Max, of course, had no intention of seriously "calling the police." What he did earlier was merely a small act of retaliation against Richard for mocking him from beginning to end of their conversation.
Thinking about it carefully, even something as absurd as the System existed, so what was so strange about an extra fantasy island filled with mysterious creatures?
Besides, if there really were werewolves there, maybe there would also be a few wild werewolf girls like in those cheap novels.
That thought made the corner of Max's mouth twitch slightly.
"Alright, alright, I believe you, Professor. Absolutely believe you. I have no doubts whatsoever that you're not an escaped mental patient. I'm truly, truly shocked, please, go on."
Max's sudden change in tone made Richard shiver slightly, goosebumps rising on his skin.
"Alright, forget that." Richard waved his hand. "They're letting me bring four people along. I've already found the other three. You're the last one."
He looked straight at Max.
"Maxky, are you willing to go with me?"
Max took a deep breath, trying his best to interpret the words "already found" in the most wholesome way possible.
"Of course I'll go," he said with a strained smile. "But I do have a question. You said you were invited, Professor. That means there's some organization or corporation backing this trip, right?"
"That's none of your concern," Richard replied curtly. "I only need to know whether you're going or not."
Max narrowed his eyes, half-joking.
"Professor, you're kind of scaring me. Did I just step into some huge trouble? If I refuse, am I going to be 'silenced' on the spot?"
Richard burst out laughing and patted Max on the shoulder several times, nearly making him choke.
"Don't dramatize it. If you refuse, I'll just find someone else."
"Huh?" Max pretended to be surprised. "Then what if I go around telling the whole world about this?"
Richard narrowed his eyes, his voice carrying an implicit threat.
"My dear Maxky, if you really did that, the staff at the mental asylum would just have more work to do."
Max fell silent for a few seconds.
On second thought, the old man wasn't wrong. To outsiders, this story would sound no different from the ramblings of a delusional person. Saying it out loud would only turn him into a laughingstock.
"Alright." Max nodded. "I'll go."
"Good. This day next year, ah, no." Richard smiled in satisfaction and corrected himself. "Two weeks from now. Meet me at Pier 4B. Remember to come early."
Just as Max was about to stand up and leave, Richard suddenly stepped closer and leaned in to whisper by his ear.
"Oh, almost forgot something important."
Max frowned.
"How is that careless?"
"That place is called Werewolf Island," Richard said in a low voice. "But it's not just werewolves. There are quite a few female vampires there too."
The office door closed behind Max.
He stepped into the hallway, his head feeling heavy. Talking to Richard always made it impossible to tell what was a joke and what was real.
Whether that island actually existed or not, at worst it would just be a trip. He had nothing to lose.
With that thought in mind, Max continued walking.
In the quiet corridor, he suddenly noticed a familiar figure inside the music classroom. The door was slightly ajar. Inside, a girl was sitting alone at a piano, playing.
Selena.
She sat there as if she didn't belong to this world. A gentle breeze blew through the window, softly stirring her long hair. Sunlight fell across her delicate features, creating a scene so tranquil that one hesitated to disturb it.
The final note faded away.
Applause echoed through the empty space.
Selena startled and turned around. When she saw Max, she froze for a moment, then smiled and waved.
"Senior, why are you here?"
[Ding Ding Ding]
[Selena's favorability toward the host +3]
[Favorability toward the host: 75/100]
Max blinked.
Just a wave, and her favorability went up.
He subconsciously touched his face, then remembered that his appearance had already been enhanced by the System to the level of a movie star. People were naturally drawn to beauty, there was nothing strange about that.
Leaning against the door, Max gave a faint smile, his tone carrying a hint of teasing.
"What is it?"
"Are you unhappy to see me here?"