Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 2144: Chapter 2139: Solitary Confinement (13)

Sure enough, an artistic youth.

Even her husband, who cares about her so much, used the word ’obsession’ to describe her. It seems Rachel has indeed been deeply engaged in painting lately.

From the look of the room, the lady obviously has a sense of aesthetic pursuit that aligns with such hobbies.

But that’s not the main point—Art Prison?

The hobby of painting seems to be connected to somewhere we just mentioned in the car.

It’s also the place I need to visit alone next.

”Haha... True to her, she still has such good patience.”

Mr. Huck Sr. naturally wouldn’t overlook this point, but at that moment, facing Ed’s somewhat oppressive statement, he surprisingly restrained himself from looking over.

Instead, he rarely laughed out loud, expressing admiration for Rachel’s good mindset.

”Even when I was younger than her, I lost the ability to calm myself down. Clearly, you are the same.”

The latter comment was directed at Ed, as if seeing through his inability to empathize with his wife’s hobby.

”Indeed... I’ve been trying hard, but I really can’t appreciate it.”

Although it was a self-deprecating comment, Ed, initially unable to conceal his anxious expression, didn’t mind Huck’s words and even seemed more relaxed, speaking in a self-mocking manner.

”By the way, the unfamiliar child you mentioned earlier, I have no impression of them, nor have I heard anything from the store’s staff... In this ghost place, any strange strangers would have quickly become known.”

Scratching his head subconsciously, he even remembered the reason for Huck’s visit.

Regrettably, after intense pondering, he still appeared to have nothing to offer.

”No problem, I just wanted to fulfill a duty and ask around. You know it’s hard to find a living person in this place now—Oh, this is Anke, the new officer.”

Shaking his head, offering a somewhat uncommitted statement, Huck finally seemed to remember introducing the person beside him, pointing at Fu Qian.

”Hello... Sorry, I hadn’t heard before, I didn’t know you were Huck’s partner.”

Ed seemed obviously surprised, clearly not expecting Fu Qian’s identity.

”It’s alright, I actually heard it for the first time myself.”

Fu Qian appeared quite magnanimous and even joked like Huck.

Although it was indeed true, from the start of the task until now, this was his first time learning his name for this trip.

And it’s clear the warehouse is reusing materials.

Though a new face was crafted, they were reluctant to give a new name, so they appropriated the title of the Seventh Dark Moon Apostle.

...

”My mistake... Anke, can you visit the place ahead on your own? I’ll laze around here.”

Ed wasn’t very eloquent, and Huck finally turned to look over, taking the responsibility faced with the generous Fu Qian.

The upcoming visit naturally referred to the trip to the Art Prison, and they could also check on Rachel’s whereabouts.

From the subtle expressions in Huck’s words, Fu Qian could wholly understand this entrustment.

The whole exchange was so smooth that even Ed, in an overly sensitive mental state, didn’t seem to notice anything unusual.

Thus, it seemed like time to make a decision—whether to efficiently move directly to the third location?

This tacit cooperation indeed defused a possible marriage crisis invisibly but, from another perspective, smoothly encouraged Fu Qian to leave this place.

Despite Huck’s performance not showing evident flaws for the time being, if he truly was the competitive rival, doing so wouldn’t escape the suspicion of wanting to monopolize the information.

”Alright.”

Without hesitation, Fu Qian directly agreed.

Having suspicions is one thing, the key lies in what can be done now.

Even if Huck truly is the ”Old Hunter” and indeed discovered additional doubts here, it wouldn’t be rational to insist on staying.

Earlier, he noticed Huck carried the same model gun.

The decision to let him leave rather than shoot confirmed the situation was most likely speculative and not confirmed.

It couldn’t even be ruled out that Huck might not yet be aware of being a competing rival, acting for confidential reasons in the upcoming actions.

But when facing separate action arrangements, hesitating would likely make the opponent’s vigilance rapidly rise, leading straight into a phase of mutual confrontation.

Why not take the initiative to shoot first?

Based on the experience from the breakfast shop, it’s inferred the opponent might retain a certain extraordinary ability.

Under such circumstances, the probability of first-move compensation wouldn’t be too great.

Furthermore, this analysis is based on the assumption: Mr. Huck is trying to fend off Fu Qian to enjoy the intelligence alone.

In Fu Qian’s view actually, if Huck is innocent, his current act fully explains—the truth of Ed’s words? Rachel truly not being at home?

Don’t forget this is a place where the Inner World’s influence can seep into one’s mind, affecting actions.

Is it possible Ed has resentment hidden beneath his pure expression, compelling actions he himself can’t perceive?

As a professional grassroots worker, facing the theoretically third missing person, Rachel, Huck organized Fu Qian to go verify at the presumed location, keeping an eye on Ed to prevent him from escaping guilt by flight.

And if this is the case, Fu Qian shouldn’t focus his attention on such ordinary law and order cases.

All in all, in any situation, the optimal choice seems to be responding to the call and heading to the ”Art Prison.”

...

It should be here.

The investigation into the missing person unfolded with astonishing coordination.

In Huck and his comrade’s gaze, Fu Qian swiftly encountered the first problem—the location of the fabled Art Prison.

Unfortunately, Huck’s car was clearly privately owned, and even inside, he couldn’t find a map.

However, it wasn’t considered a problem; the place, while desolate, wasn’t truly a 無人 area.

Fu Qian’s unfamiliar face, on top of his unkempt appearance, meant people already guessed his destination without him needing to speak when asking for directions.

Mr. Huck Sr., indeed well-versed in life experiences, noted that a large proportion of occasional outsiders here came for the renowned ”Art Prison.”

Its unique creativity had made it somewhat famous—truly distinctive.

Following the kind guidance of the locals all the way north, Fu Qian arrived at a place with a noticeably flamboyant atmosphere.

Unintelligible yet brilliantly colorful graffiti adorned the high walls, undeniably offering substantial visual impact.

Especially amidst the embrace of abandoned structures in a realm akin to the Dead Realm.