Chapter 37: The Truth of the World: Three Destinations
Seeing the expectant gazes of Rango and Ted, Amos didn't directly reveal the answer.
The old man leisurely found a chair, sat down, lit a cigar, and let the smoke create a mysterious atmosphere.
Once everything was ready, he spoke slowly, like a seasoned storyteller:
"First, I must congratulate you, because compared to ordinary people, you have already unveiled the first layer of this world's veil, knowing that evil spirits and demons exist."
Seeing the old man's cryptic demeanor, Rango took a deep breath and smiled, asking, "So... what's hidden beneath the veil I haven't yet unveiled?"
Amos exhaled a puff of smoke, his eyes deepening: "Many things, far more than you can imagine. For example, vampires."
"Oh?"
Rango wasn't surprised, but calmly nodded slightly.
This world already has ghosts and exorcists; the existence of vampires didn't seem so unexpected.
He then asked, "So there are werewolves and slayers too?"
"Your thinking is sharp," Amos nodded approvingly. "These things not only exist, but there are quite a few. Of course, there are many types of vampires. If you're interested, I can tell you about them later."
Rango's eyes lit up. He had been busy with other things and had forgotten about this "old man" in the museum.
Although he wasn't active in the field anymore, with his decades of exorcism experience, this old guy had probably seen every kind of monster in the world.
This was a valuable resource.
So, he smiled more warmly and asked, "Besides vampires and werewolves, what else?"
Amos shook his head, lost in thought. "Too many to list. I don't even know where to begin. Just the ones I've personally seen include witches, sirens, zombies, and gorgons."
"Wait, wait," Rango interrupted, "what does 'gorgon' mean?"
He had heard of witches and sirens many times, but gorgons were a first for him.
"Gorgons, similar to Medusa. The most powerful ones can turn you to stone the moment you look at them."
Amos smirked dismissively. "But it's all just talk. I've personally witnessed your grandfather smash the heads of over a dozen gorgons with his fists, and look at me, I'm still alive and well."
"..."
Rango shrugged noncommittally, then asked, "Anything else?"
"Many: dryads, killer clowns, tooth fairies, cryptids, unicorns, hell lords, changelings..."
Amos seemed to have opened a floodgate, rattling off a string of terms.
After listening, Rango's expression became complicated: "So, all those things you just mentioned not only exist, but they all pose a threat to humanity?"
Amos's smile faded, and he said seriously, "You're being too optimistic. In these creatures' eyes, humans are nothing more than food and toys for their amusement."
"Fuck?!"
Rango and Ted exchanged a shocked glance. He knew this world had supernatural elements, but he never expected that besides normal reality, it would also contain so many monsters and demons.
"Something's not right," Ted said. "If there are so many dangerous things, why has the media never reported on them, and why have so many people never even seen them in their entire lives? Come on, you've spent minutes just listing their names; how could a normal person have never encountered them?"
Amos smiled slightly, his expression subtle. "Who knows? Maybe there's some organization secretly keeping them all contained."
Ted pursed his lips speechlessly. This old man always started dodging at crucial moments; he really didn't know how Rango's grandfather usually dealt with him.
However, Rango felt increasingly uneasy. In his memory, he did know of an organization capable of capturing and imprisoning so many monsters.
Could he be that unlucky?!
Before he could even ask a question, Amos brought up another issue that concerned him most.
"As for Emma, if left unchecked, before the Yellow-Eyed Demon intervenes, she could very well become one of those dark creatures I mentioned earlier."
"I know, definitely a changeling," Ted said, half-jokingly, half-seriously. "That little psycho's skill at mutilating dolls is extraordinary!"
Amos gave him an exasperated look and answered directly, "A witch!"
"A witch?" Rango asked curiously.
"That's right," Amos explained. "To be precise, a dark witch. Due to the influence of demonic sacrifice, Emma possesses a darkness far exceeding that of ordinary people, a rare quality for becoming a practitioner of magic. There are indeed several places in the world suitable for witches to develop their abilities, and I have quite a few connections with people in those circles."
Rango listened, pondered for a moment, and shook his head in concern. "I don't think this is a good idea. She has no power now, yet she's already indiscriminately killing innocents. If she truly gains control of witchcraft, it will be a disaster."
"You're oversimplifying things, Rango," Amos shook his head and sighed.
"Even if you protect her day and night, the darkness within her will eventually erupt, devouring her and turning her into a demon's puppet."
"Send her to the place I recommend. At least someone can guide her to control and utilize this power, giving her a chance before the Yellow-Eyed Demon comes for her."
Upon hearing this, Rango frowned, not immediately responding.
He knelt down and gently touched Emma's swollen cheeks, which he had slapped. She was curled up in a chair, her brow furrowed, as if having a nightmare.
Seeing this, Ted hesitated, knowing full well the struggle and pain Rango had endured over the past day.
He silently swallowed his suggestion, leaving the decision entirely to Rango.
After a moment of silence, Rango finally made up his mind and looked up to ask, "Tell me, what places would be suitable for Emma?"
Amos smiled knowingly and slowly said, "To be precise, there are three places worth considering."
"First, there's the Addams Family mansion. This family is... well, very unusual. Although the family is extremely abnormal, the lady of the house, Morticia, is a 'refined and elegant' practitioner of dark arts, well-versed in all kinds of occult magic. And they have children about Emma's age. Sending her there to be 'mentored' by this family would be quite fitting."
Rango frowned. This sounded a bit unconventional, but at least it was a proper home, not some isolated compound, so it could still be considered as a backup plan.
"The second is a school, Nevermore Academy. This school is specifically for outcasts. Most of the students are witches, werewolves, and sirens. I'm good friends with their current headmaster. If you're willing, I can write you a letter of recommendation."
Upon hearing this, a hint of interest flashed in Rango's eyes. Having a school to attend was better than sending her to someone else's home for training.
"There's one last one, and this is the place I most recommend you send Emma to."
Amos's eyes deepened, as if he were looking back on the past.
"It's Miss Robichaux's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies in New Orleans. It not only teaches witchcraft but also includes academic and etiquette classes. Every Supreme witch who graduates from there is a formidable figure in the supernatural world."
"Your grandfather had a close relationship with the current Supreme, and I think she would be happy to accept Anderson's great-granddaughter."
(End of Chapter)
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