In my helplessness, I decided to abandon conventional thinking and engage in bold reasoning, much like Sherlock Holmes in novels, starting with daring assumptions and then methodically eliminating other possibilities. Often, the seemingly impossible assumptions would eventually be proven true.
First, all three creatures mutated from earthworms, requiring energy or some form of power to drive the mutation. I hypothesize that this power originates from the Zhidan Garden ruins. Similarly, I drew an arrow next to the entry for the Merfolk, labeling it “mutation.” The other end of the arrow could be connected to — humans. Merfolk mutate based on humans. Simply put, Merfolk become humans. The energy source for this is also the Zhidan Garden ruins. I recall Su Ying once mentioned that Zhidan Garden was where Merfolk transformed into humans, aligning perfectly with my current thoughts. Thus, my conclusion after sorting through the evidence is: the mutation of insects, cockroaches, and fish into earthworms, and Merfolk into humans, is all due to some power from the Zhidan Garden ruins. These three creatures might just be a side effect; the key point is that the same power from Zhidan Garden can turn Merfolk into humans. This is evidently a constructive hypothesis that vaguely connects all clues. However, to confirm or refute this theory, I need the help of two crucial figures: one is Ruan Xiwen. Currently, I am unaware of how far the X organization’s research on this archaeological event has progressed, but I believe they should have a general idea. The second is Su Ying. Interestingly, her theory about the Merfolk has been proven, which has piqued my interest in the secrets she claimed to have. However, directly verifying with Ruan Xiwen is now impractical, leaving only Su Ying. Looking back, I find her history of mental illness quite mysterious. Could there be some reason she’s been misdiagnosed as mentally ill? Su Ying obviously doesn’t know the whole truth, but she might be somewhat related to the event. She seems to be hiding something about herself and the so-called Merfolk. Ruan Xiwen probably holds the key to this, but he’s not yet able to fully explain the entire event. I believe he has no reason to act at the construction site every day, and his uneasy expression yesterday was not an act for everyone to see. Suddenly, I thought, Ruan Xiwen must not know of Su Ying’s existence. What if I use Su Ying as leverage for the truth with Ruan Xiwen? But this would feel like betraying Su Ying, and Ruan Xiwen might not agree. Moreover, Su Ying’s true identity is still unconfirmed, so let’s drop it. Thinking this, I glanced at my watch; it was already eight. Normally, Su Ying would have come to find me by now. I thought today I might as well go upstairs to look for her; perhaps she would reveal something. Today, I have a purpose…
However, just then, my phone rang; it was Su Ying. “Hello, Nado? I have to stay at school today, so sorry I can’t chat with you. I’m really sorry!” “Oh, it’s okay. We can talk tomorrow.” I sighed internally at my bad luck. Speaking of which, she called specifically to apologize for this, which seemed a bit unnecessary. As a girl, could she… I started to suspect again, but if she really has feelings for me, it should be easy to get information out of her. If necessary, I might even have to sacrifice my looks — if I have any. The matter has become quite clear, although no conclusions have been drawn, the only thing left to do is to have a good chat with Su Ying tomorrow. With an optimistic mindset, I went to bed early.
Early the next morning, I was woken by my phone’s ringtone. I answered groggily: “Hello?” “Nado!” It was Su Ying again, sounding quite excited. “What’s wrong?” I asked, trying to muster some energy. “My classmate has had another strange incident! You should come and see!” “What happened? Take your time, explain clearly!” I was instantly awake, quickly getting dressed. “This morning, my classmate got lost in school for no reason. She was with us one moment, then suddenly disappeared. Half an hour later, she came back, scared out of her wits, saying she remembered nothing, only waking up on top of a well. If the well hadn’t been covered, she would have fallen in. And… yesterday, another classmate had the same experience. It’s really terrifying!” Her tone conveyed excitement rather than fear. “Mutation (7)” “Okay, I’m on my way!” I hurried out the door. Su Ying was waiting for me at the university gate. After meeting, she said she would take me to see the well. Her classmate, unable to cope with the shock, was resting in the dorm, but Su Ying had found out where the well was and led me there. After walking a bit, we entered an alley where the houses were quite old. I mentally mapped the route; we weren’t far from Zhidan Garden, having retraced part of my earlier path. I looked around and indeed saw the structures of Zhidan Garden not far away, just beyond a row of old houses. At the end of the alley was the mysterious well. It was an ancient well, covered with a rusty iron lid that was locked. Clearly, it was an abandoned well. I examined it closely; there were no strange patterns, no signs of recent tampering, nothing unusual at all. I approached the well, feeling nothing. I touched it, feeling only rust. “What did your classmate say?” I asked Su Ying. “She just said she felt like she was bewitched all of a sudden, remembered nothing. She woke up on top of this well, that’s all.” “Did she feel any changes in herself?” “Seems like there was no problem, just scared to death.” I was at a loss. Seeing Su Ying’s expectant look, I felt a bit embarrassed; every time she called me excitedly, I couldn’t help at all. There was nothing I could do; I’m not from the X organization. Helplessly, I said to Su Ying, “Let’s wait until we have the tools to lift the lid and see what’s inside. Right now, there’s nothing to see.” “Okay!” Su Ying said excitedly, “Make sure to call me when you do!” After parting ways with Su Ying, I headed back to the university to attend classes. I walked to the roadside, intending to hail a taxi to the newspaper office. As a taxi approached, I raised my hand, but suddenly felt dazed, as if in a fog, and then snapped back to reality, only to find myself lying on the well, my clothes covered in rust. Looking at my watch, half an hour had passed. The shock was profound; I broke out in a cold sweat. I tried to recall, but my mind was blank. It was terrifying.
It seemed like I just blinked, and yet I had been unconscious for half an hour. I consider myself to have a strong will; although I might be lazy at times, I wouldn’t usually be so easily knocked out in crucial moments. Just now, it felt like I suddenly entered a trance-like state, something I had never experienced before. Even… I thought of someone. When it comes to techniques of hypnosis, illusions, and hallucinations, no one I know is more authoritative than her. I decided to ask for her help. She’s far more mysterious than the X organization I know.
The Illusionist Makes an Appearance (1)
Finally, I mustered the courage to make the call. “Hey, is this Lu Yun? It’s Nado. Do you remember me?” Lu Yun’s pleasant voice came through the phone. Ever since the “Heart of the Murderer” incident, I’ve always considered her to be one of the world’s top illusion masters. Perhaps my knowledge is limited, and I’m not well-versed in experts of this field, but she is undoubtedly an authority in matters of the mind, spirit, and illusion. I briefly explained the situation to her, knowing it couldn’t be covered in just a few words, and emphasized the importance of the matter.
“I see, I understand. I’m nearby, I can come over right away,” she said with a laugh over the phone, “I’m really happy we’ll meet again, that you think of me when you’re in need.”
