Chương 3: Chapter 3 [Talent C-079-Reinforced Skeleton]

"Things have gotten a bit messy now..."

Su Lun's gaze met Baldy's murderous intent head-on. Although he was not afraid, he couldn't help but reveal a bitter helplessness.

To snatch the gun, kill Cock's Comb, then take a chance to find an opportunity to shoot Baldy.

The plan had been considered thoroughly.

And he had been favored by luck, everything was advancing according to the planned schedule.

Unfortunately, it ultimately fell apart.

That bullet hadn't killed Baldy.

After all...

No normal person would ever expect that their enemy could have the "supernatural ability" to withstand bullets with their flesh!

....

After firing the gun, Su Lun had completely lost the chance to strike first.

Baldy brushed the embedded bullet from his forehead with a fingertip, his face breaking into a mocking smile.

He didn't fire the high-pressure cannon on his mechanical arm again. Instead, he stomped his foot, causing a ripple-like blast of air, and his figure vanished from the spot.

Upon focusing his eyes again, Baldy had already darted forward several meters, ghost-like, appearing right in front of Su Lun.

With a big iron-claw-like hand, he grasped Su Lun by the throat. Utilizing the monstrous force of his charge, he smashed not only Su Lun but also the mahogany chair he was tied to against the wall.

There was a loud 'clang' sound.

The chair broke into pieces, with the fragmented wood chips falling like rain.

Su Lun had no time to react at all. It felt like he had been hit by an elephant, everything went black before his eyes. Unable to hold back the taste of blood, he 'ptui' spat out a mouthful of dark red, filthy blood mixed with bits.

The silver revolver fell to the ground from his hand; he had lost the only weapon he could have used for resistance.

And now, it seemed, the gun was useless anyway.

Baldy's speed was exceedingly fast, bursting close-range so quickly that it was hard for the eyes to follow.

Another ability beyond that of normal humans...

But, Su Lun no longer felt any surprise at this.

A headshot didn't kill him, a bit of speed was nothing shocking.

...

Baldy glared savagely at Su Lun, who was suspended by his feet against the wall, and gnashed his teeth, "Kid, you didn't expect this, did you? My awakened talent is [C-079 - Steel Bones]. If not for this ability, I might actually have fallen to your hands today..."

As he spoke, Baldy glanced sideways at the corpse of his companion lying in a pool of blood on the floor, his gaze growing colder.

Thinking back to that tricky shot a moment ago brought him a shudder. Had it not been for the dodge, he might be the one lying as a corpse on the ground now.

Baldy's hand tightened, intending to strangle the kid in front of him in one go.

Yet, as if recalling something, he hesitated for a moment.

Su Lun thought to himself, "Talent, steel bones? Supernatural ability, huh..."

Then, he weakly closed his eyes...

The mechanical arm, like an iron clamp, firmly gripped his throat. The strong sensation of suffocation left no doubt that the man could easily break his neck.

But not being killed immediately, Su Lun felt no panic at all in his heart.

Because he saw Baldy's hesitation.

He knew very well that if he hadn't killed him immediately, it was likely because he was still coveting the "secret" of the original owner.

However, at this point, Baldy's patience was probably already exhausted from his companion's death.

Su Lun realized that if he said even one more unnecessary word, this man might fly into a rage and kill him.

So, exhaling the last bit of air from his lungs, he strained out five difficult words: "I have a treasure map."

As expected!

As soon as these words were spoken, though the murderous intent was still fierce, Su Lun felt the suffocating grip noticeably weaken.

The iron hand on his throat quietly loosened enough to allow him to breathe.

"Heh..."

A disdainful sneer.

Baldy did not look as foolish as he seemed; he also knew that Su Lun was trying to take advantage of the situation to save his life.

Still, he gave him a chance and said coldly, "Boy, you only have one opportunity to say something that interests me, and I'll give you a quick death."

As soon as he finished speaking, his iron grip tightened and a clear sound of breaking bones echoed.

Su Lun's brow twitched in pain, making him seem weak as he squinted his eyes, but in reality, he was quickly reading information on his retina.

"To only die quickly if I talk?"

He ignored the statement completely and said straightforwardly, "In the manor's banquet hall, along the main corridor on the left, the seventh door, there is a hidden door. The sconce on the wall is a mechanism, leading underground to a maze..."

These were not merely made-up words, but information obtained from his retina.

In such a short time, in a completely unfamiliar world, it was nearly impossible to invent an unassailable lie.

And the outcome of being seen through was nothing but a dead end.

Although he didn't know what meant these pieces of information were left on his retina, Su Lun could see that message whenever he closed his eyes.

The content was as follows:

"My dear Feck, by the time you see this message, your memory should have been erased... of course, that no longer matters... I've left you something as compensation. If fate hasn't forsaken you, living in darkness may actually be a good thing for you. Remember, trust no one, especially those fellows in the Black Tower..."

Beyond this message on the retina, there were only some complex texts that he hadn't had time to look at closely, apparently meant to explain some magical power of the world called "Alchemy."

There was also a very strange map.

It was not a flat map but a three-dimensional one with twisting, glowing lines marked from top to bottom, resembling a mine or perhaps some kind of abyssal cave.

With just a glance, Su Lun sort of understood the reasons behind these matters.

His predecessor's name was "Feck," who seemed to have been "exiled" for some reason.

However, none of these mattered to him, the transmigrator.

Having no memory whatsoever, he wasn't interested in the original owner's past at all.

Su Lun was more concerned about his current situation.

From the address, it was clear that a relative of the original owner had left these words on his retina.

It was also because of this information that the original owner had come to this manor, in search of what was marked on the map... an ancient relic?

He hadn't had time to look closely, but it seemed to be related to the legacy associated with Baldy's supernatural ability to resist bullets with his skull.

...

Su Lun selectively disclosed some information while omitting key details.

For instance, he didn't describe the details of navigating the maze; nor did he mention that there were many sconces in the room, and only the correct lantern would open the underground passage, while the others would trigger traps...

If he wanted to survive from this murderous Baldy, he had to demonstrate his value.

And to keep living, he couldn't reveal his full value all at once.

If the enemy weren't foolish, they certainly wouldn't kill him now.

Just as expected!

Upon hearing this, a glint of something different flashed in Baldy's eyes.

He had already guessed that this young man, who had a bounty on his head from the Big Shots of the Inner City, had secrets.

However, after the loss of a brother, Baldy had become cautious, and he asked, "What treasures are hidden in this manor?"

Feigning weakness, Su Lun closed his eyes, looked at the text on his retina, and repeated, "It's said to contain relics left by 'Sir Isaac.'"

As the words fell, Baldy seemed to hear something unbelievable, and his expression drastically changed, "What!"

"..."

His tone suddenly became very heavy, as Su Lun glanced up.

Although he didn't know what "Sir Isaac" meant, from Baldy's reaction, he guessed it must be some remarkable treasure.

But for Su Lun, this was good news.

Now he was more confident that he wouldn't be dying anytime soon.

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Chương 4: Chapter 4: Ghost Species

Su Lun's words set off a storm inside Baldy's heart.

He immediately retorted, "Is there really a relic left by 'Sir Isaac' in this manor?"

With great attention to detail, Su Lun spat out another mouthful of blood before responding, "Yes. At least that's what the treasure map I got says."

"..."

Hearing the confirmation again, Baldy's eyes moved rapidly as if he were pondering something.

Excitement, anticipation, conflict, mixed with a few strands of apprehension.

He looked at Su Lun, a glint of suspicion flashed through his eyes, but his killing intent was firmly restrained.

If he didn't know the secret of the manor, killing him would be just that.

But now that he knew there was such a great treasure in the manor, how could he watch and let it slip away?

As a seasoned hunting group leader in "Old Lington," how could he not know the value of "Sir Isaac's relics"?

The legendary Great Alchemist boasted a prolific reputation, said to have taken the study of ancient alchemy to its pinnacle, hailed as a "Demigod." Throughout his life, he created countless new alchemical formulas, numerous peculiar potions, and had numerous patents. Every single one of his alchemical manuscripts could fetch a sky-high price on Lington's black market.

Baldy had personally witnessed at a black market auction where someone paid a whopping three hundred Kroners for a page of useless personal notes, simply because it was a handwritten note left by Sir Isaac.

To think that his own "DH-031 deluxe modified" mechanical arm, including materials and modification costs, was only worth a few dozen Kroners.

Although Baldy knew Su Lun might be hiding something, anything related to that man was worth gambling his life on!

If he actually found any relics left by Sir Isaac, he would make a fortune overnight, and would he still need to risk his life scavenging for the rest of his life?

....

Thinking this, Baldy squinted his eyes and asked coldly, "Kid, who exactly are you?"

"I don't know either."

Playing dumb, Su Lun paused for a moment before adding, "My memory has been wiped."

The information on the retina said the original owner was "memory-wiped," so this answer wasn't problematic.

"..."

Upon hearing this, Baldy pondered for a moment.

It seemed he did not doubt it and didn't ask further questions.

Exiled from the inner city and with a bounty on his head for assassination, his identity was certainly not simple, and the memory wipe explanation made sense.

He didn't inquire further about Su Lun's identity but instead asked, "How did you come across this treasure map?"

Su Lun answered, "I don't know who left it to me."

"..."

Upon hearing this, Baldy frowned but said nothing.

They had already searched him during their previous interrogation and found nothing resembling a treasure map.

He also guessed that Su Lun was certainly holding back; it was pointless to coerce him further. No one would foolishly disclose everything about something that might save their life in one go.

So now, killing him was even less of an option.

The iron-gripped hand around his neck loosened, and Su Lun knew he had temporarily saved his own life.

Although he appeared somewhat disheveled, he remained calm at heart.

To truly survive, he would need to think of other means.

Baldy was clearly wary of him, continuously asking about the details of the "treasure map." But just then, a ghostly wail of utter despair suddenly came from outside the door.

"Leader, where are you… Save me!"

The sudden lament made the atmosphere in the room instantly weird.

Upon hearing it, Baldy's expression immediately turned grave.

He then realized that they were still inside a space suspected to be of "Class A" danger level with a curse!

The manor still harbored unknown dangers.

Su Lun didn't know what terrifying thing had happened to that guy outside, but judging by the tone of despair, he guessed that something extremely horrifying must be occurring.

Baldy's brows furrowed deeply, and with one hand clamping onto Su Lun's neck as a shield, he went to open the door.

"Click" the door opened.

And at that moment, a blood-covered man burst in with a face stricken with panic.

It was evident that Baldy recognized the man dressed as an assassin in leather armor as he frowned and called out his name, "Marcus?"

The man looked at Baldy, and his pale complexion suddenly turned ruddy with ecstasy, exclaiming, "Ivan, the leader!"

After a pause, the terror on his face shifted to relief as if he had survived a great calamity, and gasping for breath, he said, "Oh my God...Leader, I've finally found you!"

Su Lun silently watched this scene and finally learned the names of the two men.

Team leader?

It sounded like some sort of organization.

Su Lun examined the wounds and bloodstains on the man called Marcus, then looked at the musket emitting blue smoke in his hand, feeling somewhat puzzled: "A laceration from a sharp weapon... someone who uses a gun, has actually been slashed by a knife?"

Perhaps, it wasn't a person?

Clearly, things didn't seem too simple.

At this time, Baldy looked at Marcus, who was alone, and peeked outside the door, but didn't notice anything strange.

After closing the door, he asked solemnly, "Where's Deputy Team Leader Mark, Daniel, and the others?"

"The team leader... they're dead, all dead!"

Marcus's eyes were filled with fear, as if recalling something, he said with a sobbing tone, "Just now... just now we entered this cursed space, and as we walked, we got lost. Then we discovered that this house is full of terrifying dolls! It seems like there's also a 'ghostly being' weaving control over those dolls. It's as if it's omnipresent, wanting us to play games with them... hide-and-seek, and those who are found get killed..."

"Ghostly being?"

After listening to his subordinate's stuttering narrative, Bald Ivan's face was filled with gravity.

....

Ghostly being?

Bizarre?

Su Lun picked up on a few words that he understood but that were beyond his original knowledge.

Having a chance to breathe, he tore a strip from his clothes and tightly bound up the wound on his hand.

After seeing the supernatural abilities of this world, it was not difficult for Su Lun to understand that these words should refer to some kind of "supernatural being."

"It" had just killed over ten of Baldy's team members.

The story told by this guy named Marcus was bizarre, but it wasn't too outlandish for Su Lun, a transmigrator.

He did not feel much shock in his heart but instead a strange sense of familiarity: "A horror plot? This seems to be the proper way things unfold."

Vaguely, he was also able to infer some of the "ghostly being's" predilections, like enjoying the torment of humans, fond of childish games...

Now, it appeared the deadly threat wasn't just Baldy, but also included a "ghostly being."

....

Baldy was still carefully inquiring about his subordinate's condition, and in the meantime, Su Lun, whose thoughts were racing, suddenly raised his eyebrows as if he had discovered something.

"Huh..."

His gaze moved away from Marcus and suddenly fell on a nutcracker-looking soldier doll in the study's corner, painted in red, black, and green.

Previously, he had thought it was merely a decorative item in the study.

But he couldn't tell if it was an illusion or not, Su Lun just saw the doll's eyes seemed to tremble for a moment.

And at this time, the doll's pitch-black eyeballs were staring right at the three people in the room.

Upon a little recollection, Su Lun sensed something was off and thought to himself: "I thought I remembered wrong, but it really moved, huh..."

He clearly remembered that when Baldy had pinned him against the opposite wall earlier, the puppet's gaze was to the left, directly on them.

And now, they had moved to the doorway on the right side of the room, and yet the doll's eyes continued to follow them.

It was like this →_→!

So, the people had moved, the doll hadn't moved, but the direction of its eyes had.

This was a habit he had developed from playing horror escape games. In confined environments, his gaze would instinctively collect all "clues" around to break through the situation.

Only then did he notice the nutcracker doll's anomaly.

"So we were being monitored by 'someone' after all..."

Su Lun had discovered something unusual, but a flicker of realization passed in the depths of his eyes.

Originally thinking he had seen it wrong, now that he heard there were murderous puppets in the house, Su Lun immediately confirmed that everything in the room had been under the watch of someone in the shadows.

Perhaps, it was that so-called "ghostly being."

However, even with this discovery, Su Lun showed no signs of surprise on his face.

To him, although still unsure what the "bizarre" inside the house meant, judging by Baldy and his companion's expressions, it was definitely some sort of dangerous entity.

But this didn't mean, to Su Lun, that the "bizarre" was more deadly than Baldy and his companion.

On the contrary, it might even be good news.

To survive in Baldy's hands, this "bizarre" might also be one of the conditions he could exploit.

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