Chapter 97: Stop Laughing, Or You'll Steal My Soul!
"I accept!"
As Victor shouted these three words, he felt his life being completely divided by an invisible line.
On one side was the reclusive little boy from the past, who only knew how to deal with scientific blueprints; and on the other, was a Chief Weapons Developer about to step into the supernatural world, contributing his skills to maintain world peace!
Just thinking about this title filled Victor with energy.
Edward looked at him with satisfaction, like a boss who'd finally found the right employee. He snapped his fingers, and the holy water, crosses, and enchanted crossbow bolts on the table instantly vanished without a trace.
"Very good, Mr. Frankenstein." Edward's address changed, carrying a businesslike playfulness. "Welcome to 'Devil May Cry'. Regarding salary, there isn't any for now, but room and board are covered. Any issues?"
Victor shook his head vigorously, his small face flushed red with excitement.
No salary? That wasn't important at all! Being able to research those mysterious items, being able to let Sparky live freely—this was more valuable than any money in the world!
"No... no problem! Boss!" Victor subconsciously blurted out the title.
"Cough." Edward choked on the title, waving his hand. "Don't call me Boss, sounds too corporate. Just call me Edward from now on."
"Okay, Edward!" Victor readily agreed.
"Woof woof!" Sparky seemed to sense his owner's excitement, running over to rub his head against Victor's leg, wagging his tail even more enthusiastically.
"Alright, it's getting late, you should head home, or your parents will worry." Edward glanced at the old wall clock in the office. "Remember what I just told you about how to get here."
He led Victor back to the door, which now looked like an ordinary wooden door.
"From now on, the door in your room that leads to the attic is the key to connecting here." Edward's voice became serious. "Before opening the door, you just need to calmly think 'Devil May Cry' in your mind, then turn the doorknob, and you can enter here directly. Remember, this passage is one-way binding; only you and your recognized 'companions,' like Sparky, can pass through. Anyone else who opens that door will only see a normal attic."
Victor's eyes lit up as he listened; this was far more magical and convenient than any space-teleportation device he'd ever imagined. He nodded vigorously, firmly committing every word to memory.
"Go on." Edward patted his shoulder. "Starting tomorrow, your new work begins. I'll bring you your first research project."
Victor, holding Sparky, took a deep breath and stepped out of the office door, feeling as if he was about to embark on a whole new world.
The scene outside instantly transformed; the Gothic office disappeared, replaced by his familiar, cluttered hallway at home. He looked back and saw his front door behind him.
He'd successfully... returned home.
Victor looked down at the lively Sparky in his arms, then thought about the dream-like office, and he pinched his thigh hard.
"Hiss--" It hurt.
This wasn't a dream.
All of this was real!
He, Victor Frankenstein, was living a double life starting today!
After safely sending Victor home and confirming he'd mastered the method of entering and exiting the office, Edward also turned and left Victor's house.
He didn't use the office door to return to his room directly but chose to walk out the front door like a normal neighbor and then into his own yard.
Maintaining a normal facade is the first rule of hiding a massive secret.
"I'm back." Edward pushed open the front door.
The living room was brightly lit, and a warm aroma of home-cooked food wafted over. His father, John Connor, was wearing an apron, bringing out the last plate of steak from the kitchen, while his mother, Sarah Connor, was setting the table.
By the dining table, the three little girls were already sitting obediently.
As soon as Lily saw Edward, she immediately showed a sweet smile: "Big brother's home!"
Emma also looked up and gave him a polite nod, as a greeting.
As for Esther, she merely gave him a calm glance before continuing to fiddle with her fork, as if she didn't care much about anything external.
"Edward, go wash your hands, dinner's ready." Sarah's face showed a gentle smile when she saw her son return. "Why are you home so late today? Were you at the library with Frank again?"
"Just chatted with the new neighbor for a bit." Edward replied casually as he walked toward the bathroom.
"Oh? That little boy from the Frankenstein family? Victor, right?" John placed the steak in the center of the dining table and untied his apron. "That kid seems pretty shy; you should hang out with him more."
"Yeah, he's a good kid." Edward washed his hands and sat down in his seat.
The family began to enjoy dinner. This warm and harmonious family scene formed a stark contrast with the mysterious, solemn atmosphere in the office just now, making Edward feel as if he was shuttling between two worlds.
"Oh, John." Sarah, cutting her steak, suddenly spoke. "I checked the weather forecast, and it's going to be gorgeous this weekend, sunny and bright, perfect for outdoor activities."
John's spirits immediately lifted. "You mean...? That's great! My new fishing rod has been collecting dust! We can go to Oak Creek on the west side; the bass there are huge!"
Sarah shot him a look, and John immediately swallowed the latter half of his sentence, changing his tune: "I mean, we can take the kids there for a picnic, get some fresh air, and have a family camping trip."
"That's a good idea." Sarah nodded with satisfaction, then turned her gaze to Edward. "Edward, what do you think?"
"I'm fine with it." Edward nodded; an outing was always more relaxing than dealing with supernatural cases at home.
"Awesome! We can go camping!" Lily immediately cheered, acting like a normal little girl excited about a weekend trip.
Although Emma and Esther didn't speak, judging by their slightly raised interest, they were clearly somewhat curious about the proposal. For them, any activity that could take them away from this "home" and into a new environment was worth looking forward to.
"In that case..." Sarah's tone paused, and she said with a hint of casualness, "Edward, invite Carrie too."
She looked at her son, her tone becoming earnest: "That girl lives alone now; although we visit her often, she must still feel lonely. Having her come with us, interacting with people more, will be good for her."
"Okay." Edward agreed without the slightest hesitation. "I'll tell her tomorrow on the way to school."
"Good, then it's settled." Sarah showed a relieved smile...
The next morning, the sun was perfect.
As usual, Edward saw that familiar figure at the street corner leading to school.
Carrie, with her backpack on, stood quietly by the roadside, the sun casting a long shadow behind her. She seemed to have grown accustomed to waiting there; each time she saw Edward appear, her previously somewhat dim expression would unconsciously brighten a few shades.
"Good morning, Carrie." Edward walked up to her.
"G... good morning, Edward." Carrie's voice was still a bit soft, but it was already much smoother than when they first met.
The two walked side by side. After a moment of silence, Edward spoke.
"My mom asked me to ask you something."
Carrie stopped, looking at him a little nervously: "Di... did I do something wrong?"
"No, it's good news." Edward, seeing her cautious demeanor, softened his tone. "This weekend, our whole family is planning to go camping, and my mom wants to invite you to come along."
Carrie froze, her clear eyes filled with surprise and disbelief.
"Can I... can I go too?" She asked reflexively, then immediately felt her question was silly and quickly waved her hand. "I mean... won't it be too much trouble for you all? I..."
"No." Edward interrupted her rambling. "My mom personally invited you; she'll be disappointed if you don't go." He looked at Carrie and added, "Besides, it's more fun with more people, right?"
Carrie lowered her head, nervously twisting the strap of her backpack with her fingers. Going camping with Edward's family... this invitation felt like an impossible dream to her. She longed for it, but also feared it.
Edward didn't rush her, just waited quietly for her answer.
After a long while, Carrie finally looked up. Her cheeks were a little flushed, but her eyes sparkled with a light called "courage."
"Yes!" She nodded vigorously. "I'll go! Thank you, Edward, and... please also thank Mrs. Connor for me."
After saying that, she seemed to have used all her strength, but what followed was a great sense of relief and joy. She couldn't help but slowly curve her lips upward, revealing a shy but heartfelt smile.
That smile was like the sun finally breaking through the clouds after a storm—clean, warm, with a hint of freshness.
Watching her smile, Edward also unconsciously gave a slight smile.
Just as the atmosphere was perfect, a loud voice shattered the tranquility.
"Hey! Edward! What are you two doing here! Flirting so early in the morning!" Frank, with his backpack stuffed with various tech gadgets, strode over and slung an arm around Edward's shoulder.
Following closely behind were Jennifer and Nettie.
As soon as Jennifer saw Edward and Carrie standing together and smiling, her steps paused, but she quickly composed herself, a perfect smile on her face. She walked forward and very naturally linked her arm through Edward's other arm, pulling him closer to her.
"Baby, good morning." Her voice was sickeningly sweet, but her gaze seemingly casually swept over Carrie. "Carrie's here too, what a coincidence."
Carrie felt a little uncomfortable under her gaze; her blossoming smile immediately receded, and she reverted to her quiet and reserved demeanor.
"Good morning, Frank, Jennifer, Nettie." Edward subtly disengaged from Frank's arm, but Jennifer's arm linked even tighter.
"Come on, let's go, we're gonna be late." Frank urged; he was oblivious to the subtle tension between them, only focused on getting to school quickly to discuss a new program he'd written with Edward.
Nettie quietly walked to Carrie's side and smiled at her, as a greeting.
And so, the group, in a peculiar combination, marched toward school.
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