Eldritch Horror Theatre

"I can do that."

No matter how outrageous Professor Fu's requests were, Classmate Su Gao would always answer them earnestly first.

As for that particular request, she merely glanced at it before giving her absolute assurance.

The spike on the Candlestick wasn't exceptionally sharp, but for her, using it to carve up a body of flesh and blood was still effortlessly simple.

Not to mention it was a fully visual operation—saving them the trouble of cracking his chest open.

"Then let's begin. Any later and I won't even have the strength to step on the gas."

Professor Fu seemed to treat this sort of thing as naturally as breathing, gesturing directly for her to begin.

"...All right."

By now, Su Gao clearly understood Professor Fu's intentions. Swiping the Candlestick on their way out had been entirely for this exact moment.

Back in the Dark Sanctuary, the effect of the first torment Professor Fu endured was clearly to entangle his body with this world, allowing him to "personally" experience its underlying chaos.

And the Candlestick corresponded to the heart.

Although they had long since left the Dark Sanctuary, that chaos and the "poison" were two completely different things.

Because Su Gao was also poisoned, she could use her Echo to help him resolve that issue. But it was highly probable that the hidden danger of this "chaotic entanglement" remained.

So, Professor Fu was clearly using this method to reinforce his connection to this world, turning a disadvantage into an advantage to minimize any suspicion that he was an illegal border crosser.

'Uh... it really doesn't hurt that much.'

With Su Gao's understanding and support, Professor Fu got his wish in the blink of an eye.

Experiencing this rare sensation, he couldn't help but notice her extreme caution.

Her hands might already be stained with blood, yet Su Gao still handled this minor task with the utmost seriousness. Once the puncture was in place, she continued to hold it steady, ensuring the damage expanded as slowly as possible.

"I'll handle the questioning in a bit. You just need to agree."

Despite his bizarre appearance, Fu Qian gave these casual instructions as he started the car and drove slowly toward the checkpoint.

"Okay."

Su Gao was as cooperative as ever, immediately doing exactly as he asked.

...

"Hello."

The staff member remained as professional as ever, his eyes tracking the approaching vehicle almost the entire way.

More accurately, he had taken in every single action the pair had made—stepping away, getting back in, and even their little movements inside the car.

But Fu Qian didn't seem the least bit embarrassed. The moment the man leaned out, he offered a smiling greeting.

"Could you move the barricade for a second? I need to head through."

He didn't even wait for the staff member to speak before boldly making his request.

'Aren't you... being a bit too arrogant?'

The staff member remained silent, though his expression slightly betrayed those thoughts.

He had just educated this guy on the laws and regulations a moment ago, and now he was driving up as if he weren't an outsider at all?

"I can. Where are you going?"

But duty was duty. In the end, rather than ignoring him, the staff member asked coldly.

"The Sanctuary."

Fu Qian answered honestly.

"...There have been a lot of illegal border crossers lately. I need to do a routine inspection first."

Su Gao kept her promise and stayed silent, and the staff member paused before continuing.

"I know, which is why I specifically drove a car over."

Fu Qian patted the steering wheel in response, forcing Su Gao to adjust her grip so the wound wouldn't be disturbed.

'Got it... You brought a car so it would be easier for me to inspect?'

Somewhat provoked by the gesture, the staff member stared blankly for a moment before finally grasping his logic.

The tradeoff was that the man's sheer arrogance was becoming increasingly infuriating. However—

Just as he coldly swept his gaze over the driver's body, his eyes instantly glazed over in shock.

...

'This is the flaw of not checking IDs, isn't it? Subjective feelings are always so easily swayed.'

Playing the role of an unruly citizen provoking the staff, Fu Qian watched the man's reaction and scoffed inwardly, listing out the flaws of such a lax system.

The identification mechanism in this place was undoubtedly unreasonable. To some extent, it rivaled the rules-based weird tales—it wasn't something you could bluff your way through with a few sweet words.

To pass this checkpoint and reach the possible sea of mind, the only thing he could do was follow the rules and game the mechanics.

Judging by Su Gao's earlier reaction, she clearly understood what he was trying to do.

Bringing the Candlestick from the Dark Sanctuary had indeed been intentional, specifically for this exact scene.

This time, it seemed the ladies' enthusiastic help had actually wasted quite a bit of time.

They had gone around in circles, taking an extra detour before finally making it back here.

But as noted earlier, without that experience, passing this checkpoint would have been even more impossible.

As for what he specifically gained in the Dark Sanctuary, several things were easy to summarize—

Such as his thoughts on the true nature of this mission, the genuine intentions of the ladies, and the possible connection between Excellency Stomach and this place...

But aside from all that, there was one thing Fu Qian considered equally invaluable: Nepheli's Torment.

As an ally he had theoretically sought out himself, she didn't seem terribly affected by the Mental Seal due to her unique worldview. She hadn't been exactly desperate to save him.

Yet, it was precisely this playful attitude that led her to introduce something equally transcendent, giving Fu Qian an opportunity to pollute his own outsider constitution.

From that perspective, the selection of guest appearances had likely been very deliberate.

Since the Warehouse believed this mission was possible to complete, there had to be factors present to help him pass the checkpoints.

For example, the one with the most flippant attitude might actually be the most crucial. Nepheli hadn't shown up for nothing.

Of course, many people would walk into a mountain of treasure and leave empty-handed. Realizing this was just as important, making it the core takeaway from the trip to the Dark Sanctuary.

"You... look very strange."

Facts proved it was truly effective. When the staff member's eyes finally moved again, one could practically feel the chaos within them.

"Strange how?"

Never knowing the meaning of a guilty conscience, Fu Qian immediately acted curious about his claim.

"...You look like you're about to die."

Unfortunately, the staff member hesitated. He clearly held back his true feelings, merely pointing out the issue with Fu Qian's vital signs.

"What's so strange about that? I am about to die."

Fu Qian couldn't hide his disappointment at the response, though he candidly admitted to his current health condition while he was at it.

"There's no rule saying you can't drive when you're dying, right? It's not like I've been drinking."

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