Eldritch Horror Theatre

'This woman really looks like a complete charlatan no matter how you look at it!'

Fu Qian took the key. It felt icy to the touch.

Regardless, this trip had already been immensely rewarding.

Anyone who could casually use a Pus Stone to catalyze corrupted dragon breath clearly possessed a profound understanding of this world's power. The Witch's words were still highly credible.

As for the Pus Stone, or the Pus of Man, the Witch had spoken vaguely just now but still provided plenty of valuable information.

First, it was the exact opposite of color loss. Thus, he could basically conclude that the worsening colorless curse was tied to its appearance.

At the same time, she had warned him to avoid infection. That indirectly proved the substance was contagious, and that not even awakened individuals were immune.

Furthermore, she referred to color loss as "fading." It was an intriguing choice of words, though unfortunately, he couldn't yet confirm its underlying meaning.

[Current task completed. Objective updated.]

Right then, a new prompt chimed in Fu Qian's ear.

'It's finished, just like that?'

Fu Qian was momentarily surprised.

He had merely formulated a few guesses, and nothing was even certain yet. How had the task already updated?

Still, this effectively confirmed his theories—the Pus of Man was indeed the source exacerbating the colorless curse.

Judging by the details of the new task, there was a high probability that someone here was already infected.

That was exactly why the number of Colorless was constantly increasing.

"Time is short. Don't say I didn't warn you!"

Seeing his lack of reaction, the Witch in the corner spoke leisurely, casually tracing a circle in the air.

Specks of starlight rapidly converged into a ring, expanding in the blink of an eye until it was large enough for a person to pass through.

"You can head directly to the surface from here."

'Just as I thought. She can leave anytime she wants; she just prefers to stay down here!'

Fu Qian mused to himself.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome. May the starlight guide you to your answers."

She left him with that cryptic remark. As Fu Qian stepped into the ring of starlight, the Witch's figure slowly vanished into the darkness.

...

"You're back?"

The Countess stared at Fu Qian, her face filled with shock and uncertainty.

'She really didn't have much faith that I would make it back!'

Seeing her reaction, Fu Qian confirmed his earlier judgment.

By sending him down there earlier, she had essentially used him as disposable cannon fodder. Her only goal was to deliver the news of the Pus Stone's appearance to the Witch.

As for whether he lived or died, or what fate would befall him before the Witch, she likely hadn't had the faintest idea.

His thoughts racing, Fu Qian kept his expression completely normal, smiling as he glanced around the room.

The investigation team members were all present, and the atmosphere was noticeably tense.

It seemed their own investigation had yielded nothing.

"Yeah!"

Fu Qian nodded.

"What did she say?"

The Countess asked nervously, even subconsciously glancing behind him.

"She went to rest."

...

"We had a lovely chat. After an in-depth discussion on topics like aesthetics and the prejudices of carbon-based lifeforms, she got a little tired, so I came back first."

...

Fu Qian's answer clearly exceeded the Countess's comprehension, effectively short-circuiting her brain.

In reality, armed with the information from the Witch, the next steps to complete his task were already very simple.

All he had to do was tell the Countess about the connection between the Pus of Man and the colorless curse, then pour all his efforts into finding the infected person.

Faced with such a crisis, the Countess would absolutely lend her full support and mobilize everyone.

That was the normal line of thinking. Unfortunately, Fu Qian was not a normal person in any standard sense of the word.

The Witch's parting words had clearly hinted at something. Right now, he was much more interested in the key.

"Oh right, she also gave me this."

Fu Qian pulled out the Starlight Key.

"She told me that by using this key, we can find a way to resolve the colorless curse."

A way to resolve the colorless curse!

Setting aside the Countess's reaction, the four team members' eyes widened. They all stared at the item in Fu Qian's hand.

Unfortunately, after inspecting it for a moment, they all shook their heads.

"I've never seen a key shaped like this before."

"This luster and texture, along with its ancient, natural craftsmanship... it gives off a feeling that is profound of the profound."

"I have a premonition. Whatever it opens must involve a world-shattering secret."

...

'They even brought out "profound of the profound." These guys have some rich imaginations.'

'Could it just be that because it's from the Underground Prison, you guys have simply never seen this design before?'

Listening to their critiques, Fu Qian sighed silently.

"I've got it. I know someone who might recognize it!"

Amid the frowning faces, the only girl who hadn't spoken yet suddenly jumped up.

"The Priest!"

"Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable, but he also guards many of the artifacts here at the Church. He's the most likely person to recognize it."

"That does make some sense..."

At those words, the Countess's expression visibly turned unnatural.

Fu Qian knew exactly why her expression had changed—she had just stolen something from the Church earlier!

Coupled with his own sudden spike in strength, it would be a miracle if the Priest didn't grow suspicious the moment they stood in front of him.

However, faced with her subordinate's suggestion, the Countess couldn't easily refuse.

"When the time comes, just say the person in the Underground helped me advance,"

Fu Qian whispered, taking the opportunity to sidle up to the Countess.

That was actually a viable solution.

The Countess was visibly tempted.

"If we still get exposed when the time comes, just push all the blame onto me."

"I just want to avoid any unnecessary conflict."

The Countess thought for a moment, but ultimately shook her head.

"If we are truly seen through, I will confess honestly. The Priest should understand."

...

When the group hurried back to the Church, the Priest looked visibly surprised.

"Did you find the target?"

"We found her, but there are new complications."

The Countess didn't dawdle. She stepped right up and explained the dead body in the Box, heavily emphasizing Fu Qian's contributions.

"In short, if it weren't for Fu Qian's discovery, we would have been completely misled. We can now be virtually certain that there is another reason behind the Nun's death."

"To think that was the case!"

After the Countess finished speaking, the Priest murmured to himself.

A moment later, he raised his head and looked at Fu Qian.

"I have to say, you have brought us surprise after surprise. I no longer harbor any doubts about your capabilities!"

"It was nothing."

Fu Qian replied without a single shred of modesty.

"Furthermore, we came to see you for another matter," the Countess added from the side.

"Oh? What matter?"

The Countess shot him a look, and Fu Qian took out the key and handed it over.

"We received a revelation. Whatever this key unlocks holds a method to cure the colorless curse."

Revelation...

Realizing something, the Priest frowned, his expression drastically changing.

"You made contact with her? That's far too dangerous!"

"It was indeed dangerous, but again, it was all thanks to Fu Qian!"

The Countess pointed at Fu Qian again.

"She clearly got along quite well with him, and even casually helped him advance!"

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