Chapter 344: Death by Fate
Lin Ye attempted to decipher the mannequins' ability to affect mental perception, but he soon discovered this wasn't something that could be solved quickly.
The mannequins were different from the Skinner. The Skinner could lock onto prey with its ability, a power affecting Lin Ye's mind that happened to be countered by the deity prayer purification technique, which was why Lin Ye remained unaffected by the Skinner.
The mannequins' ability was the exact opposite. Their power acted upon themselves;
it was a technique of using mental energy to conceal themselves, which was why Lin Ye couldn't sense their precise locations.
This concealment technique was exceptionally sophisticated. Even using the special mental perception method he learned from Victoria, Lin Ye couldn't pinpoint their exact positions.
'It's a shame I don't know the specific principles behind this technique. Otherwise, I could try to research how to use it.'
Lin Ye really wanted to learn this technique because it was truly perfect for ambushes and backstabs.
"Forget it, I still have matters to attend to. Since you won't come closer, I'll just have to wait until I finish my business before coming back to deal with you."
Lin Ye said casually.
He didn't plan to waste any more time here. He wanted to lure the other side into making a move. If they didn't act, then he would first take his people and leave, then try to deal with these mannequins outside the department store later.
The four began moving towards the northwest corner of the fourth floor, where the emergency stairwell leading out of the department store was located. "Leaving already? I haven't properly entertained you all. Why not stay and have a simple meal?"
The Mannequin Leader closed the distance slightly with the other mannequins, but they still maintained a safe gap.
"If you really want us to stay, you'll need to come a bit closer. Otherwise, I'll think you're just being polite."
Lin Ye prepared himself to take action.
"Since you're all in such a hurry to leave, then I wish you a smooth journey."
The Mannequin Leader suddenly stopped, as if giving up.
"Oh, well then, goodbye."
Lin Ye focused his mind, locking onto every mannequin. He knew the other side was about to make its move.
Stopping was just to make them lower their guard.
Just as their attention was focused on their respective areas of responsibility and the mannequins in the distance, a mannequin sitting near them suddenly moved!
It was the Fixed Mannequin that closely resembled Ferrando!
Earlier, when the Mannequin Leader explained the types of mannequins to them, it had three purposes:
First, to make them wary of the Original Mannequins, forcing them to hesitate for fear of causing collateral damage.
Second, to reveal Ferrando's identity, damaging the relationships between them and making them suspicious of Ferrando.
Third, to conceal the abilities of the Fixed Mannequins.
Fixed Mannequins truly couldn't move, unless the Active Mannequin that replaced them approached the Fixed Mannequin again.
The Mannequin Leader had previously placed Ferrando's Fixed Mannequin on the path from the escalator to the northwest corner of the fourth floor. It clearly knew how Lin Ye and the others would pass through here.