Guard

After Baron Coleman took the Notebook, Lin Yu set his sights on him.

After all, Lin Yu was eager to know the correct way to use this [Ancient Notebook].

Although, according to Baron Coleman, he may not know all the methods, it's always good to unlock some new uses!

But Baron Coleman's next move extinguished any remaining hope in Lin Yu's mind.

Because this person pressed their finger to their forehead, and then...

His fingers pulled a pulsating, flickering ball of light directly from his own brain.

Then, Baron Coleman gave a further explanation.

"Although I didn't undergo as many modifications as the Eightfold Modification, my brain still has a core implanted, so I can also 'visualize' my emotions and Memory."

Baron Coleman entered this Memory into his Notebook, then looked at Lin Yu.

"Now."

Lin Yu held up the Identity card belonging to Will Valetti, Baron Coleman spoke at the same time.

"Request access to play the entire contents of file L-269."

As he spoke, the assembled heads all spoke at once.

"Verification passed, access permitted."

The light from the seven orifices of the human head flickered erratically as Baron Coleman gently unfolded the Notebook.

The light shone on the Notebook, quickly merging with the light that had been floating on the page.

A few seconds later, Baron Coleman, who was holding the Notebook in both hands, turned around.

"Then what?"

"I'm curious," asked Fu Luo, Baron Coleman nodded.

"Then, it's time to go in—look over here!"

Baron Coleman raised his voice and opened his Notebook to Fu Luo and Pankto.

The light filled their eyes—and soon, they were both slightly stunned, then their eyes slowly closed in a daze, and their heads drooped down.

Although the two appeared to be asleep standing up, Lin Yu could sense it...

They had lost their vitality.

It was as if their souls had been sucked away—no, it's probably not just "as if," but a fact that has already happened.

Seeing this, Lin Yu breathed a sigh of relief.

"This trick is definitely not just something that can be used to 'investigate cases'."

In direct combat, this is a genuine "hard crowd control" move.

The ability to instantly take away someone's soul—[Ancient Notebook] is indeed no ordinary item.

Baron Coleman chuckled. "You've noticed too... that's why this stuff was enough to make Professor Dort and Researcher Weil instant darlings of the Truth Company."

"Since Will Valetti left this to you... I'll demonstrate its use for you on his behalf; I imagine he'd be happy to see that."

Lin Yu said helplessly, "I haven't undergone that damn modification, so even if you gave me that method, I wouldn't be able to use it."

Baron Coleman paused for a moment, then said, "It's alright. There are uses even without modification—I'll arrange those for you once they're out. Let's go in together now."

Lin Yu nodded, but then cautiously asked, "But if we all go in, who will guarantee our safety?"

Upon hearing Lin Yu's words, Baron Coleman said solemnly, "I've been operating on this train for many years, and I still have a few backup plans."

As he spoke, he gently tapped his temple, and two shield -Sentry robot walked over from the direction of carriage number two.

"These two are currently absolutely loyal to me and are capable of protecting us—even those they are no match for, at least able to withstand a deadly sneak attack and keep us alert."

"If they can't even buy us that little bit of time when we're awake... I can only say that the guys attacking us are incredibly skilled; even if we were conscious, it wouldn't make a difference."

Baron Coleman explained.

Lin Yu stroked his chin and said, "That's interesting, but what if you have ill intentions towards me and my companions?"

Baron Coleman shook his head. "Then this notebook won't let me off the hook... my soul is inside it."

"Besides, I summoned this sentry because you already have someone secretly watching over you, don't you?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Yu narrowed his eyes slightly.

Did they see through Hannah?

Lin Yu had indeed just told Hannah, who was hiding in his pocket, to keep a close eye on him.

But... it shouldn't be like that.

Hannah's disguise was so convincing that it was almost impossible for anyone to see through it. Even the former A-Class executive of Truth Company, a figure of considerable stature, was still...

Not qualified.

So, following Baron Coleman's words, Lin Yu also realized what was going on.

He sighed.

"A Nian, people have already figured it out, so stop hiding."

In one corner of the carriage, a section of the wall and floor was slightly twisted and bent.

It looked like it had been "crumpled".

Soon, a piece of transparent fabric was gathered up, revealing Li Nian's figure.

She sighed.

"What a despicable auction! They're selling counterfeit and substandard products!"

"The [Invisibility Cloak] that was supposed to perfectly conceal one's figure, scent, and tracks was seen through so easily."

"And this is 2500 points?! Pshaw!"

Baron Coleman pointed somewhat apologetically to his eyes. "It does obscure your soul, but... your emotions are showing."

"This can't escape my modified eyes."

Li Nian shrugged. "Okay, but it doesn't really matter, since I didn't spend any money."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yu looked at Li Nian and asked, "Speaking of which, didn't you go to the 'Cargo Hold' to get something? Why didn't you go?"

Li Nian scoffed, "Don't underestimate me, dear veterinarian sister. I've taken what I wanted and come back. I could have emptied the entire Cargo Hold in the meantime!"

"But as the saying goes, even thieves have their code of honor... I only took three items, so it certainly won't take that much time."

"This is also a rule I set for myself: I can only steal a maximum of three items from the same person or place at a time."

Li Nian spoke with a hint of pride in her voice.

"Impressive, but even so... why did you come back?"

Lin Yu asked softly, and Li Nian replied with a grin, "Of course it's because I'm worried about you... a mentally unstable, amnesiac martial arts madman, a schemer whose background is unknown and who was exiled here, and a 'Detective' who looks very cunning and is very close to 'Order'..."

"I was afraid they would harm you, so I came back to check—and it turns out I made the right choice."

"See, this is where I come in handy."

As Li Nian spoke, she waved the Utility knife in her hand.

"Okay, Sister Zhu Ming —I'll protect you too."

"You can relax and enjoy your time exploring the world of books with this baron!"

She said this with a smile, and Lin Yu nodded.

Although Li Nian is dangerous, has a terrible personality, and comes from the "Freedom Alliance," Lin Yu has to admit it.

He truly trusted this guy.

At least when he was "Zhu Ming", he was willing to temporarily entrust his back to Li Nian's care.

"Then I'll leave it to you."

As Lin Yu spoke, he looked at the Notebook that was gleaming white in the Baron's hand.

The next moment...

He felt dizzy and disoriented, as if his soul and consciousness had been torn from his body.

When Lin Yu opened his eyes again, he had already arrived at...

The Headquarters the Truth Company eight years ago!