The Gentleman at the End

[Boundary Prairie]

Not yet close to the Condensed Mountains, not even seeing the Mysterious Skin Factory.

A lifeless corpse is swiftly moving, clearly with rapid footsteps, yet leaving no trace on the ground.

Just as he was about to ascend the mountains in search of William's circus,

Plop! A black leech, covered in glossy black liquid and spiraled rings on its body, suddenly emerged in the air and dropped to the ground like a droplet... Its appearance forced the corpse to halt.

Immediately, more black leeches drilled out from the space, eventually widening into a large black abyss the size of a stomach.

Swoosh!

A hand coated in black liquid thrust out, quickly pulling the whole body through.

The gentleman's clothes swiftly filtered away the impure black liquid, as the young man then took out a rubber band to tie his hair up high, adjusting his appearance slightly.

"Teacher, you've arrived!"

Hogni Zed approached and upon seeing William, his expression changed as he reached for the silver monocle on William's face.

"Who did this?"

William quickly waved his hand, "Teacher, don't worry, it's just one eye~ Besides, I've already figured out a way to restore this missing single eye concept... If you must ask who did it, it's my own doing.

After all, I knew the risk of concept erasing, yet I took the risk~ But the rewards were great, a lot happened in between, and I'll share it with you when there's time.

Please, follow me quickly, the Bloodfolk could attack my theater at any moment, let's talk when we return to the theater.

However, I'm currently cooperating with a colleague who's not well-reputed, I hope you don't mind."

"I heard at the circus, you're seemingly collaborating with a clown from the circus."

William had a look of delight, "Wow! Teacher, you've already been to the circus, I'm sure Mr. Rabbit appreciates you a lot! If I'm not mistaken, you're already the [Fourth Troupe Leader].

Hehe, now we're colleagues too.

Exactly~ I'm working with Art because recently my performance was supported by Art, and he's willing to help me fight against the Bloodfolk, so we joined forces~ Besides, Art's traits would hold certain advantages against the Bloodfolk, which is crucial.

Though I really wanted to call Mr. Rabbit or Jian, I suppose they all have their own matters. Calling the entire circus to beat the Bloodfolk would be a bit excessive.

Given the current situation, my collaboration with Art is just right! Of course, with your support, the plan will proceed even more smoothly."

Zed didn't have eyes, but the black cloth covering his eyes slightly crinkled, "William, when did you become so glib... I don't care who you collaborate with, as long as you stay true to yourself. I came here mainly to finish the unfinished battle with Glatoni."

William hastily patted his chest, "No problem, I'll personally arrange matters with Glatoni and ensure no one interferes!

As for my true self, since following you, teacher, I've never changed; I've always been my original self! My way of speaking might be influenced by the current profession, since I often have to speak alone before hundreds or thousands of people, it inevitably becomes a bit exaggerated.

Let's go!"

William elegantly unbuttoned the bottom of his shirt, revealing the abyss structure in his abdomen.

"You can already use this ability?"

"Teacher, you'll know once you try."

William gestured invitingly towards his abdomen, and as Zed placed his hand on it, he instantly felt a "spinning fall" spatial suction sensation.

The next second, they directly descended into the theater's VIP room,

William did not let Zed and Art meet, to reduce any variables before the performance as much as possible.

Looking at the three-story library-structured office ahead, Zed wasn't too satisfied, "Do you have a physical training room here?"

"Not set up yet~ Previously, all departments of the circus were not far apart, and my theater was temporarily planned within the circus. If physical training is needed, just go to the Bunny Castle Club.

I will follow your suggestion, teacher, and add a training room here subsequently."

"I'm just asking, no need to echo my words."

William scratched his head a bit embarrassed, "After all, I promised Zed to train my physical form well~"

Zed didn't like beating around the bush, "William, you give me a strange feeling... Even though we met in Zion a year ago, you seem very different now.

The physical body doesn't lie. What I feel from you now is completely different from a year ago."

William not only felt no discomfort from this evaluation but was rather delighted, "Really? That's great!

Humans need to constantly progress and change to be called humans. Otherwise, what's the difference with the motionless corpses in coffins? Don't misunderstand, teacher, I'm not implying you.

In my heart, you've always been the strongest being, and I always aimed at being like you."

Zed turned and headed towards the office door, "Take me to meet your partner, will you? If we are united against the Bloodfolk, no matter how sinister they might be, they are 'allies,' and it's necessary to meet them first."

William wore an embarrassed expression, "To be honest, I'd rather not have you meet Art. That guy is the representative of [Evil] from the Old World, and almost no one can interact with him normally.

I'm afraid the Bloodfolk haven't even attacked, yet you'd already be at odds with him."

"But William, haven't you been getting along well with him?"

William fetched an Original Tomb cigarette from his suit, took a deep drag while stretching his arms, exhaling a large smoke ring,

"Phew~ As long as I want, I can get along with anyone since it's my job after all.

Alright, if you insist on meeting him, I'll take you there!"

Walking through the passage between the office and the theater,

the absolute silence of the closed passage made William faintly hear 'corpse sounds' behind him, like the sound of a long-dead body forced into motion,

and the sound became more frequent and dense,

feeling like the entire passage was packed with crawling corpses, even transforming the passage itself into a corpse-filled demon cave, potentially being engulfed by endless corpses with one backward glance.

William was about to ask Zed if he has gotten stronger recently,

Drip! A water drop interrupted the words William was about to say, simultaneously dispelling all the pressure brought by the corpses.

William then amplified his voice and shouted loudly, "Catherine~ don't try to peek without having the guts, Zed is here to assist us, won't blow us to bits like back in Zion."

From the dark depths of the passage, Catherine in black and white clown makeup, fishnet stockings, and rubber clothing stepped out. Upon closer inspection, the stockings were threaded with octopus tentacles, constantly dripping water.

Every step left watery footprints on the ground, blooming flowers.

She stretched lazily and approached Zed with a smiling face, "Who's afraid? I just sensed a familiar aura... Nice to meet you, Mr. Zed, do you remember me?"

"Hmm." Zed simply replied.

Catherine leaned closer, sniffing carefully over Zed,

"There's the scent of those twin harlots, seems like Mr. Zed has been in touch with the circus, a body like yours will certainly be selected! Welcome to our family, let's collaborate to crush the Bloodfolk.

*(whispering by Zed's ear) William has been acting oddly lately, please keep an eye on him for me, Mr. Zed."

Catherine turned to William, "Those Bloodfolk haven't attacked yet?"

William shrugged, "Nope."

"How strange, for those driven by desire to change so much, I'll take another rest~ William, care to join?"

"You go ahead! I need to introduce Zed to Art!"

"Hmm? Sounds interesting, I'll join too!"