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

The leader of this small druidic congregation stepped into the foresty land at ten past ten in the morning of the second day.


In her hand was a pocket watch made of ironwood.


Sunlight fell sparsely through the woods, illuminating this tiny world filled with fresh greenery.


In her eyes, little creatures were scurrying about, and treants were wandering.


A Candle Dragon Child sat under the small canopy on a vine-woven rocking chair with a table made of tree roots beside him, which held plates, a teapot, and steaming tea with snacks.


"You've arrived," he said with a smile, gesturing towards a chair beside him.


A lynx approached her, eyeing her warily.


·You are not as powerful as my master, so know your place, lamb.


A psychic beast, the leader's heart sank—such a psychic beast chose its own master, and it had recognized Durin.


She sat down, "Yesterday, members of my congregation brought up some disputes with you."


Chapter 203: The Other Side of the Sea