After calling Director Xu to confirm the situation at Jiulong Hotel, Lu Ren stretched his back with a contented look.
According to Director Xu, the missing persons case that Sapphire was currently investigating occurred at Jiulong Hotel.
If Lu Ren wanted to take a spin around that godforsaken place, he would welcome it with open arms.
Having an extra pair of hands would solve this missing persons case faster, which would also greatly benefit societal security.
He had already prepared cameras and recording pens, and he would personally deliver them to Lu Ren’s residence soon.
As for the various rumors about Jiulong Hotel and the general intel on this missing persons case, Director Xu had already sent it via email to Lu Ren’s chat software for him to check at his leisure.
“Hmm…”
Returning to his computer seat, Lu Ren placed Pandora on his lap.
He opened the Monster Response Department’s dedicated chat software and raised an eyebrow slightly as he looked at the email from Director Xu.
Based on all the information Director Xu sent, how come this Jiulong Hotel felt like a demon’s den?
The proportion of people who called their families after going missing for a while, claiming they were traveling abroad, and then completely disappearing, wasn’t that a bit too high?
Does that even make sense?
“……It’s 013’s handiwork.”
Just as Lu Ren was pondering the truth of it all, Pandora, sitting cross-legged on his lap, suddenly spoke in a low voice.
Her target was extremely precise, directly naming the mastermind behind it.
“Huh? You know who’s behind this?” Lu Ren rubbed Pandora’s head curiously.
“Of course. His methods of evil are unique; it’s hard not to remember him,” Pandora said slowly. “Among all the shadow beasts, he’s the one who loves covering up crime scenes the most, keeping the victims’ families in the dark.”
“That doesn’t sound like a normal shadow beast.”
Lu Ren commented.
Upon hearing Lu Ren’s words, Pandora was silent for a few seconds, then praised his astonishing intuition.
“You guessed right; he really isn’t a normal shadow beast.”
“If other shadow beasts just want to stir up panic and fear, then that guy 013 does things that instill terror without even realizing it, and he thinks he’s in the right.”
Lu Ren was somewhat stunned.
He stroked Pandora’s head, pondering for a long time, but couldn’t grasp her meaning.
Doing things that cause fear without realizing it, and thinking you’re normal?
I don’t get it…
Seeing that Lu Ren hadn’t responded, Pandora broke free from his hands, jumped onto the keyboard, and locked eyes with him.
When she saw the confusion in his eyes, she understood that he hadn’t grasped her point, so she quickly added.
“Lu Ren, can you imagine a shadow beast that sees itself as human?”
“Yeah, I can. I killed a tentacle monster before, and he kept saying he was human, that they were humanity’s future hope.” Lu Ren nodded in reply.
“That was 024… So it was 024 causing the commotion before…” Pandora murmured to herself for a moment, then continued, “Since you’ve met 024, that makes it easier. In short, 013 is a shadow beast with the same mindset as 024; they both think they represent humanity’s future.”
“So, another mentally troubled shadow beast, right?” Lu Ren twitched his mouth and sighed.
“Correct. He sees himself as the true human, and believes only his actions can lead humanity to a brighter future, but in reality, his deeds are quite… well… inhumane.”
“What do you mean?”
“If fate brings you to it, you’ll naturally know. I won’t say more.”
Pandora didn’t reply.
She looked away, for once choosing to keep a secret from Lu Ren.
Seeing this, Lu Ren couldn’t help but sigh slightly, then used both hands to pinch Pandora’s small cheeks, pulling them left and right.
“Grrr… Let go of me!”
“Tell me clearly, or I won’t let go!”
“I won’t! That disgusting stuff, just saying it makes me sick!”
“Damn it! Just say it!”
No matter how Lu Ren tugged and pulled, Pandora held her secret tight, stubbornly refusing to speak.
Seeing her determined look, Lu Ren’s curiosity was piqued.
Even Pandora couldn’t stomach 013’s methods—what on earth had he done to cross the line?
Interesting.
Thinking about his next destination, Lu Ren let go, watching Pandora rub her face with her claws and quietly complain about the pain, and he chuckled.
He thought of a brilliant plan, guaranteed to keep him from getting bored.
“You’re so rude. I gave you all that useful info, and just because I won’t say what he did, you attack me like that.”
“Not at all; you’re still alive and well, aren’t you?” Lu Ren laughed. “And I just pinched your cheeks for a bit; how is that a bad thing?”
“Hmph! My face is all red from your pinching!”
Pandora grumbled discontentedly, turned around, and stretched her body forward, seemingly intending to rest in the room for a bit.
But Lu Ren wouldn’t let her have her way. He scooped her up, squeezed her little paw, and said.
“Don’t think about slacking off in the room watching the news. Today, you’re coming out with me.”
“Out?” Pandora asked, puzzled.
“That’s right. I’m heading to Jiulong Hotel to check things out. And you, my good partner, will scout the scene for me.”
“I don’t want to! I’m not going to a dangerous place like that!”
“Fine. Then tell me about 013, and I’ll let you stay here watching the news?”
“…Cough! When are we leaving? I can’t wait!”
Suddenly, Pandora transformed like a fairy, flipping her attitude completely, showing none of her previous reluctance.
Seeing that Pandora would rather go out with him than reveal what 013 had done, Lu Ren was startled, vaguely sensing something was off.
Mentally preparing himself, he watched as Pandora hopped onto his shoulder and waved her paw at him. He was silent for a few seconds before asking.
“If you come out with me, won’t other shadow beasts notice? I thought you needed to quietly nurture yourself?”
“Oh, that.” Pandora replied carelessly. “After eating the cores of those numbered shadow beasts, I can hide my aura anytime, anywhere. Don’t worry about that.”
“I see… That’s good. Then are we ready to go?”
“Yep, no problem!”
With Pandora’s agreement, Lu Ren packed up his things, left the room, and waited for Director Xu’s call.
In the living room, Xu Wenxing, who was earnestly studying a book, looked up in surprise at the one person and one fairy, wondering.
“Brother Ren, are you going out to fight shadow beasts? Why are you bringing Pandora along?”