Chapter 120: The Goat Eyes Gang’s Factory
“This is the Goat Eyes Gang’s largest factory. According to my informant, their magical machine, the one that produces an endless supply of alchemical solvents, is hidden somewhere within this facility,” Titus said, pointing towards a large building.
He and Abyss were hiding in an empty house, observing the scene through a window, both disguised in ordinary civilian clothing. Titus had ceremoniously placed the spoon he had been chewing on into a pocket, hidden beneath his clothes, and removed his fedora. Abyss, accustomed to wearing only cloth armor and a cloak, felt uncomfortable in the tight-fitting clothes favored by Lavoisier City residents, constantly adjusting the fabric around his armpits.
Before them stood a large, six to seven-meter tall building, its numerous chimneys billowing smoke, occupying an area of about four to five hundred square meters. It was clearly an alchemical factory, the kind only found in Lavoisier City. Alchemical workshops in other parts of the continent were mere dwarfs compared to this behemoth. A three-meter-tall wall, topped with sharp iron spikes, surrounded the facility.
Abyss instantly recognized the importance of this place to the Goat Eyes Gang. Despite the late hour, nearing midnight, numerous gang members patrolled the perimeter, each wearing a fake glass eyeball around their necks, likely a symbol of their affiliation.
However, Abyss also noticed several ordinary citizens loitering in the vicinity, seemingly aimless, yet their presence felt deliberate.
“Hehe, you noticed them too? Those are my men. My plan is for us to infiltrate the factory first, locate the machine, then have them create a diversion, causing chaos and allowing my men to storm the place and secure the machine,” Titus said with a confident smile. “My men might not be as skilled as those Goat Eyes thugs with their alchemical gadgets, but they’re far more loyal and coordinated.”
Abyss nodded. “It seems you’ve been planning this for a while, even though you claim it’s a last-minute decision.”
“Of course. I’ve been obsessed with acquiring that machine from those Goat Eyes bastards,” Titus said, sneering at the yawning gang members patrolling the perimeter. “I’d rather bury it in my basement and never use it than let those greedy thugs profit from it.”
“Perhaps you can tell me your story sometime. Your dedication to preventing gangs from harming innocents with potions must stem from a personal experience.”
“Of course… I’d be happy to share it when the time is right. It’s not exactly a lighthearted tale,” Titus said, nodding. “Besides, everyone needs a purpose in life, don’t they?”
“Couldn’t agree more,” Abyss said, nodding in agreement. “How do you plan to get in? This place seems heavily guarded. There must be forty or fifty men inside, plus the workers.”
Titus was surprised by Abyss’s accurate estimation of the guard count, but then he remembered that Abyss was a powerful mage, his abilities unfathomable. He didn’t understand magic, his knowledge limited to vague concepts.
“My plan… This place is indeed heavily guarded. The Goat Eyes Gang’s leader values this factory greatly,” Titus said, his expression turning serious. He pointed towards the back of the factory. “There’s a drainage ditch behind the wall. A large pipe leads directly into the factory. However, it’s filled with potion waste, quite toxic. I’ve prepared some gas masks. You can wear one.”
He crouched down, patting a wooden crate at his feet. “The gas masks are in here, Mr. Abyss. Do you need one?”
Abyss stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Hmm… I think I’ll pass.”
“Oh, then I’ll wear one myself,” Titus said, reaching for the crate.
“You don’t need one either,” Abyss said suddenly.
Titus looked up, confused. “I know some Dou Qi, but my body can’t withstand those toxins. Do you have a spell that can enhance my resistance?”
“I don’t have such a spell. Enhancing poison resistance is the domain of Divine Arts users,” Abyss shrugged. “I’m saying, I don’t want to enter through the drainage pipe. Wading through sewage is disgusting. Can’t we just walk through the front gate?”
Titus was about to question his seemingly insane idea, then realization dawned on him. He clapped his hands. “Ah, this is beautiful! I almost forgot, Mr. Abyss is a powerful mage. Alright, let’s go!”
“You catch on quickly,” Abyss said, grinning.
They left their hiding spot, their faces concealed by scarves and their heads covered with the feathered hats commonly worn by Eastern Empire citizens, hiding Abyss’s distinctive hair color.
“Hey, you two, what are you doing here?”
As they approached the factory gate, a Goat Eyes gang member, guarding the entrance, shouted menacingly. This was their territory. No unauthorized personnel allowed.
“We’re just taking a stroll. Is that a problem?” Abyss asked, spreading his hands.
“Are you insane? Do you know whose territory this is? The Goat Eyes Gang! Mr. Eugene Caston’s territory!” the gang member glared at him. “Wait, why are you wearing scarves? Guys! Intruders!”
“Shut up and stay still,” Abyss said calmly.
The moment he spoke, the shouting gang member and the others approaching them froze, their movements arrested.
“We’re going inside. Continue your duties,” Abyss said.
“Yes, sir,” the gang members said in unison, bowing respectfully. One of them even opened the gate for Abyss.
Titus’s eyes widened. He knew Abyss was powerful, but he hadn’t expected this.
Honestly, he had assumed Abyss would use an invisibility spell or something similar to sneak past the guards.
Dominance! This was the true mark of power! Beautiful!
“Hey, Titus, you’re not planning to kill them, are you?” Abyss asked, turning to face him.
“Of course not. I never kill unnecessarily. Besides, disposing of bodies costs money,” Titus replied honestly.
“Then let’s go,” Abyss said, smiling faintly, his hands clasped behind his back, as he strolled through the unguarded gate, entering the “heavily guarded” factory.
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