Chapter 40: The Price of Protection and the Business of Abilities

“Uh… well, this…”

Confronted by the murderous aura radiating from Bai Li, even Octopus Head, the most formidable Unusual Creature in their midst, found itself seized by an undeniable dread.

They knew full well that this very girl standing before them was the powerhouse who had once utterly decimated their previous leader. It wasn’t merely a defeat; it was a brutal annihilation, a complete subjugation so overwhelming that the former leader hadn’t even possessed the slightest chance to retaliate.

And all of this had transpired simply because the former leader had dared to utter a single disparaging remark about *that* magical girl.

Beyond their physical forms, the most profound distinction between Unusual Creatures and humans arguably lay in their fundamental ways of thinking.

Most Unusual Creatures subscribed to a strict hierarchy based on strength, often seeking refuge under the most powerful among them, while a select few aspired to become such a dominant force themselves. Thus, when their erstwhile leader was utterly thrashed, they had instinctively recognized Bai Li as their new, rightful sovereign.

As to whether they would betray a leader upon encountering an even stronger individual, they had yet to face such a dilemma. To this day, they remained entirely ignorant of Bai Li’s true power.

Even if such an encounter were to occur, it would necessitate a ceremonial ‘battle for succession’ (TL Note: A contest where the current leader and a challenger fight to determine who reigns, with the victor claiming leadership). The winner would ascend to leadership, preventing any treacherous ‘backstabbing’ from ever occurring. At most, there might be some disgruntled grumbling, quickly quelled by a swift reprimand.

“We are deeply sorry,” Octopus Head stammered, “we failed to anticipate such a contingency.”

To prevent Bai Li’s oppressive aura from crushing the weaker Unusual Creatures present, Octopus Head swiftly dropped to one knee, pleading for mercy.

The demise of their previous leader alone had instilled a profound understanding in Octopus Head: when it came to the girl before them, anything concerning *that* magical girl demanded utmost seriousness. Should an adverse impact or, worse, harm befall her, then not only would they face annihilation, but the entire city would likely be reduced to ashes.

“No,” Bai Li murmured, a trace of self-reproach in her voice. “A normal person wouldn’t instinctively think of backups from the start, much less an Unusual Creature. I should have been prepared, especially since it was Xi Xi’s recording…”

Fortunately, Bai Li was no demon; instead of displacing her anger onto them, she began to ponder how to prevent such incidents in the future. She even chastised herself for her own carelessness in handling Lin Xi’s precious recording.

‘I should have copied it instantly, then backed it up across dozens of different devices for safekeeping…’

Bai Li found herself contemplating whether to acquire a vast array of ultra-high-capacity hard drives and other storage devices, intending to meticulously distribute backups across various locations, including her magical space.

Yet, before embarking on that task, one other matter demanded her immediate attention.

“Those mongrels, how dare they lay hands on *my* possessions?”

Bai Li’s murderous aura intensified, coalescing around her until the very air vibrated with palpable menace. Her voice, carrying this chilling intensity, reached not only the kneeling Octopus Head but also every Unusual Creature in the vicinity.

To the Unusual Creatures, still reeling from the recent attack, their bodies bruised and their spirits flagging, Bai Li’s words resonated with an entirely different, potent meaning.

The majority among them were unaware of Bai Li’s true objective—to have them surreptitiously capture… to document Lin Xi’s heroic deeds. Consequently, they naturally misinterpreted her use of the word “possessions” as a reference to her own subordinates.

Her fury, ignited by the harm inflicted upon her “possessions,” manifested as such potent killing intent and oppressive aura that it forged an image in their minds: that of a “powerful, yet incredibly protective and gentle leader.”

‘This is truly the gentlest leader in all the world!’

“Indeed!” one roared. “We must make them pay blood for blood!”

“Kill!” another bellowed.

“If we don’t flay them alive,” a third creature howled, “then I’ll renounce my werewolf lineage and become a husky-man!”

The assembled Unusual Creatures erupted into a clamor, their roars echoing through the space. Even those who had been injured were swept up by the fervent atmosphere and surging emotions, forcing themselves to their feet to join the boisterous chorus.

Observing this spectacle, Octopus Head—the most intelligent among the Unusual Creatures present, and the one with the deepest understanding of Bai Li—was about to interject, but a sudden realization made it swallow its words.

While Bai Li’s words and the Unusual Creatures’ interpretations were wildly divergent, this misunderstanding significantly bolstered their morale. It was, Octopus Head reasoned, far better to let them persist in their misconception.

Besides, who was to say she didn’t harbor a faint desire for revenge on their behalf? Not fully comprehending Bai Li’s intricate thoughts, Octopus Head found it unwise to jump to any definitive conclusions.

Though, it conceded, the likelihood was slim.

“By the way,” Bai Li declared, her killing intent receding. “Since I’m already here, I might as well resolve this matter.”

Having dispelled her murderous aura, Bai Li turned her gaze towards Octopus Head.

“Do you have any further inquiries?” Octopus Head asked, a hint of trepidation in its voice.

“Nothing in particular,” Bai Li replied casually. “I was merely curious about your organization’s source of funding.”

“Well… for you, as a member of the Weichangzhe Organization, to involve yourself in the business dealings of Unusual Creatures… wouldn’t that be akin to a police officer profiting from criminals?”

“Are you implying, then, that you *are* indeed engaged in illicit activities behind the scenes?”

“N-no,” Octopus Head quickly denied, its voice laced with panic.

Sensing Bai Li’s scrutinizing gaze, Octopus Head hastily reiterated its denial.

“Then what precisely enables you to cover your operational expenses?”

“Ah, well, you’re familiar with Ability Items, aren’t you?” Octopus Head began, choosing its words carefully. “They are objects crafted from materials imbued with supernatural energy, or fashioned through the direct application of abilities, distinct from items merely conjured into existence by power manifestation.”

“I am,” Bai Li affirmed, a hint of impatience in her tone. “So?”

Bai Li had long been aware that, unlike weapons materialized through magical energy, Ability Items were designed for prolonged use and were typically within the means of only high-level ability users. Most such items inherently possessed powers remarkably similar to, if not indistinguishable from, true abilities.

Consequently, Ability Items commanded exorbitant prices; even the most common among them could fetch a substantial sum.

“Within our organization,” Octopus Head explained, “we possess several Unusual Creatures capable of manufacturing Ability Items. Leveraging this unique capability, we have successfully established a preliminary foothold in both the black market and, surprisingly, even conventional markets.”

“Are you suggesting,” Bai Li queried, her eyebrows slightly raised, “that individuals with manufacturing-type abilities—a rarity even among humans—are, in fact, numerous within your ranks?”

Due to the inherent complexity of Ability Items, those capable of processing supernatural materials or possessing manufacturing-type abilities were exceedingly scarce. Furthermore, many such abilities were self-serving, like a system-type ability user who might only generate items for their own exclusive use. Thus, in terms of both strategic importance and earning potential, manufacturing-type ability users rivaled, and sometimes even surpassed, their combat-oriented counterparts.

“Precisely,” Octopus Head confirmed. “Consequently, our other members are currently acting as their assistants, engaged in tasks such as material collection, business operations, and even arbitrage.”

“…From what you’re describing,” Bai Li observed, “it sounds remarkably lucrative.”

“Oh, not really,” Octopus Head demurred, though a faint hint of pride was discernible in its tone. “It’s simply that a considerable number of high-level ability users place orders with us.”

“In that case,” Bai Li pressed, a sharp edge to her voice, “why do your financial reports indicate such a paltry sum in remaining funds?”

Octopus Head fell silent.

Octopus Head remained utterly silent, yet the bead-like sheen of mucus resembling sweat along its tentacles betrayed its unease.

“Don’t fret,” Bai Li reassured it, “I won’t take your money without offering something in return. Conducting business outside the black market necessitates legitimate identities, does it not? You may entrust that aspect to me.”

While Bai Li held no personal interest in wealth, she recognized its utility in numerous situations. If acquiring more money could indirectly benefit Lin Xi, then it became a necessary endeavor for her.

“In that case… we shall leave it in your capable hands.”