Eldritch Horror Theatre

”Morning, Professor Fu.”

Although a day’s plan begins in the morning, young people who truly grasped this were rare.

Having changed into casual clothes, Fu Qian was quietly gazing out the window at the morning glow when Classmate Liushuang’s greeting rang out.

Lately, quiet rest had become an increasingly rare experience for Fu Qian.

But after seeing off his visitors yesterday, he had adapted easily, comfortably enjoying the peace for a while.

The latter half of the night had been especially quiet; the Etched Intellect didn’t act up again, nor did anyone suddenly jump out at him.

Of course, Fu Qian didn’t deliberately sleep a full eight hours either. He still woke up early, setting a good example for the young people.

”Food will be delivered shortly. Do you want to eat breakfast together?”

Feeling encouraged, Classmate Liushuang had already sat down beside him, asking the question before Fu Qian could say anything.

”Sure.”Looking quite approachable, Fu Qian turned his head, only to see his research assistant staring at him with a beaming smile.

”Striking a balance between work and rest is indeed very important. I feel much better after taking a break.”

Catching her boss’s eye, Ji Liushuang casually explained the reason behind her high spirits.

Though that explanation seemed perfectly applicable to the man sitting across from her as well.

”Very good. So, what are your plans after breakfast?”

Naturally, Fu Qian picked up on such details. Giving a slight nod, he made sure to inquire about work, taking the opportunity to also greet Wen Li, who had come downstairs just a moment later.

She appeared to have rested equally well; her eyes sparkled, and she looked thoroughly radiant.

”I’ll probably head to the Academy. I might not have time to help out Professor Lisa today.”

In response to his question, Classmate Liushuang wore an apologetic expression. Sure enough, she was prioritizing her studies, stating she would be working hard at the Sword Comprehension Institute today.

”Don’t worry about it. I can go help out,” Fu Qian said, waving a hand dismissively, feeling quite gratified.

Huh?

At this, even Wen Li—who hadn’t fully settled into her seat yet—couldn’t help but look utterly shocked.

”What’s wrong? Were you planning to go help out too?” Fu Qian shot her a strange look.

”No, I definitely have to go to Linghui today... I just think that even Professor Lisa probably wouldn’t expect this.”

As expected, Wen Li hastily shook her head. While similarly prioritizing her studies, she noted that Professor Fu’s diligence was truly a bit unexpected.

Of course, Fu Qian suspected that what truly shocked both her and Classmate Liushuang was his blatant dereliction of duty.

After all, it would be hard for them not to have heard the commotion caused by yesterday’s visitors, such as Professor Ah Kai’s disappearance.

He could only sigh at the youth. The Preservation Chamber was a project that fully embodied the spirit of the Academy—how could working on it be considered a dereliction of duty?

Especially since the Burial Scroll still needed a little more time to finish its cooldown.

...

”Hello, Professor Fu.”

Unsurprisingly, the one who delivered the food was Jia Keke.

And although it was just breakfast, it was clear she hadn’t cut any corners.

However, she seemed somewhat unprepared for her boss’s boss to be present, looking rather nervous as she greeted him.

”Thank you for your hard work.”

But receiving such a response the next second only made her even more tense.

Carefully sizing her up, Professor Fu wore a mysterious smile.

Last time, she had been suspected of being chosen as a vessel by His Excellency Needle Witch, allowing for a close-range assessment of his true strength.

So much so that seeing her again easily brought to mind the unfulfilled appointment waiting with the Night Watchers.

Moreover, right now she had returned to normal under his Vision Radar. As the oldest person present, she was indisputably the weakest transcendent among them, and she was clearly oblivious to her past encounter.

Of course, she hadn’t completely stagnated; many things were merely relative.

Considering it hadn’t actually been that long since they first met, her condition had still noticeably improved.

It wasn’t surprising. A transcendent of this tier generally didn’t lack money. Aside from enjoying the shelter of a powerful organization, the compensation offered by the Gospel Team had to be generous enough to make her willing to work like a horse.

”It’s only proper...”

Besides, no matter how approachable he seemed, Professor Fu’s oppressive aura was simply too strong. With just a casual ’thank you for your hard work,’ Ms. Jia was nearly overwhelmed. She offered a stiff smile as she helped lay out the food.

Excellent.

Fu Qian easily noticed that his favorite fish had been specially prepared, instantly making the morning feel even more wonderful.

...

”Why are you...”

Facts proved that Wen Li was right; faced with a volunteer showing up at her door, Professor Lisa was indeed somewhat dumbfounded.

Breakfast was ultimately a quick affair. Whether it was the research assistant or Wen Li, their claims of going to study clearly weren’t empty talk, and they soon went their separate ways in a harmonious atmosphere.

Similarly keeping his word, Fu Qian had hurried over to knock on Professor Lisa’s door, but because she was overly shocked, he hadn’t even been invited inside yet.

”I’m here to help. Didn’t I say yesterday that those things were interesting?”

Fu Qian didn’t mind, simply tilting his chin toward the interior.

From this angle, he could see that Lotte was actually already hard at work.

The young woman seemed extremely dedicated to her newly acquired job.

”Really? You actually have the free time for this?”

At Fu Qian’s statement, Professor Lisa’s eyes widened, looking even more startled.

Although his performance yesterday had indeed been astonishing and highly efficient, she clearly hadn’t expected the Demigod volunteer to return today.

Was the man before her truly that interested in those deranged things?

Given his eccentric behavior over the past few days, coupled with his similar tastes to Kasi, it really couldn’t be denied, but... it still felt a bit weird.

”I’m not idle, but I am indeed interested.”

Unfortunately for Lisa, the only response she received was Fu Qian observing her with a beaming smile.

”...Then thanks for your hard work.”

Being stared at made her feel almost on edge, especially when his gaze landed on her neck.

After a moment, Lisa finally couldn’t take it anymore and stepped aside to let him in.

A free volunteer—she’d be a fool not to use him.

”Did you rest well yesterday?”

Unexpectedly, she still wasn’t off the hook. After walking all the way to the same spot and sitting down, Professor Fu even initiated some completely meaningless small talk.

”I’m fine... I just helped you request some materials. There’s no need to be so polite, right?”

Lisa’s recently relaxed brow couldn’t help but furrow again, though her tone wasn’t overly rigid.

”Who are you? Who allowed you in?”

Unfortunately, before Fu Qian could exchange pleasantries, a far harsher voice rang out.

It naturally wasn’t Lotte sitting nearby. Instead, the door Professor Lisa had just closed had silently opened once again.

An Old Lady with a stern, somewhat gloomy face stood there, the cold glint in her eyes piercing over like a dagger.

A Demigod.

From the moment he opened his eyes today until now, she was undoubtedly the best-performing contestant under his Vision Radar.