Eldritch Horror Theatre

This was the confidence that came with mastering a specialized skill.

Seeing Excellency Stoss actually hesitate after Professor Ah Kai volunteered, Fu Qian sighed inwardly.

The professor's combat strength was undeniably lacking; going inside would pose an immense risk for him.

But having a dedicated specialist tag along on an operation like this would significantly boost their chances of success.

So Professor Ah Kai's actions were, in essence, a noble sacrifice for the group.

Naturally, Stoss's hesitation hinged on whether he actually recognized Ah Kai as a "specialist."

To a certain extent, this proved he largely accepted the exploration results Fu Qian and Su Gao had submitted—specifically, the report's theory that The Ark's appearance might have been caused by a Miracle.

Whether that trust stemmed from Demigod Su's competence or some other reason remained to be seen.

"Professor Ah Kai has indeed performed exceptionally well. He is undeniably a pillar of the Benevolent Curse Institute."

"Very well... but remember, ensuring your own safety must be your top priority."

A leader's glowing recommendation had clearly worked. The previously hesitant Excellency Stoss had finally nodded, making an exception to add one more member to their expedition.

Yet, seeing Ah Kai's sheer excitement, he still hadn't forgotten to casually offer that word of caution.

"Let's not waste any more time. We set out immediately."

With that minor matter settled, Excellency Stoss refused to delay a second longer. As he spoke, he shot a deliberate look at Fu Qian.

"Do you require any additional preparations, Professor Fu?"

"No need. I am already prepared."

Despite the extra attention, Fu Qian felt no flattered awe. Smiling, he exuded the calm demeanor of someone in complete control.

This was no idle boast. Back when Su Gao received the reply to wait for further orders, Fu Qian had already finished preparing for this excursion.

After all, aside from dispatching additional experts as reinforcements, it was truly hard to imagine the Night Watchers responding in any other way.

Thanks to his own multifaceted maneuvering, there was even an extremely high probability that the reinforcing expert would be Old Man Stoss himself.

And when operating alongside this old acquaintance, aside from concealing his aura as much as possible, Fu Qian naturally had to deal with any items on his person that might expose his identity.

His preparations simply meant stashing them all away in the Warehouse.

That included almost all of his weapons, any highly recognizable tools, and even the Ring given to him by the Red Moon.

Even the items he did keep on him were carefully embedded within his flesh so they would remain unseen.

...

"If anything comes up at the Laboratory, I'll have to trouble you to keep an eye on things."

Confirming his readiness, Fu Qian made sure to exchange a glance with Li Weixuan and the others. His words were a request for a favor, but his look signaled them not to worry—he would do his utmost to take care of things.

With even Old Man Stoss showing up in person, how could Li Weixuan—the acting dean who poured his heart into running the Academy—hold onto any blind optimism regarding the Meteor Shower Incident?

Even considering the glowing praise he had just offered on Professor Ah Kai's behalf, Fu Qian did not believe Li Weixuan actually wanted to push the man into the exploration squad.

As Fu Qian saw it, the only direct reason Li Weixuan had spoken up was because Stoss had been hesitating.

That hesitation might not have been strictly about whether to bring Ah Kai; bringing along a different professor from the Benevolent Curse Institute was likely also under consideration.

A stronger specialist, someone whose ability to protect themselves wouldn't be a concern.

Realizing this, Li Weixuan had decisively shouldered his responsibility as acting dean, using an impartial tone to inform Stoss that Ah Kai was already the best candidate.

It was either bring no technical personnel at all, or bring Ah Kai.

And evidently, Old Man Stoss ultimately decided that a technical expert was necessary.

"Consider it done."

Given his past performance, Li Weixuan clearly had zero doubts about Professor Fu's capabilities.

Still, seeing even this newly arrived Tier 2 Night Watcher adopt such a subtle attitude toward him was more than a little shocking.

Always an exceptionally perceptive man, he figured that with Professor Fu watching out for him, there wouldn't be much need to worry about Ah Kai.

If anything, it was Professor Fu's own situation that left people somewhat puzzled.

Even so, Li Weixuan maintained absolute confidence in this pillar of the Academy, a man who consistently managed to create Miracles.

...

"Is this the place? I'll have to trouble you once more, Su Gao."

Excellency Stoss maintained a style of swift and resolute action, as always. While expressing his approval of Professor Fu's supreme confidence, he had already led the group straight to the Benevolent Curse Institute.

After signaling Yuan Fang to organize the perimeter watch, he led them all the way to the Benevolent Curse Institute's Underground.

Since the area had not been heavily disturbed, the traces Su Gao had cut out earlier were perfectly visible at a glance.

After silently observing the area for a moment and dropping the Feather he had been holding, Stoss gestured directly to Su Gao.

"Understood."

Even facing a suspected member of the Night Watchers' supreme authority, Classmate Su Gao's expression remained perfectly flat. Her demeanor had not changed in the slightest, and naturally, no one would suspect her silence stemmed from resentment over her lack of speaking authority.

As she answered, Su Gao stepped forward without a fraction of hesitation and thrust her sword.

The next instant, exactly where the tip of her blade pointed, a chain of tremors erupted through the empty void.

...

'Well done. Give them a little taste of an Echo's shock.'

Amid the silence, Fu Qian, now perfectly positioned in his role as an advisor, watched the scene with a surge of admiration.

Classmate Su Gao truly never disappointed.

With her previous experience here, she didn't even need to hesitate. She forced the door wide open with a single thrust, the sheer precision of it leaving everyone stunned.

Even Excellency Stoss beside them wore a somewhat solemn expression at the sight.

It felt as though he could not maintain the same relaxed composure around this rising Night Watcher star and ace bounty hunter as he did around Demigod Aike.

One could only wonder how they viewed Classmate Su Gao's current state and her exact placement within the Transcendent sequence.

Naturally, Fu Qian did not believe Old Man Stoss's reasons for coming were quite so simple.

True, as their exploration progressed, the Meteor Shower Incident and The Ark incident appeared deeply intertwined, completely justifying the heightened attention.

However, the justifications he had arranged along the way through various means were absolutely just as important.

Indeed, this was a perfectly mutual convergence.

Excellency Stoss certainly held some intention of scrutinizing him, but since Fu Qian had actively invited that very scrutiny, how could he possibly be dissatisfied?

In fact, Fu Qian was thoroughly looking forward to the man's upcoming performance.

Especially that move with the Flame of Frenzy the Old Man had previously showcased.

"Prepare yourselves."

His thoughts were interrupted as Excellency Stoss's voice rang out.

With that final word, the man stepped right up, choosing to lead from the front as the very first to "board the ship."

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