The Bizarre Detective Agency

Chapter 428: Holding On to Hope

"You've encountered them before," Tesla's words pulled Lu Li from the newspaper, though not in the way he'd anticipated.

"The 'star-like will' that subjugated the Mother of the Swamp—that's what's on the Fallow Lands," Tesla continued. "We've received this information from Investigators across different regions. Many Evil Spirits got the same invitation."

"If they can control Evil Spirits, does that mean they're incredibly powerful?"

The Fallow Lands were far from the Main Continent, but if the Mother of the Swamp and other Evil Spirits had answered the call of the "star-like will," it meant they wouldn't remain there for long.

"We don't know... All we know is that they instill a sense of despair, stripping away any will to resist."

Despite these words, neither the government nor the United Exorcist Organization had given up hope, no matter how faint it seemed.

After quickly scanning the remaining news, Lu Li folded the newspaper and handed it back to Tesla.

The events on the Fallow Lands were so horrific that Lu Li saw no point in delving into the details.

It was as pointless as calculating the trajectory of a meteor about to wipe out the world.

In a raging storm, the frantic maneuvers of a lone boat on the open sea are utterly futile."A shelter has been built on the Allen Peninsula," Tesla said. "As an Investigator, you have the right to settle your family and loved ones there, if you wish."

"Is the shelter safer than the Lennon Archipelago?"

"Until the real test comes, no one knows what will happen," Tesla said, shaking his head slightly. He couldn't offer Lu Li advice, only explain the shelter's purpose and let him make his own choice.

The shelter had been built on the southern coast of the Allen Peninsula. It was stocked with coal, water, and food, but its subterranean location meant that people would be cut off from the surface and sunlight—though the sky had already been shrouded in clouds for months.

The Lennon Archipelago was relatively developed, with an industrial base and a thriving fishing industry. Aside from the strong sea winds, life there wasn't much different from Belfast.

But no one knew when the anomalies would reach it, too.

As Lu Li was pondering this, a commotion erupted from the next car.

Tesla's gaze shifted to the door, where the shadows of passengers flickered.

The steward appeared at the door, opened it, and a torrent of noise flooded the car. Suddenly, a crazed scream cut through it:

"They're herding us! Herding us like cattle! Forcing us all into one place just to slaughter us later! Ha-ha-ha-ha!"

The scream drew the attention of Lu Li, JoJo, and Frank, who were sitting in the corner. When the door closed, the shouting subsided, and the steward approached Lu Li and Tesla.

"My apologies, gentlemen. One of the passengers seems to have lost his mind and is screaming. But don't worry, the police have been called," he said apologetically.

"Get someone from the United Exorcist Organization," Tesla said.

"Yes, sir." The steward returned to the adjacent car, and as the door opened again, the screaming resumed:

"...Zenster was just a coincidence! Just a glutton who couldn't resist stopping by a restaurant for a snack! Their feast is about to begin..."

The door closed, and the screaming died down, leaving only an indistinct murmur in its wake.

"What do you make of that?" Tesla asked.

"Without proof, any speculation is pointless. The situation is already bad enough; it can't get any worse."

"There's still a difference," Tesla replied, unconcealed exhaustion showing in his brown eyes. "The Lennon Archipelago is humanity's last hope."

People couldn't afford to believe the words of a madman; the price was too high, despite the bleak future.

But regardless, it was an Investigator's duty to know the truth.

The noise from the next car gradually died down, replaced by the rhythmic clatter of the train's wheels on the tracks.

Lu Li watched the scenery blur past the window, and at some point, his gaze fell upon his own reflection in the glass.

Behind him, a dark, viscous, mud-like silhouette materialized from thin air.

Tesla, sitting opposite him, had unfolded the morning paper and was reading, oblivious to the hallucination only Lu Li could see.

This reminded Lu Li of something, and he broke the silence:

"Was there any response to the letter about the contamination that was sent to headquarters?"

Tesla lowered his newspaper, his expression turning serious. "Not yet... It's strange... Perhaps the letter was delayed? I'll contact them when we get back."

"Hmm."

"Has it started getting worse?" Tesla asked with concern.

Lu Li nodded. "It's progressed to the second stage."

"When you hear it, they can see you. When you see it, they can touch you. Under no circumstances should you touch it..." Lu Li recalled the chaotic entries from the diary.

Tesla was silent, unsure how to help Lu Li, as he didn't understand what he was talking about. Suddenly, he remembered something and asked:

"How's your Mind Level right now?"

"It's under control," Lu Li replied calmly, lying.

Tesla didn't seem to notice the lie. He gave a slight nod and said, "Hold on. Whatever you see or hear, remember that it isn't real. At least, they can't see you yet."

The dark, viscous silhouette crept ever closer to Lu Li.

It saw Lu Li, just as Lu Li saw it.

"I will," Lu Li answered, his voice just as calm as before.

A smile touched Tesla's face, as if he'd finally heard something good. He turned toward an old suitcase resting nearby. "According to the rules, you have to give it a name."

The First Pistol was sealed inside the suitcase.

"'First Pistol' will do."

"Give it a better name." Tesla shook his head helplessly and set aside his newspaper. "Its name will be recorded in the archives of the Spirit Hunters Association."

"It's too early to name it. I don't know the power of the third rose," Lu Li replied.

"All three roses are connected, and their powers are similar. You should be able to guess."

Lu Li paused for a moment before answering, "The Atonement."

"'The Atonement'... It really suits your character," Tesla chuckled, accepting the name. "Besides you, I don't know anyone else who would cooperate with Evil Spirits."

"I have a question," Lu Li said. "The Atonement no longer fits in its holster."

"Don't worry, as soon as I report this, the Spirit Hunters Association will send a new container..."

Tesla's words were cut short by the sudden appearance of a figure in the car.

The figure leaned toward Tesla and said quietly, "The passenger who was screaming is dead..."

The voice was quiet, but Lu Li heard it anyway. The figure seemed to be trying to keep JoJo and Frank, who were sitting in the corner, from overhearing.

Tesla's expression changed.

"I'll be right back," he told Lu Li, then grabbed his hat, stood up, and left the car with the figure.