radicalducati Chapter 152 The Weak Killer
Chapter 152 The Weak Killer
Chapter 152 The Weak Killer
Even Aaron, faced with such a problem, had truly never seen anything like it in his lifetime.
However, his surprise was fleeting, and his body immediately prepared for battle.
But Kendrick did not act rashly. Instead, he hunched over, waiting eagerly for Aaron's reply.
Seeing this, Aaron couldn't help but start to wonder what Kendrick's intentions were.
If he simply wanted Aaron dead, there was no need for him to say such alarming things; a direct sneak attack would have been far more effective in achieving his goal.
But Kendrick, standing before him, not only honestly conveyed his thoughts to Aaron, but also obediently waited for Aaron's reply with anticipation.
Aaron had a feeling: "Mr. Bates, if I'm not mistaken, you don't mean me any harm, do you?"
"Malice?"
Kendrick frowned, then shook his head.
"Good heavens! Mr. Mosley, how could you think such a thing? I have the utmost respect for you! You are so elegant..."
Your composed demeanor suggests extensive reading; moreover, I can sense your extraordinary strength. How could I possibly harbor ill will towards you?
I was right.
Kendrick has been very frank so far.
Aaron guessed that Kendrick's request to kill him was probably based on some kind of simple motive.
His professional smile remained unchanged as he gestured to the chair behind Kendrick:
"Shall we talk?"
Kendrick nodded and sat down, and Aaron sat down opposite Kendrick.
As soon as the two were seated, Harriet, who had finished tidying up the other seats, came to Kendrick's side and refilled his glass.
Kendrick quickly said, "Thank you."
Harriet bowed slightly, then poured Aaron a glass of wine.
Aaron raised his glass and clinked it against Kendrick's from a distance. After each taking a sip of their drink, Aaron began the conversation:
"So, Mr. Bates, why do you want me dead?"
“No, no, Mr. Mosley, I think you’ve misunderstood,” Kendrick corrected. “I have no interest in whether you live or die; I just want to kill you.”
"Hmm? What's the difference between these two?"
"Of course!" Kendrick nodded seriously. "The former is results-oriented, while I value the process."
Hearing this, Aaron understood Kendrick's meaning and guessed that Kendrick had some psychological issues, but in order to keep the conversation going, Aaron deliberately asked:
"I'm sorry, Mr. Bates, I don't understand what you're saying."
"It's alright, sir. After all, I'm an oddball."
Kendrick, cradling a wooden crate, his head bowed low, said, "I'm a natural outsider to the world. Normal people won't understand me, let alone try to understand me."
Aaron smiled slightly upon hearing this and asked:
"Mr. Bates, will you be very busy later?"
"Nothing special."
"Then, can you tell me about your story?"
Kendrick was taken aback by what he heard, then his eyes reddened, and he choked out:
"Oh! Mr. Mosley, you're such a kind person! This is the first time someone has wanted to get to know me!"
"Um,"
Aaron nodded and waited quietly.
Kendrick wiped his eyes, exhaled deeply, and then began to speak:
"Mr. Mosley, you might not believe it, but I actually have an education. In fact, I was recommended to the Herald Academy and worked there as an herald apprentice for several years."
During his self-introduction, Kendrick mentioned that he worked as a ghostwriter, leading Aaron to guess that he might have some education.
But Aaron hadn't expected that he had studied at the Herald Academy.
After all, the conditions for being recommended to study at the Herald Academy are extremely strict.
Aaron said, "You can't judge a book by its cover."
"Yes, but appearance is indeed important. Look at my appearance, I think I'm ugly myself, so I've been bullied by the people in town since I was a child."
"You have a very masculine air about you," Aaron comforted. "This is an era that values strength, and your looks will surely win the hearts of many women."
"Maybe you're right, but I'm just too weak-willed, and even women look down on me, so I've always been in pain."
As Kendrick spoke, he picked at his chipped fingernails.
"Even after I became an apprentice herald, this situation did not change, but fortunately, by then I had already gotten used to it."
?
Hearing this, Aaron guessed that something must have happened at the Herald Academy, otherwise Kendrick wouldn't have suddenly dropped out.
"Did any unexpected incidents occur during your apprenticeship?"
"Yes," Kendrick nodded, "Although I am still ostracized at the Herald Academy, there is one person..."
He was willing to talk to me; his name was Clement, and I considered him a friend.
"But he probably didn't consider me a friend. He just wanted to use me. He was also estranged from the other apprentices, and he couldn't express the emotions he was suppressing. But he unexpectedly discovered me."
"He probably thinks I'm worse off than him, and he feels a sense of superiority when he's with me. He always confides his negative thoughts to me, but whenever I try to talk about my own things, he interrupts me or walks away without hesitation."
"But even so, I still consider him a friend. I cherish the fact that someone can talk to me. Mr. Mosley, can you believe me?"
"Of course," Aaron said sincerely, "I can sense your emotions."
"Thank you, sir," Kendrick said with a grateful look, "but not long after, something happened."
"Cremont did something to offend another apprentice, who took him to a secluded corner and beat him up. Unfortunately, I happened to witness it."
"I wanted to help him, but I was too weak. I was terrified, so I chose to ignore it and planned to turn around and walk away."
I'm such a heartless person for turning a blind eye to my friend's predicament.
"But Cremont found me and begged me for help, but I still had no intention of helping him and just wanted to get away as soon as possible."
"If only I could just leave like this, but the apprentice who committed the crime stopped me, as if afraid I would go around telling everyone. But that was impossible; no one would listen to me."
"But the apprentice didn't believe it and swung his fist at me—Mr. Mosley. You see, I'm not particularly tall, but I'm not short either, and the apprentice seemed to be tired of hitting me and had no strength left."
"After that I resisted a little, sir, really! Just a little—but by the time I realized it, the apprentice was already dead."
"The sight of my fists soaked in blood terrified me, but I was surprised to find that it wasn't just my fists that were wet, but also my crotch."
"My heart was pounding, not from panic or tension, but from excitement. Almost instantly, I was overwhelmed by this excitement. Just then, I saw him, my friend, Clement, and I went to him."
Aaron asked, "You killed him?"
"Yes," Kendrick nodded, "he seemed afraid of me and assured me that he would never say it."
But he's definitely lying. Clement is not a good person. He'll definitely accuse me of murder.
"But at that moment I instantly believed him. He was my friend, and I still consider him a friend to this day. I was willing to believe him."
"But that's not why I chose to kill him. I just wanted to test whether that excitement could be replicated. As it turns out, it can."
"When I killed him, I felt a tingling sensation all over my body, I was completely intoxicated by it. It's a pity that Cremont died so soon, I was very sad, he was my friend, I didn't want him to die, I just wanted to kill him."
"Mr. Mosley, this world is so twisted. If I kill someone, that person will die soon. Why do we have to link 'killing' and 'death' together?"
"I don't like death, but I also can't control the urge to kill. That excitement, that pleasure, can completely make a person lose their mind and temporarily forget their disgust."
Hearing this, Aaron understood that what made Kendrick happy was also causing him great mental anguish.
But he also knew that Kendrick's story was not over yet:
"And then?"
Kendrick stared at the table, his gaze unfocused.
"After killing Clement, I gained complete control over how to achieve happiness, and I could no longer control myself. Whenever someone bullied me, I would lure them to a secluded corner and then kill them."
"But as the number of murders increased, some clues were always left behind. The instructors at the academy discovered that almost all of the victims were connected to me."
"However, because there was no solid evidence, the City of Heralds could not convict me. In the end, they could only expel me for failing my studies."
"But this is a complete frame-up. As an apprentice in heraldry, while my talent may be limited, I am diligent, and my skill level is definitely mid-range!"
"So you left the Herald Academy and became a ghostwriter?"
"Yes," Kendrick nodded.
"But you still continue to kill?"
"Hmm—" Kendrick bent his neck, "I can't control that urge. If I'm starving, I'll try to satisfy my craving—"
By this point, Aaron had a general understanding of Kendrick's life trajectory and the kind of pathological psychology he possessed.
He only had one question to ask: "So, what makes you want to kill me?"
"I have lived in the western part of the kingdom for many years, working honestly most of the time, only occasionally killing one or two people. I thought I would continue like this for the rest of my life."
"But then I heard that there was a strange group of murderers who would leave square symbols at the scene after killing people, and the people seemed to cheer for their actions."
"I realized that killing doesn't necessarily lead to being condemned, and my desires might not cause me mental anguish. As long as I find and join them, I can kill with a clear conscience!"
"So I went to the crime scene to investigate. You know, I'm an apprentice herald; I'm not stupid."
I actually found some clues and deduced the basis for their actions.
"Draco's next operation was successfully intercepted, and I asked to join him—"
Upon hearing this, Aaron interrupted:
"Aren't you afraid he'll kill you? He can't allow his actions to be exposed, so he certainly won't let you off easily."
“You’re right, Mr. Mosley,” Kendrick said, “but I’m not afraid.”
"After leaving the Emblem Academy, in order to better satisfy my inner desires, I specifically learned some techniques, martial arts."
Witchcraft, magic.
"And I actually learned a little bit of everything, and even mastered several alchemical potion refining methods, so I also have the ability to protect myself."
"Besides, I didn't appear in front of Draco rashly. I observed him for a while and only showed myself when I was sure I wouldn't die at his hands."
Upon hearing this, Aaron couldn't help but look at Kendrick with new respect.
This unassuming man is not only highly knowledgeable, enabling him to become an apprentice at the Herald Academy, but he also possesses multiple extraordinary powers.
Aaron felt it was no exaggeration to call this person a prodigy.
Kendrick looks to be in his forties. Assuming he was expelled from the Herald Academy in his twenties, then he must have been exposed to the supernatural for around twenty years.
Therefore, his strength is not too weak.
Aaron nodded: "Please continue."
Kendrick continued, "Draco didn't agree immediately. He said he had to ask his superiors, and that's how I learned about the organization. Later, I heard Draco say that there was a mysterious old man behind them."
"At that time, I felt that since that man could control Draco and the others to kill people, was he one of my kind? So when Draco mentioned that he was coming to find you, I followed him without any hesitation."
"But it's obvious, Mr. Mosley, that you're not old at all; on the contrary, you're quite young. However, you always appear calm and composed, and even when you hear that I want to kill you, your emotions hardly waver."
"This means that either you are very confident in your abilities, or you are mentally strong and calm enough. But I also understand that you are not the kind of person I thought you were. You are not my kind."
"However, I think you will definitely understand me. You see, the fact that you are willing to patiently listen to me finish what I have to say proves that my judgment is correct."
"And since you understand what I'm saying, I think if I asked you to kill me, you would agree, wouldn't you?"
Aaron smiled and said, "So, in the past, when you killed someone, you would always tell them you were going to kill them?"
"Of course, they will most likely die because of my killings, and out of respect for their lives, I must tell them."
"So, if they disagree, you'll abandon your plan to kill them."
"I wish they would agree, it would be better for all of us," Kendrick shook his head helplessly, "but no one has ever agreed. But without killing the other side, my desires cannot be satisfied, so I can only ignore their opinions."
"In that case, why bother with my answer?" Aaron spread his hands on the table.
“But you are different from them,” Kendrick said. “When I killed them, they were barely able to fight back, but you, Mr. Mosley, are different.”
"You know what? When I had the thought of killing you, every muscle in my body was trembling. It wasn't a trembling of excitement, but a trembling of fear!"
Even my instincts are telling me that you're not someone to mess with, that you must be very powerful, so I lack the confidence to kill you.
If I were to force my way in, I'm afraid you would kill me instead.
Should we say he has self-awareness?
"Then what was the point of you saying those things to me?"
"Mr. Mosley, I am earnestly begging you to let me kill you."
At this moment, Kendrick finally looked Aaron directly in the eye for the first time. "I probably can't beat you, so I hope you'll let me kill you without any resistance."
Aaron could tell that this was a simple request without any ulterior motives.
Even if Kendrick is mentally unstable, he should understand that no one would willingly be killed for no reason.
However, Aaron said:
"Sure."
Aaron leaned forward, supporting himself on his elbows on the table, his fingers interlaced and resting against his chin.
On the contrary, Kendrick, who made the request, was so shocked by Aaron's reply that he stood frozen in his chair.
When he came to his senses, he saw that the man's eyes were wide open, like copper bells, and the corners of his mouth were turned up. In a mixture of surprise and joy, he involuntarily stood up.
"Mr. Mosley! Really?"
"Do you think I'm joking with you?"
Aaron's lips curved slightly, and his eyes narrowed slightly.
"Then let's hurry," Kendrick said hastily to Aaron. "Sir, you can choose where you want to be killed! Good heavens, this is the first time someone has willingly let me kill them; it's bound to be a wonderful experience!"
"Wait a minute, Kendrick," Aaron suddenly interrupted Kendrick, "Since you're going to kill me, and I'm likely to die, it's not too much to ask you to do something for me, is it?"
Upon hearing this, Kendrick's joyful expression gradually faded, and he then asked cautiously:
"Sir, what is it?"
“This is the library,” Aaron replied. “I’ve spent a long time in this library, and although most of the time it’s been utterly boring, it has been the repository of almost my entire life, so I want it to be buried with me.”
"My request is simple, Mr. Bates: you can kill me however you want, as long as you can destroy this library."
After speaking, Kendrick asked:
"It's that simple?"
"Yes."
"No other requirements or conditions?" Kendrick asked uncertainly. "Like, something has to be destroyed in some way?"
“Any way will do,” Aaron replied with a smile. “The hammer, siege engines, magic, witchcraft, or any other extraordinary means will do, and there are no personnel restrictions. There is only one requirement: destroy this library.”
Kendrick smiled with relief upon hearing this, seemingly letting out a sigh of relief:
"Alright, I agree! So, Mr. Mosley, is it a deal?"
"It's a deal!"
After making a promise with Aaron, Kendrick bid farewell to Aaron and left the library.
Destroy the library... Aaron looked at the door, shook his head, and smiled. May he go far away.
However, after Aaron learned what kind of person Kendrick was, he couldn't help but feel worried.
Kendrick's psychology is indeed not quite normal, but apart from things related to murder, his way of thinking is no different from that of a normal person.
He seems to possess considerable talent in many fields, making him a truly rare talent.
It is not surprising that such a person could become a suitable candidate for selecting banned books.
The problem is that the banned book he was associated with happened to be "Crimson Lust".
This banned book seems to be a potential threat to him, as it could potentially amplify Kendrick's psychological flaws.
If the banned books are simply handed over to Kendrick, given his past experience, he should be able to gradually grasp their contents.
But Kendrick's future will become even more unpredictable.
Aaron didn't care whether Kendrick lived or died, but he hoped that Kendrick could master "Crimson Craving" before he died.
Given this, Aaron felt it necessary to guide Kendrick.
Therefore, Aaron also had to consider how to keep Kendrick near the library for the time being.
Including how to deal with the group of men who were tricked by Laura and Annie, Aaron had to figure this out before tomorrow.
Think of a solution.
But upon closer reflection, since Anne's influence is evident throughout the whole affair, it means that Anne has been manipulating Lola from behind the scenes.
This means that Lola frequently uses the power of the Radiant Realm to meet with Annie?
Aaron was somewhat worried; Lola seemed to be listening to Anne's every word too readily.
Furthermore, since he has so many opportunities to be affectionate with his sister, Aaron frowned but never came to see me even once?
They just dumped this mess on us like that, without even giving us a heads-up?
Aaron couldn't help but wonder, where exactly is Laura now, and what is she thinking?
However, at least it brought Aaron a suitable match, which greatly reduced his dissatisfaction.
Looking up, Harriet had already cleared away the glass Kendrick had used, and she was now standing in front of Aaron, holding a wine jug.
"Mr. Mosley, would you like some more wine?"
"No need, I'm not thirsty."
"Yes," Harriet bowed slightly, "Today's routine work is basically complete, sir. Is there anything else you require?"
"That's all," Aaron smiled. "You can rest now. You're not a worker here, but a guest. There's no need for you to be so formal with me."
“But you took me and Cathy in,” Harriet said, “and I want to do something to repay you.”
"Don't worry about it, I don't ask for anything in return."
“But I must repay you,” Harriet said. “Sir, perhaps you have no ulterior motives, but I cannot let Cathy owe you too much, and you know that he will become a duke.”
Who can say for sure? However...
"Harriet, you really care about Cassie."
Harriet blushed upon hearing this and turned her head away.
"I don't understand what you're talking about."
“I’m not blind, Harriet. There’s no need to hide it from me,” Aaron shrugged. “Fine, since you don’t want to admit it—but Harriet, did you hear our conversation just now?”
"Yes," Harriet nodded, "that man named Ajax should be the one who killed Dietrich. When Dietrich was killed, a mercenary group happened to be passing by the manor, and he was a mercenary captain who operated on the Blois peninsula."
"Good, you're good at finding and extracting intelligence," Aaron nodded approvingly, "but don't tell anyone about this."
"Not even Casey?"
"Even if he knew, it wouldn't matter. How about this, didn't you just say you wanted to repay me? Well, this is my price."
Harriet's expression turned serious: "I understand, Mr. Mosley, I'll keep it a secret!"
"Hmm—oh, right,"
Aaron got up, walked to his previous seat, picked up one of the books, and handed it to Harriet.
That book was the copy of "Life Never Ends" made by Aaron.
Harriet stared at the book cover for a while, then looked at Aaron with a puzzled expression:
"Mr. Mosley, what is this?"
Aaron asked, "Harriet, do you want to protect Cassie?"
Harriet nodded vigorously without any hesitation.
"Then study this book well; it's perfect for you," Aaron said. "That way, you'll be able to master the power to protect Casey."
"I understand, Mr. Mosley, I will study it carefully, but—"
Harriet said, lowering her head shyly.
"I don't know many characters, so I'm afraid I won't be able to learn the whole book on my own."
At least he knows someone, Aaron raised an eyebrow, "It's better than some blockhead."
"It's okay. If there's anything you don't understand, whether it's the words or the content, I can teach you. You can ask me anytime."
"I mean," Harriet looked up at Aaron, "may I show this book to Cathy?"
Huh? "Why?"
"I want him to teach me to read,"
As she spoke, Harriet gripped the book tightly.
Upon hearing this, Aaron's face immediately broke into a warm, aunt-like smile.
Harriet's intention to create an opportunity to spend time with Cathy is quite obvious.
Aaron laughed and said, "I thought only Cathy would rely on you, but I didn't expect you to have this side to you too."
Harriet's face immediately turned bright red: "Cassie is younger than me, but I'm a woman too. I also crave to be cared for and loved. Is that too much to ask?"
“Of course,” Aaron nodded, “and Cathy will be happy too; he'll probably want to help you as well. Okay, Harriet,”
"Let Cathy teach you."
"Can I say that you asked him to teach me?"
"What, you want to act cute but don't want him to find out?"
Harriet lowered her head but didn't say anything; her face was even redder than before.
Aaron found it amusing that Harriet, who was tall and imposing, also had such a petite and feminine side.
"How about I ask Cathy to offer to teach you?"
"real?!"
Harriet suddenly raised her head and looked at Aaron's face with anticipation.
"Yes," Aaron nodded.
A smile appeared on Harriet's face.
This was the first time Aaron had seen Harriet smile, and she must have been overjoyed.
"Thank you, Mr. Mosley!"
"However, Harriet," Aaron suddenly became serious again, "you need to understand one thing: Casey will inevitably face many dangers in the future."
"I know," Harriet nodded solemnly, "so I want to make myself as strong as possible so that I can help Cassie, protect Cassie, and even sacrifice myself for her."
"He will be heartbroken if you sacrifice yourself," Aaron said, so heartbroken that he couldn't bear to even imagine it. "But even so, I do hope that you are prepared to die for him. However, dying for someone is not all I ask of you."
"Mr. Mosley, please speak!"
"Kathy is kind, but that's both his strength and his weakness. His existence is invaluable, and I don't want him to give up his inner kindness."
Aaron paused, then looked directly into Harriet's eyes.
"But this world is full of evil people. To avoid being bullied by them, you have to be more evil than them. Cathy's hands are very clean."
I don't want him to get his hands dirty, Harriet, you know what I mean?
One,
"Sir, are you asking me if I'm willing to get my hands dirty for Cathy?"
"Yes," Aaron nodded, "If the Lynes family wants to regain control of the Highlands, someone must be able to use ruthless methods, but it is clear that Casey does not have this talent. However, based on my observations over the past few days, Harriet, you seem to be a suitable candidate."
"As long as it's for Cathy, even if I commit evil deeds that will not be forgiven by God after death and I must go to hell, I will have no complaints!" Harriet said confidently.
"Ha, that attitude is enough," Aaron chuckled. "But that day is still a long way off. For now, just enjoy your time with Cathy."
Harriet blushed again, quickly bowed to Aaron, and ran away with her books in her arms.
That evening, when Aaron told Cathy that he should teach Harriet to read, he was so happy he almost hummed a tune.
Aaron smiled and shook his head, thinking to himself, "They really are a young couple, full of youthful energy!"
The next morning, after eating the breakfast prepared by Harriet.
Aaron went to the second floor of the library, found and took out the book "Crimson Cravings".
When he returned to the hall, he saw Cathy and Harriet sitting together, shoulder to shoulder.
In front of them lay the book that Aaron had copied. Cathy pointed to a certain part of the book and explained it carefully, while Harriet frowned and nodded frequently.
But both of them had a faint blush on their faces, as if they were both enjoying themselves.
Aaron, who had just finished eating, couldn't help but complain again:
"I'm so full—"
At that moment, someone pushed the door open and entered.