I sparked a mythological frenzy in Marvel.

Chapter 120 The Strange Old Man

Strange wanted to slap himself for agreeing to that.

Even though the scenes in my nightmares are all in the sea, why did I agree to come to the beach?

Sitting on the bus, Strange felt as if an invisible force was gripping his heart, and waves of regret washed over him.

He gazed at the scenery rushing past the window, but his mind was in turmoil. Nightmarish scenes about the ocean kept replaying in his mind, making it impossible for him to find peace.

"I really shouldn't have agreed."

Strange muttered to himself, his fists clenching unconsciously, as if that could alleviate his inner guilt and anxiety.

He recalled his previous decision, and the mix of impulse and hesitation became particularly clear at that moment.

"What shouldn't you have agreed to?"

Christine pouted, looking somewhat unhappy.

"That's not what you said in bed that night!"

Strange's face stiffened as he recalled what had happened that night.

I really didn't want to agree at first, but in the end I was persuaded by Christine.

There's nothing I can do; I can only blame myself for not having mastered the higher levels of understanding yet.

"Christine, I'm not blaming you."

Strange's voice softened considerably as he gently took Christine's hand, trying to explain his feelings. "I just... have an indescribable fear of the sea. Those nightmares—they're not just dreams, they make me feel an inescapable sense of oppression and unease every time I think of the sea."

Upon hearing this, Christine's expression changed from confusion to concern. She gently patted Strange's hand and said softly, "Strange, sometimes the best way to deal with fear is to face it directly."

Perhaps this trip to the beach will be a turning point for you to overcome your fears? We can explore those things together, slowly and step by step, until you discover that they aren't actually that scary.

Let's hope so.

Since Christine had already said that, Strange didn't want to say anything more. He sighed and just hoped it would be a safe journey.

"Hey, Strange, you rarely get to go out like this, cheer up! Speaking of which, you two have been living together for so long, is this trip your honeymoon?"

West, sitting behind them, saw Strange looking worried and teased him.

Upon hearing this, Morales covered his mouth and said, "Then shall we not disturb you two any longer?"

"West, don't talk nonsense. We're just friends out for a walk."

Christine's cheeks flushed slightly, her rebuttal tinged with shyness yet still exuding confidence.

"Haha, friends can have great times too! Strange, look how thoughtful Christine is, a travel companion like that is hard to find."

West continued to joke, but his tone was full of goodwill.

Morales chimed in, "Yes, Strange, you should cherish this opportunity. Whether it's overcoming your fears or enjoying the journey, having Christine by your side is the best thing."

Strange sighed. These people really loved gossip, but it was good that they made him feel a lot better.

"You're right, I should be more optimistic. I'll treat this trip as a challenge to myself."

Strange's words carried a hint of relief as he looked out the window. The scenery here was beautiful, truly a wonderful place, which made Strange feel much more relaxed.

Christine responded with a gentle smile, a smile that seemed to dispel all gloom.

"It's good that you can think this way. Isn't this trip precisely to help you resolve your psychological issues?"

Seeing this, West also stopped joking and said seriously, "Strange, enjoy yourself, this will be an unforgettable trip."

Morales nodded in agreement, saying, "I also think this trip will be unforgettable!"

"Yes, this trip will definitely be unforgettable."

Christine said, puzzled.

Strange didn't pay attention to what they were saying. After opening the car window, the sea breeze, carrying a slightly salty scent, gently brushed against the window, bringing a touch of coolness and seemingly taking away some of the fear in Strange's heart.

He took a deep breath of the fresh air and felt an unprecedented sense of peace and freedom.

As the bus approached Grodno town, they could see the sea and sky merging into one in the distance, the azure water meeting the sky in a breathtakingly beautiful scene.

"Look, that's Gro Town."

Christine pointed ahead, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Strange followed her finger and saw a charming, historic town lying quietly by the sea, as if waiting for their arrival.

It looked pretty good, but as the bus slowly drove into the edge of Grove, the inexplicable calling in Strange's heart seemed to become clearer and stronger.

He vaguely sensed that there was some inexplicable connection between this town and his nightmares about the ocean.

Christine noticed the change in his eyes and asked softly, "Strange, what's wrong?"

Strange shook his head, then nodded, his thoughts a jumbled mess.

"No, I'm not sure... but this place, this town, gives me a very strange feeling. It's like... like I've been here before, or like I should have been here."

Christine squeezed his hand tighter, offering him silent support.

"Strange, don't overthink it. It's just a normal trip. Dwelling on nightmares will only make you worse."

Strange didn't say anything; the bus just kept moving forward.

As they got closer, a mixture of feelings of reassurance and unease intertwined.

Strange wanted to stop the bus, but the words caught in his throat. A voice inside him seemed to be stopping him, urging him to go to the town.

Only in this small town can he find true happiness.

"Strange, don't be so tense, relax, man."

West patted Strange on the shoulder, and Strange forced a smile and nodded to West.

The bus finally came to a slow stop at the entrance to Grove. The door opened, and a breath of air mixed with the scent of sea breeze and old wooden buildings rushed out, causing Strange to take a deep breath. He stood up, ready to enter the town.

As he was about to get off the bus, an old, frail arm suddenly grabbed him.

"Young man, don't go there! Go home now while there's still time!"

Strange, still shaken, looked toward the source of the sound and saw a bald old woman with a face full of wrinkles, the years having left deep marks on her.

"Old man, I don't know who you are, but my friends are waiting for me, and I can't just go back like this."

Strange hesitated for a moment, but seeing Christine and the others waving and calling to him, he could only shake off the old man's arm.

"Young man, come back quickly!"

The old man's calls did not bring Strange back. Although he hesitated, he still walked slowly toward Grove.

The old man was left alone, letting out a long sigh.

(End of this chapter)