Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 2142: Chapter 2137: Confinement (11)

Not on the table either.

Did the coin stay inside? The interactive element is quite strong.

While the heads or tails game was meant to enhance the atmosphere, there’s no harm in using it for a little test.

The result is that the person returned, but the item given away remained in the ”Inner World”.

It seems the likelihood of mental influence or hallucinations is smaller.

It also aligns with the physical sensation.

No frostbite on the skin, but the discomfort in the lungs is still noticeable when breathing.

The body truly endured some damage, and while there’s some relief after exiting, frequent entries may lead to chronic issues.

”Indeed, it doesn’t taste as good as I imagined.”

Fu Qian took a sip of milk, savoring the taste carefully, indeed slightly more lukewarm than before.

Though it’s hard to confirm how the two worlds are coupled, when inside the Inner World, outside time doesn’t seem to stand absolutely still.

Upon reaching a small conclusion, Fu Qian tallied the gains of this trip, feeling that simply having breakfast had already become alarmingly severe.

A bizarre world overlapping, possibly a competitor with Transcendent forces, any ordinary scene could contain a force that crushes him...

A while had passed, but Zhen, who had run to the kitchen, still hadn’t come out.

Fortunately, there weren’t many customers, and the pancake smelled good.

Putting down the milk, Fu Qian focused on enjoying breakfast.

Regardless of whether Mr. Huck was innocent, his attitude toward food was worth learning; good taste should not be let down.

”There’s no need to send flowers. If Rachel were here, she’d probably be happy to serve you.”

Observing his actions throughout, seeing Fu Qian appearing to enjoy his meal, Huck finally sighed softly and gave a comment.

...

Though spoken subtly, the image of Rachel became increasingly vivid.

Mr. Huck Sr. indeed did not intend to treat; in the end, Fu Qian paid the bill under Maggie’s meaningful gaze.

Sitting back in the driver’s seat, following the old man’s directions, Fu Qian was impressed by Huck’s final comment, inferring a reverse image of Rachel—

Good appearance, poor professional attitude, and a preference for individuals with character...the married life of her husband must be quite pitiful.

Though this kind of drama is too clichéd, not even new in the gossip realm.

The allusive Mr. Huck Sr. showed no intention to continue this topic along the way.

So how did the ”Old Hunter” come out of the Inner World?

Pleased, Fu Qian continued to ponder the previous question quietly.

The missing coin proved that the two worlds aren’t insulated but can allow some interaction.

Even though until leaving, Zhen hadn’t come out again to confirm whether she had clear memories of her Inner World experience, her stance itself was an answer.

”To lose a bet once, escape a dream-like death, and continue a mundane life,” if these memories remain, what kind of will would it take not to come out and take a look?

Such a unique guest is still sitting outside.

Thus, in Fu Qian’s view, everything even matched the previous performance—much like Zhen failed to recall the early Huck, the gun-wielding thug in the Inner World also didn’t enter her surface consciousness.

Without certain stimulation, Zhen would find it equally hard to remember.

It even seemed somewhat similar to the nurse Tia’s behavior.

When recalling why she was wearing that special uniform, would her face that looked like she’d seen a ghost also be due to a similar reason?

Simultaneously, the experience of the Inner World wouldn’t be without influence; the milk Zhen served, Tia’s nurse uniform, all appear as similar aftereffects?

Though it’s still just a guess, if based on this theory, it would mean Zhen’s unremembered experiences occurred in the Inner World.

In other words, the rival Old Hunter likely entered there before him, so what was his method of entry and exit?

Choosing to interact in Huck’s guise and implying buying breakfast suggests his style is rather subtle.

Zhen disappeared upon turning, was it his way to sideline this dangerous person and then seize a chance to escape?

If this were indeed the case, though less domineering than himself, at least one thing is certain—he knew about the Inner World earlier.

In such a scenario, it means that no matter how well he acted here, the longer time goes on, the higher the likelihood of his actions being noticed.

And there are many ways to win a competition, including directly eliminating the opponent.

It’s not just a competitive game but perhaps even a violent race?

Though merely a worst-case scenario speculation, it seems unavoidable to guard against...

”It seems we aren’t very lucky.”

Amidst his thoughts, Mr. Huck Sr.’s voice once again reached him, indicating Fu Qian should park the car by the roadside in front of a standard house.

”Their car isn’t here.”

...

”Initially, I thought I’d just have you drop me off, but now let’s go together.”

Huck, not hurrying to get out, looked outside, only shaking his head at such a situation.

”So what was I originally supposed to do?”

The place where Rachel and her husband lived wasn’t simple; a two-story building, clean white exterior walls, and assorted green plants on the terrace made it more refined compared to similarly styled surrounding buildings.

Though this contrast starkly highlighted a deep sense of loneliness.

Glancing around together, Fu Qian casually confirmed Huck’s original plan.

”To meet a group of artists...do you remember the abandoned prison I mentioned? After it became vacant, one day it suddenly started attracting ’artistic creators’.

”They gather from various places, renovate and create inside, and then attract more...they’re the group I find most incomprehensible in this entire area.”

Giving a rather peculiar answer, Huck emphasized the term ”artistic creators”.

”You suspect the missing young duo went there?”

Fu Qian naturally had no memory of the Art Prison, but a town in such decline sprouting such ’flowers on a rotting corpse’ indeed was not surprising.

”I don’t know, but young people are always drawn to curious things...so I thought you should take a look, and that’s why I suggested casual wear today.”

Huck sounded quite candid.

”Police aren’t a very welcome symbol around them—let’s go, someone’s there.”