Shrouded Seascape

Chapter 635: Suspicion

Using a clean, white handkerchief, Nico covered his nose as he stared disdainfully at the blast site before him. When the sulfuric smoke cleared up, the previously narrow two-meter-wide black hole had been replaced by an opening as large as a house.

The soft ladder from the Narwhale was gradually lowered into the tunnel, and the crew members lined up, taking turns to descend.

Aside from the various essential supplies, the turbine team was also carrying a strange airbag made from bloodied flesh. The item was designed to prevent objects in the vicinity from relicfication.

Just as Nico was about to follow the group, Bandages intercepted him.

"Is there something you need, First Mate?" Nico asked.

"Do you... really think... the Captain... is fine?"

"Why wouldn't he be? He's been with us the entire time and has never left," Nico replied as he raised both hands and absentmindedly inspected his manicured nails against the distant flashlight's glow.

"No... I can feel... the doubt... in your heart... you're... also suspicious... of him..."

Bandages wanted to say more but he suddenly stopped and turned to climb down the ladder.

A couple of seconds later, Dipp emerged from behind Nico. His gaze carried hints of suspicion as he questioned, "What was Bandages telling you just now?"

"Nothing much. He confessed his love to me, but I rejected him. I prefer men with bigger pecs. Of course, the prerequisite is that they must be handsome."

"Though I have no idea what he said, I'm certain that's not all that he said. Remember, Charles is our captain. We only need to carry out his orders as he instructed," Dipp reminded.

"Young man, I'm nearly twice your age. Also, you are the boatswain, whereas I'm the second mate. Regardless of age or rank, I don't need you to tell me what I should or shouldn't do," Nico retorted nonchalantly.

"Don't you mess up Captain's plans, especially in this bizarre environment," Dipp responded, giving Nico an icy glare before he turned to leave.

Staring at Dipp's retreating back view, Nico called out, "I know you're loyal. But how are you so sure that he's your captain?"

"I was the police chief for three years and am very sensitive to details. From his tone to his memories, he's definitely Charles! If he were an imposter, I'd be the first to know," Dipp shot back.

Meanwhile, Charles's heart sank as he heard the distant tremors get increasingly faint. Ignoring T's words, he hurriedly brought the mice and T with him toward the black hole.

By the time they had carefully reached the base of the triangular hill, there were no more tremors or sounds in the vicinity. The only thing left was a massive, funnel-shaped opening.

You can choose not to trust me but let Anna come over. She can determine who the real Charles is.

The corners of Charles' lips curved upward into a slight smirk as he slowly reached into his coat. "Sure, let's have Anna come over. I'm really not—Dipp! Now! He has been completely beguiled by the monsters!"

In a flash, Dipp turned into his misty blue form before materializing behind Bandages. With the black spike in hand, he aimed it at Bandages' heart.

The thirty-centimeter black spike plunged deep into Bandages' back. However, Dipp's expression froze. He gripped the black spike tightly and slashed through, shattering Bandages' upper body.

However, there was nothing within it; it was just a wooden shell.

The next second, the ground split open, and a massive tree root sprouted, writhing as it emerged. The thinner sturdy roots twisted and writhed like a nest of serpents as they snaked toward Swapped Charles.

"Traitor!" White arcs of electricity instantly surrounded Swapped Charles as he effortlessly leaped onto one of the roots.

The powerful lightning effortlessly fried the roots, causing them to curl up, turn black, and emit smoke.

A cold smirk spread across Swapped Charles' countenance. He knew that everything would have been fine if Bandages hadn't made a move.

However, Bandages had made his move, so the others would surely not trust him anymore.

Just then, Swapped Charles felt something moving beneath him. He quickly shifted his gaze toward the source of the noise.

It was a thin, green hand, and it had already reached into his coat pocket and grabbed the journal!

"Think you can get it just like that? No damn way!" With a single thought, white arcs of electricity enveloped Swapped Charles' entire body.

A sharp cry of pain pierced through the air as Lily's voice cried out from Charles' pocket.

"It hurts! Mr. Charles! It hurts a lot!"

"Lily, endure for a moment. I'll get rid of them soon enough!" Swapped Charles' gaze glimmered with traces of excited malevolence as he watched the green centipede in front of him twitch and convulse. He was going to fry this thing to a crisp!

Suddenly, three black spikes shot out from the side, forcing Swapped Charles to take two steps back. The spikes had been thrown at him by Dipp.