Otaku Translation: I! Anomaly Cleansing Agent! C106

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Chapter 106: Open the Book and Set Your Mind at Ease

Can you at least have a shred of dignity as a Greater Demon?

Watching its other self grovel in such an undignified manner—no, it wasn’t even groveling; it was downright pathetic—the black goat felt a surge of fury mingled with an unsettling sense of crisis.

When it had convinced Leon to side with it earlier, its argument rested on the premise that the heart was far too arrogant to be obedient. But now, looking at this wretched display…

Damn. Is competition for servitude really this cutthroat these days?

---

“It’s lying to you.”

After being blindsided by its own heart's manipulations and witnessing this toxic rivalry, the black goat’s anger boiled over. With malice dripping from every word, it turned to Leon and said coldly,

“It’s Pride we’re talking about here. Knowing how stubborn that thing is, there’s no way it would submit so easily. It’s probably just biding its time, planning to report back to the Cleansing Bureau when the opportunity arises. You need to act now.”

“You?...”

As Leon narrowed his eyes and tightened his grip on the pendant once more, the [Heart of Ambition], betrayed without mercy, erupted in rage.

Back before I was shattered into seven pieces, I was indisputably number one! The only reason you made it to third place is because Sloth took fourth and couldn’t be bothered to fight you for it.

And now, you worthless third-rate piece of trash, you dare find a host first and refuse to step aside for your elder brother? Worse still, you think you can turn him against me?

This is your doing.

Disgusted by the treachery of its junior sibling, the [Heart of Ambition] gritted its metaphysical teeth and upped the ante.

“Aside from those cursed horns, I’ve also tracked down the whereabouts of the stomach and tail over the years. If you erase its will and let me become your heart instead, not only will I obey your every command, but I’ll also reveal their locations to you.”

???

Are they seriously still trying to outbid each other?

Seeing Leon’s expression waver slightly, the black goat shuddered violently, realizing the situation might tip out of its favor. Desperate, it quickly added,

“The locations of the other fragments? Do you really think we’d need you to tell us that? Once Leon climbs high enough within the Cleansing Bureau, we’ll have countless ways to investigate them ourselves. And besides, who do you think you are to compare yourself to me?”

“During my years working alongside the Cleansing Bureau—and staying close to the Chief of the Zodiac Division—I’ve gathered secrets beyond measure. Stories no one else could ever dream of uncovering.”

As it spoke, the black goat stole a glance at Leon’s soul. Noticing it seemed to lean back toward it, it exhaled in relief and pressed its advantage.

“Leon, crush it. Whatever questions you have, I’ll answer them all. Haven’t you always wanted to know about Emma’s past or that red-haired woman’s history? Wipe its will, and I’ll spill everything right away.”

“You… damn fool. I can offer him money. Power. A chance to ascend to the peak.”

“Laughable. All those things are meaningless before absolute strength.”

“I think you’re the meaningless one.”

“You’re trash. The worst kind of trash. Even worse than whatever got blown up earlier.”

“…”

Watching the two disembodied voices tear into each other like rabid animals fighting over who got to serve as his lackey, Leon fell silent for a moment before making his decision.

Children choose between options; adults take everything.

But…

“Enough. There’s no way I’m giving either of you my heart.”

Among the uppermost-tier techniques of the Cleansing Bureau, held in the same regard as The Gospel of Emma, the third rule of the Chief’s Guide to Managing Anomalies clearly states: Do not trust any sentient anomaly, no matter how submissive or obedient it may appear. Always maintain a measure of skepticism.

Especially when they dangle tempting offers in front of you. Most anomalies were born from extreme obsessions or traumatic experiences—or worse, were literal fragments of Outer Gods or demonic entities. Trusting them blindly amounted to nothing less than a crime against oneself and the world.

Repeating the mantra of the Chief’s Guide to steady himself, Leon suppressed the urge to give in. Feeling the wave of disappointment radiating from the [Heart of Ambition], he cautiously proposed,

“However… if you cooperate fully and help me prove that Bobby Lion orchestrated all this, I’ll see about reclaiming you after the Bureau inspects you.”

“Good. Ahaha. Good. Very good.”

Though it hadn’t achieved its goal of replacing Leon’s heart outright, the [Heart of Ambition] was elated nonetheless, repeating “good” several times in quick succession.

As for when it would finally rise to dominance… well, once Leon used it a few times and tasted the intoxicating power of total control, it was only a matter of time before he begged it to stay.

“Leon, have you forgotten what that red-haired woman told you?”

Sensing the smug satisfaction emanating from the [Heart of Ambition], the black goat panicked. Its position as top dog was slipping away.

“How can you trust a demon’s words? Be ruthless! What if it turns around and reports to the Cleansing Bureau the moment you let it live?”

“You’re right. I shouldn’t blindly trust demons.”

Giving the black goat’s scheming soul a sidelong glance, Leon deadpanned,

“And didn’t you forget something? When I held you, I had full access to your memories through soul vision—and saw more clearly than you ever could. If it were lying, I would’ve known immediately.”

“…”

Having dismantled the black goat’s attempts at manipulation and silenced it, Leon returned the designated lackey—the fragment—to Bobby Lion’s body. He then looked down at his blood-soaked coat.

With the crime motive established, alibis coordinated with the black goat, and the remaining witness bribed, the only loose end was explaining why he was drenched in blood despite having no visible wounds.

Taking a deep breath, Leon surveyed the area, found a relatively clean spot, and lay down. Clutching the Sacred Spirit Pendant tightly, he prepared to sell the performance.

Going all-in meant leaving no detail unchecked.

---

Knock, knock, knock.

“Come in.”

Opening the door to the Chief’s office, a short man rubbed his palms together anxiously. “Uh… I don’t really have anything urgent, but I was wondering—how much longer until the guy who helps me appraise items arrives?”

Little Leon hasn’t shown up yet? Frowning slightly at the short man’s inquiry, the red-haired Chief paused to check on her strand of hair connected to Leon. Satisfied, she relaxed and replied,

“He went on assignment yesterday to investigate the whereabouts of an anomaly. If he hasn’t returned yet, he’s likely caught up investigating overnight and catching some rest. Assuming he completes the task soon, he should arrive shortly.”

“That’s good… Hoho, speaking of which, what sort of mission did he go on? Many of my ‘friends’ are free right now—if you’d like, I could lend a hand…”

“Oh? Jerry, since when are you so eager to help new recruits?”

There was no mistaking what the shorter man was thinking. Smiling knowingly, the red-haired Chief responded confidently,

“But I doubt you’d be much help. It’s just a routine investigation. Though Leon may lack experience, he’s diligent and dependable. I trust him completely.”

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