CHAPTER 53: WHERE’S YOUR RESPECT?

"Nice to meet you, Edward. I’m Chaewon Smith. Thank you for the offer, but Heaven Village is one of the safest zones on Gravehaven Isle," Chaewon said, polite to the younger man.

She’d memorized everyone in the top ten.

Chaewon Smith? Isn’t she higher ranked than me? No wonder she looks so fine.

He stared openly at her.

Oh man. If I could get my hands on her...

He imagined crude things. Indeed, Edward Sawyer was a virgin.

Behind Chaewon, Alex smirked. He hadn’t seen anyone openly hit on Chaewon or make it so obvious. Edward Sawyer wanted to snatch the Queen of Don Capo’s Sixteen, and someone Ace was surely interested in too.

Will you let that slide, Don Capo?

Edward didn’t give up. "Yeah, but it’s your first time here. I can show you around."

"Thank you, but there’s no need," Chaewon said with a polite smile.

"I insist," Edward said.

Ace cut in. "Give up, Edward. You can’t handle her, especially with the way you stare at weak Rankers."

Edward turned and glared at Ace.

Why did I say that out loud? Pointless to piss off an influential Ranker here. Chaewon was handling it. Stick to the goal. He sighed inwardly.

"I don’t know what you’re talking about," Edward said, giving Ace a chance to walk it back.

"You’re mad people outside Heaven Village figured out how to survive with the village’s help. Otherwise, why do you look like you ate shit? Maybe you hate hardworking people, but I doubt it," Ace pressed.

Edward flushed; a stranger was dragging his secrets into the open.

Ace knew a few things about Edward Sawyer. In his first life, he’d asked a high Ranker why no one checked Edward’s contempt for weak Rankers, especially women he treated worse than slaves. One scar, and he tossed them out like trash.

The answer had been simple: We need his strength.

Apparently it was his upbringing. I don’t know the details.

Edward looked around. No one was within earshot.

He whispered, "I wouldn’t care if they set up camp near the Rank One’s camp or somewhere else. They don’t contribute to our society, and they plan to leech off it. You think that’s nice, dude?"

"It’s not ’dude.’ It’s Mr. Ace Avalanche," Ace said. "Ever heard of social programs? Welfare? You’re building society the wrong way. Don’t worry, I’m already on it."

"We don’t need your help or ideals," Edward said, face twisted. "I get it now. Chaewon Smith is with Ace Avalanche. You chose him. Fine. Your choice. It’s a waste, though. You’re throwing your potential at a guy who mingles with useless Rankers who are nothing more than cannon fodder."

Chaewon scowled. "You’re making this worse. You can’t keep your lust in your pants. Someone like you can’t handle an ambitious woman, let alone a society built on strength. Do yourself a favor and rethink your values. I’m done with you for now."

Without another word, Chaewon brushed past Edward Sawyer and was the first to enter Heaven Village. Ace smirked and walked after her.

Stopping beside Edward, he murmured, "What’s attractive in a woman who can’t protect herself?"

Maybe that will push him to chase someone as strong as him rather than grab and dump women like he did in my first life.Anything more would sound like pointless blabber.

The others followed Ace and Chaewon into Heaven Village.

Edward stayed at Heaven Village’s entrance, his face tight with anger. No one approached. For a few minutes, he didn’t move.

Inside, a community built on strength and merit unfolded. Rankers teamed up for hunts. Pawns returned from scouting or prepped to head out and map more of Gravehaven Isle.

Others simply sat to catch their breath.

A first batch of houses, solid brown brick with windows layered with sheets, had already been claimed. No one knew what went on inside, but the Rankers who had them were learning the value of privacy.

Alex chuckled. "Godmother, you didn’t hear it, but Don Capo used your line."

"Hmm? What words?" Chaewon turned to him.

"He asked Edward what’s attractive in a woman who can’t protect herself." Alex’s grin widened.

Chaewon blushed and looked up at Ace. He met her gaze and smiled back.

Ace took the lead, motioning for the group to follow.

The run‑in with Edward had been an unpleasant surprise. He wanted his people to see the good side of Heaven Village and meet someone he genuinely respected.

"Someone a big bro can vouch for?" Mercer asked, curious.

Ace nodded. "He doesn’t know us yet, but he has a good eye, like Hunter. Come."

It wasn’t a long walk. On the next street, Ace spotted the familiar one-story house, now a weapon store, with lines of Rankers waiting to get in. A man’s voice boomed from inside, scolding a customer and drawing wry smiles.

"How many times do I have to spell this out? Black Umi are slow and weak. Thin blades and fancy rapiers are bad against the undead. You break bones or you take heads. For Black Umi, take a long spear with a stout head. Keep them at reach, ankle or knee, then the neck. Done."

"Uh, I’m not sure I can handle a spear."

"They ran into skeletons recently, didn’t they? Then take a mace. Swing hard until the bones crack. Blunt beats bone."

"Yeah! I heard skeletons are even weaker than Black Umi or Hollow Woods! But mace? Eh..."

Commotion broke out outside the store.

A man cut the line and walked in.

[Rank One Ace Avalanche.]

"He’s telling you each monster needs a different weapon. Not everyone’s a jack-of-all-trades. If you’re struggling to advance in this Hell, pick one weapon and one monster type. Master them. You’ll contribute more and raise your odds of survival."

Seeing Ace’s name and rank, the uncertain customer nodded quickly. He made his choice, paid in potions, and scurried out.

The shop owner sighed and dropped into his chair.

"You’re Rank One for a reason, I see. Still, cutting the line? Where’s your respect for everyone else?"