Eldritch Horror Theatre

Threats and inducements had always been the absolute authority of any person in charge.

Having immersed himself in academia for years, Fu Qian understood this principle perfectly.

Unlike that unscrupulous capitalist, Eldest Miss Wen, he had never intended to exploit Dean Casi’s most trusted subordinate for free.

In fact, seeing her struggle day in and day out without a breakthrough, he felt Professor Lisa ought to strike a balance between work and rest. A change of pace would do her good.

”You owe me a favor? I hope that’s not an empty promise,” Lisa said. ”Tell me how you plan to repay it first.”

Unfortunately for Professor Lisa, although the Demigod before her had not been with the Academy for long, their interactions—especially during the last academic expedition—had firmly cemented him in her mind as a cunning old fox cut from the exact same cloth as Casi.

So, even though the offer of a favor sounded much more appealing, she still voiced her conditions with a healthy dose of suspicion.

”It’s simple. Has your research project hit a bottleneck recently?”

Fu Qian cast a glance toward the depths of the Tower.

”...I suppose you could say that, though I’ve already made some progress. What are you planning? Don’t tell me you intend to finish it for me?”Having her predicament exposed so bluntly, Lisa instinctively tried to justify herself before suddenly freezing. She jerked her head up, her tone turning resistant.

...

”Relax, how could I disrespect academia like that?”

Professor Fu waved a hand, dismissing her concerns with a hearty laugh.

”We might have gathered the findings together during that expedition, but you are the one who has spent all these days painstakingly researching them. You definitely have the greater authority on the matter.”

These were not empty words. While Professor Lisa had hit a bottleneck, Fu Qian had never considered it polite to brazenly interfere with another scholar’s research.

As a fellow academic willing to pour his heart into such endeavors, Fu Qian certainly didn’t believe Professor Lisa would want that kind of help either.

”Then what are you...”

Breathing a sigh of relief alongside a faint, almost imperceptible trace of disappointment, Lisa made no effort to hide her confusion.

”It’s simple. I might not have much energy to devote to academic pursuits, but both Casi and I can at least do our best to create the right conditions for you all.”

His tone brimming with genuine emotion, Fu Qian pointed toward the Bone Mask in the corner.

”As I see it, your current roadblock stems largely from a lack of comparative materials. I plan to take you back to our last expedition site for another thorough search.”

”Huh?”

The others did not know the mask’s origins. Aside from finding Fu Qian’s patronizing, elder-statesman tone a bit bizarre, they didn’t have much of a reaction. Professor Lisa, however, was caught completely off guard by this offer of material support.

”What’s wrong? Doesn’t that place belong to Apocalypse now?”

Fu Qian expressed genuine puzzlement at the hesitation in her demeanor.

”Linghui treats that place like an absolute treasure. Even though they lost ownership of it, they used the excuse of having numerous ongoing projects there to fiercely demand that nothing be lightly damaged.”

This time, it was Lanaya explaining from the side.

It was easy to guess what Fu Qian was aiming for. The head of the Disciplinary Department, who had been quietly watching the spectacle unfold for quite some time, now wore an expression of sheer admiration.

The look she gave him seemed to say, As expected of you. No matter where you go, you always find a novel way to wreak havoc.

Reading that silent message in her eyes while noting that even Lanaya was perfectly aware of the situation, Fu Qian could instantly imagine just how ”intense” Linghui Courtyard’s demands must have been.

”We certainly won’t take it lightly. This is a key project personally overseen by a Demigod.”

However, such a minor obstacle could never stop the person in charge from reallocating resources. Fu Qian spoke without a single shift in expression.

”If there are any complaints, whether from Weilong or Professor Yang, tell them to come see me directly.”

He had brazenly named the two Demigods from Linghui Courtyard who had attended the recent trial.

...

So you really don’t care about the idea that harmony fosters wealth? Lanaya thought. They would have to actually dare to approach you first!

Faced with the interim spokesperson’s overbearing attitude, even Lanaya could only sigh.

During the recent Masquerade incident, not only had this man summarily executed Yi’an—Linghui Courtyard’s troublemaking rising star—but Weilong, one of their two Demigods, had clearly fallen victim to him as well. From the looks of it, Weilong still hadn’t fully recovered.

Lanaya seriously doubted anyone from Linghui had the guts to provoke this completely unhinged man over such a trivial matter.

”If that’s the case, it might actually be of some help...”

While Lanaya was still struggling to find the words to comment on the situation, she heard Professor Lisa beside her murmur thoughtfully.

Has he corrupted Lisa too? Lanaya thought in dismay. She used to do whatever she pleased, sure, but she at least cared a little about the repercussions!

For a brief moment, Lanaya felt as if she were witnessing the moral decline of Apocalypse itself.

”Then it’s settled. I’ll leave them in your care.”

At this moment, the interim spokesperson’s executive efficiency was on full display. The instant Professor Lisa showed the slightest hint of interest, he immediately finalized the details.

”Do your best. Professor Lanaya will also be keeping an eye on this project.”

The very next moment, Fu Qian raised his hand and pointed straight to the side.

”Let her witness the profound academic foundation of our Apocalypse.”

Foundation my foot! Lanaya cursed inwardly. I worked so hard to distance myself from this mess. How did I end up getting roped in as a project supervisor just from standing around watching the show?

Suddenly the center of attention, the designated Lanaya froze.

”...Wouldn’t Apocalypse’s academic foundation have a much greater impact if Professor Fu demonstrated it personally?”

Even Professor Lisa couldn’t help but roll her eyes at Fu Qian.

Yet despite the sarcastic retort, Lanaya noticed that Lisa’s previous hesitation had vanished, replaced by an unmistakable resolve.

Knowing Lisa as she did, Lanaya realized that bringing up the honor of Apocalypse was the perfect bait. She simply couldn’t resist that kind of provocation.

So this is why he dragged me into it?

She shot Fu Qian a glance, but the man’s expression was a mask of flawless, solemn righteousness. Realizing she was already trapped aboard his pirate ship, Lanaya sighed inwardly and plastered on an equally dignified expression of her own.

”I greatly look forward to Professor Lisa’s brilliant work. If there is anything you need my assistance with, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

She hated being used as a pawn, but since the deed was done, she might as well play her part gracefully.

”Thank you, Professors.”

Seeing that the matter was settled, Veil finally let out a breath of relief. Taking her younger sister’s hand, she offered a deep, earnest bow of gratitude, particularly to Lisa, who would be handling the procedure personally.

...

”I’m sure Professor Lisa will give it her all.”

The project was efficiently established, the supervisor appointed, and the Veil Sisters’ promised reward finalized all in the blink of an eye.

Unfortunately, before Fu Qian could boast about his organizational efficiency, he was summarily kicked out along with the other idle bystanders by the project’s lead researcher. Only Lotte was permitted to remain inside.

Though not exactly thrilled about the situation, Professor Lanaya thought it over for a moment and graciously invited Veil to stay at her place in the meantime.

Watching Veil offer another round of thanks before leaving with Lanaya, Classmate Liushuang—who had been watching her words and actions very carefully this entire time—let out a sigh, expressing her sincere hopes for a successful outcome.

Having lived next door for a while, she had clearly gained a good understanding of Professor Lisa’s personality. She knew that Lotte’s problem had a high probability of being resolved.

Naturally, she was just as curious about the sudden appearance of these two sisters as Professor Lanaya was. But more than their mysterious background, she seemed far more concerned with something else entirely—

”So, until the treatment is completely finished, will Professor Fu be staying at the Academy?”