Train Master awkwardly scratched his nose and coughed, saying, "Well... the truth is, this product was only 10% complete, so its effects should have been quite weak. However, I don't know why it turned out the way it did; it was like a nightmarish disaster."
Hearing this, Charles asked again, "You still haven't told me what exactly happened before."
At that moment, Warehouse Ghost approached. He was the most powerful among them, but even he felt fear due to the recent events.
Maintaining a certain distance from Charles, Warehouse Ghost explained, "After you 'consumed'—killed—the malevolent spirit, I also boarded the train, and then Train Master started it.
Unquestionably, the act of starting the train completely enraged 'it.' A massive monster head appeared in the sky, its eyes like black holes, glaring at the slowly moving train and letting out an angry roar.
"The ghosts and malevolent spirits at the station, all launched a frenzied attack on the train. We thought the plan was about to fail, but then you burst out.
In that state, you easily killed a great number of malevolent spirits, but their remains and bloody sludge impeded the train's speed."
Charles wore a puzzled expression and asked, "So if the train's speed was affected, how did we manage to escape?"
Train Master answered, "You threw Richard and Lacy off the train as bait, drawing the attention of numerous malevolent spirits and buying us some time. Warehouse Ghost and I channeled all our power into the train, enabling it to depart from the station."
Tony and Zoe clenched the ghost candles in their hands, glaring at Charles.
This guy... he's terrifying!
On the surface, he seems harmless, but his dark personality is horrifying!
Unless you've had firsthand experience with Charles, it's hard to grasp the oppressive force that this young, handsome man can exude.
Seemingly aware of their gaze, Charles turned and gave them a smile.
"Don't worry, I'm not the kind of person who kills indiscriminately. I don't have much interest in murder itself. The reason I made such a choice is probably because they were useless trash, whereas both of you have at least some utility."
"Even in my lucid state, I believe that what I did was not wrong. Although we sacrificed those two, at least everyone else survived. And besides, you both saw how those two were trying to snatch the ghost candles."
Upon hearing Charles' words, Tony's expression became even more complicated.
While Charles had exploited him, he clearly had no real intention of killing him.
Why was it that although he had been used by Charles, he now found himself somewhat grateful to him? Grateful for Charles' mercy?
What does it feel like to trust and fear someone at the same time? He was experiencing it now.
Charles moved closer to Tony, asking with a grin, "In fact, I think you're a trustworthy person. Once we reach the Endless Abyss, are you willing to stick with me?"
Tony shook his head, his expression mixed. "Thank you for saving my life, but I can't. I can't be sure when I might become 'useless trash' in your eyes."
Zoe quickly added, "I feel the same. I've heard that the Endless Abyss is a vast city, teeming with all sorts of strange creatures. Humans would actually be the odd ones out in such a setting. Therefore, it would be troublesome for us to stick together."
Charles nodded, then turned to the Warehouse Ghost and Train Master inside the car. "What about you two? Would you like to join me?"
Warehouse Ghost first nodded, then shook his head. "Thank you for the invitation, but we are ghosts with our own missions in the Endless Abyss. However, I will be residing in Sunset Canyon on the far east of the Abyss for some time. If you run into any difficulties, you can come find me for help."
Charles looked at Train Master, who quickly said, "I'll also be going to Sunset Canyon. Although my mother only has one head now, I want to stay with her and help her slowly regain her sanity."
Charles clarified, "That's not what I meant. Where did you get the Juwel-002 you gave me earlier? Do you have more?"
Train Master hurriedly replied, "I only had one, and I've already given it to you. I bought it at the Demon Clinic in the Endless Abyss. If you want more, you might try your luck there."
Demon Clinic.
Interesting. Charles liked the name and decided he would visit the place once they reached the Endless Abyss.
"So, can you give me as much information as possible about this Demon Clinic?" Charles inquired.
"Of course, I'll tell you everything I know," Train Master began. "The Demon's Clinic is the only clinic on Happiness Street..."
"Sorry to interrupt, but why is the Demon's Clinic the only one on Happiness Street? Don't creatures in the Endless Abyss fall ill?" Charles asked, puzzled.
Train Master spoke in a tone tinged with dread: "The owner of the clinic is named Juwel, a fearsome beast-man. He doesn't allow any other clinics to operate on Happiness Street. Doctors who ignore his warnings end up captured, turned into specimens or dismembered and fed to his pets."
Hearing this, Charles nodded in what seemed like agreement. His curiosity about this Juwel, the beast-man, was intensifying.
Juwel-002—how was such a substance even created? Apart from treating the creatures of the Endless Abyss, could it be that the Demon's Clinic also engages in potion research?
And does the Devil's Clinic have any connection to the mysterious Blood Moon Tower?
As twilight settled, a dilapidated train chugged along overgrown tracks, making its slow journey into the Endless Abyss...