Chapter 486
Evanov wasted no time in responding, his voice filled with curiosity as he questioned, "Brother, what exactly do you mean by that?"
The rare ore, known as plutium, boasted exceptional hardness and durability while remaining surprisingly lightweight. This unique property made it the primary material for the microchips implanted in the necks of humans within the Yurgian Continent. However, this was the standard practice in their world.
For Davey, plutium represented a critical component for his project in the Heins Territory. Although plutium's toughness paled in comparison to metals like mithril, adamantium, or orichalcum, it remained a mysterious metal with an array of distinctive characteristics.
"A ton of pure plutium... That's a substantial quantity. We simply cannot afford it. Even if we commit to a continuous supply, we cannot accurately estimate how long it would take to fulfill such an amount. It's just too much," Ocean, the middle-aged man, muttered in a resolute tone.
"Consider this, the quantity you're requesting is nearly equivalent to the consumption of an entire city over a quarter. Regardless of the importance of the matter, when we assess the cost-benefit, it just doesn't add up."
"I understand that. Given its lightweight nature, the required quantity is undeniably substantial, and it doesn't make economic sense for you."
Upon hearing this, Ocean turned to Davey and inquired, "If you are already aware of these facts, why are you making such an unreasonable demand? We might indeed have a plutium mine beneath this survival base, but at best, we can mine around 500-800 grams per day. Considering its location within a residential area, we cannot exceed a kilogram a day."
"That's consistent with the information I received."
"No matter how you look at it, these negotiations are destined for disagreement."
"I have not yet completed my explanation. It would be wise for you to hear me out first."
In response, Ocean shifted his gaze to Davey.
"Unfortunately, you and your associates possess nothing more than robust physicality. I have no intention of taking possessions from those who have none. Furthermore, I was not asking for the plutium located here."
"In that case..."
"Let's explore a mutually beneficial solution, shall we?"
Ocean regarded Davey with a bewildered expression on his face.
"The antibiotics. You mentioned their location in the underground area of Raccoon City, the place we just departed from, correct?" Davey said.
A sharp glint of suspicion appeared in Ocean's eyes as he replied, "No one should have disclosed that information; it's top-secret..."
"Any astute individual can discern your intentions with ease. However, the pivotal question is whether you will seize this opportunity or let it slip away." Davey idly toyed with a die on the table as he continued, "I am prepared to assist in procuring the antibiotics. After all, wasn't that the very reason for summoning me and the others? So that we could carry out that mission?"
Ocean fell into contemplative silence at Davey's words. Naturally, that was the primary objective. A quick survey of Leon, who possessed the knowledge of the mission location, the other well-equipped men likely belonging to a specialized task force, and Davey, with his infection-treating expertise, made it abundantly clear why they had been called.
"Unless you are unwisely obstinate, you can grasp the situation from this team lineup."
"You... You catch on remarkably quickly."
"So, what's your plan? I heard on our way here that Raccoon City is the best place for plutium mining. It's said there's a considerable amount of abandoned plutium stored in one of the warehouses there."
"Indeed... There's an abandoned underground mining site where they used to extract and refine plutium in large quantities. As far as I recall, the plutium left there is of high purity and still in excellent condition," Ocean said while regarding Davey with a skeptical look. "But how do you propose to transport it? A ton is not something a single individual can handle easily. I'm sure you know that plutium requires a special refining process to prevent impurities from adhering to it. So, specialized equipment is necessary for its transportation."
What Ocean mentioned were undeniable facts.
"I'm well aware of that. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, Senior Corporal Ocean."
The middle-aged man stiffened at Davey's words.
"You mentioned your name is Leon, right? Have you confirmed the existence of antibiotics?"
Leon nodded resolutely in response to Davey's question. "The entrance to the underground was sealed. Dr. Lisa Cer wasn't entirely certain either. However, after we returned here and cracked the encrypted files, we verified the presence of the antibiotics. Those individuals were indeed behind the creation of this dreadful biochemical virus."
It was clear that Leonhardt had been discreetly gathering data with a woman named Lisa Cer in that location.
"According to the data we extracted, Parasol had once dispatched their own troops to retrieve the antibiotics. However, it seems they were eliminated the moment they entered the defense facility."
The challenge lay in the formidable defense system of the underground facility, which was so robust that they had not detected any signs of intrusion thus far.
"The antibiotics represent our sole ray of hope and salvation. We must secure them before those individuals get their hands on them. Even though the facility's defense system poses a significant threat, I believe we can bypass it. No, we will bypass it and secure the antibiotics."
Ocean nodded in agreement after hearing Leon's viewpoint.
"That's why I offered to assist you. I'll ensure everyone's safe return. In return, you need to guide us to the underground storage warehouse at the mining site. Since you don't know the way, we need someone to lead us. What do you think? Since the warehouse is ownerless, and you have no immediate use for the ore, this could be a mutually beneficial arrangement, don't you think?"
The middle-aged man regarded Davey's smile with a mixture of doubt and confusion. "It's not as straightforward as you make it sound..."
"Whether you agree or not, the choice is yours. I'm the only one with the ability to treat the infected promptly. Moreover, I wasn't the one planning to exploit that power, right?"
Influencing people's opinions wasn't particularly challenging. If one excelled at provoking others, all they needed to do was dangle something important in front of them, compelling them to make hasty decisions.
‘Shall we start driving the wedge even deeper?’
"Don't you find it quite a lucrative offer? I'm not concerned about what you do after guiding me to the storage warehouse. Whether or not you choose to protect me, it's inconsequential. However, be aware that I won't extend another deal if you reject this one. I've already offered quite a bit."
Evanov clutched the hem of Davey's clothing as he looked up at him. "Brother..."
"…Leon, what's your perspective on this?"
"In the first place, we wouldn't have obtained information about the antibiotics from that place without Davey's help. It's just a minor detour for us. However, the question remains - how can a single individual transport such a vast quantity of plutium?" Leon muttered the latter part of his statement to himself.
Noticing this, Davey waved his hand and reassured, "You don't need to worry about that; I have my own methods."
"Are you... absolutely sure you're not connected to the Parasol Corporation?"
"Even if I were affiliated with Parasol or Padak or whatever, I would consider all of you as adversaries, nothing more than a nuisance. If that were the case, it would be simpler for me to eliminate you right here. Why would I go through the trouble of making this deal?"
Everyone fell silent, hanging on Davey's every word.
Crack.
Simultaneously, the steel cup placed in front of Ocean fractured open.
"Just like that," Davey remarked, indifferent to how they might perceive him.
"But even those individuals from Parasol desire antibiotics. It's conceivable that you're merely exploiting our side to gain access to antibiotics."
"Quick to catch on, aren't you?" A cold gleam flashed in Laeuri's eyes as she scrutinized Davey.
According to Perserque, this woman, Laeuri, was indeed a member of the Parasol Corporation, likely sent here to monitor this location. She might be feeling uneasy after witnessing Davey's rather unconventional behavior and hearing his proposal.
"More importantly, Senior Corporal Ocean, is it prudent to convene your most essential personnel for such a minor issue?" Laeuri countered.
Davey simply shrugged.
"What's more beneficial, Senior Corporal Ocean? Concealing the existence of the antibiotics and releasing them gradually, or securing them immediately, despite the significant obstacle in our path?"
"Of course, the priority is to minimize damage on our side..."
"Then, were those inhumane individuals responsible for the world's current state?"
Davey's question left Laeuri without an answer.
"In the first place, why should I prove myself to you? Do you have any means to verify my intentions? None? If you're hesitant to trust me, let's end it here. I can just return to that ruined city. So, let's consider this discussion closed."
"You... You're planning to go there alone?"
"Why not? Do I really need to bring someone else with me?"
Their expressions all took on a peculiar twist upon hearing Davey's tone. It sounded as though he were embarking on a casual walk in the park.
***
In the end, Senior Corporal Ocean, the leader of this survival base, decided to accept Davey's offer. After all, achieving the goal was more crucial than the process, leaving them with no other concerns.
Of course, Davey ensured that his actions didn't interfere with his primary task, making use of both incentives and deterrents.
The most critical aspect was obtaining antibiotics. After that, Davey didn't mind whether they chose to send the antibiotics to the cargo plane first or not, as long as they guided him to the warehouse.
They swiftly reached a decision because Davey had already resolved their most pressing issue – infection following a mutant bite, which had threatened the lives of those infected. Now, Davey was a card they couldn't easily discard.
"I'll go too."
"You stay here."
It was not a place suitable for a child.
"I can fight too! I've already learned how to handle weapons! Besides, I'm small, which means I can easily hide even in tight spaces. And there are the twins, too..."
"No. It would definitely complicate matters if you came with us."
Evanov's eyes widened at these words.
"If things don't go as planned, I may have to resort to drastic measures and destroy the entire city."
Evanov fell silent. He had already witnessed how Davey had obliterated the Abyss monster before, though he had kept this information from Ocean and Leon.
"By the way, brother... you used some kind of mysterious power back then. Something that can't be explained with the technology we have..."
"It's because I'm a stranger in this world," Davey replied with a wry smile.
"Then, please bring me the antibiotics. I'll ensure that the people are saved with them," Evanov declared resolutely.
Davey affectionately ruffled the boy's hair, then turned and boarded the cargo plane.
"Davey, Rinne wants to know the method for transferring."
"Let's get moving first. What can we do if there are a bunch of individuals who can overturn the entire world, right?"
Rinne nodded silently in response to Davey's words.
***
"Damn it. I never expected to come back to this place," Leon cursed.
There were twelve people on this mission, including Rinne, Davey, and Leon. Among these twelve was Laeuri, the spy planted by Parasol. Davey was aware that her presence posed a significant variable that needed immediate attention. However, he didn't want to take action unless he had a way to prove her affiliations. There was a high chance that she would reveal her own identity to Davey when the need arose.
In the larger scheme of things, Davey was still a stranger in this world. While he could intervene in the matters of this world, it wouldn't benefit him to meddle recklessly when he didn't have the confidence to manage the consequences.
‘Davey. Didn’t the Abyss lay its hand on this continent?’
‘Well, from what we have seen so far, that seems to be the case. But…’
In all honesty, Davey had started to contemplate whether the discrepancies were merely a result of slight variations in Parasol Corporation's technology.
"Everyone, let's advance with care and speed. We should make every effort to avoid provoking the mutated monsters as we head to our destination," Private First Class Leon advised with caution, his previous comical demeanor replaced by a completely altered one.
While the rank of Private First Class might seem relatively low, within the context of the survival base's overall dynamics, it appeared to hold more significance. Leon's position wasn't particularly high, but it was also not remarkably low.
—Grrrrrrrrr…
Fwoosh!!!
A crimson, cannon-like projectile sliced through the air and collided with the body of the infected mutant. In an instant, the mutant stiffened and fell to the ground, seemingly transformed into solid stone.
"That's rather fascinating."
"This is a petrification bomb designed for massive infected creatures. It's an exceptionally dangerous and formidable weapon that can instantly solidify a colossal body, turning it into something resembling stone. Little Doctor Evanov developed this bomb after studying the unique characteristics of the infected," Leon explained, a hint of pride in his expression.
Surprisingly, their journey to the destination remained tranquil and uneventful. The absence of light in the ruined city made navigation challenging and introduced a significant variable. However, it also hindered the infected from locating their group.
Fwoosh! Fwooosh!
Even if the infected stumbled upon them, the special task force members could readily manage the situation. At this point, Davey began to feel as though they might reach their destination smoothly, without any resistance. Of course, both Perserque and Davey recognized that such an outcome was unlikely.
"If things continue at this rate, we might complete our mission without any issues."
They had been cautious and watchful, but upon noticing the limited number of infected creatures in their vicinity, it seemed that the rest of the group had begun to relax.
Leon groaned as he reprimanded the soldier who had spoken with confidence, "Listen here. This is not something you can boldly assert in this place..."
Baaaaaaaang!!!
"Aaaaaaaaack!!!"
Out of the blue, an arm burst from the ground, seizing the careless soldier's body, shaking it violently, and then propelling it against the wall.
Baaaaaaaaang!!!
"It's a goliath!"
At that moment, infected creatures swarmed them as if they had been lying in wait. Gigantic mutants, standing at an imposing eight to ten meters in height, emerged alongside them. These monstrosities had no eyes but sported massive arms as wide as three human bodies fused together, with grotesque bodies composed of gruesome, melded muscles.
—Groaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar!!!
As the colossal monster known as the Goliath let out a deafening roar, a pallor of fear washed over everyone. In the end, it was Leon who took the initiative. He reached into his chest pocket, producing something that resembled a piece of chocolate, deftly unwrapped it, and tossed it into the gaping maw of the creature while shouting, "Run!!!"
Baaaaaaaaaaaaang!!!
With fear etched on their faces, they hurriedly retreated as a deafening explosion echoed behind them. The sight of a creature of such immense size pursuing them was undeniably terrifying. What's more, despite Leonhardt's apparent attempt to detonate the chocolate-like bomb within its mouth, the monster remained unharmed and relentlessly followed.
Davey had been battling a growing headache since he saturated the entire city with his mana wave. It continued to worsen, yet he had no intention of halting his efforts.
There was no justification for allowing an innocent life to be lost merely because he refrained from a task he could effortlessly accomplish. He had no desire to indulge sadistic tendencies by tormenting others without cause. All he sought was to pursue his goal at his own pace.
‘No, why does it sound like there's a goblin laughing and passing by?’
‘Noisy, shut up,’ Davey swiftly dismissed Perserque's comment as he glanced at the small stone in his hand.
He tossed it lightly, catching it again in his palm. Davey continued to maintain pace with the fleeing team, who were running in fear without looking back. Then, he silently flicked his wrist and released the stone from his grasp.
[Assassin’s Piercing Sword]
[Hidden Shot]
The Piercing Sword was one of Assassin King Hermesia's assassination techniques. The stone Davey released from his hand generated a tremendous shockwave.
Vwooooooong... Baaaam!!!
Clang!!!
Following the stone, a sonic boom ensued, shattering all the windows and glass within the vicinity. And what about the stone? It hurtled with great force until it penetrated the head of the colossal muscle monster known as Goliath. No matter how tough or sturdy a biological weapon might be, could it survive being struck in the head?
The people who had been fleeing from the Goliath in fear abruptly halted when they realized the immense monster had collapsed.
"What was that sound just now..."
"Goodness."
Those who hadn't witnessed the earlier events were left in a state of shock. All they could do was stand there, stunned, after seeing the aftermath of the sonic boom and the massive hole in the Goliath's head as it lay prone on the ground.
"What are you all doing? Just going to stand there in a daze? Didn't you say we should run?"
Even though he couldn't comprehend the situation, Leon nodded after hearing Davey's nonchalant question. "I don't understand what just happened, but... for now, let's keep running!"
In response to their resolute cries, Davey silently retrieved the stones he had thrown earlier, lightly tossed them in his palm, and put them away.
‘How many are there?’
‘Twenty seven.’
None of them knew how many of the monsters, or something resembling them, which had caused a significant commotion, had already fallen before they even reached the distance to detect them.
Why should Davey allow them to be cautious when the spy had yet to reveal herself and was keeping silent? Abyss Monsters had already appeared in this world previously. However, the Abyss Princess, who oversaw this world, had not yet made an appearance.
There was a strong possibility that they were connected to the individuals from Parasol. In that case, it was wiser for Davey to conceal his identity and offer as much bait as possible.
In fact, Davey hoped that the Abyss Princess was indeed linked to the Parasol organization. After all, the world's fundamental problem would be resolved if that were true.
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