Chapter 76

The group prepared to send Mike off on his final journey in the vehicle.

Bill remained frustrated, but he had no clues.

Randy also did not linger, returning to his own car after everyone else had left. If Bill and the others attended Mike's funeral and then left obediently, then nothing more would come of it.

But if they dared to investigate further or even attempt to find his lair? Then Randy would have to act first.

He still had many things he wanted to discuss with Pennywise.

For example, how about the connections this guy has? It seems pretty good, doesn't it?

Randy drove to a remote outdoor area.

He then released another balloon.

"Derry has changed now. If you don't want to remain a rat, we'd better talk face to face."

The balloon popped like a bubble, but after a long time, there was no abnormality except for a gentle breeze.

Randy took out a new balloon.

"Don't worry, I won't make a move."

But after releasing this balloon, Randy became a bit impatient and quickly let out a new one.

"I'll count down to three. If you don't show up, I'll kill you within the next three days, no matter what!"

As soon as the balloon was released, Randy began to speak.

"Three."

Before he could say the second number, a hand suddenly appeared beneath the balloon, and then Pennywise, like a small giant, emerged from behind the balloon.

This time he revealed his true form—his upper body was that of a clown, while his lower body was a grotesque and terrifying spider.

He was still incredibly powerful, but compared to Randy now, there was still a considerable gap.

"Randy, long time no see, hahaha."

As soon as he appeared, Pennywise maintained a dry smile, completely devoid of his previous arrogance.

Randy said coldly, "So you're willing to come out?"

"Hahaha."

Pennywise didn't know how to respond, so he could only force a laugh.

For anyone else, Pennywise would have been a formidable opponent. Even if his strength was inferior, he could tilt the scales by feeding on their fear.

For instance, against the powerful Carrie, Pennywise could use fear to easily discover weaknesses and win.

But now the problem was that Randy had no fear, so Pennywise could only rely on raw strength. However, Pennywise found that his centuries-old experience and recent improvements still could not match up.

Unable to stay in his home in Derry, Pennywise had to avoid confrontation.

Otherwise, with his vengeful nature, he would surely retaliate as soon as he learned his lair was occupied.

Randy continued to smile and asked, "I didn't expect you to have such extensive connections."

"No, no, no!"

Pennywise quickly waved his hand in modesty, "I hardly have any friends."

Upon hearing this, Randy's expression changed, and lightning flickered around him.

"Oh? In that case, you have no reason to live any longer."

"Wait! I just remembered, I have many companions!"

Pennywise quickly added an explanation.

"What companions? You mean friends!"

Randy put away his powers and continued to question.

"So, the Swirly Monster was your creation? To avoid police attention?"

Pennywise's eyes darted around, unsure how to answer.

"Be honest."

"Actually, I invited him. The child torturer lives in the illusion; he can come to Derry through terrifying videos. He's already arrived in Derry, but he's still taking time to adapt. However, the photos and letters were indeed forged by me."

Having been hunted by Randy for some time was enough to wear Pennywise down. If the Losers' Club also came after him, Pennywise would be even more frustrated, so he decided to find some help.

Randy looked at him with curiosity, "How did you convince the child torturer? What kind of communication do you have?"

"We share a common love for terror, but our tastes are different. He likes torture, while I prefer fear. We have had many interactions. This time, I used that child as a bargaining chip. I promised him he could have a big spree in Derry. He's quite satisfied with Derry as well."

All evil spirits would be pleased with this, as Derry was a natural breeding ground. Eating people here provided more benefits than anywhere else.

"Wait, you didn't eat the child you kidnapped last night? Was it named Vicky?"

"Yes, that was a gift for the child torturer. However, he still needs some time to recover."

"Then you don't need to give it to him for now. I have use for that child."

Randy thought it might be time for Beverly to step into the spotlight. First, she needed to gain prestige and change the town's perception of her.

Pennywise, upon hearing this, expressed some dissent.

"But the child torturer isn't my subordinate. I already promised him. Doing this might upset him."

Even though they were both monsters, and Pennywise was even more terrifying, the Swirly Monster belonged to the realm of illusions. As long as there were believers, it couldn't be completely eradicated. If he was unhappy, he might turn against Pennywise or even become hostile.

"That's okay. I have a better option for him."

Randy's face showed a smile.

"Mark is an excellent police officer. He fights crime, protects the townspeople, and is also a devout believer. He has a happy family with two lovely sons. If his children also went missing, it would be quite an interesting event. I'm sure the child torturer would be interested. Let's make a trade."

Pennywise's eyes flickered, seemingly contemplating.

"Yes, that's right! Interesting. I'll find out his family address and tell the child torturer about the situation as soon as possible."

When the child torturer exerts his violence, Pennywise could also take the opportunity to feed on the fear!

Pennywise hadn't had a proper meal for a long time and was ravenous.

"By the way."

Randy spoke again, "Pennywise, you've been around for hundreds of years. Shouldn't you have more friends than just the Swirly Monster?"

Pennywise looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Randy smiled, "As the former ruler of Derry, didn't you ever think of inviting them over? Don't you know that friends need to interact often? Otherwise, feelings will fade over time."

Pennywise still seemed uncertain. Monsters, like beasts, had a strong sense of territory. After all, a place has a limited population, and few monsters would generously share their food.

Even if there had been interactions before, they couldn't cross territorial boundaries.

Pennywise had only received Randy's message around noon, which was why he decided to invite a suitable old friend to take the fall.

Looking at Randy's peculiar smile, Pennywise seemed to realize something.

"Should I make more contacts during this time?"

"That's best. But for now, don't rush it. The town can't endure too much devastation at once."

"And what about the child torturer?"

"Since he's your friend, let him stay. I've just renovated the underground lair, and it will be his home from now on!"

Thus, the two evil entities reached a new agreement.

"By the way, when will the Swirly Monster be able to move?"

"Probably before sunset."