Alexander began to contemplate the plot. This adaptation of "The Shadow Over Innsmouth" is based on the most famous storyline in the original tale. Innsmouth is a small settlement established in 1643 along the port, initially focused on shipbuilding as its main export industry, which later expanded to include fishing. After the War of 1812, the town fell into decline. However, due to alliances between a powerful local sea captain and the Deep Ones, a half-human, half-frog underwater race, human sacrifices were exchanged for gold and fish hauls. This eventually led to the locals interbreeding with the Deep Ones, who rose to the surface regularly.

As a result, most locals began to show monstrous traits, and even those who appeared normal eventually developed these features with age. Ultimately, all hybrids transformed into Deep Ones unless they died before the transformation was complete, choosing to live in the sea.

On July 16, 1927, a curious visitor to Innsmouth who was investigating its past was attacked by the locals. After narrowly escaping, the unusual happenings in the town caught the government's attention. Following extensive investigations, the Innsmouth people were collectively arrested, turning the town into a ghost town.

That's roughly the story, yet it's a significant event in the Cthulhu mythos.

Alexander had also seen a famous cult film "Dagon" which reimagined this story, relocating the eerie Innsmouth to Spain.

"If I have a death flag, it’s probably because of my relationships with Janet and the others. According to the rules of the dark realm, I have gained their trust, which means from a narrative standpoint, I have transitioned from an extra to a supporting character associated with the protagonists..."

It's well-known that in most movies and TV series, the protagonist has a plot armor, but those around them aren't as lucky. Extras like Alexander generally end up as cannon fodder.

Moreover, the script vaguely mentions Alexander's death, providing no details on the cause or manner—only that he unexpectedly encounters death and dies instantly...

"There are too many gaps in the script. Beyond summarizing the main plot, it barely touches on later developments, making it hard to infer anything without clues..."

The only clear detail Alexander knew was that they were heading to a club, and during entry, he died unexpectedly. It doesn't specify whether he was killed by a Deep One, an evil god, or trapped and killed—nothing at all...

Even the club's name was left vague, leaving no trail to follow.

Alexander rose from the branded sofa. He was no longer in that shabby hostel but in a recreation room in the Elliott family villa, the private residence of Mayor Lott, which now served as their base.

"An American being wealthy indeed, having such a large house and even this luxurious recreation room..."

High school student Eric sat by a small bar, lifting bacon from a plate with a fork, while protagonist Janet and her friends found spots to rest in the recreation room.

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The day before, they checked out of their accommodation and moved into the mayor's house with Alexander and his group.

Alexander looked up and noticed Xu Lin had arrived at some point, sitting in a chair, holding a cup of hot coffee, and flipping through relevant files brought by the police.

"Did you discover anything new investigating Madara?"

"No, I inadvertently alerted him, and he turned the tables on me. That's why I had everyone move here to avoid trouble..."

Xu Lin closed the folder, asking, "You don't look well. Didn't sleep last night?"

"No, I had a nightmare, a terrifying one!"

Alexander didn't elaborate, confident that Xu Lin would quickly understand.

"Describe it in detail..."

Xu Lin became serious, sitting upright, and asked earnestly.

"I can't explain it; I don’t remember the dream, but I am sure I encountered a Cthulhu dream."

"I understand. I'll have Carmen provide you with protection for the time being."

Xu Lin folded his hands, resting them on his knees.

"You might be the key breakthrough in our upcoming plotline. Don’t die so easily."

"I know, the script world doesn't present unsolvable side quests, there must be a way to survive."

As they discussed, Janet, Roland, Linda, and others woke up. They had slept late the previous night and got up early, just past six, each looking alarmingly pale.

"Damn, I had a nightmare, a terrifying one, but I can't remember it," said Janet, looking puzzled.

"I also had a similar dream, can't recall much, just remember feeling immense fear," Linda said, her face showing unease without her glasses.

"No way, I also had a nightmare!" Roland chimed in, his face without a hint of humor.

Even the young black man spoke up with a worried expression: "Hey, guys, you're not teaming up to scare me, right? I dreamt I was in a horror movie-like nightmare, though definitely B-movie quality."

"Sorry, everyone, this isn't an ordinary joke or prank. It's a sign of impending doom," Xu Lin declared, walking over firmly.

"This is an abnormal response to supernatural phenomena, indicating you’re all caught up in this matter, and don’t think going home and sleeping will end it..."

"But it’s just a nightmare!" Janet shook her head, "A bit of fear-mongering, isn’t it?"

Alexander explained to them: "Evil gods are beyond our understanding. They can communicate with humans through mental connections, dreaming being one such method."

"In the coming days, you'll continue receiving messages from the evil god, and the nightmares will worsen, as will your mental state and sanity..."

"Eventually, if you don’t end your misery, you’ll meet a worse fate. The only way to save yourselves is by resolving this issue completely."

"And the most crucial matter now is finding Annan!"

"That's right, that’s why we're here... to find the missing Annan!" The four exchanged determined glances.

"So, let's talk about Annan's situation..."

Xu Lin gestured for everyone to sit.

"Annan Williamson is a photographer for a website in Essex. He stayed in Innsmouth for a while as a child. Why did he come here?"

"He was likely here to photograph something. He mentioned discovering something special here..."

Janet pressed her hair down, shaking her head, "I should have warned him not to come to this damned place."

"Annan is a friend of ours. Not just him, but all of us lived in Essex—Janet, me, Roland, Annan—we were friends since high school and later attended the same college."

Linda explained.

"As for Abigail, we met her at university. Annan lived in Essex but often interacted with us due to work..."

"Based on our previous deductions, Annan likely saw something he shouldn't have at the Mash Refinery, leading to his abduction." Alexander had exchanged thoughts with Xu Lin, and with more information, his deduction became more accurate.

"From videos and other investigations, it's not hard to guess what he saw... human sacrifices."