[ Bonus Update Progress: 5/20]
Chapter 19: New Plan
Seeing Dutch van der Linde sink into contemplation, a thought subconsciously popped into Johnny's mind:
'Dutch is thinking, that's never good!' However, the words reached his lips only to be swallowed back down. Clearing his throat, Johnny continued:
"Leviticus Cornwall is no ordinary man; he owns numerous coal tar plants. Moreover, he isn't just close with railway and mining companies; even sugar Merchants have dealings with him."
"It's no exaggeration to say he stands at the very pinnacle of the high-society pyramid. The number of workers under him is unimaginable—it could easily be in the five figures! Countless people risk their lives working for him."
"Even if we take out a few Pinkerton Detectives, it won't mean a thing to him because more Pinkerton Detectives will just keep coming in waves."
"For a tycoon like him, losing some money might not hurt much, but losing face is something he absolutely cannot accept."
"Therefore, if we want to rob him, we absolutely cannot do it ourselves. We need to find a clever way."
Just then, Dutch seemed to break free from his long internal deliberation. He slowly came to his senses, expertly stubbing out his half-smoked cigarette before reaching out to pat Johnny on the shoulder, asking:
"Hmm, it's indeed a very good plan. But after we deal with that bastard Colm, how do we ensure we aren't detected by this high-society gentleman?"
Johnny replied with a mischievous grin, "It's simple, Dutch—we just become Colm! Why do we have to wear our own clothes for every robbery? We just need to wear Colm's clothes every once in a while to do what we want to do, don't we?"
As the two spoke, the remaining five members of the Gang had also assembled, waiting quietly nearby for Dutch's next command.
(Arthur, Micah, Lenny, Bill, Javier)
Charles also led his Taima over at this time, waiting for Johnny.
Seeing everyone waiting, Dutch stopped his pondering. In front of the group, he lightly punched Johnny in the chest with his right fist, chuckling as he remarked that young people's thinking was indeed better, before immediately scolding Arthur for when he would finally start using his own rusty brain.
Seeing Charles waiting for him, Johnny felt a deep sense of gratitude. Charles spoke little, choosing instead to prove his care for others through his actions.
Nearby, Dutch began to outline his new plan: it mainly involved arranging six people into three groups, rotating shifts every eight hours to monitor the movements of the ODriscoll Gang in the abandoned mine day and night.
As soon as there was news, one person would be responsible for tailing them while the other returned to deliver the message.
Immediately after, Dutch led the group to the abandoned mine to scout for suitable surveillance points.
(Since Arthur had brought back the minor leader, Dutch knew exactly where it was and didn't need Arthur to lead the way.)
On the road, Johnny walked silently at the back of the pack. He didn't dare ride too fast; after all, this was his good brother's 'A8,' and he didn't want to risk any scratches.
Micah trailed a step behind Dutch, frantically asking when the Gang would return to Blackwater Town to retrieve that stash of money.
(Personally, I lean towards the idea that this money stayed in Blackwater Town until Chapter 6. It's unrealistic to think Dutch could secretly hide 150,000 in front of everyone, as he couldn't have taken it all while fleeing alone. Micah's dialogue also reveals that only Hosea and Dutch know where it's hidden.)
Johnny opened his panel to check the updates.
[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for obtaining a new perk. Please click for details.]
[Red ☆ Dead Eye] (Level 1)
[A skill possessed by every Gunslinger; the only difference is the level. perk Effects: ① Activating Dead Eye greatly enhances your reactions and precision but consumes your spirit. ② Consuming alcohol, meat, or cigarettes can restore spirit.]
[Upgrade Requirements: ① Kill three or more enemies in a single activation of Dead Eye ten times. Current progress: 0/10. ② Seek guidance from a famous Gunslinger once. Current progress: 0/1.]
Johnny closed the panel excitedly; he couldn't wait to see what it felt like to be a true Gunslinger.
He simply focused his attention forward, and the time around him seemed to slow down by half, flowing sluggishly. The faint sound of a ticking clock echoed in his mind. (Slowing by half meant 2 seconds for the protagonist for every 1 second outside.)
Dutch, riding at the front of the group, seemed to sense something and suddenly looked back at Johnny. Johnny immediately exited the Dead Eye state and feigned ignorance. (Old Dutch's Killing Intent Perception is something readers who played the first game will recognize.)
Johnny rubbed his temples to ease the fatigue. Even with the buff from the Wolf Clan Nemesis necklace, he was exhausted after just that short burst. He couldn't imagine how Arthur could keep it active for so long.
Arthur reined his tennessee walker toward the back of the line and said to Johnny, "Uh... Johnny, can I ask what kind of girls you like?"
Lenny, riding ahead, immediately became interested upon hearing this and quietly slowed down to eavesdrop (letting the others pass him).
Johnny's face twisted into an expression like an old man trying to read a phone on the subway. With his mouth slightly agape and brow furrowed, he said:
"What? Arthur, what's gotten into you? Since when did you start caring about this kind of gossip?"
Despite his confusion, since Arthur had already asked, Johnny felt there was no need to hide it.
After all, this was a rare opportunity to showcase his prowess as the new generation's Western Blabbermouth King and grind some progress!
So, Johnny cleared his throat and responded with mock solemnity:
"Fine, since you asked so sincerely, I shall graciously tell you. To be honest, I like those heroic and spirited cowgirls. In my eyes, women aren't inferior to men at all; they can accomplish many things we men can't!"
Hearing this, Arthur couldn't help but widen his eyes, his face full of disbelief. He never expected this honest-looking young man to have such unconventional tastes.
However, the misunderstanding was cleared. At the very least, he wouldn't be playing out some melodramatic stage play scenario with little Lenny.
Lenny, who had been silently observing their conversation from the side, let out a long sigh of relief. His heart, which had been hanging by a thread out of worry, finally settled back into his chest.
He muttered to himself, "Good grief! So I've just been playing mind games with thin air this whole time?"
Just then, Dutch, riding in front, turned back and enthusiastically shared the new plan he had just conceived with everyone.
At the same time, he didn't forget to repeatedly warn everyone to be cautious and absolutely not expose their tracks.
To ensure everything went perfectly, Dutch made the following arrangements after careful thought: he paired the most troublesome Micah with Arthur; Bill and Johnny formed a team; as for Lenny, he would partner with Javier.
(Because Lenny and Bill had once gone hunting together and came back empty-handed, Dutch considered them lacking in capability when paired.)
After traveling for a while, they finally reached the top of the abandoned mine. Dutch was talking to Arthur while looking through binoculars.
Lenny and Javier curiously asked Johnny what he had said to Dutch to make him change his mind.
Johnny modestly stated that he had simply provided Dutch with more detailed information he knew, and that the plans were all formulated by Dutch himself.
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