Controlled Animals

When Bai Zhu and Milluki arrived at the dock, Captain Nishimatsu was already waiting by the ship.

Morel stood on the deck. The old man beside him had his neck hunched, both arms wrapped around a cloth bundle, muttering endlessly under his breath.

"The lights can't be turned on."

"If they are, it'll see us."

"The door will see."

Milluki immediately slowed to a stop.

"Bai Zhu."

"Yeah?"

"I think he's crazier than I imagined."

Bai Zhu glanced at the old man.

The old man's white hair was a tangled mess, deep wrinkles lined his face, and he wore a pair of old rubber shoes with soles nearly worn flat.

He did not look like a survivor.

He looked more like someone trapped by what had happened thirty years ago.

Morel tilted his chin at the two of them.

"Get aboard."

Milluki did not move.

Bai Zhu turned back.

"Young Master, don't chicken out."

"I'm not chickening out. I'm mentally preparing myself."

"Done preparing?"

"The risk is too high. I want to go home."

"So you're backing out at the last moment?"

"You owe me money. I can't let you die too soon."

Milluki ultimately boarded the ship while grumbling curses.

Bai Zhu followed him onto the deck, his first glance landing on the old man.

The old man saw him too.

More precisely, he saw the sword at Bai Zhu's waist.

The old man shuddered all over and clutched his cloth bundle as he shrank back.

"Fire calls the door too."

Bai Zhu stopped and narrowed his eyes. Why did this old man know he could use fire?

Milluki immediately shifted half a step away.

"See? I told you that lighter of yours was bad luck."

Bai Zhu ignored him and turned to Morel.

"This is the survivor from