The world controlled by dice [Western Fantasy]

This prosperous city in the desert, just like when Sirius left, still maintains a kind of vitality in the barrenness.What is even more surprising is that they really saw the snow scene in the desert.

Qin Duo said: "I still remember that when we came here, I mentioned to you the snow scene in the desert." He paused, and then said, "At that time, I didn't want you to leave very much. gone."

They left the train station with other passengers."We didn't realize at the time that we were going to go through so much together," Siles said.

"That's true." Qin Duo said, "But I am very glad that I met you, and I am also very glad that I directly expressed my heart at that time."

Siles thought for a moment, then smiled at last.He didn't directly express his thoughts, but just said: "It's almost half a year, Qin Duo."

Qin Duo stared at him sideways, then murmured: "Yes."

It's just that the time spent with you always seems beautiful and short.he said in his heart.

The world always seemed gloomy, but it wasn't like that when Sirius was around.That's why he was so reluctant.

The hotel they stayed in was also very familiar, the Old John's Hotel they stayed in when they first came here.However, this time, the businessman Ranmir did not appear, and the familiar guide Mary also disappeared. I am afraid that he followed other caravans to perform the guide work.

They are still going to rest here for a day.However, the bus ticket purchased by Professor Bella departs tomorrow night, in other words, they have almost two full days to stroll around here.

Lorenzo couldn't wait to pull Chester to go out.However, Biddle City belongs to the Land of Eternity after all, and is more dangerous, so the knights and investigators of the Church of the Past also followed.

A group of people put their luggage in the hotel, and then decided to go out.

Siles and Qindo also planned to go out for a stroll.But they did not keep up with the footsteps of the main force.In fact, the group of them quickly fell apart and went their own way.

Coming here this time, Siles was more relaxed.He can also take a good look at the scenery of Biddle City.

They stopped at a square to the southwest of Biddle City.This square is called Biddle Square.

"I have an impression of this place." Siles said, "The set of bookmarks I bought at the flea market last time I came to Biddle City, on which some important landscapes of Biddle City were drawn, including this The square, and the fountain."

The fountain is located in the center of the square. It is not very gorgeous, plain and simple, but it is indeed a fountain.This is a city in the desert. Even if the water is not cramped, it still needs to be cherished.

However, there is a fountain here.

Qin Duo understood this, and explained: "This seems to be the decision made by the owner of Biddle City. When Biddle City was first established, everyone thought it was a madman's behavior.

"The hinterland of the desert was also an area once shrouded in fog. At that time, even though Antinam had appeared and the fog was slowly dissipating, people still felt that the future was gloomy."

Siles nodded knowingly, and he said: "So, people even think that exploring the Everland is unnecessary."

"It was like this for a while." Qin Duo shrugged, "It was inevitable. Anyway, people at that time still needed to worry about their own lives, instead of spending their free time focusing on future development."

"But at least for now, the existence of Biddle City is still worthwhile." Siles said.

Qin Duo nodded, and said: "That's why this fountain exists. Because the existence of Biddle City is like the water source in this desert."

Now the fountain is not running, but quietly embedded in the land of Biddle City.Shimizu may be walking through the bottom of this city, just like people are exploring and moving around the world.

They stood there silently, watching the people in the square.Some children are playing here.

When he saw those children, Siles suddenly thought of one thing.He said: "I once heard a legend... about a witch in the desert."

"Witch?" Qin Duo asked with a little interest, "Is it related to children?"

"Yes. Why do you say that?" Siles was a little surprised.

Cendo should not know this story from "Little Cynthia's World", but he still said that this story may be related to children.Where did he know this?

"Because adults always use this kind of legend to frighten children," Cindo said.

Siles suddenly realized.Looking at the children playing in the square, he frowned slightly for a moment.It's hard for him to describe what's on his mind, he just feels...

After a while, he said: "This is not the first time I think of this story. That story originally involved a city in the desert, and now we have really come to a city in the desert. This is a very Wonderful feeling."

"...Because of the power you possess?" Qin Duo said hesitantly.

Siles nodded, and he said: "Perhaps I once thought it was a coincidence... I read that story, and then heard the children mention the witch in the desert in Biddle City; coincidence, isn't it?

"However, now I can't simply think that this is just a coincidence that happened in the long river of fate. It is unintentional, of little value, and does not need to be carefully thought about.

"...the force of fate wraps itself around me. I have to admit it."

His voice is low.As far as he is concerned, he does not like this state.However, this is indeed the case.

So, after a while, he closed his eyes slightly, and then made up his mind: "Perhaps tonight, Mr. Phantom should go to those children's dreams."

Now that he thought of this question again, he didn't want to delay it.Now that he is in Biddle City, he can also spend some time studying this matter that interests him.

Qin Duo said: "But I remember, you want to enter their dreams, you need the exact name?"

"Yes……"

Before Siles finished speaking, suddenly, a woman in the square shouted, "Hal Goss! It's time for lunch!"

So one of the boys stopped running, said goodbye to his playmates reluctantly, and left with his mother.Siles felt that his face was a little familiar, maybe he had met him once when he came to Biddle City.

Siles and Cendo looked at each other.

Qin Duo said: "Can this be... your strength?"

Siles had to be silent for a moment.He thought to himself, all wishes come true?

However, it was an uncontrollable force, which made him feel dangerous.

After all, even if this power helps him now, maybe at some point, this power will backfire.The convenience of this power made Sires even more vigilant.

In the end, he just said: "Anyway, this is good news." He looked at the back of the boy running away, "An exact name."

Cinder nodded in agreement, and he said at the same time, "It's time for us to go to lunch, too."

They went to a nearby restaurant.According to Cindo, it's one of the most popular restaurants in Biddle City.And this popularity can indeed be seen, because they met other companions in the restaurant.

Lorenzo waved to them: "Here! Come on, there are still two seats."

Lorenzo, Chester, Bunyan, and a revelator from the Church of the Past jointly occupied a six-person table, just enough for Siles and Qindo to sit there.

The dishes in this restaurant are very desert-like, with a strong taste, and the atmosphere in the restaurant is also very lively.This atmosphere is a bit like the kind that Sirius once experienced in Hales House, which is very characteristic of Never Embers and belongs to the lively atmosphere of explorers.

It is different from the quiet and leisurely bustle in the city.The bustle here is always tinged with a kind of oppressive vigilance and dullness.People will indeed chat with each other enthusiastically, but they will also inadvertently raise their eyes and observe the surrounding situation, as if they will startle and run for their lives if there is any accident.

The layout of the restaurant is bar counter plus tables and chairs.Now the tables and chairs are basically full, and there are only a few people sitting here and there at the bar.

Chester and Lorenzo were researching what to order, and Cindo casually recommended one or two dishes to them.However, whether the Const people are used to the dishes of Biddle City is also a question worth thinking about.Of course, this is an outing after all, I'm afraid they also want to try new flavors.

Bunyan was chatting with the revealer about something that seemed to be about the safety of their party.They are now in the Never Embers, a place that has always held many secrets and dangers.

And Lamifah University specially invited people from the Church of the Past to protect this group of university professors who were helpless—maybe excluding Siles and Qindo—and Bunyan naturally hoped that they would do their duty.

Siles noticed what was being discussed at the table next to them.

Obviously, in such a restaurant, it is impossible for the explorers to discuss too secretive and important topics. Therefore, the men at the next table only talked about some things that happened in the Land of No Embers recently.

They mentioned a name that surprised Sirius—Angus Keyes.

The explorer has been causing quite a bit of trouble in the Everlands for the past few days.He killed the leader of an adventure party west of the Everlands, and managed to take over that party.

It is said that he used to be a member of that adventure group, and later turned against some high-level officials and disappeared for many years, but now he has successfully revenged, looking very high-spirited.At least from the words of these explorers, Siles could clearly hear the envy.

He subconsciously glanced over, then calmly retracted.

Angus Keyes chose to embark on his journey of revenge after reading the book "The Revenge of the Rose" by Sirius.In any case, the success of revenge is still a matter of celebration, even if it is based on blood and tragedy.

Qin Duo noticed Sirius' distraction, and asked in a low voice: "What's wrong?"

"...I just feel the duality of fate." Siles said.

Qin Duo didn't understand why he mentioned this matter.He didn't pay attention to the topics of those explorers just now, but after just such a short time, those people had already changed the topic.

Qin Duo looked at Siles in confusion, and finally he said: "You always worry about this kind of thing. However, perhaps our most important thing at the moment..."

Siles looked at him.

"Just finished this lunch." Cendo said matter-of-factly.

Siles was slightly taken aback, but then couldn't help laughing.He said, "Yes, Gindor, you're right." He paused, then added, "I shouldn't be thinking about these things all the time, either."

Grenfell had reminded him of this before, but now, Siles realized it again.He doesn't want himself to be swallowed up by those grand, complex and profound things.Even time, even fate.

He didn't think about those anymore, but just had lunch with his companions, and then talked about his experiences along the way.Lorenzo lamented the accident when he first set off, and the smoothness afterwards.

He said sincerely: "I hope the journey in the future will be very smooth."

Siles glanced at Gyndo, and said, "Perhaps we can." After all, there was a Lycardian blood here.

Qin Duo kept a reserved smile on his face.He felt that he was praised implicitly, but he couldn't express this emotion, so he could only be complacent in his heart.

This power used to make him hate it deeply, but now the situation is completely opposite.

After eating, they paid and planned to leave.However, on their way out, they happened to meet a lady who was going in.

Siles subconsciously looked up at the lady, and then said in surprise, "Ms. Heidi?"

It was the astrologer Heidi who appeared in front of them.

When Siles and Cindo met by chance on the train and traveled from Lamifa to Malz together, they met Heidi on the train.

Heidi's star map handkerchief was stolen by Mr. Lampson, who was obsessed with ghosts, and was noticed by another enlightener, which caused the murder that happened on the "Light of the First Snow" train.

However, Heidi herself did not participate in the subsequent murders.Siles learned of the power of the "circus" from Heidi, and he never met Heidi again.

When the lady astrologer parted from them, she had said disheartenedly that she wanted to find a suitable burial place.Now that they met again, Heidi looked healthy and calm, which made Celes feel a little relieved.

They actually only met twice, but, for various reasons, the topics they talked about were very complicated.

Heidi also looked at him in surprise, and she said softly, "Mr. Noel, I didn't expect to see you here."

Chester didn't know Heidi, but he was used to it—it seemed as if an acquaintance of Sirius could pop up anytime, anywhere.

So he said, "A reunion with an old friend? That's a good thing. So, you can talk here, and we'll go somewhere else."

Siles and Cindo stayed in this restaurant, and chatted for a while with the astrologer Heidi who reunited after a long absence.

"So, ma'am, how was your life after getting off that train?" Sirius asked.

"I stayed in Maltz for a while, and then returned to the Land of No Embers." Heidi said softly, "I heard what happened at the House of Hales, so I went there after that.

"I talked to the clown, the tamer, the magician—you don't know their names, so I'll just use the pronouns—I talked to them all. To tell you the truth, because the circus fell apart, we Instead, I felt relieved, at least I did.

"Both the tamer and the magician say they're going to go back home and try to live a normal life. The clown has always been that goofy. He says he's homeless and will probably be wandering around the Never Embers.

"At that time, I had nothing to do with the clown, so I participated in the reconstruction of Hales House. Now a new station has been gradually established there, but it is no longer called Hales House...Of course, some expeditions Or get used to the old name.

"However, the new name - Firebird Station, has gradually become popular. The reason why it is called Firebird seems to be because the camp was once burning, and the birdmen shot up from the top of the tent... It seems that it is because of that A side scene, that's why people call it that.

"After the reconstruction of the station was almost completed, I separated from the clown and returned to Biddle City... In fact, it was also because of another matter."

"What?" Sirius asked.

Heidi was silent for a while, even showing a bitter expression.

After a while, she said, "That star map."

Siles couldn't help but startled.

Heidi murmured: "I thought I'd gotten rid of that star map. But when the train station here in Biddle City contacted me and said that the star map handkerchief had been recovered and asked me to claim it, I really didn't like it." feel...

"...feeling a cruel fate inevitable. I thought the thing was lost, but in the end, it came back. Bloodied, and inescapable.

"Even though the circus is gone, I 'became' an astrologer, so I will always be an astrologer."

Siles was slightly taken aback, then frowned.He knew about the recovery of the handkerchief.That handkerchief was still on the body of the dead Mr. Lampson when he was on the "Light of the First Snow" train...

Wait, having said that, why did the handkerchief stay on Mr. Lampson's body?Hadn't the murderer decided to kill Mr. Lampson just for this handkerchief?

Siles was lost in thought.

Besides, the attitude of Biddle City Railway Station seemed a little too hospitable.Even though this is an out-of-control time frame, they really have the energy to spend a lot of time looking for Heidi's whereabouts, and even take the initiative to write to Heidi to come and pick it up?

It's as if this thing caused some unexpected consequences, so the train station avoided it, hoping that the owner would come and deal with it as soon as possible.

Siles asked, "So, have you claimed that star map?"

Heidi shook her head slowly.She sighed and said, "I'm not afraid of your jokes... When I was on the train, I swore that I was going to seek death.

"However, when I leave the train... How should I put it, like now, sitting in a bustling restaurant, listening to the chats of other explorers, and then waiting for the boss to bring me a plate of hot fried rice ...

"I just felt like, how could I possibly die. I can't do it. Besides, I've got rid of that star chart, and I've got rid of the circus. I'm not the astrologer I used to be, and I don't have to look at the goddamn, A mess of stars.

"I'm still greedy for life and afraid of death. I still want to live, live to be old enough, old enough, enjoy a long enough life, and then die willingly. That's what I want.

"...But, but, sir, can you imagine? That thing has appeared again!"

Heidi shook her head in annoyance and sighed.

Siles remained silent.

To some extent, he can understand Heidi's troubles, even very understanding.

For the usual revelators, they may be very grateful for such "lost and found".However, that seemed to be some kind of trap hidden in fate.

Is that really a "treasure"?Isn't that really dangerous and malicious, like cheese in a mousetrap used to attract mice?

In such a treacherous world, human life is really as cheap and fragile as a mouse.

Siles thought for a moment, and then said: "I think, ma'am, you should at least inquire about the relevant news." Afterwards, he roughly informed Heidi of what happened on the "Light of the First Snow" train.

Heidi's eyes gradually widened, and she listened to the story in a daze.

Siles did not tell Heidi about the underground gang in Lamifax City, which was involved in the Lampson family.But even so, Heidi was surprised enough.

Qin Duo added on the side: "After leaving your side, that thing may be more uncontrollable and more dangerous." He looked at the astrologer and said meaningfully, "You got rid of this thing, but others may not. in this way."

Heidi's face slowly turned pale.After a while, she took a deep breath: "I...I understand. This is my trouble after all." She muttered to herself, "I can't be so naive."

It seems that Heidi has made up her mind and realized that she will have to face the existence of this problem after all.

Siles said: "I will go to Middleton later. Ma'am, if there is any progress on your side, you can contact..." He looked at Qindo.

So Cinder gave an address in Kansas, and added, "You can write here."

Heidi nodded, and then smiled wryly: "Thank you for showing up... I should say that. I'm always a person who needs external force to push me to make up my mind. No matter what, I will try to solve this matter."

She said slowly, firmly, "Yes. No more bad luck should be caused."

Siles looked at the lady thoughtfully.

From falling out with the circus in Ramifa City and choosing to leave alone, to the confusion and helplessness of suddenly losing the star map when returning to the Land of Embers, and gradually getting rid of the shadow brought by the star map, but in When I was caught off guard, I heard the resistance of the star map again...

In any case, this Ms. Heidi has experienced enough ups and downs in her life in the past six months.

He said, "I wish you all the best, ma'am."

Heidi nodded, showing a pale smile, and she said, "Thank you."

Then she asked about Sirius' trip to Middleton.

"That's a country farther north by the sea," said Siles. "I'm going there because of some work."

"The country by the sea!" Heidi said with some surprise, "I've never been there before. It also sounds curious. However, I just came back from the Hales House, and I probably don't want to travel around in the short term. "

Siles nodded as expected, but Heidi mentioned the House of Hales again, which reminded Celes of one thing.

He said: "Ma'am, you should have been at the Hales House." After all, Heidi used to be a member of the circus, and that circus was resident at the Hales House. Dreyson's man? He may be old."

Heidi thought for a moment, then said apologetically, "I don't remember very well. But I'll try to recall it and get back to you. Is there anything you can do with him?"

"He should have passed away." Siles said, "However, there seems to be some problem with his identity, so I want to investigate."

Heidi looked at him in surprise, and then said softly: "I understand. Mr. Noel, I will help you find out. If there is any progress, I will also write a letter together."

She nodded towards Qindo, meaning that it will be sent to Qindo.

Siles thanked her.Instead of disturbing Heidi's lunch time, they quickly said goodbye to the astrologer lady and left the restaurant.

Siles noticed that Heidi quickly ordered a lot of dishes, probably trying to heal herself with delicious food.

Qin Duo sighed and said: "The star chart has appeared again." He glanced at Sirius, "When you returned to the Land of Embers, the follow-up of what happened at the beginning seems to be one after another. It popped up. Are you really... able to do more work?"

Siles: "..."

If he had to choose, he would rather make his life easier and more enjoyable.Unfortunately, however, his busyness seems to have gotten out of hand.

He was speechless for a moment, and finally he could only say: "Let's go."

"Where are you going?" Cinder said, "I'm listening to you."

"You're a little more familiar with Biddle City. We can walk around," said Siles.

Qin Duo was lost in thought, and after a while, he suddenly realized: "So this is a date?"

"You may think so," said Siles.

"...You are always so reserved." Qin Duo murmured, "However, I like you who are so reserved."

Celeste can't help but laugh - he's just, well, he just can't quite express himself sometimes.That can also be regarded as the reservedness that Qin Duo said.

He was noncommittal and said, "So, let's go?"

"Of course." Cinder said, "I have already conceived a two-day itinerary for you in Bidel City in my mind."

"The power of Lycardia?"

"It was Cindo Playa's will."

"I am very grateful."

"This is what I should do." Qin Duozhi said complacently.

Under the arrangement of Qin Duo, Siles did experience the charm of Biddle City from another angle—the angle of tourists.A rough, lively and mysterious grand city in the desert.It was almost a miracle.

However, when they returned to the Old John Hotel, they received an unexpected bad news instead.

Qi Qi, several professors from La Mifa University, sat in Lorenzo's room, all with heavy expressions.Professor Bella stood aside, seeming to be thinking about something, his eyes were particularly dignified.

Siles and Cindo happened to pass by Lorenzo's room when they came back, and they noticed their strange behavior.

"...You are back, Professor Noel." Professor Bella said after noticing Sirius' return.However, she couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief as she spoke, and at the same time, when she realized this emotion, she sighed again.

Siles frowned slightly. He saw the two professors from the history department—one of them was Lorenzo, and the other was Professor Cyril—their expressions were very depressed.

Lorenzo has always been extroverted and active, but at this moment he is also sitting there a little bit lost.Obviously, something happened.

Siles asked, "What happened?"

Professor Bella hesitated, and then said: "Professor Noel, you should know Professor Dunlop?"

Siles was slightly taken aback.

Professor Dunlop, who majored in archeology... After the first semester last year, he led a team to the Land of No Embers to excavate a newly discovered tomb of a noble from the Shadow Era.In the team that went to the archeology with him, there was also Herman Grove, one of the characters in the running team.

An ominous premonition appeared in Sirius' heart.He just paused, and then said: "Yes, I know Professor Dunlop. He..."

"He's missing." Professor Bella whispered, "along with the entire archaeological team."

As soon as the voice fell, the whole room fell into a terrible silence.

After a while, Siles broke the silence and said, "Can you tell me more about this?"

His calm tone seemed to let everyone breathe a sigh of relief.This is especially true of Lorenzo.He looked like he had taken a huge hit.However, considering his friendship with Professor Dunlop, this sentiment is not difficult to understand.

"...Sorry." Lorenzo whispered, "I lost my composure just now."

It appears they had a somewhat emotional conversation before Siles returned to the hotel.

Qin Duo closed the door smoothly.A confined space gives people a certain sense of security.Professor Bella took a deep breath, and then began to explain.

Only then did Siles learn that in the afternoon Lorenzo, Chester, Bunyan and the others went to a nearby tavern, where they were chatting and playing cards.

Noel's card apparently attracted quite a few other explorers, so someone joined their game.In the process, they accidentally learned a piece of news.

An archaeological site excavated in the second half of last year, the archaeological team there suddenly disappeared mysteriously.They may have been missing for some time, but no one knew about it until recently, when explorers stumbled across the area.

In the Land of Ashes, this kind of thing is actually quite common-archaeology, exploration, excavation, once it involves the distant past, people always feel that there is something dangerous in it.

The reason why it was used as a talking point was because the explorer who participated in the game was the one who discovered the disappearance of the archaeological team.He said that he would pass by that archaeological site every year when he would go back and forth between a post station in the east and Biddle City.

Therefore, he was able to discover the disappearance of those people.

He just took it as an interesting story at the poker table and shared it casually, but Lorenzo immediately realized that something was wrong.He hurriedly asked for relevant details, but the explorer saw that his face was very strange, hesitated for a while, and told the truth.

Lorenzo realized that it was the archaeological site that Professor Dunlop went to.That means...Professor Dunlop, and the team he led, are missing.

...what did they encounter?

It's hard to tell.However, there is no doubt that something happened to Professor Dunlop.

Soon, Professor Bella also learned of this. The reason was that Lorenzo returned to the hotel impulsively after knowing the matter, packed his things and wanted to go to the archaeological site to find out.He was stopped, but his face was still very ugly.

That's why he just apologized.He was indeed out of control.

However, everyone present could understand his anxiety and eagerness.

Professor Bella said to Lorenzo in a gentler tone: "Professor Grantham, I understand your concern about Professor Dunlop. However, it is obviously not safe for you to go there alone.

"I will write back to the Institute of Literature and History to inform them of the disappearance of the archaeological team, and ask Lamifa City to send investigators over. This matter will definitely come to light, trust me."

Lorenzo was silent for a while, and then nodded earnestly. He thanked the others in a low voice, especially Chester and Bunyan who had been stopping him.He added: "Hope they're safe."

The originally tense atmosphere in the room gradually relaxed.However, everyone knew that the disappearance of the archaeological team could not be a trivial matter.It is very likely that they have... died without a place to bury them.

As the night darkened, they left Lorenzo's room and went back to their rooms.After chatting with Chester and Bunyan for a while, Siles realized that what the explorer said at the beginning was very carefree.

He bluntly said that the group of missing archaeologists is probably dead, after all, this is the land of no embers, and it is a dangerous archaeological site.Maybe they unearthed something incredible, and then there was no possibility of survival.

If it is in a safe city, then there may be a turning point.However, they are in the dangerous land of no embers. If they provoke the fog, or walk into the fog by themselves under the control of some out-of-control time track, then the situation will be even worse.

...Death may be the best ending; perhaps, they are now falling into endless madness.

These words naturally made Lorenzo flustered and very uncomfortable.

Chester's expression was also a little heavy, he said: "After all, the land of no embers is not a safe cradle."

Siles shook his head too, and sighed.They each went back to their rooms.

Cinder said, "Do you really think they're dead?"

"Not necessarily." Siles said, "Maybe they can have some chance."

Herman Grove is part of the running game.In terms of this status alone, Siles didn't believe that he would die so easily...at least he hoped so.

Qin Duo thought for a while, and then said regretfully: "If I can enter Tau's cemetery, then maybe I can quickly confirm their safety. You reminded me before that the power of these gods is very magical.

"And they just disappeared in a foreign land. Perhaps, they are included in the power of Lygardia, and relevant information can be obtained directly in the Tau cemetery."

Siles was slightly taken aback, and had to admit that Qin Duo's statement was correct.He said, "We might be able to find Tau's cemetery later." He thought for a moment, and then said, "In that case, I should try to search in my dreams tonight, too."

However, he didn't know Professor Dunlop's full name, and a safer measure might be to search for Herman Grove's dream.

"Then, you have a lot to do in your dreams tonight." Qin Duo whispered.

Siles was somewhat helpless.“Eventually these things have to be done,” he said.

"I just feel that my admiration and respect for you has been growing," Qindo said, "and you deserve it all. Even if you don't like the power of fate, I think it's what you deserve."

Siles was stunned for a moment, and finally he said, "I'm not used to this kind of blunt... appreciation. But thank you, Gindo."

"You are always so polite." Qin Duo muttered, "Of course, it is also my honor to offer you such praise every day. I am your faithful believer, and I am very happy to offer you hymns every day."

Siles smiled slightly, and leaned over to kiss him.He stroked Gyndo's hair and whispered between kisses, "I feel your hair growing again?"

"Maybe yes, but