The sealed doors of all the offices had opened, and peace had returned to the basement of the Scarecrow Club.
But even though more than ten minutes had passed, Lynch still felt a sense of unreality, staring blankly at the large splatter of blood on the wall in Mr. Klin’s office.
It seemed like only a short while ago this occult expert had told him the archives had just been renovated, only for him to become the reason for the next renovation less than half a month later.
Death had come too suddenly, everything feeling like a dream.
Just like that, he suddenly turned into a monster? And then we killed him together? That was an occult expert, nationally renowned, and he just died like that?
Someone patted his shoulder gently from behind, a familiar strength; he didn't need to turn around to know it was the officer offering comfort.
“This is the world of the Soul Severers, I told you, Lynch. Either we have gone mad, or we are in the process of falling into madness. There is no third state.” Officer Natalie sat beside Lynch with a weary, bitter smile, saying tiredly, “You need to get used to it as soon as possible. The mysterious is always so unpredictable, and there will be many more such things in the future.”
Lynch asked, feeling somewhat lost: “Is this what a twist is?”
“Yes. First, one falls into madness, where everything they do is tinged with frenzy. Then, extreme self destructive tendencies appear. Because he was a Soul Severer and his soul had been alienated, the soul twisted before the self destruction was complete, turning into a twisted one. It is fortunate that the twisted one he transformed into was not too strong, otherwise it would have been very troublesome.” The officer sighed deeply, “Remember today’s experience well. I still hope that the one who sees me off in the future is you, Lynch. I do not want to be smashed into fragments by that idiot Truen.”
It seemed that no matter how one tried to get used to it, witnessing the end of an acquaintance made psychological trauma difficult to avoid. Lynch looked at the officer’s dim and dejected smile, knowing she could not easily ease her emotions. He bowed his head in silence for a moment, then suddenly raised his fist, lightly bumping it against the fist Officer Natalie had extended in surprise, and smiled:
“As you wish. If that day truly comes, I will surely help you find release with my own hands, but before that, I will definitely do everything in my power to find a way to save you.”
“Heh, impossible.”
“Do you want to make a bet, Officer Angel? I mean what I say.”
Natalie was stunned, feeling a sense of returning to the moment they first met in her trance. The trauma in her heart gradually dissipated, revealing a faint smile. Like that day, she tipped her hat, bowed slightly, and said softly: “Alright then. If you win, I will agree to anything, Mr. Levive.”
“That makes four times, then.” Lynch winked playfully.
“Hmph.” The officer clenched her fist, waving it threateningly, with a warm smile in her eyes.
“Ahem, shouldn't you two pay attention to the occasion?” A dry cough came from behind. Mr. V, in his white suit and hat, walked in and gestured with his chin toward the bloodstains on the wall, “Klin is still watching. You two should restrain yourselves.”
Pfft, how can you, as a superior, be peeking through the door crack? And your timing is so poor. I don't mind, but someone is probably going to be unable to take it, hehe.
Hm? Wait, that unlucky person...
Lynch had just realized something ominous when a foot accurately stepped on his toes, gently grinding for half a turn.
Hiss, this woman is crazy, so violent. She’ll never get married in her life.
Lynch rubbed his toes with a look of grievance, yet a smile curled at the corners of his mouth. The officer coughed dryly and said to Mr. V as if nothing had happened: “Is everything arranged? Are Truen and Joel alright, especially Truen?”
“Truen only has some superficial skin wounds on his face; they don't even need treatment. As long as the wounds aren't contaminated by filth, he will be fine. Otherwise, it would be a bit troublesome. When encountering such things, one’s spiritual defenses are at their most fragile. If contaminated further, it all depends on one’s own will. What about you two?”
“We were stained with some filthy blood, but I didn't get any in my wounds, so there shouldn't be any major issues.” The officer raised her left hand and shook it. Her palm was rough and hard, but the bloodstains were already clean. She then cautioned Lynch, “Lynch, you must be extremely careful in the future. The occult contamination carried by the twisted ones is quite severe. Try to avoid being stained by body fluids, otherwise, you might be eroded and become the next twisted one.”
How is this like a zombie?
Lynch felt a bit overwhelmed and nodded in silence.
“You don't need to be too concerned, Mr. Levive. Similar things are encountered frequently, you will get used to it.”
Mr. V’s gaze swept around Mr. Klin’s office. Finally, he couldn't help but sigh deeply, shaking his head at the bloodstains on the wall. He led the two to his office and said in a low voice:
“What exactly was the mystery document that caused him to lose control?”
Officer Natalie did not answer, but instead, amidst Mr. V’s conflicted expression, naturally cast her gaze toward Lynch.
Lynch thought for a moment. The Watchers’ stance was not hostile, and besides Officer Natalie, Mr. V had helped a great deal in him surviving until now. Lynch believed they were trustworthy enough, so he shared all relevant information with Mr. V, except for the commission from Duke Vane.
Mr. V clasped his fingers together, resting his chin on them, listening intently to Lynch’s narrative. Only after he finished did he ponder for a moment and say: “Based on my experience, there is a very high probability that the mystery document you have is what caused him to lose control.”
“I apologize.”
“Hm? Heh, no need for that. This is something the Watchers should have intervened in anyway. Such a dangerous mystery document drifting among the public could have caused a catastrophe if not handled carefully, yet we only just learned of it, and from your channels at that. We are already very derelict in our duties. But you are our consultant, so there is no need to be so precise. Now, those photographs...”
Lynch sighed and opened the iron box he had brought with him, which contained half a box of shattered remnants: “After he lost control, he first destroyed the photos and then specifically called us over to destroy himself in front of us. Although there is no clear evidence now, I estimate this is where those photos were. But I have a question I can't figure out.”
“Hm?”
“Do people who lose control because of a mystery document actively destroy the source that drove them mad?” Lynch pondered, “I once read a story about an image based mystery document. After those who saw it lost control, they absolutely could not destroy the document. Instead, they had to copy it and spread it for others to see to survive, otherwise, they would be scared to death.”
“That is the logic, but he didn't destroy the real mystery document either; he destroyed the photographs. This is the most troublesome part. Now we don't even know what the truly dangerous thing is. Detective, we are just hunters, not specialized investigators. You will have to continue to rack your brains for what comes next. If there is anything you need our help with, we will give it our full support.”
Lynch looked at the iron box with disappointment and shook his head: “That lead is considered broken now. Maya said the photos were taken at the Hall of Order, but the archives there happened to catch fire, so the lead is broken. Theoretically, these materials from the Hall of Order should have been archived during the investigation of the railway incident. That is to say, there should still be originals in the city hall, but given that we and the city government departments, especially Grant and the Rangers...”
“You don't need to worry about that. Leave this matter to me.” Mr. V said with a sullen face and a cold laugh, “It was their materials that caused this trouble, leading to heavy losses for the Watchers. If they dare to cover it up, I don't mind letting them learn a lesson.”
“Let’s do this. I will go negotiate with the Rangers first. As long as they have the originals, I guarantee I can get them for you in a few days, at least enough for you to see them. Even if they really don't have the originals, don't forget this is the Norin-Rhine Railway; important documents definitely have another copy in Norin. I will have them transferred over, though it will take longer.”
Hiss, what a thick thigh. I’ve decided to hug it and not let go.
“Heh, so you should rest well during this time. Healing your injured leg is more important than anything. You are an unsung hero of Rhine, after all. If you need anything, just find Natalie. She’s almost defected to your side anyway, so let her be the liaison.”
“Huh?”
Natalie had been staring at her coffee cup in a trance. At this, she looked up with a bewildered expression.
Rate on N.U.
