Raising My Trash Ability into a Broken SSS+ Rank Skill Chapter 636 Butcher

In the enveloping gloom, the team of ten pushed through five kilometers until they stood before an extensive suspension bridge.

Beneath it, the river lay encased in ice that looked fragile, while countless snow-draped vehicles dotted the structure.

"It seems this bridge stretches more than two kilometers. With the ice solidified now, crossing on foot might have worked, but in these bitter cold conditions, the ice is far too fragile." Vritra murmured as the group halted at the bridge's edge.

"Indeed, there could be perils lurking in the waters underneath, or perhaps it's swarming with mutants." Yasmine chimed in.

"Taking a longer route would cost us precious time." Fiona pointed out. This path offered their quickest way, yet an ominous vibe hung in the air.

"We'll cross it under the cover of night."

Following their brief council, the decision was made to traverse the bridge.

Snow blanketed the vehicles entirely, making the passage across surprisingly straightforward.

Shrouded by the enveloping shadows, they advanced onto the gently rocking bridge.

Numerous mutants lay frozen amid the drifts, though a few posed real threats.

'I require superior gear. Doesn't the Sin Wheel hold anything worthwhile?' he pondered. Perhaps expending additional points was necessary.

CRACK

Mere moments after covering about a hundred meters, a subtle snap of fracturing bone echoed, revealing two mutants gnawing on a human's remains.

With a resigned breath, Vritra employed blood manipulation to burst their brains apart.

{Sin Point Gained: Killed a Mutant +52}

{Sin Point Gained: Killed a Mutant +57}

"Haa, heights terrify me so much…" Monk Shit-Sonia whispered, gripping Onest tightly.

That explained his aversion to aerial travel.

"Would you opt for trudging across that ice instead?" Vritra queried with a grin.

"Ah, n-no, this will do just fine." Shit-Sonia shook his head at once. The river's depths appeared utterly horrifying.

Fear eluded him in most things, yet ample wickedness awaited his deeds.

How could he abandon this realm to the careless grasp of others?

The group proceeded with utmost care, and after nearly a kilometer, no incidents arose.

"Perhaps our concerns were unfounded. What could possibly go wro-" Onest began, eyeing the serene span.

Yet Vritra swiftly hushed him.

"Don't tempt fate. Should trouble strike, you'll be the first one I toss overboard." He cautioned firmly. Superstition was the final burden he desired.

Onest swallowed hard and agreed. Vritra's uncanny fortune for chaos had slipped his mind. He attracted disasters like a lodestone.

'Damn, I nearly doomed us all.' Sweat beaded on Onest's brow.

Heightened vigilance gripped Vritra as he dispatched several more mutants en route, ensuring utter quiet prevailed.

'I expected a denser mutant presence here, but the bridge feels unusually deserted. Has prior clearance occurred?'

…

Most of the bridge lay behind them now, with just a quarter remaining.

The distant city loomed into sight. A bit more effort, and they could complete the crossing without disturbance.

Grrrr… Grrrr…

Suddenly, heavy rasping breaths filled the air, drawing their eyes to a massive snow-shrouded mutant sprawled across the bridge.

It slumbered deeply, its frame vastly outsized, surpassing even the beast they'd encountered earlier.

Buried under thick snow, the creature's form proved difficult to discern clearly.

Its neck extended remarkably long, though its build remained slender. Fortunately, ample room allowed them to slip past.

Shh…

Vritra signaled the others silently. Engaging this monstrosity was impossible, least of all in this spot.

'It seems a sound sleeper. Detection shouldn't occur.'

Steadying his pounding heart, Vritra clasped Teresa's and Yasmine's hands.

Their steps turned painstakingly slow, pace dragging to a crawl.

"D-Did you feel that, husband?" Teresa breathed, sensing subtle tremors through the bridge.

"Yes, approach is imminent." Vritra retreated toward the bridge's edge railing.

Within minutes, a recognizable carriage emerged into view.

'No, it differs from the last, yet they hail from the identical faction.' Vritra assessed.

Over five wolves hauled the hefty conveyance, laden with abundant provisions.

Despite its swift pace, no sounds emanated from it.

Absent those mild quakes, the group would have overlooked its arrival entirely.

Within, a leather-clad man resembling a butcher, broad and imposing, lounged with a woman perched on his knee.

"Boss, Dover's regions are mostly plundered by us, and the rest falls under powerful factions' control." A subordinate reported.

Besides the butcher and the woman, three additional men occupied the space.

The woman appeared anxious, uneasy, and terrified.

Barely past her early twenties, her beauty shone, a dire flaw amid the end times.

"Then we target the next city for spoils. The thrill never fades, haha." The leader bellowed, his fingers tracing her thighs.

"We're approaching the dormant mutant leader now." The wolf handler announced.

"Press on. My sound manipulation renders us impervious." The butcher declared.

His rugged look had earned him that moniker.

Moments later, a carriage occupant scowled and interjected, "Boss, I detect multiple presences nearby. Nine in total."

"Oh? Yet visibility eludes me." The chief rose above the seating to peer through the roof hatch, beholding only night and flakes.

"They lurk concealed in this vicinity." The sensor affirmed.

His power pinpointed them distinctly.

The carriage halted.

Empowering his skill, the butcher locked eyes on the indicated location and called out.

"Hey folks, why skulk in shadows? Emerge and say hello. Or does fear hold you back?"

Vritra's brow furrowed. This fellow spelled danger. The leathered man schemed overtly.

Emerging from obscurity, Vritra demanded coolly, "What's your intent?"

'What? Him as well? My senses missed him entirely. Immense strength!' The detector reeled. The other nine registered, but Vritra evaded detection.

He relayed this urgently to his superior.

"Haha, care for a lift to your destination? I wager Linden calls you too. Join our journey." The butcher offered.

"No need. The remaining stretch is short. I'll proceed on foot." Vritra countered, face tightening.

"Regardless, who accompanies you in hiding, friend? Craving sustenance? Or-" The butcher grinned widely.

"No. Depart at once." Crimson liquid swirled menacingly around Vritra.

"Easy there, friend. No intent to clash. We're off, rest assured." He laughed lightly, signaling onward.

The wolves resumed pull, propelling the carriage away.

As distance grew, Vritra exhaled deeply in relief.

Scoundrels infested this wasteland.

Yet before resuming their trek, the butcher's distant yell pierced the air.

"Friend, shall I gift you this lady?

Witness my goodwill. Accept this token as we part. May it bring you pleasure."

With those words, he slashed the woman's throat using a blade and hurled her corpse onto the bridge, the carriage vanishing swiftly.

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