Doomsday Wonderland Vol. 10: Lava [Complete]

1247: Puppeteer's Direct Tactics

A gust of wind swept in from the distant sky, causing the dense forest to ripple like waves in the breeze. The rustling of leaves, usually calming, now sounded oddly dry and lifeless when juxtaposed with Lin Sanjiu's response. She spoke as if she were a desiccated leaf, poised to meld into the forest at any moment.

Lin Sanjiu remained motionless behind the tree for quite some time. After Bohemia's question, there was a lengthy pause before she responded in a voice as slow and weary as ancient branches creaking, "No, I can't come out."

"Why not? I'm really hungry. Come out and prepare something for me first," Bohemia urged, glancing briefly at Puppeteer and wiping her nose with her oversized sleeve, a hint of panic in her tone.

Lin Sanjiu stayed silent for a while before saying, "If I leave, I might not be able to find the traces left by that person when I return." Her attempted smile appearing more like a grimace to those outside. Bohemia shivered as Lin Sanjiu's face was pulled upwards, layer by layer, until her rigid features and skin fell within the realm of her grin.

"So, it's your choice," Lin Sanjiu continued, her voice taking on a peculiar edge. "Either you come in, or I venture deeper into the forest to find him."

Bohemia realized something was terribly wrong. She was acutely aware that if Lin Sanjiu went deeper into the forest, they might never see her emerge again.

"Just hold on a moment," Bohemia said, rushing forward two steps and gripping the railing. "Let's talk this over first!"

Lin Sanjiu turned her head gradually, and though Bohemia couldn't see it, she could almost hear the dry sound of Lin Sanjiu's neck moving.

"I... I don't mind coming inside," Bohemia said, glancing at the gradually brightening horizon for an excuse. "But consider this—it's almost dawn. Wouldn't it be safer to wait for daylight before venturing into the forest? If you don't want to exit, you don't have to... Just remain there and wait for us."

If she could delay Lin Sanjiu for a while, they could at least figure out a plan.

Lin Sanjiu remained silent. Meanwhile, the pale male ghost behind her appeared somewhat indecisive. He glanced at Lin Sanjiu and then at the two individuals outside the fence. After a few seconds, Yuan Xiangxi awkwardly adjusted his clothing and said, "This may not be a good idea... I think you should come out. Your friend mentioned she's hungry."

Bohemia was taken aback and turned to observe Puppeteer, only to find him wearing a contemplative expression.

Why was this long-haired male ghost now advocating for her?

"It's truly uncomfortable to go hungry," Yuan Xiangxi continued, seemingly oblivious to the gravity of the situation, as he attempted to persuade Lin Sanjiu, "I really hate being hungry... You can't let your friend starve. On the other hand, I haven't experienced hunger in a long time."

"I won't come out because it's better for her," Lin Sanjiu said, her face gradually losing its smile and reverting to a blank, emotionless expression. Bohemia couldn't help but think that if she crowned Lin Sanjiu's head with leaves right now, she would resemble a tree.

Yuan Xiangxi's gaze briefly lingered on Lin Sanjiu's face before quickly diverting, as if he felt uncomfortable looking at her.

"Stay here and watch her," Puppeteer suddenly said in a low tone. "Keep an eye on her."

Bohemia quivered and leaned over the railing, only to close her eyes in the sudden gust of wind. When she reopened her eyes, she witnessed a slim, tall figure leaping into the air and hurtling towards the forest.

Puppeteer jumped out?!

Bohemia was on the verge of crying out in astonishment. She hurled herself against the fence, half of her body extending outwards, her mind reeling. Lin Sanjiu, who had lingered in the shadows all this while, suddenly sprang into action, moving a few steps forward as if she intended to meet Puppeteer, even extending her arms as if to welcome him. However, in the subsequent moment, the mid-air figure froze and appeared to be forcibly flung backward, tracing a neat parabolic arc before landing securely back on the railing, as if thrown back.