Eldritch Horror Theatre

Ji Liushuang was clearly executing their previously formulated strategy with firm resolve.

If she wasn't going to use her most pitiful state to persuade them now, when would she?

An attack following right on the heels of her investigation? Even a kindergartener could connect the dots.

"Are you saying someone wants you dead just because you went looking for that operative?"

Ji Xun was naturally no kindergartener. Willing or not, with matters reaching this point, he could hardly ignore the implication.

"It isn't just a possibility. I'm almost completely certain my search provoked the attack."

Usually taciturn, Ji Liushuang spoke with absolute conviction.

"I even suspect that operative 233 might have already met with foul play."

"In fact, we can verify this. If something really has happened to him, it proves my claim."

"Have you already gone to check?"

Ji Liushuang sharply caught the implication, displaying a perfectly natural look of surprise.

"Did something actually happen?"

"...By the time our people arrived, he was already gone, though there were no signs of a struggle at the scene."

Ji Mingzhe finally spoke up, his tone lacking its previous aggressive edge.

"One strike from the attacker, and I ended up like this."

Yet his somewhat feeble defense was instantly shot down by Ji Liushuang.

"If Professor Andiel hadn't arrived in time, I definitely wouldn't have lasted long. Mister 233 might be an expert healer, but given his Rank, I doubt he had the strength to force such an attacker to leave behind any traces. Wouldn't you agree?"

Arguing her case with unyielding logic, Ji Liushuang displayed an assertiveness completely unlike her usual self. Cross-examined by her, Ji Mingzhe was momentarily left speechless.

The others found it equally difficult to conceal their surprise at this sudden shift in attitude, naturally attributing her boldness to the person backing her up.

It was really starting to look the part!

Seeing Ji Liushuang bare her fangs and successfully steer the conversation in their planned direction, Fu Qian felt a wave of appreciation. Beneath their scrutinizing gazes, he simply stood with his hands behind his back, radiating utter aloofness as he served as the solid backing for this classic return of the Dragon King scene.

"Liushuang's suspicions are reasonable. The timing is indeed peculiar."

Seeing that even Ji Xun was hesitating to reply, the Old Man who had been observing from the sidelines finally spoke up slowly, immediately voicing his agreement.

"However, I checked Ji Xue's condition, and everything really is completely normal. At the same time, the information we possess is still too scarce, so there's no need to jump to conclusions. Our main priority moving forward is still to find the missing operative and the attacker."

As he spoke, he naturally shifted his gaze toward Fu Qian.

"If we encounter the attacker again, would Professor Andiel be able to recognize them?"

"Easily."

Fu Qian's tone brimmed with confidence.

"While that fellow's methods were decent, had I not been delayed by matters at hand, I would have made sure he stayed behind."

Did you think anyone would believe that? You obviously rushed all the way here from the Academy specifically to act as her backup!

Though Fu Qian's domineering claim sounded impressive, it provoked similar internal groans from more than one person in the room.

Traveling from the Academy to such a distant place on business, only to conveniently pass by and rescue her—how could there be so many coincidences in the world!

No matter how they looked at it, Ji Liushuang must have felt isolated and called in reinforcements from the Academy. Still, it proved she truly commanded a great deal of attention there.

"Excellent. As expected of an Academy instructor."

At this, even the Old Man couldn't help but sigh in admiration.

"Speaking of which, Professor Andiel's mask is truly miraculous. It seems perfectly capable of concealing a transcendent aura—would it be convenient for me to take a look at it?"

The request wasn't entirely out of place, but it sent a sudden ripple through the listeners. Everyone knew the true purpose of those words: to catch a glimpse of this Academy instructor's real face.

What a pity. I thought they would choose the Lantern!

Seeing Ji Liushuang turn her head to look back at him, Fu Qian sighed inwardly.

Suspicion was only natural. Everyone here had been around the block; they wouldn't just blindly trust a stranger.

It was just a pity that, faced with two bizarre objects, the Old Man had ultimately chosen pragmatism.

"Of course."

The next moment, Fu Qian cleanly removed the mask, cradling it in his hand.

Ah—

The audience had clearly braced themselves for something unusual, but the true face beneath the mask still provoked an uncontrollable gasp.

Beneath slightly disheveled hair was a terrifyingly pale face.

Not only were the facial features bizarrely proportioned, but more importantly, the skin wasn't smooth. It was composed of overlapping layers of thin, translucent folds, looking at first glance like mushroom gills.

With every breath and spoken word, these gills rippled in a peculiar, unsettling rhythm.

"I hope I didn't frighten anyone."

Fu Qian waited a few seconds before breaking the silence.

"Due to some routine minor experiments, I've made a habit of wearing this when I go out."

"Additionally, please rest assured that these textures do not carry any sort of pollution... they are merely the result of a small experiment I conducted after being inspired by Professor Rob."

"...The exploratory spirit of the Apocalypse Branch is truly admirable. I apologize for the offense!"

Taking a deep breath, the Old Man—who had initiated the request—was the first to break the tension.

After offering his apology, he lowered his gaze to the mask in Fu Qian's hand.

Just as he reached out, he didn't expect the other party to simultaneously pull back and slip the mask back onto his face, signaling that the sharing session was over.

The Old Man was slightly stunned, realizing in a flash that the professor was wordlessly expressing his displeasure.

I know your so-called request to look at the mask was just a pretext. I showed you my true face as you wished, but you don't get to touch the mask.

It was hardly surprising. Figures of this caliber all possessed a bit of a temper.

When the other party removed the mask earlier, the Old Man had already realized that this Andiel possessed substantial strength.

His eccentric style perfectly fit the usual conduct of that group from the Academy.

Therefore, any lingering doubts regarding the man's identity temporarily vanished.

He had traveled miles to provide backup for his student, only to have his identity probed and questioned; it would actually be abnormal if he didn't show a bit of temper.

"Thank you for sharing. If Professor Andiel isn't in a hurry to return, why not stay here for a few days? We might still need your assistance identifying the culprit."

Quickly straightening out the situation, the Old Man showed no sign of anger and even took the initiative to extend an invitation.

There was no way this fellow was going to leave anyway. Rather than letting him run amok outside, it was better to keep him housed right under their noses.

"I am indeed in no hurry. I'll impose upon you, then."

Faced with the invitation, Fu Qian accepted without the slightest hesitation, wearing the expression of someone who couldn't be bothered to pretend otherwise.

"Liushuang is injured, so she should head back and rest early as well."

Giving a light chuckle, the Old Man turned his gaze toward Ji Liushuang.

The latter was staring at the mask Fu Qian had put back on, a peculiarly subtle expression on her face.

How could it be...

A moment ago she had merely mentioned him as a pretext, but suddenly she genuinely felt a trace of that person's presence in him.

Yet... how could that possibly be!

Shaking her head inwardly, Ji Liushuang quickly reined in that trace of vulnerability.

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