Chapter 223
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Chapter 223: Close the Door, Let Mercury In
This village is strange, and the people living within it are equally peculiar.
Their logic is indeed coherent, and as humans, Ink Drench and the others wish to believe in them. Unfortunately, their rationality ultimately prevails.
After witnessing last night’s mysterious ceremony, the group began to review the events and discovered numerous oddities.
Ink Drench believes that the four-layer Tower formed by those humans might not have originated from their own consciousness, which is why they relaxed their joints only after the ceremony ended, rather than being affected from the start.
Bipolar disorder holds that the humans who have shown regression and those who can be influenced are, to some extent, no longer part of the same species; they should have reproductive isolation between them.
Beast Pack stated that since these humans occasionally consume extraordinary beasts, they should have sharper reactions compared to the residents of Hope City. However, Nick behaved almost like a child when faced with two of the lowest-level extraordinary beasts.
During the review, Wind Whisper noticed that the residents of Marsh Settlement remained unusually silent when not interacting with outsiders like them, as if their body language could convey everything they wanted to say.
Mercury believed… that if these people truly had issues, they should all be dealt with.
As for whether there was indeed a problem, he chose to listen to his teammates.
So now, after confirming that the villagers harbored no hostility towards them during the day, the group returned to Zhang Tong.
Looking at the somewhat comical bruise on his cheek, the group struggled to find any humor in the situation.
"You came to see me about that issue, right?"
Zhang Tong maintained a calm expression. If it weren’t for the noticeable bruise, he would appear very serious.
"We’re still considering. You see, even though the outsiders have shown obvious regression, they are still humans. After all these years, I just…
"I had a feeling we would have answers this morning, which is why I didn’t let them go out to gather food or hunt. I wanted all news to be shared promptly."
"It’s okay; it’s not entirely because of that."
Ink Drench interrupted his emotional narrative, prompting a look of surprise on Zhang Tong’s face.
"Then why are you here?"
"I’d like to ask what the residents usually do at night?"
Upon hearing this strange question, Zhang Tong was initially taken aback, then replied with curiosity.
"What else can they do? You know, whether in Hope City or here, besides working, eating, and sleeping, the only thing left might be to create new life.
"Understand, there is nothing here; at least in Hope City, people can choose to work themselves to death, and here, not being eaten is considered a good outcome. Is there a problem with some people being too loud?"
Ink Drench’s expression remained unchanged, while bipolar disorder’s mouth twitched noticeably, privately thinking:
If ninety people stacking on each other is truly creating new life, that’s a bit too peculiar.
"It’s not that; we rested well last night."
Ink Drench thought and continued to probe,
"Did any of you members managing Hope City notice anything unusual at night?"
"No, nights here have always been quiet. There may be some noise, but aside from that embarrassing sound just now, all that’s left is the occasional wailing of extraordinary beasts that happen to cross most of the marsh and die in the nearby mud."
Hearing this, Ink Drench was almost certain of her suspicions; perhaps everyone here was under control.
As for whether they were controlled by mycelium or something else, that question’s answer was not important right now.
Located less than a hundred kilometers from Hope City, they must secure the future for humans.
"Understood, I have no more questions. Are the other three survivors here? I’d like to talk to you about changes in Hope City."
"They should be. We’re four elderly individuals and usually stay in the village to handle matters."
With that, Zhang Tong waved to summon a human mixed-blood member standing outside the building to report and invite the remaining three survivors.
Five minutes later, four elderly individuals entered the relatively spacious room.
There were three men and one woman; the woman and one man appeared to be in their early forties, still in their prime, with one able to extract mycelium from extraordinary beasts and the other understanding basic mechanical manufacturing and repairs, maintaining the inhabitants’ use of primitive tools.
But Zhang Tong and another elderly man they saw last night appeared to be over sixty, with less agility.
At that moment, Ink Drench, a guest sitting at the front, emanated a somewhat authoritative air. She looked around, noting that everyone had arrived, and her expression gradually steeled, becoming incredibly determined:
"Mercury, close the door."
The not-so-clever, sturdy man turned and closed the only building door and leaned his tall frame against it, seemingly to block any intrusions from outside.
"What are you doing?!"
Another elderly man, sensing that something was off about the atmosphere, slammed his hands on the table, trying to stand but slowly sat back down under Ink Drench’s gaze.
Though older and experienced, in front of a top mature superpowered individual, everything seems so fragile.
He saw evident dissatisfaction and killing intent in the middle-aged woman’s eyes.
"I apologize for my rudeness; what follows is very important.
"I must first confirm something with you all. Have you continued to uphold the original oath and maintain your loyalty to Hope City during the twenty years of disconnection?"
The elderly individuals were surprised by the first question. They exchanged glances, and finally, Zhang Tong raised his hand first:
"I know my proposal might put you in a difficult position, but I want to say that if having those people here truly poses a risk to Hope City, I choose to stay here with them.
"This doesn’t mean I have lost my loyalty to Hope City; I can tell you everything you want to know, I just need… I just need to establish basic communication with Hope City…"
Zhang Tong trailed off, unsure how to continue. He began to understand why Ink Drench asked her question. He might indeed have been too merciful, but his loyalty to Hope City had not changed.
Seeing Zhang Tong fall silent, another elderly man suddenly raised his hand and said,
"I can leave; I have no objections."