Chapter 467: Steel Puppet

During the conversation, a knocking sound echoed from the distance, like the beating of a gong, or hammering of iron. The incessant sound persisted and did not stop.

Everyone looked over in suspicion.

The noise continued for quite some time.

When it finally ended, the night too came to an end. A loud chime rang from the clock tower, proceeding which, dawn broke.

The Inspector smiled and said: “Perfect timing, I hope you are satisfied with your game rewards.”

— At the distant intersection, a towering silhouette slowly approached, like a fully armed heavy knight. With each step, a heavy sound was produced, accompanied by the noise of metal friction. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Everyone stared at the sight in astonishment.

Yan Qingwen couldn’t help but step forward: “…Lun Ang?!”

His initial excitement lasted for a mere two seconds. When he recognized the silhouette, he felt an immediate sense of profound loss and pain…

Because it was not Lun Ang, but an armoured knight with a silhouette similar to him. Moreover, the part of the armour on the head was designed like a beard made of iron wire, making it remarkably similar to Lun Ang.

This was a steel doll, modelled after Lun Ang.

Yan Qingwen outstretched his hand and gently placed it on the steel puppet’s chest.

It was cold, hard, void of warmth or heartbeat.

Meanwhile, information about the item appeared in his mind:

[Mary’s Doll · Yan Qingwen: equipped with an automatic defense system, capable of defending and protecting an area with a diameter of 6 meters centered around the user.

Please note, this prop is now bound to the user.]

Unable to hold back, Yan Qingwen lowered his head, his eyes moist, a bitter smile at the corners of his mouth.

“Are you satisfied with your reward?” The rabbit-headed person courteously asked.

Yan Qingwen lifted his head, took a deep breath, patted the armor of the steel puppet. As the metallic clanging echoed, he said, “Satisfied. Yes…I am very satisfied.”

Everyone stared at the towering puppet, reminded of Lun Ang’s death, and fell silent.

Next up for the reward was Shen Fei’s.

Shen Fei received a tiny cloth doll.

— It was even smaller than Mary, just the size of his palm, with black hair, a white dress, and a round face with eyes and mouth embroidered with black and red threads, and rosy cheeks.

Upon seeing his reward, Shen Fei’s face went red, evidently uneasy.

He awkwardly glanced at Shen Mo and Bai Youwei next to him, upon seeing no apparent change in their expressions, he slightly relaxed.

Even so, he still felt embarrassed.

“Wh-why is it this kind of prop…” Shen Fei questioned in a low, awkward voice.

The rabbit-headed person asked, “Do you not like it? But the rewards are tailor-made. In theory, Mary should fulfill your deepest needs.”

The deepest needs of the heart.

If it hadn’t mentioned it, it would have been fine. But with its words, Shen Mo and Bai Youwei furrowed their brows, looking once more at the cloth doll in his hand.

Shen Fei had no choice but to let them look. Fortunately, the appearance of the cloth doll was very abstract; its round face and round eyes wouldn’t let anyone associate it with… associate it with Bai Youwei.

Shen Fei’s cheeks burned.

He didn’t understand why Mary had given him such a doll. Could it be… could it be because the impression of the water demon when he was unconscious was too deep?

Feeling Shen Mo’s assessing gaze, Shen Fei’s heartbeat quickened, he pretended to act nonchalant, “Haha… I am a man, giving me a doll as a prop, that’s strange…”

Bai Youwei commented, “This doll looks a lot like Mary.”

“Indeed.” The Inspector explained gently, “The appearance of the cloth doll is based on Mary herself.”

Shen Fei: “…”