Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 2168: Chapter 2163: Confinement (37)

The boundary is being broken bit by bit, and her previous actions fall into this category.

After confirming the other party has a subtle intention of exploitation, the first thing to do next is to demonstrate value, such as organizing searches for the missing.

But at the same time, there are some peculiar aspects to her, making her seem not quite like an ordinary officer.

Just now, Emily’s sudden cold gaze may not have been without the feeling of a remote conversation.

It made people feel that perhaps the guidance she received didn’t include clear entries like speed challenge mode, but she remains very wary of potential competitors.

It’s just a pity that people always have limitations; after some struggles, she clearly didn’t realize the inadequacy of her acting earlier and chose to continue the role-playing to the end.

Of course, to be fair, perhaps the talent wasn’t so exceptional, but she was quite diligent.

She even inadvertently exposed another piece of information—she probably had communicated with the real Emily.

It’s not something difficult to imagine.

With a certain level of extraordinary ability retained, even in the Inner World, tracking a particular target shouldn’t be very difficult.

Not to mention, based on the current understanding of Emily and Dennis’s behavior, regardless of whether they’ve gained any special abilities in the Inner World, their disposition still seems to fall within the realm of ordinary people.

They entered the Inner World like ignorant children strolling in the Magic Realm.

For the Old Hunter, the biggest obstacle to finding them is likely more on the town’s original inhabitants.

For instance, Yiven, with a peculiar mind, and even those numerous characters devoured by Brother Tantou.

Of course, this is just speculation. The reason behind this thought actually includes another factor—Fu Qian doesn’t believe the Old Hunter could portray a young girl to such an extent on his own.

The journey of leaving, the feelings and evaluations of companions, even the speech tone and expressions... all suggest there might be a prototype to reference for assistance.

As for why Emily would be willing to help?

Based on what was done to Dennis’s body, Fu Qian doesn’t think the Old Hunter is a kind-hearted person.

If it’s assumed that the two are related to the White Key, and it’s not easy to catch one alive, he wouldn’t mind using considerable means to ensure he gets as much information as possible.

Like Dennis, Emily’s end might not be very optimistic.

Of course, this is in the Inner World, a nightmare-like projection.

Their counterparts in the real world might tell a different story altogether.

And this is also what Fu Qian is curious about, do both worlds each have a White Key?

Has the Old Hunter been too active in the Inner World?

...

It’s understandable that the two young people, tormented as they are, are reflected into the Inner World after entering this "dying" town.

So what nature does the White Key related to them belong to?

Frankly speaking, this is the core purpose of attending the banquet.

Does each world have one, or does it only exist in the real world, and regardless of where, the young boys and girls only provide clues to find it?

When first receiving the task, Fu Qian was more inclined to the latter.

After tossing a coin with Zhen in the breakfast shop and discovering the interaction of objects between the two worlds, he slightly adjusted his inclination to maybe existing in one world, not necessarily only in the "real" one.

However, it wasn’t over yet, and in the subsequent explorations, it became apparent that competitors seemed to be quite extreme in this regard.

His traces are everywhere in the Inner World, and even places for communication are here.

Because in the real world, belonging to an ordinary human physique, he doesn’t want to take risks?

It’s perhaps a reasonable explanation, but is there a more natural one?

For example, like the town’s original inhabitants, who lost their anchor points and can no longer enter the Inner World, he is restricted and, conversely, cannot enter the real world?

Once this is taken as a premise, some things seem to make more sense.

The breakfast shop, the Art Prison, the hospital... the search process in his eyes is not the same as mine.

He’s been confined only to these sinister places in the Inner World all along, hence retaining the Extraordinary Power.

Thus, it indeed becomes more fair.

It doesn’t even detract from explaining why he could set the trap.

On one hand, the traces in the Inner World, over by the Art Prison, are just enough to guide one here.

On the other hand, referencing Zhen and Brother Tantou’s mental state after entering the Inner World.

Just a few chats can easily deduce that a parallel, mysterious-expelling world exists where the order hasn’t collapsed.

It may even be known that someone is also searching for the missing.

Thus a trap is set, waiting to ensnare the unwary.

The premise here is that he might not be able to enter the real world himself but has the ability to change the nature of an area, causing people to fall in.

And if that’s the case, then it obviously won’t end with him easily letting me get away.

Though this isn’t something Fu Qian is worried about—if the Old Hunter can only operate in the Inner World yet still has the possibility of finding the White Key, doesn’t that mean there’s at least one White Key in the Inner World?

It might even potentially mean there’s only one between the real and Inner World combined, and I need to find it here?

That indeed would be the truly worst-case scenario.

"It’s understandable, the troubles of youth tend to come later."

The situation seemed to become more complicated as it was deduced, but there was no expression on Fu Qian’s face, he merely commented on Emily’s appraisal of Dennis and then posed a rather pointed question.

"So do you think if you were the one missing, he would come looking for you like this?"

...

"I think Dennis would, and that’s what worries me... I didn’t find him, nor did I wait for him..."

The question was somewhat heart-breaking, but after a moment of silence, Emily ultimately chose strength and trust.

Why don’t I think so?

Though internally, Fu Qian merely mused over her answer.

"It’s touching, now there’s just one last question. Once you answer it, you’re free to go."

He gave a slight nod of approval, providing a special reminder.

"Have you seen an unusual clinic along your search journey?"

And his question was even more peculiar.

"Very run-down, old, unsanitary, with even the IV bottles unwashed, looking as if there is still blood?"

The scene when the task started had never left Fu Qian’s mind.

Even though more and more information later proved that the situation back then made sense, the déjà vu was still too strong.

It’s hard not to recall the old man who first told him to go bask in the moonlight.

"Hey... it wasn’t that bad, was it?"

You see, even Tina immediately made a connection and strongly protested this kind of insinuation.