Though it was an exaggeration, the unique, pungent scent was guaranteed to make anyone who smelled it once never want to smell it a second time. Mo Han couldn't help but feel a grudging respect for Comos; how could he endure coating himself in such substances all day? No wonder Mo Han had always sensed a faint odor of decay. Still, in this desolate, empty city littered with the countless dead, such scents were almost commonplace. Mo Han had encountered them before, but he never imagined it was this pale yellow liquid.
"As for that barrier issue you mentioned, I’m not entirely clear on the details. I just know the old monster gave me a strangely shaped object and told me to carry it every time I enter. I don't know if it's related."
After speaking, Comos drew a bizarrely shaped black item from his robes. It looked like a stone, but Mo Han was certain it wasn't one; a faint, dark energy subtly emanated from within it. This energy was identical to the barrier energy surrounding the red wall outside, suggesting it was precisely what protected Comos from the barrier’s attacks.
After reviewing these items, Mo Han spoke, "Alright, I understand everything now. Just act like nothing has happened. Carry on as usual. Rest assured, I will find a way to rescue all of you, but you must cooperate fully, do you understand? I will come in early tomorrow. If that old monster shows up, just act normally. I think I have a way to deal with him; don't worry about anything else."
Hearing Mo Han’s instructions, Comos nodded incessantly, indicating he understood.
He only kept urging Mo Han to ensure his master was rescued, promising he would cooperate fully with Mo Han's plans.
After giving Comos his instructions, Mo Han returned directly to Toby’s secret chamber. As soon as he entered the room, Mo Han saw Daly approaching with an expression of surprise, "Guess what I discovered today?" Daly smiled mysteriously at Mo Han.
Mo Han rarely saw Daly this delighted, and curiosity immediately piqued his interest. He smiled and asked, "What is it? What did you find that makes you so happy? I'm genuinely curious."
Daly simply shook her head without speaking.
Instead, she led Mo Han to Natasha and smiled as she addressed the girl, "Natasha dear, show Brother Mo Han what big sister discovered, okay? Don't be scared. Brother Mo Han is just like me; he won't judge you."
Seeing this, Mo Han's curiosity deepened even more. He couldn't help but take Daly’s small hand and ask, "What is going on? You’re confusing me. What does this have to do with Natasha?" But Daly wouldn't answer.
She just smiled, made a face at Mo Han, and then looked encouragingly at the hesitant Natasha. Little Natasha looked at Daly's encouraging gaze, then at Mo Han’s curious expression. As if making a resolve, she extended both hands, then used her left hand to roll up the sleeve of her right arm. Instantly, a dreadful wound appeared on the girl's pale arm.
The wound was about the size of a child's fist, and the surrounding tissue looked like it had only just begun to heal, indicating it was quite recent.
Seeing this, Mo Han was momentarily slow to react, staring at Daly with confusion, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Wife, while I might not resist beautiful women, I do have standards. You know I'm not interested in little girls. What are you doing? You're teaching Natasha bad habits."
Hearing Mo Han's nonsensical ramblings, Daly couldn't resist reaching out to pinch him, scolding him shyly, "What nonsense are you talking of? Look again, more closely!"
Mo Han heard her, looked again, and shook his head, saying, "It’s nothing, just a wound. It looks like it happened recently. What about it? Why is it worth looking at so closely?" "Wait, recently injured."
Mo Han suddenly jumped up, exclaiming excitedly, "That means she was injured during the lockdown! Then it’s highly possible that..."
Mo Han looked at Daly with excitement, though Daly surely understood what he was about to say next.
Seeing his realization, Daly smiled and nodded. "That’s right. You’re only just realizing it now? You’re so slow, and you always brag about how smart you are."
Mo Han responded with a knowing grin, "Hehe, if I didn't act a bit slow sometimes, how would your brilliance shine through? So, you should thank me for giving you this opportunity."
Daly rolled her eyes at Mo Han helplessly. "Actually, I discovered it this morning while helping Natasha change her clothes. It turns out that a month ago, during an escape attempt, Natasha was attacked by a zombie and was saved by her father. Her father, in fact, was killed by those zombies while saving her."
Saying this, Daly gently stroked Natasha’s cheek, then continued, "After being attacked, Natasha miraculously wasn't infected, which finally put her worried mother at ease. However, her mother had told her that anyone attacked by those zombies would be brutally killed to prevent the spread of disease. So, her mother instructed her never to tell anyone about this fact. Only after I discovered it this morning did I manage to convince Natasha with great effort to tell me."
Mo Han heard this, looked at the little girl gazing at him with concern, gently picked her up, and said with a smile, "Little Natasha, don't worry. As long as Sister Daly and Brother Mo Han are here, no one can hurt you. Brother promises you that, and there are many older brothers and sisters outside just like me; they will all protect you too. So, be at ease. From now on, we are your family, okay?" Little Natasha nodded gratefully.
Her eyes turned red, and she seemed about to say something, but after a long pause, no words came out. She only hugged Mo Han tightly to express her profound gratitude. Daly and Toby, witnessing this scene, both found their eyes growing moist.
After comforting Little Natasha until she fell asleep, Mo Han finally spoke to Daly and Toby about his discoveries from the day. Hearing that the Second Prince of the Cardic Duchy was still alive, Daly exclaimed happily, "That's wonderful! That means both our missions might succeed. Have you thought about how you’ll rescue him?" Mo Han nodded. "I was originally planning to ask you to wait here for me, but since Natasha is the immune person we've been searching for, this matter is more critical. Another day here means another day of danger. So, I've changed my mind. Today, you, Natasha, and Toby will leave first, and Xiao Mo and Xiao Han will stay to help me."
Seeing Daly about to object, Mo Han stopped her. "I know you are worried about my safety. Tomorrow's battle will likely be fierce. If you stay, I’ll only be distracted. With the help of Xiao Mo and Xiao Han, it should be fine. You know their strength; don't worry."
Daly could only reply with resignation, "Then you must be careful. If it gets too dangerous, retreat first, and we’ll figure out another way. Don't try to force things, understand? That mysterious shadow always gives me a sense of unease; he probably hasn't used his most potent methods yet. So, you absolutely must be careful."
Mo Han gently stroked Daly's head, his face alight with a smile. "Hehe, didn't I tell you I’m like a cockroach? Don't worry. I will come find you all as soon as I finish things here. You must remember, do not risk coming in to find me, okay? Once I rescue the Second Prince, I will immediately go out to look for you."
Though extremely reluctant, Daly didn't want to become Mo Han's burden, so she nodded and agreed to his terms. Besides, with Xiao Mo and Xiao Han looking after Mo Han, he should be safe, right? Daly tried to console herself internally.
Mo Han then instructed Toby to pack some of his essential belongings, while Mo Han briefed Daly on crucial details she needed to observe. Afterward, he set off toward the barrier exit with Toby and Natasha.
Fearing interception by the mysterious shadow, the group moved with swift speed. Mo Han pulled Toby along, while Daly carried Natasha, sprinting towards the exit. Xiao Mo and Xiao Han took positions at the front and rear to guard everyone’s safety. The journey was surprisingly smooth, encountering no obstacles. Soon they were close to their goal; the barrier exit was faintly visible, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Just then, Mo Han suddenly sensed a powerful magical fluctuation coming from ahead. Xiao Mo, who was leading the way, abruptly stopped and let out several roars toward the street directly in front of them. As a high-level magical beast, its instincts registered a deep sense of dread, causing it to grow agitated. Seeing this, Mo Han knew exactly who it was without needing to ask. Who else but that mysterious shadow could possibly block them so swiftly?
Leaping toward the...