Dice In The Darkness: Cthulhu Calls

Chapter 252: Miguel? Honda Tetsuya?!

In every corner of the world, bars and taverns served as the largest hubs for gathering intelligence. If you were willing to spend a day there, you could usually gather plenty of useful information.

As the proprietor of the Flame Bar, Alice undoubtedly held a wealth of information in her hands. Liu Xing felt that he had a chance to meet Alice himself, and perhaps, he could acquire valuable information about the Deep Sea Gospel Society from her.

With this in mind, Liu Xing turned his attention to Miguel. Given Miguel's abilities, capturing someone like Alice shouldn't be a problem.

So, Liu Xing smiled and said, "Miguel, may I present you with a new task..."

Before Liu Xing could finish speaking, Miguel shook his head and replied seriously, "I'm sorry, Mr. Ryusei, I know you want me to help you capture someone, but I can't do that. First, I'm just a private detective, not a mercenary. Second, if Ming Hanxing brought you to me, it means he trusts you and probably informed you about my situation. You should know that I don't intend to reveal my abilities or my identity in Kyoto."

Liu Xing nodded, but he had no intention of giving up. He didn't want to hire Miguel; he wanted Miguel to join the Worshipers of the Yellow Sect.

So, Liu Xing said with a smile, "Miguel, you may have noticed that the people you're currently monitoring seem suspicious, and their identities are not simple."

Miguel chuckled and replied, "Indeed, that's true. These people shouldn't normally associate with each other. Based on my database, their places of birth, educational backgrounds, and residence changes shouldn't have much overlap. Of course, there's a possibility of a chance encounter, but it seems like they have a good relationship, like lifelong friends. Moreover, they make a strange gesture when they meet."

"And then there's the Fujiwara Shrine. According to my investigation, it was built over a hundred years ago and was originally called Honsho Temple. At some point, it was renamed Fujiwara Shrine and transformed from an open temple into something resembling a private club. The security measures at Fujiwara Shrine are extremely tight, clearly designed by professionals. Essentially, every potential point of entry into the Fujiwara Shrine is monitored by at least three cameras. Also, the planting of trees and flowers in the shrine is quite strategic, ensuring that no matter which angle you observe from, you can only see irrelevant ground, never the shrine's interior."

"So, I believe Fujiwara Shrine must have a significant background, possibly serving as a base for some secret organization. Otherwise, they wouldn't have gone to such great lengths to transform it and bring together a group of seemingly unrelated individuals."

Liu Xing nodded; Miguel's deductions were indeed on point, almost uncovering the truth.

"Now that Mr. Miguel has guessed most of it, I'll tell you the truth," Liu Xing said seriously, "as you mentioned, Fujiwara Shrine is actually a branch of the secret cult Deep Sea Gospel Society in the Kyoto area. These people are high-ranking members of the Deep Sea Gospel Society in Kyoto. Now, Mr. Miguel, you should understand what really happened in Morimoto Academy, the so-called accidents and suicides."

Because Miguel wore a mask, Liu Xing couldn't see his expression, but from Miguel's body language, it was clear that he was frowning.

This was precisely Liu Xing's intention.

Although Miguel had lost most of his memories, Liu Xing was confident that Miguel was a righteous person, considering he had been persecuted by Mi Ge before.

"I see, I see. It's starting to make sense now," Miguel suddenly realized.

While Miguel was lost in thought, Liu Xing delved into his memories and suddenly came across a valuable piece of information. It was about the time when he delivered an offering to Aaron and saw him engaged in a friendly conversation with someone. After that person left, Watanabe Ryusei asked Aaron about that person's identity. Aaron had only told Watanabe Ryusei that the person wasn't human, just a vessel controlled remotely by Mi Ge. Aaron hadn't continued discussing Miguel's issue with Watanabe Ryusei and had started eating the "food" Watanabe Ryusei had brought.

Seeing this memory, Liu Xing's heart skipped a beat. Now he knew about Mi Ge's existence, and he immediately fabricated an excuse.

So, Liu Xing said, "Miguel, allow me to give you a brief introduction to the Deep Sea Gospel Society. In simple terms, the Deep Sea Gospel Society is a cult. However, what sets them apart from other cults is their genuine belief in and worship of a powerful mythical creature, the Deep One, residing in the deep sea. You can think of it as a fish person, but with incredible combat abilities. They could easily destroy a city."

Miguel nodded, somewhat puzzled, and said, "So what? I am, in essence, a mythical creature myself with this peculiar body. Perhaps I can become friends with that Deep One."

"You won't," Liu Xing asserted. "Because that Deep One is friends or rather, partners with the mythical creature that transformed you into what you are now."

Miguel took a step back in surprise and exclaimed, "What? Are you saying you know why I look like this?!"

Liu Xing nodded and continued, "Exactly. The reason you look like this is because you were modified by a mythical creature named Mi Ge. Mi Ge can create bodies that are identical to humans but vastly superior in strength. Moreover, Mi Ge possesses remarkable surgical skills, capable of extracting your brain without harm and performing cryogenic transplants. That's why you look the way you do now. In this body of yours, only your brain remains as your own."

As Liu Xing finished speaking, Kp's sharp teeth suddenly interjected, saying, "Player Liu Xing, since your conclusion is based on fragmented information, please make an education check. If you fail, Miguel won't believe what you just said."

Liu Xing raised an eyebrow, grateful that his character card, despite being that of a high school student, had gained a wealth of specialized knowledge due to his affiliation with the Worshipers of the Yellow Sect. His education attribute had already reached the level of a college graduate, 70.

Liu Xing, 33/70, Succeeded.

After Liu Xing successfully passed the education check, Miguel spoke, "I see. So that's why my name, as well as the names of those who want to kill me, are all Miguel. It's just a unified numbering for sovereignty. I used to think Miguel was my real name."

Liu Xing nodded and continued, "Mi Ge, as a formidable mythical creature, is most powerful in its technological abilities. For example, the earthquake mining machine you destroyed earlierthis is the primary reason behind the numerous earthquakes in the Island Nation. Currently, Deep One intends to collaborate with Mi Ge to turn that famous movie into reality."

Of course, that last sentence was something Liu Xing made up.

"'Island Nation Sinks,'" Ling Ishikawa added at the right moment.

Miguel looked at Liu Xing, remained silent for a while, and then said, "Is that true?"

Liu Xing nodded and said solemnly, "It is."

Miguel sighed and nodded, saying, "Well then, since that's the case, I'm willing to help you capture the person you want me to."

Finished.

Liu Xing chuckled and extended his hand, saying, "A pleasant cooperation, Mr. Miguel. I believe you won't be disappointed. And, if all goes well, I'm confident I can help you recover your memories. However, your original body is likely lost."

Miguel also smiled, somewhat teasingly, "Oh, Mr. Ryusei, don't try to fool me. I'm the type of person who takes things seriously. If I can recover my memories, that would be great. Besides, apart from the face, I'm quite satisfied with this body."

Liu Xing shook his head and said earnestly, "I'm not one to make jokes about this. After all, there's a saying that goes, 'A real man keeps his word.' So, I'll do my best to help you regain your memories because I have the means to do so."

Miguel nodded, a bit puzzled, and at that moment, Ming Hanxing approached, taking Miguel aside to start proselytizing.

Ming Hanxing, 3/85, Succeeded.

Liu Xing raised an eyebrow, impressed with Ming Hanxing's initiative. He didn't even need to signal him; Ming Hanxing had started proselytizing on his own. With the "Assistant Leader" character trait, Ming Hanxing's persuasive abilities reached 85.

Most importantly, Ming Hanxing's persuasive check resulted in a critical success, which meant Miguel had become his disciple.

Opening the character card panel, Liu Xing indeed saw a new disciple - Miguel Copus (Special Type).

Liu Xing had initially thought Miguel would be a combat-oriented NPC, but it turned out Miguel was a Special Type NPC. It made sense, considering Miguel's condition. Apart from his brain, everything about him might no longer be human.

So, having Miguel as a Special Type NPC was reasonable.

"I didn't expect you, Mr. Ryusei, to be a leader as well. This is quite surprising. More importantly, you managed to convert Ming Hanxing into your disciple. It seems I've been outmaneuvered by you," Miguel said with a smile.

Liu Xing chuckled and patted Miguel on the shoulder, saying, "Mr. Miguel, it seems you've accepted your fate. Welcome to the Worshipers of the Yellow Sect. We are enemies of the Deep Sea Gospel Society, which means Mi Ge will be our common enemy. I will certainly stand up for my disciples."

Miguel nodded but expressed some concern, "Leader, I'm not doubting your commitment. It's just that, based on what you've said, Mi Ge and that Deep One don't seem easy to deal with."

Liu Xing raised his eyebrow, full of confidence, "Mi Ge and Deep One are indeed formidable adversaries, but the Worshipers of the Yellow Sect are no pushovers either. You'll see the might of the Worshipers of the Yellow Sect when the time comes."

Miguel chuckled and nodded, saying, "Okay, I'll wait for the leader to display his prowess. By the way, do you want to see my true face? Let me warn you in advance; don't be too shocked when you see it."

Liu Xing glanced at Ming Hanxing, who nodded gently.

So, Liu Xing smiled and said, "Of course, I'm curious about your true appearance, Miguel. After all, everyone is curious about what's behind the mask."

Miguel nodded, removed his mask, revealing a... completely distorted face.

Yes, every feature on Miguel's face was completely misplaced, with each facial feature not in its proper place.

Liu Xing silently nodded. It was no wonder Miguel always wore a mask. This face was truly nightmarish, and if someone saw it at night, there would likely be a new urban legend the next day.

However, Liu Xing suddenly felt that Miguel's face, when restored to its original state, seemed oddly familiar.

With this thought in mind, Liu Xing said, "Miguel, do you mind if I take a picture of you? I feel like I've seen your face somewhere before."

Miguel raised an eyebrow, nodded, and said, "Sure, if you really recognize me, then I'll finally know who I am."

Liu Xing nodded and took a picture of Miguel's face with his phone. He sent the photo to Shizuka, who was back at home, asking her to print it out and then restore Miguel's facial features to their proper places.

After a while, Shizuka sent back a photo.

Now, Liu Xing finally understood why Miguel's face had seemed so familiar when restored to its original state. It was because he had just been talking to this face.

That's right; with his facial features correctly placed, Miguel's face was almost identical to Honda Tetsuya!

"What, isn't this Mr. Honda?!" Ling Ishikawa exclaimed in shock.

Liu Xing nodded, his expression serious.

Miguel was Honda Tetsuya?!

But who was Honda Tetsuya?!

Liu Xing felt like his brain had turned into mush in an instant.

"Could it be that Miguel's true identity is Honda Tetsuya, and the current Honda Tetsuya is someone else in disguise?" Ming Hanxing furrowed his brow, speaking with uncertainty.

Liu Xing shook his head, unable to confirm this yet, "We can't be certain at the moment. However, the only thing we can be sure of is that Honda-sensei is likely connected to Miguel. Suneo, start investigating Honda-sensei's past. If Honda-sensei has indeed been to Kobe..."

"Honda-sensei did go to Kobe. I remember in my first year of high school, before you transferred to our school, Leader, Honda-sensei told us he had visited Kobe as part of his high school graduation trip, and there had been some incidents," interrupted Suneo Honekawa.

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