Eldritch Horror Theatre

"Just professional competence."

Facing the shocked You'er, Fu Qian waved his hand, looking as calm as if this were all standard procedure.

As for that dramatic declaration he had just chanted, his persona this time was simply too classic. It would have been a shame not to play along.

"Actually, I wasn't sure you could see it."

"But I have a good habit. Even if something is only a dangerous possibility, it's best to have a contingency plan."

"And in a chaotic, bizarre, and incomprehensible world, blindly assuming you're in a safe zone is a rather foolish act."

Fu Qian pointed at their surroundings.

"In fact, from very early on, I kept evaluating my own situation. In these Nightmares, could there be a pair of eyes staring at me the entire time?"

"And that feeling grew stronger than ever the first time I met Loretta."

He looked down at his chest.

"You've seen this thing before, haven't you?"

"I have, but it gives me a bad feeling."

Faced with Fu Qian's question, You'er answered in a muffled voice.

He obviously hadn't expected anyone to actually swallow such a dangerous thing.

"Understood. So I assume that's why I managed to come into contact with them so smoothly? You wanted to use me as a test subject?"

Fu Qian clicked his tongue.

"As the saying goes, the value of humanity often only shines through mutual exploitation."

"Actually, your plan was perfectly reasonable. Making one suspicious target test another suspicious target is a good idea no matter how you look at it."

"Your only problem was your sheer arrogance. You faced a bizarre, twisted Nightmare, yet you actually thought everything was under your control."

"Unfortunately for you, I've seen something similar before."

Fu Qian recalled his previous experience in the Nightmare Corridor.

Those bizarre and ferocious vermin had left quite an impression on him.

It was precisely that experience that made him more sensitive to the bugs when they appeared later, right after he saw the word Nightmare in his mission objectives.

And once he realized he was facing a nearly omniscient God, Fu Qian decided to take a gamble on it.

As Fu Qian understood it, these invisible bugs likely represented a special power wandering through the Nightmare Corridor.

In other words, they represented a perspective—a more materialized power on the same level as the intertwined Nightmare.

And while inside the Nightmare, one could acquire this special status by letting oneself be parasitized.

In truth, given Fu Qian's personality, even without his previous experience, the moment he realized he was at an absolute disadvantage in this game, he never would have let such an uncontrollable variable slip by.

The only problem was that it hurt too much.

True, the bug would ensure its host's survival through special means as it grew.

But the process of being eaten alive bite by bite, from the inside out, was still agonizing.

Especially since he had chosen to let it start with his internal organs rather than his limbs, just to keep You'er from noticing.

This was also why he had said there might only be one chance.

If what You'er said was true—that death wouldn't mean starting over, but rather trapping him in a loop within this Nightmare...

Then, facing a prepared You'er, his only informational advantage would disappear entirely.

He might end up completely draining his SAN Value in an endless loop of Nightmares.

He had to admit, the danger level of this Nightmare Corridor was incredibly high.

This time he was risking being trapped to death, and the last time he came in, he was almost possessed!

"Alright, I think that answers your questions. Considering my time is short, let me send you on your way."

Fu Qian said in a completely serious tone.

"Wait!"

Realizing that Fu Qian's tone was dead serious and not just a bluff, You'er immediately roared in panic.

"There's absolutely no need for you to do this."

"Why not?"

Fu Qian blinked, but his grip didn't loosen in the slightest.

"You have thirty seconds to convince me why it's not necessary."

"First of all, you're not a Night Watcher."

With only half a minute to fight for his life, You'er was under immense pressure and spoke rapidly.

"True."

Fu Qian nodded.

"So there's no need for you to capture me."

"Keep talking."

"This world is already stabilizing, and I'm willing to share authority with you, allowing you to travel freely through it as well."

"Because of its special state of existence, this is an extremely hidden location. You would effectively gain an absolutely safe hideout while simultaneously acting as a Deity within it."

"That does sound quite nice. But can't you resurrect infinitely? Why are you so afraid?"

...

You'er was momentarily left speechless.

Based on his previous experience, being killed in the Nightmare meant he would not only resurrect but also take the opportunity to break free from control. There really was nothing to fear.

But at this very moment, caught in the grip of these terrifying claws, he felt completely different.

This thing gave him a peculiar sensation.

If he really died at the hands of this thing, he had no guarantee he would be reborn.

Truthfully, the feeling of having his life dangling in someone else's hands was incredibly unpleasant.

At the same time, Fu Qian's mocking tone made a faint fire of anger rise in his chest.

"So are you going to cooperate or not?"

"Not interested."

Fu Qian shook his head.

"There's a limit to shameless boasting. Have you ever seen a God dangled like a dog?"

...

Those words were undeniably sharp, leaving You'er utterly speechless.

"Besides, looking at your past actions, I have absolutely zero faith in your credibility."

Fu Qian sized You'er up.

"The moment I let go, there's a high probability you'll vanish without a trace and then try everything in your power to get rid of me."

...

"So what do you actually want?"

Provoked time and time again, You'er actually managed to calm down, gritting his teeth as he stared at Fu Qian.

"I want the Golden Needle in Loretta's hands."

Fu Qian said with a beaming smile.

"I can tell you've already tried and realized you can't run, but you can try bringing the Golden Needle over."

"Loretta combined with the Golden Needle is undoubtedly the key to maintaining this Nightmare. I need it completely under my control."

...

Staring coldly at Fu Qian, You'er finally nodded.

The next moment, with a flip of his wrist, a glittering Golden Needle appeared in his hand.

"Take it."

He handed the Golden Needle to Fu Qian.

"But be warned, Loretta will need to use it again soon, otherwise the stability of the Nightmare will be affected."

"Understood!"

Fu Qian expressed his admiration for the man's efficiency. Using a hand that had grown increasingly hideous, he carefully accepted the Golden Needle, examining its exquisitely engraved patterns.

It was indeed the one from Loretta's hands.

Crack!

The next moment, Fu Qian squeezed his hand. Unable to withstand the heavy force, the Golden Needle snapped cleanly in two.

An invisible shockwave immediately swept through the entire space.

"What are you doing—"

You'er's nearly hysterical scream was cut short. The crisp crack of a breaking cervical spine echoed out, and his voice came to an abrupt halt.

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