Half-step Purgatory

Durin stroked the black cat on the armrest of his chair, sitting on the black leather sofa. Through the glasses perched on his nose, his gaze passed over the long table in front of him and settled on the man kneeling on the carpet:
"I understand, you've made money in Naples, your business has been very successful, and you've led a happy life. You've had those secret police, friends in both the law and the underground, and even the Royal Family speaking on your behalf."
"You don't need a friend like me, I know that. You're afraid of owing me a favor, and you don't want to get involved in troubles."
"But now you come to me and say, 'I beg you, Mr. Durin of the Corleon family, please help me seek justice, so that my life and my family will not suffer and sink into despair.'
Yet, in your eyes, I was nothing more than a second-rate artist involved in movies and music. Even at the brink of death, you still show me such disrespect, not even willing to call me by my title... Keeper of Secrets."

Durin's Diary

Durin opened his eyes and looked at the ceiling that was both strange and familiar, then sat up.


This was a room no bigger than ten square meters, with a single bed, a freshly changed blanket, and wrinkled sheets.


On the bedside table, a lamp, a succulent plant, and an alarm clock.


The alarm clock was a sturdy, long-lasting piece.


As for the succulent, it combined the above two qualities: it was a simple and sturdy plant. The mentor had said that if one could kill it, they could likely kill themselves as well.


Although the room wasn't large, this small and cozy space was one of Durin's most lingering memories.


Knocking came from outside the door, followed by the sound of the door opening without permission.


A little girl and her friends pushed the door open, but it only opened halfway when time stopped.


Chapter 193: Shaking People