*Chapter 69: Taking the Initiative! (Third Update)*

Faced with Andy Nan's words, Goethe wanted to tell him about the "extraordinary individuals" he had encountered in Lust.

The "Foggy Killer"!

The owner of the Matsuko Hotel!

Members of the "Flesh Church"!

To put it bluntly, except for Morey, who was always affected, and Mrs. Pence, who hadn't completed the "baptism" in the true sense, the rest—whether it was the "Foggy Killer," the owner of the Matsuko Hotel, or the members of the "Flesh Church"—were all not only powerful but also exceptionally smart. Moreover, their actions were cautious and calculated, with every step carefully planned.

Especially the members of the "Flesh Church," who were ruthless enough to use their own people as bait.

Goethe would never forget why he entered the current "Secret Realm" without being fully prepared.

Underestimating such people?

You might not even know how you died.

Therefore, Goethe had a question mark in his mind about Andy Nan's description.

At the same time, he speculated that the people Andy Nan had encountered were either frauds or… fishing for something?!

"I've invited those people to my home tonight, and I hope you can join us."

The young man extended an invitation to Goethe.

In response, Goethe pondered.

Or rather, hesitated.

According to Goethe's character, after discovering someone was "fishing," he would naturally refuse to attend the gathering. However, he was also worried about missing out on an opportunity.

It should be noted that Wilderness Adventures had been serialized for three days now, and theoretically, anyone in Hessetins who read the newspaper should be aware of it.

Yet, no one resembling an "extraordinary individual" had come to find him.

Maybe those people had discovered his "tricks"?

Or maybe they were observing him from the shadows?

Goethe had no way of knowing.

But what he did know was that Andy Nan was the first and only person in three days to seek him out, and someone with ties to "supernatural powers" at that.

Thus, Goethe hesitated.

After thinking for a few minutes, Goethe finally nodded.

"Great!"

Andy Nan said excitedly.

But Goethe shook his head.

"You're happy too soon."

"I won't directly attend this gathering."

"I'll just 'observe'!"

Goethe stated.

Wary of the risks but unwilling to let go of the opportunity, he decided to stay on the sidelines—perhaps not the best approach, but the most suitable for him at the moment.

If it's safe, he'll participate.

If it's dangerous, he'll leave immediately.

In short, he'll try to maintain control by "observing."

"Of course, that's fine!"

The young man didn't refuse and nodded repeatedly.

Goethe glanced at the now visibly relieved Andy Nan.

It was clear that although the young man had bluffed his way through the initial stages, he was still nervous about facing a group of "extraordinary individuals" at tonight's gathering.

Even if he had made detailed plans.

But no matter how thorough the plan, there could still be mistakes.

After all, at the core, his plan was built on "deception."

However, once a "genuine extraordinary individual" like Goethe joined in, things would be completely different.

It might not be foolproof, but at least he'd have much more confidence.

Goethe instantly grasped Andy Nan's thoughts.

And this made Goethe realize it was time to secure more benefits for himself.

"As a reward for attending this gathering, I want to see your mother's relic in my hands as soon as possible."

Goethe said.

This time, a struggle appeared in the young man's eyes.

But he still nodded.

"Okay."

"But I hope you can agree to my previous request—to help me investigate the cause of my mother's death."

Antinan once again brought up the request he had made earlier.

"I've already said, that's my 'reward' for attending this gathering!"

"As for you wanting me to help you investigate your mother's death?"

"You'll need to offer something more substantial!"

Goethe directly rejected Antinan's request.

He knew very well that the other party needed him right now, and he held the upper hand. Under such circumstances, it was natural to maximize his own interests.

First, he wanted that notebook with the cryptic language, even if it had been burned. He still hoped to obtain it.

Because it was the only thing he could confirm as being related to the supernatural.

And then...

He wanted the other party to act as a 'scout,' to see if tonight's gathering was truly dangerous!

Simply put, no matter what happened, he could still see the other party's mother's belongings and have someone to take the lead for him. If he was lucky, he might even gain more things related to the supernatural!

It was a win-win situation!

Especially when he hinted at 'offering something more substantial.'

With the other party's intelligence, they couldn't possibly not understand what he meant!

If the other party truly wanted to investigate the truth behind his mother's death and catch the killer, he would definitely do everything in his power to obtain something more substantial!

After all, in the other party's eyes, he was the best helper, someone far superior to those attending tonight's gathering!

So, as long as the request didn't cross the other party's bottom line, he would definitely agree in order to secure his help.

And in fact, that's exactly what happened.

After a few seconds of thought, Antinan finally chose to agree.

"Alright!"

"I will deliver my mother's notebook to you shortly!"

"We'll discuss it in detail then!"

"You're living at 11 Kimmel Street, right?"

Antinan glanced at Lanst and Gergen, who were walking out of the restaurant, and immediately ended the conversation.

"Yes."

Goethe wasn't surprised that Antinan knew his address.

Since the publication of Wilderness Adventures, his address had become semi-public. Anyone with the intent to investigate could easily find it.

"We'll meet later."

The young man waved goodbye and got into his carriage with his three bodyguards, completely ignoring Lanst and Gergen as they passed by.

Clearly, this young man had a strong dislike for the police.

Gergen had no reaction to this.

The deputy sheriff disliked idle rich kids.

Similarly, he didn't expect the other party to like him either.

Lanst, on the other hand, glanced at Antinan's departing carriage and then, smiling, walked toward Goethe.

"Mr. Mapple, do you know Antinan?"

The sheriff asked as if making casual conversation.

Goethe, who also didn't like interacting with this sheriff, responded with a smile.

"We just met."

"That young man is quite good. We got along well, and he invited me to a gathering at his home tonight. I'm very interested, so I must excuse myself."

"To avoid being impolite, I need to prepare in advance."

With that, Goethe nodded slightly and turned to board his carriage.

Leaving Lanst standing in place, deep in thought.

"Very interested?"

The sheriff immediately turned to his partner and said in a low voice—

"Find me all the files on Antinan right now!"

(End of the Chapter)