Late at night.
City district, Queen Street.
Walking along this street, Mary's emotions were extremely complicated. It was just like that night ten days ago—she and Shirley had walked home together, passing through here. What Shirley had wanted to tell her back then… now, she already knew everything.
But Mary still didn't understand—why did Shirley want to pursue the Gate of Tartarus? That Inquisitor gentleman didn't seem to fully understand it either. And according to mythology, the Gate of Tartarus was the gate of hell governed by Hecate, goddess of the underworld. As a top student in the history department, Mary was quite familiar with such myths.
But still… she couldn't understand why Shirley would do this.
Did Shirley want to revive someone? But everyone we know is safe… no one has died…
Or… was Shirley ill? But if she were sick, she should have gone to a hospital first, right? At the very least, she should have told me or Ashe… so why would she go to Professor Čapek, an outsider?
Mary couldn't make sense of it no matter how she thought about it. In her heart, she, Shirley, and Ashe were inseparable friends. They told each other everything. Even if Shirley had a problem and didn't come to her, she should have gone to Ashe—so why Čapek?
Duanmu Huai had raised the same question. Čapek was a professor of mechanical engineering and sociology—no matter what problem Shirley faced, she shouldn't have gone to him.
Unless—she already knew Čapek's true identity.
If Shirley had known from the beginning that Čapek was a member of the Silver Twilight Lodge—then going to him would make perfect sense.
But then—how did Shirley know that? Who told her?
Mary felt like her brain was boiling. To be fair, she knew that Shirley and Ashe were proper noble ladies. Compared to them, she was just from a middle-class family. They often attended high-society balls and gatherings—perhaps Shirley learned about it there… but still…
"Ring ring ring!"
Just as Mary was lost in thought, the communicator at her side suddenly rang, startling her. She quickly picked it up and answered.
To her surprise—the voice on the other end was Ashelyka's.
"Mary? Mary! Thank goodness—where are you right now? You're not at Professor Čapek's place, are you?!"
"Ah, no, I… I…"
Mary hesitated. She wanted to say she was at her apartment. But then she realized Ashe could simply call Mrs. Hydeson and confirm she was lying. So she changed her answer.
"I'm on my way home. What's wrong?"
"That's great!"
Ashelyka sighed in relief.
"There should be police nearby. Find an officer immediately and have them send you back to school or home! And remember—do NOT go out!"
"What happened, Ashe?"
Hearing her friend's anxious tone, Mary became uneasy.
"I heard that tonight—someone else was killed! The murderer is in the city district! The police have completely sealed off the area… Mary…"
Before she could finish—the signal broke up, filled with static. But for Mary—that was enough.
Another victim. Who did it this time? Was it someone from Čapek's research group?
As for the police…
Mary looked around. Just like ten days ago—the area was silent. Only gas lamps flickered along the empty street. Not a single person in sight.
But this time—she wasn't as afraid. Because she knew Duanmu Huai and Lorena were nearby, hidden, protecting her.
And Ashe's call confirmed—someone had already been killed.
So… will I be next?
"...…Haaah...…"
As if to confirm her thoughts—a strange heat rose behind her. Mary clenched her fists and slowly turned around—
Then she saw it.
Not far behind her—a horrifying monster stood in the street, glaring at her. It looked like a mix between a human and a lizard. Its entire body burned with flames.
And within those flames—what terrified Mary most—were the countless crimson eyes, as if formed from coagulated blood.
This creature, covered in red eyes, stared at her—its gaze filled with naked greed and desire.
"Golden Eye… give it to me… Golden Eye…!"
Just like the iron giant before—this flame monster roared in a voice that sent chills down her spine.
But this time—Mary didn't run in fear.
She clenched her teeth and faced it.
"I will never give it to you! If you want it—come take it yourself!!"
With that—she turned and ran deeper into the street. The flame monster roared and gave chase!
And so—another pursuit began.
Of course—Duanmu Huai and Lorena were watching.
"Tsk tsk… this Golden Eye is seriously insane…"
Watching Mary run, Duanmu Huai couldn't help but comment. Mary hadn't noticed—but the moment she started running, the flames on the monster surged and lunged toward her.
Flames that could even burn asphalt—disappeared instantly upon touching her. And Mary herself seemed completely unaware.
Duanmu Huai had already seen the previous victim—burned into charcoal. Clearly, that was the flame monster's power.
But now—when it tried the same trick—it failed again. So it could only miserably chase her on all fours.
Honestly… the Golden Eye is just a hard counter to these monsters.
Duanmu Huai nodded to himself.
Good thing players never discovered this ability in the game… otherwise they would have gone insane trying to get it.
After all—Warp entities could usually only harm people through magic unless reality was heavily corrupted. But the Golden Eye completely nullified those methods.
If players knew—they'd lose their minds over it.
With the Golden Eye—even the Four Chaos Gods wouldn't matter. You could even fight Yog-Sothoth head-on…
Unfortunately—the one who had it now wasn't him. It was Mary.
As for this young lady… her will was strong—but she was still just an ordinary person.
Duanmu Huai was considering whether to recruit her into the [Inquisition].
From the perspective of ability—she qualified. Even without combat power, the Golden Eye made her nearly immune to magic. To kill her—one would have to rely on physical attacks. And the [Inquisition] had plenty of ways to deal with that.
But the problem was—Mary herself.
She was too… ordinary.
Not an insult. Everyone currently in the [Inquisition] had gone through brutal battles. Even Shirley had survived Raccoon City.
If forced to name exceptions—only Marie Rose and Honoka counted. But they were non-combat members, managing Venus Island—not fighting. More focused on… beach volleyball.
As for what kind of volleyball… well, that's up to interpretation.
But Mary Clarissa Christie was different. With the Golden Eye's power, she would inevitably be placed on the front lines.
After all—it could see through all illusions. Creatures like deceitful warp fiends would be completely countered by her. No matter what form they took—Mary would see through them instantly.
In battle—that was invaluable.
But—did she want that life?
Duanmu Huai shook his head. Unlike Shirley, who had been hardened by a biohazard crisis—Mary was still just a girl. Strong and brave, yes—but still a normal girl.
If not for her friend being involved, she probably wouldn't have taken action at all.
And fighting on the front lines against eldritch entities was extremely dangerous.
If she didn't truly want it—bringing her along would just be sending her to her death.
Worse—if something went wrong and the Golden Eye fell into enemy hands… that would be a disaster.
Let's observe a bit longer.
With anyone else, he might have given up. But the Golden Eye was just too powerful—almost omnipotent.
And judging from Mary—it had no side effects. Aside from turning her into a "Tang Monk" hunted by monsters—it was all benefits.
Automatic ancient language translation. Illusion-breaking vision. Complete resistance to warp magic.
If not for her weak physical ability—this was practically a protagonist cheat build.
Fine. After everything is over, I'll invite her. We'll see if she's willing to join the [Inquisition].
With that thought, Duanmu Huai refocused.
"The fish has taken the bait. Move in."
"Yes, Sir Knight!"
Meanwhile—Mary knew nothing of this. She just ran. And ran.
Duanmu Huai had explained—this dark city was like a spider's web. When the monsters wanted to kill, they deployed this space to trap their prey.
But that worked both ways.
If they attacked too early, they might scare the monster away. And once it returned to reality—finding it again would be difficult.
So—they needed Mary as bait. To lure it deep into the dark city—where neither could escape.
Just like now.
"ROOOOAR—!!!"
Though the flame monster had four legs, Mary's recent Spartan training under Lorena had paid off. At least—she had learned how to run.
And since the flames were useless against her—the monster could only chase physically.
For now—it couldn't catch her.
But it didn't give up.
With a roar—several flaming hounds split off from its body, howling as they lunged toward Mary!
"Woof! Woof! Woof!!"
Hearing the barking behind her, Mary ran even faster.
Fortunately—Lorena appeared ahead, running toward her.
"Miss Lorena!"
"You've done well, Miss Mary! Leave the rest to us!"
"Huh?"
Mary felt relieved—then immediately worried. Lorena looked like a petite girl, similar to Ashe. And she had no weapon.
How could she fight such monsters?
Mary turned—and saw something shocking.
"Woof woof woof!!"
The flaming hounds showed no hesitation. One leapt forward, jaws wide open, aiming straight for Lorena's throat!
"Miss Lorena, watch out!"
But before Mary could react—something unbelievable happened.
Lorena calmly gripped the holy book she had been holding, raised it high, and smashed it straight down onto the hound's head!
"BANG!!"
With a dull impact—the ferocious flaming hound was smashed to the ground. Its head exploded like fireworks, dispersing into flames.
Then Lorena spun, swinging the holy book like a windmill—sending the remaining hounds flying!
"...…"
Mary stood frozen.
Completely stunned.
Wait… can training… really make someone this strong??
(End of Chapter)