Chapter 54: Machines with a Strange Fuel Source
Abyss gathered more information from his two disguised undead servants, then finished his drink and stood up.
Titus, still basking in the glory of his victory and his role in Emperor Camper’s grand plan, looked at Abyss, puzzled. “What’s wrong, Mr. Abyss? Is something the matter? If it’s not something you need to handle personally, I can send my men.”
Abyss sighed, his expression troubled. “It seems the Goat Eyes Gang isn’t giving up so easily. Some of their remaining forces are planning to rescue their leader. They’re using strange machines powered by some kind of black mud. I need to investigate. Are you sure the location where you’re holding Eugene is secure?”
Titus’s drunken haze evaporated.
“Now that you mention it, it’s not that secure. I didn’t tell anyone the location, but I didn’t take any special precautions either,” he said, frowning. “If any of my men are disloyal, they could have revealed it. Do you have any way to monitor the Goat Eyes Gang’s movements?”
“Yes, I’m aware of their actions. I’ll handle this. I’ll ensure Eugene doesn’t escape,” Abyss said, patting Rebecca’s back reassuringly. “You have a more important task. Take her to where you’re hiding those children. They’ve developed a strange illness. Several have already collapsed. I need you to help her save their lives.”
Rebecca looked at him, surprised. “What kind of illness?”
“According to my informants, a few of the children suddenly collapsed. Their main symptoms are bluish skin and vomiting black, viscous matter, similar to the substance found on Shadow Demons in the Shadowed Depths. They’re unconscious, and their organs seem to be failing. I don’t think they have much time. Ray, can you handle this?”
“Ray” was the name Abyss used for Rebecca in front of outsiders. Titus and Givia didn’t know he was a necromancer or Rebecca’s true identity. They assumed she was someone Abyss had come to Lavoisier City to meet. After all, Rebecca’s name was well-known in the city, and revealing her true identity could lead to unnecessary complications.
“I don’t know the details, but I’ll find a solution. Leave it to me,” Rebecca said, nodding confidently, her eyes filled with determination.
She knew about the child laborers rescued from the Goat Eyes Gang’s factories, their exploitation and their mistreatment. She despised those heartless gangsters and sympathized with the children. Hearing about their illness, a strong sense of justice surged within her. She had spent her life fighting for the weak and the vulnerable, opposing the gangs, and her death hadn’t changed her compassion. Even though she didn’t know these children personally, she was determined to help them.
“Leona, Flora, stay here and protect Princess Givia,” Abyss instructed. “This will be the Goat Eyes Gang’s final, desperate attempt at retaliation. This location might be hidden, but I can’t rule out the possibility of a traitor among Titus’s men. If they attack, I’m entrusting Givia’s safety to you.”
Titus didn’t object. He knew that although his men were more disciplined than those of other gangs, they were still street thugs. Besides a few trusted individuals, he couldn’t guarantee their loyalty.
Leona, having finished her drink, puffed out her chest, her bony frame making a hollow thumping sound. “Don’t worry, ABC. I won’t let any Goat Eyes scum get within a hundred meters of Princess Givia. You can count on me and Flora.” She then patted Flora’s chest, making it jiggle, causing Flora to blush furiously.
Givia, ever calm and collected, nodded. This level of danger didn’t faze the battle-hardened rebel leader. “I can protect myself. Don’t worry about me. I won’t be easily defeated by those thugs.”
A flicker of Dou Qi flames erupted around her, a testament to her strength. Despite her unassuming appearance, she was a mid-level Dou Warrior.
The feast ended abruptly, everyone dispersing according to Abyss’s instructions. But they all agreed that a farewell party ending so peacefully would be a bit boring.
…
Eugene, battered and bruised, was locked in a large iron cage inside the basement storage room of an abandoned restaurant. A single dim potion lamp illuminated the dark, dusty space, preventing Eugene, who had endured too much trauma that day, from succumbing to madness. The room was empty except for a few crates of moldy, inedible food. The shadowy corners echoed with the occasional scurrying of rats.
Eugene leaned against the cage bars, gasping in pain. He had no visible wounds from sharp weapons, but his exposed skin was covered in bruises. His meticulously groomed face was swollen, one leg twisted at an unnatural angle, dislocated. The once-imposing leader of the Goat Eyes Gang now resembled a beaten stray dog.
Thud, thud.
Light footsteps echoed from above, and Eugene’s eyes widened with a flicker of hope.
The basement door creaked open, revealing a slender figure in cloth armor and a black cloak.
“You! Are you here to rescue me? Help me fix my leg, it’s dislocated…”
“Oh, I apologize. I’m not here to rescue you. I’m here to prevent your rescue,” the young man said, his voice gentle, as he descended the creaky wooden stairs.
It was Abyss, his face illuminated by the dim potion lamp, his emerald eyes reflecting an unsettling, cold light, sending a shiver down Eugene’s spine.
“Before your men arrive, I’d like to discuss those peculiar machines your gang is using. What’s their power source? I’m quite curious.”
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