Dice In The Darkness: Cthulhu Calls

Due to the insufficient power supply at the underground camp, Buke shut off the electricity as soon as everyone returned to their rooms to rest.

Thus, the underground camp was now shrouded in darkness.

Liu Xing glanced over the specifics of "Summoning Byakhee" and decided to don a raincoat and head to the surface to perform the summoning ritual.

The VIP version of "Summoning Byakhee" had streamlined many procedures, requiring only the creation of a magic array on the ground by any means, a drop of one’s own blood at the center of the array, and the recitation of a five-minute incantation.

Though Liu Xing was somewhat concerned about attracting animals with his blood, upon realizing that there was a chance to summon Byakhee even without completing the incantation, he decided to take the risk, ready to flee if things went awry.

Stealthily leaving the underground camp, Liu Xing, knowing that only "Ling Ishikawa" was aware of his true identity, preferred to keep it that way and not alert "Zhang Jingxu" and the others.

Upon reaching the surface, amidst pouring rain, Liu Xing noticed significant changes on Zekiel Island.

The forest adjacent to the underground camp, with trees averaging three to four meters in height, had now soared to around ten meters, turning into a tropical rainforest. Even the previously low bushes had grown to over two meters, transforming into a dense jungle.

The beach behind the underground camp, once scattered with rocks and deadwood, had turned into a desert. What was once white sand was now entirely yellow, and the entire desert seemed to absorb rainwater like a sponge.

Lastly, and most importantly, Liu Xing found the yacht they had arrived on overturned on the beach due to the waves’ impact. Liu Xing estimated that their group alone couldn’t possibly right the yacht and set it back afloat.

It seemed the survival ordeal on the island had officially begun.

Fortunately, perhaps due to the heavy rain, Liu Xing didn’t spot any animals around, indicating they weren’t hunting during the storm, which was a relief.

Anticipating the rain, Liu Xing had wisely drawn a magic array on spare bedding in his room rather than on the muddy ground. Setting it near the entrance of the underground camp, he cut his finger, dropped a drop of blood onto the array, and then applied a band-aid to stop the bleeding.

With caution, Liu Xing began chanting the incantation while keeping an eye on his surroundings.

As the dice landed, Liu Xing knew that the current judgment was likely directed at him—whether any animals were attracted by the blood scent or how many might pose a threat.

Despite his vigilance, perhaps due to the rain’s masking effect, Liu Xing didn’t notice any immediate danger.

Fortunately, the builders of the underground camp had foreseen the island’s aggressive wildlife and strategically located it in an open area, ensuring clear visibility within a twenty-meter radius despite the heavy rain. Feeling secure, Liu Xing continued his incantation.

Soon, five minutes passed.

Finishing the incantation, Liu Xing immediately returned to the underground camp. With the ground now perilous, wandering outside posed unknown dangers. ȐàꞐo͍ＢĚȿ

Upon Liu Xing’s return, KP Chopsticks stepped forward, congratulating him on successfully summoning an elite-level Byakhee. The Byakhee would arrive at the summoning location in an hour, reminding Liu Xing to meet it on time to avoid affecting its initial favorability towards him.

Nodding, Liu Xing sat by the entrance of the underground camp, contemplating.

His thoughts centered on the upcoming module—finding the beast retreat grass, locating and entering the research facility on Zekiel Island, and eventually rendezvousing with the Ancient One team. However, leaving Zekiel Island at this juncture wasn’t realistic, so they would have to explore the facility with the Ancient One and likely face the pursuit of the synthetic beast.

Thinking of the synthetic beast brought a headache to Liu Xing. Despite lacking magical abilities and sanity point attacks, its strength rivaled that of some lower-grade Great Old Ones. How would they deal with it?

Lost in these musings for an hour, Liu Xing then heard the sound of wings flapping amidst the rain.

Clearly, the Byakhee had arrived, as there were no birds on Zekiel Island.

Stepping out once more, Liu Xing found a Byakhee standing before him.

As an elite-level Byakhee, its appearance was undoubtedly more pleasing than the ordinary ones, but since the Byakhee’s aesthetic was limited, Liu Xing still felt uneasy about riding it.

"Hello, Messenger. I am Rundell. In the future, I shall serve you on behalf of the Byakhee clan," Rundell said, extending what seemed like a hand, or a claw.

Liu Xing nodded, shaking Rundell’s hand/claw. "Rundell, you don’t need to call me Messenger. Just call me Ryuusei. We both serve the great Yellow King, making us friends and comrades, not superior and subordinate. So, let’s address each other by name. I hope we can cooperate well in the future."

Rundell gave a slightly sinister smile, nodding. "Since you request it this way, Ryuusei, I’m willing to comply. But now, tell me, do you need my assistance? I sense some strange power on this Small Island."

Liu Xing recounted the situation on Zekiel Island to Rundell.

Rundell raised an eyebrow, somewhat nostalgic as he remarked, "So this is the research facility left behind by the Ancient Ones. I thought the strange power on this island felt familiar, as I once fought alongside the Ancient Ones. After all, our Byakhee clan and the Ancient Ones share common enemies, namely those damned Profane Ones—the Deep Ones. Unfortunately, their backyard caught fire, forcing them to retreat into the depths of the sea, or else we might have had a chance to drive those damned Deep Ones off the Earth."

Liu Xing nodded, curious. "In that case, Rundell, do you have any insights into the Ancient Ones’ research facilities? After all, I must enter one on Zekiel Island to find an Ancient One."

"Well, you see, Ryuusei, although the Byakhee clan and the Ancient Ones are allies, our paths of development diverge greatly. I’m not too familiar with the technology of the Ancient Ones. Our cooperation with them primarily involves frontline combat, not research facilities like these. So, unfortunately, I can’t help you much in that regard," Rundell admitted awkwardly.

Liu Xing realized that the Byakhee clan, despite being touted as the "best interstellar transportation," was actually quite inept in terms of technology, much like Rundell himself, who seemed devoid of any technological sophistication.

Liu Xing had to settle for an alternative. "Well then, Rundell, could you help me investigate the distribution of beasts on Zekiel Island and, if possible, locate the beast retreat grass?"

Rundell nodded, smiling. "Leave it to me. I’m quite confident in my vision. Moreover, I observed Zekiel Island during my descent and found it wasn’t too large. So, give me about half an hour, and I should be able to roughly determine the situation."

"Excellent. I’ll wait for your good news in the underground base," Liu Xing said, smiling.

Rundell also smiled and took off to investigate Zekiel Island.

Then, KP Chopsticks chimed in, "Liu Xing, your social ability is quite impressive. Since Rundell felt very positive about your first encounter, his initial favorability towards you is at 70. As long as it’s not a life-threatening request, Rundell will agree to help you."

Liu Xing rubbed his chin, feeling somewhat odd about the situation.

However, Liu Xing finally understood why Byakhee was considered the weakest mythical creature in the Cthulhu RPG Game. Even an elite like Rundell seemed weak to him—lacking protective scales, usable equipment, or sharp claws like Ghouls. Apart from flight, Byakhee seemed inferior in every aspect compared to other mythical creatures.

Thus, Liu Xing believed he could match Rundell with just an automatic rifle.

After silently criticizing Rundell, Liu Xing heard Rundell’s return.

Frowning, Liu Xing wondered why Rundell had returned so soon after just setting off. Had something gone wrong?

Hurrying to the surface, Liu Xing saw Rundell looking frustrated.

"Why are you back so soon, Rundell? Did you come under attack?" Liu Xing asked, puzzled.

Rundell shook his head, explaining, "I wasn’t attacked. It’s just that many areas on Zekiel Island are obscured by tall trees. After circling the island, I couldn’t find any trace of the beast retreat grass. However, I did spot what you mentioned, the Myriad Beast Mountain. It seems the south side of the mountain collapsed, revealing the research facility inside. However, upon closer inspection, I found no entrance in the exposed part. So, I suspect the entrance to the research facility might be on the mountaintop. But I must warn you, there are still plenty of animals around Myriad Beast Mountain, larger than their counterparts outside Zekiel Island, and unfortunately, they seem to be coexisting peacefully."

Liu Xing frowned, realizing that most of Zekiel Island’s animals had congregated near Myriad Beast Mountain, possibly forming alliances due to the fluctuations.

Of course, Liu Xing doubted these animals would want to coexist peacefully with them.

As for the location of the Thick Fog, Liu Xing speculated it might be where the beast retreat grass was located, as in some novels, places like these tend to be different from others.

"Alright, Ryuusei, if you don’t need any more help from me for now, I’ll head back. I need to report to the chieftain," Rundell said with a smile.

Liu Xing nodded, saying, "Okay, Rundell, go ahead. But if everything goes as planned, I’ll be asking for your help again soon."

With a nod and a smile, Rundell took off into the sky.

Watching Rundell depart, Liu Xing returned to the underground camp to rest, as it was already midnight.

The next morning, Ling Ishikawa woke Liu Xing up.

In the living room, Buke recounted what Liu Xing had witnessed the previous night, and Liu Xing, of course, feigned surprise and cooperation.

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