The midnight wind rattled the window. Inside, purple light flickered, casting Xia Lun's expression alternately in light and shadow.
As Xia Lun understood it, a "Special Memory" was completely isolated from reality. After all, events in that mode often unfolded at breakneck speed, and the people inside a Special Memory reacted far more intensely to the unexpected than people did in reality.
From a certain perspective, a Special Memory felt more like a game played through an LCD screen. That was why Xia Lun acted far more freely there than he did in an ordinary Scenario.
But when Hatton said "Whitewash City," the screen that made Xia Lun feel safe shattered completely.
It was as frightening as playing a game in an air-conditioned room, choosing the wrong option, and watching a character on the computer suddenly move on its own, smile at the Player beyond the screen, then leap straight out of it.
There couldn't really be an Evil God, could there?! Xia Lun thought. A chill ran through him.
"Are you all right, sir?" Hatton asked with some concern.
Xia Lun took a deep breath and reined in his racing thoughts. He raised his eyes slightly and studied Hatton again.
"Describe the requirements for the sacrifices again."
Hatton's face lit up. "Are you going to help me gather the sacrifices after all?"
"You have to fulfill your end first." Xia Lun's expression turned stern. "Our last deal isn't complete. You have no right to start another."
"I overstepped. Er, next year's sacrifice is a choice between two people. Either a securities broker named Zark or a Dwarf. That Dwarf likes cigars and always has a man who looks remarkably like a woman at his side."
"A Dwarf?" Xia Lun frowned slightly. "What do you mean by a Dwarf?"
"A