The vehicle hurtled forward, its engine roaring as the scenery on either side blurred into streaks of color.
The windows kept the howling wind outside, while Mavis's recorded voice echoed through the cabin. For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Xia Lun glanced in the rearview mirror. Everyone in the car had reacted differently.
Mavis ground her teeth, fury blazing in her green eyes as she glared at the Buzz-Cut Brawny Man. Yet as the recording played, she sat frozen in place.
The Buzz-Cut Brawny Man wore a faint smile. His rugged face had taken on a cold, condescending look, and his narrowed eyes fixed on Mavis like a wolf that had spotted its prey. Cripple looked startled, his eyes darting about as though he were searching for a way out.
For a brief moment, the three formed a tense tableau, each harboring secrets of their own.
Outside that tableau, White Line remained unmoved. She kept her eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel, apparently not listening at all.
The Buzz-Cut Brawny Man toyed with the phone and asked with a smile, "Care to explain?"
Mavis clenched her fists and said nothing.
"Good thing you have that odd habit of recording everything." After the teasing remark, the Buzz-Cut Brawny Man smiled and played another recording. Mavis's weary voice filled the car.
"I woke from another nightmare. The horrors of my past still haunt me. Only by chasing mysteries and helping others can I keep my mind off them, but I still can't do it... They won't stop screaming. Undying Sacred Flame, if only I could go back and make things right!"
As the Buzz-Cut Brawny Man scrolled on, however, he frowned. He seemed unable to find the evidence he wanted.
"Enough!" Cripple suddenly barked. He lowered