Chapter 221 CelebrationTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2133 wordsUpdate time: 2025-01-14 12:00:36
The carriage stopped in front of Viscount Belvoir's mansion. The sound of the wheels gently rolling over the snow gradually disappeared in the air. The two got off the car and walked towards the elegantly decorated building. The mansion was impressive. The solemnity and luxury outside became more obvious when entering the room. The interior decoration was magnificent, but the solemn atmosphere in the air made people feel an indescribable sense of oppression. Despite this, Davis remained calm and composed. His eyes were sharp, as if he could see through every detail and atmosphere, and was completely unaffected by the environment.
Throughout the negotiation, Davis, with his profound knowledge of architecture and keen insight into the psychology of the nobility, was able to navigate the complex interests and needs with ease, skillfully guiding the topic and ensuring that Viscount Belvoir's requirements were perfectly integrated with their own design concepts. Every problem was accurately solved and every detail was fully considered until the negotiation was successfully concluded.
When the two walked out of the door of the Viscount's mansion, the air suddenly seemed exceptionally fresh. The sunlight shone on them, taking away some of the oppressive feeling in the room. Eric couldn't help but pat Davis on the shoulder, his tone full of admiration: "Davis, you are amazing."
Davis smiled slightly, looking far away at the streets of Backlund. The pedestrians passing by, the falling snow, and the warm sunshine all seemed to become particularly peaceful at this moment. His voice was low and calm: "I just did what I had to do, Eric. We can have a satisfying New Year not only because of the success of this project, but also because we are moving towards our goal step by step."
Eric smiled and couldn't help but teasing, "You really can see farther than anyone else. Anyway, we should celebrate today. This cooperation can be said to have ended perfectly."
Davis smiled indifferently and shook his head gently: "There's no rush to celebrate." He paused and said in a relaxed tone, "I just want to have a good rest."
Eric was stunned, as if he didn't hear clearly, and looked at Davis in shock: "What's wrong?"
"You actually said the word rest." Eric couldn't believe it, with a teasing smile on his face, "Usually, even if you fall down, you will toss and turn in bed to make plans. Do you really want to rest this time?"
Davis smiled slightly, with an unusual sense of ease and relaxation in his eyes. He whispered back, "If I don't tell you to rest, do you expect me to work like a machine every day? Sometimes, relaxing can make your mind clearer."
Eric was stunned for a moment, then he understood what Davis meant and smiled: "It seems that it is indeed worth relaxing today. Let's go, find a place to have a good rest and enjoy this less tense moment."
Davis smiled slightly, with a hint of relief in his eyes. He lowered his head slightly and said in a joking tone: "I think the bed is the best place to rest."
Eric was stunned, then he couldn't help laughing out loud: "Davis, what kind of rest are you talking about? I thought you were going to find a quiet place to have a drink, but you actually want to stay in bed?"
Davis shrugged, a faint smile on his face. "Sometimes, the simplest way to rest is the most effective, Eric." He waved his hand gently, "But if you want to drink, I don't mind."
Eric's smile did not disappear, but became brighter: "Oh, it seems that this is your real way to rest. Well, I'll listen to you today, let's find a place to have a glass of wine, and then have a good rest for a while, relax, and recharge ourselves."
Davis nodded, and the two walked towards the tavern on the street. The sun had begun to slant, and the warm light shone through the branches on both sides of the street, and the pace of the entire city became much slower. Although Davis's eyes still maintained that cold rationality, at this moment, even he himself felt a little relaxed.
"You're really becoming more and more like a normal person, Davis." Eric teased with a smile.
"Normal people also have their own rest time." Davis replied calmly, "Besides, even normal people can find time to drink, why can't I?"
Eric smiled even more happily: "You really have become a little more 'human' today."
Davis shook his head slightly, with a hint of helplessness in his eyes: "Don't forget, we are still in Backlund. Relaxing occasionally is to go further."
As they walked and talked, they gradually left the oppressive atmosphere of Viscount Belvoir's mansion and turned into a quieter street. There were not many people here, and the snow on both sides of the street was trampled loose and messy. Several shops had already displayed New Year-related decorations in their windows, exuding a warm atmosphere of the approaching festival.
"How about the pub in front?" Eric pointed to an old building on the corner. A wooden sign with a wine glass logo hung on the door. The wooden sign swayed gently in the breeze, making a creaking sound.
Davis looked up at the tavern. There were some icicles hanging above the door frame that had not yet completely melted. Through the window, he could see the flickering lights and a few guests inside. He nodded slightly, "It looks good."
Pushing open the heavy wooden door, a warm breath hits you. The atmosphere in the tavern is cozy and peaceful. The orange-red flames burn in the fireplace, emitting waves of warmth. Several old wooden tables are scattered in the hall. Guests sit in groups of three or four. Some talk in low voices, some drink alone, and occasionally you can hear a slight laugh.
Eric found a table by the window and sat down. He called a waiter and said, "Two glasses of hot wine, with some spices."
Davis took off his coat, put it on the back of the chair, sat down and looked around the interior of the pub. The decoration style here is simple and rustic, without too many complicated designs, but every detail is just right, making people feel comfortable.
Soon, the waiter brought two glasses of hot spiced wine. With the faint aroma of wine and spices, the warmth spread instantly. Eric picked up the wine glass and raised it to Davis: "Come on, cheers for today's smooth cooperation."
Davis raised his glass, clinked it slightly, and smiled faintly: "For every step in the future."
The two drank it all in one gulp. The spicy and warm wine slid down their throats, dispelling the remaining chill in their bodies. It seemed that even the fatigue of winter was dissipated a little with this cup of hot wine. Eric put down the wine glass, and a satisfied look appeared on his face: "This feels good, right? It's much more interesting than just going back to bed to rest."
Davis put down his glass and chuckled, "It seems that listening to you occasionally is not a bad thing."
"Of course." Eric grinned, a hint of excitement flashing in his eyes, "Let's buy some more New Year's goods tomorrow and send some to the children in the East District. This school was only established this year, and this is the first time for the children to celebrate the New Year."Chapter 222 FogTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2133 wordsUpdate time: 2025-01-14 23:42:25
The next morning, Davis was interrupted by a rapid knock on the door when he was half asleep. He opened his eyes, his head still lingering with the aftertaste of last night's hot wine, and felt a little heavy.
"Davis, get up! Don't forget to prepare New Year's goods today!" Eric's excited voice came from outside the door, revealing his impatience.
He rubbed his forehead helplessly and sighed softly: "You are so energetic that it makes people jealous..." He got out of bed, dressed quickly and opened the door. The cold air immediately penetrated into his nostrils, making him instantly sober.
Outside the window, thick fog enveloped the entire Backlund, and the streets were vaguely covered with a thin layer of frost. Houses in the distance were looming, and the dim light from the street lamps was swallowed by the fog, casting a hazy and quiet color on the entire city.
"The fog is really thick." Davis stood at the door and looked around.
"This is what winter feels like." Eric smiled and patted his shoulder. "Hurry up and eat something. Let's get going early. The market is very busy right now."
After a simple breakfast, the two went out with the prepared list. There were few pedestrians on the street, only some early risers were setting up their stalls and busy preparing for a new day's business. In the thick fog, the biting cold forced Davis to wrap his coat tightly. He looked at the gradually emerging market outline and whispered, "Candy, clothes, books, and some toys, all must be bought."
"Let's split up, it will be more efficient." Eric suggested, "I'll take care of the food, and you take care of the practical things."
"Remember to buy more cold-weather supplies. The children in the East District need them." Davis nodded, his expression softening slightly.
In the thick fog, the two of them were busy. The market gradually became lively, and the stalls were filled with shouts. The sun penetrated the fog, and the scene on the street gradually became clear. Davis picked out warm clothes one by one, and thought of the children huddled in the cold winter, and a trace of warmth rose in his heart.
An hour later, Eric returned with several bags full of candy and snacks, a smug smile on his face, "Done! How about you here?"
Davis pointed to the clothes and books in his hands and said calmly, "It's almost done, let's go back."
"The kids must be so happy now." Eric laughed, "They are getting a sense of accomplishment in advance."
Davis nodded slightly, a faint smile on his face: "After we go back, we will set up the place, ask the teachers for help, and hold a small celebration party."
"No problem." Eric agreed, picked up his bags, and set off on his way home with Davis. However, the fog did not dissipate, but became thicker. The scenery in the distance gradually blurred, and pedestrians and vehicles seemed to be hidden in the gray mist. The whole Backlund seemed dark and silent.
"This fog is not right." Davis frowned and looked around. Backlund often has fog, but it is extremely rare for it to continue to get worse.
Eric scratched his head and muttered, "It feels like walking into a thick curtain. I can't see clearly anywhere."
Davis did not respond, but quickened his pace. Although he acted in a low profile, he remained highly alert. Sudden abnormalities, especially in such a foggy environment, often indicate danger.
However, he relaxed a little after thinking about it. He probably didn't reveal his identity, and he had been keeping a low profile recently. It was unlikely that such anomalies were directed at him. But even so, he still remained highly alert.
"Hurry up and get to school as soon as possible." Davis whispered, with a hint of caution and calmness in his voice.
Eric nodded when he heard this, and tightened his grip on the bag in his hand. He quickened his pace as Davis followed, feeling a little uneasy.
The fog on the street was getting thicker and thicker, like a heavy curtain covering the city, swallowing up all the scenery in a hazy state. Visibility was pitifully low, and the dim light from the street lamps was diluted by the fog, blurring out, barely illuminating the cold and slippery stone road underfoot. The air was filled with a damp chill, as if countless invisible ice blades penetrated through the clothes and went straight to the bone marrow, making people unconsciously wrap their coats tightly.
When he reached a remote alley, Davis subconsciously slowed down his pace, his expression slightly solemn. He looked around vigilantly, and saw a few vague black shadows vaguely emerging in the thick fog. The whispers seemed to come from a distance, but seemed to be blocked by the thick fog and appeared intermittent, and the specific direction could not be distinguished.
He stood there for a moment, frowned, and then without stopping for too long, he lowered his voice and said to Eric beside him: "Keep going, be careful."
Eric nodded calmly, and the two of them quickened their pace and continued along the street. The fog seemed to be getting thicker and thicker, covering the buildings and streets on both sides, and the oppressive atmosphere was everywhere.
After passing through several deserted streets, the outline of the school finally appeared in the distance. It was a small two-story building with light gray paint on the exterior walls and a thin layer of snow on the roof. It looked a little dim against the dim light and thick fog, but it exuded a rare warmth and tranquility.
Davis stood still for a moment, carefully looked around, and after confirming that there was nothing unusual, he walked towards the school gate. There was an old wooden sign hanging at the door, the writing was blurred due to frost and erosion, but the words "East District School" could still be recognized.
"Finally we're here." Eric breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "This damn weather is really horrible. I should have worn an extra layer of clothing earlier."
Davis did not respond, but nodded slightly, his eyes still scanning the surroundings vigilantly, until he was completely sure that the surroundings were safe, he slowly pushed open the half-closed iron door. The door hinge made a slight "creaking" sound due to rust, which was out of tune with the silence outside.
As the door slowly opened, a light wood fragrance mixed with the warm breath of charcoal fire blew in, isolating the coldness from the outside world. The simple campus was quiet and warm, with faint light coming through a few windows, giving people a rare sense of stability.
"Mr. Davis, Mr. Eric!" A clear and childish voice came from the front.
Davis looked in the direction of the sound and saw a little boy about seven or eight years old standing on the steps not far away, holding a clean rag in his hand and with an excited smile on his face. When he saw the two people coming in, he immediately ran over quickly, and after standing still, he was slightly out of breath, but the smile on his face did not diminish in the slightest.
"You are here! The teacher said you would come today, and we have been waiting!" There was an anticipation in the little boy's eyes, and his tender face was slightly flushed because of the cold, but his sincere joy warmed Davis and Eric's hearts.
Eric bent down and ruffled the little boy's hair with a smile: "Yeah, we brought you something for the New Year. Are you ready for the surprise?"
The little boy's eyes lit up immediately and he cheered, "Really? Thank you! I'll tell everyone right away!"
As soon as he finished speaking, he ran back to the classroom happily, and his voice echoed in the quiet campus, revealing a sense of childlike innocence and vitality.Chapter 223 Annual MeetingTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2047 wordsUpdate time: 2025-01-15 17:30:05
Watching the little boy leave excitedly, Eric smiled and said to Davis: "These children's reactions are always so direct, which warms people's hearts."
Davis smiled faintly, his eyes softened a little: "This is the meaning of this school. I hope that when they grow up, they will have more choices, instead of being forced to be trapped in the shackles of fate like those workers."
Eric nodded slightly after hearing this, and didn't say much. He knew that Davis had always had a desire for change in his heart. Even if he couldn't shake the whole world, he hoped to bring a different future to these poor children.
"Let's go and take the things inside," Davis said, picking up the bag in his hand and walking towards the classroom.
The classroom door was half-open, and through the crack in the door, I could see several children busy cleaning, some wiping windows, some arranging tables and chairs, with serious and expectant expressions on their faces. The innocence and joy of the children seemed particularly warm in this cold and gloomy winter day.
Davis pushed open the door, and several children immediately looked up. When they saw them coming in, they all smiled with surprise.
"Mr. Davis, Mr. Eric!" A girl who looked a little older put down the broom in her hand, bowed slightly, and saluted in a clear and polite voice.
Eric smiled and waved his hand: "Don't be busy, let's see what we brought first!" As he said that, he gently placed the bag in his hand on the table, which was filled with various candies and snacks. As soon as the bag was opened, the sweet aroma wafted out, immediately attracting several children to gather around, their eyes full of excitement and curiosity.
"Wow! These candies look so beautiful!" a little girl couldn't help but exclaimed with her eyes wide open.
"And these clothes and books." Davis put another bag of things on the table and said slowly, "Each of you will get one, and the teacher will help distribute it later."
"Thank you!" the children said in unison. Their tender voices echoed in the classroom, carrying with them a heartfelt gratitude and joy.
Eric laughed and waved his hand: "Don't worry, there will be a surprise later."
At this time, several teachers also came out of another classroom. One of the older female teachers smiled and nodded to Davis: "Mr. Davis, thank you for coming. The children can't wait to celebrate."
Davis nodded politely. "Thank you for your continued efforts. We have prepared some supplies and snacks, hoping that the children can have a warm New Year."
The female teacher smiled with satisfaction: "You have done enough. For these children, such care is more precious than anything else."
As the teachers joined in, the classroom gradually became lively. The children gathered around the table, eager to help decorate, with colorful paper flowers and simple small ornaments hung on the wall, and the whole classroom was gradually filled with a festive atmosphere.
Davis, standing aside, looked at the children's cheerful appearance, and the long-lost peace in his heart reappeared. He exhaled lightly, looking at the still thick fog outside the window, with a bit of deep thought and caution in his eyes.
"Davis?" Eric's voice brought him back to reality. "What are you thinking about?"
Davis turned around, his expression returned to normal, and said calmly: "Nothing, maybe it's just that I haven't seen such a lively scene for a long time."
Eric grinned, "Yeah, we don't usually see such pure happiness. Don't worry, we are here, no one can destroy this rare peace."
Davis didn't say anything, but he remained alert. He knew that Backlund was always full of surprises and dangers, and the thick fog still made him feel uneasy.
The atmosphere in the classroom gradually became lively. The children gathered around the table, excitedly discussing the candies and snacks in their hands. Some of the children couldn't wait to take a bite of the candy, with satisfied smiles on their faces.
Davis stood aside, watching the scene quietly, with a rare gentleness in his eyes. No matter how turbulent the outside world of Backlund was, these children could at least enjoy a brief and precious happiness here.
Eric walked to the middle of the children with a smile and made an exaggerated gesture: "Come on, everyone, sit down, and we will start today's game session! Whoever can answer my question can get an extra snack!"
The children immediately quieted down, looking at him with wide eyes and expectation.
"First question! How many bridges are there across the Tussock River in Backlund?" Eric asked mysteriously, with a mischievous smile in his eyes.
"Six seats!" An older boy was the first to raise his hand to answer.
"That's right!" Eric laughed and handed a piece of dessert to the boy. "Great! It seems we have a future geographer here!"
The children burst into laughter, and the atmosphere became even more lively.
Davis stood aside, watching Eric interact with the children, and a smile appeared on his face unconsciously. Although Eric was usually careless, he could always make the atmosphere relaxed and happy in such occasions.
In the following time, the children played various games under the guidance of the teacher, and the whole classroom was filled with laughter. The colored paper and decorations on the wall swayed gently under the dim light, as if adding a festive atmosphere to this simple and warm celebration.
Two hours passed unknowingly, and the celebration was gradually coming to an end. The teachers began to organize the children to clean up the venue. Several older children took the initiative to help move tables and chairs, while the younger children gathered together to share the remaining snacks, still immersed in the joy of the New Year.
Eric wiped the sweat from his forehead, walked over to Davis, and whispered, "I didn't expect that organizing a small celebration would be so tiring."
Davis smiled faintly: "Aren't you enjoying it?"
Eric shrugged and showed a smug smile: "That's right, this is a rare good time."
Davis glanced out the window. The fog was still thick. Night had quietly fallen. The dim light of the street lamps was dim and blurry in the fog. His brows knitted slightly, and the uneasiness in his heart resurfaced.
"Let's get ready to go, the fog is getting thicker," he said, with a hint of caution in his tone.
Eric's smile faded slightly, and he nodded, "Okay, I'll go get the things."
The two quickly packed up the empty bags they brought, and after a brief goodbye to the teachers, Davis led the way out of the school gate. The biting cold wind mixed with the damp and cold mist rushed towards us, as if it instantly penetrated through the clothes and stuck to the skin, making people shiver involuntarily.Chapter 224 GuardianTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2398 wordsUpdate time: 2025-01-16 17:30:09
Davis subconsciously wrapped his coat tightly around his waist, then stopped and frowned slightly. This cold temperature was not an ordinary winter temperature.
As a Sequence 7 "Detective", his body had long been strengthened by potions, so it was no problem for him to resist ordinary cold. But the chill at this moment seemed to penetrate his skin and go straight to the depths of his soul, bringing with it an indescribable sense of oppression, like an invisible threat slowly approaching.
"Davis, what's wrong with you?" Eric, who was following behind him, noticed his abnormality and asked in a low voice, his expression changing from relaxed to alert. Although Eric had never experienced extraordinary baptism, he had an instinctive trust in Davis' judgment.
"The cold here...is abnormal." Davis responded in a low and calm voice, his eyes scanning the dense fog, trying to detect the hidden danger. "There is some strange power mixed in the fog, very weak, but enough to make people uneasy."
After hearing this, Eric's smile completely disappeared and his expression became serious. He took a deep breath and asked in a low voice, "Are you sure what it is? Or, what dangers does this power bring?"
Davis did not answer immediately. He closed his eyes, held his breath, and tried to capture more subtle changes. In the silent environment, the mist seemed to have life, flowing gently, but without making a sound. This silence itself was a kind of creepy abnormality.
A few seconds later, he opened his eyes with a hint of coldness in them, and whispered, "Don't go back today."
Eric was stunned. He obviously didn't expect to hear such a decision: "Not going back? You mean...?"
"Let's stay in the school for one night. There's something wrong with the fog outside." Davis' tone was calm, but it revealed an unquestionable determination. "It not only carries a strong sense of oppression, but also contains some abnormal power. This power is increasing. If we walk out rashly, we may get lost in the fog or even die."
die..."
Davis whispered this cold word, his voice seemed to be swallowed by an invisible force in the mist, becoming more and more gloomy. Eric's pupils shrank slightly, his throat seemed to be blocked by something, and his breathing became a little rapid.
Before Eric could speak, Davis raised his hand and waved it, signaling him not to ask any more questions: "You know, I have encountered similar situations when traveling." His tone was calm, but it revealed a sense of oppression and heaviness. "When facing unknown dangers, the best strategy is not curiosity, but to stay away from them."
When Eric heard this, his heart sank. He knew Davis' character and knew that this was not without purpose. Davis had come into contact with many ancient forbidden relics and unknown phenomena during his travels. His experience was always accurate and cold, and he had never made mistakes due to luck.
"Do you think... we are facing some unknown existence now?" Eric's voice was a little stiff. He tried to stay calm, but his fingers unconsciously clenched the hem of his coat.
"It's very likely." Davis's eyes swept through the dense fog like a knife, and his voice was low and firm. "The fog not only feels oppressive, but also faintly reveals a smell of decay. This is not a natural phenomenon, but more like some extraordinary force is controlling it... Or, in other words, some kind of existence is approaching."
Eric swallowed his saliva, trying to dispel the inexplicable fear in his heart. He couldn't help but ask, "What should we do now? Will it be more dangerous if we continue to stay here?"
Davis pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Don't take any risks for now. This fog is too strange. We are not sure how large its coverage is, nor how long it will last. If it is really an extension of some kind of power, then it is relatively safe to stay inside the school. At least this is an environment we are familiar with, and we have certain defensive advantages."
After a pause, he continued, "Remember, when facing the unknown, don't get close to it out of curiosity - that will only lead you to destruction. Stay away from danger and survive, then you will have a chance to find out the truth."
Davis' words seemed particularly cold in the silent mist, as if every word carried some kind of oppressive power that struck people's hearts. Eric trembled slightly. He was not a timid person, but at this moment, the chill that seemed to come from the depths of his soul made him feel an indescribable uneasiness.
Sensing Eric's uneasiness, Davis softened his tone and smiled faintly: "Don't worry, I got a little thing during my travels that helped me get through a lot of dangers."
Eric raised his head and looked at Davis with some confusion: "Little thing?"
Davis did not answer directly, but reached into the inner pocket of his coat and took out an exquisite silver pocket watch. The surface of the pocket watch was engraved with ancient patterns, and it glowed faintly in the misty environment. Eric stared at the pocket watch and felt that it was unusual and seemed to have a mysterious aura.
"Is this the little thing you were talking about?" Eric asked curiously.
Davis nodded and said lightly: "It can help me deal with some emergencies, especially when facing uncertain dangers, it allows me to react in advance." His tone was calm, with a hint of unquestionable certainty, as if this pocket watch really had magical powers.
In fact, this was just a prop Davis used to summon the messenger, and it had no function as he described. He took it out just to comfort Eric and tell him not to be too nervous. In this strange environment, keeping his companions calm was more important than anything else.
Eric really relaxed a little and nodded: "That's good, at least we are not defenseless."
Davis said nothing more. He remained calm, but he was thinking quickly. He knew that the pocket watch alone could not provide any real protection, and the abnormal power in the thick fog before him was definitely not an ordinary phenomenon. The looming sense of oppression in the fog seemed to have life, slowly approaching, making people palpitate.
"We must set up a simple but effective ritual magic as soon as possible, to at least protect us from these strange forces." Davis thought to himself, but his goal was not limited to this - not only to protect himself and Eric, but also to protect everyone in this school, to prevent them from being innocently involved in this unknown danger.
"Let's go to the classroom in the middle." Davis put away his pocket watch, his tone calm and decisive, as if he already had a detailed plan.
Eric didn't ask any more questions and followed Davis to the classroom in the middle of the school. Along the way, the fog became thicker and thicker, like an invisible net that tightly enveloped the entire campus. The outlines of the buildings in the distance became blurred, as if they were hidden in another world, and only the road under our feet was vaguely visible in the fog. There was a damp and cold breath in the air, as if a cold hand was tightly grasping the skin and constantly penetrating into the bone marrow, making people unable to help but wrap their clothes tightly, but still unable to dispel the cold and oppressive feeling.
"Davis, are you sure we can set up protection in this environment?" Eric asked in a low voice, with a hint of uneasiness in his tone. Although he believed in Davis, the strange fog in front of him still made him feel palpitating.
Davis kept walking, his voice calm but confident: "Don't worry, I can do it." There was no hesitation in his tone, as if he had already made up his mind. But only he knew that the pressure and tension in his heart were rapidly accumulating.
"I have to protect it." Davis hinted to himself. This was not only a promise to Eric, but also a requirement for himself. In this dangerous environment, as the only person who had come into contact with extraordinary power, he could not allow himself to fail.
He understood that everyone in this school might have been in this unknown danger, and he was their only barrier.Chapter 225 CeremonyTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2359 wordsUpdate time: 2025-01-17 17:30:01
The classroom in the distance finally came into view, its outline still blurred, as if swallowed by thick fog. Despite this, the spacious space and solid stone walls still made Davis feel relieved. This was the best place to set up protection, enough to accommodate an effective ceremony, and also provide shelter for everyone in times of crisis.
He quickened his pace, walked through the door, and entered the classroom. Instantly, Davis looked around, keenly checking the surrounding environment, and noticed a strange chill in the air. He frowned, feeling the oppressive feeling quietly seeping in from outside. "Stand by the door and pay attention to the movements around you. If there is anything unusual, tell me immediately." He whispered.
Eric nodded, looking nervous, but calmed down a little after hearing Davis' calm instructions. The uneasy premonition in his heart still lingered, but he knew that only by following Davis's arrangements could he ensure his own safety.
Davis quickly took out various props for the ceremony from his bag. Silver powder, rune slabs, black candles, dark blue liquid... were neatly arranged one by one. Fortunately, Davis' identity as a "traveler" allowed him to easily carry these seemingly unusual items without arousing suspicion.
"Although the power contained in the mist is obscure, it is not strong." Davis muttered to himself, and began to draw a complex array on the ground, his movements were quick and precise. "Setting up a basic protective array should be able to suppress it temporarily."
Eric stood at the door, his eyes fixed on the endless fog outside. The fog seemed to have life, slowly expanding and engulfing everything around it. There was an indescribable sense of oppression in the air, almost suffocating. The only sound in his ears was the rustling of Davis's formation. Gradually, even time seemed to freeze in this silence.
"Davis, how long will it take?" Eric's voice was low and rapid, his palms were sweating, and the uneasiness in his heart became more and more intense. He didn't even notice that he had stepped back a few steps unconsciously.
"Almost there, the last step." Davis did not look up, his voice still steady. As he whispered the spell, he began to carefully place the four stone tablets engraved with runes in the four corners of the formation. Then, he lit the black candle, and as the flame flickered, the tension in the air seemed to be further compressed. Then came a strong spiritual fluctuation, which gradually enveloped the entire classroom.
The spell sounded, and the air trembled slightly. The fluctuations of the formation spread like a tide, quickly covering every corner of the school. Even the gaps between the windows and door frames were tightly sealed by an invisible barrier. The sense of oppression still existed, but as the formation stabilized, it became less heavy. The air in the school seemed to gradually regain a bit of clarity, but the fog outside was still surging.
"Okay, we're safe for now." Davis stood up and wiped the sweat from his forehead. He looked a little tired, but his eyes were still firm. "This protective formation can last until dawn. We'll wait here."
Eric felt relieved. At this moment, it was as if the whole world was isolated, except for his own breathing and the occasional sound of fog hitting in the distance. "Finally, I feel a little safe." He whispered, but there was still confusion in his tone, "But what is going on with this fog? Do you think it is a natural phenomenon, or... caused by some force?"
Davis did not answer immediately, but quietly looked at the almost impenetrable fog outside the wall. There seemed to be some invisible threat lurking in the fog, and the familiar yet unfamiliar sense of oppression made him frown slightly. After a moment of silence, he slowly said: "Whatever it is, it shouldn't be here."
His words were few, but full of implicit alertness and uneasiness. The air fell silent again, with only the weak flame of the candle flickering in the darkness, making a low crackling sound. The space in the classroom seemed to freeze, as if time had also stopped in this depressing atmosphere.
However, this tranquility did not last long. From a distance, there came the sound of hurried footsteps, getting closer and closer, as if with a kind of urgent anxiety.
Then, Ms. Emma appeared at the door panting, her face pale, her eyes full of anxiety and panic. When she saw Davis and Eric, a glimmer of relief flashed in her eyes, as if she had found the last hope.
"Mr. Davis!" She hurriedly walked up to them, her tone somewhat anxious, "Have you ever encountered any unusual situation during your travels before?"
Davis frowned slightly, looked at her face deeply, and asked in a deep voice: "What's wrong? Ms. Emma."
Emma's voice was almost trembling. "Many children suddenly fell ill. We wanted to go out to find a doctor, but for some reason, all the outer doors could not be opened." She paused, as if trying to suppress her panic. "I tried pushing and knocking hard, but the door seemed to be locked by something and could not be opened at all."
Davis listened to her calmly and had a vague guess in his mind. He whispered, "I used a life-saving item. There is something wrong with this mist. It is very risky to go out." He paused, his eyes deep, and slowly said, "It may not be a natural phenomenon, but a manifestation of power."
Emma's face turned even paler, her eyes filled with fear. She hurriedly grabbed Davis' arm and said, "What should we do? The children's condition is getting worse and worse. I can't just watch them get into trouble!"
Davis gently pulled his arm back, his eyes still calm, but with a hint of comfort in his tone: "I also learned some simple medical skills during my travels. You can take me to check on the children first." He paused and added, "However, be careful. We don't know the impact range of this fog yet. Try to stay in this protective formation."
Emma nodded, her eyes showing both trust and anxiety. Without any hesitation, she turned around and hurried to the other end of the classroom, her steps hurried, as if every second was delaying her time to rescue the children. Davis and Eric followed closely behind, their pace was the same, but the atmosphere was completely different.
Eric frowned, his eyes flashing with a hint of uneasiness that was difficult to conceal. His gaze lingered on Davis for a moment, and then he whispered, "Are you sure you can treat it?" His voice was very low, as if he was afraid of disturbing something, but his tone was obviously anxious and anxious. If Davis could not be effectively treated, he would never stay for a moment, even if he had to risk entering the strange fog, he would look for any possible antidote or help.
Davis stopped and turned his head slightly to look at Eric. His eyes were as deep as a calm lake. His tone was calm but revealed an unshakable strength: "Don't worry, I can handle it."
These few words left Eric speechless for a moment, but the uneasiness in his heart did not completely dissipate. He vaguely felt that although Davis spoke lightly, there seemed to be some deeper worry hidden behind his calmness.
Of course, Davis also knew that the children's illness was closely related to the diffuse fog. The abnormal power contained in the fog might be the root cause of all this, and to truly solve the problem, it is necessary to find the source of the fog and try to eliminate it.
He didn't say anything more, but just started walking again, his steps were steady and firm. At that moment, his back looked particularly stern, like a lonely but stable mountain, which would not be easily defeated no matter how big the storm was.
And he was already prepared.Chapter 226 ExpulsionTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2299 wordsUpdate time: 2025-01-18 17:30:04
The south side of the school is the place with the most sunshine and is also where the children live. When establishing this school, he and Audrey had discussed many times how to provide better living conditions for these children in the east district. Most of the children in the east district were born in poverty and their living environment was even more worrying. In order to give these children a glimmer of hope in hardship, they decided to choose this most open area and plan the dormitories and activity areas to be as comfortable as possible.
The windows of the dormitory buildings were designed to be exceptionally bright, allowing sunlight to pour into the rooms without hindrance, dispelling the gloom and cold. Each child had his or her own bed, desk and chair, and there was a small lawn downstairs for them to play on, planted with several cherry trees hand-picked by Audrey.
I believe that next spring, when the petals are flying, the children will laugh, chase and play, temporarily isolating themselves from all the misfortunes in the world.
However, outside this quiet campus, thick fog gradually spread, as if something terrible was hidden in the middle, quietly swallowing up this land that was originally full of hope.
Nancy ran with Davis and Eric, her eager steps almost non-stop. Her breath was short and her face was a little anxious, obviously she was very worried about the children's condition. When she led the two through the winding corridors and finally arrived at the dormitory hall, Davis saw the sick children at a glance. Most of the children were lying on the floor, with simple quilts under them, looking particularly fragile. In order to take care of these sick children, they had to move the children in the room to the spacious hall, where mattresses and blankets were placed messily on the ground.
The air was filled with a dull smell, which was the weakness and exhaustion of sick children. The moment Davis walked into the hall, he heard low coughs and slight groans. The children were pale and there was no vitality in their eyes, as if their vitality was slowly fading away. Nancy hurried to the bed of a little girl and touched her cold forehead: "She has had a high fever for several hours and can't wake up at all. Mr. Davis, please hurry up, you must save them!"
Davis did not respond immediately, but carefully observed every child in the room. His eyes rested on the faces of the sick children one by one, and a trace of contemplation and worry flashed in his eyes. He knew clearly that although he immediately blocked the further penetration of the fog through the protective array, the short-term contact had already caused harm to these fragile children.
He walked slowly to the little girl's bed, squatted down, and gently felt her pulse. The touch was so weak that it almost made people think that her vitality was dissipating. He calmed down, closed his eyes for a moment, and carefully felt the spiritual fluctuations in her body. Unexpectedly, he detected a slight sign of recovery.
"Fortunately... this force is weakening, and the children's bodies are recovering." He whispered to himself, but there was a hint of solemnity in his tone, "However, their bodies will be under more pressure during the recovery process. The symptoms will appear to be more serious."
He stood up again and looked out the window. The thick fog was still like a slowly flowing wall, covering the entire campus. But he noticed something strange - the fog didn't seem to be an unconscious natural phenomenon. They were surging at the border, as if some invisible force was driving them to find an entrance. The aggression was almost like a predator that had found its prey but was temporarily trapped and kept trying to break out of the cage.
Davis closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and felt the state of the protective array he had set up. The spiritual fluctuations were still stable, but in the confrontation with the outside world, he clearly felt that the power of the array was being weakened bit by bit. The mist seemed to have an invisible corrosiveness, and each wave of impact seemed to be biting at the spiritual barrier of the protective array.
"If this goes on, I won't make it to tomorrow, or until the sun comes to disperse the fog." He whispered to himself, with a hint of uneasiness in his eyes. This was not the first time he faced such a crisis, but this time, the situation was much more complicated.
There was obviously some intention behind the mist, some kind of "consciousness" that was constantly testing the weaknesses of the protective formation, and it even seemed to be patiently waiting for the moment when his spiritual power was exhausted.
Davis raised his head and glanced around grimly, quickly thinking of ways to deal with the situation.
"Eric." He turned suddenly, his voice low and decisive, "Go find some clean salt, the more the better. If you don't have salt, find something to replace it, such as iron filings or ashes. It has to be quick."
Eric was obviously stunned, but then nodded: "I understand, I'll go right away!" He turned and left quickly, and his footsteps hurriedly disappeared at the end of the corridor.
Davis stood there, his eyes falling back out the window. He knew that the existing protective formation alone was not enough to completely resist the invasion of the outside world. He had to strengthen the formation again and delay time as much as possible to fight for the children's hope of survival. But more importantly - find the source of the control of the mist and completely cut off its source of power.
"If the source is not resolved soon, all of us will be in trouble..." He whispered, with an unquestionable firmness in his words.
Davis looked down at the still unconscious little girl, reached out and gently covered her with a blanket, and a silent heaviness came over his heart. He knew that these children were fighting against unknown forces, and he was the only one who could help them. But he also knew that time was passing. Every second, the fog outside was infiltrating and approaching this short-lived safe zone.
He took a deep breath, raised his head, and glanced at the children who were still unconscious, but his heart was not shaken at all. No matter how big the challenge was, he was ready to deal with it.
"Ms. Nancy, the children's condition is getting better." Davis said calmly but confidently, "I will use a ritual to expel the evil forces, which will speed up the children's recovery." He paused, his eyes slightly solemn, "But please be prepared - the impact of the fog is far from being eliminated, and I must take action as soon as possible."
Nancy looked at him, with a complex emotion in her eyes. She had only met Davis a few times, and she didn't expect him to be able to do this. Although she was still worried, his words gave her some comfort.
"I understand, Mr. Davis, I will stay here and ensure the safety of the children." After she said that, she took a deep breath, quickly returned to the corner, and kept a close eye on every child in the hall.
Davis walked to the center of the hall, took out several commonly used ritual props from his pocket, and began to skillfully arrange the ceremony. Not long after, Eric came in with an unopened bag of salt.
"This is the salt that Mr. Henry provided to the school. It's unopened and should meet your requirements." Eric handed over the bag with a little anxiety.
Davis did not rush to respond, but nodded slightly and took the bag of salt. He quickly tore open the bag, and the white salt particles inside were as crystal clear as pearls, exuding a light and elegant fragrance. Davis gently poured the salt into the container next to him, and his fingertips touched the salt particles, as if he could feel the pure power contained in them. He was silent for a moment, looked up and looked around, and after confirming that everything was ready, he began to evenly sprinkle salt particles in the four corners of the room.
As the salt particles fell, the originally tense and oppressive feeling in the air seemed to begin to vibrate slightly, and the uneasiness in the space gradually weakened.Chapter 227 DepartureTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2154 wordsUpdate time: 2025-01-19 17:30:02
Davis sprinkled salt while concentrating his mind. His spirituality surged like rolling waves, pulling the power of the spiritual world. Every movement he made was precise, and the sense of oppression in the air began to vibrate slightly, as if an invisible force penetrated the entire room, dispelling all the haze and anxiety.
As each grain of salt fell, the surrounding atmosphere seemed to change subtly. It was not ordinary salt, but full of energy to purify and expel evil spirits. Every grain of salt that fell would stir up slight ripples, as if weaving an invisible barrier. The oppressive atmosphere in the room gradually disappeared, the air became fresh, the heavy fog began to slowly dissipate, and even the oppressive feeling of the space was temporarily isolated.
Davis' movements became faster and faster, and the distribution of the salt particles in his hands became more and more precise. His eyes were firm, as if every drop of salt was controlling a huge energy field. As the last salt particle fell, the air in the room completely returned to calm. Although the children's faces were still weak, it could be felt that their breathing gradually stabilized, and their originally tense faces relaxed a little.
Eric and Nancy watched quietly from the side, with a glimmer of hope in their eyes. Although they knew that all this was only a temporary relief, at least at this moment, the oppressive atmosphere in the room had been dispelled, and the children's breathing gradually became stable.
Nancy asked softly, with anticipation and uneasiness: "Davis, will this really make the children's condition better?"
Davis raised his head, his eyes calm and deep, as if no difficulties could shake his calmness and control. "Don't worry." He spoke in a deep voice with determination, "These salts can remove the evil aura in the space, reduce the oppression of the fog, and enhance the effect of the protective array. The children will get better due to the purification."
However, he knew that this relief was only temporary. Once the ritual formation was over, everything would return to square one, or even worse. But he did not reveal this inner worry to Nancy and Eric. The fog outside, especially for ordinary people like Nancy and Eric, was simply inaccessible.
Nancy nodded slightly. Although she was still nervous, she was comforted by Davis's usual calmness. No matter how serious the situation was, he could always stay rational and give people hope.
"So what should we do next?" She took a deep breath and looked directly at Davis.
Davis's eyes fell on the unconscious children, his expression was slightly heavy, but his tone was still calm: "I will inform the church." He paused and looked out the window. The fog was so thick that it was almost impossible to see the end. It carried a strange evil aura, as if some invisible force was controlling everything. "This is not a natural phenomenon. It seems that some dark force is controlling it. It is trying to erode everything here. If the source is not resolved, this crisis will never end."
Eric frowned, his tone slightly uneasy but more determined: "Then let's go find the source now?"
Davis turned around and said firmly, "It's not us, it's me. I'll go to the nearest church." The tone of his voice was like a stone hitting the water, carrying an indescribable weight.
Nancy and Eric looked at each other, with complex emotions intertwined in their eyes. Although she understood Davis' decision, in this strange situation, every choice seemed full of danger, and fate seemed to have quietly arrived in this action.
"Are you alone?" Nancy asked anxiously, her tone full of worry.
"Yes." Davis responded briefly, "I have experience, and I also have some life-saving items I got during my travels." His eyes remained calm, and he could remain calm no matter what difficulties he faced. "The church has enough power and experience in these matters, I just need to inform them."
Eric clenched his fists tightly, and the anxiety and anger on his face were almost beyond words. Obviously, he didn't like Davis acting alone, but he knew that refutation would only waste time at this time. In the end, he nodded silently, although he was full of uneasiness in his heart.
"What about us?" Eric asked, with a resolute tone. He didn't want to stand idly by at the critical moment.
"You stay here and take care of the children," Davis responded simply, pointing to the candles in the center. "Don't let the candles be knocked over, the candles here, and the candles in the previous room."
"No problem, leave it to us." Eric replied simply.
Davis said nothing more and turned toward the door to the hall.
Nancy stood there, watching Davis' back, and she couldn't help but feel an inexplicable tension in her heart. She knew that Davis didn't want her to get too involved in these dangers, but she still wanted to do something, even if it was just a small help.
"Davis, be careful," she whispered.
Davis didn't look back, but nodded slightly and walked out of the room silently. The air outside was completely different from the air inside. The thick fog still lingered around, as if it was controlled by some dark force and showed no sign of dissipating. The street lights were blurred in the fog, as if the light of the city had been swallowed up.
He immediately felt something strange, especially in his breathing. But he did not stop, and he could not stop. He could only follow the route he remembered and walk through the oppressive fog with difficulty. Although he knew that this was not a simple natural phenomenon, he still could not foresee what would happen next. The fog seemed to be spreading with his steps, like some invisible creature, squirming and trying to get closer to him.
He walked on for a long time, far longer than he remembered going to the church.
In the distance, a vague figure appeared in the mist. Davis' heart moved. This person looked very familiar. He unconsciously quickened his pace, wanting to get closer.
However, as the distance got closer, the figure became increasingly blurred, as if being pulled by some force. Whenever Davis tried to see the other person's face, the person would dissipate like smoke and then reappear.
Hallucination? Suggestion? Davis' mind was in a mess. His mind told him to stop, but an inexplicable impulse drove him to move forward. He tried his best to stay calm, forcing himself to concentrate and dispel those messy thoughts that did not belong to him.
Gradually, the man emerged from the mist. Davis's steps stopped and his heartbeat quickened. The man was wearing a black robe, with sleeves and hems fluttering in the breeze. His hood covered his face, and only a pair of sharp eyes could be seen from under the hood, emitting a piercing cold light.
"I didn't expect to meet a little guy." A cold female voice came from that person's mouth, carrying a threat that could not be ignored.
Davison felt a very bad premonition coming over him, and he immediately turned around and prepared to escape.
However, the man sneered: "Haha, do you think you can still run away?"
In an instant, the fog almost solidified and rushed towards him.Chapter 228 AwakeningTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2379 wordsUpdate time: 2025-01-20 17:30:07
In an instant, the fog almost solidified, as if it had turned into an invisible wall, rushing towards Davis.
"Damn it, these demigods reacted so quickly this time." Davis heard a curse in his ear, and then the originally solidified fog instantly lost control. Davis seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, using all his strength to quickly sidestep the thick fog that was about to swallow him.
With the intense exercise, his breathing became rapid and the spirituality in his body fluctuated. The pain almost made him unable to control his consciousness, but all this kept him clear-headed.
At that moment, a person who surprised him suddenly appeared in front of him—Professor Steve.
Steve seemed to be attracted by the fog, but when he saw that he didn't find the person he wanted, he was about to leave. But at a certain moment, he seemed to sense a familiar aura from Davis and stopped.
"It turned out to be this little guy." He whispered, his eyes swept over Davis sharply, and instantly sensed the items he had made. At this moment, he finally understood that the person in front of him was Greylint, and this unexpected encounter did not seem to be the purpose of his trip.
However, Steve obviously did not intend to stay any longer. He casually performed a secret technique, and the power quickly flowed into Davis' body. Before Davis could react, the whole person disappeared instantly.
Davis only felt a warmth all over his body, as if he was bathed in gentle sunshine. The oppressive fog gradually dissipated, and his vision became unusually clear.
He was stunned for a moment, then realized that he seemed to have gone in the wrong direction, deviated from the route towards the church, and walked towards the source of the fog outbreak.
However, this awareness did not stop him, because he knew that he had to rush to the church as soon as possible to deal with the potential threat. He had no time to delve into why Professor Steve appeared here, and even less time to consider the purpose of his spell.
He nervously quickened his pace and moved quickly towards the church.
Just before he reached the church, a sudden strong wind blew, violently dispersing the thick fog, and the originally heavy and oppressive air instantly became fresh. Davis paused for a moment, raised his head slightly, and scanned the gradually recovering environment, realizing that this sudden chaos might have ended. The dark atmosphere that was almost everywhere had dissipated, and the suffocating heaviness in the air was no longer filled.
He took a deep breath, and the fresh air made him relax his vigilance. In a short moment, a thought suddenly flashed through his mind: "The children are saved."
This thought brought him an inexplicable sense of relief, and he instinctively closed his eyes, finally able to take a breath. However, the fatigue and pain in his body came like a tide, and his consciousness began to become blurred in an instant. At this moment, he knew that he had no more strength. The continuous tension and pressure made it almost impossible for him to stay awake, as if his entire spirit and body collapsed in an instant.
As a wave of dizziness struck, Davis could no longer support his body, and fell to the street like a kite with a broken string, and passed out.
The place where he fell was at a street corner not far from the church. The fresh air gradually calmed his confused thoughts, and he was no longer able to pay attention to the movements around him.
…
Davis opened his eyes again, and gradually regained consciousness. He looked around and found himself lying in his small studio. The surroundings were still familiar, and the simple tables, chairs and furnishings comforted him a little, but the fatigue in his body was still heavy as if it was pressing on his heart. He felt a warm breath, and every part of his body seemed to be gently surrounded, as if all the difficulties and pain he had just experienced were briefly washed away.
However, as he regained consciousness, he began to notice some subtle movements in the room. Just as he tried to stand up, the door was suddenly pushed open and a familiar figure appeared at the door.
Eric's face was obviously tired, his eyes were a little anxious, but more of it was the kind of suppressed tension. Obviously, he had just experienced a lot of psychological fluctuations, and now it seemed that he had not fully recovered from his previous worries.
"You finally woke up." Eric walked into the room, his voice a little tired, but still couldn't hide the barely perceptible anxiety. "What's wrong with you? The fog outside... has dissipated, the situation has improved, but you..." He stopped talking abruptly, as if he had many questions in his mind, but he didn't dare to continue asking, fearing that it would disturb Davis' recovery.
Davis forced himself to sit up from the bed, frowning slightly at the confusion and discomfort in his mind. He felt as if his body was crushed, as if all his strength had been drained away, but he gritted his teeth and endured the intense fatigue. "I'm fine," he said in a hoarse voice, forcing himself to stand up, "just... a little overexerted." He gently raised his hand to block the glaring light in front of him, but his heart was in turmoil. The sudden feeling of fatigue just now caught him off guard. He knew that the interweaving of fog and secret arts was a huge burden for him, and the consequences of the violent fluctuations in spirituality were temporarily beyond his control.
Eric still frowned, his eyes full of doubt and worry, obviously not completely believing Davis's words. "Don't lie, Davis." His voice was low, with a bit of reproach, but more of that kind of silent worry. "After the fog dissipated, Nancy and I went out to look for you, and found you unconscious at the door of the church. You looked terrible at the time. We almost didn't find you... The way you fell to the ground was really wrong."
Davis was speechless for a moment and looked at Eric deeply. The emotion revealed in Eric's eyes was far more than just superficial concern, but also a deep sense of powerlessness. Davis knew that his current state was not just a simple physical overdraft. The pain hidden deep in his body and the spiritual disorder were the real unbearable weight for him.
He lowered his head slightly, trying to make his voice sound calmer: "Yes, something is wrong, but it doesn't matter, at least the situation has improved. The fog has dissipated, and the children's condition will gradually get better."
"The kids are fine now, but you're the only one who woke up." Eric's tone was anxious, with a hint of blame in his eyes. "You took a really big risk this time, Davis. We almost..."
His voice stopped abruptly, and his eyes stayed on Davis' face with a complicated expression, as if he wanted to say something, but it was difficult to say it. Obviously, Eric's emotions were not only worry, but also a long-suppressed anger and helplessness.
Davis sighed softly. Although he understood Eric's feelings, he didn't have the energy to respond to those emotional fluctuations at the moment. "I know you're worried," he said calmly, but a trace of fatigue flashed in his eyes, "but at that time, I had to make the best choice."
Eric stood there, silently looking at Davis, as if he wanted to refute, but in the end he said nothing, just sighed deeply. He knew that Davis would never let himself get caught up in too many emotional fluctuations, no matter how complicated the situation was, Davis' rationality always dominated.
"You need to rest now," Eric's tone remained calm, as if he was avoiding some difficult questions. He stood there, a hint of complex emotions flashing in his eyes, but he quickly restrained them. "Nancy has prepared medicine for you, and your body needs time to recover."Chapter 229 Light and DarknessTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2297 wordsUpdate time: 2025-01-21 17:30:04
Davis raised his head and looked at his face which was deliberately expressionless. He sighed inwardly, Eric had never been good at hiding his emotions, especially when facing himself.
"I know." He said nothing more, and turned his gaze to the window. The wind outside the window blew gently, lifting the half-open curtains, as if reminding him that the world outside was still turning, but he was trapped here.
Eric was silent for a moment and sighed softly. "If you need anything, just let me know."
Davis nodded slightly, knowing that Eric didn't expect him to say anything grateful. There was no need for too many words between them.
The next day, Davis felt that his physical fatigue had finally dissipated a lot. The morning sun shone through the curtains into the room, warm and soft, shining on his sleeping face. Davis opened his eyes, his head felt a little heavy, but his physical fatigue was obviously much less. He sat up and stretched his stiff limbs. His movements were still a little slow, but he was no longer as weak as yesterday.
He looked up and out the window. The surface of the Tussock River shimmered in the sunlight, the air was fresh, and the whole world seemed to be telling him that everything was back on track.
"Good morning." Eric's voice sounded at the door, breaking the silence.
Davis turned around and saw Eric standing at the door, holding a cup of hot tea, his eyebrows still calm. "You look much better now."
Davis took the cup and took a sip. The warm liquid slid down his throat. He nodded and said in a low voice: "Yes, I feel much better."
Eric stood aside, his eyes slightly glancing at Davis, as if observing whether he had really recovered as he said. He did not rush to leave, but stayed for a while, as if waiting for Davis to say something.
"Thank you, Eric." Davis finally spoke, his tone no longer as distant as usual, but instead contained a rare hint of gratitude.
Eric nodded slightly, but did not respond immediately, nor did he show any extra emotion.
Davis smiled softly and narrowed his eyes at him, "Besides, you see I'm fine now, so stop looking so stern."
Eric was stunned for a moment, as if he was a little surprised that Davis would suddenly say such a thing. His face changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure, and his tone remained calm: "I'm not frowning."
"Oh? Did I see it wrong?" Davis raised his eyebrows and deliberately looked confused.
Eric sighed helplessly, lowered his head to organize the items in his hands, and tried to change the subject: "Now that you have recovered, what do you plan to do today?"
Davis looked at his nonchalant look and couldn't help but chuckle in his heart. This guy, I didn't expect he had this side. I wonder how long he can keep it up. But I do miss the cheerful Eric before, the Eric who could always joke easily and talk so much that it was almost annoying. Now, this serious look seems to make everything heavy.
He shook his head slightly and responded casually: "I haven't decided what to do yet."
After a moment of silence, Davis suddenly remembered something and said softly, "Why don't I go see the kids..."
As soon as he finished speaking, he keenly caught the momentary dimness in Eric's eyes. That emotion passed like a shadow, but was quickly covered up by him in the next second. Eric lowered his eyes and pretended to organize the documents on the table, but the deliberate action seemed a little stiff.
Davis frowned, his tone full of concern.
"It's okay, it's just that most of the kids have gone home." Eric's voice was soft, but Davis was keenly aware of something wrong - that subtle sense of emptiness, as if hiding some unspeakable emotion.
Davis's eyes froze slightly, and his mind turned quickly, finally realizing one thing - the thick fog covering the East District must have caused a large number of deaths. And among these dead people, there must be many parents of children.
The thick fog was not a natural phenomenon, but a precursor to some kind of disaster, which took away too many innocent lives. The slums in the East Side were already full of insecurity, and those already fragile families were even worse off. Davis' heart tightened, he knew that it was not as simple as "going home" for the children, and many of them might never see their parents again.
He took a deep breath and frowned. "So, most of the children went home by themselves?" he asked softly.
Eric's eyes slightly avoided, and he seemed unwilling to talk more, but he finally nodded: "Yes, the parents of many families...did not come back."
This sentence hit Davis' heart like a heavy hammer, and the heavy feeling in his heart became stronger. The feeling of powerlessness surged in his heart, especially when he thought of those children who should have been comforted in the arms of their parents, he couldn't help but feel a deep pity.
"What about the kids?" Davis asked in a low voice, his voice muffled by the emotion rising in his heart.
"Some will be taken care of by their relatives, while others can only rely on orphanages." Eric's voice was still calm, but Davis could hear the helplessness and heaviness hidden in it. "I'm afraid the chaos in this city has just begun."
Davis did not speak, his heart was filled with mixed emotions. The light in those children's eyes may have been lost, but there seemed to be not much he could do. Suddenly, he felt a strong sense of responsibility - as a person who once had influence, he should do something, even if it was a small change, to give these innocent children a glimmer of hope.
He looked at Eric, his eyes became firm: "We should do something. We can't let them be forgotten like this."
"Of course." Eric's response was still concise, but with an unquestionable tone. Then, his tone became a little softer, and he added: "Nancy and the others have been communicating with every child who has lost their parents, trying to keep them in school. And Miss Hall is willing to support all children who have lost their parents."
Davis's frown relaxed a little, and the weight in his heart seemed to have lightened a little. Although he was relieved by the news, he was not surprised at all that Audrey would help these children. Audrey was always so kind, and her every move was full of warmth and selflessness. From the moment he came into this world, he could feel her kindness and tolerance that were different from ordinary people.
He sighed softly, with a soft light in his eyes: "Miss Hall never turns a blind eye to anyone, especially these helpless children. She can always bring a ray of light in the darkest moments."
Eric glanced at him and seemed to understand what Davis meant. He was silent for a while and whispered, "She is indeed such a person, like a lamp, always able to illuminate the people around her."
Davis felt the affirmation in Eric's words, and a gentle light flashed in his eyes. "She never gave up," he whispered, "no matter what difficulties she faced, she always thought about how to help others first."
Eric nodded, seemingly moved by Davis's emotion. Although his face remained calm, his tone was slightly softer than usual: "We have to act quickly and can't let these children wait too long."
Davis smiled slightly, his eyes became firm: "Okay, let's go and take a look together."Chapter 230 GirlTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2253 wordsUpdate time: 2025-01-22 17:30:02
Davis and Eric walked side by side on the streets of the East District, and they could feel the oppressive atmosphere of the area with every step. The originally bustling and messy streets seemed to be shrouded in a dark and silent curtain. There seemed to be an invisible sense of oppression in the air, which made people suffocate. Most of the shops on both sides of the street had their doors and windows closed. Occasionally, pedestrians hurried by, their faces full of vigilance and anxiety. They walked quickly with their heads down, as if they were afraid of causing unnecessary trouble, and more like they were avoiding some invisible threat.
The buildings on the street corners that were once dilapidated but full of life now looked even more desolate. The cracks on the walls seemed to be magnified, and the mottled traces seemed to have experienced some kind of huge impact, and all they could see was decay. Even if the sun shone through the clouds, its light was suppressed and weak, and the entire street was shrouded in a suffocating grayness.
When they arrived in the East End, the carriage stopped at the edge of Cherwood. The driver's tense expression and uneasy eyes clearly showed that he was unwilling to go deeper into this area. At that moment, Davis understood.
"What exactly happened?" Davis asked in a low voice, his tone heavy.
Eric replied: "That fog changed everything. Fear, violence, poverty... everything collapsed."
Davis nodded slightly, confirming his guess. The thick fog was like a fuse that ignited the fragile foundation of the East District, filling every corner with an unspeakable sense of crisis. The fate of the once impoverished residents was now increasingly unpredictable.
The two of them walked in silence, their pace unconsciously slowing down. The once bustling streets were now disturbingly quiet, without even a hint of noise. The occasional glimmer of light from the window was like a dying candle, lonely and helpless.
Davis looked around. The hurried pedestrians had tense faces and wandering eyes. Their alertness was not only a warning of the surrounding environment, but also a fear of powerlessness in the future. The figures walking with their heads down, the closed shops and the dilapidated streets together formed the silent narrative of this area - this is a forgotten and gradually collapsing world.
He took a deep breath, and the smell of disinfectant in the air made him frown involuntarily. All this made him feel suffocated, as if the truth of the world overwhelmed his defenses in an instant.
In the distance, a breeze passed by, the chill was so chilling that it seemed to penetrate Davis's coat and directly into his skin. He frowned slightly, his eyes gradually becoming solemn. Everything around him - the closed doors and windows, the unattended street corners, the occasional hurried figures - seemed to be trapped in some kind of huge silence. This silence was not tranquility, but oppression, a silent collapse.
He looked down at his hands, the cold had already penetrated his skin. His fingertips curled slightly, and his joints turned pale, as if even the body temperature in his palms had been taken away by the cold street. Despite this, he still clenched his fists, trying hard to control his inner distracting thoughts and fears.
The sound of the wind gradually weakened, like an invisible curtain slowly falling, wrapping the entire block in a deeper silence. The oppressive silence was like a silent force, slowly but firmly eroding every inch of space around. The pungent smell of disinfectant in the air was still lingering, mixed with the cold wind, taking away the last bit of warmth from this street, leaving only coldness and emptiness.
Davis's steps did not stop. He looked past the dilapidated building and looked forward. At the end of the gloomy street, he saw a familiar figure. It was a young man standing in front of a silent house. His eyes seemed to penetrate everything in front of him, staring at something unknown in the distance. He did not move, nor did he turn his head. He just stood there quietly, as if he had merged with the desolate scene around him.
When Davis approached, the young man did not react immediately. It was not until he got closer that the man finally turned his head slightly, his eyes calm but deep, as if he had seen through all the changes around him, even Davis's arrival. There was no greeting, no surprise, but after a long time, the man spoke in a low voice, with a tone of sadness that could not be concealed.
"Here... there's a girl. She's about to make enough money to leave this place and pursue her dreams."
Davis was slightly stunned, and suddenly realized that the young man in front of him was pointing at the house, as if there was someone hidden in it that he once remembered deeply. At that moment, his thoughts seemed to travel through time and returned to the memory of when he first came into this world - that innocent girl. She was the first client he received, the girl who once asked him for help to investigate the work of a makeup artist. Her eyes were full of longing and desire for the future, as if the difficulties of the world had never really touched her heart.
Davis's eyes fell on the window frame of the house, and he seemed to see the girl through the wall in front of him. She once had a dream, ready to walk out of this poor and chaotic area to pursue her own future. But... now, he didn't know if she was still here, whether she was still alive.
The young man did not wait for Davis' response, but continued in a low voice:
"There will never be such a day again..."
That sentence, like a heavy bomb, exploded in Davis' heart, shaking not only his body, but also completely tearing the ice deep in his heart. The young man's voice was low and filled with undisguised sorrow, like a death knell, instantly shattering all his fantasies.
Davis did not reply. He stood there with his eyes gradually becoming empty. He saw through the chaos and saw the deeper desolation and despair. He understood that the young man's words "there will never be such a day" were not only a farewell to the girl's fate, but also a revelation of a cruel reality - he could no longer stand outside and continue to be the "spectator" who watched with cold eyes.
Once upon a time, Davis' attitude towards all this was always cold and rational. The violence on the streets and the smell of death were insignificant events to him. Those broken lives and bloodstained streets were at most just a piece of data in the case and a face in the archive. He always stood outside the story, watching and analyzing, but never really felt the pulse of these pains.
But today, everything has changed.
The girl in front of him was once full of hope and eager to change her fate through hard work. Her dream was so vivid, but her death was like a sharp blade that cut through the self-protection membrane in Davis' heart. She was no longer a cold number, but a life with warmth and ideals. Her death pulled Davis out of his identity as a "spectator" and made him face the cruelty of this world.
"There will never be such a day again..." The young man's words echoed in the air again. Davis finally realized that this world was no longer his stage, and he could no longer stand behind the scenes and watch coldly. Pain, hope, death, all of these existed vividly, and he could no longer escape or keep his distance.
He once thought that he could navigate this world with ease with his understanding of history, remaining calm and observing everything like a bystander. But now, he understood that he could not escape the heaviness of this world, nor could he escape the fact that he was deeply involved in it.
On December 27, Backlund was filled with smog, and 21,000 people died.
(End of Volume 1)