When considering the Scavengers, most people conjure up a rather unpleasant image. For example, how they crawl through landfills, looking for rotten food or something even worse.
Of course, that was part of it, but the Scavengers were still an organized group, or, to put it simply, a gang. Their main occupation was searching for high-tech scrap.
Often, the Scavengers paid no attention to the contemptuous looks and comments, because only they understood what wonders and riches a simple landfill could sometimes hold.
However, all this applies only to the Scavengers living in the city. And in most cases, they were human.
The base that Mr. Nobody raided was located in the wasteland outside the city and consisted solely of the Dirty Baals.
No one would look at the Dirty Baals with contempt. The sight of them would simply make people sick.
At least, that's what everyone said.
"To be honest, this is the first time I've met you in real life, weirdos." He traced the barrel of his revolver across the driver's face.
"***...!" The Dirty Baal muttered something angrily.
"Easy, easy, keep your foot on the gas and don't even think about doing anything... That is, unless you want a warning shot to accidentally blow a hole in your head." He thought for a moment and decided to add, "If you behave yourself, no one will get hurt."
He waved his revolver again and gestured for the driver to continue.
It was unlikely that Dirty Baal would give up so easily. Most likely, he was now thinking hard about how to turn the situation to his advantage. Perhaps he wanted to wait for reinforcements and surely dreamed of wiping the smug grin off Mr. Nobody's face.
At least, that's what his focused, equally cunning expression suggested.
With this premonition, Mr. Nobody turned to his assistant.
"Even though I disabled the convoy's vehicles, most likely everyone is still alive. It's only a matter of time before they contact the base and catch up with us... What do you think, Paymax?"
"According to my calculations, reinforcements are already on their way. The storm is ending, and at the current pace, they can catch up with us in under an hour."
It's worth mentioning that the reinforcements would most likely consist not of heavy off-road vehicles, but of fast and maneuverable desert-adapted motorcycles. The worst-case scenario would be if the Scavengers requested air support...
Then, with the end of the storm, his life would most likely end as well.
"…Got it. We are running out of time. Link to my bike and let it catch up with us. And yes... pick up Martha on the way."
"Will do."
After discussing the retreat plan with Paymax, he sighed heavily and turned his gaze back to the driver.
"Well... Now comes the most interesting part."
"..."
It seemed that Dirty Baal wasn't listening to this man at all. A malicious smile began to form on his face.
It was as if his cunning plan was finally ready, and now he would make the man regret giving him so much time to...
"I don't like the way you're looking at me."
*Thuud!* The heavy barrel of the revolver struck the back of his head, rattling his skull.
*Crunch!* A metal fist slammed into the driver's jaw.
Two blows in an instant.
"..." Now the driver was no longer smiling, but lay almost breathless with his head on the steering wheel.
This situation created a dangerous precedent. The driver was out — and so was the control of the vehicle...
"Paymax, take control."
"Will do."
A moment later, the vehicle stabilized and continued driving down the road as if nothing had happened. It no longer needed a driver.
The double strike method almost always knocked his opponents out. It was an effective method, but he didn't like it very much.
The reasons were simple — he had learned it from a nasty old man who had knocked him out in the same way in the Pit. On the other hand, he really liked the revolver he had gotten from that same old man.
Perhaps it was because he had used it to kill that old man... or maybe it was just too "cool" not to like.
In any case, his blow should have left the driver unconscious for a long time...
"Mh... mmm...!" But with Dirty Baals, it wasn't that simple. The driver was already twitching and moaning pitifully.
It felt like even a short time in sleep was truly painful for him. It was as if he were having a truly horrific nightmare.
"…Paymax, start the report."
Given the peculiarities of the Dirty Baals, the driver would wake anywhere between five and fifteen minutes.
The moment that happened, the final and most risky part of his plan would begin.