A Core Ship From The Start Chapter 710

Chapter 710: Chapter 522: The Determination of a Young Girl_1 Chapter 710: Chapter 522: The Determination of a Young Girl_1 It was clear that this event had greatly affected Mary. When she came to Duanmu Huai's mansion the next day, she looked utterly exhausted. However, her countenance was rather determined now.

“I've made up my mind, sir. I have to wake up Shirley no matter what.”

“So you're saying that you won't give up? Shirley wrote in her letter that this was her choice. As her friend, shouldn't you respect her decision?”

Duanmu Huai, putting down the teacup in his hand and squinting his eyes, stared at Mary, who vigorously shook her head in response.

“As her best friend, I can't let her go easily. I must bring her back… because that was our promise. We promised each other, no matter what happens to Shirley, I'll bring her back!”

Well, that's commendable courage.

Upon hearing Mary's answer, Duanmu Huai nodded. He then stared at Mary and unexpectedly asked.

“By the way, do you have no idea as to why Shirley would do such a thing?”

“Huh?”

Upon hearing this, Mary was taken aback and shook her head in confusion.

“I have no clue. We were together all the time. I can't think of anything that would make Shirley behave this way…”

Confirmed. Mary must be unsuspicious, not so sure about the one called Shirley.

Duanmu Huai wanted to recommend an anime to Mary, titled “Shinmei Tsuki no…”

Right, those in the know will understand.

But before that, he has words to say.

“Is that so? However, I have to remind you that you might have forgotten. Everyone in that research society possesses peculiar monsters and they even kill people at night as sacrifices to open the Tartar Gate… If Dr. Capek believes that Miss Charlotte has arrived at the Tartar Gate, then… you should understand what I'm implying.”

On hearing this, Mary's face turned incredibly stiff. Duanmu Huai stared at her and said, word by word.

“Are you willing to bet that your friend isn't a murderer?”

“……………”
At that moment, Mary felt her limbs turn cold. It occurred to her then that according to the documents she had seen, those people needed sacrifices to open the Tartar Gate. Since Shirley was already at the Tartar Gate, could it mean that those bizarre murders in Fog City were committed by her?

Indeed, on reflection, didn't Shirley want to talk to her about those bizarre murders on the night she became unconscious?

Though later it was sloughed off as a joke.

Looking back now… could Shirley really have done it?

Could Shirley, who's always gentle and calm, occasionally childish, be a murderer?

Mary didn't believe so. But was it that she didn't want to believe? Or was it that she didn't dare to believe?

Mary wasn't sure herself.

She lowered her head, and tightly clutched her dress. At that moment, Mary felt a wave of cold engulf her. As Duanmu Huai had said, was she willing to bet on that possibility? That Shirley hadn't killed anyone, she reached the Tartar Gate through some other means?

No…

Mary shook her head, affirming her belief.

She trusted Shirley. Shirley would never commit such a cruel act! Sacrificing innocents to fulfill her wishes was not Shirley's nature! They were childhood friends, grew up together, shared close intimacy. Mary knew Shirley better than anyone.

She would never do such a thing!

“I won't bet.”

Mary lifted her head, looking at Duanmu Huai and spoke, word by word.

“Because, I know Shirley. She isn't that type of person. She definitely wouldn't do such a thing!”

“……Alright then. I hope you're right.”

Duanmu Huai shrugged his shoulders. But Mary felt a surge of unease on seeing his reaction.

“Sir, what would you do if you encountered these people?”

“Of course, I would kill them.”

Duanmu Huai casually provided the answer.

“These people use spirit descent magic to ally themselves with demons, causing harm to innocents. They are nothing more than heretics. As a judge, it's only natural that I kill any I come across.”

“Judge?”

“Correct. I am an investigator, but I am also a judge for the Tribunal. Being an investigator is my hobby, being a judge is my profession. Do you have any questions?”

“…………”
Mary hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. It had to be said, when Duanmu Huai mentioned killing earlier, his murderous tone truly frightened her. But Mary couldn't claim that what Duanmu Huai said was wrong. Regardless of what these people intended to do, they had killed so many. That was inherently a bad thing and they naturally deserved punishment. However…for a gentle, delicate young lady like her, the concept of killing was still too far removed.

“Good, since there's nothing else, let Lorena take you to exercise.”

“Huh?!”

Hearing this, Mary nearly jumped in surprise. She only just remembered that she hadn't exercised today. Before she could speak, Lorena had already approached with a smile, taking Mary's hand in hers.

“Don't worry, Miss Mary! I have designed a suitable training regime just for you. I guarantee it will satisfy you!”

“Wait, wait a minute, I…”

“Exercise requires consistency. Off you go.”

Watching Mary being dragged off by Lorena, Duanmu Huai couldn't help but chuckle. He didn't say anything more. Lorena only had this one hobby. There weren't many girls in the Tribunal who could accompany her, so now that she had finally found one, she certainly wouldn't let Mary escape easily.

“Meow, meow.”

As Mary was taken away by Lorena, Duanmu Huai lounged on the couch. The black cat and the little white rabbit then scampered out from his pocket, running about on him. Duanmu Huai reached out, alternately petting the little rabbit and the black cat, while thinking.

From what he could see, the situation now was quite apparent. Of course, there were still parts of the entire matter that weren't clear. For example, the identities of the seven individuals from the Capek Research Society were still unknown. Currently, all Duanmu Huai knew from Capek's information were himself and a woman named Mariabel. After Mariabel died, only four members remained in the Capek Research Society. That's when Charlotte joined the society, continuing the research on Chernus and the Tartar Gate. Ironically, being the latest addition, Charlotte Bronte was the first to reach the Tartar Gate.

What precisely is the Tartar Gate, Chernus?

Duanmu Huai tried to recall, but didn't know much. The Tartar Gate was supposedly the gate to hell controlled by Hecate, the goddess of the Underworld, according to myths. However, it was hard to say exactly what this gate was utilized for. Not to mention, in this chaotic world, who knew what was behind the door, possibly hiding a host of Outer Gods and Ancient Dominators…

Regardless, all will be revealed in time.

While Duanmu Huai was leisurely petting the cat and rabbit, Mary started exercising again. This time, Lorena truly didn't make her run five kilometers. Nevertheless, the continued training still left Mary utterly exhausted.

“Miss Lorena…”

Finally, a round of training had concluded and Mary had spare time to rest. So, she turned to look at Lorena while resting. Although this lady was a bit too “enthusiastic” about exercise, she was otherwise exceedingly kind. As such, Mary didn't dislike her.

“What exactly is the Tribunal?”

“Ah, the Tribunal is Sir Knight's organization…”

As a pilgrimage priest, Lorena was one of the individuals who had been with Duanmu Huai for the longest. Naturally, she knew the nature of the Tribunal well. Hence, when Mary asked, she explained it to her. Of course, Lorena didn't divulge any strange information. Nevertheless, even what she did disclose was strange enough for Mary.

A mysterious organization that traveled among the stars, eliminating all that dared to threaten humans, even deities?

Honestly, had she not experienced those prior events, Mary would have thought this was a fairy tale.

“So…”

However, just as Mary was about to ask some more about Duanmu Huai, suddenly, she felt a peculiar chill.

She was familiar with this feeling!

That night, it was the same! As if something was watching her!

Could it be…
Before Mary could react, she noticed Duanmu Huai had somehow appeared beside them.

“Prepare to depart, trouble is on the horizon.”

Chapter end

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