Chapter 151 The PastTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2438 wordsUpdate time: 2024-11-05 17:30:06
Ryan looked at the room in front of him. Everything in the house seemed to be in order, without any signs of abnormality. The furniture was neatly arranged and the items were tidily packed, as if the owner had just tidied the house in advance in preparation for a long journey.
He walked slowly into the room, scanning the surroundings carefully, trying to catch any overlooked details or traces, but everything seemed too calm and normal, leaving almost no missing clues. Ryan frowned slightly, thinking secretly that such cleanliness was disturbing, as if some traces were deliberately covered up.
He turned to look at the man and asked in a low voice: "Has she done anything special recently, or has any changes occurred?"
The man looked at Ryan with a serious expression, carefully recalling his wife's behavior during this period, his brows slightly furrowed, as if trying to find any possible abnormalities.
"She's fine, no different from usual." He shook his head slowly, a hint of confusion in his voice, "We live our lives as usual every day, and she doesn't show any special emotions or behaviors."
Ryan was silent for a moment, his eyes swept through every detail in the room, and he felt that something was fishy. The layout in front of him was too neat, and it seemed to cover up some real traces. He asked again: "Did she mention anyone, or received any special letters or gifts?"
The man shook his head, still with a puzzled look on his face: "No, there has been no unusual contact recently..."
"Can you tell me about your wife?" Ryan's voice was gentle and focused, with a hint of guidance in his eyes, "and your experiences."
The middle-aged man lowered his head and pondered for a while, as if he was lost in memories, and then slowly spoke: "Her name is Emma, and we have been married for fifteen years... She has always been a gentle and meticulous person. She likes to arrange everything at home, take care of me and the children, and rarely goes out on weekdays. We have gone through many ups and downs together, and she has always been the stable pillar."
There was a gentle nostalgia in his eyes, as if he was recalling those little details. However, as he recalled more, his brows slightly frowned: "However, over the years, she would occasionally be silent, as if she was lost in something. But every time I asked her, she said she was just tired and needed to rest."
Ryan nodded slightly, catching a clue: "Did she mention what made her tired? Or did she have any special mood changes?"
The man shook his head and said after a moment's hesitation: "She never said anything... She just occasionally stared blankly at an old diary, as if recalling something. I didn't ask much."
"Can I see this diary?" Ryan asked, his tone still calm and gentle, with a hint of inquiry in his eyes.
The middle-aged man was stunned for a moment, and seemed a little hesitant, but finally nodded: "Of course... I think she would hope that you can find the answer."
He turned and walked to the bookcase beside him, and took out a faded old diary from a hidden corner. The cover of the diary was slightly old, and the corners were slightly worn, obviously it had been read many times. The man handed the diary to Ryan, with a hint of expectation and uneasiness in his eyes.
Ryan took the diary, gently opened the first page, and his eyes fell on the familiar and slightly sloppy handwriting. He read it quietly, trying to find clues from it.
Ryan gently opened the diary, and what came into his eyes were paragraphs of regretful and secretive words, as if recording an unknown past.
"This is the life I chose, and this is the secret I have to bear. I escaped from those dark days and married an innocent young man. In order to hide my past, I buried everything deep in my heart."
As he turned the pages of the diary, the content gradually depicted the process of a criminal trying to turn over a new leaf. She had been dragged into darkness by the pressure of life and even had to participate in some illegal activities, but the words in the diary were full of regrets for her past. She recorded the memories of those evil deeds in detail with deep remorse:
"I often wake up in the middle of the night and see those I have hurt as if they were right in front of me, staring at me and asking me why I abandoned them. Even in the warmest family, I still cannot escape the torment of my conscience..."
"Maybe one day, I will have to pay the price for my past. But I can't bear to give it all up, I don't want to leave him, I don't want to leave this little warmth."
Ryan continued to read and found that she sometimes confessed and sometimes struggled with fear, worrying that her past would be exposed and ruin her and her husband's lives. The handwriting gradually became messy, revealing her inner anxiety and contradictions, as if she was foreseeing some inevitable ending.
The content of this diary made Ryan have new doubts about Emma's disappearance - maybe she was not simply "missing", but was forced to leave again because of past sins. At the same time, Ryan's eyes stayed on those familiar handwritings, and his heart moved. He had seen this kind of handwriting in a reward notice. It was a criminal wanted in Ilfracombe. In addition to the description of the appearance, the reward also had a picture of the handwriting. When confirming Bernadette's identity, he had carefully learned some background of the town.
Ryan raised his head and looked at the middle-aged man who still looked a little uneasy: "Your wife Emma may have been involved in some activities in Ilfracombe. Do you know if she has any connection?"
The middle-aged man was stunned for a moment, his brows furrowed. "Ilfracombe? I don't know… She never mentioned anything about that place. She only said that the past was complicated, but I thought she just wanted to forget it."
Ryan secretly thought that Emma's past was likely directly related to Ilfracombe's shady dealings, and her diary inadvertently exposed this. His intuition told him that this small town might be the key to solving all these mysteries.
"I need to go to Ilfracombe," Ryan said finally, "to investigate the real reason for Emma's disappearance. Maybe it will help us find her."
There was a glimmer of hope in the middle-aged man's expression, and he asked anxiously: "Can you really find her?"
"I'll do my best," Ryan said firmly, already thinking about how to conduct an investigation in that dangerous town.
After a pause, Ryan handed the notebook to the man. When the middle-aged man took the notebook and was about to put it back on the bookshelf, Ryan said, "You'd better take a look at it too."
"She has her own privacy, and she doesn't want me to read this notebook." There was hesitation in the man's voice.
Ryan was silent for a moment, sensing the other party's contradiction and uneasiness. In the end, he said nothing more, but just nodded, knowing in his heart that everyone has their own secrets and a past that they don't want to touch upon.
After bidding farewell to the middle-aged man, Ryan walked out of the room, the night wind blowing in his face, bringing a hint of coolness. He took a deep breath, and had made up his mind, knowing that his choice would lead to more adventures and challenges.
On the way to Ilfracombe, Ryan couldn't help but recall the contents of Emma's diary. Her regrets, her fears, and the secrets hidden between the words seemed to point to a deeper shadow. He guessed everything Emma had experienced in the past, and the rising sense of urgency in his heart made him vaguely realize that this investigation was not only about Emma's safety, but also might touch upon the truth he had been trying to uncover - the mystery of the missing children, especially the mystery of Oliver's disappearance.
Ryan's heartbeat gradually accelerated. Emma's past experience might be related to the disappearance of the child. Are these hidden clues the key he is looking for? He whispered to himself, with a glimmer of determination in his eyes.
"If this clue can solve the mystery of those missing children, then I will never let it remain buried in the darkness."
He knew that this journey to Ilfracombe would bring new dangers, but he would move forward no matter what he faced.Chapter 152 IlfracombeTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2178 wordsUpdate time: 2024-11-06 17:30:05
Ilfracombe, an important port town on the west coast, is famous for its busy docks and complex trade network. This town connects the west of the Kingdom of Rhone with the far south, and ships frequently come and go on weekdays, carrying goods, immigrants, and unknown secrets.
The town's docks are full of activity from morning to night. Even in late November, sailors and workers are still busy transporting the last batch of goods for the year. The air is filled with salty sea breeze, mixed with the smell of dried fish in the warehouse, the damp smell of old wood, and a few lingering scents of exotic spices. The town's taverns and inns are still bustling, crowded with sailors, merchants and wanderers, making this a place where news gathers and transactions are made.
Ilfracombe's layout is compact and chaotic, with narrow streets winding and twisting, forming a neighborhood that is difficult to understand at a glance. On both sides of the street are low-rise stone brick buildings, with exterior walls mottled and gray due to years of erosion by sea wind. There is a dilapidated church in the center of the town, which seems to be a symbol of past glory. However, as time goes by, it has long been forgotten outside of daily life and only occasionally becomes a hidden place for some gatherings.
Most of the residents here are used to this mixed lifestyle. Although they appear calm on the surface, they keep a certain distance and are wary of outsiders. It is rumored that the town is not safe at night, and some dark transactions and shady dealings are quietly carried out in the shadows behind the port. It seems that the whole of Ilfracombe is a center of trade during the day and a hotbed of secrets at night.
Ryan stood at the dock, looking around at this town full of contradictions, feeling vaguely that some corner here might hold the answers he had been looking for.
Ilfracombe's daytime doesn't seem to be suitable for exploring dark secrets. Although the docks are bustling with merchant ships and fishing boats, most residents are busy with daily transactions and livelihoods. The streets are crowded with people, and no one seems to care about the hidden shadows. The prosperity under the sun conceals countless hidden conspiracies.
Most of the seafarers, merchants and travelers only care about the immediate interests, and seem to forget the secrets behind them while chatting and laughing. In the occasional chat, the words are cautious and tentative, as if there is an invisible barrier blocking the real communication.
Or maybe you need to wait until night falls, when secrets and deals that should not be known begin to surface. Ryan knows that the real investigation may have to wait until night, when you can get a glimpse of the deepest secrets and dangers of Ilfracombe. He plans silently in his heart, ready to go deep into the dark corners of this town when night falls, to find the truth about Emma and the secrets of those missing children.
Ryan walked out of the dock and headed towards the town's streets, thinking that he needed a place to hide his identity temporarily. He strolled along the streets of the town, observing the surrounding environment and looking for a suitable hotel.
Not far away, he saw a small hotel called "Harbor Inn". The sign in front of the door was slightly mottled, but it exuded a quaint atmosphere. After pushing open the door, the interior was simple but warm, with some nautical decorations hanging on the wall, and the air was filled with the smell of sea breeze and salt.
The innkeeper was a middle-aged woman with a friendly smile on her face. She warmly received Ryan and asked if he needed a room. Ryan nodded in agreement and briefly asked about the hotel. He learned that it often received sailors and businessmen. Although it was not luxurious, it was quiet and safe.
"Please take a seat. I'll prepare a room for you." The proprietress said, and started to work. Ryan waited quietly in the corner, thinking about his next plan.
A small room was quickly prepared. Although it was simple, it was hidden and comfortable enough. Ryan put down his luggage and began to adjust his mentality to gather his energy for the upcoming investigation.
He paced back and forth in the room, thinking about Emma's diary and her possible past, as well as the secrets hidden in Ilfracombe. Time passed slowly, the light outside the window gradually softened, and the sunset dyed the town with a golden veil. Although the hustle and bustle of the day continued, Ryan felt an uneasy silence in the air.
As night fell, the town began to take on a new lease of life. Shops gradually closed, and the streets became less crowded. Ryan looked out the window, feeling that he was about to embark on an adventure that was completely different from the daytime.
When it was completely dark, he gently opened the door, walked out of the hotel, and blended into the shadows of Ilfracombe at night. The red moonlight fell on the street, casting long shadows. Ryan's heartbeat began to accelerate, and his inner tension and expectation were intertwined. He knew that the night's exploration was about to begin, and the truth was waiting for him to uncover not far away.
The streets were quiet, with only occasional whispers and music from a bar in the distance, as if telling the secrets of the town. Ryan walked along the street, the wind blowing gently in his ears, as if whispering about the unsolved mystery of Emma and the missing child.
With sharp eyes, he noticed a half-open window in the corner, with faint light coming through, and it seemed that there was a low conversation coming from it. Ryan decided to get closer and listen carefully to the tiny sounds, perhaps he could capture some useful information from them.
As he approached the window, the sound became clearer. Several figures were vaguely visible, with serious expressions, talking about something about the town. Ryan held his breath and waited patiently, trying to catch the clues that might reveal the truth.
"Life is getting harder and harder," a low and tired voice came into Ryan's ears through the window. "In our line of work, it's hard to make ends meet. Our income is getting less and less, and even the most basic expenses are a problem."
"Yes, especially recently, the price of freight has risen ridiculously," another person continued, with a tone of helplessness and resentment. "Every time we go out to sea, the money we earn is not enough to pay for the maintenance of the boat. People are beginning to doubt whether it is really worth continuing."
"Don't mention it. Everyone is trying to find other ways out," the former sighed, with a hint of despair in his voice. "I heard that some people are even willing to take the risk of dealing with those shady people. Who knows if it will be worse."
"However, some people have made fortunes in this town, which is really enviable." The latter's voice was filled with jealousy. "I heard that those rich guys have powerful connections behind them and made a lot of money by using shady businesses."
Ryan's heart was shocked. Although the conversations of the people around him were unclear, he could vaguely catch a hint of undercurrents. Obviously, the darkness of this town was much deeper than he had imagined. The few words he heard casually actually contained clues. At this moment, he understood that Ilfracombe was not just an ordinary port town, but more like a maze hiding countless secrets and conspiracies.
In the port shrouded in darkness, Ryan decided not to wait any longer and take more active actions. Since even ordinary people could hear these rumors, perhaps an in-depth investigation would not be as difficult as he imagined.Chapter 153 CargoTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2079 wordsUpdate time: 2024-11-07 17:30:01
Ryan wandered aimlessly on the street, and the echoes of the conversation between the two people just now seemed to echo in his ears. Although they were just complaining about the hardships of life and the burdens of work and family, Ryan caught a long-lost resonance in these insignificant complaints. He remembered that before he traveled through time, he was just an ordinary person struggling with the pressure of life. Occasionally, he would complain about trivial matters, but he always adhered to the invisible moral bottom line.
But he knew in his heart that even though that world was full of trivialities and troubles, it still had a glimmer of light and hope. But here, the wailing of the poor and the greed of evil forces had already shrouded the city in a haze, and there was hardly a glimmer of life.
"No matter how difficult it is, you can't go against your conscience." Ryan whispered to himself, as if reminding himself. He secretly thanked himself for still being sober and rational, instead of abandoning morality for survival like some people in this town. His thoughts couldn't help but drift back to those who still stick to their beliefs - street vendors, dock workers, and even ordinary sailors. In this shadowy town, there are still people who work silently to protect their integrity and conscience.
"They are people who are fighting against fate just like me." Ryan muttered in his heart, as if he had drawn new strength from these people. He understood that although the world in front of him was dark and complicated, the perseverance of these people ignited hope for him. What he was pursuing was not only the truth about Emma, but also for these innocent people struggling in the darkness. He must uncover the secrets deep in Ilfracombe and redeem the oppressed souls behind this city.
Ryan's footsteps echoed in the narrow alley, as if sounding the prelude to this heavy journey. The light around was gradually swallowed by darkness, and the dim gas lamps trembled in the shadows, barely illuminating the end of the road. The walls on both sides of the alley were covered with moss and water stains, and the air became more and more humid, mixed with the smell of decay and the sea, which was disgusting.
The vague words in Emma's diary flashed through his mind, and the warnings between the lines were like hidden hints. As he expected, under the surface calmness of the city, undercurrents surged, and even the most ordinary fishermen and street vendors seemed to be swept up by this dark force. Ilfracombe is not just a port town, but also a web of greed, betrayal and secrets, which ruthlessly and mercilessly binds everyone.
Suddenly, a wooden door at the end of the alley opened slightly, and a faint light shone through the crack. Ryan stopped and listened attentively, vaguely hearing low voices and the sound of objects colliding. Perhaps this was one of the "secret gathering points" mentioned in Emma's diary. Those forces hidden in the dark often traded, exchanged intelligence, and even held secret meetings in such places.
He took a deep breath and approached the door gently, trying not to make any noise. The wooden door slowly opened, making a faint "creaking" sound, breaking the silence of the night. He gently stepped into the shadows and carefully observed the situation inside the room in the dim light.
In the dim light, several men sat around a long table, on which were scattered maps, account books, and heavy iron chains and thick hemp ropes randomly piled. The air was filled with a damp and pungent smell, mixed with the smell of sea water, sweat and blood, which was disgusting. His eyes rested on a yellowed list on the table, which was filled with densely packed names, and the age, gender and "shipping" time were marked next to each name. Ryan's heart was burning with anger - these names were all marked with the word "goods" without exception, as if each name was just a commodity waiting to be shipped, and even came with a price assessment.
These "goods" were not objects, but living beings. Ryan finally realized that this so-called secret gathering point was not an ordinary black market, but a slave exchange hidden in Ilfracombe. He clenched his fists involuntarily, took a deep breath, and tried his best to suppress his anger. The people in front of him were still unaware of his presence and were discussing the transportation plan for the next batch of goods in a low voice.
"Close the door! Are you an idiot?" A low shout was heard in the room, and then someone responded impatiently and got up to close the door.
"Recently, customs inspections have been strict, and the 'goods' need to go through Sihanoukville to be safe." A man said coldly, with impatience in his tone, "Especially those special 'goods'. The buyer specifies that they must be alive and cannot be damaged at all."
"Don't worry." A short fat man sneered in response, his tone revealing a coldness, "We will transport them out at night and let them squeeze into the cabin. Anyway, they are just poor guys, no one will care about their whereabouts."
Ryan's anger almost burst out. Among those "cargoes", there might be children from poor families, missing fishermen, or even some helpless old people. They were kidnapped by these people, deprived of their freedom, sent to unknown places, and became the private property of some nobles.
"Have you found the young woman that the nobleman requested?" The short and fat man said with a disgusting smile, his tone full of greed, "They are willing to offer a higher price and even pay extra for transportation."
"Found it. Young and healthy, just what they want." Another person replied indifferently, as if he was just talking about a batch of ordinary goods, with no warmth in his voice.
Ryan clenched the dagger in his hand in the shadows, his heartbeat gradually speeding up. He hated the coldness and cruelty of these people, but he knew that he couldn't act rashly at this moment. If he acted rashly, it would only alert the enemy and endanger more innocent people. He quietly stepped back a few steps and left the room, secretly determined to uncover the dark chain of slave trade.
Under the cover of night, Ryan returned to the depths of the alley and quickly recorded the clues he found this time. He knew that it would take more than one person to destroy this chain of crime. He needed more evidence to expose the inside story of these transactions and find a trustworthy ally. Several faces emerged in his mind - those righteous men wandering on the edge of the city, perhaps waiters in a tavern or workers at the dock, but they all hated this dark force. Ryan realized that to destroy this chain, he had to go deep into the black market and find its weak points.
This is not only for the truth of Emma, but also for all the innocent people struggling in the darkness. His heartbeat is still fierce, and his fingertips are cold but firm. Ryan knows that he has embarked on a road of no return, and he will use all means to make the darkness of this city pay the price.
In the distance, a faint white light appeared on the sea, looming in the darkness, attracting Ryan's attention. Dawn will eventually break, and everything will begin.Chapter 154 ResistanceTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2016 wordsUpdate time: 2024-11-08 17:30:05
The wooden door creaked and slowly opened. Ryan whispered to the gloomy man in front of him. Ever since he realized the darkness hidden in the town, he has been looking for an ally he can trust. A few days later, he finally met this informant - a mysterious man who called himself "Crow". In the past few days, Ryan secretly sabotaged the slave traders' transactions and met several like-minded partners. Among them, "Crow" seemed particularly calm and composed. Relying on intelligence and underground resources, this mysterious rebel wandered among the slave traders for a long time, like a falcon cruising in the shadows, ready to pounce on its prey at any time.
Crow's fingers gently stroked an old pipe, his eyes flashing with vigilance and resentment. After listening to Ryan's findings, he nodded slightly and whispered: "These people control most of the port's business, and the high-ranking officials in the city have long been bribed by them. If you want to shake their foundation, you have to start with their financial resources and connections."
After careful discussion, the two decided to start with the financial records of the black market and track the flow of funds in the slave trade. Ryan knew that in order to make the slave trade chain public and completely shake it up, he needed solid evidence and the support of the port workers. Only when they stood up could they truly cleanse the darkness of the city.
In the following days, Ryan and "Crow" lurked near the port warehouse, secretly recording the details of each transaction. They found that the black market slave trading ships usually left the port around midnight, and the "goods" were transported to the port through secret passages on the outskirts of the city, cleverly avoiding patrols and customs inspections.
Finally, on a rainy night, they found key evidence - account books, transaction records, and a detailed list of slaves. The chain of the dark forces was exposed. Ryan and "Crow" took the evidence and quietly gathered port workers, warehouse guards and small vendors - all of whom were oppressed by slave traders. The eyes of the crowd were burning with resentment and anger.
"They took away our families and sold our compatriots as goods." Ryan's voice was low and firm. "We have the evidence in our hands. It's time to make them pay the price."
In the cold rain, the fire of resistance was quietly ignited. Ryan knew that this was not only to expose a dark deal, but also to declare war on the darkness of this city. They would unite the workers and heroes at the port to intercept the ships transporting slaves and uncover the secrets behind the slave traders.
As night falls, the signal of resistance spreads quietly to every corner of the port. This will be a night of revenge. Ryan looks at the lights in the distance, his heart full of determination. Tonight, he will lead this group of people to shake the dark foundation of this city.
The midnight bell rang, and the port was silent at night, as if waiting for a violent storm. Under the dim gas lamps, a group of silent figures gradually gathered - port workers, warehouse guards, street vendors, and even some coolies and sailors who were usually ignored. They had resolute expressions, holding thick sticks, hammers, and even short knives stolen from the ship.
Ryan stood in front of them, his eyes cold and firm, scanning these heroes, his eyes burning with anger and determination. The oppression of slave traders has tortured these lower-class people. The disappearance of relatives and friends, cruel exploitation, and hardship in life have finally turned into the flames of resistance tonight.
"Today, we will make them pay the price!" Ryan's voice was deep and powerful, penetrating the night. "Those slave traders who think they are in control of everything, their days are over."
A suppressed shout rang out from the crowd, filled with anger and a desire for revenge. Ryan and "Crow" took the lead and led everyone to the warehouse of the slave exchange. The warehouse was brightly lit, and several guards stood at the door with strict vigilance. From inside the warehouse, the traders could be heard talking in low voices, discussing how to deal with the "goods" that were about to go out to sea.
A vendor quietly climbed onto the roof and gestured that everything was ready. Ryan nodded and waved his hand quickly forward. In an instant, the crowd rushed to the warehouse like a torrent, breaking the silence of the night. Before the guards could react, they were instantly suppressed by the angry workers, and sticks and fists smashed down with long-suppressed anger.
The traders in the warehouse looked around in fear. Some tried to escape but were surrounded by the righteous. Ryan walked into the warehouse and looked coldly at these slave traders who regarded innocent lives as commodities.
"Your evil deeds will end today." Ryan whispered, his voice as cold as ice, like the judgment of the god of death.
The slaves in the warehouse were awakened and looked at the chaos in front of them in confusion, then realized that they were about to regain their freedom. An older sailor broke the chains with trembling hands and helped the young man beside him up, his eyes full of tears and hope. At that moment, the light of dawn seemed to penetrate this dark port.
The battle ended quickly, the slave traders were captured one by one, and the slaves in the warehouse broke free from their chains and regained their freedom with the help of the heroes. Ryan stood in the middle of the warehouse, watching people untie their shackles one by one, with a long-lost smile on his face. Tonight, they exchanged their blood and anger for the freedom of the port.
However, when Crow looked at Ryan, he knew that the real challenge had just begun. This battle for Ryan had only taken the first step.
Those high-ranking officials who hid in the city and protected the darkness behind the slave trade have not yet appeared. Tonight's uprising has only shaken their foundations. If you want to completely destroy the dark forces in this city, faith alone is not enough - you also need strength far beyond that of ordinary people.
Fortunately, nothing can be exposed to the eyes of the church. After countless investigations, Ryan and Crow are sure that the other party's sequence level will not be too high. The traces left by a sequencer with too high a level will inevitably attract the attention of the church.
At dawn, the heroes quietly dispersed and disappeared in the morning mist of the port. But everyone remembered the victory of that night, and a glimmer of hope ignited in their hearts. Ryan stood high on the port, looking at the rising dawn in the east, full of fighting spirit. He knew that this struggle was far from over, and he would continue to move forward and completely dispel the darkness of this city for those oppressed lives.
At dawn, the port streets returned to a semblance of calm, but the battle of last night still seemed to echo in the air. The broken doors of the warehouses, the scattered iron chains, and the traces of the merchants' hasty escape all silently told of the heroism of the uprising.
Ryan hid in the shadows of the port, waiting for a response from the darkness of the city. He knew that the forces behind everything would never give up easily.Chapter 155 SuppressionTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2155 wordsUpdate time: 2024-11-09 17:30:03
Ryan and "Crow" hid in the dark alleys, and arranged several volunteers to ambush in the secret corners around the port, closely monitoring any suspicious movements. Ryan knew that the resistance last night was just the tip of the iceberg, and the remaining slave traders and the powerful behind them would never give up. Now is the opportunity for those behind the scenes to surface.
As night fell, several strange figures quietly appeared near the port. They were neatly dressed, but their steps were extremely cautious. They were obviously not ordinary sailors or workers. They were holding short knives and muskets, and their faces were gloomy. Their purpose was obvious. They wandered around the warehouse, whispered to each other, and even searched everywhere, trying to find any clues left by the rebels last night.
Ryan crouched in the shadow of the rooftop, watching the group of people calmly. He recognized one of them as a close confidant of the port governor Brunson. Brunson was extremely powerful in Ilfracombe. On the surface, he was a "law and order maintainer", but secretly he was one of the behind-the-scenes promoters of the black market and slave trade. The uprising last night shook his deep-rooted interest chain, and he had to send people to quickly clean up the mess and regain control of the situation.
Ryan held his breath and watched, not in a hurry to expose himself. He wanted these people to think that the flame of the uprising had been extinguished. Sure enough, one of them whispered: "Tell Lord Brunson that what happened last night was by no means an accident. Those untouchables have formed an alliance and must be suppressed immediately."
"What should we do?" Another person asked in a low voice, a little panicked. "If we don't suppress them quickly, they might disrupt our business. The 'customers' in the city don't want to see such chaos."
"Lord Brunson has a plan," the confidant sneered. "He has contacted a noble and plans to hold a 'banquet' next week and invite the dignitaries in the city to attend. By then, there will be plenty of ways to deal with these troublemakers and catch them all in one fell swoop."
Ryan secretly clenched his fists, the anger in his heart almost bursting out. This so-called "banquet" was undoubtedly a trap, a conspiracy set for the rebels. The person behind the scenes tried to show power by gathering the powerful and convey a silent warning to all potential rebels: any resistance will be ruthlessly suppressed.
He quietly returned to the meeting place agreed with "Crow". The two briefly exchanged information and decided to play the trick - since the person behind the scenes had set up a "banquet" trap, they would take this opportunity to sneak into it and expose the dirty collusion between the powerful and the slave traders.
The Crow cast a worried look, "How easy is it to expose these nobles? Moreover, the most dangerous one is that noble. The nobles dare to act so recklessly. They must have the help of Extraordinary People. This is their confidence."
Ryan's expression was calm. Although he knew that this banquet was full of dangers, this was the only chance to expose the shady dealings of the powerful. In the next few days, Ryan and the heroes began to quietly prepare, collect evidence, carefully design their identities, and arrange every detail of the action. This was not only a gamble, but also a duel of life and death.
In the dead of night, Ryan was alone in the shadows, reviewing his plans, with a mixture of tension and calmness in his heart. He couldn't help but realize that the darkness of this city was far more deeply rooted than he thought - behind those slave traders, there were not only greedy businessmen and corrupt officials, but also the shadow of the royal family. Brunson's confidant's words "noble" aroused his doubts. Noble, banquet, suppression - these words seemed to make him see the intricate chain of interests between the royal family and the nobles. If the royal family is really involved, this struggle will be even more dangerous.
"Perhaps, from the beginning, this was a conspiracy led by the royal family." Ryan's heart was filled with bitterness, and he laughed at himself. As a former viscount, he knew too well the cold conflicts of interest between the nobles, and knew how cruel the royal family would use to consolidate power. To them, these abducted civilians were just numbers, "goods" that could be exchanged, and they didn't care about the pain of life at all.
But Ryan also knew that the reason why he stood firmly on the side of these helpless civilians was because he was a time traveler and could feel their powerlessness and pain more clearly.
Ryan subconsciously touched the cold revolver under his armpit and woke up instantly. He was no longer the respected viscount, but that didn't mean he was powerless to change anything. He secretly made up his mind: even if the royal family was really secretly fueling the flames, he would expose this dirty veil and pull those high and mighty people off the altar. He wanted to let those powerful people know that they underestimated the determination of a fearless person.
He told the plan to the Crow, who thought for a moment with a serious expression and said slowly, "If the royal family is indeed involved, our enemy will be a giant. But this also means that they dare not show up easily, for fear of attracting the attention of the church. We can use this to expose their crimes at the banquet."
The two smiled at each other, their eyes burning with the same determination. They knew that this operation was bound to be difficult and dangerous, but they were not afraid. Ryan had a careful plan: he would disguise himself as a low-level noble to sneak into the banquet, and "Crow" would be responsible for meeting them outside.
They all abandoned their past identities and their stable lives. Because of this, they risked everything and became the most dangerous opponents in the city. The day of the banquet would be the moment when all the secrets would be exposed to the sun.
At noon the next day, a large number of police appeared on the streets of Ilfracombe, each holding a baton and looking grim. They went door to door to question the whereabouts of the participants of the uprising. The homes of some heroes were forcibly broken into, and the items in the house were violently turned over. The hawkers, warehouse guards, and even the fishermen who patrolled at night who were on good terms with the port workers were not spared. They were arrested if they resisted. The streets were filled with an atmosphere of tension and fear, as if the whole city was shrouded in a shadow.
Ryan watched the raid from afar, his heart boiling with anger. The resistance last night made the people behind the scenes furious. They not only wanted to punish the rebels, but also to use it to intimidate all the people who dared to resist. The public arrests and violent displays were not only to suppress the people at the bottom of the port into obedience, but also to create an atmosphere of powerlessness and despair.
An elderly dock worker was dragged out of his home by the police. His body was covered with traces of struggle, but there was no fear on his face. His determined eyes swept over the neighbors around him, as if silently telling them: Never give in. However, his silence was met with even more brutal beatings. The policeman next to him mercilessly waved his baton, hitting him hard on the back, and dragged him away forcibly. The eyes of the onlookers were full of anger, but no one dared to speak out, for fear that they would be the next person to be taken away.
Ryan watched all this coldly, his determination becoming stronger. Those powerful people underestimated him, and also underestimated the people in this city who were gradually awakening,Chapter 156 DawnTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2248 wordsUpdate time: 2024-11-10 17:30:10
Ryan had a firm belief in revenge, but he felt a little powerless when he saw the working people in the port. They fought for freedom and dignity, but suffered ruthless suppression. He took a deep breath and clenched his fists: To keep the flame of resistance alive, the first priority was to rescue the arrested heroes.
In the harbor lanes, he found "Crow" and the two quickly made a plan. They forged an official document, claiming that the arrested people were special personnel ordered to manage the harbor, and added several fictitious names of high-ranking officials, trying to make the police mistakenly believe that these people were protected by the powerful and relaxed their vigilance. This plan was extremely risky, but there was no other choice at the moment.
At the same time, the "crows" spread rumors around the port, suggesting that the arrests were not aimed at the rebels, but a "cleansing" operation against the workers, which made the workers feel threatened. Fear and anger spread quickly, and the workers began to gather and observe the police's movements. The atmosphere in the port gradually became tense.
Ryan knew that rumors could arouse anger but could not shake the foundation of the powerful. Only by obtaining solid evidence from the police station and exposing the royal order behind the arrest could he truly uncover the dark side of the crackdown. So he decided to take the risk of sneaking into the police station to obtain the arrest warrant and action instructions to confirm the source of the order.
As night fell, Ryan put on a simple police uniform and quietly sneaked into the police station. After searching in the archives for a while, he finally found a secret order with the royal emblem on it. As expected, the royal family personally planned and directed this suppression. The target was not only the rebels last night, but also any forces that might threaten the slave trade, with the intention of completely eliminating the rebels. This was not just suppression, but a premeditated "purge."
After quietly leaving with the documents, Ryan realized that this evidence would be a sharp weapon to expose the crimes of the royal family. He planned to secretly hand over the documents to the righteous men to let everyone know that the royal family was the root of their suffering.
The moonlight was like water, coldly sprinkling on Ryan's shoulders. He held the documents tightly, as if holding the lifeblood of the entire royal family. The oppression of the port had been pushed to the limit, and he was about to ignite the crazy counterattack of the extraordinary people, setting off an irreversible frenzy.
As a Extraordinary after taking the potion, Ryan realized that he had power beyond ordinary people. However, every time he used this power, his soul was one step further away from humanity. At this moment, he had no way out and whispered: "Since we are destined to fight, let me become a blazing flame in the darkness." He used the power of "detective" to sense every breath of the port, and even felt the nervous pulse of the slave traders in the distance.
Ryan shuttled through the shadows of the gathering, silently memorizing the faces of every slave trader, official, and noble, all of whom were his targets of revenge. His presence was like an invisible fear, making the people in the darkness more panicked and suspicious.
Late at night, the revenge action reached its climax. Ryan posted the royal secret order and the list of slave traders all over the port bulletin board. The words that exposed the truth were like a sword piercing the core of the royal family and the nobles. Angry people flocked to the port, and seeing that the royal family and the nobles were the source of their suffering, the resentment in their hearts spread rapidly.
Standing on the high tower of the port, Ryan murmured the ancient Hermetic language and activated the ritual magic, covering the entire port area. The heroes looked up at him, shocked, and felt an unprecedented power supporting their beliefs.
"Tonight, I am the revenge of darkness and the roar of those who have been trampled!" Ryan's voice was like thunder, shaking the entire port and echoing in every corner. His spell triggered the ritual magic, and the light suddenly burst out, like the arrival of day, illuminating the night brightly and blazingly. The power of magic swept out like a torrent, and all oppression and sin seemed to be torn apart by an invisible force, flowing into the distance without hindrance.
The port area became his hunting ground. Slave traders and dignitaries fled in panic, terrified and desperate. They had never expected that such a determined Beyonder would declare war on them.
The port, once a den of darkness and injustice, has now become Lion's hunting ground. Slave traders and dignitaries fled in fear, completely unable to anticipate the determination of this extraordinary person. Lion ruthlessly destroyed everything. He destroyed the traders' hideouts, damaged the ships, and rescued the trapped cargo. Each attack was precise and deadly, like a sharp blade piercing the hearts of these sinners, making them feel fear and despair, as if the shadow of death was tightly shrouding them.
All the fleeing merchants and nobles no longer have hope of escape. They are as fragile as ants in the face of Ryan's fire of revenge.
When the dawn was about to come, the port was already in ruins and in a state of disrepair. Ryan stood in the middle of the ruins, exuding a terrifying extraordinary aura, like a silent judge. He knew that there was no way back on this road of revenge, and every step in the future was full of endless dangers, but he had no regrets. His revenge exposed the hypocrisy and evil of the oppressors in the sun, and this was the justice he pursued with his extraordinary power.
However, just as he stood exhausted in the ruins, a sharp sound of breaking through the air broke the silence. Before Ryan could react, a flaming spear shot at him like lightning and pierced his chest. The burning sensation of the flames almost made him lose consciousness, and the intense pain made him roar, and blood dripped from the wound.
This was just the beginning. Then, one spear after another flew at him again, each one like a messenger of death, piercing his chest, abdomen, and even pointing directly at his heart. The power of the flames mercilessly burned his flesh and blood, as if to completely destroy him and wear away his vitality. Ryan struggled hard in the flames, his voice gradually weakened until it was completely silent. The blazing flames devoured his body, and all that was left was the extraordinary object flickering in the ashes, the faint light forming a sharp contrast with the brilliance of the flames.
At this moment, the burning spears suddenly exploded, and the fierce flames spread, as if to engulf the entire port. The flames splashed in all directions, turning into a blazing sea of fire.
Soon after, an angry and terrified roar came from the center of the flames: "Damn it! You actually used the Beyonder as bait!" The hidden enemy was furious, with fear in his voice, as if he finally saw through the deep meaning behind this revenge.
However, in the blazing flames, a figure slowly emerged. It was Ryan! He stood quietly in the ashes, with a faint light surrounding him. The flames could not consume him. His eyes were cold and firm, as if announcing that revenge was not over yet.
"You are still alive..." The enemy's shocked voice was filled with unconcealable fear and fear of the unknown.
At this moment, the sky suddenly became dark and covered with dark clouds, as if responding to the call for revenge. A heavy rain poured down, extinguishing the burning sea of fire bit by bit. Smoke filled the air, the flames gradually disappeared, and only Ryan was left standing in the ashes. His eyes were cold, like a blade, and the rain flowed down his face, like an indifferent judge, looking down at the ruins of the destroyed port.
In the distance, at the end of the coastline, a glimmer of light emerged in the night, and dawn finally came quietly. The glimmer penetrated the thick dark clouds, like a new hope, shining on this port that was renewed by fire and blood.Chapter 157 Commission CompletedTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2414 wordsUpdate time: 2024-11-11 17:30:05
In the ruins, Ryan's figure swayed slightly, but the "Crow" behind him held him firmly.
"I believe that after this time, this place will usher in a real tomorrow." The low and firm voice of "Crow" came from behind.
Ryan was not surprised at all. He had already noticed the identity of "Crow" - before this operation, the extraordinary item given to him by the other party was engraved with the unique family emblem. Ryan smiled slightly and said lightly: "Next, I will leave it to you."
In the ashes of the port, Ryan's figure stood like a ghost on the ruins, cold and aloof. His name has become a legend, a nightmare that the powerful and the royal family dare not speak of. He is the madman who is the enemy of the royal family and the powerful, the extraordinary person who goes against the current, and a sharp blade that pierces the dark power.
The news spread throughout Ilfracombe. Some said he was a fallen nobleman who had gone mad because of his dissatisfaction with the greed of the rich and powerful; some said he was an avenger who had emerged from the abyss, using his extraordinary power to punish those who ignored the suffering of the common people; and some even said he was an extraordinary person who possessed a lost ancient secret technique, destined to awaken the truth that had been sealed off in this city.
In the shadows of the port, small vendors, workers, and night watchmen at the docks whispered and quietly passed on the legend of him. They called him "Nightblade", the shadow who declared justice with blood and fire. They secretly ignited the hope that this city corrupted by the powerful could be reborn because of his madness.
For the royal family and nobles, he was a threat that could not be ignored, or even a curse that could not be escaped. Those dignitaries who controlled the slave trade and reaped wealth in the dark were restless and exhausted. They knew clearly that this madman would not compromise or even conceal his hostility. Every action of his was like a heavy hammer, hitting the network of interests they had worked so hard to build.
The wanted orders sent by the royal family were overwhelming. Almost every street corner and every bulletin board was covered with the portrait of "Wanted Nightblade". The Ryan in the portrait had cold eyes, as if staring at all those who had betrayed justice. However, despite the high reward on the wanted order, no one dared to reveal his whereabouts. Those civilians who witnessed his crazy resistance in secret chose to remain silent. They were afraid of him, but also in awe of him. Many people secretly hoped that this "madman" could eventually overthrow the oppression of the powerful and bring a ray of hope to the city.
At the same time, the royal family began to plan a more rigorous roundup. Several extraordinary people were summoned and ordered to bring Ryan to justice at all costs, even at the cost of lethal means. Driven by the royal family's huge sum of money, these extraordinary people, carrying spell scrolls and ancient spells, began to search for his traces in the city, determined to eradicate him.
However, Ryan seemed to have anticipated all this. He had disappeared from the town. Before he made this decision, he changed his name and appearance. Even the "Crow" didn't know his real name and appearance.
At this moment, he was sitting on a train heading to Backlund, looking out the window leisurely.
The train track extended in the night, taking Ryan to an unknown direction. He looked out the window tiredly, his eyes like a cold scar blown by the night wind. The embers and madness of Ilfracombe were still in his mind. The devastated city seemed to remind him of the fate ahead.
Just as he was about to close his eyes and take a nap, a gentle voice broke the silence: "You don't look like a local, are you back from Ilfracombe?"
Ryan turned around and found a woman in her forties sitting opposite him. She looked a little old, but her eyes showed a firmness that was inconsistent with her age. She was dressed simply, but an indescribable deep aura surrounded her, as if she could see into people's hearts at a glance.
He frowned slightly, feeling a little uncomfortable. The atmosphere in the train compartment was depressing and low, but the woman's voice was like a gentle comfort, which made him let down his guard for a while. He nodded and responded briefly: "Yes, I just came back from Ilfracombe."
The woman chuckled and looked out the window: "It's a heartbreaking place. Only those who have experienced it will understand."
Ryan's eyes moved, and his heart was in turmoil. Her words touched his hidden emotions, and it was obvious that she was no stranger to the secrets of Ilfracombe.
"A lot of unusual things have happened in the city recently," the woman whispered, "Those rumors are probably just the tip of the iceberg."
Ryan was secretly on guard, looking at her carefully. The bumps of the train made the gap between them appear and disappear, but he caught a hint of hidden strength from her calm voice.
"Ilfracombe's problems are no longer just poverty and violence," she said slowly, with a hint of sadness in her tone. "If you have experienced it yourself, you should be able to feel that there is a deeper darkness there."
Ryan lowered his head in silence, his thoughts surging. He vaguely felt that this woman knew more of the truth than he did, and he couldn't help but feel a little curious and wary.
"You are..." He finally spoke, his tone probing.
"I'm Emma," she said calmly, with a mysterious smile on her lips, "Maybe you've heard of my name, maybe not. But the important thing is that I can provide you with some help you need."
Emma's words were light, but each word was full of meaning. Ryan's alertness suddenly increased, but his curiosity and expectation also gradually grew.
"You know what I'm doing?" Ryan asked in a low voice, staring at her calmly.
Emma didn't answer immediately, but just looked at him deeply, with a look that seemed to have the power to penetrate people's hearts. "I know you are pursuing the truth. Maybe you are confused now, but I believe that the path you are pursuing will eventually intersect with mine."
Ryan's heart was slightly shaken, and the words touched a hidden chord in his heart, but he remained on guard. "If you really know something, you should know that I don't need anyone's help."
Emma chuckled, her expression gentle but firm. "Maybe you don't need it now, but one day, you will understand that one person cannot destroy the rotten foundation of a city." She paused, as if considering whether to reveal more, "and what you need to know is that I can help you accomplish those goals that you cannot achieve alone."
Ryan frowned slightly. The woman in front of him who called herself Emma seemed to know his plan very well. Every word she said was not seductive at all, but full of deep meaning, suggesting a more complicated situation.
The train slowly pulled into Backlund. The lights in the station cast a warm glow, and at this moment, the woman named Emma extended an unexpected invitation to him.
"I live not far from Backlund." She said softly, with a calm tone that revealed a certain irresistible power. "If you are willing, you can come to my house. Maybe we can talk more clearly."
Ryan hesitated for a moment. Although he was still on guard, he felt that Emma was closely related to the predicament he was in. Perhaps this would be an important turning point.
"Okay." He nodded, "I'll go."
The train stopped, and Ryan followed Emma down. Backlund was quiet and deep in the night, and the faint lights in the distance and the noise on the street corner broke the silence. He thought to himself that the woman in front of him might be the key to the truth.
The moment he stepped out of the train station, the cold wind with the salty smell of the harbor hit him in the face, causing Ryan to tighten his collar. Following Emma's footsteps on the quiet street, his thoughts involuntarily returned to Ilfracombe.
The memory of that mission flashed in my mind, like ashes after burning drifting in the wind. Everything seemed to be caused by the commission from the middle-aged man - a mission about his missing wife.
And now, the commission has finally come to an end.Chapter 158 Guardian AgreementTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2308 wordsUpdate time: 2024-11-12 17:30:03
The next morning, Ryan set out from the North District of Backlund and boarded a carriage heading to Emma's residence. A thin mist covered the streets of the city, and hazy light and shadows intertwined under the gray sky, as if hiding countless unsolved secrets and hints.
He came here to fulfill the middle-aged man's commission and investigate his missing wife. However, his deeper motivation came from Emma's meaningful words to him last night. The secrets and promises revealed in her words were like an invisible hand, leading him towards the unknown abyss that he could not refuse.
The carriage moved slowly along the streets of Backlund in the early morning, the wheels rolling over the cobblestones, making a rhythmic sound. The street scenes were looming in the mist, like a series of smudged watercolor paintings passing by the window. Ryan sat in a corner of the carriage, his hat brim drooping, covering his deep eyes. He let his thoughts settle with the turning of the wheels, and Emma's words last night kept echoing in his mind.
Her cryptic but to-the-point words seemed to pull back a corner of the veil of truth, allowing him to glimpse the secrets hidden in the shadows of the powerful. He vaguely felt that this visit might not just be to complete a commission, but a contact involving a larger conspiracy. Emma seemed to have the fragments he had been looking for - those secrets about the royal family, those truths that the powerful tried hard to cover up.
The carriage was shaking slightly, and the air was filled with the mixed smell of horses and wood. Ryan clenched his hands in his black leather gloves and exerted a little force. He was ready to face everything. However, his thoughts involuntarily drifted back to Ilfracombe in the distance.
Has the "Crow" completed his revenge there, and has he successfully led the rebellious people to a new life? As the last member of the Rosser family, Ryan believes that he will stick to the belief of protecting the weak and pursuing justice like his ancestors.
The sudden stop of the carriage interrupted Ryan's thoughts. The driver's voice came from outside, low and hoarse: "Sir, we have arrived at our destination."
Ryan looked up and looked out the window. The carriage stopped in front of a secluded alley, at the end of which was an old and secretive mansion. The morning mist surrounded the doors and windows, making the whole house shrouded in a mysterious atmosphere, as if it was isolated from the world.
He got off the carriage, slightly adjusted his collar and cuffs, and looked carefully at the mansion. The building looked ordinary, but it exuded an indescribable secretive atmosphere. Ryan took a deep breath, realizing that this meeting might reveal deeper secrets under the shadow of Backlund's dignitaries.
He was about to raise his hand to knock on the door, but the door opened gently at this moment. Emma stood at the door, wearing a dark dress, with a faint smile on her face, and her eyes were gentle and deep, as if she had already expected his arrival.
"Welcome, Ryan." Her voice floated softly into his ears like the morning breeze.
"Ms. Emma," Ryan nodded slightly, with a hint of doubt and caution in his tone, "I have a question I want to ask you."
Emma raised the corner of her mouth slightly and made a gesture of invitation, "I think you don't want to discuss it here. Why don't you come in and talk in detail."
Ryan put aside his doubts and followed her into the mansion. Unlike the last time he came, the light in the room was soft and dim, and the air was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood. Several ancient oil paintings were hung on the wooden walls, depicting landscapes and characters, exuding a sense of distant history. Every piece of furniture and every decoration was carefully arranged, showing the owner's taste and style.
Emma walked in front, her steps elegant and calm. She looked sideways from time to time, looking at Ryan behind her, with an elusive light flashing in her eyes. The two walked through a long and narrow corridor, with various books and antiques displayed on both sides of the corridor, like a small private museum.
They came to a spacious study. In the middle of the study was a carved wooden table with a few ancient books scattered on it. The morning light from the window shone through the half-opened curtains, adding a quiet atmosphere to the room.
"Please sit down." Emma smiled and pointed to a comfortable armchair by the window, and sat down in the chair opposite him. She crossed her legs gracefully, her hands resting lightly on her knees, her expression calm and focused.
Ryan took off his hat and carefully put it aside, staring at Emma. He could sense that there was a deep secret behind her calmness. After a moment's silence, he asked in a deep voice, "Ms. Emma, what exactly do you mean by those 'secrets behind' you mentioned last night?"
Emma smiled softly, her eyes becoming more profound, as if recalling the past. "Ryan, I know you have been pursuing the truth, the truth about the royal family and the powerful." Her voice was soft, but with a power that could not be ignored. "Have you ever heard of the 'Guardian Protocol'?"
Ryan frowned slightly and shook his head, "I've never heard of it."
Emma sighed slightly and continued, "That was an ancient agreement that was signed between the royal family and some ancient families a long time ago. These families gained extraordinary power, but the price was to serve the royal family, forever hiding in the shadow of power, and becoming the secret force that maintained the royal rule."
She paused and looked Ryan straight in the eye, "One of these families was the former Rosser family."
Ryan's heart suddenly shook, and a look of disbelief flashed across his face. The Rossel family, the family he had always respected, actually had such an agreement.
"The last guardian of the Rossel family is none other than the 'Raven' you trust." Emma's voice was a little heavy. "He has the mission to fight against corruption, and he is not alone on this road. You, me, and many others are working towards the same goal."
Ryan took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down. He subconsciously gripped the armrest tightly and stared at Emma sharply, "Ms. Emma, how do you know these secrets that even I don't know?"
Emma looked at him, with a complex expression of sadness and relief. She said slowly, "Because I am one of the witnesses of the 'Guardian Agreement'. My family used an extraordinary item to witness this secret contract with the soul of the entire family. We have guarded part of the agreement for generations. As time goes by, our bloodline spreads throughout the Kingdom of Loen, thus binding the nobles who signed the contract."
The sun shone into the room through the tattered curtains, casting a light golden glow on the gray wooden floor. Emma stood by the window, her figure against the light looking particularly resolute, with a cold determination flashing in her eyes. Her low but firm voice broke the silence of the morning, piercing Ryan like a sharp blade in the air.
"The reason why I'm here," she said, never moving her eyes away, firmly locking onto Ryan's eyes, "is because I saw your true face in that sea of fire. You, Robert Glint, the former Viscount of the Glint family, a man who deceived the world by faking his death and disappeared from their sight."
Ryan's pupils suddenly contracted, and his heart was in turmoil. He thought this name had long been forgotten, buried in the dust of the past, and no one would mention it again.
"This name..." He took a deep breath, trying to keep himself calm, but his slightly trembling voice revealed his shaken state. He stared at Emma, trying to find the answer from her eyes. "But Ms. Emma, how did you know?"Chapter 159 The AbandonedTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2215 wordsUpdate time: 2024-11-13 17:30:03
At the moment when the sunlight shone through the gap in the curtains, the whole room seemed bright and silent. Ryan stared at Emma in front of him, and subtle changes flashed across his stern face. However, Emma's cold but gentle smile seemed to have seen through his disguise, as if she had already foreseen all the secrets and concealments in his heart.
She spoke slowly and calmly, her tone carrying the calmness and confidence of unravelling the dusty past: "Perhaps you have always believed that you are just an obscure viscount who will not attract anyone's attention. But Ryan, don't underestimate those concerned eyes. You were once a member of the Greylint family, a former guardian. Those places in the city where light and shadow intersect have long remembered your existence. In particular, your good deeds for the poor in the East District. As a noble, you stooped to the bottom. How could such behavior not arouse people's vigilance?"
After hearing this, Ryan's expression froze slightly and he fell into deep thought. He originally thought that his life had been well hidden, but Emma's words made him realize that he was not really invisible. No matter how he tried to hide it, his aristocratic identity was always like a thorn in his side, especially in this city with strict class barriers. Even if it was well-intentioned, the help from "high above" would attract more attention.
"Perhaps, you are right." He whispered, with a hint of coldness in his tone, "An ordinary viscount may not be remembered by others. But I did ignore those who peek in the shadows. They are even more perceptive than those in the light." He smiled bitterly, and the disguise in his heart that he thought was so clever was torn apart, leaving only the powerlessness that was difficult to conceal.
Emma remained silent, staring at Ryan with a hint of pity in her eyes, as if she was looking at a person struggling to break free from his restraints. "Whether you deny it or accept it, you can choose to continue hiding, but some pasts will continue to chase you in the shadows no matter how you cover them up."
The sun shines in the air between the two of them, and the dust dances slowly in the beam. The seemingly warm light hides an invisible oppression, which makes Ryan feel a chill. He realizes that the traces that were deliberately covered up in the past have long been entangled around him like a spider web, and may pull him back into the abyss at any time.
After a moment, he finally asked the question that had been lingering in his mind: "Why choose me? I'm just a soft-hearted guy, far from the kind of steadfast partner you need."
Emma raised her eyebrows and smiled faintly, with an unpredictable look in her eyes. "It is precisely because you are kind that you are one of the reasons why I chose you. Cruel people can be found everywhere, but people who are truly kind and not weak are the most rare. You may not realize it, but your compassion is an invisible blade - more powerful than you think."
Ryan was stunned, not expecting Emma's comment. His expression relaxed slightly, as if he was wondering whether this "kindness" was really as important as she said. However, Emma's next words made him more shaken: "In this indifferent land, you dare to help the poor in the East District. It is not only courage, but also a strength that you have not realized. This is why I chose you."
Her smile gradually disappeared, her eyes became deep, and she whispered: "After all, we are all abandoned people."
This sentence seemed to leave an invisible crack in the air, and the dust floating in the sunlight seemed to stop for a moment. Ryan looked at Emma and his heart was shocked. In his eyes, she was always calm and strong, as if she knew everything. However, this moment of fragility made him see another side of her - a soul struggling with fate like him.
"Abandoned people..." Ryan muttered to himself, with a complex and searching look in his eyes. Emma in front of him was not as cold and ruthless as he thought. Under her silence and calmness, there were scars that he had never noticed. He realized that perhaps there was a deeper resonance between them.
Emma nodded slightly, with an unfathomable sadness in her expression. "I know better than anyone the feeling of being alone and helpless on the edge of the world. We can pretend, resist, or even escape, but in the end we are all struggling under the shadow of fate."
Ryan stared at her silently, and those old files, those obscure words, and cold records emerged in his mind. He had seen too many people who were oppressed by fate and forced to struggle in the darkness. Those strange faces and tragic experiences seemed to be silently warning him.
Since becoming a Beyonder of the "Reader" sequence, he has tried to use reason to see all the truth, from collecting intelligence on his noble identity to meeting Bernadette, and obtaining more in-depth intelligence with her help. But even if he has mastered many hidden secrets, he still cannot see through people's hearts. Just like Emma, she seems powerful, but she also has her own pain and fetters.
Ryan lowered his eyes slightly, his tone low and calm, with a kind of detachment after careful consideration: "I'm sorry, I can't trust someone I've only known for one day, especially when I met you after receiving the mission to find you, and your previous disappearance is still a mystery."
His words were like an invisible barrier, separating him from Emma. Although there seemed to be some resonance between them, Ryan never completely let down his guard. Along the way, he had seen too many false faces and dark corners, and even the cold records in the files were not enough to outline the truth behind those complicated human hearts. On the road from "reasoning student" to "detective", the truth was like a layer of mist that was peeled off, making him more cautious and less likely to trust others.
Emma just smiled slightly when she heard this. She didn't seem to be shaken by Ryan's indifference. Instead, she showed a hint of approval. After a moment of silence, she looked at Ryan calmly, with a firm and fearless tone: "I can understand your vigilance. As a person who has experienced storms and lies, caution is the most precious umbrella. I don't expect you to completely trust me in a short time. But Ryan, just as I hope you can understand, some truths can only be revealed on the basis of trust."
Ryan did not respond, and a cold light flashed across his eyes. He still kept a clear distance in his heart. Although Emma's words were sincere, he knew that in this world full of lies and shadows, any sincere appearance might hide other motives.
The conversation between the two gradually cooled down, but Ryan's defenses had not dissipated. Although Emma did show some sincerity, in this city where shadows and lies are intertwined, any "sincerity" may hide a bottomless undercurrent. He looked away and looked out the window in silence, but Emma's eyes had a firm light, as if she had calmly accepted this lonely road full of thorns.
Emma's tone was calm and fearless: "I will let you know that I am not one of those hypocrites."
She seemed to have seen through Ryan's hesitation and vigilance, and continued: "Ryan, our identities may not be pure, but in this world of lies and shadows, actions are more important than words. My position is here - before you fully trust me, I will respect your defense."Chapter 160 RejectionTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2073 wordsUpdate time: 2024-11-14 23:59:15
Ryan sighed softly. Although the doubts in his heart had not dissipated, he knew that Emma's actions represented a certain commitment. No matter what her purpose was, at least she chose to maintain this subtle tacit understanding in front of him, which was not easy in this world full of shadows.
"Maybe," he responded in a low voice, his eyes gradually becoming clear and calm, "but this is still not enough for me to completely trust you. However, I will remember your choice today."
Emma nodded slightly, as if she had expected his answer. There was a hint of firmness in her tone. "Building trust is often not achieved overnight. However, sometimes, it takes root quietly in those subtle choices. I hope that our next journey can reveal the real answer for you."
"We..." Ryan interrupted her, a hint of alertness in his eyes.
"I'm sorry, but I don't think there's any possibility of us cooperating right now," he added coldly.
Emma did not refute, but said calmly: "About the destination of the slave trade."
Ryan's expression suddenly became serious, his eyes were filled with vigilance and a subtle haze. He shook his head slightly and said coldly: "Emma, even if it involves the destination of slaves, I can't just cooperate with you. There is not much trust between you and me, and our goals are different. Putting such an issue on the table will not change the gap between us."
Emma remained calm, with an unshakable determination in her tone: "I am not trying to get your help easily, but I hope you understand that the problems in the East District can no longer be ignored. The slave trade is not only an exploitation of the lower class, but also involves a higher level of interest chain. Whether we can cooperate or not, I cannot turn a blind eye."
Ryan frowned, his heart slightly shaken, but he remained calm. His low voice was a bit serious: "Since you are so persistent, why don't you go and investigate alone? You know the forces involved are powerful, why do you want to touch them? What do you want from me - clues, or assistance?"
Emma looked straight at him, with a hint of complex emotions in her eyes. "Ryan, I am not naive to think that you will agree easily. But you have helped the helpless people in the East District, and the title of 'Night Blade' is not in vain. You should understand that those souls that have been trafficked are not only related to the East District, but also involve the conspiracy of the upper class. And I, as one person, have limited power after all."
Ryan was silent for a moment, his deep eyes flickering slightly, as if he was measuring the potential motives in her words. Finally, he slowly spoke: "I will consider it, but you don't have to have too much expectations. As for the name 'Night Blade'... that's just a rumor on the street. The real world is far more complicated than you think. Don't think that just because I have helped the poor, it means that I will participate in any actions related to your interests."
Emma smiled slightly, as if she had expected his response. There was no disappointment in her eyes, but a calm understanding and determination. She said softly: "Whether it is Nightblade or Ryan, these are just appearances. I am not asking you to lend a hand for reputation or charity, but I hope you can see the truth with your own eyes - see with your own eyes how those trafficked souls are used as tools for trading and control in the hands of the powerful."
Ryan remained calm, his eyes never wavered, and even had a hint of cold defensiveness. "Emma, you have to understand that I have no intention of getting involved in any conspiracy of the upper powers. The poor in the East End may be my responsibility, but their fate is not enough to shake me. All I do is occasionally sympathize, not an obligation."
Emma stared at him quietly, as if trying to see through his cold appearance to his heart. She spoke slowly, her voice low but firm: "Maybe, your sympathy is indeed impulsive, but the kindness in your heart cannot be denied. Even if you don't want to admit it, it still exists, just like those helpless people you silently helped in the middle of the night."
Ryan's expression changed slightly, as if Emma's words touched a corner of his heart that he didn't want to face. His voice became even colder: "No matter what you say, it can't change my suspicion of you. Maybe one day I will see the truth of what you said, but before that, I will never act rashly."
Emma remained calm, but there was a hint of imperceptible compassion in her eyes. "In this city, everyone is struggling. You and I, despite our different positions, are both looking for our own way out. Whether you like it or not, the truth will eventually come out, but it may be more cruel than you think."
Ryan was silent for a moment, with a complex emotion in his eyes, as if he was trying to gauge the deep meaning of Emma's words. Finally, he sighed and said slowly: "I will observe you for a while, but that doesn't mean I will believe you. This city is full of lies and deception, and every word you say may have other intentions."
Emma nodded, with a faint smile on her lips, as if she had expected his indifference. She whispered, "Then let time test it, Ryan. I don't expect you to trust me right away, but I hope you can find your answer in the future."
The silence between the two continued, the light and shadow in the room intertwined, and the dust still floated silently in the sunlight, as if there were countless neglected secrets in this city. Ryan looked at Emma's back, and although he still kept his distance and vigilance, deep in his heart, the vague curiosity and exploration had quietly sprouted.
Perhaps he did not completely believe her, but he knew that this woman had a certain irresistible persistence, and the hints and secrets she revealed had quietly left traces in his heart.
No matter what, he could never forget that kind-hearted child. Even though he knew that there was some kind of calculation behind Emma's approach, he still couldn't help but come and face this mysterious woman.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Emma, I'm afraid it's getting late today and I have some things to take care of." Ryan looked directly at her, and couldn't help but feel completely seen through.
"Of course, Mr. Ryan," Emma smiled slightly, her tone calm but with a hint of unpredictability, "I look forward to our next meeting."
Ryan stood up, bowed slightly, and without lingering his gaze, turned and walked out the door. His steps were decisive, but with a hint of imperceptible hesitation.
Outside, the sun shines down, and the pedestrians on the street are leisurely and contented, as if the atmosphere inside the house is completely different. The bright sun shines on them, warm and peaceful, as if everything is running according to plan.
Ryan slightly pressed down the brim of his hat, quickened his pace, and quickly blended into the hustle and bustle of the street.
Next, he must confirm the authenticity of today's intelligence - this concerns every step he takes next, and he cannot make any more mistakes.