Eldritch Horror Theatre

These two!

Watching this eye-opening instruction unfold before her, Lisa felt her imagination had been significantly expanded.

But the situation was clear enough anyway. Classmate Liushuang had been granted full authority over this high-end laboratory in the Apocalypse Branch.

Then there was that priceless, practically tailor-made weapon.

Even a favored illegitimate daughter wouldn't receive treatment like this, would she?

Lisa's appetite for gossip regarding their relationship had reached its absolute peak.

Unfortunately, the parties involved had no intention of satisfying her curiosity.

"Let's head down first."

His instructions delivered, Fu Qian called out to Ji Liushuang.

Ah!

Watching Ji Liushuang actually sheathe her sword and follow Fu Qian, Lisa felt like she was watching a perfectly good youth fall into demonic clutches.

Discussing a project on the very first day? What kind of sweatshop laboratory is this!

...

"So, regarding that experience just now, do you have any insights?"

After returning downstairs, Fu Qian motioned for them to make themselves comfortable before asking about Ji Liushuang's experience with the air of a true master.

"The sword intent... seems to have had some adverse effects on me."

Ji Liushuang seemed to have anticipated the question and answered quite quickly.

"Tell me, what kind of adverse effects?"

Fu Qian wore the appraising expression of an examiner.

"I relied on it too much, and I grew addicted to it."

Ji Liushuang carefully considered her words.

"It truly is a rather special feeling. Pure, clear, immune to delusion—just like its name, perfectly crystal clear."

"I liked that feeling, and I drove away all distracting thoughts to maintain it. But doing so essentially scattered my strength and even harmed my own will."

"Very good."

Fu Qian looked extremely satisfied.

"I don't know much about the sword path, but I can imagine your pursuit of Ultimate Intent."

"In fact, the way I see it, this is very likely a correct path. It could lead to a Rank far beyond where I am now. But if you want my opinion..."

He pointed at Ji Liushuang's head.

"Rather than turning this body into a pure avatar of the sword path, I still feel that mastering the concept itself might be better."

"Seeking clarity amidst turbidity, rather than turning yourself into clarity itself."

"Just a small piece of advice, for your reference."

"In short, I hope you gained something from the experience just now."

"Understood. This was an incredibly precious experience for me."

Ji Liushuang listened earnestly and answered in a completely serious tone.

"I still think you're corrupting an outstanding student."

Lisa finally couldn't help but interject. The sight of an Apocalypse Demigod seriously discussing the sword path was simply too dizzying for her to handle. She carefully warned Ji Liushuang, "Some words are just meant to be heard. Practice is the only Truth."

"Thank you for the reminder. I imagine this is also why Professor Fu didn't just tell me directly before we started, and only told me not to get distracted."

...

Lisa was rendered speechless.

Even though Ji Liushuang's gratitude was entirely sincere and her logic quite sound, Lisa deeply suspected she was overthinking it.

As for why she had such a wonderfully positive preconceived impression of this guy, nobody knew.

"Professor Lisa, you look a bit haggard. Did you run into problems with your project?"

Leaving Ji Liushuang there to finish digesting the lesson, Fu Qian finally showed some concern for his silent colleague.

"...I'm fine. The item we brought back last time is extremely unique. I'm still in the middle of testing it."

It was obvious that Professor Lisa was still quite proud. Faced with Boss Fu's tone, which sounded like a manager's routine inquiry, she didn't deny that the problem stemmed from their previous loot, but she maintained that everything was under control.

"That's good."

Boss Fu acted very casually and didn't press her too hard on the progress.

"Even though old folks like Cass and I still have some energy, we are bogged down by mundane affairs in the end. The future of the Apocalypse still rests on the shoulders of you young people."

He offered words of profound encouragement a moment later.

"If there's anywhere you need help, just ask. I will definitely support you as much as possible. If you're short on hands, should I assign a research assistant to you as well?"

The more she heard these words, the weirder they sounded...

You've only been at the Academy for a few days, and you're already talking like this?

How many projects do you even have? Do you know where to collect materials? Do you even know how to fill out the reimbursement forms?

As a tirade roared through her mind, Professor Lisa felt her face twitch.

But in the transcendent realm, being one Rank higher gave someone absolute crushing authority. The fact that he was saying this with the status of a Demigod made it incredibly hard to retort.

"There's no need. Although I'm busy, I can still handle it."

In the end, she took a deep breath and declined in a tone that was neither soft nor hard.

"I see!"

Fu Qian pondered for a moment.

"Since you say so, we'll go with your decision. However, Liushuang—"

He turned his head quite naturally.

"When we aren't too busy here, remember to drop by Professor Lisa's place more often."

"...Okay."

"I'm lending you my research assistant. You won't refuse this, will you?"

As Ji Liushuang—who had already finished digesting the lesson—nodded slightly in understanding, Fu Qian looked at Professor Lisa with a hearty laugh.

I... am I really being squeezed for every ounce of my worth?

Going to all this trouble, wasn't it just to get me to babysit for you?

And the worst part is, after I finish babysitting, I'll even end up owing you a favor?

Deeply shocked by his art of speech, Lisa stared at Demigod Fu for a very long time, as if searching for his conscience. All she received in return was a look full of encouragement.

In the corner of her eye, Classmate Liushuang remained low-key and reserved, not getting smug over this special treatment.

Forget it!

Lisa let out a long sigh in her heart.

This child is indeed quite good. I really can't let this guy lead her astray.

"Then I won't hold back..."

Gritting her teeth as she said this, Lisa deliberately turned her head to instruct Ji Liushuang.

"Do you know the way? You can come over anytime."

"Yes. Thank you, Professor Lisa."

The latter's attitude was much more comfortable, and her gratitude was clearly extremely sincere.

"It's getting late. I need to head back first. You two carry on."

Even so, considering her own blood pressure, Lisa decided to stop listening to Boss Fu's encouragements and stood up to take her leave.

"Alright, take care of your health."

Unfortunately, the words of concern coming from behind her still made her breathing grow just a bit heavier.

Just what did I even run over here for today!

Even after her figure disappeared out the door, a certain lingering resentment seemed to echo for a long time.

...

"How was your rest?"

Retracting his gaze in satisfaction, Fu Qian continued to show concern for his new assistant.

"I'm fine now."

Ji Liushuang smiled gently.

"My entire body has even relaxed. It seems the old me had gone down a mistaken path."

"I already said, it isn't necessarily a mistaken path."

Fu Qian shook his head.

"That is very likely a correct path. It just might not be the destination you want."

"Alright, next, let's discuss the project."

As he spoke, Fu Qian took off the Bronze Circlet.

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