Chapter 58

Chapter 58

5、4、3、2、1！

Welcome back to "Destiny's Gyre."

The Druid's eyes snapped open with excitement, surprised to find their birthplace had changed from a deserted street corner to a small clinic. No sooner had the Druid risen than a nurse shooed them out, declaring, "If you can stand, you should leave the bed for those in need!"

Barely dressed, the Druid was hurried out of the clinic, only to be stunned.

Such a small, dilapidated clinic had a long line outside, with people bandaged hastily over bloody wounds, and others leaning on crutches, their faces so pallid they looked like they might collapse at any moment.

Oh, and one actually did collapse. A nurse muttered a curse under her breath, and with another nurse, they hurriedly lifted the patient and ran towards the clinic, prompting grumbles of discontent from those still in line.

What's going on? Why aren't all these patients going to a proper hospital?

"You think we wouldn't if we could, young man?"

An old man queuing beside the Druid rolled his eyes: "All the hospitals in Arkham City are overwhelmed. Those without connections or money are better off in clinics like this, at least they get timely treatment."

"Is it that serious?" the Druid asked, surprised.

"How long have you been unconscious? You're unaware of the current situation? The healthcare system is overwhelmed. Many poor people can only pray they don't die at home from infected wounds," the old man scoffed. "And it's all the fault of those capitalists running illegal pharmaceutical factories!"

"Illegal pharmaceutical factories?" the Druid asked, puzzled.

"Yeah, haven't you seen the news? The chaos in Arkham City is all because of that factory's illegal operations, producing hallucinogenic drugs, and causing a leak into the air, making so many people see monsters!"

"Heh, is that so?" A man ahead in the queue turned around disdainfully, pulling open his bandage to reveal claw marks on his torso. "That's just the government covering up the truth. Those weren't hallucinations, real monsters appeared! Look at these wounds on me, do you think they were made by a human?"

The Druid observed the claw marks on the man's abdomen, nearly thirty centimeters long, indeed very exaggerated.

"Well, maybe it was a wolf that escaped from the zoo? I heard that zookeepers are now on the streets capturing wild beasts."

"It's more believable to say that the government's experimental animals have escaped! Clearly, there's a hidden side to this world that the government is covering up!" the man exclaimed loudly, ignoring the glances from those around him, "We need to protest collectively; the government should reveal the truth!"

"Exactly!"

Seeing the queue starting to get restless, the Druid quietly slipped away before the nurse, who was furiously approaching, could reach them.

Although he had experienced it before, the Druid couldn't help but marvel at how realistic the NPCs' reactions were.

There had already been confusion among the local NPCs due to the massive influx and strange behaviors of players. Now, the NPCs even began to question whether there was another side to their world!

This world is so incredibly realistic!

[Would you like to claim your main quest reward?]

"Yes! Of course!"

The Druid's face lit up with a smile instantly.

After the last main quest, players were forcibly logged out after watching the final cutscene, without even claiming their rewards.

The previous main quest's rewards were based on contribution points. For someone like the Druid who participated in the earlier part of the main quest, the rewards were bound to be generous: a total of 30 freely assignable skill attribute points, 10 fixed attribute points, and a 3-level increase in player level.

The Druid's player level had now reached level 20, making him among the first batch of players in this game.

Besides, there were also rewards for growth in Brawling, Listening, ??? Mythological Knowledge, and more…

Once the Druid claimed all his rewards and rolled all his growths, his highest attribute point in Strength reached 50, followed by the highest skill point in Scouting at 55, Brawling at 45, and other general skills like Library, Dodging, Shooting, etc., reaching 30 points.

There was also a cash reward left, a whopping 100,000 Western Yen, enough to buy a vehicle or rent a small house for convenience when logging out, or to get some weapons from Black Poker.

Delighted and content, now even facing a Level D anomaly... at least I won't die so quickly.

Sighing, the Druid thought with a hint of bitterness, the game is great in many ways, but the limitation on players' combat abilities is too strict. While it's understandable due to the team-based nature of the game, and overwhelming combat power isn't expected, shouldn't players at least be able to put up a fight?

It's quite disheartening, to say the least.

As the Druid pondered, he made his way to Lann's psychological clinic, witnessing numerous temporary aid stations and volunteers distributing food to the injured and homeless, with fire trucks shuttling back and forth ceaselessly.

The entire map didn't refresh as they had imagined after the main storyline; instead, it thoughtfully retained the scars this world had suffered.

Well, maybe a bit too thoughtful.

Along the way, the Druid also frequently spotted many players with curious faces, turning corners in the streets and alleys, clearly newbies who had just joined the game, bringing a knowing smile to his face.

Heh, my treasured game is getting popular, and rightly so.

Among these curious newcomers, there was a distinct group of players, each with a uniform title above their heads.

‘Stargazer’

The Druid paused, recognizing them as players from a professional guild, surprised they had also entered the game.

But don't professional guild members usually stick to popular games? Could it be they see potential in "Destiny's Gyre"?

The Druid couldn't help but take a few extra glances at them – three men and a woman, each seemingly specialized in their chosen roles. Unlike the aimlessly wandering new players, their direction was purposeful and alert, exuding professionalism.

As this group was about to cross the street, a child, clutching her parents' portrait and looking dazed, stood in their way. The light turned red, they stopped, but the girl numbly walked forward.

A car sped towards her, honking frantically and slamming on the brakes.

The Druid's pupils contracted, and he instinctively shouted, "Stop her!"

The people opposite clearly heard the Druid’s voice. They looked towards him, but no one moved.

Thud—!

The little girl who was there a moment ago now lay at the end of the road, her white dress stained red with blood.

Druid instinctively ran over, stumbling a bit. Before he could reach the girl, a black-haired young man got there first and started administering first aid.

“Hang in there, don’t give up on life!” Black Cat shouted, simultaneously taking bandages and medicine from his medical kit, trying desperately to save the girl.

[First Aid: Successful]

The girl’s bleeding slowed significantly. More professional doctors and nurses rushed out from a nearby aid station, surrounding the girl with emergency treatment. Their expressions showed no surprise, just weariness and numbness, as if such scenes had occurred more than once. Black Cat, having done his part, stood aside with mixed emotions.

Druid angrily addressed the players watching the stars: “Why didn’t you stop her? You could have made it in time.”

“What’s your problem? It’s just an NPC,” retorted a plump player who resembled a sumo wrestler, rolling his eyes. Turning to the player with the ID 'Destiny is Mine,' he said, “Captain, let’s go.”

Destiny is Mine didn't respond to him. Instead, he recognized Druid’s ID, “Druid? From the player's forum?”

“...Yes, that's me. What about it?”

“Nothing, just wondering if you’re selling your account?” Destiny is Mine smiled, “Our Starwatching Guild can offer a good price.”

“Not selling,” Druid replied bluntly.

“Alright then, how about adding as a friend?”

“No need, I’m not used to adding strangers.”

“Pfft, what’s with the attitude?” The plump player rolled his eyes.

"Alright then," Destiny is Mine also felt a bit awkward and didn't push the conversation further, ignoring Druid's earlier question and leaving with his team.

Druid initially wanted to follow but was stopped by Black Cat: “Leave it, why argue with them?”

Druid fell silent, sighing, “It just bothers me.”

“Who isn't? We immersive players and those professional gamers aren't the same. Let's just mind our own paths,” Black Cat patted Druid’s back, “Come on, let’s check on that little girl.”

The girl’s injuries were stabilized for the time being, thanks to the driver braking in time and Black Cat’s prompt first aid. As Druid looked into the girl's lifeless eyes, he recognized her face, freezing in place.

Black Cat nudged him, “What’s up?”

Druid replied, “I know this NPC. Remember the video segment from my POV they aired before?”

“Oh, the Haunted Cabin mission?”

Druid nodded, “That’s her. The little girl I saved back then. Her mother died trying to save her, and I handed her over to her father.”

Black Cat was at a loss for words, eventually sighing deeply, “This damned world.”

“Life is so tragic for ordinary people in a Cthulhu-esque world,” Druid sighed, slightly puzzled, “I know they’re NPCs, but sometimes they're so intelligent it makes me forget that fact.”

Afterward, Druid and Black Cat picked up the photographs the little girl had been holding, which had fallen during the accident. The glass frame was undoubtedly shattered, but fortunately, the photo inside was relatively unscathed.

Druid, looking at the black and white photo of the girl's parents, scratched his head in irritation, “This game is unnecessarily realistic in some aspects.”

“Tell me about it,” Black Cat sighed, patting the medical kit he carried, “Glad I put points into first aid and medicine when I re-rolled my character.”

Druid gave Black Cat a few curious glances.

Black Cat: “? What are you looking at? I'm not into that.”

“Get lost, as if I’d be into you,” Druid retorted, his face lined with annoyance, “I was just making sure you're really okay.”

Black Cat: “Of course, it's just a game, what could go wrong?”

Druid: “So those things you posted on the forum were on purpose? You really scared me, you know.”

Black Cat remained silent, tilting his head slightly, “Shall we go find Lann?”

“Of course.”

Assured that Black Cat was fine, at least outwardly, Druid sighed in relief. While heading towards Lann's psychological therapy office, he grumbled about the game being too realistic in its details.

However, they didn’t find Lann at the psychology clinic.

Outside Lann's therapy room, numerous players had gathered. Seeing Druid and Black Cat, two ‘celebrities,’ many surrounded them.

“Druid, have you seen Lann?”

“No, I just logged into the game and was delayed by an unexpected event on the way,” Druid shook his head, “Isn’t he inside?”

“Look.” A few players in front made way, and Black Cat and Druid saw the closed door of the therapy room.

“We checked through the window; Lann isn’t inside,” said one player. “Lann never stays away this long. If he's gone for a while, he usually puts up a 'closed' sign. Do you think he might no longer be in this world?”

Hiss—It’s very possible.

All the players present recalled the recent main storyline events at the hospital, where Lann had supposedly succeeded in breaking the seal.

Whether or not he was the Gatekeeper afterward, Lann might not need to maintain his disguise as a psychologist anymore.

If that's the case... does it mean they might never see Lann again?

Those who sought Lann first were either players from the initial 1.0 beta test or new players drawn specifically by Lann. Suddenly being told that this NPC might never be found again left all players bewildered.

This was followed by a massive wave of discussions.

"No way! I came for Lann, is he really gone? If so, I have no reason to play this game."

"Wahhh, my Lann, my wife qwq, I can't believe it ahhh!"

"Hiss, what’s up with this game? How can they just remove a popular NPC without any notice?"

"I don’t believe it, I just can’t, waaahhh."

Amidst this heated atmosphere, Druid and Black Cat quietly left the spot.

Druid: "What do you think? Black Cat, has Lann really disappeared?"

Black Cat didn't respond immediately. After being asked several times, they finally said, "…I don't know. Logically, the game developers wouldn’t sideline a popular NPC like this, especially during crucial promotional periods. Aren’t they afraid of a mass player withdrawal in protest?"

Druid logged into the forum and sighed, "Just as I thought, it’s gone viral already, and what you said is happening."

Black Cat also checked the forum, indeed finding reactions about not being able to find Lann.

3l: "Guys, Lann isn’t at his usual place; he might have left the human world."

4l: "Damn, I joined just for Lann! How could this happen!"

5l: "How could this be!"

6l: "Ahhh, I don’t believe it, does this mean I won’t see my wife when I log in?!"

7l: "Boring, I came for Lann too. If the developers are going to play like this, I’m out. Anyone want my beta access, DM me."

The post about Lann's disappearance quickly gained popularity, dominating the game forum's homepage. Many players, especially new ones attracted by Lann's appearance, couldn't accept this. Having not fully experienced the game's charm, they were shaken by the developer's drastic move, making them more likely to uninstall the game.

Players already logged into the game, upon hearing the news of Lann's disappearance, rushed over from all corners. Seeing the empty psychotherapy room in reality, they started to panic.

It's no wonder the players were so agitated. After the main storyline ended, some had speculated whether Lann would continue to stay in the same place in the new version.

After all, Lann's previous 'character setting' was that of a sealed evil deity. But now that the seal was broken, some players guessed he no longer needed to run any psychotherapy room.

Other players commented, "I refuse to believe it, I refuse to believe it. The officials can't be that foolish to actually make him disappear, right?"

And the result? He really vanished!?

The player forums were flooded with inquiries, the topic remaining hotly debated. Many players 'threatened' to quit the game if the officials really did make Lann disappear.

Druid: "Don't worry, everyone. What if he's just tired and temporarily closed for business!"

The last reply was from the Druid, and Black Cat glanced at the Druid operating in the game, "Do you really think so?"

"What if it's all just a big misunderstanding," said the Druid.

Black Cat didn't respond; he too hoped it was just a misunderstanding.

"So, what do we do now?"

"Hmm..." the Druid pondered, "Let's go search for him together. Maybe he just stepped out for a bit."

It made sense. After all, this game was different from others, being overly realistic; Black Cat had even discreetly confirmed that NPCs really do use the bathroom!

Amazing!

"You might be right. Maybe Lann went to the restroom," said Black Cat with conviction. "Let's go look for him; we might catch him in the toilets."

Druid: ?

There's something off about you.

Druid silently distanced himself from Black Cat, who, oblivious and enthusiastic, began staking out nearby public restrooms.

They didn't find Lann, but instead ran into a group of players sneaking around in alleyways – the same ones they had clashed with before, the Stargazing Team.

It was the same Stargazing Team they had had a conflict with earlier.

"Oh, are you also here looking for Lann?" Black Cat, grabbing the disgusted Druid who was about to turn away, asked tentatively.

"Looking for Lann? Not interested." The plump player jumped out, "We professional gamers are different from you. We have no interest in fawning over NPCs; we blaze our own trails."

While speaking, the plump player couldn't resist mocking: "I mean, it's silly of you. The officials have made it so clear that the focus of this version is the faction system. Why bother cozying up to a minor evil deity?"

"Chubby," Destiny Is Mine suddenly spoke up, frowning in disapproval.

"Okok, I'll zip it." The chubby player mimicked zipping his mouth shut.

However, Black Cat raised an eyebrow, exposing their hidden agenda: "Oh, I get it. You're trying to join the Inspection Bureau, right?"

Destiny Is Mine's expression shifted slightly: "Hmm? Are we?"

"Come on, it's pretty obvious. As long as the team behind you isn't stupid, they would have arranged for each of you to pick different professional skills after entering the game. I bet one of you allocated all your free attribute points to computing. Anyone with over 35 points in computing can discover the game's internal internet and receive warnings or recruitment messages from the Inspection Bureau. This Bureau, seemingly the largest in-game organization, is also the only official investigator organization."

Black Cat said: "You professional gamers always think in terms of profit. But I'm curious, you must have done your research on the forums before entering the game. If you had seen our previous posts, you would know that there's something clearly off with the Inspection Bureau; it's not necessarily a good thing to be involved with."

"But ultimately, it's the trend of the times," said Destiny Is Mine, dropping the pretense upon seeing Black Cat's resolute expression. "Our analysts behind the scenes believe the Inspection Bureau has the most potential right now. And as for the issues you mentioned, who knows? They could just be minor flaws that won't affect the bigger picture."

Black Cat remained silent, lacking sufficient intelligence to make a solid analysis, but his intuition told him that the problems with the Inspection Bureau might not be so minor.

Besides, debating about morality seemed pointless; players didn't care about that.

Destiny Is Mine said, "Although it's a long shot, I'll still ask. Mr. Black Cat, are you interested in joining our organization? Your grasp of this game is very accurate, and we, the Stargazing Team, need talents like you."

Black Cat replied, "Sorry, like Druid, I'm not a professional gamer. I act based on interest or mood."

With that, there was nothing more to discuss. They parted ways at the next intersection. Another member of the Stargazing Team glanced at their retreating figures, "Captain, shouldn't we make them keep this confidential? No players have realized the power of the Inspection Bureau yet. The longer we monopolize this knowledge, the better for us."

"Forget it, they don't seem like they'd take our hush money," Destiny Is Mine shrugged. "Let's go, we should also pick up the pace while their attention isn't on the factions yet."

After this incident, Black Cat wasn't in the mood to continue joking with Druid, saying, "Let's not waste time anymore. Let's go directly to the Black Poker and Kamui district. The chances of finding Lann there are higher."

Druid asked, "…What were you doing earlier, then?"

"Cough cough, I was just joking with you."

Druid gave him a skeptical look.

"Alright, Kamui district is nearby. Let's check it out."

Without further delay, they set off quickly. Meanwhile, other players, harboring the same thoughts as Druid and Black Cat, began their search for Lann.

A flurry of posts criticizing the game officials erupted on the gaming forums, showing just how important the NPC Lann was to the players.

As Druid and Black Cat entered the Kamui district, they noticed the stark contrast to the bustling metropolis outside.

How to put it? Even before the main storyline, this district already looked impoverished, almost slum-like. Now, after the main storyline, the area seemed even more distressed, with many makeshift tents set up along the streets.

Unlike the outside, this district had neither relief stations nor volunteers in red vests.

The inhabitants here, unmistakably of the same ethnicity judging by their skin color, immediately noticed Druid and Black Cat, who were of a different race, upon their entry. However, their attention soon shifted as the three brothers, who had previously met Druid and his companion, approached.

"Do you need something?" one of the brothers asked.

"Hi, hello, remember me? I've bought magic potions here before," Druid greeted.

The youngest of the three brothers nodded, "We remember, otherwise we wouldn't have come over. So, do you need something? Please be quick, we're quite busy."

Black Cat spoke up, "We were wondering if any of you have seen Lann? We noticed a 'Temporarily Closed' sign outside his psychotherapy clinic."

The youngest brother shook his head, "We haven't seen that gentleman for a long time."

"Is that so? Alright then." Druid and Black Cat were disappointed. Just as they were about to leave, they heard someone coming out of a tent, "I think I heard a familiar name."

"Uncle, why are you out here? Didn't you just rest?"

"Couldn't sleep, decided to get up."

Carmen emerged from the tent, looking at Druid and Black Cat, and smiled, "Glad I didn't miss you."

Druid's curiosity piqued, he quickly asked, "You are...?"

"Oh, my apologies, I haven't introduced myself yet. I am Carmen, the leader of the Akamai tribe. Do you know Ye Ye Hao and Baba Hao? They once saved me, and of course, Lord Lann as well."

Him???

Druid and Black Cat looked at Carmen, puzzled. They hadn't been involved in the Soul-Eating Butterfly incident, but they had heard of the famous bounty quest in the game. However, Carmen didn't look anything like the person in the screenshots from the player forums!

Who is this exotic, handsome uncle?!

Black Cat asked, "What did you mean by your earlier remark? Have you seen Lann?"

"'No, I haven’t seen him,' Carmen said."

"Seeing their dejected expressions, Carmen slowly continued, 'But I have received a divine message from Lord Ranen. If anyone seeks him, I am to guide them.'"

Druid and Black Cat: !

Carmen: "Please, follow me, travelers from another world."

Having said that, he turned and walked from the tent to the nearby standalone house. Druid and Black Cat quickly followed, especially Druid, who, without needing a reminder from Black Cat, instinctively started a live stream.

He did this with remarkable proficiency.

Both of them were fond of the game and also adored the NPC, Lanen. If this was indeed a misunderstanding, they hoped that new players would give the game a bit more patience.

Carmen headed to his house, the same place where the Soul-Eating Butterfly incident had occurred. He and his sister's family lived in a two-story building. Although the house seemed spacious, it was actually quite run-down, with a rather simple interior.

As soon as Druid and Black Cat entered, they eagerly asked, "What should we do?"

"Don't rush," Carmen said with a mysterious smile. "He has already made arrangements."

The two calmed down as Carmen brought over a roll of blanket, marked with a strange array.

"He knew long ago that someone would come looking for Him, so He specifically instructed me to welcome you. But the place where He currently resides is quite unique, and you'll need to perform a ceremony to meet Him."

"What kind of ceremony?" Druid asked impatiently.

"Before proceeding with the ceremony, I must confirm with you," Carmen said, "once the ritual begins, there's no turning back. You must join Lord Lanen's sect to enter His divine realm."

"Are you sure you want to join?"

A system prompt sounded in their ears.

[Do you confirm joining the Neutral Faction - Secret Church?]

Faction!

Without a doubt, the answer was 'yes!'

Just as Druid was about to select 'yes,' Black Cat suddenly said, "Sorry, can I have the first membership slot? It's really important to me, please!"

Although Druid was somewhat puzzled, he went along since Black Cat insisted. Black Cat, brimming with excitement, was the first to hit confirm, followed by Druid.

They were thrilled to discover that they were the first and second individuals to join Lanen's force.

[My wife's faction! Does this mean she hasn't disappeared?]

[Ahhh, the Secret Church!]

At this moment, viewers finally started flooding into Druid's spontaneously started live stream. When they saw the system prompt that Druid and Black Cat had triggered, they couldn't help but comment.

"Hehe, we're the first and second ones to join the Church of Lanen," Druid boasted to the live chat.

[Ah, Druid, Black Cat, you've got a head start again!]

[Is this even fair?]

[Tell me where! I want to join too!]

[Looking at the surroundings, it must be the Kamui family's home, the place where the last bounty mission was triggered!]

[Wait for me, I'm coming too!]

As the viewers in the live chat expressed their eagerness to join, Druid and Black Cat turned to Carmen, saying, "We've joined the force, what's the next step?"

Carmen looked at them kindly, stood up, crossed his hands over his chest, and bowed slightly: "Welcome to the Secret Church. I am its first priest, Carmen Kamui."

"The next step is simple. To meet our faith, our savior, and deity, you just need to recite the prayer on this carpet. This will attract His attention. If He wishes to see you, He will naturally draw you to His divine realm," Carmen explained.

Thus, under Carmen's guidance, Druid and Black Cat began to try:

"O disruptor of fate,

The unspeakable mystery,

New lord of nature and forests..."

[It's happening! A directional prayer, this must be Lanen's power, right?!]

[It must be pointing to Lanen's identity, huh, I thought there would be some description related to a door.]

[The first two are ambiguous, but the new lord of agriculture and forests? This is practically anointing a pastoral deity, isn't it!?]

Amidst the discussion in the chat, Druid and Black Cat repeated the prayer given by Carmen, and following his guidance, they kept visualizing their desire to meet Lanen.

The array on the carpet glowed brilliantly, and in the blink of an eye, Druid and Black Cat found themselves in an entirely different place.

When they opened their eyes, they were in a place that felt strangely familiar.

“This, this is…” Druid exclaimed in surprise, looking around, “Isn’t this the hospital at night!?”

How did they end up back here again!!

Black Cat pondered, “Could it be that all this is just our illusion, that from the beginning we never left the hospital, and everything that followed was just a figment of our imagination!?”

【？？？】

【？？】

A row of question marks flashed through the chat, Druid doubted himself, and Black Cat laughed: “I'm just joking, how could that be possible.”

[I'm dying of laughter, because it's Black Cat, I subconsciously thought it was part of the plot.]

[Me too, I was just doubting myself if I missed something.]

[Wait, haven't you noticed something odd about the hospital?]

Not only the viewers in the chat noticed this, but Druid and Black Cat did too. The hospital interior shouldn't have had so many plants, but now it seemed almost engulfed in a forest. The area outside the mental therapy zone, which should have been open ground, was now covered with numerous trees.

It wasn’t just the open ground; the hospital's exterior walls were overrun with various vines.

"What in the world is this…"

Before Druid and his companion could take a closer look, heavy footsteps suddenly sounded from behind.

Turning around, they saw a patient in a hospital gown, his face twisted in ferocity, running towards them.

“Move, get out of my way!”

The patient was shouting as he ran in their direction – well, not exactly towards them, but because they were standing in the direction of the exit.

"The director?" Druid looked at him in surprise.

Before the two players could react, the vines on the ground slowly lifted their heads and tripped the ‘director’ to the ground.

The ‘director’ fell face-first, his face covered in blood. As the cockroach orderlies who were chasing him were about to grab him, he suddenly roared, “Stop, I am the director of Arkham Hospital, you can’t do this to me!”

The cockroach orderlies, indifferent, picked up the director and, without forgetting, said to the stunned Druid and Black Cat, “Pardon us, esteemed guests.”

“Uh, you called us what?”

“Esteemed guests,” the cockroach orderly repeated, “Our deity is waiting for you in the courtyard of Arkham Hospital, please go there.”

After speaking, the orderly hoisted the vine-entangled 'director' onto his shoulder and continued towards the mental therapy area. Druid and Black Cat exchanged glances, both seeing a flicker of anticipation in each other's eyes.

"I think we're on the same page."

"Heh, great minds think alike."

Without hesitation, Black Cat and Druid headed towards the courtyard. Along the way, the vines and saplings on the road seemed to guide them, bowing slightly as they passed, like considerate butlers or fairytale sprites leading the protagonists.

The only difference was that unlike fairy tales where heroes arrive at a beautiful secret realm, Black Cat and Druid were delving deeper into a botanical garden filled with a bizarre, sinister aura.

The path from the mental therapy area to the courtyard wasn't long, but they spent extra time capturing screenshots of the eerie scenery along the way. The already gloomy atmosphere of the hospital at night, now coupled with twisted plants, tree barks resembling human faces, dark branches, and dry leaves, and occasional ghostly shadows flickering in windows or along corridors, felt like a plus version of a dark forest.

Finally, they arrived.

After a twist in the journey, a bright spot emerged amidst the gloom.

First, a glimmer like fireflies fluttered past them. Druid and Black Cat didn't realize what was happening until they saw Lanen's figure.

The hospital was dark at night, and the path they had just taken, with its tall, dense, and eerie trees, had added a touch of horror movie elements.

But it wasn’t a monster that lived deep in the forest.

It was a deity.

Soft light shone from a small patch of sky left open by the trees in the courtyard, illuminating Lanen, who sat on the sole throne in the Twisted Forest. Behind Him, massive trees reached into the clouds, adorned with small white flowers whose intoxicating scent penetrated deep into the soul. Petals fluttered down, some fortuitously landing in the hands of their Creator.

The luminescent glow also swirled around Him, but both the flowers and the light were mere foils to the stars accompanying the bright moon.

Lanen had changed from his usual attire to one more courtly, wearing black lantern sleeves cinched at the wrists with silver-white cuffs, a white waistcoat accentuating his waist, and an open lace collar revealing a delicate collarbone. The simple yet elegant design especially highlighted his unearthly beauty and demeanor. Blood-patterned dangerous butterflies perched on his fingertips, displaying a posture of submission.

He appeared as a deity stepping out of an oil painting.