"Ever since I came to Arcadia City, it feels like there have been more and more strange and disgusting things. Compared to dealing with abnormal incidents and organizations related to flesh, I'd actually rather handle cases involving machinery. No matter how unpleasant the smell of engine oil and rust might be, it's still better than this stuff."
Shade complained inwardly, while "she" chuckled softly:
[There will definitely be opportunities later.]
"Yeah, definitely. What would happen if I gave the Fire Seed Source's fire seed to this Pi? Oh, how could I even think of something like that? Forget it, forget it. I've encountered too many strange things—even the way I think is starting to become strange."
In truth, the Outlander had always been clever and skilled at association and creation. In the past, he simply had not encountered such strange objects and situations.
Shade waited another ten minutes before Wei Ge returned. Her complexion was still poor, though this time it was certainly not because of a health problem.
"I had Eve go rest first."
She spoke to Shade, then looked at the chest with an unreadable expression:
"Mr. Watson, go attend the auction first. I'll continue examining it on my own."
Shade was quite worried:
"The auction and that manuscript aren't especially important. I should stay."
But Wei Ge shook her head, unusually refusing Shade:
"I want to be alone and think about Mother."
Although he had originally planned to find Mr. Corps as early as possible tonight to ask about Active Metal, Shade still said:
"All right. I'll come back as soon as the auction is over."
Wei Ge nodded, walked up to Shade, and wrapped her arms around his neck. She held him and rested her head against his shoulder. Only after quite a while did she