Morimens story · Special Ops
Phantom of the Rainy Town
18 scenes, 855 lines
1. Serendipity, before the fight
40 linesBelen Stock, 46, died at home in the kitchen on September 12. Head missing, body intact except for a jagged cut on the neck.
Dwight Williams, 56, died at the Deman Street intersection on September 13. Head Missing, body intact with a jagged cut on the neck.
Deceased No. 012, identity and age unknown, died by Lake Knerl in the north on the early morning of September 16...
20:00, Norwich Street Rainy Town
Missing head, jagged scars...
And all died either while going out alone or at home.
Additionally, a week after Dwight Williams' death, his wife claimed to have seen him running hurriedly in the wilderness.
...Resurrected?
If she didn't lie or misjudge, then yes.
Vanguard arrived in Rainy Town a week ago and detected signs of an active Silver at the site of death.
Including the last three, this is the eighth Skull Hunter Event in Rainy Town.
Skull Hunter? Is that what people here call the murderer?
Very vivid, isn't it? Thanks to him, no one dares to go out after dark here anymore.
You gaze at the desolate street before you.
By 8 PM, all nearby doors and windows are tightly locked. Fear seeps from the pitch-black windows, silently enveloping the surroundings.
Other than a few drawn-out dog barks, it is eerily silent here.
Pitter-patter...
Hmm, is it raining?
A fine, cool rain drips from the night sky, casting a white veil before you.
I hear rain on your side. Do you have an umbrella?
Oh no. You're always the one who brings an umbrella, so...
Looks like I still need to get used to life without you.
...
Sorry, I couldn't go with you this time.
Miss Doll insists that I stay to conduct some supposedly "important" Dissolution research with her...
Ramona, could you hand me the Silver sample on the third shelf of the fifth row, code SI-3007...
...
Take care of yourself, %player%. As for accommodation... Miss Horla will arrange everything.
Miss Horla? No wonder we rarely see her at school; she lives outside?
Mythag is not some one-way camp.
Low-risk Awakeners can go on vacation, stay overnight, or visit family. The condition is simple: apply in advance and avoid causing trouble.
Uh... So Miss Horla will also participate in the investigation?
Not all Awakeners are interested in field missions. If you think it's necessary, ask her for her opinion.
The current situation is stable and manageable, no need to...
Whoosh...
Suddenly, the sound of flesh splattering came from the alley ahead, followed by chaotic footsteps, abruptly breaking the night's silence.
?!
At this time, this noise... Could it be...?
2. Serendipity, after the fight
20 linesYou walk deeper into the alley, your coat already soaked by the rain.
Dark red blood flows from the shadow, extending menacing tentacles, silently inviting you.
It's quiet here; you can only hear the sound of rain, footsteps, and breathing.
They sound like a chaotic drumbeat, growing faster and louder, until you reach the end of the alley.
The bloated corpse lies limp in the trash heap, carelessly discarded.
The incision on the neck is blurred, with dark red blood gushing out from the vessels.
You don't need to touch it to know the blood is warm.
Head missing, jagged wounds on the neck...
It's the "Skull Hunter."
Tap, tap, tap.
The sound of unhurried footsteps echoed from the street outside the alley, and a blurry figure appeared under the streetlamp.
It's dangerous here, leave immediately...
That is a woman.
She stands alone under the streetlamp, holding a plump head that fits perfectly with the neck of the headless body behind you.
Blood drips from the neck, slowly flowing along the cracks in the floor tiles.
Stay right there. Who are you?
The dim streetlights flicker, emitting an irritating electrical hum.
The woman raises her head, and you finally make out her features.
...
L-Lady Daffodil?
3. Skullhunt Gathering, before the fight
61 linesDaffodil!
Huh... Where is this place?
The cheerful chirping of birds pulls you back to reality from your dreams.
You gaze at the clean, simple room in confusion, then lift the blanket and take a sniff.
Good. Dry and soft, with no smell of rain or blood.
Good morning, {Male=Mr.,Female=Miss} %player%. Welcome to my humble abode...
Miss Horla?!
Memory begins to gradually recover.
Last night, you failed to catch up with Daffodil and could only follow the address provided by Ramona to Horla's residence.
G-Good morning, Miss Horla.
...
An awkward silence fills the air. You realize this Awakener doesn't seem very good at socializing.
Miss Horla, I'm here regarding the Skull Hunter incident. Since you've lived here for a long time, do you have any leads or information?
"Skull Hunter"... Please wait a moment.
Horla turned and started searching through the tall bookshelf.
Found it! *Cough, cough...*
Horla brushed away the dust floating around and placed the yellowed notebook in your hand.
A month ago, Miss Doll requested my assistance.
I don't have any particular skills, but I've documented all the recent cases. Hopefully, this will be of help.
You open the notebook, and in elegant handwriting, it records the discovery time and location of each case, even including sketches of the bodies and crime scenes.
I apologize, my drawing skills are quite poor. You can simply ignore it...
No, it's very impressive. Thank you, Miss Horla. This note is crucial to us.
No matter what, I'm glad to help. Those poor people...
Horla let out a soft sigh and turned to gaze at the gloomy sky outside.
Rainy Town is a place where it rains all year round. However, after the rain, what it often faces is not a bountiful harvest but endless floods and plagues.
Young people work in big cities like Londinium, leaving only the elderly and children behind.
Now, even the elders are starting to leave one by one...
I have attended a few local funerals. Whenever a loved one passes away, the townsfolk sing an ancient song...
Horla began to hum softly, and the melancholic melody soon coalesced into words as dark as ink.
We write with blood as our pen and mud as our paper. We inscribe sorrow and fear with rain-soaked bodies...
She let out a soft sigh, tears glistening in her eyes.
Isn't everything happening now the sorrow that the residents of Rainy Town wrote with their rain-soaked bodies...
The air is filled with a silent, thick sense of depression, almost suffocating you.
Cough, Miss Horla...
Horla came to her senses and took two deep breaths.
The oppressive emotions finally dissipated, and the heavy weight on your chest lifted significantly.
...
...
Ah, right, right.
I brewed a pot of rose tea using freshly picked petals. Would you like to join me for a taste?
In half an hour
In one hand, you hold a bone china cup filled with rose tea, while with the other, you flip through Horla's notes, searching for a possible breakthrough.
Where are the people from the police station?
On Norwich Street, the place you passed by last night.
...
Rain. Blood. Daffodil. Recalling last night's encounter, you can't tell whether it was a dream or reality.
You sound weak... Did you not rest well last night?
No, it's just...
You shook your head, trying to clear the jumbled thoughts from your mind.
...
The investigation in Rye Town just concluded two days ago, and your wounds haven't fully healed yet.
Sigh, it can't be helped that the other Investigators are also caught up, can it?
At this point, let's wrap up this case quickly. I want to take a vacation.
Huh, this is...
The sound of flipping pages came to an abrupt stop.
You focus on the frozen page, starting to formulate your next investigation plan
Ramona... Before meeting up with the detective, I want to go somewhere first.
4. Skullhunt Gathering, after the fight
69 lines11:00, Highgate Cemetery
You walk alone through the desolate burial mounds.
Crows glide across the gloomy sky as the desolate autumn wind howls.
Found it.
You stop in front of a solitary grave, the decayed coffin lid already pried open below.
A headless skeleton lies in the coffin, now a paradise for moss and insects.
The note records the discovery time as half a year ago; the time of death must be even earlier...
In other words, this is likely the earliest known victim of the "Skull Hunter." However, the police records never mentioned it...
There's no proper hospital or funeral home here, and no one pays much attention to the dead.
Don't expect too much from the expertise of detectives in remote areas.
...Makes sense.
You take out your magnifying glass and continue observing the skeleton.
There is a jagged cut on the neckbone...
However, it's quite messy with numerous overlapping cuts, completely different from what we saw in the photos earlier.
Still quite inexperienced, first time committing a crime?
Begin the investigation centered around the Burial Ground. Inexperienced novices typically do not wander far from home during their first crime.
Understood. I'm confident this time; the culprit will be caught soon!
Murderer? How dare you assume, *hic*, that there's only one murderer?
From the depths of the dense forest emerged an old man, reeking of alcohol and with flushed cheeks.
Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop on your monologue.
I am the caretaker of this graveyard. You can call me... uh, Old Freeman.
Good afternoon, Mr. Freeman. Did you just imply that there is more than one killer?
Old Freeman grabbed the bottle and chugged down the liquor, his fat Adam's apple bobbing up and down.
Burp! This wretched forest never sees a soul all day long. Since you're here, let me tell you a story...
That was probably earlier this year...? I can't quite recall.
As usual, I drank and dozed off in a shady spot.
And then I heard some strange noises, almost like...
Zzz... Crack...
Strange sound. What's next?
Don't worry, little detective. I opened my eyes... hic, guess what I saw?
No way, it's just the Skull Hunter, isn't it?
Sure, it's a Skull Hunter! Or, you could say it's a woman...
A woman is cutting off Pinocchio's head!
Then she saw me, hic, as if she'd seen a ghost, and ran faster than anyone else!
My poor Pinoko, her neck is barely hanging on by a thread!
Haha, Hahahaha...
Old Freeman burst into a series of loud laughs, even shedding tears of joy.
Patience, patience...
Hic, hic! It's been about a month, and I heard that voice again...
Zzz... Crack... Crack...
This time, it's not the woman who returned, but a very thin man.
That's a skilled worker! With a single slash...
Whoosh! Pinoko's head is gone!
It sounds like there were two Skull Hunters. What happened next?
Later? There is no later. That's the entire story of Old Freeman and the Headcrabs, hic.
Old Freeman let out a satisfied belch, squinted his murky yellow eyes, and looked you up and down.
You seem completely clueless, poor little detective. Have you ever heard of The Legend of the Skull Hunter?
The Legend of the Skull Hunter? Do tell.
Old Freeman leisurely leaned against the tombstone, took a few gulps to finish the remaining liquor in the bottle, and casually tossed it onto the ground.
Liquid oozed from the broken bottle, leaving a winding trail on the ground. Like tears, or perhaps blood.
Some say the Skull Hunter is a monster born from the Epidemic.
Some say that the Skull Hunter is neither one person nor two people.
The Skull Hunters is an organization.
Organization?
Yes, an organization.
They only appear on rainy nights, their footsteps concealed by the rain, silently creeping up behind you...
Snap!
!!
Hahaha! What's this? Already scared, my little detective?
He sways closer, his murky yellow eyes rolling, almost burning into you.
This person seems off. Leave this place quickly.
Sorry, Mr. Freeman. It's getting late. I think I have to leave...
You took a light breath and walked away without looking back.
Mocking laughter comes from behind, but you can't afford to care about that now. All you want is to leave.
The sky gradually darkened, with low-hanging dark clouds blocking the pale sunlight. The wind stirred the leaves, causing them to undulate like waves.
At the end of the graveyard, you see a figure that is both familiar and strange.
It's Daffodil. Most of her face is hidden under the brim of her lowered hat, with gray-white hair gently swaying in the wind.
Seeing you in such a disheveled state, Daffodil laughed happily.
Long time no see, {Male=Mr.,Female=Miss} Keeper.
5. Stormbreach, before the fight
48 linesDaffodil strolls towards you with an air of casual elegance, as if she were here on vacation.
It's you...?
Oh dear, someone seems unwilling to see me?
The desolate autumn wind blows from behind you. You turn around, but there's nothing in front of you; Old Freeman has long since vanished.
Thinking back on everything that just happened, it was like a nightmare.
Mr. Freeman...?
Hmm, you brought a companion? Is it that girl who always looks so serious?
Just now, you were standing here alone, completely still, as if possessed.
A single person?!
Oh dear, you look terrible. Need some help?
You step back. I have something to ask you.
That's really hurtful. What, am I giving off some kind of unpleasant smell?
I don't know... Perhaps the scent of the dead?
Beren Stock, Dwight Williams... Do these names sound familiar?
And you clearly know the names of the victims of the Skull Hunter.
...
I thought we've built a bit of mutual trust after Rye.
The Skull Hunter took a precious skull from me, so I'm just conducting a small investigation. It's as simple as that.
Whose precious head... could this be?
...
Daffodil smiles at you. She always puts on this smile when she doesn't want to answer others' questions.
If I remember correctly, you've always had a habit of collecting heads. Rainy Town is less than 15 miles away from Rye in a straight line, making the round trip quite convenient.
Sorry, I only collect heads, not produce them.
There is a subtle difference between the two... I believe you can understand, our smart Keeper?
Sure, I understand. So, where were you and what were you doing at 8:15 last night?
Let me think... The shop received a new batch of bath salts, so I tried them in the bathtub.
Well, want to hear the details of my trial?
Is that so? But when I saw you last night, you were standing alone under the streetlight, holding a human head.
It doesn't look like bath salts at all.
You recall seeing Daffodil last night.
No doubt, their appearances are almost identical, but their demeanor and aura are vastly different.
Or rather, I saw you, not someone who looks exactly like you.
All the unfavorable evidence now points to you, and I have every reason to suspect you.
Hmm, your suspicion is indeed well-founded.
...
Don't you have anything to explain?
Daffodil looked at you in surprise, as if you had asked a ridiculous question.
Explain? Sorry, I don't need to explain anything to anyone.
She walks gracefully towards you.
The wide skirt rustles the dead leaves, while purple smoke coils like tendrils around.
The next second, she vanishes into thin air before your eyes.
The low-hanging clouds completely block the sunlight, making you feel as if you're in a gray dream, with Daffodil's whispers lingering in your ears...
Since you think I'm the "Skull Hunter"... what's next? What do you plan to do to me?
Or rather... what can you do to me?
6. Stormbreach, after the fight
43 linesI concede, {Male=Mr.,Female=Miss} Keeper.
Since I can't bear to see you get hurt, continuing this fight would just be a waste of everyone's time.
Given the irreconcilable differences between us, I suggest you stop bothering me.
Daffodil, with a cold expression, quickly drew a series of glowing purple runes in the air.
<Change>Thousand Mirage, activate.
The world before your eyes suddenly transforms into fragmented reflections in water, gently flickering in front of you.
You instinctively reach out, but are pulled into a deep vortex the moment you touch the reflections.
AAAHHH!
This is...
You plunge into a sea of gray primordial essence.
The daylight stings your eyes, revealing an endless expanse of gray ocean.
The surging gray waves shimmer with a glittering light, dotted with countless black specks.
As your vision gradually adjusts, you realize it's not a black spot, but just a skull.
Countless heads are submerged in the gray sea, rising and falling with the waves. They cry out and wail, drowning in immense sorrow and fear.
<Change>Crystals, crystals...
Don't touch that booklet, don't touch it...
San Pedro, let me return, let me return...
Countless voices shriek in your ears, forcing you to cover them, as if thousands of needles were piercing your mind.
Hmm... AAAAAHHH...!!
Warm blood flows from your ears and nostrils, creating massive waves the moment it hits the water.
The tide surges with anger and fear, carrying countless heads bobbing on its waves, rushing toward you.
<Change>No, no...
Intruders... Intruders!!
You have no way out. Just close your eyes.
Hmm...!
Cough... Cough...
Daffodil held her forehead and frowned at you.
Out so soon...? I thought I could keep you trapped for at least a whole day.
Looks like we're destined to be bound together, aren't we?
Head... it hurts...
What was that just now...? What kind of thing was it...?
This is my ultra-dimensional space. I've named it Thousand Mirage. What do you think? Isn't it fascinating?
...
%player%, you're having a nosebleed. Wait, even your ears are bleeding...
I'm alright... Stay away...
It's not wise to act tough now; you can barely stand.
*Cough cough*... don't come any closer...
Your vision goes black, and you collapse heavily to the ground.
In the darkness, you seem to hear a familiar voice.
Gentle, indifferent, wrapped in a slightly harsh electric buzz, appearing distant and vague.
%player%, can you hear me now...Incorrect investigation direction...
The Skull Hunter strikes again... Three victims, all with their heads taken...
Just a moment ago...
7. Bitter Rain, before the fight
55 lines...
You finally woke up, {Male=Mr.,Female=Miss} Keeper.
I remember I seemed to faint, and then...
Yes, it was the Lady Daffodil who brought you back and instructed me to take good care of you.
Daffodil...?
You catch a familiar scent.
A slender-necked vase has appeared on the bedside table, with white narcissus flowers stretching their petals towards the sunlight.
It's her scent...
You prop yourself up against the bedhead, memories of recent events flashing before your eyes. Many issues remain to be resolved.
Let's ask Miss Horla what she knows first.
Ask Old Freeman
Old Freeman? So he's still alive...
I've heard the townsfolk say that he was an optimistic and cheerful person when he was young, and everyone liked him.
After the plague, he left Rainy Town and returned as a completely different person.
Plague?
Three years ago, a Dissolution disaster occurred to the north of Rainy Town. Locals referred to it as a plague.
It has now completely turned into a dead land.
Ask Daffodil
Miss Horla, the tone you used when speaking of Daffodil just now... did you two know each other before?
Lady Daffodil...
Horla gazed at the book page in her hand, a faint smile playing on her face.
Lady Daffodil, she... helped me.
Year 15@1, San Pedro
This collection of Longsa's poems is one-of-a-kind. Be sure to treasure it.
Many thanks, Lady Daffodil. I can't believe you actually found it...
"May you forever retain the radiant beauty of a rose."
Beautiful poetry. You have excellent taste.
Yes, but I prefer "I honor this moment with milk and flowers..."
Ah... Sorry, I got sidetracked again.
I know the rules of the "Exchange Shop." So, what do you want from me?
Hmm... I'll have to observe you closely, my little rose.
The gaze swept over Horla's entire body without emotion. The girl involuntarily straightened her back.
Can you share a memory with me? Painful, sad... any unhappy memory will do.
Unhappy memories? Th-That's not a good thing. What do you plan to do with them...?
I plan to use it for a small experiment. You'll know then.
Days of relentless exhaustion eroded your nerves; you drift into sleep to Horla's soft words.
...
After an unknown amount of time, a light drizzle began outside the window.
Someone is trudging slowly and endlessly through the muddy road in the rain.
They only appear on rainy nights, their footsteps concealed by the rain, quietly creeping up behind you...
The Skull Hunters are neither one person nor two. The Skull Hunters are an organization.
A rainy night, alone... Isn't this your current situation?
Zzz... Krr...
Snap!
?!
A pale bolt of lightning pierces the stillness of the night. You abruptly open your eyes in the darkness.
Someone is standing by your bed.
The heavy gaze feels like a cold, damp sickle tracing your limbs, back, and...
An unprotected neck.
Head@1 Skull@4
Hmm...!!
You suddenly fall off the bed and instinctively cover your neck.
A shadowy figure holding a scythe stands by the bed, almost blending into the dark night behind.
The air is filled with the scent of rain and rust. Dark red blood drips from the cold, white blade, pooling on the floor.
It's the Skull Hunter.
8. Bitter Rain, after the fight
57 lines!!!
The Skull Hunter collapses heavily to the ground, emitting a faint groan.
You hear "thud, thud, thud" coming from the stairs. The wooden door behind you is suddenly pulled open.
You step forward and pull back the Skull Hunter's black hood, revealing the face beneath.
High cheekbones, a hooked nose, and sunken cheeks, a completely unfamiliar face.
You really know how to pick your targets, chasing me all the way here. Who exactly are you?
Ugh... Ah...
Accompanied by painful groans, the Skull Hunter's features twisted to an unbelievable degree, with pus-filled cysts writhing beneath the skin, ready to burst out.
Is this...?
Its head is mercilessly severed, black D-Slime gushing from the neck, almost splattering onto your face.
Being overly curious isn't a good habit, Keeper.
His skull was filled with accumulated D-Slime. I suggest you keep your distance.
Lady Daffodil!
Good evening, my little rose.
Why is it you again...?
I followed the Skull Hunter's trail here and took back my flower.
Daffodil walked effortlessly on the floor stained with blood and D-Slime, picked a narcissus from the bedside, and lightly sniffed it.
This is my Brown Cup Narcissus, which I've carefully cultivated for three years. It has a calming and soothing effect.
Would you like to take a sniff?
No wonder I slept so soundly just now...
You irritably brush aside the dewy, blooming narcissus in her hand.
You seem to know a great deal about the Skull Hunter.
How do you know his brain would ooze D-slime?
If you had lived as long as I have and seen enough Dissolution patients, you would naturally understand more.
The Trail of the Skull Hunter?
"Following the Trail of the Skull Hunter", Can you sense his location?
I have my methods. However... to avoid frightening the children, I'd better not reveal them.
...
Please leave for now, Lady Daffodil. Do not interfere with our investigation.
Huh, you're not doubting me anymore?
I can't completely rule out your suspicion yet. But my intuition tells me...
If you were the "Skull Hunter," you would handle it more cleanly and efficiently, leaving no such obvious traces behind.
Oh my, is that a compliment for me? To be precise, it's a fact, not just intuition.
...Don't change the subject.
Since you only arrived in town today, who was that person I saw last night?
Do you have a twin sister?
...
Daffodil seemed troubled in thought, then suddenly reached out to you.
Soft fingertips brush across your face for a moment, then glide to your neck, pausing to feel the pulse deep within your blood vessels.
...?
I always thought humans were creatures skilled at disguise.
You wrap yourselves in similar shells made of flesh, speaking similar words, with similar pulses and heartbeats...
For a long time, I couldn't distinguish between you, just as you couldn't distinguish me.
So... you mean you're not twins, but share some kind of special relationship?
It's possible. Want to take a guess? You have three chances.
...I refuse.
Even if I guess right, you still won't tell me the real answer. Am I correct?
Daffodil carelessly traced the veins on your neck with her fingertips, her eyes filled with an even deeper smile.
You are truly getting to know me better, {Male=Mr.,Female=Miss} Keeper.
You take half a step back, moving out of Daffodil's reach, and give her a warning look.
In your eyes, does looking exactly the same make them twins?
Generally speaking, this is probably the only possibility.
But you and I both know that the world we live in is anything but "ordinary."
Sure. The most regrettable aspect of this world is its "unconventionality."
Being a pair of carefree twin sisters seems nice, too.
9. From Afar, before the fight
25 lines00:15, Horla's Cabin
You found a quiet corner and explained what had just happened to Ramona.
Sure, just skip the part where you almost had your throat slit.
Sorry, it happened so suddenly...
...This won't happen again.
The identities of the victims found during the day have been confirmed. Carpenter Damon Mendes, 35; Unemployed youth Thomas Quillen, 23.
Based on the condition of the bodies and witness statements, the two died within half an hour of each other.
Is the place of death nearby?
Ramona shook her head.
Even by car, it takes over an hour, not to mention that very few people in the town own cars.
... Perhaps Old Freeman was right.
The Skull Hunters are an organization. But what is their true purpose?
Heads@2... More heads...
A sudden cold wind blew from behind.
You turn around, only to see the headless corpse rushing at you with incredible speed.
?!
Give me the head@3... give@1 more heads @4...
You swiftly shift your body aside. The corpse smashes through the glass ahead, vanishing into the vast night.
Such incredible speed... Could it be an Awakener from the Ultra Realm?
Just as you are puzzled, a strong scent of narcissus envelops you completely.
A purple skirt swiftly sweeps past you, then vanishes before your eyes.
Lady Daffodil...?
Quick, catch up! Don't let the important clue slip away.
10. From Afar, after the fight
37 linesCough, cough, Awakeners from the Ultra Realm are really hard to chase...
You stagger to a crossroads.
No more hunters here, only Daffodil and her elongated shadow.
For some reason, you feel that she has been standing there for a very long time.
It seems that since ancient times, she has been standing here alone, silently gazing into the distance without uttering a word.
You're here.
Daffodil turned around, her expression still faint.
Where is the Skull Hunter? Have you lost track?
Yes, we lost track. But... I think I already know the answer.
Answer...?
It ran off while you were temporarily away, and Ms. Horla and I were chatting.
But there's no need to worry. If you follow me, you'll see it soon.
Is it in the wasteland to the north of Rainy Town?
Oh? It seems our little detective is quite sharp. How did you manage to figure it out?
That guy exhibits the D-Phenomenon, which is likely related to the plague that occurred in the north three years ago.
Now that it's seriously injured and facing attacks from both us and the police, there aren't many places left for it to go.
No matter if it's hiding in the wasteland, it's a breakthrough worth investigating.
Not bad, quite clever. But do you know how vast that wasteland is?
Approximately 50 square miles. You wouldn't want to waste your precious vacation on geological exploration and population census work, would you?
And I happen to know its exact hiding place. Would you like to come along?
Don't agree. She's extremely dangerous; don't be deceived by her.
I'll count to three. Three, two...
...
I'll go with you.
...
Hmm, what an obedient child.
Lady Daffodil, may I accompany you?
A frail girl steps out from the shadows of the trees behind you, her eyes filled with worry.
I know you're worried about %player%.
But I'm sorry, my little rose. This time I can only take one person.
The cold wind howls through the night streets. Horla wraps herself tightly in the windproof and warming letter, her pale little face lifted as she looks at Daffodil with a serious expression.
Why? I may not be good at fighting, but an extra hand is always helpful, isn't it?
I can only take one. Sorry, Little Rose, I have my reasons.
Daffodil watched the moths fluttering under the streetlight and leisurely blew a round smoke ring from her mouth.
Of course, rest assured.
11. Felin Muse, before the fight
73 lines2:15, Kenting Street
I didn't expect you to agree to come with me so readily. Aren't you worried that I might take you somewhere strange?
So, will you... take me to strange places?
Of course.
...
Actually... Miss Horla talked to me about your first meeting this afternoon. She said...
I later found out that she had turned that memory into something called a "movie."
I sat in the audience and watched the first movie of my life.
That was quite an interesting experience.
The originally sorrowful memories, reinterpreted through imagery, unexpectedly acquired a comedic charm.
I heard you later formed a film club called "Felin Poetry Society"?
Yes... Sometimes I help write scripts, though I've always been a terrible playwright.
It was Lady Daffodil who helped me move on from the past, regardless of her true intentions.
I've always been grateful to Lady Daffodil.
I see, so that's what she told you.
I am also deeply grateful to Miss Horla. It was a beautiful encounter.
So, for Miss Horla's sake, I'll trust you this one time.
Besides, the people sent by the school are already on their way.
If I'm gone for too long, they won't just sit idly by...
Then let's set off, {Male=Mr.,Female=Miss} Keeper.
Daffodil nodded happily, extending her hand to you.
...
You gently hold Daffodil's hand. Contrary to expectations, her hand is soft and warm.
Hold tight, Keeper.
Your footing falters, and you are pulled into a deep dimension.
Welcome back to my "Thousand-Mirage."
Here is that familiar Sea of Primordial Essence again, with heads still bobbing along with the waves.
Unlike last time, the heads seem much quieter now. Their hollow eye sockets all turn toward you, yet they continue to whisper among themselves.
Daffodil waved her hand lightly, and two heads trembled as they floated to her eye level.
<Change>My master...
<Change>Long time no see...
<Change>Help me find someone...
Daffodil and the skull are whispering in a language you can't understand. Whatever they discussed, it made her laugh happily.
You've never seen her smile like that; it feels out of place.
Instead, it traversed hundreds of years and landed in a corner of a story unknown to you.
...
What's wrong? Is there something on my face?
You look delighted.
These are all my cherished collections.
It has been a long time since I last returned. I miss them dearly.
What are you talking about?
Past, present, and future.
Each of these heads is a projection from reality. Their vision and memory transcend the dimensions of time and space, helping me uncover many unexpected things.
So that's why your shop has so many strange and unusual items...?
Daffodil blinked, tacitly agreeing with your guess.
Where did all these heads come from?
Trading, gifting, and a bit of luck. Of course, I also took some of it myself.
It's said that you've hunted down as many as @1 heads, this is only the officially recorded number.
Daffodil leisurely took a deep drag from her long pipe, then exhaled a wisp of white smoke.
Sorry to disappoint you, {Male=Mr.,Female=Miss} Keeper, but moral rebukes don't affect me.
The rules created by humans do not apply to us. What you see now is me, with eyes and a nose like yours...
Daffodil picked up the Silver Key on your chest, lightly tracing its intricate patterns.
Chaotic buzzing and vibrations fill her chest, clashing fiercely like a silent war.
Feel it? We're not human. We are "beasts," or as some would call us...
We are higher beings.
We tolerate ignorant humans, we follow ever-changing rules, we obey fragile Links, all out of fear...
She gently strokes your face.
And a promise.
...
So you became one of the few registered Awakeners without any Links.
No one is born to enjoy being controlled; most creatures inherently yearn for freedom.
Personally, I don't dislike the so-called "Link"... As long as it's mutually beneficial, why bother with appearances?
The problem might not be with me. No one links with me because they aren't qualified. Got it?
Uh...
What about me? Am I also one of those "unqualified"...?
Daffodil burst into laughter, but choked on smoke and couldn't help coughing several times.
Don't worry, kid... You'll know the answer soon.
Another ambiguous answer...
Oops, I might have said a bit too much.
Daffodil raised her hand and tapped each forehead, causing them to obediently float away.
<Change>Thank you all.
Alright. Let's go, Keeper.
I already know the location of the Skull Hunter.
12. Beast Kingdom, before the fight
41 linesI am a beast... I am a patient. I am beyond redemption.
During the day, I hide in the city's shadows, lying on my back with my belly up, sleeping soundly.
At night, I wander the streets like a phantom, searching for one head after another.
Heads. Heads. Heads.
Heads. Heads. Heads. Heads. Heads. Heads...
My mind can no longer contemplate survival, love, and dignity. It has long been filled to the brim with those insatiable fantasies.
I am beyond redemption.
Year 15@1, San Pedro City
It was a clear summer night, and I was diligently carrying my "spoils" as usual.
Heads... more heads...
Tap. Tap. Tap.
The sound of light footsteps approached quietly, and a gentle voice came from above.
Heh... Look what I've found? A stray little beast.
That night, a woman came to me.
When she approached me, I caught a pleasant fragrance. It was the scent of flowers and mist.
This is the scent of another world, as different from my kingdom as day is from night, never meant to intersect.
But she still trudged through the foul-smelling sludge, walked through the city's shadows, and reached out to me.
She said...
Would you like to come with me, little beast?
5:00, North of Rainy Town
This place is... truly desolate.
Three years ago, an S-Class D-Rift appeared here. Water, vegetation... the entire ecosystem suffered severe damage.
Fortunately, there were few casualties, and the residents were evacuated under the Committee's arrangement.
You gaze at the desolate walls and the pale, withered trees ahead.
If not for the Dissolution, this would be a green field in full bloom with lilacs. When the wind blows, the grass ripples like waves, resembling a green ocean.
Are you sure the Skull Hunter is here, Lady Daffodil?
The only response is the hoarse cawing of crows.
Oh, Lady Daffodil is missing?
Well, the consequences of trusting others.
Ahem. She is always so unpredictable in her movements; I've long since gotten used to it.
No worries, I can investigate myself. I'll definitely find something here...
Boom!!
Thunder rumbles in the low-hanging clouds, and dry leaves rustle in the autumn wind.
This is a sign of rain.
Why does it only appear on rainy days?
Because when it rains, blood and rain mix and flow into the sewers.
Yes, it flows into the sewers, coffins, and the small gutters around you...
Zzz... Krr...
A rainy, dark night... No, I'm daydreaming again.
You shook your head vigorously, trying to clear the chaos from your mind.
Time is running out. You must act quickly.
13. Beast Kingdom, after the fight
34 linesIt's raining.
You walk alone in the rain, cold and wet water soaking your clothes and clinging to your skin.
You walk through one abandoned house after another, passing by one grave after another.
Wherever they go, there are only scars and desolation.
Only rain. Unending, cold rain accompanies you all the way.
Keeper...
An elderly woman stands in front of the cabin, waving to you.
She wore a dull dress, her face concealed in the gray rain, blending seamlessly with the dilapidated house behind her.
{Male=Sir,Female=Miss}, you look very cold... Would you like to come in and take a seat?
You hastily wipe the rain off your face and blink, only to realize that someone is actually talking to you.
I thought no one lived here anymore.
Most people have moved away.
Those who were sick or elderly chose to stay, while some went outside and then came back...
Not everyone can adapt to life outside.
I see. But I didn't see anyone just now.
...They hate dealing with outsiders.
You look around at the sparse, dilapidated houses.
Through the pitch-black windows, silent gazes can be faintly seen, brimming with caution and hostility.
Hello, ma'am. May I ask you...
Have you seen anything strange?
Strange things...?
Uh... whether it's a person or a beast, it moves extremely fast.
The woman shook her head.
It has been a long time since anyone came here; even the vultures refuse to come close.
Have you seen Daffodil?
Have you seen a beautiful lady in a purple long dress?
The woman shook her head.
It has been a long time since anyone came here; even the vultures refuse to come close.
Boom,
The rain is falling harder, turning everything gray.
The woman's figure begins to blur and lose focus, and even her voice grows increasingly faint...
Come in, {Male=sir,Female=miss}. You'll catch a cold in this heavy rain...
...
With pleasure.
14. Lonely Reunion, before the fight
20 linesYou follow the woman into the wooden cabin. The interior is very simple, and you catch a whiff of damp wood.
The woman slowly bent down, picked up a few sticks of firewood from the corner, and tossed them into the dark little stove.
Put your hands over here, warm them up a bit longer, and you won't feel cold.
Thank you very much...
My name is Harriet: @1, {Male=sir,Female=miss}. You can call me Harriet.
Sure, Mrs. Harriet. To be honest, I'm curious, why are you staying here?
This area doesn't seem very habitable.
Mrs. Harriet crouched, fiddling with the firewood. The flickering flames danced on her gaunt and weary face.
This is my home. I have no other place to go besides here.
For people like us from the countryside, it's all the same no matter where we go.
Lady Harriet...
The atmosphere inside the house grew somewhat heavy.
The rain is still softly falling as you and she gaze out at the endless curtain of rain.
The outside is shrouded in a gray mist, with water vapor enveloping you tightly, making it seem as if you are the only life left between heaven and earth.
Where is Lady Daffodil now...
Please wait a moment, {Male=sir,Female=miss}. I'll brew some hot tea in the kitchen.
Although it's humble here, I can still offer you a cup of tea.
Mrs. Harriet dragged her slow steps towards the kitchen.
Until her silhouette was swallowed by the corridor's deep shadows, you finally came back to your senses.
Looks like it will be a while before the rain stops. Let's take a look around.
15. Lonely Reunion, after the fight
20 linesAaahh!!
Harriet collapsed to the ground, emitting a piercing wail from deep within her throat.
You step forward and grab her by the collar.
Speak, who are your accomplices and where are they? Is Old Freeman one of them?
Freeman...? Heh... Hehehe...
Her face contorted violently, with countless pustules swelling beneath her thin skin, on the verge of bursting forth.
Zzzzap!!
Harriet's head was blown into a warm pulp.
Her neck writhed continuously, with D-Slime mixed with blood forming thin threads that extended to the ceiling, walls, and floor...
The threads suddenly contracted, shattering the bedroom door as countless heads rolled out.
When you come to your senses, a somewhat familiar head is already attached to Harriet's empty neck.
This head... This face...
Beren Stock, the previous victim... What's going on?!
The pallid skull emits a stiff creaking sound and finally opens its unfocused eyes.
The reborn "Harriet" grins and charges at you with an incredible speed.
Aaaahhh!!
The cold blade mercilessly slashes through the darkness.
The next second, "Harriet's" head flew off gracefully and rolled beside her wide skirt.
16. Shadow Hymn, before the fight
38 linesLady Daffodil...?!
Sorry... I deliberately left you here to lure it out. You must be blaming me in your heart, right?
...
We'll settle this once we get out.
My head... Give it back...
"Harriet" staggered forward two steps, reaching futilely above her neck.
One hit, two hits...
Realizing her head was already gone, she let out a series of piercing screams.
Give it to me... Return it to me!
Black tendrils continuously extend from its neck, greedily absorbing the fallen heads into its body.
With each skull it devours, its size increases further.
The last thing standing before you is a massive pile of stacked flesh.
!!!
These heads... I've seen them before.
You've seen some of them in the files the police gave you, in those cold, lined-up victim photos.
You've seen them.
Now you understand, there was never any Skull Hunters organization.
From start to finish, the Skull Hunter has always been alone.
Not enough...
Not enough... not enough...
A swollen body embedded with countless heads expressing pain and wailing, rising and falling with the soft fat...
Such familiar spirit waves... Could it be the Thousand-Mirages?!
It is a power that originates from the same source as the Thousand-Mirages, which is why I can sense her location.
Now it's completely out of control and continues to grow. We must act quickly.
So...
Daffodil suddenly leaned in, grasping the Silver Key on your chest.
Would you like to team up with me, %player%?
Oh, you want to Link with me?
After all this time working together, I thought we would have some understanding by now.
Or... are you not confident that you can handle me?
Heh... Shall we give it a shot?
You close your eyes and focus, urging the Silver Key on your chest.
Soon, the Silver Key begins to emit a continuous, weak vibration, and the cold white glimmer rapidly engulfs the entire darkroom.
You feel as if you are in an immense sea of time.
Strange energy surges in your chest, a torrent crossing dimensions.
Across the vast sea of time, Daffodil quietly gazes at you. At this moment, a subtle and unfamiliar expression appears on her face.
That is an absolute, unquestionable confidence honed over hundreds of years through countless confrontations and battles.
Let's set off, %player%. I'm all prepared.
17. Shadow Hymn, after the fight
94 linesAhhhh!!
A mass of flesh collapses, pouring out D-Slime and gray mucus, revealing Harriet's frail body.
Grayish-white skulls surged forth, only to vanish in the blink of an eye.
Head@1... No...
Harriet, headless and uneasy, writhed as the veins in her neck pulsed rapidly, emitting a faint hum.
Give me the @2, give me the head...
She crawled anxiously on the ground, her bony arms flailing. Like a cornered beast, she let out desperate moans from her throat.
...
Daffodil let out a soft sigh, her eyes shimmering with unspoken sorrow.
She ignored the filthy slime and blood on the ground, squatted down, and stared at the struggling creature before her.
No need...? No, Head@1, give it to me...
Year 15@1, San Pedro City
Will you come with me, little beast? You need help.
Year 15@1 In the summer of the first year, a woman extended her hand to me.
Perhaps it's her pleasant scent, or perhaps she just appears gentle.
In short, I didn't turn her down.
I naively grasped her hand, and with it, my future fate.
Cough... Cough...
You're dying, Daffodil.
Silly child... After all these years, you still haven't learned to speak properly.
Don't cry... *cough*...
I... I didn't...
Take my head. I entrust you with my identity, appearance, and this small shop.
?!
I know, cough cough... you've always yearned to walk the world like an ordinary human.
You hide in the corner, observing how I talk and walk. When I'm away, you secretly wear my clothes and even pretend to be me to make friends...
I always knew.
Sorry, Daffodil, I didn't mean to...
Now, I will grant your wish, ahem... but you must promise me...
In the future, do not casually sever the heads of the innocent. If you encounter someone like yourself, you must help them.
Just like I'm helping you now.
Save me, save me...
Harriet lets out a beast-like wail and tremblingly reaches out to Lady Daffodil.
...
Back then... when you saw your husband in the graveyard, you must have felt utterly hopeless, right?
Freeman... Huh.@2...
We bear the same curse, but I am much luckier than you.
When I didn't yet know the difference between good and evil, it was that lady who reached out to me.
Daffodil knelt before Mrs. Harriet, gently holding her scarred and D-Slime-covered hand.
I learned to talk and walk like her, shaping myself into her image.
Watch out, Lady Daffodil! Harriet's hands are covered in D-Slime...
Shh... I still have something to say to her.
Daffodil continued to gaze at Harriet. A secret connection flowed between them, isolating them from all distractions.
Now I can finally reach out to others, just as she did... But it's too late.
Pale purple smoke gradually rises, slowly drifting in the dim room.
You catch that familiar floral scent again, mingled with the dampness of midnight mist, diluting the room's heavy blood odor.
Daffodil gently placed her hand beside Mrs. Harriet.
Rest assured, Lady Harriet. You won't feel any pain.
A rift swiftly tears open from her palm, slowly engulfing Harriet...
...
Tell my husband@2 to stop drinking.
There's more...
Harriet's exposed throat trembled slightly, but finally fell silent like a wilted leaf.
She released Daffodil's hand and silently plummeted into a fathomless dimensional rift.
<Change>Farewell, farewell...
Finally... Is it over? Where did you take her, Lady Daffodil?
The Primal Ocean. She will have a long time to remember... or forget everything that happened.
Lady Harriet...
Before you can gather your scattered thoughts, faint footsteps echo outside the house.
Who's there? Let's follow and take a look.
Yes, it's me... hic.
Long time no see, little detective! Do you remember me, the gravekeeper Old Freeman?
Old Freeman, holding a bottle of brandy, kept burping with an awkward smile on his face.
Old Freeman?! What are you doing here... Did you hear everything?
I...
I don't know what happened either. I slept like a log after drinking.
I can't recall what happened in the middle, but somehow I ended up here in a daze.
Then I heard some noise inside... Don't worry, I didn't take a single peek!
Old Freeman suddenly leaned in and gave you a mysterious wink. You didn't dodge in time and caught a strong whiff of the pungent smell of smoke and alcohol.
You killed that Skull Hunter, right?
Not great, but close enough. No one will disturb your sleep from now on.
You pinch your nose, take three steps back, and nod perfunctorily.
Oh...
Old Freeman rubbed his messy hair, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes.
Pretty good, pretty good...
Mr. Freeman. From now on... no more drinking.
Quit drinking? No, no, no... I'd rather die.
This is a request from a friend. She has gone far, far away... but she still cares about you.
Friends? Heh, don't kid yourself. Old Freeman doesn't have any friends...
He waved you off dismissively, muttering as he staggered away.
He looks so down. What a pity... He will never know why he feels this way.
It's almost as if he doesn't understand why he's here.
This must be what Mrs. Harriet had hoped for.
Don't tell him anything... He can continue drinking, singing, and drifting through life like this.
In a way, this is also a kind of luck. A human's life is very short...
You watch Old Freeman depart.
A hunched figure trembles in the bleak wind, growing smaller and smaller, farther and farther away...
Until completely swallowed by the distant horizon.
Then you see a faint ray of dawn piercing through the mist, gradually illuminating the sky.
The rain has stopped... Daffodil.
18. Until We Meet Again, before the fight
80 linesSupport troops and the Committee are on their way. Stay here and secure the area.
Don't worry, this time I'll be good and wait here. I won't run around everywhere.
Never expected the investigation to be completed so quickly. Great job, %player%.
Ahem, it's all thanks to Lady Daffodil.
It's just a small effort, and I've also recovered what was lost.
From the merchant's perspective, this was a perfect "deal."
You lost something...
The Skull Hunter took a precious skull from me, so I'm here to do a little investigation. It's that simple.
A precious skull? Whose could it be...
Yeah, I guess.
Ahem, I'm not the type to casually pry into others' privacy.
Is that so? But your expression has already betrayed you.
Sure, I want to know.
I just want to know more about you, Lady Daffodil.
Seen this before...?
You ponder deeply, the story of the past two days and the people you've met flash before your eyes like a revolving lantern.
...
!!
Could it be the one on Norwich Street who looks exactly like you...?
Very smart.
But why... I don't understand.
Daffodil gazed at the hazy dawn on the distant horizon, the chilly wind lifting her long hair.
That is a "specimen." It belonged to my former master.
Here's a secret: My current face is modeled after it.
?!
So this isn't your true appearance...
You did me a great help this time. I still can't forgive myself for using such an inexperienced Keeper as bait.
...It doesn't matter. As long as the investigation is completed, I don't mind being used once.
Is that so? But I really feel bad about it. So...
As an apology, I can grant you one request.
It's free~
!!
The person before you is a shrewd and ruthless merchant, holding intelligence, taboo knowledge, and precious collectibles that many covet.
And now, she can grant you one request free of charge.
No... Miss Doll would be upset if she found out I was making deals with others outside.
A flood of possibilities flashes through your mind, lost Golden Relics, the most delicious cakes, a massive amount of money...
Conflicting thoughts intertwine and clash, but eventually recede like the tide, you decide to follow your instincts.
Have you decided on your request? Don't be too greedy.
I've made up my mind. My requirements are simple.
Let me see your true form.
...
Is it really that simple? Think it through. I can give you many things, any one of which is worth more than this.
The value is determined by my judgment. That is my only demand.
As expected of a {Male=Mr.,Female=Miss} Keeper, you always surprise me. So...
Daffodil walked towards you. The wind lifted her long hair, making it flutter like gray waves.
You are so close that you can almost see your reflection in her eyes.
Remember to keep it a secret, %player%.
No sooner had she spoken than her features began to blur and dissolve, like oil paints in water...
Finally, you finally saw her face clearly.
It was a @2 face, reminding you of many things.
Like the damp mist after the rain, the narcissus quietly blooming in the corner, or the small animal curled up in the dark...
Before you could take a closer look, the face vanished like a drop of water merging into the water.
So... this is your true form.
How is it? Is it ugly, right?
You shook your head.
It was unexpected... but it fit you well.
The morning sunlight swept away the dampness of the rain, enveloping her in a soft halo.
To be honest... I was a bit scared just now, and then I was surprised at my own fear.
Ten years, fifty years? I can't even remember the last time I felt fear.
Afraid...? Were you worried I might think you're unattractive?
Daffodil didn't respond, just gently ruffled your hair.
%player%, you are now the only person in the world who has seen the real "me".
Heh, I've got a bit of leverage over you now.
Before I lose my memory, I need to quickly draw your face on paper.
Daffodil smiled, her eyes curving into a beautiful arc.
What a silly child.
Well, your Committee and police friends should be on their way now, right?
So you knew all along...
I don't have the patience for those tedious interrogations. Next time, let's find a quiet place and have a cup of coffee.
Farewell, my {Male=Mr.,Female=Miss} Keeper.
Huh? Oh... Farewell, Lady Daffodil.
Daffodil waved at you and walked away.
Gazing at her relaxed figure in the distance, you feel your mood lighten.
The lingering haze has completely dissipated, and the sky has finally cleared. Sunlight filters through the lazy clouds, warming your entire body.
For some reason, you have a premonition...
You will keep encountering each other across different times and dimensions.