Eldritch Horror Theatre

"I can believe that, but you certainly shattered Professor Ah Kai's confidence."

Amid Nepheli's beautiful hopes, Fu Qian really did look out toward the Tower that continued to draw near.

As a High-Tier Transcendent who had weathered countless storms, he had seen more grand spectacles than he could count. This didn't even rank among the most outrageous.

However, stacking a span of a thousand years on top of it undoubtedly added a touch of wonder.

"You even ruined his research."

Naturally, even in this situation, Fu Qian didn't forget to seek justice for Professor Ah Kai.

Nepheli did not disappoint. Her honest demeanor pushed their conversation in a positive direction.

As a result, a few core speculations from earlier were confirmed.

For instance, this trip wasn't actually as dangerous as it appeared; much of it was just atmospheric tension.

Of course, Fu Qian wasn't naive enough to believe the person opposite him genuinely cared about the survival team's safety.

Earlier, when he mentioned this speculation to Old Man Stoss, he had casually analyzed the reasons—such as the person hiding in the dark not wanting to be affected as well.

That was indeed his true thought, but he had kept one thing to himself—

As transcendents suspected to have been born on The Ark, the Marr Brothers likely wouldn't fear any distortions brought about by this ship. The one hiding in the dark out of fear was probably someone else—such as the Tier 2 sitting right in front of him.

In essence, that was also one of the clues he had used to determine that Nepheli was actually on the ship.

As for the matter concerning Professor Ah Kai, that naturally referred to his Miracle going out of control.

For a hidden entity who could monitor the entire situation and miss nothing, using her professional expertise to mess with Professor Ah Kai was hardly a difficult task.

Her goal was just as simple: that spinning scythe had further stimulated The Ark, causing its reaction to become even more intense.

It was a truly classic provocation tactic.

...

"He is a very talented young man."

As expected, facing Fu Qian's accusations, Excellency Nepheli did not deny them. She even sighed in admiration at what a formidable youth he was.

"It's just that for many things, raw talent alone is useless."

While finding it strange that Professor Fu paid so much attention to the Benevolent Curse Institute's development, she followed up with an ambiguous sigh.

"Oh?"

Fu Qian offered a single syllable in response, continuing to stare straight out of the ship.

What a joke. How could a dignified academic leader not be interested in the scene playing out before his eyes?

Just as he had mentioned before, this was an application he had considered long ago.

Now that Excellency Nepheli had helped resolve the technical issues, he only needed to push the boat along with the current to enjoy a free ride. How could he waste such an opportunity?

"Professor Ah Kai will experience the truth of those words far more deeply in the future."

Even though Professor Fu wasn't giving her much face, Nepheli continued her explanation.

"When I was his age, I always believed that Miracles were the single most correct path.

"A path that didn't require using materials and rituals to mutate oneself into a transcendent form. Instead, it involved purely dominating and controlling power. It was a route that truly relied on talent and knowledge. Unfortunately—"

"Unfortunately, your profession is different. A path can only be walked once, right?"

Excellency Nepheli had ultimately underestimated Professor Fu. Right as she was lamenting the transcendent life, Fu Qian casually finished her sentence.

"Professor Ah Kai tearfully complained to me that his office is full of cashed-out lottery tickets. While correct in principle, it's not exactly inspiring. Could it be that you've felt the same?"

Draining the tea in his cup, Fu Qian didn't bother troubling anyone else. He poured himself another drink and finally glanced at Nepheli.

She was undoubtedly still looking at the Academy's development through outdated lenses. Did she really think the inter-departmental cooperation spearheaded by Expert Fu was just for show?

Of course, guessing what Nepheli meant by "unfortunately" was one thing, but the underlying implications were still astonishing.

Had this recognized genius of the Benevolent Curse Institute actually received countless cashed-out lottery tickets as well?

To the point that they couldn't provide any feedback for advancing her Rank?

Had someone already walked further ahead, leaving no path for latecomers?

He wondered if this was one of the reasons that pushed her to leave.

...

"Professor Fu's knowledge is truly broad..."

Surprisingly, Nepheli once again didn't deny it, even expressing approval of Fu Qian's academic attainments.

But that was the extent of it. The former Dean clearly had no intention of revealing any more on the subject.

"So what was your original plan?"

Fu Qian didn't dwell on it, simply shifting to another question.

The situation before him was merely an extremely fragile equilibrium briefly formed by shared interests. To think they had actually become allies would be reading far too much into it.

Not asking what shouldn't be asked was simply realistic, because even if you did, the other party wouldn't answer.

However, considering her plan had already failed, this question shouldn't fall into that category.

"Ever since I discovered this ship, its state has been a mess, and the recent accident made it even more chaotic...

"Given that I could no longer maintain control, I had originally hoped you all could help purify it. I would then take the opportunity to turn it into an Item that could be carried and controlled."

As expected, Nepheli answered casually.

He knew she was just using them as tools.

Fu Qian felt no surprise whatsoever at this outcome.

"Purify" sounded nice, but bluntly put, she had treated this team as a blacksmith's hammer. She instigated conflicts so they would bleed each other out, ideally hammering away the impurities in this hunk of scrap metal in the process. When the time came, she would reap the spoils and attempt to Contain it.

There might not have been any fatal danger, but they were definitely being played for suckers.

"Unfortunately, because of your outstanding performance, this idea had to be abandoned. Instead, I've decided on turning waste into treasure for one final run."

Without waiting for Fu Qian to speak, Nepheli continued her lament, even adopting somewhat of a victim's posture.

"Now, this ship will take us on a final voyage, never to return."

"What about the passengers when that happens?"

Similarly ignoring the remark about turning waste into treasure, Fu Qian merely gestured toward Su Gao beside him.

The latter had been listening in the entire time, showing no reaction whatsoever to the multitude of secrets being revealed.

"Nothing will happen. After all, I'm on board too, aren't I? There are also those two idiots; no matter what, I couldn't possibly convince them to willingly go to their deaths."

Smiling as she kept him in suspense, Nepheli did provide two fairly convincing reasons.

"That is also why I showed myself. I hope you can help stabilize Excellency Stoss and allow this journey to conclude naturally. Trust me, it won't take long.

"Conversely, if we truly destroy it completely, the fate of everyone here will become far more unpredictable, and Stoss genuinely has the capability to do so... To be honest, I was actually a bit surprised that he was the one who rushed over."

It didn't sound like pure exaggeration; Nepheli was genuinely somewhat puzzled by this.

"I'm not. Have you ever seen a type of golden fire?"

Fu Qian showed no empathy toward her confusion. Instead, a mysterious smile crept onto his face.

He had never forgotten his original intention in inviting the old man over. Now, with the person in front of him—someone who might also be connected to that Flame of Frenzy—having arrived as well, it was absolutely an unexpected delight.

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