After Baron Coleman took the notebook, Lin Yu fixed his gaze on him.

After all, Lin Yu was extremely eager to learn the correct way to use this [Ancient Notebook].

Although, from Baron Coleman's words, he might not know the complete method either, being able to unlock some new uses would still be beneficial!

However, Baron Coleman's next move dashed Lin Yu's hopes.

Because this gentleman placed his finger against his own forehead, and then...

He directly pulled out a pulsating, flickering ball of light from his own brain.

Subsequently, Baron Coleman even provided an explanation.

"Although I haven't undergone as many procedures as the Eight Transformations, my brain has also been implanted with a core. So, I can also 'materialize' my emotions and memories."

Baron Coleman infused this segment of his memory into the notebook, then looked towards Lin Yu.

"Now is the time."

Lin Yu raised the identity card belonging to Vale Valetti, and Baron Coleman spoke simultaneously.

"Requesting authorization to play the entire contents of File L-269."

As he spoke, the conglomerate of heads spoke in unison.

"Verification passed. Permission to access granted."

The light from the orifices of the heads flickered intermittently. Baron Coleman gently opened the notebook.

The light shone onto the notebook, quickly merging with the ball of light that had been floating on the page earlier.

A few seconds later, Baron Coleman, who was holding the notebook with both hands, turned around.

"And then?"

Fu Luo asked curiously. Baron Coleman nodded.

"And then, it's time to enter—look here!"

Baron Coleman raised his voice and opened the notebook towards Fu Luo and Pang Kedo.

Light filled their eyes—soon, both men paused slightly, then their eyes lost focus, slowly closed, and their heads drooped.

Although they appeared to be standing asleep, Lin Yu could sense...

They had lost all vitality.

It was as if their souls had been sucked away—no, this probably wasn't just an "as if," but a fact that had already occurred.

Watching this scene, Lin Yu let out a sigh.

"This technique is definitely not just for 'investigating cases' alone."

Used in direct combat, this is a genuine "hard crowd control" ability.

A method that can instantly seize another's soul—the [Ancient Notebook] was indeed no ordinary item.

Baron Coleman laughed: "You noticed it too... That's why this thing was enough to propel Professor Dort and Researcher Vale to become the rising stars of the Truth Corporation at that time."

"Since Vale Valetti left this to you... I think he would be pleased to see me demonstrate its use for you."

Lin Yu felt somewhat helpless: "I haven't undergone that so-called transformation;

even if you show me the method, I can't use it."

Baron Coleman paused, then said: "No matter. There are ways to use it even without the transformation—I'll arrange everything for you after we come out. For now, let's both enter together."

Lin Yu nodded, but then cautiously asked: "But if we both go in, who will ensure our safety?"

Hearing Lin Yu's words, Baron Coleman adopted a serious expression: "I've been operating on this train for many years and have kept a few contingency plans."

As he spoke, he lightly tapped his temple. Two shield-bearing sentry robots walked over from the direction of Carriage No. 2.

"These two are currently absolutely loyal to me. They are sufficient to guard us—even if they encounter something they cannot defeat, they can at least block a fatal ambush and allow us to be awakened."

"If they can't even buy us that tiny bit of time to wake up... then I can only say the attacker's skill has reached a terrifying level, and being awake wouldn't make much difference anyway."

Baron Coleman explained.

Lin Yu stroked his chin and said: "Interesting. But what if you harbor malicious intentions towards me or my companion?"

Baron Coleman shook his head: "Then this notebook wouldn't let me off... my soul is inside it too."

"Moreover, I summoned these sentries precisely because you already have someone watching over you in the shadows, don't you?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Yu narrowed his eyes slightly.

Had the other party detected Hannah?

Earlier, Lin Yu had indeed instructed Hannah, who had been hiding in his pocket, to keep an eye on things.

But... it shouldn't be possible.

Hannah's disguise was almost impossible to see through. The former A-level director of the Truth Corporation was a notable figure, but still...

Not qualified enough.

So, following Baron Coleman's words, Lin Yu realized something else.

He sighed.

"A Nian, since you've been spotted, no point in hiding anymore."

In the corner of the carriage, part of the wall and floor underwent a slight distortion and warp.

As if they had been "crumpled."

Soon, a piece of transparent cloth was gathered up, revealing Li Nian's figure.

She sighed.

"Damn that auction, actually selling counterfeit and shoddy products."

"They promised a [Invisibility Raincoat] that could perfectly conceal one's form, scent, and traces, yet it was seen through so easily."

"And it cost 2500 points! I spit on it!"

Baron Coleman apologetically pointed to his own eyes: "It did conceal your soul, but... your emotions leaked out."

"My modified eyes cannot miss that."

Li Nian shrugged: "Alright, but it doesn't matter anyway, since I didn't pay for it."

Hearing this, Lin Yu looked at Li Nian: "Speaking of which, weren't you going to the 'cargo hold' to get something? Why didn't you go?"

Li Nian let out a scoff: "Don't look down on me, dear Veterinarian sister. I already took what I wanted and came back. In that amount of time, I could have emptied the entire cargo hold!"

"But as the saying goes, even thieves have their code... I only took three items;

it definitely shouldn't take that long."

"This is a rule I set for myself: when stealing from the same person at the same place, take no more than three items at a time."

Li Nian said, a hint of pride in her tone.

"Impressive. But even so... why come back?"

Lin Yu asked softly. Li Nian said with a grin: "Of course because I was worried about you... a mentally unstable amnesiac martial lunatic, an exiled schemer with unknown depths, and a 'Detective' who looks very cunning and is extremely close to 『Order』..."

"I was afraid they might harm you, so I came back to check—seems my choice was right."

"See, now you need me."

Li Nian said, lightly waving the utility knife in her hand.

"Alright, Zhu Ming sister—I'll protect you too."

"You can go roam freely in that notebook with the Baron with peace of mind!"

She said cheerfully. Lin Yu nodded.

Although Li Nian was dangerous, had a nasty personality, and came from the 『Free Alliance』, Lin Yu had to admit.

He did trust this individual.

At least when he was acting as "Zhu Ming," he was willing to temporarily entrust his back to Li Nian's care.

"Then I'll leave it to you."

Lin Yu said, looking towards the notebook glowing with white light in the Baron's hand.

The next moment...

He felt the world spin, his consciousness wavered, as if his soul and mind were being torn from his body.

When he opened his eyes again, Lin Yu had arrived...

at the Truth Corporation headquarters from eight years ago!