Chapter 388: My Curiosity
Chapter 388: My Curiosity
"Take this."
As Lyon followed the Red-Haired Commissioner into the storage room of the Virgin District, where they kept anomalous objects, somewhere in the midst of countless shattered dream rivers, a giant with a mirror-like crown on his head and a deep grey mist enveloping his entire body stood tall. He extended his right hand towards an elderly man before him.
"This is a Nightmare Permit for the Abyss of Fallen Souls. It will allow you to navigate through my nightmares with ease and will come in handy when dealing with the Crimson-haired Lady."
The giant's voice was uncomfortably strange, and as he spoke, his withered and slender grey palm rested on the river's surface. The five fingers, sharp as blades, slowly opened, revealing a small wooden boat nestled in his palm. The darkness surrounding the boat dissipated, exposing its delicate craftsmanship.
"Since it's a permit issued by the Nightmare King himself..."
The Old Investigator, or rather, the Aquarius Director, smiled as he admired the boat's gentle lines and exquisite carvings. He then motioned for the tense female reporter to step forward.
"In that case, I'll take it with ease."
The two climbed onto the small boat, and the giant's hand slowly dissipated, allowing the wooden vessel to gently land on the dark river, creating ripples of dark water.
However, as if some mysterious switch had been triggered, the dark ripples seemed to activate the countless nightmare-filled black river, causing it to tremble violently.
Countless arms, clad in various attire and with distinct appearances, emerged from the black river like fish drawn to bait. They reached out, grasping at the boat's gunwale in a frantic attempt to climb aboard.
"What the...?!"
The female reporter's expression tightened at the sight of the eerie and terrifying scene before her. Instinctively, she took a step forward and waved her hand to brush away the hands clinging to the boat's edge, but the Aquarius Director was quicker, grabbing her wrist.
"There's no need to be nervous."
After signaling for the reporter to remain calm, the Aquarius Director straightened his slightly stooped back and lightly stamped his foot on the small wooden boat.
Immediately, as if seared by a hot iron, agonizing screams filled the dark waters. The hands clinging to the gunwale hastily let go and retreated back into the black river, returning to their nightmares within.
"They're just people trying to escape their nightmares. As long as you can stand firm on the boat, they won't be able to board."
The Aquarius Director used the boat's own momentum to disperse the arms that had emerged from the black river. Then, he looked up at the giant shrouded in grey mist and smiled at the female reporter behind him.
"The Nightmare King's reputation is quite reliable. At least until our cooperation is fully successful, you needn't worry about him turning on us... But once I awaken in reality, this boat won't be as stable. Remember to disembark early, or else, who knows what might happen afterward."
"Gaga~"
Upon hearing the Aquarius Director's words, the giant let out a strange laugh, as if he had told a hilarious joke. The grey figure, taller than a tower, twisted and contorted, revealing a corner of the grey mist that resembled a robe. Countless intertwined arms were exposed within.
"You know, when you were still in the Purification Bureau, I really disliked you. You ruined many of my plans."
The giant's face, hidden by the grey mist, tilted downward, and what seemed to be its eyes fixed on the pair. The Nightmare King, with his form wavering, laughed heartily.
"But ever since you left the Purification Bureau, I've found you much more agreeable. Whether it's your words or actions, they're all to my liking... Hmm... How about this? Are you interested in settling in the Dream Realm and becoming my apostle from now on?"
"Never mind."
In response to the Nightmare King's sincere invitation, the Aquarius Director chuckled and shook his head.
"I don't mind becoming a creature of the Dream Realm, but do you really dare to make me your Apostle?"
"Hmm... You're right, I don't dare."
After hearing the Aquarius Director's retort, the Foggy Titan paused for a moment, then surprisingly nodded slightly.
"Your heart is too big, even the Purification Bureau can't contain you. If you were to become my Apostle in the Dream Realm, I would constantly worry that you might have other plans. Forget it, let's pretend I never said anything. It's better if we remain partners."
"That's the way it should be."
After a serene nod, the Aquarius Director turned his calm gaze towards the Foggy Titan.
"Additionally, although I've arranged for the Purifiers from the Virgin Bureau to be transferred early, the Crimson-haired Lady isn't without her own helpers.
There's a Third-Class Purifier named Lyon, with black hair and eyes, who serves by her side. You should pay extra attention to him."
"A Third-Class Purifier?"
Upon hearing the Aquarius Director's words, the Foggy Titan's figure flickered slightly, and somehow, he appeared in the black river beneath the small boat.
His massive head, dampened by the dark river water, rested silently on the boat, and the Nightmare King's eyes, hidden by the fog, fixed on the Aquarius Director's back. Then, with curiosity, he asked:
"Is a mere Third-Class Purifier really worth your concern?"
"Absolutely."
The Aquarius Director turned around slowly, shielding the female reporter behind him, and spoke with utmost seriousness.
"The reason I've fallen to the point of having to collaborate with someone like you is entirely because of him. Lyon's power may be insignificant, but there are just too many peculiarities about him.
My advice is, when you encounter him, don't be careless, but also don't be curious.
If you don't want to be caught off guard by some strange reason and inexplicably fall victim to his schemes, then use your fastest speed and purest strength to finish him off. Don't give him a chance to speak or use his tricks!"
"Is that so? Interesting~"
After hearing the Aquarius Director's repeated emphasis, the Foggy Titan's face, where a mouth would be, opened into an upside-down crescent shape. The shark teeth, dripping with viscous ink drops, clattered as they rubbed against each other, and then a somewhat hideous smile appeared.
"That doesn't sound right."
"If you truly want me to avoid communicating with him and just kill him outright, you shouldn't be saying this."
The giant head floated along the boat, circling it in a bizarre manner, taking in everything on the boat. Then, the Nightmare King spoke with a slightly cold tone:
"The root of dreams is the birth of unbound fantasies, driven by one's own curiosity. Curiosity is the innate nature of all Dream Realm creatures.
Yet, knowing that I can't control my curiosity, you still offer this advice... Can I assume that you want me to spare him, giving him the chance to turn the tables on me?"
(End of Chapter)
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