Chapter 9 Chapter Nine: Us in Memory
Beautiful Poison stepped into a ring of hellfire, and then appeared in front of the surprised Walker with a smile on his face.
I could see the shock in his heart because he raised both eyebrows at the same time.He was sitting at a table covered with a checked tablecloth, a cup of tea in hand and about to pour it to his lips.Beautiful Poison looked around, and the image in front of us also pulled back at this time, illuminating the entire room.It was a very traditional afternoon tea house, with a classical orchestra and many waitresses in black and white uniforms.When the beautiful poison suddenly appeared, all the musicians stopped playing in shock, and the waitresses immediately hid aside.Beautiful Poison smiled happily at Walker.
"The Willow Tea House! A place full of memories for both of us. It's so sweet to meet here again after so many years."
Walker sighed and put down his teacup.It was a very detailed plain white porcelain cup with only a willow tree symbol painted on it.At this time, many armed men and women poured out from all directions, surrounded Walker's table, and all their guns were pointed at Beautiful Poison.Some guards carry amulets and crosses, while others hold primitive pointing bones.Beautiful Poison looked at Walker and raised his eyebrows.Walker gave orders to all the guards in a tired tone.
"Everyone step back. It's okay, I know this person. Back to your original positions. Everyone's response speed is good, except you, Lovett. Come find me later."
The guards reluctantly retracted their weapons and returned to their posts.Those sitting near Walker finally let go of their tense emotions.Walker glanced at the band, and immediately Bach's music sounded again.Then he turned to Beautiful Poison, without any smile on his face.
"Hello, Sophia."
"Hello, Henry. Long time no see, huh?"
"May I ask how you got in? How did you avoid the willow tree teahouse and my defense system?"
"Through our past relationships, dear ones. There is a connection between us that will never go away."
"People really can't let go of the past." Walker said coldly. "Especially in Nightside. I don't say 'nice to see you again' because I'm not happy to see you at all."
Beautiful Poison pursed her sexy lips and said, "It's really ungentlemanlike. Don't you even ask me to sit down?"
Walker sighed again, then pointed to the empty space opposite.His face was as calm as ever, but countless thoughts must have passed through his mind.Walker was never bothered for long by the unexpected.Beautiful Poison sat down gracefully, put her hands on the table lightly, and smiled at Walker.
"I'd really like a cup of tea, dear."
Walker opened the ornate ceramic teapot in front of him, found it empty, and raised his hand to beckon the waitress.All the waitresses looked at each other, exchanged a lot of winks, and finally pushed the best waiter out with the power of peer pressure.She walked up to the Walker table with trembling feet, and smiled bravely.Walker asked her to serve another pot of tea, and an extra cup.
"Is there anything else you need?" the waitress asked tremblingly. "Leprechaun cake? Whipped cream? Can I get your coat?"
"Go away." Beautiful Poison said. "Or I'll burn your entrails dry."
The waitress ran away, and burst into tears as soon as she ran to a safe distance.Walker looked at Pretty Poison reproachfully.
"You haven't changed at all, Sophia. I'll have to spend a large tip to make up for what you just did. God knows if they will let me step into the teahouse to spend money in the future."
"I thought you were in power in Nightside now, Henry."
"There are still limits to power. Please maintain a civilized manner. I need to maintain my reputation."
Another waitress arrives with a new pot of tea, pushes a second set of tea sets towards the beautiful poison, and leaves quickly.Walker filled Beautiful Poison's cup with hot, smoking tea, and added a spoonful of creamer to it without asking.Beautiful Poison clapped her hands happily.
"You remember! You never overlook such small details, Henry." She looked at his face, and said again: "You are getting older, dear, and more and more mature."
"Your appearance is exactly as I remember it," Walker said. "But you're not going to change, are you? Because that's who you are."
"When you look at me, what do I look like?" Beautiful Poison asked while sipping the hot tea in her cup. "I have a different appearance in everyone's eyes, and I never know what I look like in everyone's eyes."
"Let's put it this way, I was a little too obsessed with Marianne Fisher when I was a child." Walker glared at her. "What do you mean we still have a connection? Our...arrangement ended many years ago, and I shouldn't be disturbed by any...uninvited guests."
Beautiful Poison shrugged: "Many years ago, when they gave me to you, a connection was established between us so that you could call me to your side at any time. This connection is unbroken unless you Die, or I will be destroyed. That's the rule. The female devil is not a Christmas present, as long as you have tasted the sweetness, you must live in my shadow for the rest of your life. It's an unforgivable sin to be together. Anyway, it's nice to see you again, Henry. I must say, your reaction is not bad. I thought you were going to yell and throw me What about things... you don't want to find someone to exorcise the demon, do you?"
"I have stopped showing emotional reactions in front of people." Walker. "That would tarnish my image. What are you doing here, Sophia?"
She looked away from his face, leaned on the back of the chair, and slowly looked at the scene in the teahouse.The orchestra continued to play, the waiters were busy, and all the guests chatted politely and enjoyed delicious refreshments.No one paid attention to Walker's side.Beautiful Poison turned back to look at Walker, and nodded happily.
"I've always loved this place, it's so peaceful, so laid back, and everyone minds their own business. It's nice to see that the place is still there and hasn't changed a bit. But then again, the main attraction here is the It's timeless. Of course the refreshments are great. Maybe I should order a leprechaun cake."
"Willow Tea House has always been unwilling to follow the changes of the times." Walker said. "But I just like it here."
"Because this is our 'old place'?"
"Although this is our 'old place'."
Beautiful Poison looked unhappy. "Don't say that, Henry. Why ruin this pleasant conversation. Maybe I should change the subject." She pointed to the crystal ball next to Walker's left hand, in which a cloud of fog kept spinning. "Looks like you've been using it to keep in touch with your minions outside. I thought no one used crystal balls these days. But of course, you've always been a traditionalist."
"I like things that stand the test of time," Walker said. "God knows how reliable a new technology that has not been tested!"
"You weren't so rigid before." Beautiful Poison said. "Remember our other 'old places'?"
"Oh, please," Walker said. "Forget about the opium den..."
"'Purple Hazy'." Beautiful Poison said happily. "The representative place of spiritual liberation in the 1960s. The best drug den in Night City, the whole place is filled with comfortable cushions and shrouded in dreamlike lights. There, people can listen to what is in their heads. Sounds, the highs of psychedelic drugs indulging in fantasies like tatouki and tannay. Oh, we spent many lost weekends there, didn't we, dear? We got in touch with the universe The infinity of...you were more relaxed then, Henry. Is the 'purple haze' still there?"
"Luckily it's long gone. The place has now been turned into a health center and gym called 'Health Frenzy'. A place where young businessmen run their lunch breaks to stretch their abs to avoid an early heart attack. place."
"What a pity," said Beautiful Poison. "I don't know if there is any residual smell in the air-conditioning pipes there. In those days, as long as you shouted out the name of the purple hazy store, you could achieve pleasure."
"I haven't thought of Purple Hazy in years," Walker said. "But to be honest, there are many unpleasant pasts that I don't want to think about."
"Don't look at me that way, Henry. Aren't you happy to see me again?"
"Unhappy."
"But it's fun when you're with me!"
"You're a female demon. Do you dare to say that all that means anything to you? Looking at you now, I feel... mixed feelings."
"I used to make you happy."
"Someone gave you to me, you are just a bribe."
"I am a gift," said Beautiful Poison. "She-evil for all your pleasures, all your fantasies. A reward from those in power, for your hard work. I'll make you laugh and cry at night. Only in my arms , you can truly sleep peacefully like a child.”
"Gifts from those in power cannot be taken indiscriminately," Walker said.His face remained calm, but his volume increased slightly. "You are the bait, the bargaining chip for those in power to get close to me. This is their old trick, to get their men used to the extreme pleasure that only they and the Nightside can provide, and then they can't extricate themselves. I should have known it, I should have known it then. Behind a bait as charming as yours must lie a hook of great depravity."
"If I made you feel that I was in love with you, it was only because I was working." Beautiful Poison said. "It's not real, and you shouldn't be. I offer the same services as any sex specialist. I thought you understood. I'm totally yours, and I'm willing to do whatever you want, but that's just It is limited to the contract period. I have already told you this clearly when we first met."
"I know," said Walker. "But when you left, my heart was still broken. I thought I had at least some place in your heart, but you turned and left without looking back."
"Of course, my dear. That's what I do. To corrupt people, to lure people into sin. I can't take your soul, because those in power forbid me to do so. My purpose is only to weaken your mind so that You got into a state where you would do anything to have me again."
"I did everything in my power to convince you to stay and would do anything for you."
"I was honored, but I had other contracts at the time. All I offered was sex, and it was you who insisted on bringing love into the relationship."
"I was so young," Walker said. "At that age, sex and love are easily confused, but I shouldn't threaten you."
"Yes, dear, you shouldn't have done that. You forced me to reveal my true nature to you, to show me what I am."
Walker nodded slowly. "I just took one look at you, and I had nightmares for months. Thinking of the intimate time I had with such a disgusting thing... I wiped the skin all over my body until it was ripped apart... Your parting day The claws still leave an indelible scar in my heart."
Beautiful Poison suddenly smirked, and said, "Do you want me to kiss your wound?"
"I'd rather not." Walker leaned back in his chair and looked at her carefully. "I was terrified, so terrified, I couldn't even imagine that that was the object of my sex. I let you go, and tried my best not to think of you again. I think... you're the reason I'm keeping away from all the temptations of the Nightside." .Shiny neon lies, dirty secret pleasures...you opened my eyes to what kind of cesspit this place is and the duplicity of those in power. Nothing but money, power, and the night I don’t care about anything other than the entertainment provided by the city. The little people who are trampled under their feet here every day have no meaning at all to them. I am determined that I will never degenerate like them.”
"Now you're in power?"
"My sole purpose in power is to keep others from power. I don't believe anyone else can resist temptation. There must be someone who can stay awake and look at this place with an objective eye at all times. Someone must be able to put the beast in a cage Inside. You're the one who showed me how far the Nightside...has fallen."
"That's why you performed the Babelum ritual with the others?"
"Yes." Walker took a sip of tea, clearly expressing his intention to change the subject. "I ask again, what is your purpose, Sophia? I have never heard that the demons of hell miss their victims. Could it be that someone in power gave you to someone else, someone I should know?"
"No." Beautiful Poison said. "I'm with sinners now."
Walker put down his teacup, raised his eyebrows, and said, "You're the she-devil? I see... I'm surprised. Really. So the she-devil who fought me with John Taylor was you? You just can't resist having the power man, isn't he?"
"I'm with the sinner now." Beautiful Poison said patiently. "There is only one sinner. On the surface, I am the one sent by hell to corrupt him, smash his heart, and blacken his soul, so that hell can accept him again. But in fact, I came here completely voluntarily, in order to understand the truth What kind of love can be unwavering in hell; what kind of man can love a devil like me without reservation."
"Do you think I'll believe it?" said Walker. "I know better than anyone that love means nothing to you at all."
"That was at that time." Beautiful Poison said. "A lot of things have changed since then. Although I've been with Sidney for a long time, I've only just begun to understand how he felt about me. Maybe I haven't really begun to understand what you were to me until now. Feeling, and how deeply I hurt you."
"I'm married," said Walker. "A very happy married life. Almost twenty-three years."
"I'm happy for you. What's her name?"
"Sheila. We have two sons. Case at Oxford and Rob a career soldier, both very good kids. I raised them outside of Nightside. I don't know."
"I'm happy for you, Henry. Really."
"Then, this sinner..." Walker's tone became relaxed, which could almost easily put anyone down. "Does he really love you?"
"Yes. A legendary love story, even in hell is widely circulated."
"I used to love you too."
"He still loves me after he's seen me for who I really am, Sydney dear...I'm sorry I hurt you, Henry."
Walker took a sip of tea and said, "Devils can deceive people, this is your nature."
"Even demons change."
Walker looked at her coldly. "Do you think I believe such nonsense?"
"I believe." Beautiful Poison said. "I have to believe."
They sat quietly for a while, drinking tea slowly amidst the soft conversations of the guests around them.
"I know you sent someone to block the entrance gate of the Thorn Maharaja." Beautiful Poison suddenly said. "Others were also sent to guard the other entrances to the Underground Realm. I guess this was a direct order from those in power."
"Of course," said Walker. "But now that you've come to me, I think others must have a way to leave. I'd better talk to the guards, see how to strengthen the blockade, and maybe some more experts. You are for Did this come to me? You asked for my help?"
"No amount of experts can stop us, dear." Beautiful Poison said quietly. "Because the Lord of Thorns is on our side."
Walker blinked. "How did you do it? I thought no one could escape his trial."
"He trusts us." Beautiful Poison said. "Especially trust John Taylor. Talk to me about the powers that be, Henry."
"why?"
"Because I want to hear it."
Walker shrugged: "As long as you can get out of here quickly... In fact, those in power don't have any big secrets. They are just as everyone guessed. They are just a business family who have invested in Night City since ancient times. Unimaginable wealth and power. They are secret members of the Londinium Club. They never publicly display their fame and wealth, but they secretly control those powerful people on the stage. They are the driving forces behind the scenes. In order to maintain their own status, they do nothing. I work for them because I'm the best choice. I've been looking for someone to replace me for years, but most people don't want to listen to me. Almost no one wants to take on me. The responsibility of this position and the very few people who are interested in being in power are for the wrong reasons, so I put them all at the disposal of those in power. I am in power and do what I have to do because I am the only one People who will not be affected by the temptations in Night City. I have seen through this place, and I am very clear about the essence hidden behind all of this."
"What essence?" Beautiful Poison asked.
"A monster show. A city full of depraved desires. A distribution center for all human base desires. If not, how can scum like those in power be the best people to run this city? They only care about this place. The wealth brought to them. Maybe they will come here to play here and there to feel some pleasure that is not allowed in the normal world, but before the end of the day, they always remember to go home and leave the whole Night City behind Then, just like me."
"The difference is that you don't enjoy the temptations of Night City at all. The only man with integrity in the entire city. At least, the only man with moral values. Or maybe, you are the most fearful person in Night City. Why are you so Afraid of the Nightside, Henry?"
Walker thought for a while and said, "Because...it is very likely that one day, the evil temptations and corruption in Night City will break through all barriers and break into the normal world."
"Is that really such a bad thing?" Beautiful Poison asked. "If everyone in the world can see the facts? If they can see everything from a macro perspective? If everyone can communicate directly with the gods and dominating forces that operate everything behind the scenes... If they know the truth, maybe the world can change. better."
"No," said Walker. "The more rational, normal world outside is bad enough. If those fanatics, terrorists, or even those who think they are thinking about the welfare of mankind understand the real choices that Night City has to offer, the whole world It will soon be destroyed in their hands in a struggle for power."
"You were not like this before." Beautiful Poison said. "So... cynical."
She and Walker continue to talk in the Willow Teahouse, but it changes the image before our eyes, allowing us to see what happened in the past.
When the scene in front of us changes, we also instantly understand all the information after the change.We know that happened in 1967, and we know that the three young men who are talking, laughing, and playing on the streets of Night City today are Henry Walker, Charles Taylor, and Mark Robinson . I recognized Walker first, not only because his appearance had not changed much, but also because his costume surprised me so much.It seems that when he was young, Henry Walker was a fashionable man who took the fashion line.He was walking on the road in a majestic manner, the clothes on his body exuded very bright colors, matched with a pair of oval sunglasses, and his black hair was combed like a horse's mane.He is simply a young god, and the material world simply cannot keep up with his avant-garde footsteps. Mark Robinson, later known as "The Collector" in Night City, was also strikingly dressed, but it was clear that he was already a crazy fan of Elvis Presley at that time.He wears a full set of Elvis Presley equipment and features, including greasy black bangs, signature sideburns on both sides of the ears and a deliberately slightly raised upper lip.His black leather jacket had too many zippers and chains, and it made a lot of noise when he walked.He seemed restless for a moment, his whole body was full of excitement, always walking in front of the two friends, chattering endlessly.His laughter is very cheerful, full of confidence, full of plans and ambitions, and full of great ambitions for the future. The last person I recognized was Charles Taylor, my father.I don't have a picture of him.After his mother left, he threw away or burned all the old photos.In the sight before me, he was younger than me, but he didn't look like me, and he had nothing in common with the him I imagined.Unlike his two friends, he wore a dark suit and tie, was clean-shaven, and had neatly cut hair. He looked like an ordinary office worker in the city.To my surprise, he seemed very free and happy in the company of his friends - that's why I didn't recognize him, he was never happy in my impression Pass. 1967 was a time of change, for Nightside as for the rest of the world.They are three young people who are rising rapidly, with a bright future and a bright future, and they are about to change the world. Finally they walked into the most popular meeting place of the time, the Eagle Wind Charcoal Grill Bar.I've never seen the original Eaglewind Charcoal Grill, which was destroyed in a fire in 1970—some say the house set itself on fire—and now exists as a haunted house.Although the building itself is now a haunted house, the customers inside are all real people.The Eagle Wind Charcoal Grill Bar in the scene looks no different from the later haunted house, perfectly presenting the dreamlike style of the 1960s, with rococo neon lights and eye-catching Pop poster.Even in a different time and space, I still seem to be able to smell the coffee, incense sticks, tobacco, and essential oils emanating from the store.The big karaoke machine was playing all the biggest hits of the year, and the Fomeca table tops were filled with famous people from the era... Orlando, the Traveling Healer, and his newest traveling companion.Walker, Robinson, and Taylor waved happily to everyone in the store, but they were ignored.At that time, the three of them were not important figures, although later one of them became the person who controlled the power of Night City, the other was the person who collected all the powerful artifacts, and the other became the initiator of the destruction of Night City. Henry, Mark and Charles took the last available table in the corner, ordered a pile of coffee from a waitress in white plastic and chewing gum, and picked up the latest Night City special edition of OZ magazine read.As soon as Charles picked up the magazine, Mark snatched it immediately, saying that he wanted to see if the article he had contributed that Elvis Presley was the real murderer of JFK was canceled in this issue.Of course Walker had already finished reading it.He's always the first to do everything. We listened to these three young men talking.They seem to be eager to fulfill their dreams, thinking that they are moving too slowly towards a better future, and they always feel that others are holding them back, because everyone is too short-sighted and no one can accept their avant-garde ideas idea.Those in positions of power do not want to see any changes in the system at all, and regard all avant-garde trends as a hotbed of evil.In order to spread their ideals, the three young men aspire to power.Of course, they all believe that they are thinking about the well-being of mankind as a whole.They want to be the pioneers of the Datong era, and they want to lead mankind into a state of complete spiritual liberation.In 1967, every young man was a dreamer and an idealist. After reading the magazine, it's time to present treasures among friends.Mark had already started his collecting career at that time, and just got a very special item.He took out the item from his backpack, made sure no one was looking around, and then put the item on the table with a serious expression.Henry and Charles looked skeptical, looking at the small paper box and the manuscript documents inside. "All right," said Walker. "What did you find this time? Better not be Roswell again. I've had enough of Roswell. If anything had happened there, we'd have heard about it by now. That's right." "You wait." Mark said grimly. "I'll show you the proof. I know a guy who claims that a friend has a videotape of dissecting aliens... Of course, that guy also claims we're going to be on the moon in two years, so... ..." "What did you bring, Mark?" Charles said slowly. "What good does this thing do us?" "A chip for blackmail?" Walker said hopefully. "I've always wanted to taste what it's like to blackmail someone." Mark showed an evil smile, and pressed one hand on the pile of papers, as if he was afraid that someone would steal it. "My friends, these are real goodies, gold mines of supreme wisdom, the original manuscripts of Aleister Crowley. The papers called him a Persian monk and a monstrosity, and hailed him as the most evil man who ever lived." People. Of course I don't really believe much of what is written in the papers, but Crowley is definitely not a charlatan, and there have always been rumors that his most powerful spells have never been published. The manuscript has been published in It has been circulated on the market for several years, and it was apparently sold when Crowley was extremely short of money in his later years, but unfortunately no one was interested in him at that time. People in the wizarding world excluded him, and the newspapers did not want to Going on with his story. Eventually the manuscript ended up in the hands of some publishing house, and I traded a full set of Star Wars Destroyer cards with an associate editor. Not like any of the idiots who touched the manuscript before , I have read it word for word from cover to cover. I dare say, my friends . . . this manuscript will answer all our prayers, and directly fulfill all our dreams." "My God, you really love hearing your own voice," Henry said. "What's in the manuscript, Mark? Hope it's not another useless spellbook." Mark still maintained his evil smile. "One of the chapters in the manuscript mentions a very powerful spell, or ritual. Crowley once performed this ritual, but he dared not continue when he was only halfway through. Don't forget, Crowley He has done many daring things. He originally wanted to use this ritual to summon a powerful god to be driven by him, but after a glimpse of the other party's original appearance, he immediately abandoned the entire summoning ritual. Beautiful but terrifying, he is so Described ... and then there is no more. He fled his mansion on an embankment in Scotland and never returned." "Wait a minute," Charles said. "You want us to summon a monster that even the most evil man in history dare not summon?" "Ah." Mark said proudly. "We'll make it because I have secrets that Crowley doesn't know. I recently got hold of a letter from an old friend of Kenneth Angle's that tells the truth about the god Crowley was trying to summon. Identity. It means we have a way of safely controlling each other. My friends, we can summon a deity called Babelon, a physical embodiment of an abstract concept." "Which abstraction?" Henry asked. "Well, I haven't found out yet," Mark admitted. "Depending on how it's translated, this deity may represent love, lust, or infatuation, or a combination of all three. Listen, does it make a difference? We're always looking for a source of strength, a search that can change All weapons, here it is!" "What if there's an accident?" Charles said. "That sounds like a no-error spell." "What if it's discovered?" said Henry. "It's one thing to be ambitious, but we should also be concerned about our future." Mark stared at the two of them and said, "It's useless to talk without practice. Life always has to take some risks. You can never defeat those in power by relying on honest belief." Henry took a breath and said unmoved: "Can you be sure of the source of these letters, Mark? Are you sure that everything we need is written in it?" "Both answers are yes." Mark said. "Do you want to participate?" "We have to find a secret place to hold this ceremony." Henry said while thinking. "I think of a good place...the location is left to me. Charles?" "I want to see this manuscript and letter first." Charles said. "There is also enough time to conduct research and ensure the ins and outs of the whole thing... If everything is ok... I agree, we need this ceremony. If we don't even know how to grasp this opportunity, then we are no different from fools. " The scene changes suddenly, when three young men stand in an empty warehouse.With the neon street lights scattered outside the window, the vast space in the warehouse can be seen at a glance.The bare floors are completely bare of furniture, and the plastered walls are covered with old posters of long-forgotten rock bands and political groups. "Da Gang will return to the land," said one of the posters.The walls are also covered in all kinds of wild designs, including flowers, rainbows and many exaggerated male and female genitalia.There were burnt candles and a mess of chalk marks on the floor.Henry looked around the entire warehouse arrogantly, while Mark ran around, burning the endless vitality in his body driven by curiosity.Charles stood against the locked door, frowning deeply, taking notes in a thick notebook. "It's dark and damp, smells foul, and that weird noise... I sincerely hope it's just the footsteps of mice." He kept his eyes on the notebook and said without raising his head. "Also, I very much doubt that I'm stepping on a used condom, I'm just afraid to lift my foot to see. Seriously, Henry, is this the only place you can find? How much does it cost to rent it? " "Basically free." Henry replied. "The owner of the warehouse owes me a favor. It's not that bad here...well, it's really that bad, but we're not going to live here, are we?" "Have you checked the background here?" Mark asked. "Is there anything that might interfere with our plans?" "The background here is dirty and dirty, which is suspicious, but it will not interfere with our plans." Henry said. "I used to come here a few years ago with a girl, Jessica or something. The owner rents it out to a new band as a practice space, and the occasional hippie hangs out here. The whole warehouse is probably full of drug remnants , so please don’t take a big breath and don’t lick the walls.” "I'm sure I never intended to lick any walls," Charles said. "But now the idea is stuck in my head. How long can we use it here?" "Ten days," said Henry. "More than enough." "In such a low-level area, no one would come in and ask questions." Mark said eagerly. "so perfect!" Henry looked at Charles and asked, "Are you satisfied? You've been in Mike Scott's library for a whole week, have you found anything we should pay attention to?" Charles frowned and said, "Nothing special. The Babelun ceremony is nothing new. It has existed in the world in different forms for a long time. It is mentioned in Dr. Emperor's "Compendium of Spells" There are many details about this ceremony. Of course, it is also mentioned in the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, and the content is not very positive. All records think that this is a very dangerous ceremony, but I can’t find it at all There is no record of anyone ever performing this ritual." "That's because none of them read my letter!" Mark said. "Come on, we have to do this! There is no turning back! We are so close to realizing our dreams, we cannot give up here." "It's up to you, Charles," Henry said, ignoring Mark completely. "You are our leader. To do, or not to do?" Charles thought about it for a while, and finally shrugged: "Whatever, come on." They were all too young back then. The image changed again, and the Babelon ceremony had begun.Although we didn't get to see the full ceremony, the sight in front of us was amazing.This set of lengthy rituals is designed to summon the gods and bring them into shape on the Material Plane.这可不是一般召唤鬼魂或是恶魔的召唤法术，芭贝伦仪式召唤出来的，可是具有支配神力的强大神祇，是人间某种抽象概念的实体化身，在这个案例里所指的概念就是爱情、淫欲或是迷恋（芭贝伦是个非常古老的名字，所有相关记载对它的本质都有不同的描述）。对这三个年轻人来说，芭贝伦只是一项武器，用来对付世间的邪恶势力，以及想要阻止世界改变的当权者。这三个年轻人下定决心要达成目的，即使必需使用武力胁迫的手段，也要将完整的自由带入世间。就像所有狂热者一样，他们都看不见自己理想中的反讽所在。就算他们发现了，只怕也根本不会在乎，毕竟在他们的想法之中，他们是为了全体人类福祉而做。 要举行芭贝伦仪式，三个年轻人必须禁食好几天，而且要不断地念诵咒语，在地上画下许多圆圈跟五角图形，并在墙上布满保护符文及结界，再加上各式各样正常召唤魔法所需的药材。他们大口喝着清水，然后很快地又在仪式舞蹈之中弄得满身大汗。他们不能睡觉，甚至没有休息时间。六天之后，他们全都狼狈不堪，几近崩溃边缘。他们如今赤身裸体，全身散发汗水与地上排泄物的臭味，双眼充满血丝，声音干涩难听，两手抖到必须重复好几次才能画出正确的符文。他们饿到不再感到饥饿，渴到不再感到口渴，血管里产生了奇怪的化学作用，脑子不断听到不存在的声音。他们在布满石灰符号的地板上跌跌撞撞地旋转，配合嘴中凌乱的曲调踏出诡异的步伐。他们已经呈现半疯状态，几乎已经不属于这个世界，将思绪推入极限，到达现实的另外一个层面，直到终于找到要找的东西为止。 或者说是他们要找的东西终于找到了他们。对方比他们想象中还要强大，比他们所能承受的极限还要恐怖，但是他们依然以紧绷的意志与其对抗，慢慢退回物质界，挑衅对方追踪而来，最后终于将它带入现实之中。那是一股古老的强大力量，一个名叫芭贝伦的女性实体。三个年轻人感觉到对方渐渐逼近，感到一股全新的力量进入他们体内。他们的心灵无比澄澈，逐渐与芭贝伦建立起紧密的连结。它真的非常美貌、非常恐怖、而且非常陶醉在自我的力量之中。 接着一切都开始出错了，而且立刻就错到难以收拾的地步。一声非人的怒吼充斥整间仓库，在所有物质表面上产生共鸣。名叫芭贝伦的实体突然消失得无影无踪，瞬间被一个更为强大的存在所取代。 对方侦测到这道物质界的开口，立刻把握机会取代芭贝伦的地位，在物质界中凝聚成形。它将芭贝伦推回来时的异界，凭借恐怖的实力来到开口前。仓库剧烈震动，墙壁不自然地扭曲，三个年轻人好似洋娃娃一样冲入空中，最后跌在起伏不定的地板上。他们布下的符文与结界在对方的力量之下变成一堆完全没有意义的无用粉末。一道自天地初开就被逐出物质界的古老、强大、恐怖、狂野的实体渐渐浮现，终于在此时此刻找到机会重临人间。开口中绽放一股无法逼视的强光，伴随着整个世界的鸟禽同时尖叫的巨响，一个巨大到超乎人类想象的实体，将自我形体压缩到足以进入物质界的程度，然后缓缓走了出来。 三个男人挤在一起，无助地看向他们召唤出来的东西。他们看到了一个如今我们眼前的影像所看不到的东西，然后同时凄厉无比地放声尖叫，有如一群孩子终于发现隐藏于黑暗之中的怪物。接着对方向外一冲，瞬间击破了仓库墙壁上所有的保护结界，散入夜城里，完全消失不见。 以仓库为圆心，三条街以内的所有建筑全部炸成碎片。火苗在废墟之中到处流窜，所有住在这个范围里面的生命全部灰飞烟灭。数百人在一瞬之间死亡，没有人可以肯定实际的数字究竟有多少。唯一的幸存者就是亨利·渥克、马克·罗宾森，以及查尔斯·泰勒。他们在仓库的废墟里害怕地不住发抖，但是身上却一点伤痕都没有。对方饶了他们的性命，但是他们却不知道为什么。他们吓坏了，几乎不记得刚才发生的一切。没有人怀疑过他们在那里干什么，也没有人知道他们究竟做了些什么。 直到许久之后，他们才渐渐回想起当天发生的事情，只可惜当时已经来不及做任何补救了。不管他们释放了什么东西出来，对方都已经消失在夜城中。就算他们有再多的解释与抱歉，也换不回当天晚上死去的数百条人命。于是到最后，他们决定不要跟任何人提起此事。 他们放低身段龟缩不出，一直等待着被释放出来的怪物现身。但是好几个月过去了，夜城中始终没有出现任何不寻常的事件，三个年轻人这才渐渐相信自己终于捡回了一条小命。或许最后那股力量并没有在物质界中维持住它的存在。亨利跟马克欣喜若狂，但是查尔斯却不像他们那么肯定。他将自己埋入图书馆的书堆之中，一间读完又换另外一间，翻找着古老的知识，试图厘清当天究竟发生了什么事情。在明白到无法靠自己的力量查出这件事的始末之后，他去找两个朋友，告诉他们应该将此事公诸于世，警告当权者世间可能存在着这股强大的力量。 但是亨利跟马克并不愿意公布此事。在没有其他办法的情况之下，他们为了拯救自己的前途，只好摧毁查尔斯的信誉。他们开始散布谣言，说当日仓库附近发生的惨剧都是因为查尔斯的私人研究所造成的。当然，由于没有任何证据，所以查尔斯没有遭到起诉，但是他从此失去了当权者的信赖，再也没有机会大展鸿图。他在被解雇之前主动辞职，之后继续未完成的研究。他接下所有能接的工作，然后拿钱去资助自己的研究，发誓一定要查出事情的真相。许多年过去了，他成功地建立起自己在工作上的名声，不过始终不肯放弃私下追求真相的执著。 三个曾经最好的朋友如今各走各路，因为他们都把仪式失败的原因归咎于对方。渥克认定芭贝伦仪式过于危险，绝不能容许任何人再度尝试。于是他继续待在当权者底下做事，想要靠着权力的力量确保这一切不会重演。他沉迷在斗争之中，持续地向权力顶端迈进。马克也离开了当权者，成为收藏家，和其他两个朋友一样沉迷在追求之中。时间一年一年过去，他们三个都不再年轻，也各自拥有了全新的生活……
景象回到柳树茶馆中的亨利·渥克跟美丽毒药之前。在经历刚刚见识到的一切之后，我们都很高兴可以缓和一下紧绷的气氛。我们看着渥克在美丽毒药的杯子里重新斟满茶。他一向都是个彬彬有礼的绅士。 “那都是很久以前了。”渥克小声地说道。“我们都变了很多。” “你究竟知不知道当初是什么破坏了你们的仪式？”美丽毒药优雅地喝着茶水说道。 “不要再问了。”渥克说。“我已经告诉你太多了。你为什么来此，苏菲亚？” 她微笑：“有人说约翰的母亲要回来了。” “那只好请上帝保佑我们。” “她为什么会选在这个时候回来，亨利？她跟约翰手中的案子有什么关联？” 渥克脸色一变，似乎当场就要命令美丽毒药离开或是叫手下进来强行驱离，但是他没有。只见他脸色稍显和缓，仿佛挑着一副沉重的负担太久，忍不住要把担子放下一般。他靠回椅背，瞬间露出疲惫不堪的老态，双眼沉浸在过去的回忆里。 “这一切都是马克造成的。”他语气平淡，终于开口说道。“从他介绍查尔斯认识未来的老婆那一刻起，这一切就已经无法避免了。我真的很想相信他不知道事情的真相，希望他也是……被人利用。那时候，他已经是著名的收藏家。有人尊敬他，有人鄙视他，评价完全因人而异。查尔斯是有名的研究专家，过着与世无争的隐士生活。他主动联络马克，想藉助他身为收藏家的能力寻找一个擅长同一研究领域的研究助理——我很怀疑这是查尔斯本身的意思，还是出于脑中的声音的主意——当时查尔斯正在调查夜城的起源，好像着魔了一样将自己所有的资金投入这单一的研究案里。马克收取了一大笔费用，跑去向许多专家咨询，最后帮查尔斯找来了一名名叫芬妮拉·戴维斯的年轻女子。她是个声名远播的年轻学者，美丽开朗，善于表达自我意见，并且对夜城的起源怀有浓厚的兴趣。没过多久，她就与查尔斯坠入爱河，然后闪电结婚。” 渥克看着眼前的空杯，不过没有继续倒茶。“可怜的查尔斯。他不知道自己只是对方利用来达到目的的手段而已。查尔斯根本不是重点。约翰才是重点。” “什么意思？”美丽毒药凑上前去问道。“为什么约翰这么重要？” “我还记得他出生的时候。”渥克自顾自地说道。“我从来没有见过查尔斯这么开心。他花在研究上面的时间越来越少，陪伴家人的时间越来越多，他抛开了隐居的生活，重新拥抱生命。他接受全新的研究计划，在芬妮拉的帮助之下，再度建立起自己在学术界的名声。他和马克还有我终于言归于好，多年之后再次成为朋友。我们都老了，或许比以前睿智了，最重要的是……我们终于找回了快乐。” “我们都喜欢芬妮拉。她是个很棒的朋友。但是后来，查尔斯终于发现了爱妻的真实身分。我不知道他们究竟有没有当面摊牌，只知道芬妮拉突然之间消失不见。她就这么遁入夜城里，尽管我们都动用所有资源寻访她的下落，但是却一点蛛丝马迹都找不到……查尔斯再度回去疯狂地研究夜城的起源，不管我跟马克如何苦劝，他终究还是醉死在自己的小世界里。我们想要救他。我肯定我们用尽了一切方法，只是他根本不让我们接近他的世界。他无时无刻都在盯着约翰的一举一动，似乎一直在等待儿子背叛自己一样。之后的好几年里，马克跟我都隐身幕后看顾着约翰，在他成长的过程中，阻止了好几次来自痛苦使者的刺杀，直到他有能力保护自己为止。” “约翰知道吗？” “我没问过。” “但是……他母亲为什么会选在这个时候回来？” “没有人知道。如果我们知道的话，我们一定会……采取行动……” “阻止她的行动？” “我不认为有任何人能够阻止她。苏菲亚，你为什么对这一切有这么大的兴趣？” “因为我跟约翰合作想要找出夜城的起源。越接近真相，我们就越肯定约翰的母亲跟这一切有着密不可分的关系，只不过我们遇见的人对于他母亲的身分都有完全不同的看法。” “如果我关心你的话，”渥克说。“我会叫你离约翰·泰勒远一点，为了你自己好。” “你应该离我们远一点。”美丽毒药说。“我不想伤害你，亨利。” 渥克扬起眉毛。“你不想？真的吗？” “说不定。我还在努力接受所谓的爱情这个观念。撤走你的手下，亨利，看在旧情的份上。” “办不到。约翰太过分了，已经严重威胁到当权者的地位。我一定要阻止他。” “你是说杀了他？” “我会尽可能活捉他的。看在往日情谊的份上。” “喔，亨利……他到底哪里危险了？他母亲究竟是什么人，能把你们都吓成这个样子？” “你都没在听我说话吗？”渥克大声说道。“我们在芭贝伦仪式里召唤出来的东西，就是约翰的母亲！”他突然转头对我看来。“我知道你在那里，约翰，你看得到也听得到我们的对话。我早该把这一切都告诉你，但是我不想看到你为了上一代的错误而受苦。很抱歉事情走到这个地步，但是如果你执意要追查下去，不肯出面自首的话，我就只好下令杀了你。理由很简单……因为，我绝对不要看到你变成你母亲的儿子。”
When the scene in front of us changes, we also instantly understand all the information after the change.We know that happened in 1967, and we know that the three young men who are talking, laughing, and playing on the streets of Night City today are Henry Walker, Charles Taylor, and Mark Robinson . I recognized Walker first, not only because his appearance had not changed much, but also because his costume surprised me so much.It seems that when he was young, Henry Walker was a fashionable man who took the fashion line.He was walking on the road in a majestic manner, the clothes on his body exuded very bright colors, matched with a pair of oval sunglasses, and his black hair was combed like a horse's mane.He is simply a young god, and the material world simply cannot keep up with his avant-garde footsteps. Mark Robinson, later known as "The Collector" in Night City, was also strikingly dressed, but it was clear that he was already a crazy fan of Elvis Presley at that time.He wears a full set of Elvis Presley equipment and features, including greasy black bangs, signature sideburns on both sides of the ears and a deliberately slightly raised upper lip.His black leather jacket had too many zippers and chains, and it made a lot of noise when he walked.He seemed restless for a moment, his whole body was full of excitement, always walking in front of the two friends, chattering endlessly.His laughter is very cheerful, full of confidence, full of plans and ambitions, and full of great ambitions for the future. The last person I recognized was Charles Taylor, my father.I don't have a picture of him.After his mother left, he threw away or burned all the old photos.In the sight before me, he was younger than me, but he didn't look like me, and he had nothing in common with the him I imagined.Unlike his two friends, he wore a dark suit and tie, was clean-shaven, and had neatly cut hair. He looked like an ordinary office worker in the city.To my surprise, he seemed very free and happy in the company of his friends - that's why I didn't recognize him, he was never happy in my impression Pass. 1967 was a time of change, for Nightside as for the rest of the world.They are three young people who are rising rapidly, with a bright future and a bright future, and they are about to change the world. Finally they walked into the most popular meeting place of the time, the Eagle Wind Charcoal Grill Bar.I've never seen the original Eaglewind Charcoal Grill, which was destroyed in a fire in 1970—some say the house set itself on fire—and now exists as a haunted house.Although the building itself is now a haunted house, the customers inside are all real people.The Eagle Wind Charcoal Grill Bar in the scene looks no different from the later haunted house, perfectly presenting the dreamlike style of the 1960s, with rococo neon lights and eye-catching Pop poster.Even in a different time and space, I still seem to be able to smell the coffee, incense sticks, tobacco, and essential oils emanating from the store.The big karaoke machine was playing all the biggest hits of the year, and the Fomeca table tops were filled with famous people from the era... Orlando, the Traveling Healer, and his newest traveling companion.Walker, Robinson, and Taylor waved happily to everyone in the store, but they were ignored.At that time, the three of them were not important figures, although later one of them became the person who controlled the power of Night City, the other was the person who collected all the powerful artifacts, and the other became the initiator of the destruction of Night City. Henry, Mark and Charles took the last available table in the corner, ordered a pile of coffee from a waitress in white plastic and chewing gum, and picked up the latest Night City special edition of OZ magazine read.As soon as Charles picked up the magazine, Mark snatched it immediately, saying that he wanted to see if the article he had contributed that Elvis Presley was the real murderer of JFK was canceled in this issue.Of course Walker had already finished reading it.He's always the first to do everything. We listened to these three young men talking.They seem to be eager to fulfill their dreams, thinking that they are moving too slowly towards a better future, and they always feel that others are holding them back, because everyone is too short-sighted and no one can accept their avant-garde ideas idea.Those in positions of power do not want to see any changes in the system at all, and regard all avant-garde trends as a hotbed of evil.In order to spread their ideals, the three young men aspire to power.Of course, they all believe that they are thinking about the well-being of mankind as a whole.They want to be the pioneers of the Datong era, and they want to lead mankind into a state of complete spiritual liberation.In 1967, every young man was a dreamer and an idealist. After reading the magazine, it's time to present treasures among friends.Mark had already started his collecting career at that time, and just got a very special item.He took out the item from his backpack, made sure no one was looking around, and then put the item on the table with a serious expression.Henry and Charles looked skeptical, looking at the small paper box and the manuscript documents inside. "All right," said Walker. "What did you find this time? Better not be Roswell again. I've had enough of Roswell. If anything had happened there, we'd have heard about it by now. That's right." "You wait." Mark said grimly. "I'll show you the proof. I know a guy who claims that a friend has a videotape of dissecting aliens... Of course, that guy also claims we're going to be on the moon in two years, so... ..." "What did you bring, Mark?" Charles said slowly. "What good does this thing do us?" "A chip for blackmail?" Walker said hopefully. "I've always wanted to taste what it's like to blackmail someone." Mark showed an evil smile, and pressed one hand on the pile of papers, as if he was afraid that someone would steal it. "My friends, these are real goodies, gold mines of supreme wisdom, the original manuscripts of Aleister Crowley. The papers called him a Persian monk and a monstrosity, and hailed him as the most evil man who ever lived." People. Of course I don't really believe much of what is written in the papers, but Crowley is definitely not a charlatan, and there have always been rumors that his most powerful spells have never been published. The manuscript has been published in It has been circulated on the market for several years, and it was apparently sold when Crowley was extremely short of money in his later years, but unfortunately no one was interested in him at that time. People in the wizarding world excluded him, and the newspapers did not want to Going on with his story. Eventually the manuscript ended up in the hands of some publishing house, and I traded a full set of Star Wars Destroyer cards with an associate editor. Not like any of the idiots who touched the manuscript before , I have read it word for word from cover to cover. I dare say, my friends . . . this manuscript will answer all our prayers, and directly fulfill all our dreams." "My God, you really love hearing your own voice," Henry said. "What's in the manuscript, Mark? Hope it's not another useless spellbook." Mark still maintained his evil smile. "One of the chapters in the manuscript mentions a very powerful spell, or ritual. Crowley once performed this ritual, but he dared not continue when he was only halfway through. Don't forget, Crowley He has done many daring things. He originally wanted to use this ritual to summon a powerful god to be driven by him, but after a glimpse of the other party's original appearance, he immediately abandoned the entire summoning ritual. Beautiful but terrifying, he is so Described ... and then there is no more. He fled his mansion on an embankment in Scotland and never returned." "Wait a minute," Charles said. "You want us to summon a monster that even the most evil man in history dare not summon?" "Ah." Mark said proudly. "We'll make it because I have secrets that Crowley doesn't know. I recently got hold of a letter from an old friend of Kenneth Angle's that tells the truth about the god Crowley was trying to summon. Identity. It means we have a way of safely controlling each other. My friends, we can summon a deity called Babelon, a physical embodiment of an abstract concept." "Which abstraction?" Henry asked. "Well, I haven't found out yet," Mark admitted. "Depending on how it's translated, this deity may represent love, lust, or infatuation, or a combination of all three. Listen, does it make a difference? We're always looking for a source of strength, a search that can change All weapons, here it is!" "What if there's an accident?" Charles said. "That sounds like a no-error spell." "What if it's discovered?" said Henry. "It's one thing to be ambitious, but we should also be concerned about our future." Mark stared at the two of them and said, "It's useless to talk without practice. Life always has to take some risks. You can never defeat those in power by relying on honest belief." Henry took a breath and said unmoved: "Can you be sure of the source of these letters, Mark? Are you sure that everything we need is written in it?" "Both answers are yes." Mark said. "Do you want to participate?" "We have to find a secret place to hold this ceremony." Henry said while thinking. "I think of a good place...the location is left to me. Charles?" "I want to see this manuscript and letter first." Charles said. "There is also enough time to conduct research and ensure the ins and outs of the whole thing... If everything is ok... I agree, we need this ceremony. If we don't even know how to grasp this opportunity, then we are no different from fools. " The scene changes suddenly, when three young men stand in an empty warehouse.With the neon street lights scattered outside the window, the vast space in the warehouse can be seen at a glance.The bare floors are completely bare of furniture, and the plastered walls are covered with old posters of long-forgotten rock bands and political groups. "Da Gang will return to the land," said one of the posters.The walls are also covered in all kinds of wild designs, including flowers, rainbows and many exaggerated male and female genitalia.There were burnt candles and a mess of chalk marks on the floor.Henry looked around the entire warehouse arrogantly, while Mark ran around, burning the endless vitality in his body driven by curiosity.Charles stood against the locked door, frowning deeply, taking notes in a thick notebook. "It's dark and damp, smells foul, and that weird noise... I sincerely hope it's just the footsteps of mice." He kept his eyes on the notebook and said without raising his head. "Also, I very much doubt that I'm stepping on a used condom, I'm just afraid to lift my foot to see. Seriously, Henry, is this the only place you can find? How much does it cost to rent it? " "Basically free." Henry replied. "The owner of the warehouse owes me a favor. It's not that bad here...well, it's really that bad, but we're not going to live here, are we?" "Have you checked the background here?" Mark asked. "Is there anything that might interfere with our plans?" "The background here is dirty and dirty, which is suspicious, but it will not interfere with our plans." Henry said. "I used to come here a few years ago with a girl, Jessica or something. The owner rents it out to a new band as a practice space, and the occasional hippie hangs out here. The whole warehouse is probably full of drug remnants , so please don’t take a big breath and don’t lick the walls.” "I'm sure I never intended to lick any walls," Charles said. "But now the idea is stuck in my head. How long can we use it here?" "Ten days," said Henry. "More than enough." "In such a low-level area, no one would come in and ask questions." Mark said eagerly. "so perfect!" Henry looked at Charles and asked, "Are you satisfied? You've been in Mike Scott's library for a whole week, have you found anything we should pay attention to?" Charles frowned and said, "Nothing special. The Babelun ceremony is nothing new. It has existed in the world in different forms for a long time. It is mentioned in Dr. Emperor's "Compendium of Spells" There are many details about this ceremony. Of course, it is also mentioned in the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, and the content is not very positive. All records think that this is a very dangerous ceremony, but I can’t find it at all There is no record of anyone ever performing this ritual." "That's because none of them read my letter!" Mark said. "Come on, we have to do this! There is no turning back! We are so close to realizing our dreams, we cannot give up here." "It's up to you, Charles," Henry said, ignoring Mark completely. "You are our leader. To do, or not to do?" Charles thought about it for a while, and finally shrugged: "Whatever, come on." They were all too young back then. The image changed again, and the Babelon ceremony had begun.Although we didn't get to see the full ceremony, the sight in front of us was amazing.This set of lengthy rituals is designed to summon the gods and bring them into shape on the Material Plane.这可不是一般召唤鬼魂或是恶魔的召唤法术，芭贝伦仪式召唤出来的，可是具有支配神力的强大神祇，是人间某种抽象概念的实体化身，在这个案例里所指的概念就是爱情、淫欲或是迷恋（芭贝伦是个非常古老的名字，所有相关记载对它的本质都有不同的描述）。对这三个年轻人来说，芭贝伦只是一项武器，用来对付世间的邪恶势力，以及想要阻止世界改变的当权者。这三个年轻人下定决心要达成目的，即使必需使用武力胁迫的手段，也要将完整的自由带入世间。就像所有狂热者一样，他们都看不见自己理想中的反讽所在。就算他们发现了，只怕也根本不会在乎，毕竟在他们的想法之中，他们是为了全体人类福祉而做。 要举行芭贝伦仪式，三个年轻人必须禁食好几天，而且要不断地念诵咒语，在地上画下许多圆圈跟五角图形，并在墙上布满保护符文及结界，再加上各式各样正常召唤魔法所需的药材。他们大口喝着清水，然后很快地又在仪式舞蹈之中弄得满身大汗。他们不能睡觉，甚至没有休息时间。六天之后，他们全都狼狈不堪，几近崩溃边缘。他们如今赤身裸体，全身散发汗水与地上排泄物的臭味，双眼充满血丝，声音干涩难听，两手抖到必须重复好几次才能画出正确的符文。他们饿到不再感到饥饿，渴到不再感到口渴，血管里产生了奇怪的化学作用，脑子不断听到不存在的声音。他们在布满石灰符号的地板上跌跌撞撞地旋转，配合嘴中凌乱的曲调踏出诡异的步伐。他们已经呈现半疯状态，几乎已经不属于这个世界，将思绪推入极限，到达现实的另外一个层面，直到终于找到要找的东西为止。 或者说是他们要找的东西终于找到了他们。对方比他们想象中还要强大，比他们所能承受的极限还要恐怖，但是他们依然以紧绷的意志与其对抗，慢慢退回物质界，挑衅对方追踪而来，最后终于将它带入现实之中。那是一股古老的强大力量，一个名叫芭贝伦的女性实体。三个年轻人感觉到对方渐渐逼近，感到一股全新的力量进入他们体内。他们的心灵无比澄澈，逐渐与芭贝伦建立起紧密的连结。它真的非常美貌、非常恐怖、而且非常陶醉在自我的力量之中。 接着一切都开始出错了，而且立刻就错到难以收拾的地步。一声非人的怒吼充斥整间仓库，在所有物质表面上产生共鸣。名叫芭贝伦的实体突然消失得无影无踪，瞬间被一个更为强大的存在所取代。 对方侦测到这道物质界的开口，立刻把握机会取代芭贝伦的地位，在物质界中凝聚成形。它将芭贝伦推回来时的异界，凭借恐怖的实力来到开口前。仓库剧烈震动，墙壁不自然地扭曲，三个年轻人好似洋娃娃一样冲入空中，最后跌在起伏不定的地板上。他们布下的符文与结界在对方的力量之下变成一堆完全没有意义的无用粉末。一道自天地初开就被逐出物质界的古老、强大、恐怖、狂野的实体渐渐浮现，终于在此时此刻找到机会重临人间。开口中绽放一股无法逼视的强光，伴随着整个世界的鸟禽同时尖叫的巨响，一个巨大到超乎人类想象的实体，将自我形体压缩到足以进入物质界的程度，然后缓缓走了出来。 三个男人挤在一起，无助地看向他们召唤出来的东西。他们看到了一个如今我们眼前的影像所看不到的东西，然后同时凄厉无比地放声尖叫，有如一群孩子终于发现隐藏于黑暗之中的怪物。接着对方向外一冲，瞬间击破了仓库墙壁上所有的保护结界，散入夜城里，完全消失不见。 以仓库为圆心，三条街以内的所有建筑全部炸成碎片。火苗在废墟之中到处流窜，所有住在这个范围里面的生命全部灰飞烟灭。数百人在一瞬之间死亡，没有人可以肯定实际的数字究竟有多少。唯一的幸存者就是亨利·渥克、马克·罗宾森，以及查尔斯·泰勒。他们在仓库的废墟里害怕地不住发抖，但是身上却一点伤痕都没有。对方饶了他们的性命，但是他们却不知道为什么。他们吓坏了，几乎不记得刚才发生的一切。没有人怀疑过他们在那里干什么，也没有人知道他们究竟做了些什么。 直到许久之后，他们才渐渐回想起当天发生的事情，只可惜当时已经来不及做任何补救了。不管他们释放了什么东西出来，对方都已经消失在夜城中。就算他们有再多的解释与抱歉，也换不回当天晚上死去的数百条人命。于是到最后，他们决定不要跟任何人提起此事。 他们放低身段龟缩不出，一直等待着被释放出来的怪物现身。但是好几个月过去了，夜城中始终没有出现任何不寻常的事件，三个年轻人这才渐渐相信自己终于捡回了一条小命。或许最后那股力量并没有在物质界中维持住它的存在。亨利跟马克欣喜若狂，但是查尔斯却不像他们那么肯定。他将自己埋入图书馆的书堆之中，一间读完又换另外一间，翻找着古老的知识，试图厘清当天究竟发生了什么事情。在明白到无法靠自己的力量查出这件事的始末之后，他去找两个朋友，告诉他们应该将此事公诸于世，警告当权者世间可能存在着这股强大的力量。 但是亨利跟马克并不愿意公布此事。在没有其他办法的情况之下，他们为了拯救自己的前途，只好摧毁查尔斯的信誉。他们开始散布谣言，说当日仓库附近发生的惨剧都是因为查尔斯的私人研究所造成的。当然，由于没有任何证据，所以查尔斯没有遭到起诉，但是他从此失去了当权者的信赖，再也没有机会大展鸿图。他在被解雇之前主动辞职，之后继续未完成的研究。他接下所有能接的工作，然后拿钱去资助自己的研究，发誓一定要查出事情的真相。许多年过去了，他成功地建立起自己在工作上的名声，不过始终不肯放弃私下追求真相的执著。 三个曾经最好的朋友如今各走各路，因为他们都把仪式失败的原因归咎于对方。渥克认定芭贝伦仪式过于危险，绝不能容许任何人再度尝试。于是他继续待在当权者底下做事，想要靠着权力的力量确保这一切不会重演。他沉迷在斗争之中，持续地向权力顶端迈进。马克也离开了当权者，成为收藏家，和其他两个朋友一样沉迷在追求之中。时间一年一年过去，他们三个都不再年轻，也各自拥有了全新的生活……
景象回到柳树茶馆中的亨利·渥克跟美丽毒药之前。在经历刚刚见识到的一切之后，我们都很高兴可以缓和一下紧绷的气氛。我们看着渥克在美丽毒药的杯子里重新斟满茶。他一向都是个彬彬有礼的绅士。 “那都是很久以前了。”渥克小声地说道。“我们都变了很多。” “你究竟知不知道当初是什么破坏了你们的仪式？”美丽毒药优雅地喝着茶水说道。 “不要再问了。”渥克说。“我已经告诉你太多了。你为什么来此，苏菲亚？” 她微笑：“有人说约翰的母亲要回来了。” “那只好请上帝保佑我们。” “她为什么会选在这个时候回来，亨利？她跟约翰手中的案子有什么关联？” 渥克脸色一变，似乎当场就要命令美丽毒药离开或是叫手下进来强行驱离，但是他没有。只见他脸色稍显和缓，仿佛挑着一副沉重的负担太久，忍不住要把担子放下一般。他靠回椅背，瞬间露出疲惫不堪的老态，双眼沉浸在过去的回忆里。 “这一切都是马克造成的。”他语气平淡，终于开口说道。“从他介绍查尔斯认识未来的老婆那一刻起，这一切就已经无法避免了。我真的很想相信他不知道事情的真相，希望他也是……被人利用。那时候，他已经是著名的收藏家。有人尊敬他，有人鄙视他，评价完全因人而异。查尔斯是有名的研究专家，过着与世无争的隐士生活。他主动联络马克，想藉助他身为收藏家的能力寻找一个擅长同一研究领域的研究助理——我很怀疑这是查尔斯本身的意思，还是出于脑中的声音的主意——当时查尔斯正在调查夜城的起源，好像着魔了一样将自己所有的资金投入这单一的研究案里。马克收取了一大笔费用，跑去向许多专家咨询，最后帮查尔斯找来了一名名叫芬妮拉·戴维斯的年轻女子。她是个声名远播的年轻学者，美丽开朗，善于表达自我意见，并且对夜城的起源怀有浓厚的兴趣。没过多久，她就与查尔斯坠入爱河，然后闪电结婚。” 渥克看着眼前的空杯，不过没有继续倒茶。“可怜的查尔斯。他不知道自己只是对方利用来达到目的的手段而已。查尔斯根本不是重点。约翰才是重点。” “什么意思？”美丽毒药凑上前去问道。“为什么约翰这么重要？” “我还记得他出生的时候。”渥克自顾自地说道。“我从来没有见过查尔斯这么开心。他花在研究上面的时间越来越少，陪伴家人的时间越来越多，他抛开了隐居的生活，重新拥抱生命。他接受全新的研究计划，在芬妮拉的帮助之下，再度建立起自己在学术界的名声。他和马克还有我终于言归于好，多年之后再次成为朋友。我们都老了，或许比以前睿智了，最重要的是……我们终于找回了快乐。” “我们都喜欢芬妮拉。她是个很棒的朋友。但是后来，查尔斯终于发现了爱妻的真实身分。我不知道他们究竟有没有当面摊牌，只知道芬妮拉突然之间消失不见。她就这么遁入夜城里，尽管我们都动用所有资源寻访她的下落，但是却一点蛛丝马迹都找不到……查尔斯再度回去疯狂地研究夜城的起源，不管我跟马克如何苦劝，他终究还是醉死在自己的小世界里。我们想要救他。我肯定我们用尽了一切方法，只是他根本不让我们接近他的世界。他无时无刻都在盯着约翰的一举一动，似乎一直在等待儿子背叛自己一样。之后的好几年里，马克跟我都隐身幕后看顾着约翰，在他成长的过程中，阻止了好几次来自痛苦使者的刺杀，直到他有能力保护自己为止。” “约翰知道吗？” “我没问过。” “但是……他母亲为什么会选在这个时候回来？” “没有人知道。如果我们知道的话，我们一定会……采取行动……” “阻止她的行动？” “我不认为有任何人能够阻止她。苏菲亚，你为什么对这一切有这么大的兴趣？” “因为我跟约翰合作想要找出夜城的起源。越接近真相，我们就越肯定约翰的母亲跟这一切有着密不可分的关系，只不过我们遇见的人对于他母亲的身分都有完全不同的看法。” “如果我关心你的话，”渥克说。“我会叫你离约翰·泰勒远一点，为了你自己好。” “你应该离我们远一点。”美丽毒药说。“我不想伤害你，亨利。” 渥克扬起眉毛。“你不想？真的吗？” “说不定。我还在努力接受所谓的爱情这个观念。撤走你的手下，亨利，看在旧情的份上。” “办不到。约翰太过分了，已经严重威胁到当权者的地位。我一定要阻止他。” “你是说杀了他？” “我会尽可能活捉他的。看在往日情谊的份上。” “喔，亨利……他到底哪里危险了？他母亲究竟是什么人，能把你们都吓成这个样子？” “你都没在听我说话吗？”渥克大声说道。“我们在芭贝伦仪式里召唤出来的东西，就是约翰的母亲！”他突然转头对我看来。“我知道你在那里，约翰，你看得到也听得到我们的对话。我早该把这一切都告诉你，但是我不想看到你为了上一代的错误而受苦。很抱歉事情走到这个地步，但是如果你执意要追查下去，不肯出面自首的话，我就只好下令杀了你。理由很简单……因为，我绝对不要看到你变成你母亲的儿子。”