Chapter 565

In Marvel, the System Makes Me Work

"Nice decor," Geralt said.

It wasn't his style, though.

The interior featured plenty of dark wood, antique furniture, and old-fashioned ornaments. The whole place felt steeped in history.

Most young people would probably just find it dated.

"Thank you," Megan said with a smile. Her grandfather had chosen the decor and furniture himself and put a great deal of thought into it. She shared his tastes.

The thought that she had considered selling the house made her feel even guiltier.

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

Spend a week in a place like this, and a normal person would either go mad or die. Megan had done neither, which meant something was unusual.

"This really is a headache."

Geralt scratched his head. "What's upstairs?"

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

"And the basement?"

"A pile of junk and all sorts of clutter. 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 sour enough to make you sick. I don't go down there unless I have to."

"I see. Let's take a look down there." After a moment, Geralt asked, "Does the basement have lights?"

"Yes, but they're dim."

"You have flashlights, right? One for each of you."

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

The basement entrance was in the living room. Behind the door, wooden stairs descended in a straight line, creaking underfoot in a way that set everyone's nerves on edge.

Geralt led the way.