Eldritch Horror Theatre

"Congratulations. It was just an effortless favor."

Facing the rather smug Yuan Fang, Fu Qian listened carefully to him finish before casually waving off any need for thanks.

"This guy let the outsider get away!"

This harmonious scene was clearly too much for the Crystal Demigod, who immediately stepped forward to list Fu Qian's crimes.

"...With the target caught in the trap, he didn't give any warning until the very moment of escape. I highly doubt this guy is really on our side."

Even though Yuan Fang obviously already knew the details of this crime.

Crystal's outburst was clearly meant to remind Yuan Fang that everyone had seen what this guy had done. If Yuan Fang was going to rush all the way over here just to act chummy, he had better have an explanation.

This one really didn't let anything slide!

Watching this unfold, the accused Fu Qian clicked his tongue in quiet marvel.

Ballard had been completely erased from this world.

"I believe Mister Andil did his best."

Amidst these musings, Yuan Fang didn't hesitate to make his stance clear, even seamlessly providing an excuse for the situation.

"The enemy was a Divine Emissary with bizarre methods. Even I was fooled at first."

"In fact, logically speaking, we are the ones who failed our duty. In a joint operation, we failed to provide Mister Andil with adequate security."

It was easy to tell that despite his low Rank, Yuan Fang carried a lot of authority here.

Combined with this clear logic, the Crystal Demigod was momentarily left speechless.

"So, while Mister Andil is an outsider, there is no need to doubt him. He is definitely on our side now."

"I even came here with a new favor to ask of him."

After swiftly defining Fu Qian's actions, Yuan Fang turned back to him, his face the picture of politeness.

"Oh? What kind of favor?"

He felt like that mention of 'outsider' was emphasized a bit too deliberately.

Catching the strange undertone in Yuan Fang's words, Fu Qian blinked and asked without changing his expression.

"Don't be nervous. It is something quite easy."

Yuan Fang smiled mysteriously.

Before his voice even faded, Fu Qian noticed the scenery before his eyes rapidly shifting.

In the blink of an eye, not only had Akasha and the other vanished without a trace, but everything around him—except for Yuan Fang sitting across from him—had turned into a deep, heavy black.

"Apologies for not asking your permission first. Because our next topic is rather private, I thought it would be best to talk like this."

Seeing Fu Qian observe his surroundings without a hint of panic, Yuan Fang revealed a look of appreciation.

"So, when you communicate with them, this is how you do it?"

Fu Qian nodded, showing no objection to the sudden change. He even asked out of curiosity.

"Yes. As a transcendent with little combat strength, I still need a few parlor tricks."

Yuan Fang wore a slight smile.

"This is a highly concealed Consciousness Space. For most demigods, I can initiate a brief conversation like this anytime, anywhere."

"However, because you are quite unique, I need to be physically closer to activate it."

Yuan Fang explained the other reason he had rushed over in person.

"Also, rest assured. Time inside here is nearly frozen compared to the outside world. You don't need to worry about your safety."

"Understood. And what exactly makes me so unique?"

Fu Qian nodded, not forgetting the specific adjective used earlier.

"Didn't I already say it? You are an outsider."

Yuan Fang let out a laugh.

Oh?

Fu Qian furrowed his brow.

"Do you think that after all these years, I wouldn't know there are special ways for an outsider to survive and integrate into this world, becoming a part of destiny?"

Yuan Fang looked as though he had everything entirely under control.

"A demigod appearing out of nowhere, barely even tethered to destiny. No matter how natural or unhinged your performance is, it is very hard for me to completely trust you."

"But you didn't point that out at the time. You even suggested I pretend to be an outsider?"

Fu Qian seemed to understand something.

"Isn't it interesting? Having an outsider pretend to be an outsider?"

Yuan Fang's smile never faltered.

"I actually think you should be grateful for it. I drastically lowered the difficulty of your role."

"Of course, my gratitude is still genuine. That might not have been your original intention, but you really did become the Savior of this place."

"After being cornered by my people, your performance was practically flawless."

"So much so that while you were on your way to my place, I realized it would be a real shame not to put such perfect acting to use!"

"So you chose to play along?"

Fu Qian already perfectly understood what this guy meant.

"Yes. While your ultimate goal remains unclear, it seems highly likely that your team decided to have you impersonate a Native to deal with us."

"So I figured they would be quite cooperative with some of your actions. I could just borrow that momentum to soothe the masses more smoothly, helping them avoid falling into complete mania and confusion under the shock of these massive changes."

"It looks like it worked out wonderfully. You completed your task flawlessly, even getting a Divine Emissary to actively play along with the act."

"They might be unhappy with you right now, but Crystal and the others are clearly thoroughly convinced that outsiders are here to sabotage things. When the flames grow hotter later, they should treat it with enough caution."

"Such painstaking effort. Being a Prophet isn't easy for you."

It was obvious that Prophet Yuan thought he was in the same group as Chaumont and the others.

Listening carefully until Yuan Fang finished, Fu Qian offered that sigh of admiration without rebutting a single point.

"So what was the favor you wanted to ask of me?"

Not only that, he even proactively brought up the reason he'd been pulled into this space in the first place.

"Very simple. Removing a hidden risk."

Yuan Fang was quite straightforward, pointing at his head.

"Although our cooperation has been pleasant, you know too much. You're also too unpredictable. It would be all too easy for you to make everything fall short by a single basket of earth."

"I don't know what the true purpose of your group's trip is, and I don't care. For you personally, there are now two choices."

Yuan Fang held up two fingers.

"First, formally join us through self-destruction."

"Making the fake real?"

Fu Qian gave a slight nod, remembering what the clown had said earlier: as long as one died in here, they would become just like the Natives upon returning.

"That really is a brilliant move. No matter my origins or intentions, as long as I truly become a member of this place, my interests will perfectly align with the role I've been playing. So what's the second option?"

"What a smart young man!"

Fu Qian understood immediately upon being prompted, and Yuan Fang looked highly satisfied.

"Second, you will be killed outright for harboring ulterior motives and lacking any sincerity in cooperating. I'm certain the people outside won't feel the slightest psychological burden in doing so."

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