Eldritch Horror Theatre

"I heard... you were looking for me?"

Inside the spotless room with its sweeping view, Kelsen remained in his seat, studying the familiar face before him.

As a demigod of exalted status, he never wasted time on trivial matters once his work was done, nor did he ever compromise on the quality of his rest.

Even in a peculiar place like this.

However, the recent announcement had clearly disturbed that peace of mind.

"Yes..."

Even though no lightning flashed, and despite having long braced herself for death on multiple occasions, Sunny's voice still turned uncontrollably dry under the demigod's all-seeing scrutiny.

"Mister Lu asked me to pass on a message."

Taking a deep breath, she mustered her courage. Meticulously following his advice, she even altered her tone.

Having recited the message word for word, Sunny felt cold sweat breaking out on her forehead, especially under the demigod's increasingly sharp gaze.

"...Mister Lu instructed me to deliver it word for word."

She offered the brief explanation, then stood frozen like a prisoner awaiting judgment.

"Very good!"

After what felt like an eternity, Kelsen's voice rang out again, and Sunny realized she hadn't been blasted to pieces.

Though she had no idea what "very good" referred to, the demigod was actually smiling.

"Pass my word to Mister Lu. I am glad his trip was successful, and I have taken note of the matter."

With that, Kelsen gestured for her to leave and didn't spare her another glance.

'...He's just letting me go?'

'I delivered myself right to his doorstep, alive and fully conscious. Not only did he spare me, but he doesn't even want to take me back for questioning?'

For a moment, Sunny couldn't even describe her own feelings. Her mind was a swirl of utter confusion.

Still, the overwhelming joy of surviving surged up within her, impossible to suppress.

Barely keeping her emotions in check, she bowed slightly to Kelsen, who was already gazing out the window, and backed out of the room with stiff, awkward steps.

...

'What a brilliant move!'

Once her presence fully faded from the building, Kelsen narrowed his eyes at the view outside and let out a sigh.

'I want to catch that bug too. Alive.'

The words of the man on the Golden Seat still echoed in his ears.

So that was what he meant by "alive." Kelsen hadn't realized it at all back then.

What was even more unbelievable was that the man had simply sat there, casually pulling a few strings, seamlessly steering the entire situation without leaving a trace.

Although he wasn't sure what the man intended to do with her, the puppet—now under someone else's control—looked even more natural than before.

Not only did he not mind flaunting that fact, but he had even left an open channel for communication.

While getting involved with such a secretive and insidious group was highly ill-advised, it might have special value at a critical moment.

...

"For a contestant who just successfully cleared the game, you don't look nearly excited enough."

Inside the drafty Great Hall, Fu Qian sat upon the Golden Seat, offering a smiling critique as Sunny walked through the doors.

"I don't understand it... but Kelsen really didn't kill me, nor did he question the authenticity of the message I delivered."

It was obvious that Sunny had done some serious thinking on her way back—which only succeeded in making her more confused than ever.

"It seems he no longer cares whether I live or die."

"Are you disappointed by that?"

"Of course not! It just feels so unbelievable!"

Now fully realizing that she had actually escaped with her life, Sunny frantically waved her hands.

"Thank you so much for your help. Is there anything you need me to do?"

She sounded quite eager to repay the favor.

"There's no need. Choices dictate fate. You made a choice, and you merely faced the consequences."

Fu Qian waved a hand, looking every bit the aloof master.

"Just like everyone else who walked in here, including the demigod Kelsen."

'Does he mean when Kelsen chose A Long?'

'For things to turn out like this, that really was an indispensable step.'

Unsure of how to respond, Sunny thought to herself.

'And it also includes him choosing not to kill you on the principle of better safe than sorry,'

Fu Qian thought to himself, observing her expression.

It was the honest truth. If the demigod Kelsen had been utterly paranoid and chosen to ruthlessly strike her down anyway, it would have cost Fu Qian 1 point of his SAN Value.

That would have meant Kelsen's own death would become a necessary prerequisite to finishing the mission.

Fortunately, between his pride as a master and the intimidation of another master, Kelsen had arrived at the most "logical" conclusion.

Once he deduced that Sunny was now a puppet under Fu Qian's control, every slip in her composure suddenly looked like the exquisite control of the mastermind pulling the strings.

As a result, Fu Qian saved himself some effort, Ms. Sunny didn't have to live in hiding, and the demigod Kelsen could go right on living his transcendent life.

How did the saying go again? Ah yes, everything is the best arrangement.

"So, now that you've claimed your prize, do you have any plans for the rest of your life?"

Seeing Sunny sit back down, completely dumbstruck, Fu Qian smoothly pivoted into a final interview segment.

"I don't know... It feels like a lot has changed, but at the same time, it feels like nothing has changed at all. I don't even know how long I can maintain this mild sense of independence..."

"But regardless, I can't stay in this place anymore. I told you I'd welcome your next visit, but I'm afraid that won't be possible now."

Sunny shook her head.

"Understandable. But in my experience, you should never be so quick to draw conclusions."

Putting on a show of earnest listening, Fu Qian finally offered his assessment in the tone of a wise elder.

"You mean..."

"I know a modest little place. The late-night snacks are quite good, and the liquor is excellent, so business is booming. You could even say it draws quite a distinguished crowd."

"In a little while, once the Blessing Powder disperses, I think you should go ask the couple who owns the shop if they're hiring any unpaid waitstaff."

"As for your condition, some of the eccentric experts who frequent the place might just find it interesting enough to offer you a method to control it for free."

Fu Qian casually gave her the address of the tavern that Lanaya loved so much.

By now, Sunny wouldn't dare miss a single syllable that came out of Fu Qian's mouth. As she listened, her eyes grew brighter and brighter, her expression brimming with rekindled hope for the future.

'Even in the midst of all this chaos, I still didn't forget to scout for research subjects for the Academy. I'm definitely earning that Tenured Faculty position, aren't I?'

Mentally patting himself on the back, Fu Qian leaned back in his seat with theatrical flair, bringing the interview to a close.

Seeing this, Sunny didn't dare disturb him further, sitting quietly, eyes on nose, nose on heart.

[Mission complete. Containment of 2-002 successful.]

Not long after, she raised her head, only to find that the figure upon the Golden Seat had vanished without a trace.

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