Chapter 44: Nighttime Confrontation
Lynn sat in the abandoned house he had claimed as a temporary base, leaned back in the wooden chair, and passed the time until night fully descended.
As the final hints of dusk faded away, an unnatural hush fell over the area. Even the sounds of distant traffic seemed muted and far away.
Just as Lynn was wondering if anything interesting would occur this night, the tranquility was suddenly and violently shattered.
A deafening explosion roared through the air. His eyes snapped open, heart rate accelerated. He leaped to his feet, rushing to the broken window, and peered out cautiously.
A pillar of flames and thick smoke was rising into the night sky a few blocks away. Before Lynn could react, another explosion thundered, then another. It was followed swiftly by the jarring sound of continuous gunfire.
"It started," Lynn muttered under his breath. His expression turned serious, eyes glinting with anticipation.
Without wasting a moment, Lynn swiftly retrieved a pre-prepared disguise from his inventory. He had anticipated the need for a quick transformation and had meticulously planned for such situations, fully aware of the importance of leaving no trace.
Lynn knew the importance of concealing his identity and leaving no trace of his actions this night. With that in mind, he meticulously searched the trading section for suitable attire that would completely obscure his features and cover his body.
Beginning with the lower half of his body, Lynn deftly pulled on a pair of black trousers crafted from a durable fabric, ensuring a snug fit. He meticulously tucked the legs of the trousers into a pair of tall, sleek black boots, which added a touch of elegance to the overall ensemble. The boots, reaching well above his ankles, served not only to complete the outfit but also to shield any glimpses of skin that might give away his true identity.
Moving on to the upper body, Lynn slipped into a long-sleeved, impeccably tailored black suit jacket made from smooth silk. The jacket, exuding a refined aura, was meticulously designed to conceal his frame. Its dark hue seamlessly blended with the trousers, creating a seamless, monochromatic aesthetic.
Beneath the jacket, Lynn wore a high-collared black dress shirt. The high collar served a dual purpose: concealing the base of his neck and adding an additional layer of mystique to his attire.
To complete the ensemble, Lynn carefully enveloped his hands in a pair of white gloves. Serving as the final touch to his overall appearance.
Lynn paused for a moment, studying his reflection in the cracked mirror. The transformation was remarkable, and he couldn't help but wonder, " Who is this person looking back at me?"
The person staring back at him seemed like a different individual altogether, although one could still recognize Lynn’s facial features. Satisfied with his appearance, Lynn turned his attention to the last and most important piece of his disguise.
From his inventory, he pulled out a strange skin mask.
The mask appeared bizarre, lacking any openings to accommodate the eyes. Its surface was covered in a smooth, pale skin-like material. The texture felt both supple and slightly elastic to the touch. Strange markings were etched across the surface.
[Faceless Mask]
[Grade: Common]
[Evaluation: A mask that mimics another person's facial features by analyzing a blood sample. Can only be used once. Already used]
Carefully, Lynn positioned the mask over his face, aligning it with his features. As he pressed it against his skin, he felt a slight tingle, followed by a sensation of the mask melding with his face. The transformation was instantaneous.
Looking into the mirror once again, Lynn was stunned by his new appearance. His face had completely changed - he seemed at least a decade older, with different facial features. His face was longer and thinner, with wrinkles carved into his forehead and cheekbones. Even his eye color had changed.
"Wow, this mask is incredible. I've become a completely different person," Lynn exclaimed to his reflection. He examined his transformed face from different angles, turning his head from side to side. " I look like I could be someone else's father!"
This disguise was a significant investment, costing him over 750 Nightmare Coins, with the majority of that expenditure dedicated to acquiring the Faceless Mask. Although compared to other masks of the same grade, it was inexpensive, mainly because it had already been used and became useless.
In addition to his intricate disguise and the transformative Faceless Mask, Lynn reached out for a simple face mask. He selected a mask that covered his mouth and nose, to give the impression that he was intentionally hiding his face.
With his preparations complete, Lynn swiftly exited the abandoned building that had served as a temporary base. Utilizing his spirit energy threads as ropes, he ascended with agility, leaping from rooftop to rooftop. His objective: reaching the commotion unfolding ahead while remaining hidden in darkness. The sounds of explosions and gunfire reverberated, growing louder with each passing moment.
Perched atop a tall structure, Lynn surveyed the chaotic scene below. A multitude of individuals had converged upon a cluster of dilapidated houses, marked for demolition.
Unceasing gunshots resonated through the air as these mysterious special forces engaged in a confrontation. However, what caught Lynn off guard was the adversary they faced - a pack of more than a dozen wolves.
"From where did this number of wolves come from?” muttered Lynn. The situation seemed surreal, and he couldn't help but wonder how such a large number of wolves had gathered in the city.
The wolves moved with speed, their eyes gleaming with intelligence. Lynn could sense that there was something unnatural about them. However, their formidable presence was overshadowed by the overwhelming firepower and coordinated assault from the special bureau force.
The air filled with the deafening sound of gunshots as the special force unleashed a relentless barrage of bullets. The wolves desperately tried to mount a defense, but their efforts were in vain. The hail of gunfire came from every direction, leaving no room for the creatures to retaliate effectively.
It was a one-sided and brutal confrontation. The animals didn't even have a chance to get close enough to inflict damage before their bodies were riddled with bullets.
As Lynn observed the one-sided and brutal confrontation between the special bureau force and the pack of wolves, a sense of disappointment washed over him.
"Is this it?" Lynn furrowed his brows in deception.