Chapter 574: Chapter 574

"...Boss, at your level, are all the tools you use these mutual-destruction types?"

Liu Zheng asked squinting.

"I don’t know about others, but for me, these are no more than memorabilia."

"Besides, for me, these aren’t really mutual-destruction tools."

Red Ghost replied calmly. This content belongs to N0velFire.ɴet

"Do you have any knowledge of engineering or architecture?"

"Uh, does stacking blocks count?"

He thought for a moment and answered.

Aside from his strong hands-on abilities, he was still very much a liberal arts person. His understanding of science and technical fields was limited to textbooks and novels.

"Then there’s no way around it. I have a simple fortification that can withstand air raids, but you need knowledge of engineering or architecture to use it."

"No worries, it’s not like there aren’t other ways to solve this."

Air raid defense, huh? It doesn’t necessarily have to rely on fortifications.

"Are you planning to get the Germanic to help?"

Red Ghost saw right through his thoughts.

"Of course. Weapons are neither good nor evil; it’s the person who uses them that matters. I trust you won’t become a reactionary."

"Just now, you were saying I might become the villain."

"Reactionaries and villains aren’t the same thing. Sometimes, if you want a revolution, you have to stand against the people."

"If you don’t have an iron will and extraordinary abilities, you’ll either be overthrown by the people or swept along by them."

Red Ghost mused with a sense of emotion.

"Coincidentally, I have neither. So I’ll just stay a member of the people, salute in life, and lay flowers in death."

"Crafty little guy. Go play with the kids for a while, but don’t lead them astray."

Red Ghost glared at him.

Just as Liu Zheng reached the warehouse door, Red Ghost stopped him again.

"I suddenly remembered there’s something you might find useful."

Red Ghost dove into a pile of junk searching for something.

Quickly, he pulled out a picture frame.

Inside the frame was a portrait—a man with slicked-back hair, a thick beard, a cold expression, and a stern demeanor. He bore a striking resemblance to Red Ghost when clad in his coat.

Below his neck was a collar resembling a military uniform, adorned with red and yellow epaulets.

But beneath the collar was a red-and-blue robe that looked akin to what clergy wear.

His right hand was raised, fingers bent in a peculiar gesture, while his left hand held an open book—a classic with oversized lettering in a language Liu Zheng didn’t recognize.

A golden halo woven from threads surrounded the back of his head, with rays formed by multicolored gems radiating around it, exuding a sacred and regal aura.

Yet the man’s stern expression and military collar made the portrait look oddly incongruous.

"I don’t really know what to make of it. Let’s just say the people need leaders, but it’s hard for them to truly understand those leaders. Their subjectivity and creativity are boundless."

"And so, this is what they ultimately created—a thing that defies description."

For once, Red Ghost showed a hint of helplessness.

"Hmm, definitely quite creative."

Liu Zheng acknowledged.

When Liu Zheng used to write novels, his readers often labeled him a patchwork artist. But if anyone truly excelled at patchworking, it had to be the people.

He accepted the portrait, and no object description popped up.

"So, how do I use this?"

"Just carry it with you, it’ll trigger on its own."

"This won’t attract City Hall, will it?"

He sounded concerned.

This was literally putting Red Ghost’s portrait on display—it was like dancing in City Hall’s minefield.

"Relax. Aside from the face, this portrait has nothing to do with me. The power inside doesn’t belong to me—in fact, it’s my enemy’s."

"Well, maybe it’s not entirely unrelated. Anyway, just use it without worry."

Red Ghost couldn’t quite articulate the connection, so he just brushed it off.

"Alright, you’re the boss. Your word is law."

Liu Zheng packed up everything, played cards with the kids for a while, then left the shelter.

Walking back in the direction he came from, he quickly spotted the Fisherman standing by the river.

And the milky, bulging eyeball overhead.

"Greetings, honorable sewer lord."

Liu Zheng hesitated for a moment before bowing in salute.

"You seem to have gained quite a bit."

The sewer glanced at him and remarked.

"All thanks to your grace."

"No need to say that. You did put in some small efforts yourself."

The sewer spoke as if it was the most natural thing.

"...You’re absolutely right."

What do you do when the boss is shameless? You cover for them, of course.

"Is the mission complete?"

Liu Zheng hurriedly stepped forward and presented the camera.

"Hmm, not bad, not bad."

The sewer nodded approvingly as he looked it over.

"As long as you’re satisfied."

"I’m increasingly glad I spared your life back then."

The sewer looked at him with eyes full of appreciation, as if admiring a work of his own creation.

"Who would’ve guessed? A guy who, just days ago, was being chased by rats is now out here giving Red Ghost a beating—and willingly so."

"Just a friendly sparring match, equally matched."