Mystery Detective of the Steam World

I saw Chapter 281! (What an incredibly unlucky day!)

After defeating the man in black, Li Wei finally obtained the last sacred relic—the golden sphere embedded in the wall.

Compared to the dull, unremarkable holy stone disc, this golden sphere was completely different. Its surface was engraved with complex and sacred characters. Although he couldn't understand them, Li Wei could tell that they were very similar to the characters engraved on the monastery gate, and were very likely of the same origin.

But what exactly is written on this sphere is something only Annie and her archaeological team will know.

In addition, the sphere was heavy and appeared to be made of gold, with a huge, dazzling diamond set in the very center.

Putting aside any magical effects, this thing itself is probably worth a lot of money.

Now that we have obtained all three sacred artifacts, the only thing left to do is to break the seal.

But before that, Li Wei had to do something else.

"Mr. Li Wei, do you really want to read that book?"

Walking beside Levi, Katie asked anxiously. She had followed Levi on his investigation and naturally knew the ins and outs of everything. Although the book seemed to have nothing to do with extraterrestrial demons, just thinking about the changes it had brought to Deans made Katie deeply uneasy.

"There's no other way. Do you think it would be better for us to die here?"

"Of course not... but isn't that book dangerous?"

"It's definitely dangerous, but we can't give up just because it's dangerous."

Levi climbed the spiral staircase, letting out a sigh. They had now passed through the church and arrived at the Crant family's castle. It must be said, the castle itself was indeed quite luxurious, although there seemed to be no sign of construction underway.

However, according to Sophia, when Harold brought her into the castle, he went straight to the basement—well, that's normal, noble castles naturally have basements, and no one would be bored enough to start digging a hole all over the ground again.
Even if you have a lot of money, you shouldn't waste it like this.

Soon, the group went up to the second floor and arrived at the library. The library here was also very luxurious, with towering bookshelves everywhere.

On the table in the very center of the library, there was a book.

"Waaah..."

However, upon seeing the book, Sophia's expression suddenly changed, and she staggered backward. She clutched her head, clenched her teeth, and let out a low moan of pain.

"My head... feels so bad..."

"I... I also feel like something's not right..."

Katie, supporting Sophia, was also staring intently at the book.

"I find that book awful and want to destroy it... Mr. Levy, why don't you just burn it?"

"…………………"

Li Wei glanced at Katie without saying anything. He found that Katie's attitude seemed to say something.

When faced with certain monsters, Katie feels no fear, only excitement.

Katie only feels fear when she encounters ghosts.

But when Katie clearly expresses her disgust, it seems to only happen when she is facing something that shouldn't exist in this world.

"Take Sophia and step back. I'll go check on things."

"You really want to see it, Mr. Levi?"

Katie was extremely unwilling, but she had no choice but to slowly back away with Sophia. Only after they were far from the library did they feel much better.

"Ugh... that feeling just now... was so scary..."

Sofia took a breath.

"I simply saw that book, and then I heard screams and shouts, as well as voices, but I don't know who was talking..."

"Me too, I find that thing disgusting... I feel a bit nauseous..."

Katie nodded. Ever since entering the castle, she'd had a bad feeling. It was like walking into a neglected public toilet, surrounded by a foul, rotten stench. And seeing that book just now was like finding a bloatware in the toilet bowl… Ugh…

No, I can't think about it anymore, it'll only make me feel worse.

Katie quickly shook her head, forcibly expelling that strange impression from her mind.

At the same time, Li Wei had already entered the library.

Perhaps because of the [mysterious resistance], Li Wei didn't feel the same way as Katie or Sophia; in his eyes, it was just an ordinary book.

Oh, no, it's not exactly ordinary either.

The book on the platform had a cover that appeared to be made of tanned human skin, with a terrifying human face clearly visible. Furthermore, a lock secured a metal strap around the edge of the cover, effectively locking the book completely in place.

"Wow, I didn't expect there to be anti-piracy measures in this day and age."

Looking at the book that was completely locked up, Li Wei sighed and then looked at the title on the cover.

On the cover of this book, there was only one line of text.

"...The Necronomicon? That sounds like something a necromancer in a game would use..."

Li Wei muttered to himself, "Could it be that once I get my hands on this thing, I'll be able to use necromancy? Like a necromancer in a game, summoning undead scourges or skeletal dragons?"

Hmm... that's probably impossible.

After thinking for a moment, Li Wei reached out his hand, wanting to see if there was any way to open the book.

Katie's automatic lock pick was working perfectly, but Katie absolutely refused to get close, so he had to think of other ways.

However, just as Li Wei placed his hand on the book, the lock suddenly clicked open automatically!
The next moment, everything went black before Li Wei's eyes!
Countless images and information flooded his mind like a torrent. Li Wei had witnessed this scene before when he was dealing with that strange painter. At that time, he looked at one of the painter's paintings and saw a planet full of rust colors.

It was around that time that Li Wei also experienced the same mental shock!

This time, however, things were different. Perhaps because of his experience, Li Wei quickly regained his composure. He then rapidly focused his attention, building a dam around himself, and subsequently felt the mental torrent surging through his brain gradually weaken. At the same time, a series of images appeared before Li Wei's eyes.

When Li Wei opened his eyes again, he felt as if he had become a different person, just like watching a first-person cutscene in a game.

He was sitting in a luxurious chair, looking at the young man opposite him. He was brown-haired, wore glasses, and appeared to be a young man.

"You're saying you know the Krant family's secret?"

A voice came from Li Wei's mouth, but naturally, it was not Li Wei's voice.

"Of course, Mr. Deans, I think you would also be very interested in these things. In fact, I have done some research on your ancestral legends..."

As he spoke, the young man took out a notebook from his pocket.

At the same time, the scene changes.

Li Wei stood on the balcony, before him lay this exquisite, luxurious, dazzling, and magnificent city.

"I never imagined that our ancestor had hidden such a secret..."

“This is the power of God, Mr. Deans.”

The young man reappeared before Li Wei's eyes.

"Now, as you see, people from all around have come here, thirsting for that healing elixir. Drinking it will cure all diseases and grant you unprecedented joy… They are even willing to pay such a high price…"

"Well, it's really good."

Li Wei nodded, then looked at the young man again.

“But Harold, is all of this really without a price?” “Only a small price…”

The screen went dark again, and then, with a dull thud, the door opened, and Levi stormed into the room. Inside, Harold, draped in a long robe, stood calmly looking at Levi.

"Ah, Lord Deans, it's so late, what brings you here?"

"What exactly did you make me do?!"

Li Wei waved his hand forcefully, revealing a sharp blade stained with blood.

"What exactly is this divine water?! Is this the price you mentioned? People will turn into monsters? This is your so-called price? What exactly do you want to do?!"

"Please don't get agitated, Mr. Deans."

Harold remained calm and composed in the face of those harsh and angry words.

"I told you, you only need to pay a small price."

"Your so-called 'small price' is turning people into deformed and disgusting monsters! You damned bastard! Wizard! I'm going to catch you and hang you!"

As he spoke, Levi reached out to grab Harold, but the next moment, he fell to his knees.

"I...I...what did you do to me...you bastard?"

“You are already that person’s puppet, Mr. Deans.”

Li Wei looked up and saw Harold's smug face.

"That person will be resurrected again, and this time the Krant family will not be able to seal him away again. As for you, just do what you can."

"I won't do as you wish. I am, after all, a descendant of the Krant family!"

"Unfortunately, this is not a request."

Harold looked up and snapped his fingers.

"This is an order."

"Ah ...

The next moment, Li Wei clutched his head and let out a painful scream. Then, the world before his eyes went black again.

Rapid footsteps sounded.

"Omniscient and omnipotent Lord, please protect me, please watch over me, and I will strengthen my courage..."

His vision gradually cleared, and Li Wei found himself running through a dark, dimly lit arcade. He was clutching a book tightly to his chest; strangely, although he could feel its hard, metallic texture, he could sense a warmth emanating from the book, as if it possessed a life of its own… and a faint heartbeat…

"My belief, my pride, my dignity... Hahaha... Hahaha... I will obtain the source of mystery!"

Li Wei raised the book high in his hand and strode out of the arcade.

The dazzling sunlight appeared, enveloping the entire field of vision. When Li Wei closed his eyes and then opened them again, what appeared before him was the lake water that kept washing over the shore, and a group of jubilant fishermen.

"...My lord, we've found it! This wealth! This catch! It's all ours!"

"Yes."

Li Wei nodded.

"As long as you continue to have a devout faith in it, you can obtain everything you desire, including infinite life!"

Upon hearing Li Wei's words, the fishermen's expressions changed.

"Really? My lord?"

"Of course, I assure you that you will get everything you want... but at a small price."

After Li Wei finished speaking, he turned and left, leaving only the cheers of the fishermen and their fantasies of a bright future in his ears.

The next moment, he appeared in a study. In front of him was an old woman with gray hair, who was taking her hands off the book that Li Wei was holding and swaying as she backed away.

"No, no, I don't believe it, no, this can't be..."

"It's true, Dean."

Li Wei stared at the old woman and spoke.

"Humanity's fate is sealed, and so is this world's, but I can show you another path..."

As he spoke, Li Wei opened the book, and then a spider crawled out from it.

Upon seeing the spider, the old woman's expression turned one of utter terror—clearly, not just because of the spider itself.

"You know what this is. Now, it's time for you to decide whether you're willing to accept it."

"………………………………"

The old woman stared intently at the spider standing on the page. After hesitating for a long time, her breathing gradually became heavier and heavier. Then, as if she had made up her mind, she grabbed the spider, opened her mouth, and swallowed it whole!
"Ugh... Ugh... Ugh...!"

"This is your choice, but you'll have to pay a small price."

Li Wei turned around and walked out of the room.

Then, the scene changed again.

The ancient dome was collapsing and crumbling. The once spirited young scholar was now a mangled mess, his skin torn away as if by magic. Bloodied chunks of flesh writhed like earthworms.

Even so, his face remained contorted in a ferocious expression.

"Deens, you bastard...! How dare you...!"

"Hahaha, how about that? Harold, you've finally met your match! Did you think I'd become a docile idiot who lets you manipulate me?"

"Impossible, why, why would you...? Could it be that book...?"

“That’s right, I know what you’re thinking. I already know who your master is, and I also know that there are many beings like it in the endless starry sky! I also know that it was the Holy Lord’s grace that sealed this extraterrestrial demon back then! And now, I, Deans Krant, will walk the same path as my ancestor! Your conspiracy will never succeed! Harold! The monster you serve will never be able to leave this city…!”

"No……………!!"

Li Wei suddenly opened his eyes.

He was still standing in the library, and the book in his hand had begun to burn. Dark green flames appeared out of thin air and, in the blink of an eye, completely engulfed the book.

However, Li Wei had already obtained what he needed.

　Today almost killed me. I went out early this morning to the property center to process the property transfer. I had already made an appointment and thought I could just go and get it done, but the counter staff told me two pieces of bad news.

　　First, one of the properties has not been released from mortgage and is still under mortgage.

　　Second, regarding the household registration file, my date of birth was written incorrectly!

　　Speechless, I went to Police Station A, where the original file was located. They said it was the first time they'd encountered this situation and told me to go to Police Station B, where I had moved my household registration, to retrieve the file there and see if I had an ID number. I went to Police Station B, but they were moving! I had to go to their new location and get File B. However, neither the original file nor File B had an ID number; it only had a birthdate. So, they contacted the branch office and finally agreed to issue a handwritten certificate proving that the birthdate in the file was incorrect and that I was the same person as the person on the file.

　　She was all ready to write it when she realized my household registration wasn't there; it was at Police Station C. This had already taken up the whole morning, so I had to finish lunch, rest for a bit, and then go to Police Station C. Then I could finish this.

　　Next, I went to the bank to release the mortgage on the property. However, the bank also found this strange and couldn't figure out why the mortgage hadn't been released after a long time. In the end, they could only tell me to go back and check the system again, and they would notify me when the mortgage was released...

　　Today was truly an unlucky day; I should have checked the almanac… Running around all day almost killed me…

　　
　
(End of this chapter)