Clinging to a Powerful Ally

The sealed doors of all the offices had been opened, and quiet once again returned to the Scarecrow Club's underground level.

Even though more than ten minutes had passed, Lynch still felt a sense of unreality as he stared blankly at the massive bloodstain splattered across the wall in Mr. Klin's office.

It felt like not long ago, this expert in occultism had mentioned that the archives had just been renovated. Yet less than half a month later, he had become the reason for the next renovation.

Death had come so suddenly that everything felt like a dream.

Just like that, he suddenly turned into a monster? And then we joined forces to kill him? He was an expert in occultism, nationally renowned, yet he died just like that?

Someone gently patted his shoulder from behind. From the familiar pressure, he didn't even need to turn around to know it was Officer Angel comforting him.

“This is the world of Soul Severers. I told you before, Lynch—we are either already mad, or on the brink of falling into madness. There is no third state.” Officer Natalie sat down beside Lynch with a weary, bitter smile, speaking tiredly. “You need to get used to it as soon as possible. Mystery is always unpredictable, and things like this will happen often in the future.”

Lynch asked, somewhat bewildered, “This is what twisting is?”

“Yes. First comes falling into madness, where everything a person does is driven by mania. Then comes an extreme urge for self-destruction. Since he was a Soul Severer whose soul was alienated, before the self-destruction could finish, his soul underwent a twisting transformation and turned into a Twisted One. Fortunately, the Twisted One he transformed into wasn't too strong, or it would've been much more troublesome.” Officer Natalie let out a deep sigh. “Remember today's experience well. I still hope that the person who sends me off in the future will be you, Lynch. I really don't want to be smashed to pieces by that idiot Truen.”

It seemed that no matter how accustomed one became, witnessing an acquaintance's end dealt an unavoidable psychological blow. Looking at the officer's dim and subdued smile, Lynch knew it was hard for her to lift her spirits right away. He lowered his head in silence for a moment, then suddenly raised a fist and bumped it gently against Officer Natalie's, who extended hers in surprise. He smiled faintly.

“As you wish. If that day really comes, I'll grant you relief with my own hands. But before that, I'll do everything in my power to find a way to save you.”

“Heh, that's impossible.”

“Want to make a bet, Officer Angel? I keep my word.”

Natalie was startled. For a fleeting moment, she felt as if she were back to when they first met. The ache in her heart gradually dissipated, replaced by a faint smile. Tipping her top hat and bowing slightly just as she had that day, she said softly, “Alright. If you win, I'll agree to anything, Mr. Levive.”

“Then that makes four times,” Lynch said, winking cheekily.

“Hmph.” Officer Natalie clenched her fist and waved it playfully in threat, a warm smile lingering in her eyes.

“Ahem. Shouldn't you two pay a little attention to where you are?” A dry cough sounded from behind as Mr. V, dressed in a white suit and hat, walked in. He gestured with his chin toward the bloodstains on the wall. “Klin is still watching. Restrain yourselves a bit.”

Pfft, how can a boss like you lurk by the door crack eavesdropping? And your timing is awful. I don't care, but someone else is probably going to burst, hehe.

Wait, no... That unlucky person...

Just as Lynch sensed impending doom, a boot landed squarely on his toe and gave a surprisingly gentle half-twist.

Hss, is this woman crazy? So violent! She'll stay single forever.

Lynch rubbed his toes with a deeply aggrieved look, though a smile twitched at the corners of his mouth. Officer Natalie coughed dryly, turning to Mr. V with complete nonchalance. “Is everything arranged? Are Truen and Joel alright? Especially Truen.”

“Truen only suffered a few superficial cuts on his face. They don't even need treatment. As long as the wounds aren't contaminated by filth, he'll be fine. Otherwise, it could get troublesome. After an incident like this, a person's soul defense is at its weakest. If it gets contaminated now, it'll depend entirely on his will. What about you two?”

“I got some filthy blood on me, but my own skin wasn't broken, so it won't be a problem.” Officer Natalie raised her left hand and waved it slightly. Her palm was rough and firm, though the blood had already been cleaned away. She then instructed Lynch, “Lynch, you must be extremely careful in the future. The mysterious contamination inside a Twisted One is very severe. Try your best to avoid getting covered in their bodily fluids, or you might be eroded and become the next Twisted One.”

That sounds just like zombies.

Lynch felt a headache coming on and nodded silently.

“You don't need to dwell on it too much, Mr. Levive. Incidents like this happen all the time; you'll get used to it.”

Mr. V looked around Mr. Klin's office. In the end, he couldn't help letting out a deep sigh. Shaking his head at the blood-splattered wall, he led the two into his own office and asked in a low voice:

“What on earth was that mystery document that caused him to lose control?”

Officer Natalie didn't answer. Instead, under Mr. V's conflicted gaze, she naturally turned her eyes toward Lynch.

Lynch gave it some thought. The Watchers weren't enemies, and he owed his survival up to this point not only to Officer Natalie, but also to Mr. V, who had helped him tremendously. Believing they were trustworthy enough, he shared all the relevant information with Mr. V, omitting only Duke Vane's commission.

Mr. V laced his fingers together and rested his chin on his hands, listening intently to Lynch's account. Once Lynch finished, he pondered for a moment before speaking. “Based on my experience, there is a strong probability that the source of his loss of control was indeed your mystery document.”

“I'm sorry.”

“Hmm? Heh, no need for that. This was something the Watchers should have stepped in on from the beginning. A mystery document this dangerous circulating among civilians could easily cause a catastrophe with a single misstep. The fact that we only found out about it now, and through your channels no less, is already a gross negligence on our part. Still, since you're our advisor, there's no need to draw such fine lines. Now, about those photographs...”

Lynch sighed, opening the iron box he had brought along. Inside was half a box of scattered ash. “After losing control, he destroyed the photographs first, then deliberately called us over to destroy himself right in front of us. Though there's no concrete proof right now, I suspect these are the remains of those photos. However, there's one question I can't wrap my head around.”

“Hmm?”

“Would someone who lost control because of a mystery document actively destroy the source that drove them mad?” Lynch mused. “I once read a story about a visual mystery document. Anyone who looked at it and lost control couldn't destroy it—instead, they had to copy it and spread it to others to survive, or else they would literally die of fright.”

“That logic holds, but he didn't destroy the actual mystery document; he destroyed photographs. That's the most troublesome part. Right now, we don't even know what the real danger is. Detective, we are merely hunters, not specialized investigators. We'll have to trouble you to handle the rest. Whatever help you need, we'll support you with everything we've got.”

Lynch looked at the iron box in disappointment and shook his head. “Now this lead is dead. Maya mentioned the photos were taken at the Hall of Order, but their archive happened to catch fire, so that lead is dead as well. Theoretically, the Hall of Order's records should be archives from the investigation into the railway incident. That means the city hall should still have the originals. But considering our relationship with city government departments—especially Grant and the Rangers...”

“You don't need to worry about that. Leave it to me.” Mr. V's face darkened with a cold sneer. “Their records were what started this trouble in the first place and caused such heavy losses to the Watchers. If they dare try to hide anything else, I won't mind teaching them a lesson.”

“How about this: I'll negotiate with the Rangers first. As long as they have the original, I guarantee I can get it for you in a few days—or at least let you inspect it. Even if they really don't have the original, don't forget this is the Norin-Rhine Railway. A second copy of important documents is bound to exist in Norin. I'll have them request it, though that will take a bit longer.”

Hss, what a massive thigh to cling to! I've decided to hold on tight and never let go.

“Heh, so during this time, rest up and recover well. Healing your injured leg is more important than anything. You are, after all, the unsung hero of Rhine. If anything comes up, talk to Natalie. She's practically defected to your side anyway, so she might as well serve as your liaison.”

“Ah?”

Natalie, who had been staring blankly at her coffee cup, looked up with a thoroughly bewildered expression.