Investigating the Nameless Inn

After speaking with the two high-level locals, Wang Zhifan activated Time Stop at the right moment and searched their minds to find out how much they had hidden from him.

The results showed that both had told him the truth, for the most part. As far as they knew, no one understood what had caused The Darkening.

There was, however, a common belief that somewhere in this world lay a crucial object or monster. Destroying the object or killing the monster would surely end the darkness. It was little more than a hope the locals clung to.

Wang Zhifan found the situation troublesome. He had counted on the NPCs to give him an important lead, but all he had gotten were shallow guesses he could have made himself. It was a real disappointment.

The NPCs did have one use, though. After surviving in this dark world for years and inheriting generations of experience, they had a fairly clear idea of where its most dangerous monsters and unusual places were. That could narrow his search.

Wang Zhifan released Time Stop. The two NPCs before him had no idea he had searched their thoughts. Instead, they invited him to join their investigation into the secret of the darkness and team up with them to visit a particular place. They said they had hunted the Fire Man to prepare for that trip.

Old Liu, the stout martial artist, said:

"Brother Wang, since we're after the same thing, let's tackle something big together! You've heard of the Black Mountain Giant Demon, haven't you? That thing is enormous and vicious, and it spews black mist year-round. Our predecessors suspected The Darkening might have something to do with it!

"Even if it didn't cause The Darkening, killing it might turn up a clue. Would you be