Wu Chang's vision went black for a moment, and as he came to, two oil lamps appeared almost right in front of his face, their brightness dizzying.
He covered one eye with the back of his hand, adjusting to the sudden light, muttering softly:
"This woman is too hasty."
He had only been in the Moonlight Sanatorium for two days, and it was still early compared to the deadline Julie had mentioned. He originally wanted to gather more information and contact the director in a couple of days, but Julie said, "There's no time," and pushed him through a door.
After a brief adjustment, he followed the light forward, walked through a short corridor, and entered a spacious office.
Compared to the bright corridor, the office was much dimmer, like other patient rooms, with only a dim oil lamp.
By the faint light, he could see a massive shadow crouching on the desk.
As he stepped into the room, the shadow, like a giant beast awakened, shuddered and stood up.
As the shadow rose, Wu Chang's gaze shifted from looking straight ahead to looking up.
Director Randy stood over three meters tall, his shoulders as wide as a wall, with arms as thick as an adult man's waist, complemented by a mane of golden hair, resembling a standing lion.
Leaving aside Randy's absurd height, an ordinary person, even taking steroids and testosterone as meals, could never achieve such a build.
Randy's fitness drug regimen must not have copied mature Arnold's.
Wu Chang really wanted to go ask Julie, was she sure Randy's ancestors were mages and not berserkers?
Randy stood two meters in front of Wu Chang, scrutinizing the intruder, feeling the overwhelming pressure. Wu Chang swallowed hard, momentarily at a loss for words.
Perhaps seeing Wu Chang's predicament, Randy found a topic for him.
Randy drew a nearly two-meter-long, thick musket from behind and pointed the muzzle straight at Wu Chang's forehead, muttering:
"The condition has worsened, hallucinations can now take the form of strangers."
"Director, don't shoot! It's me." Now Wu Chang knew how to start.
"You are?"
"I am the King's Envoy from the Royal City; His Majesty asked me to convey a message to you."
Afraid Randy wouldn't believe him, Wu Chang quickly handed over the King's Badge he was holding.
Randy originally did not want to waste words with Wu Chang, intending to quickly resolve today's illusion and return to work. However, the moment his eyes caught sight of the King's Badge, they were firmly fixed, unable to move.
This piece, representing the pinnacle of human magic and craftsmanship, possesses an unparalleled sense of grandeur. Though made only of metal, no matter how many dazzling jewels accompany it, it would not be outshined in the slightest.
It requires no anti-counterfeiting measures; just seeing it is to believe it is the King's Badge.
Randy had great confidence in his aesthetics; this was not something he could imagine out of thin air.
This is genuine.
Having confirmed Wu Chang's identity, Randy's expression softened, reluctantly returning the badge to Wu Chang, asking:
"What brings the envoy here this time? Does His Majesty still believe in the myth of Cursed Gold?"
Wu Chang shook his head and, striking the posture of an envoy, paced around the director's office, saying:
"No, this time I'm here for White Stone Town. Based on our preliminary investigation, various bizarre events happening in White Stone Town seem to have the Peace Church's involvement."
Hearing the words "Peace Church," Randy instinctively furrowed his brow.
Seeing Randy's unease and backed by the status of the King's Envoy, Wu Chang prepared to seize the opportunity to persuade Randy, to make him recognize reality and awaken the power in his blood.
"Director Randy, do you believe in the existence of mysticism?"
Randy answered firmly, "No."
Wu Chang was about to deliver his prepared lines, but as he looked up, his words were somehow pushed back down.
He squinted, gazing at the Golden Crossbow hanging on the wall. Next to the crossbow were three craft-like Silver Crossbow Arrows. The one in the middle emitted a deep red resentment.
Perhaps due to the passage of time, the vision contained in the grievance had faded, leaving only a common testament and a blood-colored testament.
"First Law of Mysticism: Human cognition is one of the sources of mysticism's existence. The more people believe in it, the stronger its power becomes. The best seal is not strict defense but complete oblivion."
"[Eliminate or completely seal the remnant soul of the Evil God Leman.]"
First Law of Mysticism?
"How about it, isn't it beautiful?"
Randy's voice came from behind, awakening Wu Chang from his thoughts.
"This Golden Crossbow was earned through the blood and fire of continuous battles by my ancestors, a testament to the former glory of the Anderson Clan. Though it's incomparable to the King's Badge, it is a rare artwork in the world. Even in the most destitute times, the family never thought of selling it."
"Its existence has always reminded me to be grounded, to rebuild the family with my hands like my ancestors, rather than pinning hope on some myth."
Wu Chang pressed his lips, swallowing his pre-organized argument entirely, "Sorry, it truly is beautiful, beautiful enough to enthrall me. What was I saying a moment ago?"
"You asked me if I believe in the existence of mysticism," Randy replied.
"And your answer was?"
"I don't believe."
Wu Chang nodded, agreeing, "I don't believe either."
"Hmm?" Randy was a bit surprised by Wu Chang's answer.
Wu Chang pulled out the Silver Dawn, his face full of sincerity, saying:
"Aside from my identity as the King's Envoy, I am actually a scientist and also an engineer. This gun is my creation. I firmly believe that humanity's future lies in machinery and science."
Randy, with just one glance, marveled at the smallness and delicacy of the short musket. Even when he studied medicine in the capital, he had never seen such an exquisitely crafted firearm.
Realizing the other party was also a science advocate, Randy's gaze became instantly friendlier.
Wu Chang continued, "Based on my investigation, I suspect the Peace Church is manufacturing some kind of hallucinogenic drug."
"Hallucinogenic drug?"
"Yes, this drug makes people addicted and simultaneously erodes the user's mind, causing their mental state to become unstable and blurring the line between reality and hallucination. Everything seen in the hallucination becomes a miracle in the words of the Peace Church."
Randy pondered for a moment, returned to his desk, and picked up a fountain pen, saying solemnly:
"As you can see, the situation in White Stone Town has spiraled out of control, and it is difficult to rectify with just one person's strength. I'll issue you a doctor's pass; with it, you can move freely within the sanatorium and White Stone Town. Take the opportunity to leave and report your findings to His Majesty."
Hearing about the pass, Wu Chang's face lit up, not expecting the mission clearance to come so easily.
Wait, isn't this a bit too easy?
He looked at the King's Badge in his hand, squinting and pondering carefully.
Julie's goal couldn't have always been just the pass, right?
Being able to watch so many players die, that woman is definitely not soft-hearted. If the chance to leave was right in front of her, she'd absolutely stab her newly acquainted ally in the back ruthlessly.
Wu Chang quickly stepped up to Randy, nobly declaring:
"No, precisely because the situation is urgent, I cannot leave. The journey to the capital is long, taking almost a month round trip. By the time I return, it may be too late."
"Even if it means death, I must thwart the Peace Church's evil plans and cannot stand by as such a tragedy unfolds!"
Randy, moved by Wu Chang's determination, immediately said:
"White Stone Town is my domain; how could I let the envoy fight alone? You must count me in. Whatever you need, any requirements, I will satisfy them as best as I can."
"I do have something I need help with from you, Director." Wu Chang seized the chance to say.
"The Peace Church choosing White Stone Town as the experimental site, I suspect besides revenge, it also fears the Anderson Clan. I suspect the Secret Magic Knight Order of the past had a method to remove delusions."
"Is there any place like an underground storeroom here, holding documents on the Secret Magic Knight Order?"
Randy raised an eyebrow and said, "There really is an underground chamber where old books left by ancestors are stored. Although I think the possibility is slim, you can try your luck."
"There is one more thing."
Wu Chang's gaze shifted to the crossbow arrows on the wall, saying:
"As an engineer and craftsman, I would like to borrow a Silver Crossbow Arrow to study its craftsmanship, if that's alright."
Randy shrugged and said, "No need to borrow; take whichever one you fancy. Your courage is entirely deserving of it."