A New Beginning

As Officer Natalie revealed the timeframe, she looked at Lynch's expression with some concern.

After all, having just surged from despair to joy, before he could even settle his emotions, he was plunged from joy back into despair. It was something an ordinary person could hardly bear.

Yet Lynch gave an uncharacteristic scoff, shaking his head.

“Heh. A month. At least it's better than five hours. Should I consider myself lucky?”

“Are you all right?”

“Don't worry. People like me are experts at adjusting our mindset. If you told me I had an hour left to live, I'd be terrified. But if it's a whole month, I might as well laze around for a few days first. No rush.”

What Lynch actually thought was that he could hole up at home for a few days—such was the coping mechanism of a seasoned shut-in. Besides, even if he truly died in a month, getting to see more of this bizarre new world wouldn't be a loss.

“Besides, since I managed to stretch a certain-death five hours into a month, I have the confidence to keep extending it until the problem is completely solved. It's not enough to scare me off. But why a month? Why so punctual?”

“This traces back to the Mythological Era of the First Age,” Natalie explained. “Back then, aside from sacrificing captives and livestock, people sometimes sacrificed noble members of their own tribe. They would select the sacrifice a month in advance, treating them with the highest honors until delivering them to the altar to be slain a month later. This custom continued for many years, gradually crystallizing into a universal rule. That's why it's the same for all evil gods: even if a chosen sacrifice isn't killed immediately when the ritual is interrupted, their soul will be claimed a month later. It's the automatic operation of the world's rules.”

“So in the end, it was still Randall's doing.” Lynch shot a venomous glare at the bizarre severed head on the floor. “Is there a countermeasure? Ah... you said my only way out was to become a Soul Severer. Is it because of this?”

“Yes. In truth, there are many preventive measures before becoming a sacrifice, but once you become one, the outcome cannot be changed. There's virtually no way to stop it unless you can defeat the evil god's true body head-on. Otherwise, escape is nearly impossible. However, a sacrifice can also flee—so long as it can't be found.”

Lynch had a sudden flash of inspiration. “No wonder I need to become a Soul Severer. Does it alter my soul so that the Flicker can't find me?”

“You're quick on the uptake. No wonder you performed so well tonight—a true detective. That's right. The process of a Soul Severer alienating their own soul just so happens to erase the mark of the sacrifice from the soul. This is your only way out.”

“Become a Soul Severer within a month?”

“Yes. To be honest, it won't be easy. Becoming a Soul Severer is very complicated, requiring prolonged contact with holy mystery to perceive historical echoes from the mysteries left behind by the gods. But with a month's time, it's at least worth an attempt. The fact that you could see a soul manifestation proves you have the inherent potential to become a Soul Severer. It's worth trying. Normally, advising you to become a Soul Severer would be harming you, and I wouldn't suggest it. But driven by circumstances, we don't have the luxury of such reservations.”

“Wait, why is becoming a Soul Severer harming me? The more forbidden knowledge you have, the faster you die?”

“What good outcome do you think comes from tampering with your own soul? Contact mystery, understand mystery, and then... become mystery. That is our journey. With every alienation completed, the soul draws closer to mystery, and the erosion by mystery becomes all the more severe. If one fails to resist the erosion, they either become a bloodthirsty madman or a twisted monster, ultimately meeting their end at the hands of their former comrades. That is the fate of most Soul Severers. When I end up like that in the future, remember to put an end to me yourself. I will thank you from the Netherworld.”

“You...” Looking at Officer Natalie's nonchalant expression, Lynch felt a heavy gloom weigh down on his chest.

“No need to wear that expression. We're used to it. If you survive, you'll get used to it too—used to living on the brink of madness and distortion every single day, waking up every morning grateful that you can still maintain your sanity. Someone once said, we are either already mad, or on the road to madness. There is no third state. So, do you dare to step onto this path?”

Lynch narrowed his eyes, his breathing growing slightly rapid. He didn't doubt Officer Natalie's words, but having longed for the supernatural world in his past life, combined with tonight's terrifying brush with death, he craved the strength to protect himself all the more. Besides...

“I have no choice at all.”

“To live or to die—that is the choice.” Officer Natalie jotted an address onto a piece of paper. “Go back and think it over carefully tonight. Regardless of your decision, come find me at this address tomorrow afternoon. If you plan to walk this path, I'll take you to meet someone who can introduce you to channels that will help you become a Soul Severer.”

34 Barley Street, Scarecrow Club.

“This name... is this your Watchers' headquarters?”

“Something like that. I'll inform security to let you in.”

As she spoke, Officer Natalie repeatedly checked the two relics before finally latching the case shut.

“And this.”

Lynch opened his palm, revealing the ring resting in his hand.

Officer Natalie acted as though she hadn't seen it, averting her gaze to the side. “Lynch, through our cooperation tonight, you showed me the willpower and capability of an ordinary person. I look forward to the chance of working together again, which is why I hope even more that you'll show up tomorrow. But even if you don't, I still wish you good luck.”

“I look forward to it too.” Lynch smiled and withdrew the ring into his pocket. “I will show up. After all, I don't want to die just yet.”

“You've just been through so much; there's no rush to make a decision now. Go back and get a good night's rest. Don't worry, you're safe for the time being.”

“Will the 'master' behind the scenes do anything else?”

“You are already a sacrifice of the Flicker. Unless he wants to fight the Flicker for a sacrifice, he wouldn't dare do anything. This is a very delicate matter.”

“Understood. Then I've noted the address. See you tomorrow.” Lynch stood up and put on his top hat. Seeing the female officer let out what seemed like a sigh of relief, he tilted his head and asked with an odd expression, “Officer, sending me home to rest in such a hurry... could it be that you still haven't figured out how to handle our bet?”

“Y-y-you...” Who knew what Officer Natalie imagined, but her face instantly flushed bright red. She stammered, “W-what nonsense are you spouting? You're still a sacrifice, and there's no guarantee you'll survive yet! I-i-it's not over yet. We have to wait a month to see the result!”

“So that's how it is. Then what's there to consider? I'll definitely show up tomorrow. I have to seize this chance to survive, or how else will I bring up the bet in a month?”

“I-I'm not joking with you!” The formidable officer who had fought off a hundred beasts suddenly turned into a little girl whose secret thoughts had been laid bare. Her eyes darted around nervously. “T-this is serious business. There's no room for regret. You...”

“Right, I understand, I understand.”

Lynch strode over to Officer Natalie, looking down at her seated figure. Just as her expression grew increasingly flustered and awkward, he gave a solemn, deep bow and said earnestly:

“Though there are still many questions to unravel about tonight's events, I know that you saved my life. Without you fighting alongside me all the way, I couldn't have survived until now. So, thank you, Officer Natalie Angel. I won't forget your help tonight.”

“Don't misunderstand. I have no personal interest in saving you—it was merely my duty.” The lady officer looked away, speaking awkwardly. “I'll arrange a carriage to send you back. Remember to think it through before making your decision tomorrow.”

Lynch nodded and turned to leave. Yet before he could take a step, his movements suddenly froze.

“What is it?” Officer Natalie followed his gaze, her face darkening as well.

This was the living room of the Randall residence. On the distant wall hung massive oil paintings, all portraits of people.

The mystery relic Ghost of the Dannis Residence had been discovered behind one of them.

Yet looking at them now, the two witnessed a bizarre scene.

The frame of one of the portraits was completely empty, leaving behind only a blank background.

A shudder ran down Lynch's spine, as if an icy draft had brushed past him.

Hurrying over beneath the portrait to inspect it closely, he found the canvas completely normal, showing no signs of having been swapped or tampered with.

It was as though the person in the painting had left on their own accord.

“An ability...” Officer Natalie's voice came from beside him. “When we returned after suppressing the relic earlier, these portraits were all normal. Someone has been spying on us from the very beginning, and they only just stopped.”

‘Travel Companion, what's going on? Isn't this related to mystery?’

【Ability, Illusion and Reality. Requires preparation in advance to spy remotely through portraits; it belongs to the power of mystery.】

‘Wait... fine. You said earlier that at least two of the mystery reactions were relics. Is this mystery distinct from relics?’

【Yes. What is manifested here is merely the effect of the ability rather than its source. There is no distinct mystery reaction, making it impossible to detect in advance.】

‘Can it be traced?’

【No.】

‘I see. Thank you.’

Lynch sighed and looked at the officer, who had stepped up beside him. “It seems Randall letting us into the living room from the very start wasn't just to deceive us.”

“Most likely,” she said with a grim expression. “I fear this was the 'master' Randall spoke of, spying on our actions the whole time. Damn it, he didn't care in the slightest about Randall's fate, merely watching from the sidelines. What is he after?”

“Whatever he wants, as long as he isn't just acting on a whim, he's bound to make another move.” Lynch glared darkly at the empty frame. “I was worried he would stay hidden and never show his face. Since he's willing to show himself, I'll drag him out sooner or later. But before that, I need to stay alive. Heh, seems I don't need to deliberate anymore. Even if only to drag him into the light, I have to become a Soul Severer and survive.”

“Very well, if that is your choice. I'll have someone see you home first. Remember to come tomorrow afternoon; I won't be there any earlier.”

Lynch nodded, following the guiding blue uniform out of the Randall residence. More police officers had already surrounded the property, throwing the manor into bustling chaos.

Stepping out the front doors and gazing up at the sky, midnight had already passed. The red moon and the silver moon converged across the night sky, casting a lunar glow as clear as water.

Dragging his sore, exhausted body into the carriage, Lynch closed his eyes, clutching the pendant around his neck. He silently relished the soothing warmth of the crimson moonlight bathing his skin. The terror and anxiety of the past few hours quickly faded, leaving behind only the timeless tranquility that had endured for countless millennia.

The Order carriage soon pulled up outside his apartment in the Valley District. The lock on the door had been kicked broken by Officer Natalie earlier, leaving it slightly ajar just as they had left it. Walking inside, Lynch dragged a chair over to wedge against the door, finally exhaling a long sigh of relief. He slumped onto the sofa, staring blankly out the window at the blood-red moon for a while.

Is this my new life?

Did I truly resurrect? Did I really transmigrate?

Though fraught with difficulties and coming within inches of death multiple times, I survived in the end.

Pulling out his detective notebook, he thought for a moment before jotting down a new page in Chinese characters for safety:

May 13, 1399. I transmigrated to a new world and successfully survived the most pressing crisis of death. Starting tomorrow, I will begin my new life in this brand-new world.

Setting down his pen, Lynch leaned back against the sofa, the experiences before and after his transmigration swirling in his mind.

Starting tomorrow, the top priority was finding a way to become a Soul Severer, breaking past the one-month time limit, establishing a true foothold in this world, and taking his fate into his own hands.

The second matter was unraveling the truth behind being chosen as a sacrifice. He had to uncover the mastermind's objective, and the sooner the better. Otherwise, there would surely be a second or third plot. Better to hunt down the thief and kill him than spend a thousand days on guard.

The third matter... Wait.

How could I forget the most important issue?!

Damn you, Randall! You died without paying me for the goods!

Who the hell am I going to ask for my six pounds and fifteen shillings?! How am I supposed to survive from now on?!

With trembling hands, he pulled out his coin pouch, turning the inner lining inside out. There were still only three shillings and six pence.

In the Kingdom of Lande, twelve pence made a shilling, and twenty shillings made a pound. Even if one penny was roughly equivalent to five yuan in his previous life, his entire net worth amounted to barely two hundred and ten yuan. Even if he ate only one meal every two days, it would last him barely twenty days.

Wait, there was also rent, water bills, gas bills, and the steam boiler fee. Added together, he owed the landlady three pounds, all due in the middle of the month.

Isn't that the day after tomorrow? No, tomorrow!

You bastards are really cutting off every route of survival! You damned mastermind, from this day forward, it's either you or me!

What to do, what to do...

Lynch dragged his exhausted body up and opened the wardrobe, frantically rummaging through the pockets of all his clothes.

Past self, please tell me you left some loose change in your pockets. I'm begging you! Otherwise, in a few days, I'll have to scavenge for garbage! No, past self, don't just leave loose change—you must have tucked away some savings in your pockets, right?!

Not too much, just a few dozen pounds would do. I'm not greedy at all!

Yet no matter how many times he searched, every pocket was bare. Not a single coin was to be found. In the end, Lynch could only slump in defeat and shut the wardrobe doors.

Starting tomorrow, he had to consider his livelihood. To transmigrate only to worry about putting food on the table—I must be the most disgraceful transmigrator in existence.

Sigh. Tomorrow, I'll first ask Natalie to help sell the ring. Even if I'm reluctant to part with it, food and shelter take priority.

Then, I'll find a cheaper place to rent. This one is too expensive; there must be cheaper places out there.

After that, I'll see if there's any way to make money. If not, I'll hurry and reopen the detective agency. After all, I still retain the memories of this trade; I'm an experienced hand.

Then I can slowly solve the mystery of the mastermind. Otherwise, even if I sell the ring, the money will run out eventually, and I'll end up becoming the first transmigrator to starve to death in another world.

Whatever. Think about it tomorrow. Time to sleep.

Neatly hanging his formal suit in the wardrobe, he noted that although the trench coat had been covered in blood and grime inside the relic's memories, it was spotless upon returning to reality. Supposedly, that wasn't real blood, but the manifestation of mystery. Unfortunately, the tear in the fabric remained; he'd have to send it for mending tomorrow.

Sigh, another expense.

Throwing himself onto the bed, Lynch felt the sensation of lying down to sleep for the first time in he didn't know how long. Yet whether it was an unfamiliar bed or an unfamiliar world, he tossed and turned, unable to drift off.

‘Travel Companion, are you still there?’

【Yes.】

‘Now that we're finally free, isn't it time to figure out what you actually are?’

Silence in his mind.

‘How about giving me a hint and letting me guess?’

Still complete silence.

‘Actually, I've already roughly guessed what you are. Watching over me with that complete lack of presence, plus the existence of this pendant.’

Silence, as before.

‘Fine. Whatever you are, it seems you won't harm me anyway. You'll stay by my side, won't you? To witness my journey of awakening.’

【Yes.】

‘Tsk, I knew you were still there. Can't you chat with me for a bit? I can't sleep.’

Once again, dead silence.

As Lynch rambled on in his head to bother the Travel Companion, a sudden spark ignited in his mind, and he sat bolt upright.

‘I know why I can't sleep.’

Climbing out of the small bed, he dragged it over beneath the window and drew back the curtains before lying back down.

The crimson moonlight streamed through the glass, bathing Lynch's body, feeling as if he had returned to the days before his transmigration.

His chaotic thoughts settled at once. Lynch closed his eyes with a smile. Even as his mind still rambled through the perilous encounters of the night, his consciousness grew hazier and hazier.

‘Tomorrow, we will witness this world together. Good night.’

【Mm. Good night.】