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Chapter 35: Tactics
After sincerely giving the black goat a thumbs-up, Leon quietly calculated its situation and realized that its title as a Greater Demon might not be entirely baseless.
At present, the black goat—or rather, the [Demon Horns]—was only 5% recovered, yet its Contamination Value was already at 0.4.
If the [Demon Horns] were to reach 100% recovery, their Contamination Value would likely soar to 8, surpassing even the red-haired chief’s [Love Without Memory] by a full point.
And if all seven anomalies of the "demon set" were gathered, it would amount to 7 multiplied by 8—a staggering total Contamination Value of 56!
The [Love Without Memory], with its mere Contamination Value of 7, could erase the memories of tens of thousands of people when used effectively. So just how powerful would a complete "demon set" with a total Contamination Value of 56 be?
"If I get the chance, I’ll try to look for them."
Whether this was a promise to the black goat or a reminder to himself, Leon mentally noted the task of searching for the "demon set." After glancing at the time, he waved his hand and ended the conversation.
Then, he retrieved the shopping bag he’d gotten when buying Gott cigarettes at the department store, skillfully stuffing the black goat inside. Picking up the floating broom nearby, he cautiously gripped the handle with both hands and swung one leg over it.
Whoosh.
Accompanied by a barely audible rush of air, Leon’s bottom didn’t land on the hard broomstick but instead rested on an invisible cushion of airflow. His entire body was gently lifted, and simultaneously, a faint, hazy barrier of air coalesced about 20-30 centimeters around him.
Leon had a vague sense that this air barrier was an extension of his will, capable of shifting shape according to his thoughts. Beyond shielding him from wind during flight, it seemed to have other uses—such as…
Bang!
A short, sharp burst of air erupted. Under Leon’s deliberate control, the previously smooth-flowing air shield trembled slightly before violently expanding outward. Chaotic gusts of wind instantly ravaged the small office, sending everything that wasn’t nailed down flying in all directions.
After observing the effects of the airburst, Leon couldn’t help but nod in satisfaction.
Flight, protective shielding, limited air manipulation…
The badge’s evaluation was spot-on. The chief had indeed helped him acquire an exceptionally practical anomaly. Combined with the goat’s early warning system, his survival capabilities were nearly maxed out.
In future missions, if danger arose, he could raise a hand to blast enemies with a burst of air, leap onto the broom, and escape under the protection of the air shield. Later, he could even take to the skies and retaliate from above.
Even if aiming while moving at high altitudes proved difficult, it wouldn’t matter. As long as he flew high enough, the accuracy bonuses provided by the [Materialist Soul] would allow him to slowly whittle down his target, shot by shot, until he eventually landed a hit.
Given the destructive power of his nail gun, any non-physically-enhanced target struck by it would be incapacitated—if not outright eliminated.
Though this modified kite-tactic might sound somewhat sneaky, even borderline unfair, Leon didn’t possess Emma’s legendary immortality. Why risk close-quarters combat when he could safely kite enemies from a distance?
After briefly pondering, Leon solidified his primary tactical approach for the foreseeable future. Suppressing the urge to test-fly immediately, he tied the shopping bag containing the goat’s head to the broom handle.
Next, he wrapped the Witch’s Broom in a long strip of cloth, picked it up, and hurried out of the Cleansing Bureau. Following today’s original schedule, he made his way toward the docks in the old city area.
…
As the largest of the six waterworks companies in the capital, the Char Waterworks Company handled more than just urban water supply. Its operations included manufacturing gas storage tanks using hydropower, collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture on irrigation projects, assisting the Department of Public Works with flood control, river dredging, and maintaining sewage pipelines and drainage rivers, among other responsibilities.
This enterprise, funded by the Char Department Store and heavily invested in by numerous titled nobles, worked closely with several municipal departments. It far exceeded the concept of an ordinary company, shouldering partial municipal functions and standing as an undeniable corporate giant.
Such a massive company wouldn’t be built in some remote wilderness but instead occupied one of the two most advantageous locations on a small plain upstream of the Banker River. It boasted the best views, the most convenient transportation, and even its own private dock and ferry terminal.
As one of the three main rivers running through the capital, the Banker River served not only as the city’s primary water source but also as its most crucial waterway for transportation. Along its banks lay countless docks, ferry terminals, and warehouses. Steamships with towering chimneys plied the waters day and night, belching thick clouds of acidic smoke while transporting goods and passengers.
These mechanical behemoths of the industrial age consumed vast quantities of coal and whale oil daily. Their ceaseless activity continued until late into the night…
After paying the exorbitant fare of three copper coins, Leon carried the broom and the goat’s head, ducking into the lowest deck of a three-tiered passenger ship. For over an hour, he stood in the cheap cabin, which reeked of sweat and mildew and was lit by a single dim steam lamp, before finally disembarking at the Char Waterworks Company’s private ferry terminal.
“You’re unbelievable… I’ve never met anyone as stingy as you!”
Once they left the overcrowded ferry terminal and the crowd thinned out, the black goat, overwhelmed by the stench, couldn’t help but vent:
“Damn it, that smell nearly killed me! That bastard next to you even took off his shoes! Ugh! My nose is still filled with that disgusting sour odor!
“I’m begging you, seriously! The lower deck is unbearable! When we return after the investigation, can you at least sit in a higher-class cabin?”
“The upper decks are too expensive.”
“Too expensive my ass!”
Seeing Leon’s stubbornness, the black goat grew angry: “I’m not asking you to book the VIP cabin for a silver coin! I’m telling you to sit in the standard cabin on the middle deck! A ticket there costs only five copper coins!
“Think about it! For just two extra copper coins, you’d have a seat and proper ventilation. Isn’t that better than being stuffed in that smelly tin can of a lower deck?”
“…”
Hearing the black goat’s complaints, Leon sniffed the sour stench clinging to his clothes and hesitated for a moment. But recalling the coffee stall owner who shared the same name as the Char Company and the warm cup of coffee he’d enjoyed that morning, he ultimately shook his head.
“Forget it. Being a little smelly isn’t the end of the world. Two copper coins could buy me breakfast for two days—and even add a slice of fried ham.”
“You look like ham to me! Eat yourself to death, why don’t you?! Argh!!!”
Seeing Leon’s resolve to endure the lower deck again on the return trip, the black goat could only blow its nose forcefully to rid itself of the lingering stench. With despair-filled eyes, it cursed: “Damn it! Just wait until I regain my strength!
“When that day comes, I’ll station myself by this filthy river and flip every damn ship cover I see! Anyone who dares take off their shoes in the cabin will die by my hooves!”
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