The golden box that had been opened trembled chaotically within the barrier, seemingly attempting to do something, flickering and shining light.
Officer Zhang suddenly realized what was happening and ran to the priest's side to take the box in her hands, facing the flesh monster with it. In an instant, the box burst into golden light, just like the mythic Moonlight Treasure Box.
The flesh and blood in the air began to converge towards the box, and a hurricane formed within the ruins, drawing the spreading blood color back, revealing a patch of the darkened sky once again.
The monster's countless heads opened wide, as if they were screaming in madness, but Officer Zhang couldn't hear clearly.
The box she was clinging to gradually became heavy, and she could only hold it tightly with both trembling hands, watching as the immense flesh monster crumbled and was absorbed into the box.
In the forest, Xuena, who was bound in linen, struggled violently. Seeing this, Xu Shuo stepped on her and didn't let her move.
Trickles of blood flowed out from under the linen, all converging into the box in Officer Zhang's hands.
The dark and dim sky, the black sun covered by the moon, revealed itself with an edge tinged with dark red light, exuding a sense of wickedness.
The forest swayed, hearing the pitiful screams from afar and the insane murmurs in his mind, Xu Shuo clicked his tongue in annoyance, his pitch-black eyes filled with a gloomy air as he stared at the priest.
Time became sluggish and viscous.
Officer Zhang didn't know how long she had been clutching the box, but the grotesque, indescribable flesh monster finally collapsed completely!
The blood color vanished in the darkness, and the air in the ruins felt much fresher.
"Close it!" the priest finally spoke and hurriedly shouted.
Officer Zhang instinctively closed the box quickly.
"The cross!"
Officer Zhang again instinctively grabbed the nearby cross and placed it into the empty slot on the lid of the box. It fitted perfectly.
"Give it to me!" the priest immediately stretched out his hand.
Officer Zhang reflexively handed it over to him, but when she turned her head and saw the priest who seemed to have aged a lot, she suddenly came to her senses.
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Handing the golden box over to the priest, Officer Zhang belatedly touched her own ear.
The smell of decay lingered on the scene, stepping amongst the rubble and loose stones, there was still a faint crunching sound, the sky was covered in thick, dark clouds, and the breeze brushed through the forest.
Although the total eclipse was not over, the moon had already shifted slightly to the side.
The priest sat on the ground, gasping for breath with a trace of white at his temples, looking exhausted, clutching the trembling box tightly and continuously biting into his own wrist.
Bright red blood flowed over the cross, emanating a faint golden glow.
In the church's backyard fishpond was holy water, but in truth, the bishop's blood was nearly as potent as holy water.
The cross soaked in holy blood absorbed it all and shone with light, fully embedded in the box and locked in place, at which point the shaking box also quieted down.
It wasn't until then that the priest completely relaxed.
[Congratulations on completing the task: Prevent the cultists' conspiracy.]
[Congratulations to the players for completing all main tasks. The Script Space will end in one minute, please prepare yourselves accordingly.]
Xu Shuo instantly opened his eyes, and in his sight was the expressionless face of a girl who looked a bit like him and also somewhat resembled Qiuzi.
"...Xi?" Xu Shuo's thoughts jammed for a moment.
He looked around and realized the car was no longer moving, but was parked by the side of the right lane.
Xu Shuo sneakily glanced at the car's clock. He couldn't quite remember the time when he started the game, but it seemed that only about five minutes had passed.
There would not be much time disparity in the game, but time in the Script Space flowed consistently with reality.
It must have been Xu Xi who had pulled over when she realized something was wrong.
Xu Shuo rubbed his head, apologetically saying, "Sorry, I might have been sleepy due to a lack of sleep last night."
As soon as he finished speaking, his head was lifted.
Xu Xi was holding his face in her hands, the girl's face still expressionless, impassively revealing nothing of her thoughts.
"Brother," Xu Xi spoke softly, her tone completely flat, "you're the only family I have in this world now. I can't lose you. I hope you understand that."
"...I really won't die suddenly."
"You just fell asleep outright."
"Don't worry, I—"
"I believe you."
Xu Xi interrupted him, and earnestly said, "But ever since mom and dad left, you've been carrying everything on your own. I can see it, and I really don't want you to be so tired. If possible, I can start working now."
It was rare for her to say so much in one go with such earnestness.
Caught off guard, Xu Shuo smiled and said, "Alright, you can come help me after you graduate from university. For now, I hope you focus on your studies."
Hearing this, Xu Xi's gaze dimmed slightly. She let go of him, expressionlessly sat back in the passenger seat, her face still unreadable.
Though the girl showed no significant emotional fluctuations, her demeanor clearly indicated she was upset.
Xu Shuo didn't say anything more, checked the seatbelt again, and restarted the car to continue the journey.
Xu Xi had wanted to help him share the workload, a desire she had not abandoned since she started high school. Yet, Xu Shuo had his own ideas—for Xu Xi to genuinely offer assistance, enriching her education and abilities was the best choice.
Thus, conversations like this always ended without issue, with each sticking to their own resolve.
...
The car re-entered the road without further incident, and Xu Shuo parked near the school. He got out of the car as well.
Xu Xi had no luggage, carrying her backpack expressionlessly toward the school gates, noticing he was still behind her.
"I can go in by myself," she said.
"By the way, I've already made an appointment with your homeroom teacher to learn about your academic progress," Xu Shuo said with a smile.
"..."
Without a word, Xu Xi glanced at him, then turned and walked into the school, quickening her pace significantly.