Chapter 3: The Heart of a Thug, Section 3

Just like arms designed for shooting, close-combat arms also have their unique features. They are sturdy, durable, impact-resistant, with few delicate components, unaffected by harsh weather conditions, and resistant to fire, moisture, and corrosive elements—these are the common advantages. More importantly, designed specifically for close-quarters combat, close-combat arms inherently emphasize the concept of integrating offense and defense. Above the mechanical hand, there are usually two hard, long hooks made entirely of special alloys, resembling a beast’s fangs, protruding from the front of the hand.

This design is undoubtedly effective. Even without any weapons, a close-combat mech can still use this design to continue attacking. Though the alloy hooks are just standard equipment, tearing through the body of an enemy mech that’s right in front of it is as easy as reaching into a bag.

However, the hand armor that descended from the sky did not, as everyone expected, tear open the Silver Knight’s chest. Instead, it traced an arc before turning directly to the Silver Knight’s side. With a quick motion, the two alloy hooks tightly clamped onto the opponent’s ribs. Then, with a strong lift, it flipped the Silver Knight’s massive body—far larger than that of the little demon itself—overhead, exposing its cockpit.

“CRACK!!” A deafening explosion rang out. Only then did the little demon’s fist plunge into the cockpit.

The tragic scene was beyond description. Though the little demon was smaller than most magic mechs, its strength was astonishing. The Silver Knight’s armor was as fragile as paper in its presence. With just one strike, countless pieces of armor flew like shrapnel, scattering silver sparks under the warehouse lights. When the fist was withdrawn, almost everyone saw the bright red blood on it. The Silver Knight collapsed limp, as if all its strength had vanished.

“THUD.” The massive body of the mech hit the ground, sending parts everywhere and creating a rain of steel debris.

Everyone was stunned. No one could have imagined that in the face of such a ferocious magic mech, that seemingly dilapidated, junk-like mechanical mech could achieve victory so easily. Moreover, from start to finish, its feet never left the track—in other words, it hadn’t moved at all!

Could this be the power of that young man with black hair? Staring at the colorful “little demon,” the scavengers were confused.

But if he offended the Warriors Association here, no matter how strong he was, would he still have a chance to survive? These questions lingered in the minds of the scavengers, yet none of them spoke up. After all, Black Hair had already cut off the Warriors Association’s reach for them, so things hadn’t reached the worst possible outcome. No matter how powerful the Warriors Association was, their influence in the town of Kukare was still limited. Perhaps, by uniting all the scavengers, they could come up with a solution. So when Black Hair stepped down from the little monster, deafening cheers still rang out in the warehouse. The post-battle cleanup was a tedious task. The fierce battle between the two mechs had left the entire warehouse in disarray—scattered broken parts and deep trenches all testified to the intensity of the fight. The casualties were equally staggering: seven dead and fifteen injured. That was the loss suffered by the scavengers, most of whom were hit by steel fragments thrown during the Silver Knight’s charge. The Warriors Association’s local branch, on the other hand, lost only four people. In comparison, it seemed the scavengers had suffered far more. The entire dismantling workshop was filled with gloom. As for OldBuick, who had been kicked into a corner by Black Hair at the start, he wasn’t hurt at all—just unconscious. He had luckily avoided the collision between the two mechs and escaped unscathed. Once Black Hair stepped down from the little monster, he quickly regained consciousness, grabbed Black Hair, and desperately fled backward. “Black Hair, thank you, thank you. I owe you so much this time. Otherwise, I would have been in big trouble,” OldBuick said, panting heavily as he rushed back to his room and closed the door. “Oh?” Black Hair tilted his head slightly, his expression half-smiling. “Isn’t this exactly what you wanted to see?” “What do you mean?” OldBuick was shocked; his fat face twisted, and his small eyes widened. “How could I think such a thing? Black Hair, you have to believe me. I was really scared—terrified. You must already know what kind of organization the Warriors Association is. A poor scavenger like me is probably no different from a chicken in front of them. If it weren’t for you, I would have been finished.” OldBuick hurriedly explained. But Black Hair didn’t reply. He simply gave him a brief glance before walking over to the bar in the room, picking up a glass, and slowly pouring himself a glass of red wine.

The wine in the glass gradually became as clear as agate with slight shaking. Black Hair leaned lazily against the bar, remaining silent for a long time.
“Black Hair, I…” OldBuick grew anxious upon seeing Black Hair’s indifferent expression. Just as he was about to explain further, Black Hair stopped him with a gesture.
“Wild Wind, uncovering wealth for the scavengers of the desert…” murmuring, Black Hair raised the glass above his head. Through the sunlight outside the window, it reflected a dreamlike, beautiful red glow.
“This town of Kukare must be a paradise for scavengers, right?”
“Yes… but so what?” OldBuick was puzzled.
“Mr.Buick, if I’m not mistaken, you must own a significant share in this town—just like in this decomposition factory.” Black Hair turned back and smiled gently, revealing his snow-white teeth.
“And the Warrior Association’s reach extending here is surely not something you’d like to see. After all, it affects your interests. If I were you, I’d also try to resist. The situation today—claiming it’s the Warrior Association causing trouble—was probably you who sent them there first, right?”
“Well…” OldBuick’s expression changed.
“Alright, let me make an assumption then. After today’s conflict, the Warrior Association won’t give up easily. And you’ll solidify your role as the victim. Using this identity to arouse sympathy among the other scavengers in town will surely be much easier. Once you’ve gathered enough support, you can negotiate on equal terms with the Warrior Association. Of course, in the meantime, I’ll inevitably become the weapon in your hands, eliminating anyone who stands in your way.” Black Hair paused briefly before shaking his head.
“Of course, as a weapon, one often ends up in a miserable fate after being used. If I’m not wrong, I’ll surely be part of the bargaining chips when you negotiate with the Warrior Association.”
With that, Black Hair slowly raised his head and fixed his gaze intently on OldBuick’s face.
“Tell me, am I right, Mr.Buick?”