Chapter 629: What Is Going On

However, Li An's keen observation allowed him to detect some subtle anomalies. On the utility poles by the roadside, the distortion of light and shadow seemed unnatural; beside the trash can at the street corner, the air appeared to ripple slightly, like ripples on a water surface.

"What is going on?" Li An stopped, his brows furrowed, his unease growing stronger. He crouched down, carefully observing the changes in light and shadow on the ground, his fingers gently touching that distorted space, trying to uncover the secret within.

Back home, Li An told Guo Yao about his discovery. Guo Yao's face showed a look of worry: "Could some new danger be about to descend?"

Li An took her hand and comforted her, "Don't worry, I will find out. Perhaps it is just some small problem." Yet deep down, he knew the matter was likely not that simple.

Following past precedent, encountering such a situation, Li An would immediately seek out Okabe Rintaro and others to investigate together. But this time, he had a different thought in mind. He felt this anomaly might hide a deeper secret, and exploring it alone could prevent his companions from falling into danger.

When he told his companions of this decision, everyone wore expressions of surprise.

"What? You want to investigate alone?" Okabe Rintaro's eyes widened, his face full of disbelief, "This is far too dangerous! We have always faced difficulties together."

"Yes, Li An," Hashida Itsuki added from the side, "How can you go alone on something so dangerous? If we all help together, we will surely find the truth faster."

Makise Kurisu pushed up her glasses, her eyes revealing worry: "Li An, I understand your desire to protect us, but acting alone carries too much risk. You might encounter many unknown dangers."

Amane Suzuha spoke with a serious expression: "Li An, you should be clear about the consequences of investigating alone. We have experienced so much together before; now we should be even more united."

Tsuruya scratched his head and said in a simple manner: "Li An, everyone does this for your own good; please consider it again."

Shiina Mayuri also held Li An's hand and said with a worried face: "Li An, don't go alone; Mayuri will worry about you."

Li An looked at his companions' caring gazes, his heart filled with emotion, yet his resolve did not waver.

"Thank you all for your concern; I know you do this for my own good," Li An said sincerely. "But this situation is somewhat special; I always feel a powerful force hides behind it, and I do not want to drag you all into danger. Moreover, I believe in my own abilities; I will definitely be careful."

Although his companions still did not understand, they also knew that once Li An made a decision, it was hard to change.

"Then you must be very careful; contact us anytime if anything happens," Okabe Rintaro sighed helplessly, his eyes full of worry.

"Rest assured, I will," Li An smiled and nodded, then turned and set out on his journey of solitary investigation.

Li An followed the place where he had previously detected the anomaly, probing deeper step by step. The buildings on both sides of the street stood exceptionally quiet under the sunlight; occasionally a few small birds flew by, emitting clear chirps. Yet beneath this calm appearance lay endless danger.

As the investigation deepened, Li An found that these subtle spatial distortion phenomena seemed to gradually converge, forming a clue pointing in a certain direction. Following this clue, he arrived before an abandoned factory..