Eldritch Horror Theatre

Judging by the current situation, these conspirators were taking a brute-force approach to their dangerous research.

They were collecting anomalies through a vast pool of test subjects, then analyzing and summarizing the results.

In a way, the model was quite similar to the Miracle Potion.

It wasn't surprising. Without theoretical backing, this was the simplest and most effective method, even if it consumed a massive amount of resources.

In fact, despite the complete lack of identifying marks along the way, he couldn't rule out the possibility that this was the Anjing Company's work.

The primary reason for this assumption was that everyone wearing the same orange uniform as him was, without exception, a transcendent.

That was right. Although most were so weak they couldn't even be considered small fry, he had yet to encounter a single ordinary human here.

A test composed entirely of transcendents.

Such an undertaking was not something an ordinary organization could pull off.

It would be impossible to make these superhumans willingly participate without sufficient means of coercion.

Secondly, the entire interior of the building felt highly unusual.

Some method seemed to be suppressing observation and perception.

Even Fu Qian could only "observe" things within his immediate vicinity.

Combined with the details from his briefing, it was standard operating procedure for a secret underground research institute to use such methods—preventing information leaks while minimizing its impact on the outside world.

This was also why Fu Qian had deliberately acted abnormally.

Although his mission completion conditions hadn't appeared yet, establishing himself as a unique subject should earn him more opportunities for observation and access to further information.

Otherwise, he might simply be dismissed and sent away. In such a heavily guarded facility, trying to force his way back inside later would escalate the situation unnecessarily.

...

These people seemed very professional. Fu Qian didn't have to wait long before the sound of a door opening rang out nearby.

"9527?"

Two unfamiliar guards walked in. One held a form, glancing at it as he asked.

"Yes."

He let out a sigh as the sorrow of Many Injustices Bring Self-Destruction washed over him once again.

"Follow me."

After signaling for Fu Qian to follow, the guards flanked him—one in front, one behind—and led him forward.

Judging by the direction, this clearly wasn't the way back, so they most likely weren't taking him for another psychological evaluation.

Fu Qian silently assessed the situation as he walked.

Sure enough, the duo quickly escorted him to an elevator. After entering, they pressed the button to go up.

Fu Qian swept a glance over the panel, noting that the elevator indicated a three-story structure, and they were currently on the middle floor.

Of course, given that this was a secret research institute, it was highly unlikely this single elevator could access every area. There were probably more than just three floors.

In silence, the elevator doors soon opened again.

As he continued to be escorted, Fu Qian observed this upper floor.

Compared to the prison-like aesthetics below, this place finally felt like a research institute.

Although it was still largely composed of metal structures, the overall layout was much more spacious and brightly lit.

Of course, heavy partition doors still lined the straight corridor, indicating that security remained extremely tight.

After the guards led Fu Qian through two consecutive doors, he "saw" one of his peers for the first time.

It was a man of average build with dark skin, thinning hair, and listless eyes.

He wore the same clothes as Fu Qian and seemed to have just been escorted out of a room.

[1439]

As he brushed past the man—who seemed completely unresponsive to his surroundings—Fu Qian observed him carefully and, unsurprisingly, spotted a number on his back.

Brother 1439 soon disappeared into the distance. Before Fu Qian could do anything else, he was escorted to that exact same spot.

"Doctor, 9527 has arrived."

The two guards stood to the side. One of them notified the inside through a wall-mounted Walkie-Talkie, and soon a door silently opened in front of them.

After signaling for Fu Qian to go inside, the two did not follow him; they simply walked away.

"Please, have a seat."

The interior of the room looked just like a normal office.

Sitting behind a long gray desk was a relatively young woman—or at least, she appeared to be.

Compared to the Demonic Doctor from earlier, her image was undoubtedly much better.

Also dressed in a white lab coat, she looked only about thirty years old, with well-proportioned features and a calm gaze.

Right now, however, she remained completely unsmiling, projecting the perfect image of an elite researcher.

"Thank you for volunteering for this test. I am Cynthia."

After signaling for Fu Qian to take the seat opposite her, the woman addressed as Doctor continued her introduction.

"Fortunately, we discovered some anomalies in you."

As she spoke, she looked at a piece of paper in her hand, which bore a meticulously perfect drawing of a clock.

Obviously, Brother Demonic Doctor had submitted the suspicious candidates after the preliminary screening.

"Can you tell me about your experience in the Testing Room?"

"No."

Fu Qian's response was resolute, crisp, and completely honest.

After all, he had absolutely no impression of this Testing Room.

As an expendable test subject, stating this upfront would actually draw less suspicion.

"I no longer have any memory of the process."

Hmm?

Doctor Cynthia looked at Fu Qian.

"You don't remember anything at all?"

"Correct."

"Do you still remember your own name?"

"Isn't it 9527?"

Fu Qian looked astonished.

"It seems it did indeed affect some of your memories."

Cynthia muttered to herself in a low voice, then proceeded to ask Fu Qian a few more questions.

Fu Qian answered everything honestly, perfectly playing the role of someone suffering from memory anomalies due to a special test.

"Alright, Mr. 9527. It was a pleasure chatting with you."

After their highly efficient conversation, Cynthia finally let out a long breath.

"Given your condition, you will need to enter the Testing Room once more. I hope you can cooperate."

"Of course, according to regulations, this will all be recorded as extra contributions, allowing you to offset your past mistakes faster."

So he really was a grassroots member of the organization who had made mistakes?

For Fu Qian, a few simple words were enough to deduce a great deal of information.

Therefore, Cynthia's words quickly sparked new connections in his mind, and he raised no objections.

After all, he was equally curious about this legendary Testing Room.

Furthermore, although Doctor Cynthia seemed polite, she wasn't actually asking for permission.

...

Soon, guards appeared once again, and this time the elevator went straight down to the lowest floor.

These protective measures were comparable to the Restricted Zone of the Night Watchers Base.

Stepping out of the elevator to a muffled unlocking sound, an absurdly thick metal door slowly opened before him, revealing a familiar figure.

Unsurprised, Fu Qian walked straight ahead and soon arrived near Brother 1439.

The man was still in that same listless state, staring blankly in a certain direction.

It seemed this was the Testing Room he was about to enter again.

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