted only a moment before being replaced by an even deeper wariness.

Far from relaxing because she had offered "candy," he pulled his brother Nathan more protectively behind him, his gaze fixed on Seraphina with even greater caution.

"This... lady," Graham Gallo’s voice was even more strained than before.

"Such a high-grade item... just to exchange for some information?"

In his experience, in a place like the Junkheap Ruins where even clean water was scarce, a complete, sealed package of candy was valuable enough to make small groups take desperate risks.

But for her to offer it just for information... something was very wrong.