Seeing the Zukadi icon, my heart sank.
I had held onto a glimmer of hope, but now it seemed there was no escape!
However, I knew with absolute certainty that I couldn't reveal anything suspicious, or I might be in danger.
With that thought, I turned my gaze to Richard beside me. "What exactly is this thing for?"
"I have a theory," Richard suddenly chuckled. "If one can gather all three of these items, something should be triggered!"
"You're not sure?" I asked.
So, up to this point, all these confusing things were just speculation? Was it possible to confine someone based on mere conjecture?
That was absurd!
"That's right," Richard stated, then turned to Vixi. "You know what I'm talking about, don't you?"
Vixi paused, remaining silent.
Richard's voice suddenly boomed, "I've lived in this place for who knows how many years. Do you know how I've spent those years?"
"I've thought about how to leave this wretched place every single day!"
"Everything here is a torment to me!"
"What's the meaning of immortality, of eternal life? I can't see the people I want to see, I can't experience the things I want to experience! This is a punishment!"
Richard gesticulated wildly, his eyes turning bloodshot.
Seeing that expression, I took two steps back, instinctively preparing to fight.
How was one supposed to deal with a mentally unstable person like this?
Just then, I noticed countless green lights descend from the bare, tall tree.
They enveloped Richard.
Then, Richard's expression slowly returned to normal.
"I lost my composure," Richard said.
I was stunned.
Was this some kind of movie scene?
However, in this situation, I naturally wouldn't dwell on it. "I can understand..."
"So now I must obtain the last item!" Richard declared. "No matter the cost!"
A chill ran down my spine. It seemed this man had truly become obsessed.
Being unable to leave this place, and unable to connect with the outside world.
It was always the same people, the same environment.
One could endure it for a day, two days, a year, two years, but an endless expanse of time would eventually lead to weariness.
And clearly, Richard was in that state.
Suddenly, I felt an inexplicable fear. If this was truly the case, what should I do?
Moreover, so many people were waiting for me outside.
"It's like this," Vixi said, looking at me. His voice lowered. "This is our greatest secret, and now you know it."
I was a bit bewildered. What did he mean? Was he expecting me to make a declaration of loyalty?
"Perhaps I do possess such an item, but I'm not sure exactly where it is. I'll need some time to look for it," I said with a smile.
Of course, I couldn't take it out now. The Zukadi was in the inner pocket of my clothes.
If I could buy some time, I could investigate related matters more thoroughly.
Furthermore, now that the Shepherd God was suddenly involved, I hesitated.
The terrifying power I had unleashed during the previous fight was likely related to the Shepherd God as well.
If I handed over the item and it led to a bad outcome, I wouldn't be able to bear it!
Besides, who knew if this was the right thing to do? I had only been here for such a short time...
Richard, seeing my expression, likely understood my thoughts. "Let's go, Lu. We'll take a stroll outside."
I suddenly remembered the stairs. If I had to climb them again, wouldn't I be exhausted to death?
Vixi walked to the base of the tall tree and extended his hand.
Immediately, a vortex appeared in mid-air, and lake water began to descend.
A moment later, Vixi approached me, cupping the water in his hands.
"Take a sip, and you will leave this place," Vixi said.
Seeing this, I became even more hesitant.
What if I drank it and lost my life?
What if this was some kind of knockout drug, and while I was asleep, they stole my things?
I quickly refused.
"I'll go first," Richard said, and then drank a mouthful of the water from Vixi's hands.
Then I saw that green light envelop every part of Richard's body.
A look of enjoyment appeared on Richard's face.
I was deeply puzzled. Was drinking this thing really that pleasant?
"Don't worry, there are no side effects," Vixi said. "Or, shall I drink first?"
"I'll do it," I said quickly. What if he drank it and then disappeared again? I wouldn't know what to do here.
With that thought, I quickly took a sip of the water.
Then, I felt a cool sensation spread from my mouth, and my entire being entered a wonderfully blissful state.
In a daze, I seemed to see countless bright lights flashing around me...