Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Black Citizen's Redemption

Inside Michael’s grand and opulent mansion, I accompanied Helsing, Yaochi, and Bett as we made our way toward Michael’s collection room. Yaochi’s eyes wandered longingly across the murals and statues. “Everything here is brimming with magic,” she murmured with yearning.

“Childish trinkets,” Helsing remarked dismissively.

Bett, Rita’s younger brother, seemed nervous and fearful—his spirit still wounded by past traumas. Yet whenever his gaze lingered on a piece of art, he would become wholly absorbed.

The door swung open and Michael greeted us with a bow, smiling. “Welcome to my humble abode. The presence of such esteemed guests truly elevates this place.”

Yaochi replied, “The marquis’ collection is an eye-opener; the honor is mine indeed.”

Inside the collection room, LeGang and Bella were already present. Michael made introductions, then eagerly retrieved the statue of the goddess Iks, wrapping both sculptures in a casing of red, translucent amber to guard against accidents.

Yaochi was spellbound. She approached the statues and turned her palm over them; Michael’s enchantment faded away. He gave a startled cry, then said, “Astounding! Your reputation is truly deserved.”

She had revealed her skill. If Michael had previously doubted her, suspecting she was a mere charlatan, those doubts were now dispelled.

Yaochi knelt before the statues. Helsing cautioned, “Don’t harm yourself.”

But she didn’t seem to hear. She gently touched the first sculpture, then the second, whispering, “I can feel… within both statues there are powerful… powerful guardian spirits. Millennia of death, the sorrowful beliefs of the departed, remain trapped inside these sculptures.”

“Is it dangerous?” Michael asked.

Bella cut in, “Isn’t that obvious? We’ve experienced firsthand the deadly power of these statues.” She locked eyes with Yaochi. “You must end the true source of evil here, madam.”

Suddenly, Yaochi cried out in pain. Helsing caught her in his arms, his psychic blade forming an invisible wall of force. Yaochi trembled. “I can’t… not now. They are too stubborn, too powerful.”

LeGang asked, “Then what should we do?”

“For now, lock the statues away… in the most secure vault you have. No one must approach them. I need to construct a magic array—and you must gather all three statues. None can be missing.”

“Why not destroy them?” I asked.

At least three voices shouted, “Are you mad?”

The outcry came from Yaochi, Michael, and Bella—they read people all too well.

“These relics are priceless,” Yaochi said. “We only need to drive out the evil spirits bound to them. Such treasures deserve to be passed down through generations.”

Michael laughed. “My dear Mrs. Helsing, your insight is exceptional—my admiration for you grows ever deeper.”

“My array will take at least ten days to complete,” Yaochi said. “Can you secure the third statue by then?”

Michael asked, “Is the Pan-American Pyramid far from here?”

“This time, we’ll go on foot, keeping a low profile—no need for Yune’s help. Ten days may not be enough for the full journey, but twenty days certainly will be,” I replied.

“Very well, Major. I trust you above all others,” Michael said, then turned to LeGang. “My dear brother, whatever personnel or equipment Lang Ji requires, make sure he has it.”

I seized the opportunity. “Commander LeGang, I have two ideal candidates I’d like to recruit.”

“Who are they?” he asked.

“One is called Broken Clock Hamburger, the other is Soleis Steak.” In truth, their surname was Koloff, but I couldn’t reveal that.

“Submit their details to me in full, and I’ll take care of it,” LeGang replied.

I hesitated. “They… are actually Blackfolk, but their talents are extraordinary.”

LeGang pondered for a moment. “I can make an exception. Do they intend to live in town or the skyscraper?”

“The skyscraper. I’ll arrange their accommodations—no need to trouble you.”

“Residing in the Black Coffin is expensive. Are you sure you can afford it?”

“I plan to house them in the Henry Mansion. At least that saves on rent.”

Michael and Bella both burst into laughter. Bella exclaimed, “Does poverty make people fearless?”

Michael added, “I wouldn’t know. I’ve never been poor.”

Their words stung, but I couldn’t blame them. In their shoes, I’d wish for a life untouched by poverty, too.

“So you’re not selling me the Henry Mansion after all?” Michael asked.

“I regret it as well, but for now… I can’t part with it.” The financial loss pained me deeply, but I had no choice but to swallow it.

Michael shrugged. “No matter. I’m planning a sewer project for Black Coffin Town. A penny saved is a penny earned.”

I hadn’t realized this playboy also handled the town’s public works.

LeGang was as decisive as ever. “Fine. Have them report to the Ranger camp at their earliest convenience. But all paperwork for living in the skyscraper must be in order. They’re under your command—you’ll be responsible for their actions.”

For a moment, I almost wanted to give up—not out of cowardice, but because Hamburger and Steak were born under a curse. Even if they had no wish to cause trouble, the hot-tempered townsfolk might easily react to them with hostility, unless they spent their lives in seclusion.

But since I had already chosen the hardest path, there was nothing to do but accept it.

Michael’s attention shifted to Bett Mann. “Who is this child?”

“He’s Ranger Rita Mann’s younger brother,” I answered quickly.

“Rita Mann, the heroine who fell bravely while investigating the Blood Pact Gang?” Michael approached Bett, making the nervous boy shrink back.

Michael, who lived for the pleasure of blood, was a stranger to the child. But Bett, sensitive from his ordeals, recoiled instinctively from strangers.

“He’s suffered greatly. His spirit is fragile,” Michael observed.

“We’ll take good care of him,” Yaochi promised.

“You can provide for his body, but not his soul,” Michael replied. “He suffers immense pain deep within.”

“You can see his soul?” Helsing asked.

“I know more than you might think, Mr. Helsing.” Michael extended a friendly hand to Bett. I feared Bett might refuse and offend him, but after a moment, the boy placed his small hand in Michael’s.

Michael smiled, led us to a painting on the wall—a knight on horseback, resplendent in gold and silver, exuding majesty. “Tell me, child, what do you feel from this?”

Bett stared for a long time. “He’s lonely. The artist wanted people to feel this knight’s loneliness—a sense of emptiness…”

Michael showed him several other pieces, asking his impressions. Each time, Bett’s comments were subtle, unsettling, and strangely profound.

Apparently satisfied, Michael nodded. “Your talent is as remarkable as your appearance, child.” He turned to Yaochi. “Please allow me to adopt him.”

“But we’ve already taken him in,” Yaochi replied. If she was concerned about Michael’s intentions or nature, she didn’t show it. She was always the most calm and composed person I had ever met.

“Perhaps you haven’t filed the formal papers yet?” Michael pressed. “Forgive me, but here he would receive an education and upbringing far superior to the lower levels.”

“Then forgive me as well, Marquis,” Helsing said. “I know your thirst for blood. I fear you may not be able to restrain it.”

Michael’s smile vanished. “You know much, sir, but do not understand my character or integrity. I assure you, I will never harm this child. If, when he comes of age, he wishes to join my kind, I would welcome him. If not, I would still love him no less.”

Yaochi and Helsing seemed poised to object, but I caught their gaze and said, “I’ll vouch for the marquis as well. He’s the most trustworthy man I’ve known.”

The words were hollow, but I believed that Michael’s thriftiness with money did not contradict his regard for humanity.

Yaochi said nothing more; Helsing relented. His swordsmanship might be unmatched, but he could not confront the entire Black Coffin alone, and Michael’s request was, after all, reasonable.

Michael asked when we would be ready for the third expedition. “We can set out the day after tomorrow,” I replied. Michael’s face lit with joy as he clapped an arm around my shoulder and escorted me to the door.

While waiting for the elevator, I sensed that Yaochi and Helsing were downcast. “I’m sorry,” I said.

“Why apologize?” Helsing asked.

“I spoke up for Michael because I know him. He can control himself—he isn’t some wanton beast, indifferent to human life.”

“The blood clan may have a point,” Helsing said. “That child speaks to him, but never to us. My psychic blade cannot heal wounds of the soul.”

“If the marquis truly can heal his soul and raise him well, it would be a blessing,” Yaochi said.

“Mrs. Yaochi, could I ask for another favor?” I ventured.

She smiled and agreed.

I led them to the thirtieth floor, unlocked the door, and entered the Henry Mansion. It was as oppressive and gloomy as ever, the shadows of past tragedies still lingering, but with the paintings and statues gone, I was sure the hauntings had ceased.

Hamburger and Steak—Broken Clock and Soleis—were each in their rooms, reading. They kept their quarters immaculate; I had lucked out with tenants.

Yaochi recognized Broken Clock at once, and instantly realized Soleis was undead. She hesitated, a hint of unease in her eyes; she knew this was the work of underworld fire and could not suppress her aversion. Helsing lent her his psychic strength, and Yaochi regained her composure. “Forgive me for my rudeness,” she said.

She was almost too polite—she had done nothing at all.

I introduced them briefly. “Are we no longer Blackfolk?” Broken Clock asked.

“I give you my word,” I smiled. “You can rest assured. I invited Mrs. Yaochi to ensure you can go out safely and avoid causing trouble. She is the finest exorcist there is.”

“I cannot wholly rid you of the curse of underworld fire,” Yaochi said, “but I can teach you how to suppress it. That way, the adverse effects it triggers in others will be minimized.”

“Thank you so much,” Soleis said joyfully. “I’ll do my utmost to learn.”

“No need to thank me. You offer me the chance to expand my knowledge and improve myself. This will not be easy—it requires steadfast, long-term dedication.”