The scene was bleak and lifeless.
The land inside the forbidden area was barren, devoid of grass or any signs of life. Exposed rocks jutted out sharply, casting eerie shadows.
Separated by the iron fence, the contrast between the two sides was striking. Outside, while the plants had lost their leaves to autumn, some greenery still persisted. Pine trees stand resilient among the seasonal changes. Inside the fence, however, there was only desolation.
Even the crows circling above seemed reluctant to fly over this wasteland, as though instinct warned them to stay away.
The group took in the view with unease. Despite the strangeness of the scene, the well–trained subordinates maintained their composure. One of them turned to Tiffany and asked, “Madam, the path is open. Shall we proceed?”
Tiffany agreed, “Let’s go.”
She didn’t get back into the car but instead led the way on foot, Richard walking beside her with his hand in hers. The rest of the group followed closely.
The moment they stepped onto the barren ground, they could feel a change in the air. It was thinner, heavy with a strange, stale quality that made it difficult to breathe. Tiffany frowned, her discomfort clear.
Noticing this, Richard waved his hand, and a light breeze swirled around them, dispersing the stale air and making it easier to breathe.
Tiffany glanced at him. “This place is so empty. Could it be that the person we’re looking for got scared off because we brought so many people?”
The note on the knife hadn’t specified that she needed to come alone. This confidence suggested the figure didn’t fear her or her entourage.
Richard didn’t answer right away. Instead, he pulled a lollipop from his pocket, unwrapped it, and held it up to Tiffany’s lips. “You must be tired from walking. Have something sweet.”
Tiffany accepted without hesitation.
Behind them, Garry muttered under his breath, “Seriously? That’s just cruel. She takes a few steps, and he’s already pampering her. No one cared when I was struggling to run ten miles the other day.”
John walking nearby, hesitated before responding dryly, “So tragic.”
Gary sighed.
Despite the casual atmosphere between Tiffany and Richard, the rest of the group remained tense. The eerie silence of the forbidden area heightened their senses, and they stayed alert, scanning for traps or dangers.
Richard, however, walked as if he were out for a leisurely stroll. His relaxed demeanor came not from carelessness but confidence, an assurance that nothing here could truly threaten them.
Seeing Richard’s calm demeanor, the subordinates felt a wave of relief. Though they remained alert, their earlier tension eased considerably
After walking several hundred feet, there were still no buildings or signs of people in sight.
‘Is it possible we have been led here as a joke?‘ Tiffany thought. Refusing to believe it, Tiffany pressed on determinedly.
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08:27 Wed, Nov 27
Chapter 564
After walking for some distance, the barren landscape gave way to a structure.
An old, grand building loomed in the distance. Despite its decay it still retained traces of its former glory. The size and intricate architecture hinted at its past splendor.
Tiffany stopped in her tracks, staring at the structure. A strange, uneasy feeling gripped her chest. It was as though something inside was calling to her, pulling her closer with an invisible force.
She turned to Richard, her voice low. “I feel off. There’s something dangerous about this place.”
Richard took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “I’m here.”
Tiffany nodded, and they stepped forward together, entering the building, their subordinates following closely behind.
Unlike the desolation outside, the interior of the building was surprisingly well–preserved. The floors were clean, the furniture, like the table, chairs, and antique vases, were neatly arranged. Even the paintings on the walls appeared untouched.
Garry whistled softly as he inspected the room. “The Azure Sea Royal Family was rumored to have incredible treasures, but I didn’t expect this. Look at these paintings. They’d fetch a fortune at auction!”
Gary lamented, “It’s such a waste to leave them here.”
Tiffany smiled. “If you like it, you can have it.”
“Really?” Garry’s eyes lit up as he eagerly reached for the mural. Are you sure? I mean, it feels wrong, but if you insist.
As he removed the mural, something unexpected happened. Behind it, a small red button was revealed, hidden in the wall.
“What’s this?” Garry asked, curious. Without waiting for an answer, he pressed it.
Before Tiffany could stop him, white smoke erupted from hidden vents, spreading rapidly.
“Cover your mouths and hold your breath!” Tiffany shouted.
The
group reacted quickly, but the smoke was too fast. It engulfed the room in seconds, leaving many coughing and struggling to escape.
Only Tiffany and Richard remained unaffected. An invisible barrier seemed to shield them from the effects of the smoke.
Tiffany felt bad for Gary who was coughing violently. She asked, “Richard, I think you should clear out the smoke. It may be poisonous if we stay in here for too long.”
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