餘燼91Please respect copyright.PENANAHArnk0ayHK
91Please respect copyright.PENANAP5HUVVNkx1
91Please respect copyright.PENANAzQFqUhjeQW
91Please respect copyright.PENANA2jGZybzUYm
191Please respect copyright.PENANANp1NFUfSRY
91Please respect copyright.PENANAXQWEd30fyq
91Please respect copyright.PENANA3U2MnIQHYd
91Please respect copyright.PENANAJelaWsupZl
91Please respect copyright.PENANA0MKHzcGgKz
泡麵......好香......91Please respect copyright.PENANA76T2REN9VD
91Please respect copyright.PENANAqes3Vls5U1
「......排骨雞麵?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAppmAOI2GgZ
91Please respect copyright.PENANAzIV74Hd6XR
91Please respect copyright.PENANA6XDmiQQYkp
香味被小卷嗅進了腦袋裡,於是腦袋就把她的眼皮暴力拔開。91Please respect copyright.PENANArh0iAJOHa5
91Please respect copyright.PENANAdKYB0ZuD9U
她看見自己的兩條小腿靠放在明旭的大腿上,而明旭一手托著臉、一手用筷子在溫暖的麵湯裡頭攪拌,他盯著螢幕上密密麻麻的文字看,表情像一百萬年都沒有睡過覺一樣疲倦。91Please respect copyright.PENANAKGAuTYrkss
91Please respect copyright.PENANA1lR0puUzAK
從窄巷逃出來後,一回到大街上,回頭一看,那個穿著西裝的詭異男子已經消失無蹤。91Please respect copyright.PENANAYNmBKw7s9r
91Please respect copyright.PENANAjdJTklActi
但小卷趴在明旭的背上不肯放開,於是明旭只好把她揹去網咖,包夜。91Please respect copyright.PENANAEZLPUwW0NM
91Please respect copyright.PENANApGsTvlq054
雖然環境不是很整潔,也彌漫著重重的菸酒檳榔味,但畢竟是少有的包廂式,而且位置還在地下室,然後也不曉得是本來就這麼規劃,還是來這裡的客人大多都有這個需求,這裡可以付費盥洗,甚至還有販賣輕便衣物。91Please respect copyright.PENANAfxp0iIlCYP
91Please respect copyright.PENANAE4RyfJ6nC2
小卷往牆上的掛鉤看,他們倆人昨天才洗過的校服現在還沒有完全乾,但身上這套棉質的短袖和短褲還算得上是舒服,所以她願意繼續像隻倉鼠一樣把自己埋在枕頭堆中,雖然這些東西很臭。91Please respect copyright.PENANAPHYINZqaet
91Please respect copyright.PENANASZgc5yBUqC
91Please respect copyright.PENANA4cemTOQhru
「你有找到什麼嗎?」懶懶散散地,她帶著還沒開嗓的憨音開口問道。91Please respect copyright.PENANAuxwAcBpbDl
91Please respect copyright.PENANAdjaA7P3XWK
明旭慢慢轉頭,一眼瞪了過來。「我覺得爽睡一整晚的人第一句話應該是要道歉才對。」91Please respect copyright.PENANA3eqw3Hs0ad
91Please respect copyright.PENANAEEOMmCZ6xG
小卷皺起眉頭,偷偷把腳收回來。「......我又不是故意的。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAegjAVD5T1G
91Please respect copyright.PENANADUaEeQshtW
「肚子餓嗎?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAdtTcaWXL0t
91Please respect copyright.PENANA2hESfWtByS
小卷眼睛一亮。「餓。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAvAP9Cyor5C
91Please respect copyright.PENANAKbuQHMkr4I
「這裡還有湯。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAuURUSC1TkM
91Please respect copyright.PENANAcJs38qlH0F
她看著明旭把碗推向她。「......只有湯?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAQjBpdJ3sx4
91Please respect copyright.PENANAEM5VpEqyDE
「不然妳現在趕去學校,還來得及吃桶餐。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAbRbkE9x063
91Please respect copyright.PENANAW9MrMdJ1LG
小卷眨眨眼。91Please respect copyright.PENANAq8E1uXl1UB
91Please respect copyright.PENANA6QvkVbliHV
突然之間坐起身來。「什麼!已經中午了?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAbNSnrFvAGA
91Please respect copyright.PENANAqWCX2Mmkv5
「噓!小聲一點啦!」明旭往包廂外一指,現在或許還有很多人還在補眠。91Please respect copyright.PENANAH0bpkcCJrP
91Please respect copyright.PENANAyfu6UBNu5W
「愛里怎麼辦?她......她沒有我,還活得下去嗎?」小卷慌張地捏緊了抱枕。91Please respect copyright.PENANAESphFUcCS7
91Please respect copyright.PENANAj4lI72Ocbs
「......這句話從各方面來講都很糟糕啊。」明旭遲疑了一下,然後動手用滑鼠點了點,把一大疊的網站全部關掉。「反正,妳擔心的話就早點去學校吧。」91Please respect copyright.PENANArt0xZWDh5o
91Please respect copyright.PENANABNzPdj6QEf
「那你呢?」小卷問道。91Please respect copyright.PENANAeYW6jEWlOo
91Please respect copyright.PENANA8ccN9AjtOQ
「我要回家補眠了。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAwmeszk054j
91Please respect copyright.PENANAIAiz5Dtzm0
91Please respect copyright.PENANAvb1h3l4k8O
她盯著看,一語不發,並沒有隨著明旭起身的動作而準備,反倒又默默地倒回抱枕堆中。91Please respect copyright.PENANAynVVLNuT67
91Please respect copyright.PENANA9U0GezxzLh
91Please respect copyright.PENANAVnmvbanmwh
「......怎樣?」91Please respect copyright.PENANA0vEEFNEbFQ
91Please respect copyright.PENANArAWLAMharn
「你如果要睡覺,會直接睡在這裡。」小卷瞇起了眼。「你一定是發現了什麼,然後想要把我給支開,自己一個人跑去調查。」91Please respect copyright.PENANA49ZYu6UDgF
91Please respect copyright.PENANAfN2JYH1w2W
91Please respect copyright.PENANAFHeS0o9TLc
聞聲,明旭突然咬緊了牙,他握緊拳頭,往桌面用力一槌。91Please respect copyright.PENANAqHUB3l3H2A
91Please respect copyright.PENANABIT1SbEU90
「妳不要說得一副好像很了解我一樣!」91Please respect copyright.PENANAGuLjJeaqY0
91Please respect copyright.PENANA3XRBRUoy09
「你才不要想用這種漫畫的口氣打混過去!」91Please respect copyright.PENANAjhIZiIsE7N
91Please respect copyright.PENANAZS1nvFKWDP
小卷也握起了小拳頭,往抱枕上一敲。91Please respect copyright.PENANANIhFTzMBOp
91Please respect copyright.PENANADXVCH4uSHS
「唉、」明旭大嘆了一口氣,倒回沙發上。「煩欸。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAapLNxjDBUx
91Please respect copyright.PENANAx5ryKN0q95
「快點,快說。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAc95paKXuDc
91Please respect copyright.PENANALj4VPIzZYO
「平常到底是在裝笨還是怎樣啊?」91Please respect copyright.PENANArC31l17KGv
91Please respect copyright.PENANA9SeMnoE2Pf
「你太失禮了吧?我從來都沒有笨過吧!」91Please respect copyright.PENANAohXtc87dRw
91Please respect copyright.PENANAPom5teWQNB
91Please respect copyright.PENANA8V3kzS1sZU
91Please respect copyright.PENANAQ93A9tZvmb
91Please respect copyright.PENANAVLfaDVmwN1
91Please respect copyright.PENANAKOMZdDNZxc
291Please respect copyright.PENANA3vHk1z0jox
91Please respect copyright.PENANAAFSkWX36fW
91Please respect copyright.PENANAS0bHXtzWa6
91Please respect copyright.PENANAX6Ya7Z2k2j
91Please respect copyright.PENANA3Uke7YnOZB
一個小時後,他們回到人潮稀疏的百貨商場面前。91Please respect copyright.PENANA87FVQQHnkY
91Please respect copyright.PENANAEOzUX5V35V
為了不引起注意,校服和過於暴露的網咖衣褲都沒有辦法用上,於是兩人在附近的成衣店買了便服。明旭穿了一身習慣的黑衣黑褲,小卷則考慮到有預感接下來還會碰上妖怪的問題,選了腰上有蝴蝶結的牛仔短褲和紅豆粉色的荷葉挖肩小薄衫。她的長捲髮也向後紮起了一束蓬鬆的波浪高馬尾。快要比她的頭還大。91Please respect copyright.PENANAW6gIAqBOKQ
91Please respect copyright.PENANAPxe6FfyuRT
「妳來外拍的嗎?有在兼職嗎?多少錢?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAoGYY58BNGn
91Please respect copyright.PENANAqJwXvFiB3C
「你專心一點,這件事情很嚴重。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAM1J3DY8F9e
91Please respect copyright.PENANAB652UgaB5K
面對小卷嚴肅的教訓,明旭挑了眉,只好聳聳肩。91Please respect copyright.PENANAacoWavmrca
91Please respect copyright.PENANAVfjgdZe2Lu
接著,他們便踏進大門口,直接往教會而去。91Please respect copyright.PENANAnQgV4LraH7
91Please respect copyright.PENANAlusiJt3Fp1
91Please respect copyright.PENANAVXF46KblpC
推開頂樓那扇安全門,白天的玻璃隧道和夜晚時相差許多,並沒有夢幻的感覺,甚至還有些悶熱,出了隧道後,兩人往四周一看,或許這就是為什麼教會要座落在這個地方的原因,這裡幾乎可以清楚地眺望到整座回安鎮。91Please respect copyright.PENANABEH9Z1Lpdj
91Please respect copyright.PENANA7jBJe4Ffp4
如果從回安中學的天台往這看,應該也能多多少少看見教會的屋頂吧?但他們過去並沒有對這方向感到好奇過。91Please respect copyright.PENANAewQJESGgv5
91Please respect copyright.PENANAkwrd6SNSO5
教會依然靜謐,甚至比起晚上,白天連外頭街道的吵鬧聲都顯得收斂。往小花園的彼端看去,黎恩牧師沒有在上次的小木椅上,往門口靠近,那個男修士也沒有剛好走出來。91Please respect copyright.PENANADnLMqsmJcJ
91Please respect copyright.PENANAyb55VunZVO
「我們先在這等嗎?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAXdSGg1OpDB
91Please respect copyright.PENANAnsTeiAEgDx
「等個屁啊。」91Please respect copyright.PENANA5En1UsRRgY
91Please respect copyright.PENANA41IIEkCNDF
明旭從擔憂著的小卷身旁往前走,一手按上實木大門,直接推了開來。91Please respect copyright.PENANAGYTnLI2rRl
91Please respect copyright.PENANAx2DdVMWq47
91Please respect copyright.PENANAF0ewni3wTl
日光循著漸開的門縫,照耀清涼靜謐的石板路,喚醒了白堊石柱與泥灰磚牆,使兩側的玻璃彩窗開始閃爍虹光。91Please respect copyright.PENANADOJQEy3F3i
91Please respect copyright.PENANAigeAvMsLwe
佇立於內殿處,在詩班席旁的黎恩牧師,將那潔白、高雅、卻又孤獨的背影,側了些角度過來。91Please respect copyright.PENANACGUE0dfEsB
91Please respect copyright.PENANAHMYqV891BD
她看見兩人,並透過唯一可視的左眼確定了後方沒有其餘來者後,便將身子轉正,將燒毀的半張臉、與那顆琉璃眼珠面對著他們。91Please respect copyright.PENANA9DcXAjfVnx
91Please respect copyright.PENANAkUkd2L9dPq
91Please respect copyright.PENANAJcc0wrcfk4
明旭帶著小卷,一前一後走過中殿筆直的道路,穿過耳堂,到了祭壇前才停下。91Please respect copyright.PENANARMW7s7uuxJ
91Please respect copyright.PENANA7YTxpb8QS3
他一直注視著黎恩牧師的表情,但對方卻平靜地令人猜測不出情緒,彷彿早就預料到了這一刻,這讓他感覺很不是滋味。91Please respect copyright.PENANAGRjAv1ABRy
91Please respect copyright.PENANAwZaUjDAfWP
91Please respect copyright.PENANAw8emSd1ap2
「我們昨天去了妳給的地點。」明旭直視著黎恩牧師。「一個被放棄的火場廢墟,沒有人負責清理,裡頭長滿了青苔,雨水淤積在地下室,連野貓野狗都不想靠近。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAG7G92E4nOW
91Please respect copyright.PENANAUpgmNYB9kA
「如你所見,一個活生生的悲劇。」黎恩牧師只是盯著明旭,她一眼都沒有看向小卷過。91Please respect copyright.PENANApJqciUSfk1
91Please respect copyright.PENANAVvGjVyWxaT
「雖然大部分的東西都被燒爛,還是有少部分能夠辨認得出原本的模樣,但事實上來說,有那些就已經足夠充分了。」明旭抓牢了黎恩牧師的眼神,並接著繼續說下去。「掛在牆上被燒成炭的木雕,是你們聖子的形象、被燒熔的油畫上,還有一個角落標有你們宗教的圖示、然後,那直到現在仍站穩於祭台上的石像,是在你們的神話之中,代表著火焰而不受焚燒的聖靈。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAnwYnOxa8DJ
91Please respect copyright.PENANAwo96DwItaU
黎恩牧師微微一笑。91Please respect copyright.PENANAja1A30idfI
91Please respect copyright.PENANAsuiLrdxR5w
「還有散落在地上那些,只要仔細看就能看出來的經文書和儀式法器。」明旭往這座教會的四周看了幾眼。「那是你們供給修士使用的住所。」91Please respect copyright.PENANA2ltGeFq4P2
91Please respect copyright.PENANAIzWeF08Dpo
「是的。」黎恩牧師輕輕點了頭。「那並不屬於這座教會管轄,但的確是我們的居所。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAPPddVmNzdK
91Please respect copyright.PENANAuK75wlLgD3
「然後,我去找了官方的救災紀錄。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAkgsbNPGCLc
91Please respect copyright.PENANAQuFlMfShV9
91Please respect copyright.PENANAB4KHrE72sX
黎恩牧師突然一愣,暫停了呼吸,嘴角的微笑也隨之沉了下來。91Please respect copyright.PENANAuhYBVxBAp7
91Please respect copyright.PENANAoiqsbbMI9N
她稍稍縮起了身子,開始有些喘息,彷彿在短短的時間內,準備好了要面對接下來那不堪回首的過去。91Please respect copyright.PENANA8hzHDnDRA6
91Please respect copyright.PENANALLgPZE7dSC
明旭發現在她的表情之中,竟然有著期待。這令他更加確信了自己的推論,完完全全屬於一項可悲的事實。他吸了一口氣,緩慢地、慎重地說下去。91Please respect copyright.PENANADWzEwJ5rcI
91Please respect copyright.PENANAZ0NtQi4hUw
「那棟廢墟失火的時間點,在十五年前。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAsTDX2gGHsL
91Please respect copyright.PENANAk1Wrjq0yTj
小卷握緊了雙手,放在自己小小的胸口上。即便已經多次預先演練,她仍是不曉得該以何種表情面對接下來的一切。91Please respect copyright.PENANAGqlnVvdxZp
91Please respect copyright.PENANAzPKd2zDfyj
「從那場火裡被救出來的,不是當時只有兩歲大的愛里。」91Please respect copyright.PENANACJNWMRJY1e
91Please respect copyright.PENANARNmKbeMW48
明旭直視著她。91Please respect copyright.PENANAK8GDM1wqwG
91Please respect copyright.PENANAaCPbKhngKF
「是妳。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAQW6QN4kEoG
91Please respect copyright.PENANANCaBxjYMFy
91Please respect copyright.PENANAGvUc9RTTCI
一聲嘆息,彷彿終於得到救贖。91Please respect copyright.PENANAnT5hejDyb6
91Please respect copyright.PENANAtgWsza3Yvb
黎恩牧師輕輕向後退了一步,並將身子側了一邊,只以半臉示人。91Please respect copyright.PENANAFBlxnYKzuB
91Please respect copyright.PENANAGmDlTZExfZ
--受過惡火肆虐的那半張臉。91Please respect copyright.PENANAXh1FbSItF6
91Please respect copyright.PENANAvsU3a6aiWy
而藏匿於後,在仍完好無缺的另半邊,她悄悄閉上了眼,與這座教會一同寧靜。91Please respect copyright.PENANAgG3vvt3mvj
91Please respect copyright.PENANAr4A3iktf2J
91Please respect copyright.PENANAKtUlcGhWxh
「如果我把妳的修袍脫下。」明旭仍是選擇繼續開口追問。「告訴我,我能不能夠在妳的身上,也看到和愛里一樣的,那被人雕刻出來的火疤?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAv4T5fD8tAp
91Please respect copyright.PENANAXFWzA4NKxu
91Please respect copyright.PENANApD0qxxYdSC
小卷伸手握住明旭的手腕,她認為已經夠了,不應該再繼續殘忍下去了。91Please respect copyright.PENANAbGvB2RcIxT
91Please respect copyright.PENANAK8NlbuTwL5
但黎恩牧師卻伸手拉掉了肩上的淡金色禮帶和金邊祭披。91Please respect copyright.PENANAivMufVf748
91Please respect copyright.PENANA65qNISP1Ad
接著,她轉身背對著兩人,並同時將雙手環抱住自己的祭袍,抓緊,向上拉開、褪去。91Please respect copyright.PENANAcBjzkgQZFi
91Please respect copyright.PENANA7roRS77XJW
91Please respect copyright.PENANAXWC4NiG0as
在潔白無垢的長褲上方,那裸露出來的纖細上身。91Please respect copyright.PENANAVQaJYPIcWc
91Please respect copyright.PENANAvME83I8FDM
小卷倒抽了一口氣,雖然早有準備,但仍一時之間無法接受地摀起了自己的臉龐。91Please respect copyright.PENANA3WG6K7lqHv
91Please respect copyright.PENANA7ZBGF23Uzx
她注視著黎恩牧師背上的紋路與圖騰。「......和、和愛里的一樣......」但又趕緊搖搖頭。「不、不......不太一樣......多了......」91Please respect copyright.PENANAF6SUbAsvEK
91Please respect copyright.PENANASGZkWwdCLS
「多了最後的一道火蝕。」黎恩牧師輕輕說著。91Please respect copyright.PENANAjeejIARH9O
91Please respect copyright.PENANAUZ28cejx2Q
和愛里的一樣,她們背上都有著放射狀,彷彿從火山洞口直視而下,將那滾燙的熾熱焚風和暴虐的烈火岩漿給構線後的圖紋,誇張的深刻、卻又細緻得繁複,就算是一般的刺青,那也是需要好幾日夜不眠不休才有辦法刻完的藝術成品。如果與她們兩人如影隨形的痛楚也算在藝術之內的話。91Please respect copyright.PENANARf2qlW6iPK
91Please respect copyright.PENANAKJptJyrUFc
但黎恩牧師卻比愛里多了一道,粗曠的螺旋狀筆劃。91Please respect copyright.PENANAxhQXu3AnR5
91Please respect copyright.PENANABZdW3eoF6Z
她伸手,指向自己臀部右上方,從那裡開始,彷彿繞著一座塔、繞著她的身體一路旋轉向上,而在最末端,則從左胸口改變了路徑的角度,轉而一路畫往右肩上,沿著頸子、經過右耳,在右臉上結束。91Please respect copyright.PENANA5K8PR2YE7h
91Please respect copyright.PENANAkGPqtHetnE
「這是最後一個步驟,也是啟動用的鑰匙。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAuHGgujNI9b
91Please respect copyright.PENANAsaiyqv2qLp
91Please respect copyright.PENANATK1zUaWU8l
明旭低下了頭,讓視線離開黎恩牧師應當受人憐憫的胴體。91Please respect copyright.PENANAvEfIZ9WFae
91Please respect copyright.PENANAikGbsyu4gZ
然後,他看向聖殿中央的神像。91Please respect copyright.PENANAKfWgH1xdPD
91Please respect copyright.PENANAvJe14t8gha
「......告訴我,這到底是什麼儀式。」91Please respect copyright.PENANApR9WIRyews
91Please respect copyright.PENANA2v8F8Pgjiw
91Please respect copyright.PENANAeA0hBWPRkW
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91Please respect copyright.PENANAhpI0ZJlYYE
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就好像整間教會只剩下黎恩牧師一人一樣,除此之外他們沒有再見到任何人的身影經過。91Please respect copyright.PENANAWQLKDXxTqP
91Please respect copyright.PENANAGBw14o8LOv
教會的一樓中央挑高,一抬頭就能直接見到兩層樓上用作屋頂氣窗的鑲嵌玻璃。所以二樓實際上能使用的範圍只剩下環繞的旁側,立於一樓兩旁的走廊之上。但即便如此,房間數也已經相當地足夠,至少包括黎恩牧師在內,所有屬於這座教會的神職人員都居住於此。91Please respect copyright.PENANAsnmrnY6qlA
91Please respect copyright.PENANAyK4tUo0qMT
她帶領著小卷和明旭步上階梯到了二樓,又往其中一側向裡頭探進,到了最底端後,最後一間開門,是類似藏書室的空間。91Please respect copyright.PENANA70urc1p2q1
91Please respect copyright.PENANAz6E9wI2GcD
她讓兩人先找處角落待著,便開始往書架上摸索。91Please respect copyright.PENANAhvDP4juk2r
91Please respect copyright.PENANAalMi8fE1n1
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「嘉柔說......愛里今天沒有去學校。」等待的時間,小卷看了手機後,向明旭報告。「她說班導正在試著聯絡愛里的姐姐。」91Please respect copyright.PENANANMTXN8juoZ
91Please respect copyright.PENANA2gxPpnJ66s
「在你們到來不久前我們這也有接到電話,但我想既然愛里沒有來到教會,那也就只能夠待在家裡了?或許晚點你們可以去探望她。」黎恩牧師剛好回到兩人面前,她手上多了一只老舊的木盒,掀開盒蓋,裡頭靜靜地躺著一本老舊的古籍。「雖然不想被打擾的話,禱告室也有桌椅可以使用,但我不希望這手稿被帶出藏書室之外。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAJmFM81ZNDl
91Please respect copyright.PENANAxQcuMfBHOt
「無所謂,這裡很好。」明旭點點頭,並伸出手。「方便嗎?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAAonpgovGWA
91Please respect copyright.PENANAVnRCDXwQt5
「我私心希望你有足夠粗魯到能把它給破壞掉。」黎恩牧師即刻便交至他手上。「但還是請您多加當心,這份文獻相當寶貴。」91Please respect copyright.PENANACoZ9F2SY0S
91Please respect copyright.PENANAwkQZHJarlO
「我會像對待小卷那般地呵護它的。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAgNBmR7a8gg
91Please respect copyright.PENANAbsalC84nmt
他身旁的少女露出了驚恐的表情。91Please respect copyright.PENANAbTU8BypZ2X
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「手寫的文件?」明旭翻開作為封面的油紙,內頁在經過悠長得無法想像的年月洗禮後,已經失去了原先柔軟的溫度,而是僵硬、薄脆,稍有不慎就會破碎。「該不會全世界就只有這一份?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAx8nQ3OMD2b
91Please respect copyright.PENANAr2NzokMPwR
「這裡頭的一切,全都不被允許讓外人知曉,因此也不曾有過手抄本。」黎恩牧師有些無奈。「或許之後的某日會請人來重新謄寫,但正本就也只能銷毀了。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAFF9aTaoihq
91Please respect copyright.PENANAiAByraxXL6
「那麼,現在的問題是,」明旭翻了幾頁後,卻突然嘆了口氣,他只好闔上,小心地交還給對方。「我看不懂。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAtQdQ9uDUIo
91Please respect copyright.PENANAIsWH0qhdjp
「那是當然地。」黎恩牧師像早就準備好逗弄他一般地輕笑。「畢竟這屬於已不存在的文字。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAn4GzT6xtJt
91Please respect copyright.PENANAD8JRE0bE3d
先不說那些形狀如海浪般的文字,手稿裡的撰寫格式也非常凌亂,即便有些看起來屬於同一段落,每一句下筆的開頭點也嚴重地參差不齊,但卻讓人感受到是刻意而為,彷彿這個細節也屬於文法中的一部份。91Please respect copyright.PENANADuNdrsPW8N
91Please respect copyright.PENANAfR7W1LICwA
裡頭的圖樣也很多,有些看起來是在描繪某種動植物、有些像是地圖,但傳達的方式卻不如現今主要以示意外貌輪廓和向量數據為主,手稿裡的傳達方式......不敢說有多少可能,但明旭直覺性地認為那是用符文的方式在敘述一件事物的......功能?91Please respect copyright.PENANAuckhXg1At9
91Please respect copyright.PENANA1EDhk5gdYl
「既然你甚至都到了地下室去察看。」黎恩牧師將手稿完好如初地收回木盒裡,封蓋。「那麼對於那根船錨有什麼看法?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAn1h8255MIU
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「講到這個,我想先釐清一個問題。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAWONQ85ok79
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明旭有事先把當時的狀況說明給小卷聽過。91Please respect copyright.PENANArA1RwbsAvB
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在他踏入汙濁的積水後,為了避免誤踩尖刺物,幾乎是以拖行的方式,在厚累的淤泥中左右扭進。幸虧與船錨的距離不遠,沒有想像中的久,就站到了面前。91Please respect copyright.PENANAS7fmCkTu66
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船錨大約兩公尺高,錨尾是最古老的微笑新月形狀,那幾乎已經被淘汰,只會在卡通裡頭出現,而至於錨頂,有著一段同樣材質的鎖鏈,直直向下掉,沒入渾濁的水面下。91Please respect copyright.PENANAd7O1ECbXSJ
91Please respect copyright.PENANAiGBgJ1zuKM
而材質讓他完全無法理解,看起來像石材、卻又如同金屬,又或者兩者都是?但無論是哪一種,它都不該身處於這種腐敗地方,卻表現得彷彿精品展間裡的全新商品。那表面居然光滑到足夠將手機的燈光反射成更刺眼的樣子再回擊到明旭身上。91Please respect copyright.PENANADWbDhBVtbM
91Please respect copyright.PENANAp5KYiRL3WB
再來,無論是石頭還是銅鐵好了,就算不鏽鋼,也不可能泡在這種腐臭的髒水裡卻沒有任何一點變質的跡象。為了確認,明旭甚至彎下身子,將手順著錨身觸摸,一路下探到水裡,而同樣地,就算在泥層覆蓋之下,它也仍是高貴得無法受到任何汙染。91Please respect copyright.PENANAS38nJOS0JE
91Please respect copyright.PENANAekY5QfjEis
至於它嵌進地下的部分,在交接處也沒有任何被物理破壞的痕跡,就好像它不是後來才「嵌」進去的,而是像某些碼頭的裝置藝術那樣,若不是一開始就沒有那一段,要不然就是預先「埋」起來的。91Please respect copyright.PENANAKFrWrPv2vc
91Please respect copyright.PENANANLZygcRCEk
明旭站直身子,接著研究那段鎖鏈,他握住,以為有很大的機率會沉重到無計可施,但卻只是稍加用力地一拔,整段便如同釣竿收線一般,從水下直接被拉起。鎖鏈大約長三公尺,但這麼說不太準確,因為在末端的部分有很嚴重的、燒熔過後的斷面,那噁心、毫無美感的處理方式不應該被用來對待任何一件藝術精品,那麼,又是誰下的這手?又為什麼?91Please respect copyright.PENANA9pbqHFSDrp
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而既然這材質是能夠被燒斷的,就不可能在經歷過大火肆虐仍完好無恙。91Please respect copyright.PENANAtUOwBpkM8x
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但如果是之後才被放置在這的,又很奇怪了,這麼做到底有什麼意義?91Please respect copyright.PENANAKRXD39n4CJ
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不過現在,親身經歷過那場大火的黎恩牧師卻搖了搖頭。91Please respect copyright.PENANAgIUfffj0el
91Please respect copyright.PENANAfdDZRsSK4M
「它一直都在。」她做了一口深呼吸,說道。「在我進到地下室以前,就已經存在了。」91Please respect copyright.PENANANpd78PYGUk
91Please respect copyright.PENANAtFLslp9ToT
明旭只得啞口無言,他的腦袋進入短路。91Please respect copyright.PENANA0LAaNzZP3P
91Please respect copyright.PENANAlrfoK9zJrF
「但並沒有相差太久。」黎恩牧師想了一想。「大約半個小時左右,當那根錨下在那個地點後,我只花了半個小時就被送到那了。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAxPzDtJ0RDe
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「......送到那?」小卷不解。91Please respect copyright.PENANAETdjAdPctH
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「嗯......」黎恩牧師抬起頭,隔著厚實的水泥外殼,在受教會保護的小房間內,她看往天空。「你們相信嗎?就在這裡,有一個失落的國度和我們的世界重疊在一起。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAaseJXMgj9f
91Please respect copyright.PENANAjaucVMwOUf
「......當然不相信,但我可以試著想像。」明旭有點疲憊地說道,他現在決定先不以常識來思考任何事情。91Please respect copyright.PENANAbv81cuXTqT
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黎恩牧師點點頭。「那個地方,和我們的世界完全不一樣,無論是地形、文化、物種,甚至連環境也從最根本上有所不同,那是一個在深海之下的國度。」91Please respect copyright.PENANA1rESV5t9ef
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兩人聽著。91Please respect copyright.PENANAYwCJZNC5Qc
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「我們彼此之間各自就像是一盞投影燈,當兩道燈光打上同一面牆、同一個位置上時,無論從哪個角度來看,就都是重疊在一起的。」黎恩牧師伸手指向空無一物的牆面。「而兩道光的路徑,在某種力量的介入下,能夠成為通道,提供雙方一個能夠踩踏而上,並藉由於此前往另外一端的道路。」91Please respect copyright.PENANA3LCzN32I3o
91Please respect copyright.PENANAmdbopjM2ng
「這聽起來不太妙。」明旭思考著。「通常兩個截然不同的文化相撞在一起時,只要有足夠明顯的強弱之分,那麼就不可能和平共處,而是一方成為另方的養份。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAg8O774rlqN
91Please respect copyright.PENANAj2PHq9q89n
「就算我們是較強的一方好了,就算最後的勝利的是我們,過程之中的腥風血雨,也沒人能夠倖免。」黎恩牧師說道。「而值得慶幸的是,現在這兩道光並不夠穩定,在無法長時間保持完美密合的情況下,這條通道會成為壓碎路徑上所有生靈的刑具。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAKwglbVkseV
91Please respect copyright.PENANAW49oepsx6C
明旭點點頭。他偷偷瞥向小卷,小卷的智商已經不見了。91Please respect copyright.PENANABzp1NqE9na
91Please respect copyright.PENANAb4bFEaUirr
「而在地下室的那根船錨,便是作為連接兩個世界的鉤索。」她舉起雙手,將手掌攤平相對,接著,各自彎下食指,使指尖相觸。「雖然並不足以牢固通道的穩定性,但能夠成為橋梁,即便一次只夠一人通過,也確實成為可行的事實。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAcpbEMHa5cD
91Please respect copyright.PENANAXTdfNYVzll
「那麼--」那麼那根錨不就必須被摧毀了嗎?明旭差點喊出聲來,但隨即又想起了鎖鏈末端那燒熔的斷面。「--那麼就必須弄斷鎖鏈。」91Please respect copyright.PENANA3v40jtWty9
91Please respect copyright.PENANAeXZudHfkED
「是的。」黎恩牧師點點頭。「已定位的錨身便已成了事實,就算將之移除原處,它仍已確實地鉤掛上了我們的這端,唯一阻止的辦法,就只有將作為連結的鎖鏈斷除。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAjRt3LUP0Qk
91Please respect copyright.PENANA5KmlBFa0yD
「所以......」明旭看著黎恩牧師被燒毀的那半張臉。「妳被送到那裡。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAgkHaelKG52
91Please respect copyright.PENANAkRtC3dX8e8
「我是合適的祭品,在焰火的儀式下所鑄造而成的寶劍,是目前已知唯一有辦法斬斷鎖鏈的方法。」她一手按上右臉,順著向下輕撫,經過右頸、繞過右胸、停在心口。「我完成了我的任務,被燒盡的柴火無法復燃,因此,為了下一根船錨的到來,教會不得不尋找有能力成為祭品的人選。」話語稍停,她默哀了一下,才繼續說道。「遺憾的是,在能力所及的範圍之內,整座回安鎮裡,就只有愛里一個人。」91Please respect copyright.PENANALRMlLVDKRr
91Please respect copyright.PENANAzaWHEWfjl6
「怎麼可能有這種事。」明旭皺眉。「怎麼可能只有她一個。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAqomN4izRpp
91Please respect copyright.PENANAOrMokfdUNP
「或許你們會覺得,教會只是藉由誇大而把責任強制加諸於她身上。」黎恩牧師搖搖頭。「但如我先前就告訴過你們的,愛里的父親是教會裡的重要人物,以私心來看,她的身分反倒最不可能受人所逼迫,而無奈的就是,奠基於這項事實上,她的父親也只好忍痛同意。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAgEKil7ImiS
91Please respect copyright.PENANAD8T1jmAFLA
「......愛里知道這件事嗎?」小卷緊緊握住雙手,她在顫抖,但在那眼神中,是無以復加的憤怒。「愛里知道自己是祭品嗎?她真的......有同意過你們對她做這些事嗎?她真的答應過你們可以傷害她嗎?她、她知道.....她知道這是自己爸爸的決定嗎?」她撇開頭,又咬著牙轉回直視。「我......我看起來,她完全就不像是知道的呀!她根本就不明白自己遭遇了什麼,她根本就不懂為什麼自己會被丟進大火之中,到底為什麼你們可以擅自安排她的命運呀?」91Please respect copyright.PENANApNcDKiJedy
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「也沒有人問過我。」91Please respect copyright.PENANA8njSUIlvJb
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黎恩牧師平靜地說著。91Please respect copyright.PENANAseNf2cyqrS
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「我也沒有過同意的權利,因為我甚至連個有機會、有能力可以保護我的人,都不曾擁有過。」91Please respect copyright.PENANA9L2f95fYdg
91Please respect copyright.PENANAg6LNmcO3xl
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小卷低下了頭,她強忍著眼淚。91Please respect copyright.PENANAUodXOcjiYL
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「畢竟,當這寒冷的世界急需一篝救命的焰火時,又有誰會在乎底下的一塊薪柴有多麼地痛苦呢?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAiM4eOaQG8N
91Please respect copyright.PENANA3JQAxnmwqq
黎恩牧師只是露出了淡淡地微笑。91Please respect copyright.PENANAZeeT5lb72F
91Please respect copyright.PENANAnUFXgJ22wY
她伸手按上小卷的髮頂,輕順著、安撫著,以聖職者的身分,平復少女的心靈。91Please respect copyright.PENANAQY0aNTvNCG
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一滴滴的淚珠,自小卷的眼角掉落而下。91Please respect copyright.PENANA7NJ2d8WcUt
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91Please respect copyright.PENANAtM4BNi6WzJ
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491Please respect copyright.PENANAmjSs8nmWRR
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「先讓她一個人靜靜吧。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAPFcRazcZYG
91Please respect copyright.PENANAOC4ZK7bWuR
遠處,小卷獨自坐在花園彼端的小木椅上,她需要一點時間和空間。91Please respect copyright.PENANAGevIVdHmh9
91Please respect copyright.PENANAmPSkicSZSF
而教會大門外的階梯,明旭回頭朝向黎恩牧師。91Please respect copyright.PENANA4Ct9fC0FH9
91Please respect copyright.PENANAjQex23BiBD
「我還有些問題想要問妳。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAzu82sGE2P8
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「只有我們的時候,我答應你會盡可能地回答一切。」她注視著玻璃隧道的出口。「但除此之外,」91Please respect copyright.PENANAWY42DOxZtH
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「除此之外,我們兩個一點關係都沒有。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAoqzddl7B6U
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黎恩牧師愣了下,才點頭苦笑。「雖然這表達的方式有點傷人呢。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAaj4Q3UY5HH
91Please respect copyright.PENANAML16a6mpQE
「你說愛里還缺少最後一道火蝕。」明旭說道。「而那是啟動的鑰匙。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAiAWPckKy4K
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「是的。」她輕點頭。91Please respect copyright.PENANAgwa42NyyTK
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「我想知道分成兩次進行的原因。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAYUU2NSfjW3
91Please respect copyright.PENANAgmeGx0ntb2
黎恩牧師抿了一下嘴唇,有些無奈地嘆了口氣。「認真說起來,儀式正式開始的時間點,並不是火蝕紋上身的那一刻,那就只能算是前置作業而已。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAAMlHBnlll9
91Please respect copyright.PENANAR31pF6aWVH
「......所以果然是為了縮短派上用場時的準備時間、降低容錯率嗎?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAugSgNHxtI3
91Please respect copyright.PENANA6pT5bEyNse
「畢竟萬一出了差錯,要是來不及趕上了,那麼隨之陪葬的可是一整個世界。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAY86XcauaFR
91Please respect copyright.PENANAbqxU1RkJZN
「那麼......」明旭有些遲疑,他在思考著該以何種角度看待各個角色,像小卷那樣視黎恩牧師為教會的一份子,雖然邏輯上說得通,但總隱隱約約地覺得不太妥當。「......那麼,小卷說的是真的嗎?愛里她並不知道自己的身分?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAr2CKzf9T0u
91Please respect copyright.PENANAdYfyBhUHbN
黎恩牧師頓時語塞,她掙扎了一會後,點了點頭。「她的信仰不夠堅定......當然了,你要怎麼去強迫一個無神論者來為自己所信奉的教義捨身奉獻?即便那確實不只是一種用以宣揚的虛假口號,即便那除了提供迷茫者的精神寄託以外,也確實致力於庇護著這個世界,但在天秤的兩側,教會、包括她的父親,在經過審評後,都一致地認為愛里不會願意為了眾人而犧牲。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAhMDSlwqpdm
91Please respect copyright.PENANA1wgwvSBOWq
「當然,是我我也不會。」明旭果斷地說。91Please respect copyright.PENANAbZ4nqdD8Re
91Please respect copyright.PENANAj2MbQOpfID
「倒不如說,在不受逼迫和利益的誘惑下,又能有誰是發自內心願意的呢?」91Please respect copyright.PENANA0u8UeqliVH
91Please respect copyright.PENANACIaEr1dKF5
明旭聳了聳肩,而他又嘆了口氣。「既然如此,教會是怎麼讓愛里接受第一階段的火蝕?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAvIZsZJU72x
91Please respect copyright.PENANAQP2gCMTWXX
「綁架。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAeHxZxyiw21
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黎恩牧師回答。91Please respect copyright.PENANAvKbKtZhKQx
91Please respect copyright.PENANA9hR45Jz9uW
明旭有些不可置信,但卻又不出預料地看向她。91Please respect copyright.PENANAPzV0eVBhc6
91Please respect copyright.PENANAjAdnNOl1cj
「教會偽裝成一場平凡不過的綁架。」她偏轉了目光,直到完全背視教堂內殿的神像。「偽裝成一群邪惡的匪徒,對愛里施以暴行。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAUm4qK1AGez
91Please respect copyright.PENANA0z8RuXp6VX
「這不會太過分嗎?」明旭卻往旁跨了一步,掠過黎恩牧師,反而直接面對著教會裡頭。「在確定要凌虐她肉身的前提下,竟然還選了絕對會崩潰她心靈的方法?」91Please respect copyright.PENANARZHybrK7X0
91Please respect copyright.PENANAr4T0QWiR18
黎恩牧師低下了頭。91Please respect copyright.PENANAR1SqfG0bgT
91Please respect copyright.PENANAOmN7PsONT5
「就為了這個,她的創傷後壓力症候群、她的焦慮症--」91Please respect copyright.PENANAdDOfV5OOXZ
91Please respect copyright.PENANAYNf7YZMwHU
「--不。」黎恩牧師搖了搖頭。「不是。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAlj5hXVy98z
91Please respect copyright.PENANA79OQ5MLAo8
「......不是?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAh8MeVCSVCX
91Please respect copyright.PENANAJnulSVJnAe
「假如現今已有能夠透過完全科學的方法來對愛里進行診斷,那麼她的精神狀況與一般人並不會相差太遠。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAn6dtY8oKB3
91Please respect copyright.PENANAMnfVZPGkHL
「......妳在說什麼東西?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAiVMglAjffZ
91Please respect copyright.PENANApkuOlsuPlb
「愛里這些日子以來所經歷的一切,感受著身處的世界被大火給吞噬的恐懼,承受著靈魂和軀體被焚燒入骨的痛楚,她的喉嚨、她的內臟,被熾熱的空氣燃盡成灰的絕望,全部都不是幻覺。」91Please respect copyright.PENANA0U4zxkCLXs
91Please respect copyright.PENANAjSIqZok8r3
明旭完全不能理解。91Please respect copyright.PENANAtcO1K28bTB
91Please respect copyright.PENANAeZerhkh0gI
「那些是儀式未完成的留存。」黎恩牧師雙手貼上自己胸口,裡頭是一段不願想起的久遠記憶,深刻銘心。「惡火......不,聖火已經被點燃了、被召換到了這個世界,若非用於原本的目的而耗盡能量,就只能隨著薪柴的消散而熄滅。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAfKVO8N2LiL
91Please respect copyright.PENANARhhW8ngLhP
「......所以,」明旭搖搖頭,彷彿在恥笑著這個世界。「這個可憐的祭品,如果不被獻祭,就只能永無止盡地承受著火刑?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAhYWIcc6vdI
91Please respect copyright.PENANATKNDUbfZ03
「永無止盡?」黎恩牧師停頓了一下,在她僅存的那眼裡所浮現的,是過去的日日夜夜受盡烈火折磨的自己。「一塊被點燃的柴火,能夠支撐多久才不被化為灰燼?她又能有多強韌的意志力?而這到底又能改變什麼呢?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAm7PwLLQBHH
91Please respect copyright.PENANAeRWle4uVoN
明旭沉默了下來,看著黎恩牧師那漸漸泛起淚光的眼眸。91Please respect copyright.PENANAjrAUvQ4pCo
91Please respect copyright.PENANAFyCebREuTI
「......我一開始就說了,沒有人能夠拯救愛里,她再也無法恢復成原先枝枒茂密的樣子,她只會和我一樣,化為一簇受人遺忘的餘燼。」91Please respect copyright.PENANApIraGcdWZF
91Please respect copyright.PENANANEFWpPvURH
91Please respect copyright.PENANAqC7pseVZDv
91Please respect copyright.PENANAJ06tWukX5I
91Please respect copyright.PENANA3xHoyjBtg7
91Please respect copyright.PENANAZrJJvwxXBc
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91Please respect copyright.PENANAJPIgc9pWUX
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91Please respect copyright.PENANAlTwUdBUbC9
91Please respect copyright.PENANAxqqKbjOiN4
91Please respect copyright.PENANAfHYp2bKzmg
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ns216.73.216.8da2 91Please respect copyright.PENANAXQWEd30fyq
91Please respect copyright.PENANA3U2MnIQHYd
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泡麵......好香......91Please respect copyright.PENANA76T2REN9VD
91Please respect copyright.PENANAqes3Vls5U1
「......排骨雞麵?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAppmAOI2GgZ
91Please respect copyright.PENANAzIV74Hd6XR
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香味被小卷嗅進了腦袋裡,於是腦袋就把她的眼皮暴力拔開。91Please respect copyright.PENANArh0iAJOHa5
91Please respect copyright.PENANAdKYB0ZuD9U
她看見自己的兩條小腿靠放在明旭的大腿上,而明旭一手托著臉、一手用筷子在溫暖的麵湯裡頭攪拌,他盯著螢幕上密密麻麻的文字看,表情像一百萬年都沒有睡過覺一樣疲倦。91Please respect copyright.PENANAKGAuTYrkss
91Please respect copyright.PENANA1lR0puUzAK
從窄巷逃出來後,一回到大街上,回頭一看,那個穿著西裝的詭異男子已經消失無蹤。91Please respect copyright.PENANAYNmBKw7s9r
91Please respect copyright.PENANAjdJTklActi
但小卷趴在明旭的背上不肯放開,於是明旭只好把她揹去網咖,包夜。91Please respect copyright.PENANAEZLPUwW0NM
91Please respect copyright.PENANApGsTvlq054
雖然環境不是很整潔,也彌漫著重重的菸酒檳榔味,但畢竟是少有的包廂式,而且位置還在地下室,然後也不曉得是本來就這麼規劃,還是來這裡的客人大多都有這個需求,這裡可以付費盥洗,甚至還有販賣輕便衣物。91Please respect copyright.PENANAfxp0iIlCYP
91Please respect copyright.PENANAE4RyfJ6nC2
小卷往牆上的掛鉤看,他們倆人昨天才洗過的校服現在還沒有完全乾,但身上這套棉質的短袖和短褲還算得上是舒服,所以她願意繼續像隻倉鼠一樣把自己埋在枕頭堆中,雖然這些東西很臭。91Please respect copyright.PENANAPHYINZqaet
91Please respect copyright.PENANASZgc5yBUqC
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「你有找到什麼嗎?」懶懶散散地,她帶著還沒開嗓的憨音開口問道。91Please respect copyright.PENANAuxwAcBpbDl
91Please respect copyright.PENANAdjaA7P3XWK
明旭慢慢轉頭,一眼瞪了過來。「我覺得爽睡一整晚的人第一句話應該是要道歉才對。」91Please respect copyright.PENANA3eqw3Hs0ad
91Please respect copyright.PENANAEEOMmCZ6xG
小卷皺起眉頭,偷偷把腳收回來。「......我又不是故意的。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAegjAVD5T1G
91Please respect copyright.PENANADUaEeQshtW
「肚子餓嗎?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAdtTcaWXL0t
91Please respect copyright.PENANA2hESfWtByS
小卷眼睛一亮。「餓。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAvAP9Cyor5C
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「這裡還有湯。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAuURUSC1TkM
91Please respect copyright.PENANAcJs38qlH0F
她看著明旭把碗推向她。「......只有湯?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAQjBpdJ3sx4
91Please respect copyright.PENANAEM5VpEqyDE
「不然妳現在趕去學校,還來得及吃桶餐。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAbRbkE9x063
91Please respect copyright.PENANAW9MrMdJ1LG
小卷眨眨眼。91Please respect copyright.PENANAq8E1uXl1UB
91Please respect copyright.PENANA6QvkVbliHV
突然之間坐起身來。「什麼!已經中午了?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAbNSnrFvAGA
91Please respect copyright.PENANAqWCX2Mmkv5
「噓!小聲一點啦!」明旭往包廂外一指,現在或許還有很多人還在補眠。91Please respect copyright.PENANAH0bpkcCJrP
91Please respect copyright.PENANAyfu6UBNu5W
「愛里怎麼辦?她......她沒有我,還活得下去嗎?」小卷慌張地捏緊了抱枕。91Please respect copyright.PENANAESphFUcCS7
91Please respect copyright.PENANAj4lI72Ocbs
「......這句話從各方面來講都很糟糕啊。」明旭遲疑了一下,然後動手用滑鼠點了點,把一大疊的網站全部關掉。「反正,妳擔心的話就早點去學校吧。」91Please respect copyright.PENANArt0xZWDh5o
91Please respect copyright.PENANABNzPdj6QEf
「那你呢?」小卷問道。91Please respect copyright.PENANAeYW6jEWlOo
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「我要回家補眠了。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAwmeszk054j
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她盯著看,一語不發,並沒有隨著明旭起身的動作而準備,反倒又默默地倒回抱枕堆中。91Please respect copyright.PENANAynVVLNuT67
91Please respect copyright.PENANA9U0GezxzLh
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「......怎樣?」91Please respect copyright.PENANA0vEEFNEbFQ
91Please respect copyright.PENANArAWLAMharn
「你如果要睡覺,會直接睡在這裡。」小卷瞇起了眼。「你一定是發現了什麼,然後想要把我給支開,自己一個人跑去調查。」91Please respect copyright.PENANA49ZYu6UDgF
91Please respect copyright.PENANAfN2JYH1w2W
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聞聲,明旭突然咬緊了牙,他握緊拳頭,往桌面用力一槌。91Please respect copyright.PENANAqHUB3l3H2A
91Please respect copyright.PENANABIT1SbEU90
「妳不要說得一副好像很了解我一樣!」91Please respect copyright.PENANAGuLjJeaqY0
91Please respect copyright.PENANA3XRBRUoy09
「你才不要想用這種漫畫的口氣打混過去!」91Please respect copyright.PENANAjhIZiIsE7N
91Please respect copyright.PENANAZS1nvFKWDP
小卷也握起了小拳頭,往抱枕上一敲。91Please respect copyright.PENANANIhFTzMBOp
91Please respect copyright.PENANADXVCH4uSHS
「唉、」明旭大嘆了一口氣,倒回沙發上。「煩欸。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAapLNxjDBUx
91Please respect copyright.PENANAx5ryKN0q95
「快點,快說。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAc95paKXuDc
91Please respect copyright.PENANALj4VPIzZYO
「平常到底是在裝笨還是怎樣啊?」91Please respect copyright.PENANArC31l17KGv
91Please respect copyright.PENANA9SeMnoE2Pf
「你太失禮了吧?我從來都沒有笨過吧!」91Please respect copyright.PENANAohXtc87dRw
91Please respect copyright.PENANAPom5teWQNB
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一個小時後,他們回到人潮稀疏的百貨商場面前。91Please respect copyright.PENANA87FVQQHnkY
91Please respect copyright.PENANAEOzUX5V35V
為了不引起注意,校服和過於暴露的網咖衣褲都沒有辦法用上,於是兩人在附近的成衣店買了便服。明旭穿了一身習慣的黑衣黑褲,小卷則考慮到有預感接下來還會碰上妖怪的問題,選了腰上有蝴蝶結的牛仔短褲和紅豆粉色的荷葉挖肩小薄衫。她的長捲髮也向後紮起了一束蓬鬆的波浪高馬尾。快要比她的頭還大。91Please respect copyright.PENANAW6gIAqBOKQ
91Please respect copyright.PENANAPxe6FfyuRT
「妳來外拍的嗎?有在兼職嗎?多少錢?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAoGYY58BNGn
91Please respect copyright.PENANAqJwXvFiB3C
「你專心一點,這件事情很嚴重。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAM1J3DY8F9e
91Please respect copyright.PENANAB652UgaB5K
面對小卷嚴肅的教訓,明旭挑了眉,只好聳聳肩。91Please respect copyright.PENANAacoWavmrca
91Please respect copyright.PENANAVfjgdZe2Lu
接著,他們便踏進大門口,直接往教會而去。91Please respect copyright.PENANAnQgV4LraH7
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91Please respect copyright.PENANAVXF46KblpC
推開頂樓那扇安全門,白天的玻璃隧道和夜晚時相差許多,並沒有夢幻的感覺,甚至還有些悶熱,出了隧道後,兩人往四周一看,或許這就是為什麼教會要座落在這個地方的原因,這裡幾乎可以清楚地眺望到整座回安鎮。91Please respect copyright.PENANABEH9Z1Lpdj
91Please respect copyright.PENANA7jBJe4Ffp4
如果從回安中學的天台往這看,應該也能多多少少看見教會的屋頂吧?但他們過去並沒有對這方向感到好奇過。91Please respect copyright.PENANAewQJESGgv5
91Please respect copyright.PENANAkwrd6SNSO5
教會依然靜謐,甚至比起晚上,白天連外頭街道的吵鬧聲都顯得收斂。往小花園的彼端看去,黎恩牧師沒有在上次的小木椅上,往門口靠近,那個男修士也沒有剛好走出來。91Please respect copyright.PENANADnLMqsmJcJ
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「我們先在這等嗎?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAXdSGg1OpDB
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「等個屁啊。」91Please respect copyright.PENANA5En1UsRRgY
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明旭從擔憂著的小卷身旁往前走,一手按上實木大門,直接推了開來。91Please respect copyright.PENANAGYTnLI2rRl
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日光循著漸開的門縫,照耀清涼靜謐的石板路,喚醒了白堊石柱與泥灰磚牆,使兩側的玻璃彩窗開始閃爍虹光。91Please respect copyright.PENANADOJQEy3F3i
91Please respect copyright.PENANAigeAvMsLwe
佇立於內殿處,在詩班席旁的黎恩牧師,將那潔白、高雅、卻又孤獨的背影,側了些角度過來。91Please respect copyright.PENANACGUE0dfEsB
91Please respect copyright.PENANAHMYqV891BD
她看見兩人,並透過唯一可視的左眼確定了後方沒有其餘來者後,便將身子轉正,將燒毀的半張臉、與那顆琉璃眼珠面對著他們。91Please respect copyright.PENANA9DcXAjfVnx
91Please respect copyright.PENANAkUkd2L9dPq
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明旭帶著小卷,一前一後走過中殿筆直的道路,穿過耳堂,到了祭壇前才停下。91Please respect copyright.PENANARMW7s7uuxJ
91Please respect copyright.PENANA7YTxpb8QS3
他一直注視著黎恩牧師的表情,但對方卻平靜地令人猜測不出情緒,彷彿早就預料到了這一刻,這讓他感覺很不是滋味。91Please respect copyright.PENANAGRjAv1ABRy
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「我們昨天去了妳給的地點。」明旭直視著黎恩牧師。「一個被放棄的火場廢墟,沒有人負責清理,裡頭長滿了青苔,雨水淤積在地下室,連野貓野狗都不想靠近。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAG7G92E4nOW
91Please respect copyright.PENANAUpgmNYB9kA
「如你所見,一個活生生的悲劇。」黎恩牧師只是盯著明旭,她一眼都沒有看向小卷過。91Please respect copyright.PENANApJqciUSfk1
91Please respect copyright.PENANAVvGjVyWxaT
「雖然大部分的東西都被燒爛,還是有少部分能夠辨認得出原本的模樣,但事實上來說,有那些就已經足夠充分了。」明旭抓牢了黎恩牧師的眼神,並接著繼續說下去。「掛在牆上被燒成炭的木雕,是你們聖子的形象、被燒熔的油畫上,還有一個角落標有你們宗教的圖示、然後,那直到現在仍站穩於祭台上的石像,是在你們的神話之中,代表著火焰而不受焚燒的聖靈。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAnwYnOxa8DJ
91Please respect copyright.PENANAwo96DwItaU
黎恩牧師微微一笑。91Please respect copyright.PENANAja1A30idfI
91Please respect copyright.PENANAsuiLrdxR5w
「還有散落在地上那些,只要仔細看就能看出來的經文書和儀式法器。」明旭往這座教會的四周看了幾眼。「那是你們供給修士使用的住所。」91Please respect copyright.PENANA2ltGeFq4P2
91Please respect copyright.PENANAIzWeF08Dpo
「是的。」黎恩牧師輕輕點了頭。「那並不屬於這座教會管轄,但的確是我們的居所。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAPPddVmNzdK
91Please respect copyright.PENANAuK75wlLgD3
「然後,我去找了官方的救災紀錄。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAkgsbNPGCLc
91Please respect copyright.PENANAQuFlMfShV9
91Please respect copyright.PENANAB4KHrE72sX
黎恩牧師突然一愣,暫停了呼吸,嘴角的微笑也隨之沉了下來。91Please respect copyright.PENANAuhYBVxBAp7
91Please respect copyright.PENANAoiqsbbMI9N
她稍稍縮起了身子,開始有些喘息,彷彿在短短的時間內,準備好了要面對接下來那不堪回首的過去。91Please respect copyright.PENANA8hzHDnDRA6
91Please respect copyright.PENANALLgPZE7dSC
明旭發現在她的表情之中,竟然有著期待。這令他更加確信了自己的推論,完完全全屬於一項可悲的事實。他吸了一口氣,緩慢地、慎重地說下去。91Please respect copyright.PENANADWzEwJ5rcI
91Please respect copyright.PENANAZ0NtQi4hUw
「那棟廢墟失火的時間點,在十五年前。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAsTDX2gGHsL
91Please respect copyright.PENANAk1Wrjq0yTj
小卷握緊了雙手,放在自己小小的胸口上。即便已經多次預先演練,她仍是不曉得該以何種表情面對接下來的一切。91Please respect copyright.PENANAGqlnVvdxZp
91Please respect copyright.PENANAzPKd2zDfyj
「從那場火裡被救出來的,不是當時只有兩歲大的愛里。」91Please respect copyright.PENANACJNWMRJY1e
91Please respect copyright.PENANARNmKbeMW48
明旭直視著她。91Please respect copyright.PENANAK8GDM1wqwG
91Please respect copyright.PENANAaCPbKhngKF
「是妳。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAQW6QN4kEoG
91Please respect copyright.PENANANCaBxjYMFy
91Please respect copyright.PENANAGvUc9RTTCI
一聲嘆息,彷彿終於得到救贖。91Please respect copyright.PENANAnT5hejDyb6
91Please respect copyright.PENANAtgWsza3Yvb
黎恩牧師輕輕向後退了一步,並將身子側了一邊,只以半臉示人。91Please respect copyright.PENANAFBlxnYKzuB
91Please respect copyright.PENANAGmDlTZExfZ
--受過惡火肆虐的那半張臉。91Please respect copyright.PENANAXh1FbSItF6
91Please respect copyright.PENANAvsU3a6aiWy
而藏匿於後,在仍完好無缺的另半邊,她悄悄閉上了眼,與這座教會一同寧靜。91Please respect copyright.PENANAgG3vvt3mvj
91Please respect copyright.PENANAr4A3iktf2J
91Please respect copyright.PENANAKtUlcGhWxh
「如果我把妳的修袍脫下。」明旭仍是選擇繼續開口追問。「告訴我,我能不能夠在妳的身上,也看到和愛里一樣的,那被人雕刻出來的火疤?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAv4T5fD8tAp
91Please respect copyright.PENANAXFWzA4NKxu
91Please respect copyright.PENANApD0qxxYdSC
小卷伸手握住明旭的手腕,她認為已經夠了,不應該再繼續殘忍下去了。91Please respect copyright.PENANAbGvB2RcIxT
91Please respect copyright.PENANAK8NlbuTwL5
但黎恩牧師卻伸手拉掉了肩上的淡金色禮帶和金邊祭披。91Please respect copyright.PENANAivMufVf748
91Please respect copyright.PENANA65qNISP1Ad
接著,她轉身背對著兩人,並同時將雙手環抱住自己的祭袍,抓緊,向上拉開、褪去。91Please respect copyright.PENANAcBjzkgQZFi
91Please respect copyright.PENANA7roRS77XJW
91Please respect copyright.PENANAXWC4NiG0as
在潔白無垢的長褲上方,那裸露出來的纖細上身。91Please respect copyright.PENANAVQaJYPIcWc
91Please respect copyright.PENANAvME83I8FDM
小卷倒抽了一口氣,雖然早有準備,但仍一時之間無法接受地摀起了自己的臉龐。91Please respect copyright.PENANA3WG6K7lqHv
91Please respect copyright.PENANA7ZBGF23Uzx
她注視著黎恩牧師背上的紋路與圖騰。「......和、和愛里的一樣......」但又趕緊搖搖頭。「不、不......不太一樣......多了......」91Please respect copyright.PENANAF6SUbAsvEK
91Please respect copyright.PENANASGZkWwdCLS
「多了最後的一道火蝕。」黎恩牧師輕輕說著。91Please respect copyright.PENANAjeejIARH9O
91Please respect copyright.PENANAUZ28cejx2Q
和愛里的一樣,她們背上都有著放射狀,彷彿從火山洞口直視而下,將那滾燙的熾熱焚風和暴虐的烈火岩漿給構線後的圖紋,誇張的深刻、卻又細緻得繁複,就算是一般的刺青,那也是需要好幾日夜不眠不休才有辦法刻完的藝術成品。如果與她們兩人如影隨形的痛楚也算在藝術之內的話。91Please respect copyright.PENANARf2qlW6iPK
91Please respect copyright.PENANAKJptJyrUFc
但黎恩牧師卻比愛里多了一道,粗曠的螺旋狀筆劃。91Please respect copyright.PENANAxhQXu3AnR5
91Please respect copyright.PENANABZdW3eoF6Z
她伸手,指向自己臀部右上方,從那裡開始,彷彿繞著一座塔、繞著她的身體一路旋轉向上,而在最末端,則從左胸口改變了路徑的角度,轉而一路畫往右肩上,沿著頸子、經過右耳,在右臉上結束。91Please respect copyright.PENANA5K8PR2YE7h
91Please respect copyright.PENANAkGPqtHetnE
「這是最後一個步驟,也是啟動用的鑰匙。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAuHGgujNI9b
91Please respect copyright.PENANAsaiyqv2qLp
91Please respect copyright.PENANATK1zUaWU8l
明旭低下了頭,讓視線離開黎恩牧師應當受人憐憫的胴體。91Please respect copyright.PENANAvEfIZ9WFae
91Please respect copyright.PENANAikGbsyu4gZ
然後,他看向聖殿中央的神像。91Please respect copyright.PENANAKfWgH1xdPD
91Please respect copyright.PENANAvJe14t8gha
「......告訴我,這到底是什麼儀式。」91Please respect copyright.PENANApR9WIRyews
91Please respect copyright.PENANA2v8F8Pgjiw
91Please respect copyright.PENANAeA0hBWPRkW
91Please respect copyright.PENANAgjggAfOPxj
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91Please respect copyright.PENANAWspSIAdxq3
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就好像整間教會只剩下黎恩牧師一人一樣,除此之外他們沒有再見到任何人的身影經過。91Please respect copyright.PENANAWQLKDXxTqP
91Please respect copyright.PENANAGBw14o8LOv
教會的一樓中央挑高,一抬頭就能直接見到兩層樓上用作屋頂氣窗的鑲嵌玻璃。所以二樓實際上能使用的範圍只剩下環繞的旁側,立於一樓兩旁的走廊之上。但即便如此,房間數也已經相當地足夠,至少包括黎恩牧師在內,所有屬於這座教會的神職人員都居住於此。91Please respect copyright.PENANAsnmrnY6qlA
91Please respect copyright.PENANAyK4tUo0qMT
她帶領著小卷和明旭步上階梯到了二樓,又往其中一側向裡頭探進,到了最底端後,最後一間開門,是類似藏書室的空間。91Please respect copyright.PENANA70urc1p2q1
91Please respect copyright.PENANAz6E9wI2GcD
她讓兩人先找處角落待著,便開始往書架上摸索。91Please respect copyright.PENANAhvDP4juk2r
91Please respect copyright.PENANAalMi8fE1n1
91Please respect copyright.PENANAbQb2vXd5Xg
「嘉柔說......愛里今天沒有去學校。」等待的時間,小卷看了手機後,向明旭報告。「她說班導正在試著聯絡愛里的姐姐。」91Please respect copyright.PENANANMTXN8juoZ
91Please respect copyright.PENANA2gxPpnJ66s
「在你們到來不久前我們這也有接到電話,但我想既然愛里沒有來到教會,那也就只能夠待在家裡了?或許晚點你們可以去探望她。」黎恩牧師剛好回到兩人面前,她手上多了一只老舊的木盒,掀開盒蓋,裡頭靜靜地躺著一本老舊的古籍。「雖然不想被打擾的話,禱告室也有桌椅可以使用,但我不希望這手稿被帶出藏書室之外。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAJmFM81ZNDl
91Please respect copyright.PENANAxQcuMfBHOt
「無所謂,這裡很好。」明旭點點頭,並伸出手。「方便嗎?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAAonpgovGWA
91Please respect copyright.PENANAVnRCDXwQt5
「我私心希望你有足夠粗魯到能把它給破壞掉。」黎恩牧師即刻便交至他手上。「但還是請您多加當心,這份文獻相當寶貴。」91Please respect copyright.PENANACoZ9F2SY0S
91Please respect copyright.PENANAwkQZHJarlO
「我會像對待小卷那般地呵護它的。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAgNBmR7a8gg
91Please respect copyright.PENANAbsalC84nmt
他身旁的少女露出了驚恐的表情。91Please respect copyright.PENANAbTU8BypZ2X
91Please respect copyright.PENANAlEFlYDB63U
「手寫的文件?」明旭翻開作為封面的油紙,內頁在經過悠長得無法想像的年月洗禮後,已經失去了原先柔軟的溫度,而是僵硬、薄脆,稍有不慎就會破碎。「該不會全世界就只有這一份?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAx8nQ3OMD2b
91Please respect copyright.PENANAr2NzokMPwR
「這裡頭的一切,全都不被允許讓外人知曉,因此也不曾有過手抄本。」黎恩牧師有些無奈。「或許之後的某日會請人來重新謄寫,但正本就也只能銷毀了。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAFF9aTaoihq
91Please respect copyright.PENANAiAByraxXL6
「那麼,現在的問題是,」明旭翻了幾頁後,卻突然嘆了口氣,他只好闔上,小心地交還給對方。「我看不懂。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAtQdQ9uDUIo
91Please respect copyright.PENANAIsWH0qhdjp
「那是當然地。」黎恩牧師像早就準備好逗弄他一般地輕笑。「畢竟這屬於已不存在的文字。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAn4GzT6xtJt
91Please respect copyright.PENANAD8JRE0bE3d
先不說那些形狀如海浪般的文字,手稿裡的撰寫格式也非常凌亂,即便有些看起來屬於同一段落,每一句下筆的開頭點也嚴重地參差不齊,但卻讓人感受到是刻意而為,彷彿這個細節也屬於文法中的一部份。91Please respect copyright.PENANADuNdrsPW8N
91Please respect copyright.PENANAfR7W1LICwA
裡頭的圖樣也很多,有些看起來是在描繪某種動植物、有些像是地圖,但傳達的方式卻不如現今主要以示意外貌輪廓和向量數據為主,手稿裡的傳達方式......不敢說有多少可能,但明旭直覺性地認為那是用符文的方式在敘述一件事物的......功能?91Please respect copyright.PENANAuckhXg1At9
91Please respect copyright.PENANA1EDhk5gdYl
「既然你甚至都到了地下室去察看。」黎恩牧師將手稿完好如初地收回木盒裡,封蓋。「那麼對於那根船錨有什麼看法?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAn1h8255MIU
91Please respect copyright.PENANAD4ZYiIQtil
「講到這個,我想先釐清一個問題。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAWONQ85ok79
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明旭有事先把當時的狀況說明給小卷聽過。91Please respect copyright.PENANArA1RwbsAvB
91Please respect copyright.PENANAF27mzYN8ON
在他踏入汙濁的積水後,為了避免誤踩尖刺物,幾乎是以拖行的方式,在厚累的淤泥中左右扭進。幸虧與船錨的距離不遠,沒有想像中的久,就站到了面前。91Please respect copyright.PENANAS7fmCkTu66
91Please respect copyright.PENANAGiPXGWNPbG
船錨大約兩公尺高,錨尾是最古老的微笑新月形狀,那幾乎已經被淘汰,只會在卡通裡頭出現,而至於錨頂,有著一段同樣材質的鎖鏈,直直向下掉,沒入渾濁的水面下。91Please respect copyright.PENANAd7O1ECbXSJ
91Please respect copyright.PENANAiGBgJ1zuKM
而材質讓他完全無法理解,看起來像石材、卻又如同金屬,又或者兩者都是?但無論是哪一種,它都不該身處於這種腐敗地方,卻表現得彷彿精品展間裡的全新商品。那表面居然光滑到足夠將手機的燈光反射成更刺眼的樣子再回擊到明旭身上。91Please respect copyright.PENANADWbDhBVtbM
91Please respect copyright.PENANAp5KYiRL3WB
再來,無論是石頭還是銅鐵好了,就算不鏽鋼,也不可能泡在這種腐臭的髒水裡卻沒有任何一點變質的跡象。為了確認,明旭甚至彎下身子,將手順著錨身觸摸,一路下探到水裡,而同樣地,就算在泥層覆蓋之下,它也仍是高貴得無法受到任何汙染。91Please respect copyright.PENANAS38nJOS0JE
91Please respect copyright.PENANAekY5QfjEis
至於它嵌進地下的部分,在交接處也沒有任何被物理破壞的痕跡,就好像它不是後來才「嵌」進去的,而是像某些碼頭的裝置藝術那樣,若不是一開始就沒有那一段,要不然就是預先「埋」起來的。91Please respect copyright.PENANAKFrWrPv2vc
91Please respect copyright.PENANANLZygcRCEk
明旭站直身子,接著研究那段鎖鏈,他握住,以為有很大的機率會沉重到無計可施,但卻只是稍加用力地一拔,整段便如同釣竿收線一般,從水下直接被拉起。鎖鏈大約長三公尺,但這麼說不太準確,因為在末端的部分有很嚴重的、燒熔過後的斷面,那噁心、毫無美感的處理方式不應該被用來對待任何一件藝術精品,那麼,又是誰下的這手?又為什麼?91Please respect copyright.PENANA9pbqHFSDrp
91Please respect copyright.PENANA6S7UcPrMh4
而既然這材質是能夠被燒斷的,就不可能在經歷過大火肆虐仍完好無恙。91Please respect copyright.PENANAtUOwBpkM8x
91Please respect copyright.PENANAnaWSpEc3T9
但如果是之後才被放置在這的,又很奇怪了,這麼做到底有什麼意義?91Please respect copyright.PENANAKRXD39n4CJ
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不過現在,親身經歷過那場大火的黎恩牧師卻搖了搖頭。91Please respect copyright.PENANAgIUfffj0el
91Please respect copyright.PENANAfdDZRsSK4M
「它一直都在。」她做了一口深呼吸,說道。「在我進到地下室以前,就已經存在了。」91Please respect copyright.PENANANpd78PYGUk
91Please respect copyright.PENANAtFLslp9ToT
明旭只得啞口無言,他的腦袋進入短路。91Please respect copyright.PENANA0LAaNzZP3P
91Please respect copyright.PENANAlrfoK9zJrF
「但並沒有相差太久。」黎恩牧師想了一想。「大約半個小時左右,當那根錨下在那個地點後,我只花了半個小時就被送到那了。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAxPzDtJ0RDe
91Please respect copyright.PENANAbizERI2XFk
「......送到那?」小卷不解。91Please respect copyright.PENANAETdjAdPctH
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「嗯......」黎恩牧師抬起頭,隔著厚實的水泥外殼,在受教會保護的小房間內,她看往天空。「你們相信嗎?就在這裡,有一個失落的國度和我們的世界重疊在一起。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAaseJXMgj9f
91Please respect copyright.PENANAjaucVMwOUf
「......當然不相信,但我可以試著想像。」明旭有點疲憊地說道,他現在決定先不以常識來思考任何事情。91Please respect copyright.PENANAbv81cuXTqT
91Please respect copyright.PENANAD89OZJUuPy
黎恩牧師點點頭。「那個地方,和我們的世界完全不一樣,無論是地形、文化、物種,甚至連環境也從最根本上有所不同,那是一個在深海之下的國度。」91Please respect copyright.PENANA1rESV5t9ef
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兩人聽著。91Please respect copyright.PENANAYwCJZNC5Qc
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「我們彼此之間各自就像是一盞投影燈,當兩道燈光打上同一面牆、同一個位置上時,無論從哪個角度來看,就都是重疊在一起的。」黎恩牧師伸手指向空無一物的牆面。「而兩道光的路徑,在某種力量的介入下,能夠成為通道,提供雙方一個能夠踩踏而上,並藉由於此前往另外一端的道路。」91Please respect copyright.PENANA3LCzN32I3o
91Please respect copyright.PENANAmdbopjM2ng
「這聽起來不太妙。」明旭思考著。「通常兩個截然不同的文化相撞在一起時,只要有足夠明顯的強弱之分,那麼就不可能和平共處,而是一方成為另方的養份。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAg8O774rlqN
91Please respect copyright.PENANAj2PHq9q89n
「就算我們是較強的一方好了,就算最後的勝利的是我們,過程之中的腥風血雨,也沒人能夠倖免。」黎恩牧師說道。「而值得慶幸的是,現在這兩道光並不夠穩定,在無法長時間保持完美密合的情況下,這條通道會成為壓碎路徑上所有生靈的刑具。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAKwglbVkseV
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明旭點點頭。他偷偷瞥向小卷,小卷的智商已經不見了。91Please respect copyright.PENANABzp1NqE9na
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「而在地下室的那根船錨,便是作為連接兩個世界的鉤索。」她舉起雙手,將手掌攤平相對,接著,各自彎下食指,使指尖相觸。「雖然並不足以牢固通道的穩定性,但能夠成為橋梁,即便一次只夠一人通過,也確實成為可行的事實。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAcpbEMHa5cD
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「那麼--」那麼那根錨不就必須被摧毀了嗎?明旭差點喊出聲來,但隨即又想起了鎖鏈末端那燒熔的斷面。「--那麼就必須弄斷鎖鏈。」91Please respect copyright.PENANA3v40jtWty9
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「是的。」黎恩牧師點點頭。「已定位的錨身便已成了事實,就算將之移除原處,它仍已確實地鉤掛上了我們的這端,唯一阻止的辦法,就只有將作為連結的鎖鏈斷除。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAjRt3LUP0Qk
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「所以......」明旭看著黎恩牧師被燒毀的那半張臉。「妳被送到那裡。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAgkHaelKG52
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「我是合適的祭品,在焰火的儀式下所鑄造而成的寶劍,是目前已知唯一有辦法斬斷鎖鏈的方法。」她一手按上右臉,順著向下輕撫,經過右頸、繞過右胸、停在心口。「我完成了我的任務,被燒盡的柴火無法復燃,因此,為了下一根船錨的到來,教會不得不尋找有能力成為祭品的人選。」話語稍停,她默哀了一下,才繼續說道。「遺憾的是,在能力所及的範圍之內,整座回安鎮裡,就只有愛里一個人。」91Please respect copyright.PENANALRMlLVDKRr
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「怎麼可能有這種事。」明旭皺眉。「怎麼可能只有她一個。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAqomN4izRpp
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「或許你們會覺得,教會只是藉由誇大而把責任強制加諸於她身上。」黎恩牧師搖搖頭。「但如我先前就告訴過你們的,愛里的父親是教會裡的重要人物,以私心來看,她的身分反倒最不可能受人所逼迫,而無奈的就是,奠基於這項事實上,她的父親也只好忍痛同意。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAgEKil7ImiS
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「......愛里知道這件事嗎?」小卷緊緊握住雙手,她在顫抖,但在那眼神中,是無以復加的憤怒。「愛里知道自己是祭品嗎?她真的......有同意過你們對她做這些事嗎?她真的答應過你們可以傷害她嗎?她、她知道.....她知道這是自己爸爸的決定嗎?」她撇開頭,又咬著牙轉回直視。「我......我看起來,她完全就不像是知道的呀!她根本就不明白自己遭遇了什麼,她根本就不懂為什麼自己會被丟進大火之中,到底為什麼你們可以擅自安排她的命運呀?」91Please respect copyright.PENANApNcDKiJedy
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「也沒有人問過我。」91Please respect copyright.PENANA8njSUIlvJb
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黎恩牧師平靜地說著。91Please respect copyright.PENANAseNf2cyqrS
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「我也沒有過同意的權利,因為我甚至連個有機會、有能力可以保護我的人,都不曾擁有過。」91Please respect copyright.PENANA9L2f95fYdg
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小卷低下了頭,她強忍著眼淚。91Please respect copyright.PENANAUodXOcjiYL
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「畢竟,當這寒冷的世界急需一篝救命的焰火時,又有誰會在乎底下的一塊薪柴有多麼地痛苦呢?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAiM4eOaQG8N
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黎恩牧師只是露出了淡淡地微笑。91Please respect copyright.PENANAZeeT5lb72F
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她伸手按上小卷的髮頂,輕順著、安撫著,以聖職者的身分,平復少女的心靈。91Please respect copyright.PENANAQY0aNTvNCG
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一滴滴的淚珠,自小卷的眼角掉落而下。91Please respect copyright.PENANA7NJ2d8WcUt
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「先讓她一個人靜靜吧。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAPFcRazcZYG
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遠處,小卷獨自坐在花園彼端的小木椅上,她需要一點時間和空間。91Please respect copyright.PENANAGevIVdHmh9
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而教會大門外的階梯,明旭回頭朝向黎恩牧師。91Please respect copyright.PENANA4Ct9fC0FH9
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「我還有些問題想要問妳。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAzu82sGE2P8
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「只有我們的時候,我答應你會盡可能地回答一切。」她注視著玻璃隧道的出口。「但除此之外,」91Please respect copyright.PENANAWY42DOxZtH
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「除此之外,我們兩個一點關係都沒有。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAoqzddl7B6U
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黎恩牧師愣了下,才點頭苦笑。「雖然這表達的方式有點傷人呢。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAaj4Q3UY5HH
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「你說愛里還缺少最後一道火蝕。」明旭說道。「而那是啟動的鑰匙。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAiAWPckKy4K
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「是的。」她輕點頭。91Please respect copyright.PENANAgwa42NyyTK
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「我想知道分成兩次進行的原因。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAYUU2NSfjW3
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黎恩牧師抿了一下嘴唇,有些無奈地嘆了口氣。「認真說起來,儀式正式開始的時間點,並不是火蝕紋上身的那一刻,那就只能算是前置作業而已。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAAMlHBnlll9
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「......所以果然是為了縮短派上用場時的準備時間、降低容錯率嗎?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAugSgNHxtI3
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「畢竟萬一出了差錯,要是來不及趕上了,那麼隨之陪葬的可是一整個世界。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAY86XcauaFR
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「那麼......」明旭有些遲疑,他在思考著該以何種角度看待各個角色,像小卷那樣視黎恩牧師為教會的一份子,雖然邏輯上說得通,但總隱隱約約地覺得不太妥當。「......那麼,小卷說的是真的嗎?愛里她並不知道自己的身分?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAr2CKzf9T0u
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黎恩牧師頓時語塞,她掙扎了一會後,點了點頭。「她的信仰不夠堅定......當然了,你要怎麼去強迫一個無神論者來為自己所信奉的教義捨身奉獻?即便那確實不只是一種用以宣揚的虛假口號,即便那除了提供迷茫者的精神寄託以外,也確實致力於庇護著這個世界,但在天秤的兩側,教會、包括她的父親,在經過審評後,都一致地認為愛里不會願意為了眾人而犧牲。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAhMDSlwqpdm
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「當然,是我我也不會。」明旭果斷地說。91Please respect copyright.PENANAbZ4nqdD8Re
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「倒不如說,在不受逼迫和利益的誘惑下,又能有誰是發自內心願意的呢?」91Please respect copyright.PENANA0u8UeqliVH
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明旭聳了聳肩,而他又嘆了口氣。「既然如此,教會是怎麼讓愛里接受第一階段的火蝕?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAvIZsZJU72x
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「綁架。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAeHxZxyiw21
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黎恩牧師回答。91Please respect copyright.PENANAvKbKtZhKQx
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明旭有些不可置信,但卻又不出預料地看向她。91Please respect copyright.PENANAPzV0eVBhc6
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「教會偽裝成一場平凡不過的綁架。」她偏轉了目光,直到完全背視教堂內殿的神像。「偽裝成一群邪惡的匪徒,對愛里施以暴行。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAUm4qK1AGez
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「這不會太過分嗎?」明旭卻往旁跨了一步,掠過黎恩牧師,反而直接面對著教會裡頭。「在確定要凌虐她肉身的前提下,竟然還選了絕對會崩潰她心靈的方法?」91Please respect copyright.PENANARZHybrK7X0
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黎恩牧師低下了頭。91Please respect copyright.PENANAR1SqfG0bgT
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「就為了這個,她的創傷後壓力症候群、她的焦慮症--」91Please respect copyright.PENANAdDOfV5OOXZ
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「--不。」黎恩牧師搖了搖頭。「不是。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAlj5hXVy98z
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「......不是?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAh8MeVCSVCX
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「假如現今已有能夠透過完全科學的方法來對愛里進行診斷,那麼她的精神狀況與一般人並不會相差太遠。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAn6dtY8oKB3
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「......妳在說什麼東西?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAiVMglAjffZ
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「愛里這些日子以來所經歷的一切,感受著身處的世界被大火給吞噬的恐懼,承受著靈魂和軀體被焚燒入骨的痛楚,她的喉嚨、她的內臟,被熾熱的空氣燃盡成灰的絕望,全部都不是幻覺。」91Please respect copyright.PENANA0U4zxkCLXs
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明旭完全不能理解。91Please respect copyright.PENANAtcO1K28bTB
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「那些是儀式未完成的留存。」黎恩牧師雙手貼上自己胸口,裡頭是一段不願想起的久遠記憶,深刻銘心。「惡火......不,聖火已經被點燃了、被召換到了這個世界,若非用於原本的目的而耗盡能量,就只能隨著薪柴的消散而熄滅。」91Please respect copyright.PENANAfKVO8N2LiL
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「......所以,」明旭搖搖頭,彷彿在恥笑著這個世界。「這個可憐的祭品,如果不被獻祭,就只能永無止盡地承受著火刑?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAhYWIcc6vdI
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「永無止盡?」黎恩牧師停頓了一下,在她僅存的那眼裡所浮現的,是過去的日日夜夜受盡烈火折磨的自己。「一塊被點燃的柴火,能夠支撐多久才不被化為灰燼?她又能有多強韌的意志力?而這到底又能改變什麼呢?」91Please respect copyright.PENANAm7PwLLQBHH
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明旭沉默了下來,看著黎恩牧師那漸漸泛起淚光的眼眸。91Please respect copyright.PENANAjrAUvQ4pCo
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「......我一開始就說了,沒有人能夠拯救愛里,她再也無法恢復成原先枝枒茂密的樣子,她只會和我一樣,化為一簇受人遺忘的餘燼。」91Please respect copyright.PENANApIraGcdWZF
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