Professor Chris did not appear.
Claire replaced her, leading Lu Li to the trunk layer.
Sterling's temporary laboratory.
The corridor leading to the laboratory had been sealed by the Gatekeeper.
Through the barricade, wearing the Bird Beak Mask, Lu Li and Claire entered the laboratory.
Lu Li saw Sterling.
He was sitting on the sofa in front of the fireplace. The fireplace had burned out, Sterling's head tilted back, a piece of charcoal stuck in his mouth, burning through his throat while it was still aflame.
"Eliminate foul play," Claire whispered.
Their arrival did not draw the Gatekeeper's attention. They removed the charcoal that fell with residues, manipulating Sterling's head.
"The head is intact."
A Gatekeeper took out an octopus-like soft body, a writhing mass of flesh, and covered it over Sterling's head.
The fleshy mass expanded, enveloping Sterling's head, undulating like waves.
