Chapter 88: The Light of Righteousness Shines on the Pink Palace!
Pink Palace Apartments, button-eyed dolls that looked just like their owners, a small door sealed by wallpaper, the Other Mother and "Other Father" from another world, imprisoned children's souls... these elements combined, and a name instantly surfaced from the depths of Edward's memory—Coraline.
This was no heartwarming fairy tale, but a dark stop-motion animated film that was enough to become the childhood trauma of countless people.
The Other Mother in the story, whose true identity was an ancient witch known as the Beldam, monitored children who moved into the Pink Palace by creating spy dolls, luring them with illusions from another world, and her ultimate goal was to devour the children's souls, making them her eternal collection.
He hadn't expected that even such an entity would exist on this side of reality.
Edward's mind raced.
Since it was a world whose plot he knew, the advantage was entirely his.
The witch Beldam, though terrifying, was not invincible.
This was perfect timing; he'd just gotten new equipment, and a perfect test subject arrived!
Thinking of this, Edward looked at the little girl Coraline, who was crying so hard her face was streaked with tears, and there was no longer any hesitation.
He was taking this commission!
"Coraline, I completely understand your situation." Edward's voice was steady and powerful, carrying a reassuring quality, "From now on, your commission is officially accepted by 'Devil May Cry'. I will help you rescue your parents."
His words were like a ray of light, dispelling some of the darkness in Coraline's heart.
The little girl raised her tear-filled face and nodded vigorously.
"However, dealing with a wicked witch of this level might be a bit much solo." Edward said, turning his gaze to Alan, who'd been listening quietly, "Alan, interested in an adventure to another world? The reward is very generous."
He gestured with the Oni Gauntlet on his left hand, implying something.
As a vengeful spirit, Alan was equally sensitive to the aura of souls.
She could feel the cold aura from another world lingering on Coraline and understood what Edward meant by "reward."
More importantly, her heart, unwilling to be confined in the mirror, had already stirred with anticipation from Coraline's description.
Another world? An evil witch? Rescuing imprisoned souls?
This sounded way more interesting than staying in a mirror!
"Hell yeah, I'm going!" Alan replied without hesitation, her eyes sparkling with excitement, "However, I can't go too far from the mirror in this form."
Her current state was that of a spirit body; although she could move freely within the office, once she left this space protected by Edward's power, she'd be greatly restricted by the rules of the real world.
"I need to prep." Alan said, then turned and walked toward the large floor-length mirror.
"Where are you going?" Edward asked reflexively.
"Going back to switch characters, I'll log back in in a sec." Alan waved without looking back, and like a diver, she plunged into the mirror, disappearing from view.
Coraline was so astonished by this magical scene that her mouth hung open.
The next second, a foot wearing white sneakers stepped out of the mirror.
Immediately after, a familiar figure in blue jeans and a white t-shirt emerged completely from the mirror.
It was Maria!
Although the body was Maria's, her entire demeanor had completely changed. She stretched her limbs, seemingly testing the body, and even jumped twice in place.
"This body... feels a bit soft." "Maria" spoke, but her voice carried Alan's characteristic crispness and edge, "Maria said she'll keep watch from the mirror and told me to be careful with her body, not to scratch it."
"Welcome to the real world, Battle Maiden Alan." Edward said with a teasing smile, "How's it feel?"
Alan excitedly shadow-boxed the air, "I feel like I could punch through a wall!"
Seeing her eager demeanor, Edward knew he'd found the right partner for this job.
He turned to Coraline, who was still a bit bewildered, and said, "Coraline, this is my assistant, Alan.
She's very capable and will come with us to rescue your parents."
Coraline looked at the cool older girl in front of her. Although she didn't understand what had just happened, she obediently nodded, "Hello, Miss Alan."
"Alright, no time to waste." Edward stood up and walked in front of the two, "Before we head out, let's do some prep. Relax, and don't resist my mental power."
With that, he activated the new skill he'd just acquired.
Mind Link!
A gentle mental force, like an invisible thread, instantly connected Edward, Alan, and Coraline.
Mind Link established. Current members: Edward Connor, Alan, Coraline. Channel encrypted.
A chat-like interface suddenly appeared in the minds of all three.
"Whoa! What is this? I can hear what you're thinking!" Alan's surprised voice echoed directly in Edward's and Coraline's minds.
"This is Mind Link, a completely secure communication channel." Edward's voice also responded in the Mind Link channel, "After entering the other world, we should use this to communicate to prevent the Beldam from eavesdropping."
"It's amazing!" Coraline's voice also rang out, with a hint of wonder. This novel experience made her temporarily forget her fear.
"Alright, now, let's move out." Edward walked to the office door that led to his bedroom and said to Coraline, "Coraline, close your eyes, concentrate, and think about your living room, as clearly as possible.
Imagine the scene when you open your front door."
Coraline immediately obediently closed her eyes, her small brows furrowed tightly, trying hard to recall what her home looked like.
Perfect!
He reached out and grasped the cold brass doorknob.
This was "Devil May Cry," a node connecting reality and the supernatural.
As long as there was a clear coordinate or a strong desire tied to a commission, this door could lead wherever it needed to go.
"Destination: Coraline Jones's home."
Edward declared in a low voice, then firmly twisted the doorknob and pushed the door open.
Outside the door, it was no longer the familiar and cozy bedroom.
A cold breeze, mixed with the smell of dust and decay, blew in.
What came into view was a living room with extremely poor lighting.
The wallpaper was peeling, revealing mottled walls beneath.
Furniture was covered with white sheets, and countless tiny dust particles floated in the air.
The entire room gave off a sinister and oppressive feeling of abandonment.
On the couch in the center of the living room, a doll wearing a yellow raincoat sat quietly.
It had blue hair and hollow eyes made of black buttons, staring directly at the doorway.
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