Chapter 380: Pinocony (59)

"No— you can just say the whole continent has no chance. And never mind the Genius Club; if someone could join the Institute of Knowledge and bring the universe's knowledge to Piiertewofu, that would be fine. But we don't even have the ability to leave this continent."

…This truly is a sad fact.

Even if they use Hextech crystals, the energy they contain can only guarantee free travel across the continent; as for farther interstellar voyages… that still belongs to the realm of dreaming.

When Jie Si was young he heard legends of Star Spirits from beyond the heavens; some Star Spirits now reside on Colossal Peak. Looking back, Star Spirits may be messengers of different star deities from beyond the heavens. If one day we are fortunate enough to see them, could we obtain a revelation beyond this starry sky?

——

The two arrived at a larger, more luxurious room, and as they moved forward they found the only door locked.

In the center of the room was a sandbox missing a component; the two searched nearby and indeed found a small floating arch.

"Gulliver Arch, you can remember such a trifle in perfect detail? Its appearance reminds me of a tunnel that shrinks when you pass through…"

Professor Laatio cut him coldly: "If I were you, I'd shut up immediately. Say less of what shouldn't be said."

"Fine," Shajin shrugged.

The two returned to the hall; after installing the arch, Shajin accidentally touched it, and after a burst of dazzling light, he found himself truly like a Lilliputian, looking up at Laatio beyond the sandbox.

"…Good heavens! I've shrunk? Am I dreaming?" Shajin was delighted like a child.

"You certainly are."

Shajin laughed brightly and waved at Laatio: "Professor~ you're so tall now! I've ended up in the sandbox and become this small… Shall we just leave like this? Find another chance to slip me into Xingqiri's collar, and use this method to infiltrate the family…"

"…tsk."

Shajin shrugged: "Fine, I was just kidding."

——

Seeking an encounter in the dungeon—did I get something wrong?

"Hahaha, didn't expect Shajin to make such a cute sound."

On a shabby sofa in the cathedral's basement, He Si Ti Ya sat cross‑legged, watching Shajin's childlike wonder at a new toy, feeling novelty for the first time.

Usually this guy gives the impression of being cunning, domineering, dangerous… but just now, for a moment, he shed the heavy burdens pressing on his spine—his brows and eyes relaxed, revealing a few breaths of the fresh, youthful vigor unique to a teenager.

This sandbox is a playground belonging only to him.

"I thought after he became a company P45‑level executive he had experienced every pleasure, so it wouldn't be surprising. Turns out he also has this childlike side," He Si Ti Ya clicked in amazement.

"Perhaps Mr. Shajin simply found a hint of his childhood here," Bei Er shook his head, his white hair lit warm orange by candlelight, "According to Professor Laatio, Mr. Shajin was once a slave; after escaping life‑and‑death danger he had to busy himself proving his worth in the company, so perhaps he never truly enjoyed a child's happiness in his life…"

"Lord Bei Er… hearing you say that, I feel that his leadership over ten thousand people is rather pitiful."

Bei Er let out a 'pfft' laugh: "Supreme Deity, if Mr. Shajin hears your words he might get angry, you know? Hmm… no, given his nature he wouldn't be angry; instead he might exploit your sympathy and find ways to squeeze a bit more money out of your pocket."

"…Now that you put it that way, I find him a bit detestable again."

——

Shajin looked up at the surrounding amusements and skyscrapers, clicking in amazement: "Laatio, you really should come in and see—it's spectacular. I bet a gentle pinch from you could kill me."

A voice came to his mind from Laatio: "As long as I consent, I'll act immediately."

The two bickered while searching for puzzle pieces, quickly assembling the forward door. After leaving the sandbox and regaining their size, they were just one door away from Xingqiri.

"It's a pity to see you leave the sandbox alive; Xingqiri is behind this door. In my crude view, he's not an easy opponent. Are you ready?" Laatio asked.

Shajin replied confidently: "Hmm, I believe it's he who needs to be prepared."

"Tell me your plan."

"No real plan, just adapt. The bargaining chips with people are only two: profit or fear."

"Seems you truly don't understand 'Sincerity'."

Shajin spread his hands: "Am I not sincere enough? No need to stress it. We should make good use of death; that man's sister is dead, he can't sit still—that's 'Fear'. And I'll help him catch the murderer. Due to his status and position he can't do it himself, but I can—that's 'Profit'."

Laatio retorted: "Why do you think he can't do it, insisting on entrusting a company person with opposing stance?"

"Simple—because the murderer is likely a 'traitor' hidden within the family."

"…The one you previously accused was that sea‑roving ranger."

Shajin smiled lightly: "That's just an excuse, Professor. That woman is off, I need someone to hold her back; the fewer variables outside our sight during our operation, the better."

——

Pirate King.

"Hmph, he's a clever kid," Keluokedare exhaled a smoke ring, "He knew long ago that Huang Quan wasn't the murderer. Though the sowing‑discord plan didn't work well, at least he tried in that regard."

"But why does he care so much about Huang Quan? I remember that woman…" Keluokedare patted his head; some images in his mind were already hazy, as if drowned by seawater.

"Damn, what was that woman's ability again—"

He kicked the butt of Ba Ji nearby, "Tell me, what's Huang Quan's fighting style? And any intel on him!"

Ba Ji's face was almost a scrunched ball, his red nose pitifully twitching, "I… I can't recall either…"

"Useless!" Keluokedare grabbed Ba Ji's blue hair, kicked him aside; Ba Ji immediately curled his neck like a startled hermit crab, quickly moving away from the sand man to a relatively safe distance.