"What other way is there?"
I looked at Weixi with some confusion.
Every place has its own rules, and though some may seem illogical, they have their value.
According to what Weixi had just said, to move within this dark city, one must pass through this peculiar door. This was the current rule of this dark city.
Now, hearing that Weixi had another method for moving between cities, my expression couldn't help but become strange.
Could it be that Weixi and his group had stayed in this dark city for too long and found a bug?
"In fact, although this door looks a bit odd, it's actually a form of protection for us."
Weixi said this as he walked to the peculiar door and casually closed it.
"To move here without any restrictions is simple: become a part of this city."
Weixi looked at me mockingly, which, combined with his neat suit, made him appear exceptionally comical.
To become a member of the dark city, wouldn't that mean I was dead!
This guy was playing with me!
I looked at Weixi speechlessly and then glanced at Richard.
Where on earth did you meet such an unreliable fellow?
However, at this moment, I was certain that Weixi was indeed no ordinary person.
Given his mischievous personality, if he didn't have some special skills, he would have been killed long ago in this precarious dark city!
"Hahahahaha!"
Weixi, seeing my speechlessness, laughed heartily like a child.
He laughed for a long time, and seemingly sensing the exasperation on my face, he finally stopped smiling.
"I was just joking, don't take it to heart. In fact, if you truly became a part of the dark city, we probably wouldn't be meeting here."
Before I could react, Weixi directly headed upstairs.
"Lu, come up."
Go upstairs with him?
I looked at Richard, silent.
Was this Weixi fellow here to entertain me?!
After spouting a bunch of nonsensical things, he didn't say what was next, just asked me to follow him upstairs.
His dismissive tone was as if he were discussing the weather with me, utterly exasperating!
"Lu, don't take it to heart. Although Weixi is a bit unreliable, he's actually a good person. I brought you here this time to ask him to give you a physical examination."
This Weixi guy was a doctor?!
"Is this guy reliable?!"
I muttered softly, my eyes filled with distrust.
This was no joke, I couldn't entrust my life to a seemingly deranged individual!
Moreover, I wasn't very familiar with Richard. We'd only spent one short night together, so why was he so enthusiastic? Was there a trap?
I eyed Richard suspiciously, wondering if he and Weixi had conspired together. If an outsider entered his house, he would lure them to Weixi for some unsavory business!
With this thought, although I didn't make any overt movements, my body subtly shifted into a ready stance, prepared to attack at any moment.
"Lu, what's with that look?"
Richard seemed a bit uneasy at this moment. He could clearly sense my suspicion towards him.
"Don't mind Weixi's usual eccentric behavior, he was a very famous doctor before entering this place. After arriving, he also acquired some peculiar abilities within the dark city. He was quite normal before, but after gaining these powers, he became like this. However, his true nature hasn't changed."
Man, whether I trust Weixi is still up in the air, but the biggest problem is that I don't trust you!
Seeing Richard's lack of self-awareness, I spoke directly.
"Richard, even if you wanted to bring me here for Weixi to examine me, why didn't you tell me beforehand? Why wait until we got here to mention it?"
Richard let out a wry smile upon hearing my words, filled with apology.
"This is my fault. Originally, I was just visiting Weixi to chat today, but I suddenly remembered he was a doctor, so I impulsively asked him to give you a physical examination."
"Honestly, people like you, who are targeted by that existence in the darkness and still manage to survive and arrive in the dark city, are extremely rare. Moreover, even if it's to deal with that entity, having Weixi examine you can't hurt."
Richard's words were meant to be kind, but they made me extremely uncomfortable.
Damn it, am I some kind of guinea pig you're keeping?!
Huuu--!
I let out a long breath, forcefully suppressing the irritation within me.
According to Richard, he was indeed acting in my best interest. Furthermore, I was currently staying at Richard's place, so it wasn't appropriate to fall out with him immediately. However, some things needed to be said.
"Richard, survival in this dark city is difficult for everyone. Fools don't last long, and especially, don't treat others like fools."
I stated impassively, delivering a jab at Richard, which was met with his sheepish grin.
Since I'm here, I might as well accept it. I can't go back for now anyway, so I'll just see how this Weixi fellow intends to examine me!
With that thought, I stood up and headed upstairs.