Chapter 75

Chapter 75

Lan: ? Huh?

The way this kid asked sounded as if he had already accepted Lan as an eldritch god.

Oh, wait.

Lan leaned closer to Albert's eyes, clearly seeing his own current appearance reflected in them.

His face shrouded in mist, his attire suspicious.

Alright, that does seem rather eldritch.

Recalling the words Albert seemed to have heard, Lan, with his ample experience of being misunderstood, instantly grasped the situation.

As Lan leaned in, Albert instinctively wanted to pull away, but noticing the Ghoul Lord in front of him drained by the terrifying plant, he swallowed hard, refraining from any action that might provoke the eldritch being, feeling anxious and tense like a suspect awaiting a verdict.

Then he heard the eldritch being say, "Why didn't you listen to me?"

Albert, taken aback, remembered the ambiguous words left by the eldritch being in his childhood, his expression hesitant.

"I... want to investigate the truth about Archie's father."

Alright, he knew mere words wouldn't change the trajectory of all this.

Lan sighed, just as he was about to restore the normal distance, a strong premonition flashed through his mind. Without time to think, he instinctively reached out, grabbing the back of Albert's head, forcibly pushing him towards himself while leaning back.

Bang—

Almost immediately, a golden-flamed bullet grazed Albert's scalp, the trajectory of the bullet reflected in Lan's pupils as he looked towards the outside of the corridor.

A blurred figure stood by the second-floor window of the library, seemingly observing them. Upon realizing the missed shot, it showed no intent of continuing the attack and retreated back into the dark area.

Who was that?

Had the anomalous attacks not ended yet?

Lan pondered with a heavy mind, while at this moment, Albert's mind was completely bewildered.

After feeling the force of the hand at the back of his head, as Albert increasingly leaned towards Lan, it seemed as if he passed through something, seeing a glimpse of the landscape beyond the mist, which made his brain stop functioning.

Being so close that the distance was almost negative, Albert didn't even realize the bullet behind him, his entire brain congested, his cheeks flushing with heat.

“Get up.”

Lan's voice awakened Albert from his daze, making him suddenly realize the danger they had just escaped. Standing up and following the direction Lan's body was facing, Albert looked but saw nothing.

“It’s gone,” Lan said.

So, did he save me again?

Albert bit his lip, feeling uneasy about this inexplicable help, and when his gaze met Lan's mist-enshrouded face, a flicker of disappointment, unnoticed even by himself, passed through his eyes.

The noise from outside the window drew their attention. Albert turned his head to see the dog from Miskatonic University, battling other ghouls despite its injuries. Although it hadn't sustained new wounds, the bite from the Ghoul Lord had exacerbated its existing injury, causing profuse bleeding.

Albert realized that the dog hadn't intended to harm him; in fact, it had saved him.

Just as he thought to approach, he noticed the dog lowering its body, growling threateningly in his direction.

No, it wasn’t threatening Albert, but…

Albert turned to look at Lan beside him; the dog's gaze was following Lan.

Lan also looked at the dog. The surroundings were as quiet as they had been in Albert's childhood home, but this dog was the only entity breaking the chains of memory, able to 'see' him and attack anomalies.

Why is this so? What’s special about this dog?

With a thought from Lan, the carnivorous plant on the ground sprang to life, rapidly lunging towards the dog. The dog, slowed by its wounds, was captured by the plant and presented before Lan.

The dog struggled fiercely, growling menacingly as it tried to break free from the plant's grasp. However, as the plant drew nearer to Lan, the dog's growls gradually quieted down, and it eventually shrank back somewhat submissively.

Albert, feeling a pang of pity, instinctively looked at Lan: “Can you spare this dog?”

Albert felt that this enigmatic being glanced at him, then the red on the carnivorous plant faded, turning white.

The branches exuded a golden sap, but this time it was healing, not corrosive. The dog blinked and then contentedly rubbed against the trunk.

Once the plant released it, the dog’s wounds were gone. Wagging its tail, it affectionately nuzzled against Lan’s legs.

For some reason, Albert felt a sudden annoyance.

Lan chuckled softly, crouching down to scratch the dog's chin: "Good dog."

Once again, Lan confirmed his preference for dogs.

But why could this dog attack anomalies? Aside from Albert, shouldn’t everything else here be a fixed part of the story?

As Lan pondered this, the mist reacted, sending tendrils into both the dog and Albert.

Albert suddenly felt confused, clutching his head: “Why does this scene feel familiar...?”

It was as if he had experienced it more than once.

The hazy memories flashed quickly, but he couldn’t grasp the fleeting image of a dove. Then he noticed the mysterious figure beside him becoming ethereal again.

“You…”

Lan looked down at himself, his tone still calm: “It seems this is where we part for now.”

“What do you really want?”

“Hm? Haven’t I already told you what I want?” Lan looked at him, his voice even, “Leave the Inspection Bureau soon, Albert.”

It’s not a good organization.

After these words, Lan’s figure vanished from Albert's sight.

The surrounding silence was abruptly broken, as if the isolated space had reverted back to normal. Crey caught up to Albert, panting, and of course, he also saw the shattered glass and bullet holes in the corridor wall.

"What do you mean by that?"

Albert, still pondering Lann's previous words, hadn't noticed that the dog had disappeared. He turned to his senior, Kree, and asked, "Senior, have you heard of the Inspection Bureau?"

"Hm? Of course, I know. The Inspection Bureau often recruits new members from our school, but I’ve never been. I don’t know the specifics," Kree responded. "Why, are you interested? You could ask your mentor for a recommendation."

Actually, he was already a member of the Inspection Bureau. Of course, Albert couldn't say this outright. He vaguely skirted the issue and asked, "Did you capture the dog's image?"

"Oh, I was just about to tell you," Kree handed his camera to Albert and played the recent recording. "Look."

In the footage, only Albert's figure is seen awkwardly running around, as if evading something, but whatever he was avoiding wasn't captured by the camera.

"That dog, both you and I saw it, but the camera didn't capture it. This confirms my suspicion," Clarke adjusted his glasses. "The reason the dog hasn't been seen in years might be because it's no longer a creature of the real world to some extent."

"It's understandable, though. Generally, a dog's lifespan is much shorter than that of humans. Its owner, a professor from Mida University, passed away years ago. If it were an ordinary dog, it wouldn't make sense for it to still be alive. If the legend is true, maybe something really did change in it. I’d love to research this..."

As Clarke spoke, he kept glancing at Albert, but Albert was oblivious to his hints, preoccupied with Lann's earlier warning.

Why did she specifically warn him not to join the Inspection Bureau? What’s wrong with it?

Since Albert had been sent on an undercover mission soon after joining, he hadn't experienced the internal atmosphere of the Inspection Bureau for long, and his impression of the organization remained that of an official investigative body.

Click—

Suddenly, the sound of a camera shutter broke the silence. Albert, startled, looked at Clarke, who, with a face of grievance, pulled out his camera and took a photo of him.

"Why do that? It's okay, right? Taking photos as a keepsake is my habit. It helps me remember the curiosity and drive of the moment when I’m researching."

"But why take a photo of me?"

"You look decent enough," Clarke said lazily, "You make a passable model, but you don’t ignite my passion."

Although Albert didn’t speak, he couldn’t help but show a look of disdain at that moment—Who wants to ignite a man’s passion?

Anyway, the night passed like that. Albert later went to see his mentor, Aldus, pretending to be a regular student who had casually heard about the Inspection Bureau and was filled with admiration.

"The Inspection Bureau? Ah, that organization. I would have recommended it to you before," Aldus said, tending to his botanical garden, "But the situation there has been a bit off in recent years. Whether to join or not is up to your own judgment now."

"What's happening inside the Inspection Bureau?" Albert inquired.

"So far, there's nothing major, but changes are occurring," Aldus adjusted his glasses, "When a person becomes a permanent symbol, a flagbearer, a savior, whether that's good or bad for humanity, nobody knows."

"Remember, Albert, when you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you."

Aldus's words carried a warning. Albert pondered them for a long time but couldn't reach a conclusion. When the Inspection Bureau pressured him again for information, he hesitated but eventually sent his speculation formed during the chase by the dog.

After all, the Inspection Bureau is the only force Albert knows that can thwart the strangers' schemes.

He must protect everything around him, no matter what.

Unseen by him, Lan observed the unfolding events, realizing that nothing could change, whether it was because this was a dream, a memory, so whatever he did, it would always lead to the inevitable outcome.

But then again…

Both attacks seemed to happen around the time Albert was in contact with the Inspection Bureau.

Lan remembered the first bizarre attack occurred right after Albert accessed the internal network, likely triggering his joining the Inspection Bureau.

And the second attack, after potentially handing over a clue about the strangers' leader to the Bureau?

Both incidents seem related to the Inspection Bureau. Lan frowned, wondering, could there be a connection between the bizarre attacks and the Bureau?

No, that’s not the right angle. The Bureau's influence surely can't extend to interfering with someone's Dream Gap trial. Assuming Albert is the master of this dream, why did these two instances of bizarre attacks occur only at these specific moments?

At that moment, the memory of the golden-flamed bullet flashed through Lan's mind, sparking a hypothesis.

……

Right now, as Lan delved into Albert's dream.

In reality.

When the Inspection Team finally regrouped, Eugene urged them to move quickly. They tracked a signal, unmasked, to Arkham Hospital.

But here's the problem: amidst the hustle and bustle, aside from a suspicious phone that seemed to have sent the text messages, they found nothing.

That phone, examined by Clark Chapman, turned out to be an ordinary model, likely bought temporarily. The registered ID was purchased from the black market, rendering it valueless.

Edmund remarked, "The trail's gone cold, hasn't it?"

"No, not at all," Eugene suddenly produced a golden pocket watch, its hands spinning wildly, "On the contrary, we might have hit the jackpot."

The golden pocket watch, a novel device developed by the Inspection Bureau, searches for special realms. The principles behind it are complex, but essentially, it detects realms formed by unique spells, deity contamination, or unusual geographic and celestial phenomena. These realms, where magic in the air draws upon human psyche, exist beyond reality, closely akin to dream worlds.

Strictly speaking, when Arkham City was engulfed in fog, it too became a large-scale realm of this kind.

There, the barrier between reality and dreams shattered, allowing the two to converge closely. Bizarre creatures could easily appear before people, visible even to the ordinary eye, while also posing a threat.

Many such realms exist worldwide, appearing in specific seasons, fixed or temporary, or tainted by deities. The Inspection Bureau's research into these realms started long ago, with Eugene's golden pocket watch being a recent innovation.

Upon hearing this, Job couldn't help but frown, "…Could this be a trap?"

"First off, let's not dwell on whether the person who contacted us was Albert himself. If it was him, why would he lead us into a special realm built upon reality? If he harbors ill intentions, wouldn't this be like walking into a trap?"

"Regardless, the only lead we have at the moment is this one," Eugene spoke calmly, "Oh wait, almost forgot about Archibald from the bureau. Let's have him take the lead then."

"...Mendley!" Job grabbed Eugene by the collar, "Don't go too far, our mission at the Inspection Bureau is to…!"

"To protect humanity. But if sacrificing one or two can save many, why not?" Eugene grabbed Job's hand, "You think the same, don't you? Don't rush to refute me. I've seen everyone's mission records, so I know, you've made such choices too."

Eugene's gaze swept over Job and the others behind him. Diana stood with her arms crossed, defensive, while Eddie seemed indifferent, eyes fixed on the floor. Edmund and Eunice, recently joined, looked utterly confused.

"You know what?" Eugene suddenly burst into a cheerful laugh, his boyish face innocent, yet his intent as venomous as a snake's hiss, "When you try convincing yourselves that sacrificing others is for the greater good, you inevitably weigh human lives on a scale, always favoring the majority."

"What's wrong with that? You can never save everyone. Sacrifice the few to save the many; that's enough."

As everyone fell silent, Eugene curled his lips and turned to leave.

"What right do you have to judge that sacrificing a few can save humanity?"

Eugene turned to find Edmund standing in a corner, half his face in shadow, his freckled countenance innocent, raising the question, "Is the sacrifice of the few truly for humanity's sake and not just for desire? Is it genuinely for justice?"

"Of course," Eugene replied without hesitation, "because we all follow the orders of our Director. He can never be wrong. Every sacrifice is meaningful."

"Well, can I say, it sounds quite evi..." Edmund's words were cut off as Eugene removed his glasses, stopping him. Job, startled, quickly shielded Edmund, eyes closed, "What are you planning to do!? Mendley, are you going to attack your own teammate?"

"I'm just teaching him to watch his mouth. If he doesn't want to, I can help him cut it out," Eugene said coldly, "If I hear any more disrespectful remarks about the Director, you won't be so lucky next time."

Eugene walked away to make a call. The others fell into silence, finally broken by Eddie's scoff, "He's like a mad dog raised by the Director."

"Eddie," Job cautioned him, glancing around nervously.

"Captain, there's no need to be so wary of him."

"After all, he's the Director's secretary. If he really wants to make trouble for you, things could get a hundred times more complicated," Job sighed. "And Eugene's reputation in this regard isn't great within the bureau. You might have to deal with him more in the future, and I don't want any of you to end up in an accident."

"Tsk," Eddie clicked his tongue but didn't say more.

"And you too, Edmund," Job turned to Edmund. "Strictly speaking, you're not yet an official investigator. Upon returning to the bureau for review, all official investigators must go through the Director and his secretary. If he wants to trouble you, he has countless ways."

"I understand," Edmund replied obediently, then changed the subject, "So, what's our next move?"

"Mendley confirmed there's a secret realm here. He probably called Chapman, who's an expert in this field, to come over. Once we find a way into the secret realm, we can start investigating," Job answered.

Edmund's eyes flickered: "I see..."

Excusing himself to use the bathroom, Edmund headed to the restroom stalls. Once sure no one was around, he closed his eyes and whispered a prayer.

Oddly, there was no response to his prayer.

Puzzled, Edmund repeated the prayer, but again, no response.

His complexion finally changed, realizing the situation might be beyond control.

Why wasn't Lord Lann responding to him? Had something happened?

……

Meanwhile, Lann remained engrossed in the dream world, time rapidly flashing over Albert. After another half a semester, Albert had acquired enough knowledge. His diligent efforts led Aldous finally to allow him to assist in the lab, giving Albert access to the core of Aldous' research.

"Artificial secret realms?"

"Yes, precisely. My project is about creating something akin to a secret realm, or say, a miniature dream world," Aldous explained with unusual excitement, "You know, Albert, about ten years ago, professors from various departments at Miskatonic University collaborated on a grand project. It was to explore the greatest mystery known to mankind - the realm of myths and legends, the world of dreams."

"Professor Luellen Foster of the Ancient Magic Potion Department has restored a lost potion from ancient texts, which we temporarily call the Dream Entry Potion. Its ability to sneak into the dream world has now been confirmed."

Albert's eyes widened in shock: "Enter... the dream world?"

"Yes, the ghost grass you borrowed from me earlier is one of the core ingredients for this Dream Entry Potion. Unfortunately, the other key component, the Soul Eater Butterfly's scale powder, is too hard to find. Moreover, the potion is so difficult to concoct that no one but Professor Luellen can make it, rendering the potion virtually lost."

Aldus's face was filled with regret.

"Where is Professor Luellen now?"

"Hmm, I haven't finished yet. That's the end of the Ancient Magic Potion Department's part. After that, it was up to the professors of the Geography, History, and Mythology Research Departments to gather information and form the strongest investigative team Mida University could offer," Aldus said with a smile.

"We established a communication channel with them through some magical means and obtained invaluable information. This includes the geography and cultural landscapes of the dream world. Do you know what kind of world it is? It's unbelievably incredible! You wouldn't guess that it’s a world of idealism, where everything in the dream is determined by the will and spirit of its inhabitants! Such a world is too romantic and unimaginable!"

Aldus, usually pale from long hours in the lab, showed a flush of excitement, gesturing animatedly as he conveyed his excitement and longing to Albert, "Every person is a god in their own world. As long as they believe, gold can rain from the sky, and milk and honey can spring from the ground. It's a true paradise!"

"I want to recreate this paradise in the human world. That's the whole purpose of my research. I aim to create a man-made sanctuary that closely mimics the dream world, so that even if humans lead mundane lives in reality, they can become masters of their own destiny once they enter their dreams at night!"

"Half in reality, half in dreams, two kinds of life!"

Albert listened calmly to his mentor's wild ambitions, "If that's the case, then probably no one would want to return to reality."

"No, no, you're mistaken. In the dream world, there's a very important rule: only those with strong wills can take effect. I plan to apply this rule as well. If someone harbors thoughts of escaping reality, they won’t find happiness in their dreams," Aldus shook his head.

Albert wasn't particularly interested in this. He was more concerned about the project Aldus mentioned earlier.

"What about the team of investigators? They couldn't have contributed so much and remained unknown."

"Huh? What are you talking about? They didn’t make it back," Aldus spoke with a calm, even envious tone, "Ah, what a pity. I was just a student back then and didn’t qualify for such a big project. Otherwise, I really would have liked to see that world."

His face showed sincere regret, and Albert could tell that he genuinely felt it was a great loss not to have gone.

The rumors outside were indeed true, he thought; everyone here is a quirky character willing to drown in their ideals.