The Supermarket System

Chapter 20: 20. Catching firebirds

As a former hitman, Kai still remembered how to move silently and leave no trace. Especially now that his body was small and light.

The three firebirds in question looked truly extraordinary.

They flew about ten meters above the ground, but Kai could see their shapes clearly.

The firebirds were about the size of a toddler, their feathers glowing a yellowish-red like fire. But despite their striking appearance, the three firebirds flew quietly around the forest behind the pavilion. Almost without a sound, so it was no wonder no one heard the monster’s cry.

Keith had once said that bird monsters, whether large or small, all share one thing in common. Namely, they can make a loud noise when cornered. That sound is so loud it can rupture eardrums.

So, Kai was careful to defeat the firebirds quietly without making a loud noise.

Besides, Kai didn’t want any commotion.

"Those birds are edible, right? Not as big as stone birds, but there are three of them... hmm—I’ve got a great idea." Kai grinned, pulling out all the daggers he’d just bought.

Kai climbed one of the large trees and sat on the biggest, most comfortable branch.

From up there, he could clearly see the firebirds’ movements. But before he did anything, he decided to take photos and record a video, as a keepsake.

It wasn’t every day he got to see firebirds that beautiful.

Three daggers were now in Kai’s hands. He sharpened his focus, aiming for the back of the head or the neck, as those were the weakest points.

Kai threw all three daggers at once, with complete confidence. He forgot that he now had a different body—smaller, with weaker hands.

But at least two of the birds were hit perfectly. As soon as the daggers struck the back of their necks, the flames on their bodies went out. Both fell hard to the ground.

The third one also fell, but since only its leg was hit by a dagger, it was injured.

Kai cursed under his breath, then quickly descended to approach the three firebirds.

Kai immediately bought the strongest, largest iron birdcage and placed the injured bird inside.

It was the birdcage Kai had bought from the magic tower—one where anyone inside could not cast any magic.

[You have successfully hunted a firebird! You have received a healing magic element as a reward]

[For now, you can perform basic healing magic; you can continue learning to improve rapidly]

Using the healing magic he had just acquired, Kai healed the firebird’s leg injury. Then, Kai put the bird to sleep so it wouldn’t have to witness its two companions being slaughtered and turned into food.

Accompanied by the light emitted by Nini, Kai slaughtered the two firebirds, collected their meat and feathers, then carried everything back to the pavilion.

Upon reaching the pavilion, Kai was greeted by Keith, who had just rushed out from inside.

"Young Master! Goodness, I thought you— wait, what is that, Young Master?" Keith asked in confusion, his eyes widening in disbelief at the sight of a large firebird in a cage, then Kai also showed him the firebird’s meat and feathers.

"Young master—"

"I couldn’t sleep, Keith, and then these birds were flying over that forest... I was worried they’d drop their feathers and set the forest on fire. Aren’t they monsters too? They can’t break through the defenses Father set up, but I’m still worried," Kai said, in as innocent a tone as possible so Keith wouldn’t get angry at him.

Keith, who was confused, surprised, and worried all at once, couldn’t say a word. He simply approached Kaileon and hugged him tightly.

"Oh, thank goodness you’re all right, young master... but how did you catch these firebirds? They’re incredibly agile in flight, and they also shoot fire from their bodies," asked Keith after releasing his embrace. Now Keith looked at Kai seriously, gripping his shoulders tightly.

"I threw daggers at them, Keith," Kai replied, still using that childlike, innocent tone—a deliberate choice on his part.

Kai just didn’t want people to think he was great just because of that. Kai wanted Keith to think that what he did was an incredible coincidence. But he forgot that Keith couldn’t be fooled by that innocent, guileless look.

However, rather than make a scene, Keith chose to keep all that to himself for later.

"All right, young master, let’s go inside. It’s cold out here; you’ll catch a cold—oh, don’t forget to change your clothes. Let me carry all that," said Keith.

Kai nodded and immediately entered the pavilion.

"Okay, Keith, I’m going to my room now. I’m sleepy."

Keith looked back at the firebird sleeping in its large cage, then his gaze shifted to the firebird’s meat.

"It seems Young Master Kaileon is beginning to awaken his powers. No wonder the Duchess is so worried that Young Master Kaileon might seize the throne... but—" Keith didn’t finish his sentence, as he grew increasingly worried, yet also deeply proud.

"Ugh, I don’t need to think about this." ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com

***

"KAILEON, I’M HERE!"

Kai let out a heavy sigh. He had just finished preparing the spices he was going to use to cook the firebird meat when that loud voice suddenly rang out.

It was Laura’s voice. But Luca and Justine’s voices could be heard as well.

Sure enough, the three of them had suddenly appeared in the kitchen even though Kaileon hadn’t even come out to greet them yet.

"I heard you can cook something delicious, Kaileon. By the way, I want the cold food you gave me yesterday!" Laura said, still with the same arrogant tone as yesterday.

Kai cleared his throat briefly, then smiled at the girl, "You forgot to say ’please’... that’s the basic thing when asking someone else."

Laura smiled dismissively, "Why would I say something like that? I’m—"

"Then I won’t give you anything you want, Laura. I’m not your servant, just so you know. Oh, but you can still get it if you pay—one plate of food costs one large gold coin," Kai said.

Laura’s eyes widened. "How dare you speak to me like that! You’re just a concubine’s son!"

Laura thought that when she said that, Kaileon would get angry or scared and just obey her. But what happened next was different from what the girl had imagined.

Kaileon just laughed, then said, "I am the son of a concubine... but have you forgotten who my father is? Besides, you’re on my property—this is my house, and you’re just a guest. So act politely if you want anything from me, or do you want me to kick you out? Don’t you see the firebird out there?"

Hearing that, Justine and Luca became excited.

"We saw it!" Luca exclaimed. free𝑤ebnovel.com

"It’s huge! Did you catch it?" Justine chimed in.

"Huh, a weakling like him could never catch a firebird! He’d probably struggle just to catch a slime," said Laura, though Kai didn’t listen to her.

Kai was focused only on Luca and Justine. "That’s right, I caught it last night. There were three of them; I’ve already butchered two. Look at all that meat! I’m going to cook all that meat and share it with the kids at the orphanage and the less fortunate residents. I heard they hardly ever get to eat well. Do you guys want to help distribute it later?"

Justine and Luca cheered with excitement; they were eager to join in whatever Kai planned to do.

Meanwhile, Laura was confused by what she heard.

"Did I hear that right? You’re cooking for the common people? Have you lost your mind?"

Kai turned back to the girl and replied.

"Isn’t it a noble’s duty to figure out how the people in their domain can eat well? I’m just helping my father, who is the Duke of this region." Kai emphasized every word, leaving the girl speechless. She felt embarrassed by how eloquent Kai was.