Eldritch Horror Theatre

So, on the path of cultivation, what exactly did the concept of aptitude mean?

Between two otherwise identical people, on what basis could one say that one possessed aptitude while the other did not?

It was not like innate supernatural powers, where anyone could tell if someone suddenly started breathing fire.

But before they cultivated using a specific method, people like Ji Liushuang wouldn’t have been noticeably different from ordinary humans.

Thinking about it, this concept of cultivation talent was far more mystical than mutation technology.

In Fu Qian’s eyes, having cultivation talent simply meant a person could obtain superhuman strength through a specific cultivation method.

This seemed to provide an explanation for Kisaragi Kana’s situation.

An extraordinary charm, a genius whose transcendent attributes could not be detected.

Could this also be an innate cultivation aptitude that merely lacked the right method?

He had to admit, if that was the case, things would get extremely interesting!Geniuses going undiscovered was a common occurrence, but the bizarre part was that, as someone with cultivation talent, Kisaragi Kana had also reacted to the Mutation-Specific Magic Potion, even gaining the ability to return from the dead as a result.

Did this indicate that some kind of commonality actually existed between the two types of talent?

What could that commonality be?

Without sufficient samples for comparison, it was currently very hard to determine.

However, his intuition told him that this was very likely what the Warehouse was focused on.

...

So he might as well run a deduction: if he hadn’t shown up, and the anomalies in Kisaragi Kana were discovered by the Anjing Group, what would have happened?

He believed their first reaction would undoubtedly be that the formula was effective, prompting them to find others for testing and verification.

But in all likelihood, Kisaragi Kana’s case couldn’t be widely replicated, meaning they would eventually have to circle back to her.

And the most obvious conclusion was that, unlike the clearly diluted Miracle Potion, larger doses would follow in subsequent tests once its initial effectiveness had been proven.

Of course, Kisaragi Kana surely wouldn’t reject it; this was exactly what she dreamed of.

Then came the question: even if they did exactly that, what negative effects could it really produce?

There was a vast multitude of transcendents in this world. Even an artificial Tier 2 like Ariel had appeared, so how much trouble could Kisaragi Kana really cause?

Fu Qian had a faint premonition that if he could figure out the answer to this question, he would, to a certain extent, understand the relationship between the two paths to becoming a God.

This seemed much more meaningful than a simple task.

As for how to figure it out... honestly, directly devouring her to see the effects under Insight was undoubtedly a perfectly normal line of thought.

But after his conversation with Kisaragi Chie, if there really was something bizarre about her younger sister, the risks would undoubtedly be a bit high.

At the same time, recalling Kisaragi Iken’s corpse in the bathtub, Fu Qian decided to accept this man’s final ripple and temporarily change his approach to solving the problem.

For example, setting up another observation project alongside Anjing Company’s HAP0032-667.

Fu Qian quickly made up his mind.

Speaking of which, projects generally needed a codename. What should this one be called?

Jiali 9527?

...

Scanning the table, under Kisaragi Chie’s confused gaze, Fu Qian reached out and took a nearby notepad and pen.

Scratch, scratch, scratch!

After jotting down a simple line of text, Fu Qian folded the note in half, and then in half again...

Before long, a paper heart took shape in his hands.

”When your sister returns, give this to her.”

Resting the heart in his palm, Fu Qian held it out to Kisaragi Chie.

”Why... should I do that?”

Kisaragi Chie instinctively resisted.

”Because you’re someone who knows how to read people.”

...

Kisaragi Chie slowly reached out and took the folded paper heart.

”Aren’t you worried I might peek?”

”It doesn’t matter. You are someone with self-knowledge.”

”...Alright.”

Saying nothing more, Kisaragi Chie agreed to Fu Qian’s request.

...

Leaving the Fortune Teller’s Cabin, Fu Qian strolled all the way home. By the time he arrived, the morning light had already begun to rise.

As a dignified expert of the Demigod Realm, he naturally wouldn’t feel fatigued by this. It wouldn’t affect his ability to receive guests in the slightest.

The message he left on the note was actually very simple—just an invitation to dinner.

He was inviting Kisaragi Kana to enjoy a delicious meal ”once again” after her test concluded.

Kisaragi Kana’s innocence wasn’t hard to prove; Hayami Suzune should be able to quickly confirm she wasn’t the killer.

Considering her obsession with the Miracle Potion, she would definitely participate in the final test.

And until then, with the Night Watchers accompanying her, she was undoubtedly perfectly safe.

These developments were entirely expected.

As for whether she would still be in the mood to eat something different by then, Fu Qian actually couldn’t care less.

Because that message was never meant for her eyes in the first place.

Since he would have to leave as soon as the mission was completed, deciding to start an observation project naturally meant he had to make proper arrangements.

...

As it turned out, the first visitor arrived quite early.

”What is going on with Kisaragi Iken?”

Sawada stormed in with furious momentum, aggressively demanding accountability the moment he walked through the door.

”Anjing Company has a very strong sense of social responsibility, huh? You’re even doing the police’s job now?”

Fu Qian wasn’t surprised that this man had received the news so quickly.

Given Anjing’s influence in this area, and the fact that it involved a test subject, it would be bizarre if he didn’t know.

”Don’t spout nonsense at me.”

Sawada already looked thoroughly exasperated.

”We absolutely cannot afford any accidents right now, do you understand?”

”If things slip out of our control even the slightest bit, we’re both dead.”

”Don’t be nervous. Everything is under control. Just proceed according to plan.”

Fu Qian waved his hand, signaling the man to calm down.

”I hope you know what you’re doing.”

Sawada stared intensely at Fu Qian, finally speaking after a long silence.

”Trust me, I know better than anyone.”

”Good.”

Sawada snorted, leaving just as hurriedly as he had arrived.

...

As noon approached, Fu Qian welcomed his second guest.

Seeing the thunderous fury in Hayami Suzune’s eyes, he frowned slightly.

”What instructions does Madam Suzune have for me now?”

”Take a guess.”

She sneered, stroking the dagger in her hand, murderous intent radiating from her.

”Kisaragi Kana has been proven innocent?”

”Yes, and you don’t seem surprised in the slightest.”

Hayami Suzune’s voice was icy.

”She did arrive very late at Kisaragi Chie’s place yesterday, but she had just been out messing around because she was in a bad mood.”

”I see. However, we professionals have always just provided lines of thought for reference.”

Fu Qian brushed it off.

”You aren’t suspecting me again, are you?”

”No, no, no. I am a reasonable person.”

Hayami Suzune continued sneering.

”The case has already been handed over to the police officers to handle. The rest has nothing to do with me.”

”Then you’ve come to...”

Fu Qian frowned.

”Isn’t it obvious? I’ve come to attend the dinner, of course.”

Hayami Suzune smiled and took out a folded paper heart.

Judging by the creases, it had clearly been unfolded and refolded.

”The problem is that it’s for dinner. Aren’t you a little early?”