White Line had been living at the Manor for some time, so most people there knew her. The maid's words were strange.
Xia Lun took a deep breath and suppressed the unease rising in his chest. "White Line is the woman who's always practicing swordsmanship in the backyard. Have you seen her?"
"Sir..." The maid lowered her voice. "I really haven't seen anyone like that. As far as I know, the backyard is usually empty. Maybe I just haven't been here long enough. Shall I ask the butler?"
The Cognitive Filter again!
The thought sprang into Xia Lun's mind by reflex, and his fists clenched.
"No need." He took another deep breath, his voice low.
"Is there anything else you need, sir?" the maid asked timidly behind him.
"No." Sensing his own agitation, Xia Lun slowed down and made an effort to reassure her. "Don't worry. It's nothing. Have the others prepare lunch."
The more urgent things became, the more important it was not to lose his composure. Reassuring someone else also helped reassure himself.
His thoughts racing, Xia Lun hurried down the corridor and took the stairs to the first floor. After rounding several corners, he finally reached the basement's hidden door.
Bang.
He shoved the door open and drove off the floor with all his strength. Moving at full speed, he left an afterimage behind as he practically threw himself toward White Line's Game Pod.
It was empty.
Xia Lun stood there in silence, staring at the Game Pod and his own reflection in its glass cover.
For a moment, he felt surprisingly little. Apart from his pounding heart, his emotions were steadier than usual, and his thoughts clearer.
He summoned the Bottomless Coffee Cup and took a swig. To his surprise, his hand was perfectly steady. Not