Stoss naturally knew that Professor Fu from the Academy was none other than Fang Xun, Shangjing's recent good Samaritan.
Chief Yuan had already submitted a highly formal application, requesting that her First Poison Strategist deploy alongside the Bookstore Owner surnamed Fang, who shared a deep personal friendship with Su Gao.
Consequently, back at the Academy, Classmate Su Gao gained a special operations advisor.
A brief confirmation of the situation with Yuan Fang was enough to draw that conclusion.
Not to mention that Demigod Su was using the operations advisor's Laboratory as a temporary staging ground.
The two of them had traveled openly the entire way, making no attempt to hide.
But just as they had noted before deciding on this course of action, there was no need to worry about negative repercussions; it simply meant that Professor Fu's Merit Value had risen once again.
In fact, if it got any higher, it felt like the Night Watchers would have to start issuing him a special stipend.
Therefore, Fu Qian admitted it without the slightest hesitation. His free and easy manner made it even harder for anyone to harbor suspicions.
Even now, judging by Aike's reaction, she had clearly caught on to something as well.
However, after glancing back and forth between Su Gao and Fu Qian in astonishment, she ultimately recognized what was most urgent and bit back her questions.
"How is Excellency Logan doing now?"
By comparison, Fu Qian's posture was much more relaxed. He casually inquired about the recent situation.
"He has almost completely recovered."
The answer Stoss provided was surprisingly optimistic. It sounded like the previous trip to the Unseen Hill had truly yielded excellent results.
Logan, who had originally been reduced to a mangled heap, was actually nearing a full recovery.
"Alright, enough about that for now. Let's begin the operation."
Without even giving Fu Qian a chance to express his shock, Stoss immediately stood up.
...
"Considering the situation inside, only High-Tier Transcendents need to participate this time. From the Academy's side, having Professor Fu join us will be enough."
It was obvious that Excellency Stoss had already figured out the arrangements on his way here. He pointed at the group, not giving Fu Qian a chance to refuse.
"Dean Li, I need you and Yuan Fang to stay outside and hold down the fort."
He then looked at Li Weixuan and gave specific instructions.
"While ensuring everything remains stable, we are setting a three-day time limit for this operation. If we haven't come out by then and there is no news, contact the Evaluation Council."
A reasonable arrangement.
Fu Qian found no fault with this plan.
It was quite clear that Old Man Stoss had a detailed understanding of the previous incident.
While fully considering the risks, the three-day time limit was obviously based on his and Su Gao's prior exploration experience.
At the same time, leaving a Demigod on the outside who understood the situation would help prevent unforeseen accidents.
Furthermore, with Li Weixuan and Yuan Fang together, no one was better equipped to mobilize the surrounding resources.
"Alright."
Li Weixuan, who had always been mature and prudent, had no objections to staying behind. He agreed immediately.
"Thank you for your hard work, Professor Fu. Please ensure your own safety."
He offered this earnest extra reminder to the Academy personnel.
"Just doing my part."
Fu Qian opted for the same response as before. As he stood, he glanced toward the door.
"Professor Fu—"
The door was pushed open from the outside, accompanied by the voice of Professor Ah Kai.
...
Not having seen him for over a day, Professor Ah Kai appeared somewhat haggard.
Clearly unaware that there were so many people inside, the slightly lethargic Ah Kai walked in and looked around in surprise.
Fu Qian studied him in return.
He wasn't injured. The man simply looked like a college student during finals week; his eyes had a vacant, glazed-over look from flipping through too many books, leaving him physically and mentally exhausted.
"It's fine. You can speak freely."
Rather than responding directly to Ah Kai's surprise, Fu Qian glanced at Su Gao.
She nodded slightly, casually gesturing for Professor Ah Kai to go ahead.
"...I spent the whole day seeking out all the tutors at the Benevolent Curse Institute and examining every manuscript I could get my hands on. Unfortunately, I still couldn't find any Miracle related to ships."
Encouraged by this, and seeing that the group before him was clearly busy, Ah Kai cut straight to the chase.
So he wasn't just a student during finals week, but one who had failed his exams anyway?
Professor Ah Kai had indeed been busy carrying out Fu Qian's previous instructions, but unfortunately, the results he brought back did not sound optimistic.
"What about anything related to leaves?"
Amidst his mental commentary, Fu Qian casually asked from the side.
"Ah? None of that either."
Ah Kai was clearly bewildered by the question, involuntarily shaking his head.
"Alright then... the apocalypse?"
With a sigh, Fu Qian switched to another keyword.
"There's actually quite a lot of that—"
It sounded like he had finally hit on the right buzzword. Professor Ah Kai's eyes immediately lit up, but in the very next moment, he felt Old Man Stoss's gaze on him, and his voice came to an abrupt halt.
"However, they were all just attempts. It seems there hasn't been a single success..."
Although he didn't know this distinguished expert, he still had the tact to read the room.
He could easily tell that Stoss held significant authority in the group. Combined with how the current incident was being handled, the man's identity was practically self-evident.
Rambling on about the Benevolent Curse Institute's explorations of the apocalypse in front of a Night Watchers bigwig was clearly a bit inappropriate.
Seeing that even Dean Li Weixuan wore a stern expression, Professor Ah Kai's previously muddled mind snapped awake, and he hurriedly added that clarification.
Excellency Stoss's gaze finally softened slightly, though he remained entirely silent.
...
"Not a single success?"
Amidst the eerie atmosphere, Demigod Su's voice broke the silence. She emotionlessly gestured for Ah Kai to continue.
"Not as far as I know."
Unconsciously heaving a sigh of relief, Ah Kai replied with a sincere expression.
"When it comes to exploring Miracles, the concept of the apocalypse is impossible to bypass. Therefore, almost every researcher attempts to collect related information. Of course, they are extremely cautious..."
Not only that, he carefully attempted to defend the Benevolent Curse Institute's accumulation of such knowledge.
"Besides, relying purely on speculation like this is far too inefficient. Is it possible for me to directly come into contact with it and experience it myself? I believe it might yield better results."
Seeing that those intensely pressuring gazes remained unmoved, Ah Kai suddenly thought of something. Slapping his forehead, he proposed an idea.
This...
At this, the group finally exchanged glances.
However, judging by Old Man Stoss's demeanor, he clearly wasn't inclined to let someone of such inadequate Rank take risks.
"I have special protective measures. Furthermore, if it really is a Miracle, I can even try to find a way to break it."
Given this reaction, Ah Kai easily confirmed that he had indeed stumbled into an operation that was about to begin. He immediately volunteered again, his tone eager.
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