Eldritch Horror Theatre

”So we’re leaving right now?”

Putting away the Abyss Notes, Su Gao confirmed the plan with Fu Qian.

”In principle, yes. But there’s no need to rush. After all, Anjing has a lot on its plate lately.”

Fu Qian nodded, though his mind lingered on what they had gained from this trip.

The concept of notoriety Yasui Tokiyuki had devised was even more bizarre than he had imagined. There was likely an immense scheme behind it.

Under these circumstances, it made sense why they were so on edge about the two of them.

The two suspicious individuals had barely shown their faces, and a Divine Emissary had already come knocking to feel them out.

Considering this, overreacting now would be a bad idea. To Yasui Tokiyuki and his people, a hasty retreat would be a textbook case of striking the grass to startle the snake, potentially forcing their hand.

”Alright.”

Although she didn’t understand why Fu Qian’s plan had changed after he had only been gone for a few minutes, Su Gao nodded in acknowledgment....

Speaking of which, weren’t his recent assignments a bit too concentrated?

After suggesting Su Gao head back to rest for the time being, Fu Qian sipped his still-warm tea and reflected on his recent experiences.

Two consecutive missions on Ye Island, and both involving the Anjing Company. He had to admit, it was quite a coincidence.

As for why this was happening, Fu Qian figured it was either pure coincidence or his own actions were directly influencing the assignments.

For example, the actual leaks might be far more numerous than what he had seen, but his actions while in his Emissary state might dictate which one appeared before him.

If that were true, the very nature of the Warehouse’s existence was quite intriguing.

But either way, it didn’t seem like a bad thing for now. It meant that whenever he did certain things, there would be extra angles he could exploit.

Was this a Warehouse perk? A reminder not to forget to clock in while wandering around?

Amid his drifting thoughts, Fu Qian set down his teacup, put on a White Mask, and then placed another mask over it.

Regardless, he couldn’t let his guard down. Who knew if that Goddess Envoy might suddenly return?

...

As it turned out, the Goddess Envoy didn’t return, but an unexpected guest came knocking instead.

And his strength was only slightly inferior.

This little courtyard really was attracting quite a few big shots lately!

Sizing up the mild-mannered man at the door, Fu Qian secretly shook his head.

He looked to be in his forties or fifties. He was meticulous, his long black hair combed neatly back, his brown robe completely spotless. At a glance, he exuded the aura of someone with plenty of wealth and free time.

It wasn’t surprising; he was, after all, a demigod.

”Welcome. Who are you looking for?”

Without any intention of taking off his mask, Fu Qian asked directly.

”Either of you will do.”

The man was indeed easygoing. He smiled, examining the mask on Fu Qian’s face before stepping forward.

”A very interesting design, isn’t it? Out of all the masks on the street, this one is my favorite too. Just a few simple strokes of paint, yet it creates a wondrous effect. It leaves quite an impression.”

”Indeed.”

Fu Qian had clearly picked up some bad habits when answering questions lately.

”My apologies, how rude of me.”

The middle-aged man suddenly seemed to realize something.

”Allow me to introduce myself. I am Gin Kazuhiro.”

That name—he had just heard it not too long ago!

Hadn’t Su Gao mentioned him? The regional head of the Night Watchers on Ye Island?

Yasui Tokiyuki had actually chosen to take the initiative and inform the Night Watchers’ higher-ups? How bold!

Fu Qian didn’t believe for a second that this chief of the Ye Island Night Watchers coming to their door had nothing to do with the Goddess Envoy.

It seemed Su Gao’s identity as a demigod really had caused quite a stir.

As he pondered, Fu Qian gave a slight nod, making no attempt to feign ignorance.

”So it’s Chief Gin. My apologies, I’m not familiar with the transcendent world, so I didn’t recognize you.”

”That’s because, unlike Yasui Tokiyuki, I rarely make public appearances. It’s completely normal that you don’t recognize me.”

Gin Kazuhiro’s smile didn’t waver; he seemed completely unbothered by it.

”My purpose for coming today is very simple. I heard a low-profile demigod had appeared, so I came to pay a visit.”

He didn’t seem prepared to beat around the bush, stating his intentions directly.

”Ms. Violetta.”

As he spoke, Gin Kazuhiro looked past Fu Qian. Su Gao was already walking down the stairs, her expression unreadable.

It seemed that while she knew of him, she didn’t actually know Gin Kazuhiro well.

A Divine Emissary had just come to scout them out, and now a demigod had shown up at their door. To prevent Fu Qian from being exposed, she had chosen to come downstairs immediately.

”Chief Gin, it is an honor to meet you.”

Having heard Gin Kazuhiro’s introduction just now, Su Gao gave a slight nod in greeting.

”The honor is mine. Ye Island has seen quite a few unfamiliar demigods lately.”

After studying Su Gao closely, Gin Kazuhiro finally let out a hearty laugh, his tone filled with emotion.

”So young!”

”Although a demigod’s appearance can’t be trusted, I can still sense Ms. Violetta’s vibrant, youthful soul. It truly makes one envious!”

”To be completely honest, it was Yasui Tokiyuki who told me Ms. Violetta was here.”

The Night Watchers chief was almost overly frank, stating it directly after expressing his envy.

”It is my duty, so I hope you can understand my intrusion?”

”I understand, though Yasui Tokiyuki might be slightly overreacting.”

Su Gao wore a rare look of coldness on her face, seemingly caught slightly off guard by her demigod identity being exposed.

”Perhaps, but things are already quite tense for him right now.”

Taking in Su Gao’s reaction, Gin Kazuhiro smiled and shook his head.

”The conflict between Anjing and Siren has been escalating. There have already been several large-scale clashes recently.”

”During such a sensitive time, an unknown demigod appearing on Ye Island and carefully hiding their identity... his nervousness is certainly understandable.”

It was understandable indeed.

As Gin Kazuhiro frankly explained his intentions, Fu Qian thought to himself.

After the Goddess Envoy left, Fu Qian had already imagined several possible ways things could develop.

Yasui Tokiyuki choosing to report the matter straight to the Night Watchers was one of the more extreme reactions.

There was a fundamental difference between Peak Tier 4 and a demigod. Once Su Gao’s true strength was exposed, the delicate balance of suspicion they had previously maintained was shattered.

Because of this, the intentions behind their previous actions had undoubtedly become blurred.

After all, while fishing for trouble was undeniably malicious, having a demigod do it was a bit overkill.

Because of this, Yasui Tokiyuki absolutely needed to confirm their true intentions.

Under these circumstances, he chose to pass the buck to the Night Watchers, letting them ”interrogate” and even monitor the pair on his behalf, restricting their movements.

With external threats looming, it was clearly a less-than-ideal but acceptable choice.

And Gin Kazuhiro’s swift arrival revealed two things: first, Yasui Tokiyuki likely had plenty of dealings with him, allowing him to track the chief down immediately.

And second, things were truly tense for Yasui Tokiyuki right now. He clearly didn’t want any uncontrollable variables entering the picture.