Chapter 545

The Man in Marvel, the System's Employee

"Nice decor," Geralt said.

It wasn't to his taste, though.

The interior made heavy use of dark wood, antique furniture, and ornaments. It had a strong sense of history.

Most young people would probably just find it old-fashioned.

"Thank you," Megan said with a smile. Her grandfather had chosen the decor and furniture, putting a great deal of thought into them. She happened to share his tastes.

Thinking about how she had considered selling the house, Megan felt even guiltier.

Through Spirit Sight, Geralt saw black mist, almost solid, pouring from upstairs and the basement entrance.

A normal person living here for a week would either go mad or die. Anyone who had done neither was anything but normal.

"This really is a headache."

Geralt scratched his head and asked Megan, "What's the layout upstairs?"

"Eight bedrooms, four bathrooms, a study, and a large attic."

"And the basement?"

"Piles of odds and ends. There's also a locked wooden door."

"Have you been through it?"

"No. It has an old U-shaped brass padlock, and I can't find the key." Megan shook her head. "Besides, the basement has poor ventilation. It's stuffy and smells unpleasantly sour. I don't go down there unless I have to."

"Oh. Let's take a look." After a moment's thought, Geralt asked, "Is there lighting in the basement?"

"Yes, but it's dim."

"You have flashlights, right? One each."

Faulty wiring was common in old houses. Megan had not only flashlights but a portable lamp.

The basement entrance was in the living room. Behind the door, a wooden staircase led straight down. Each step creaked beneath their feet, setting their nerves on edge.

Geralt went first.

Megan had said the basement was dim.

She was right.

Every light was no brighter than