Eldritch Horror Theatre

They worked fast. This wasn't here when I left.

Voicing his approval, Fu Qian casually looked around, taking in the numerous changes to the room.

The once-empty laboratory felt a little less barren.

Various pieces of furniture and daily necessities matching the tablecloth's style, along with new lighting fixtures and curtains, had exponentially increased the room's livability at a glance.

His application to improve their scientific research conditions had clearly been processed with remarkable efficiency, further elevating the image of this key laboratory.

Of course, it helped that his requests had been reasonable. He had deliberately focused his application on soft furnishings, which were much easier to install.

All in all, such a comfortable working environment should effectively boost the enthusiasm of the laboratory's employees, right?

Walking over to the window, Fu Qian clasped his hands behind his back and admired the scenery outside. Despite his relaxed posture, he exuded the noble righteous energy of an academic leader—an aura so profound that one wouldn't dare look directly at his back.

Except there was no one behind him. His only employee wasn't even there.

Since that was the case, he might as well take advantage of the beautiful day to go out for a visit.

...

"Professor Fu, please come in."

A moment later, following the sound of a door opening in the silence, Professor Ah Kai peered out, looking pleasantly surprised as he suppressed a yawn.

Indeed. After enjoying the vigorous vitality of the young students along the way, Fu Qian had chosen the utterly lifeless Benevolent Curse Institute as his first stop.

"Good morning, Professor Ah Kai. You're looking quite radiant. Could it be you've made some progress in your recent research?"

Fu Qian didn't find it strange in the slightest that Professor Ah Kai was still dozing near noon; he offered his praise without batting an eye.

Of course, as a fellow scientific researcher, he wouldn't offer baseless pleasantries.

His reason for calling the man radiant was simple: from Fu Qian's perspective, Professor Ah Kai's aura had faintly strengthened since their last meeting.

Less than a week had passed since then. Truly, one had to look with new eyes after three days apart.

Because of this, Fu Qian didn't beat around the bush, directly asking about the professor's progress.

After all, this was a project he had personally spearheaded. Fu Qian was quite curious to see if Professor Ah Kai had gained any inspiration or insight from the story of Huo, the giant dragon that was the avatar of apoptosis.

Judging by the look of him, Professor Ah Kai really did have some good news to share.

"I do."

His face instantly lit up. In response to Fu Qian's question, Ah Kai nodded crisply, fully displaying the straightforward style of an intellectual.

"I was actually planning to visit you in the next day or two, Professor Fu. This has been the smoothest period of exploration I've ever experienced, with hardly any detours."

It sounded like he truly had been hard at work. He probably hadn't left his room at all over the last couple of days, blissfully unaware that the interim spokesperson of Apocalypse had even been out on a field expedition.

The increasingly messy room, along with the papers and pens scattered all over the floor, further proved that point.

"Thank you for your previous guidance. I believe I have discovered a highly significant new Miracle for the Benevolent Curse Institute."

Ah Kai clearly didn't feel embarrassed by the mess. After casually clearing a spot, he excitedly invited Fu Qian to sit down.

...

That fast? He truly is the outstanding talent of the Benevolent Curse Institute's new generation.

Having verified his earlier perception, Fu Qian was deeply satisfied to see such excellent progress on their very first project.

"You're too kind. What are its specific effects?"

Waving off Professor Ah Kai's gratitude, Fu Qian smoothly transitioned straight to the core question.

"It's quite similar to the Apoptosis Dread you mentioned before, which is why this exploration felt so straightforward," Ah Kai replied.

Ah Kai obviously didn't like red tape either, answering without hesitation.

"In fact, I'm planning to name it after that concept. If you don't mind, I would even like to include your name."

Oh... Professor Fu's Apoptosis?

"There's no need for such formalities. That glory belongs to the Benevolent Curse Institute."

Fu Qian blinked. Imagining the name felt a little too bizarre, so he casually declined the offer.

"Haha, anyway, its specific effects are very close to its literal meaning."

Ah Kai didn't seem surprised by Professor Fu being as open-minded as an empty valley, nor did he press the issue.

"Apoptosis. A decay that nothing can resist. The manifestations even vary depending on what is affected..."

His expression turned solemn the next moment as he made a gesture with his hands.

"Upon successful activation, its initial area of effect is incredibly small—barely a single point. But it doesn't dissipate. Instead, it continuously spreads outward, forming an imperceptible spherical zone."

"Anything caught within it, living or not, rapidly falls into apoptosis as time passes. Even transcendent items suffer the same fate."

"It's like planting a seed of death into the world."

...

A seed of death in the world. The name certainly fit the description.

As he naturally pictured the scene Professor Ah Kai described, silently evaluating it, a particular memory surfaced in Fu Qian's mind.

Back when Huo was preparing to flee, it had left an invisible mark on a building, causing cracks to directly 'grow' across its surface.

The outward manifestation might be slightly different, but the core concept—directly imbuing anything with decay—was remarkably consistent with Professor Ah Kai's description.

"Limitless expansion?"

He immediately pressed for more details.

"Limitless expansion."

Ah Kai nodded firmly.

"I found it hard to believe at first too, but it's true. Unless it is specifically dispelled, it will just keep devouring everything in its path."

"Honestly, the Benevolent Curse Institute rarely produces Miracles with such strong offensive capabilities. It's a bit clumsy and spreads pitifully slowly, but under the right circumstances, it can definitely achieve some unique effects."

"Besides, the personal significance for me seems even greater. The Rank of this Miracle is clearly extraordinary."

Pointing to himself, Ah Kai openly admitted that he had reaped considerable benefits from the process.

"The moment I completed it, I received what was arguably the strongest feedback since I first joined the Benevolent Curse Institute. While I'm still a long way from the Demigod Realm, it suddenly doesn't seem entirely out of reach... You must give me an opportunity to properly express my gratitude later, Professor Fu."

"Don't worry, I won't hesitate to take you up on that. Is there anything else?"

Professor Ah Kai was brimming with sincerity. Gratified by the man's research progress, Fu Qian didn't bother with false politeness.

"There is. But that's something you might need to experience personally to fully understand. Please, follow me—it's just over there."

Ah Kai eagerly jumped to his feet and hurried ahead to lead the way.

So he really just had a Seed of Death planted nearby this entire time we were chatting?

Marveling at the thought, Fu Qian accepted the invitation and followed him inside.

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