Eldritch Horror Theatre

What a perfect volunteer.

Su Gao’s discretion was always reassuring.

Not to mention that, even as Fu Qian silently praised her, she took the lead without needing a reminder, maintaining her role as the operation’s leader on the way back.

”I asked the local Night Watchers to come over and help secure the scene. That shouldn’t be a problem, right?”

They had only walked a short distance after Fu Qian caught up when Su Gao looked back to ask his opinion on the matter.

”Not at all. I would have done exactly the same thing.”

Fu Qian shook his head, fully approving of her choice.

”Whether it’s the Council back at your headquarters or the Academy, it’s an easier approach for everyone to accept.”

This wasn’t empty flattery. Although the incident took place at the Academy, it was later proven that no Academy personnel were involved, and the Night Watchers had taken an overly aggressive stance.

Because of how things had developed, the Academy would have a hard time viewing the Night Watchers’ presence as mere assistance.Given these circumstances, even though Li Weixuan and Yuan Fang were close friends and Professor Chang Mo was extremely responsible, bringing in the local Night Watchers to share the daily lockdown duties would obviously seem far more reasonable.

At the same time, the leaders of the Night Watchers would feel more at ease about keeping the situation under control.

And by extension, his own role as an operations advisor would draw less suspicion.

Of course, despite all these benefits, Fu Qian believed that if he had said it was inconvenient, Classmate Su Gao would have completely respected his wishes and changed her mind.

As for why she asked right now, the reason was simple—they could already hear Brother Yuan Fang’s voice.

Although they were still some distance away, it was easy to tell that the local Night Watcher chief was having a very pleasant conversation with Professor Naya.

The latter was truly worthy of heading the Disciplinary Department. The social skills she had honed at the banquet tables were no joke, and she was currently expressing her deep gratitude for Brother Yuan Fang’s full support.

She even made a point to mention that Special Envoy Su, accompanied by the operations advisor, had tirelessly gone to inspect the scene once again.

”You’re out.”

Just as her words fell, she looked up at Fu Qian and Su Gao as they emerged.

...

Although their efficiency was remarkably high, Naya didn’t know the inside story, so she didn’t show any unwarranted surprise when she greeted them.

”Thanks for your hard work.”

Su Gao gave a slight nod, greeting Yuan Fang and the others looking their way.

Aside from him standing at the front, there were two unfamiliar faces—a man and a woman—who were clearly the backup he had brought along.

Not only did they look shrewd and capable at a glance, but their Rank wasn’t much lower than Yuan Fang’s either, proving just how seriously the Night Watchers were taking this defensive assignment.

”It’s only right.”

It was obvious that Classmate Su Gao held quite a bit of intimidating influence among the Night Watchers; even Yuan Fang’s politeness was completely earnest.

”And thanks for your hard work as well, Professor Fu.”

He greeted Fu Qian in the very next breath, making a point to thank him specifically.

”It’s only right.”

Fu Qian offered absolutely zero originality in response, repeating Yuan Fang’s words without batting an eye.

It wasn’t surprising that Su Gao scared people like this. Compared to Aike, the other Demigod who likely hadn’t left yet, their Rank was the same, but the aura she gave off was entirely different.

Aike might also have his strict and terrifying moments, but they could never compare to the oppressive weight brought by her calm gaze.

Even so, despite the frequent incidents occurring lately, Yuan Fang, the local chief of the Night Watchers, still looked radiant and full of drive. Even his casual thanks sounded completely sincere.

Could it be because Li Weixuan had advanced to the Demigod Realm? If so, it really proved they were excellent friends.

In theory, a situation like this was far more stimulating than seeing your buddy pull up in a new Land Rover.

”Executive Yama Su’s temporary office is at my place. Let’s head over and sit for a bit.”

While guessing the reason, Fu Qian casually extended the invitation with a sigh.

...

Yuan Fang didn’t decline. Leaving his subordinates behind, he readily followed along.

It was clear that he was fully cooperating with Su Gao’s operations for this incident.

After confirming that no more personnel were needed, Yuan Fang didn’t ask if they had found any new clues during their exploration. Along the way, he just casually chatted about recent events in the world.

For instance, the conflict between Siren and Anjing was still escalating. Even freelance Transcendents had been dragged into it, and a few severely affected areas had descended into total chaos... Unfortunately, there was still no news about the Underwater Prison.

”I’d only heard about it before. This is my first time visiting Professor Fu’s Laboratory, and it really is... quite unique.”

Fu Qian didn’t mind. After all, the moment Yuan Fang walked through the door, he had expressed a high degree of recognition for Fu Qian’s scientific research capabilities.

As Yuan Fang sized up the surrounding research facilities, the admiration in his eyes was definitely not faked.

”Sigh... Without investment, how can there be output? Achievements can never rely solely on a flash of inspiration.”

Fu Qian merely shook his head, casually inviting him to take a seat while lamenting the hardships of scientific research.

Of course, there was no need to worry that Yuan Fang had come at a friend’s request to investigate wasteful research spending.

Even from Yuan Fang’s perspective, there wasn’t actually anything important for him to do here.

Fu Qian had simply invited him over for tea out of politeness.

They were acquaintances, after all. Yuan Fang had even put a lot of effort into helping Classmate Liushuang apply for the Sword in the Stone reward.

As for why Fu Qian still hadn’t gone to get things ready now that everyone was seated?

”Classmate Liushuang, help get some tea.”

Fu Qian called out to someone not far away.

That’s right. Ji Liushuang, who had run off early to work hard at the Sword Comprehension Institute, had actually skipped class and slipped back the moment her boss left.

...

She seemed to have something to say, but she wasn’t in an immediate rush.

When everyone walked through the door, Classmate Liushuang was already coming down the stairs.

Facing her boss’s request, she had no complaints at all, cheerfully replying with a smile before going to prepare the tea.

Naturally, Fu Qian didn’t think she was slacking off. She had clearly rushed back for a specific reason.

But judging from her reaction, making tea wouldn’t delay anything important.

All that could be said was that this place was much livelier right now than originally planned. As for what the original plan was—

Knock, knock, knock!

Just as Classmate Liushuang finished brewing the tea and poured a cup for everyone, unhurried knocks sounded at the door.

”Come in.”

The door was pushed open from the outside, and a long-unseen familiar face stood quietly there, looking inside.

Was his name Ni Huayuan?

In the slightly heavy atmosphere, Fu Qian thought hard for a moment before finally digging the name out of his memory.

If he remembered correctly, Ni Huayuan was an elite backbone of the Linghui Courtyard.

Also, Professor Weilong really couldn’t swallow his anger. Even though he kept his word about a visit from the young genius, he still chose to let someone else bring her.

Indeed, behind Professor Ni, whose eyes carried a faintly eerie gleam, was an even more familiar face—the one studying abroad in Linghui, Eldest Miss Wen.