Eldritch Horror Theatre

”I see. That really is a bit of a coincidence.”

In many contexts, the sun and the moon are concepts often mentioned together.

Therefore, in Fu Qian’s view, Yuan Shan’s explanation was perfectly reasonable.

This also made her quick, unquestioning acceptance of the Red Moon story seem much more natural.

How could anyone not wonder why they were suddenly targeted by a higher power for no reason?

”I still can’t figure out exactly why, but I just feel there’s some connection.”

Given her demeanor, Yuan Shan was clearly trying to treat the correspondence between the sun and the moon as a possible cause.

Even though she admitted the specific logical connection would be very hard to verify.

”It’s fine. It’s not like your place has only been lively for a day or two. Tell me exactly what’s going on.”

Fu Qian offered these words of comfort, implying that life was just like this and one might as well enjoy the ride.”I suppose that really is the case...”

That single sentence seemed to stir up more memories for Yuan Shan. Recounting the various incidents that had happened recently, she was left almost speechless.

Not to mention the Red Moon—even earlier, when dealing with Ariel, the sun had already completed a Descent here.

”Actually, the correlation isn’t that strong. I just learned of some internal intelligence a couple of days ago, and it reminded me of something we talked about before.”

But she remained comfortingly resilient, quickly pulling herself together to share the news.

”I remember you asking a question back then: who was the master of Paradise? Coincidentally, according to the information I received, it seems they recently discovered a ’Heavenly Kingdom on Earth’.”

...

’Oh... a Heavenly Kingdom on Earth?’

’Sounds like an interesting term.’

Given Chief Yuan’s status, the accuracy of her internal intelligence was beyond doubt.

And naturally, Fu Qian remembered the conversation she mentioned perfectly well.

He had once asked her about the name Eckhart. Later, after making some headway, she had come specifically to tell him that the man was once a follower of the sun.

This alone proved that Chief Yuan truly paid attention. Back then, he had only casually asked about concepts like Paradise and the Realm of Bliss without even clarifying their actual connection to the sun, yet she had kept it all in mind.

”Sounds like quite the extraordinary place. Did they say what it looks like?”

Nodding slightly, Fu Qian pictured the overlapping layers of the Realm of Bliss in his mind as he curiously pressed for details.

”Unfortunately, there weren’t any detailed descriptions. I only know that the place is supposedly entirely pure white, making for a very unique visual experience.”

Yuan Shan shook her head, implying that just getting a name was already a lucky break.

’Pure white... the White-Headed Sanctuary?’

But that was enough. A certain overly distinct trait instantly jogged Fu Qian’s memory, bringing to mind those descending curtains.

He had even recommended it to a certain bride before because of its visual effects, emphasizing how photogenic it was. How could he forget?

It even further brought to mind an entity covered in a network of crisscrossing veins, resembling an inverted stomach.

’So it’s Him? That thing is practically confirmed to have a massive connection to Excellency Stomach’s authority.’

’It really could be Him... because someone else’s behavior suddenly aligns with this perfectly. Namely, a fellow member of the Night Watchers, Excellency Aike.’

Back when he was preparing for the scientific expedition at the Academy, that special envoy in charge of investigating the Finger Orb project, who should have stayed for a while longer, had uncharacteristically rushed over to quickly bid him farewell.

He had guessed back then that the Night Watchers might have made some major breakthrough, prompting them to hastily call her back.

Now it seemed highly likely that it was related to the Heavenly Kingdom on Earth that Yuan Shan had just mentioned.

”Interesting... In a project I previously investigated alongside Excellency Aike, there was something similar. However, we generally referred to it as the White-Headed Sanctuary.”

Fu Qian didn’t even try to hide this fact, directly bringing up matters handled by his alternate persona.

...

”The White-Headed Sanctuary?”

Although they were already mutually aware of his alternate persona at the Academy, this sort of open transparency was still somewhat bold. Chief Yuan looked momentarily taken aback, softly repeating the alternative name.

She was clearly unfamiliar with it; she probably hadn’t known anything about this project beforehand.

”Yeah. Everything inside is white, and it has a particularly intense contrasting effect.”

Fu Qian casually described the place he had visited with Classmate Liushuang, even mentioning the accompanying restraint of pleasure and the pleasure of restraint.

”...That doesn’t sound like much of a Paradise at all. In fact, it sounds incredibly sinister.”

The more she listened, the deeper Yuan Shan’s frown became. She eventually reached the same conclusion as before, showing a complete lack of appreciation for the place.

”I can only say it depends on who you ask. At the very least, most of the victims I’ve seen couldn’t resist that sensation, and they forever longed to take it a step further.”

Fu Qian recalled Honma and the others, as well as those strange and bizarre wills within the Realm of Bliss.

Concepts like Paradise were inherently subjective, after all.

”You sound like you’re even looking forward to it?”

Unfortunately, this objective mindset easily invited misunderstandings. Yuan Shan frowned again, staring at Fu Qian as if she could barely resist the urge to step away from him.

It was mostly Fu Qian’s own fault for describing it far too vividly just now.

’What do you mean, looking forward to it? It’s not like I haven’t experienced it before.’

Fu Qian simply scoffed at her reaction and bluntly changed the subject.

”That was only the reason you left that letter, right? So why did you rush over here in such a hurry today?”

...

Although it was indeed interesting news, without even confirming a definite connection to the sun, it simply didn’t carry enough weight to warrant a personal visit from Chief Yuan. It did, however, perfectly align with his earlier judgment regarding that blank letter.

So, while satisfied with Chief Yuan’s professionalism, Fu Qian grew even more curious about the real reason behind her visit today.

”It’s indeed not that... It’s actually about my teacher.”

Yuan Shan let out a long sigh, confirming his suspicion just as expected.

’Old Man Henry? So the topic just now was a two-way street?’

Her next words made Fu Qian click his tongue in sheer wonder.

Earlier, in an effort to give Yuan Shan a little strength, he had chosen to use the Old Man as motivation.

Yet, as it turned out, the real reason she had rushed over was actually related to him?

”What happened to the Old Man?”

Since they were essentially partners in crime to some extent by now, Fu Qian immediately offered his concern.

”...The problem is that I don’t know what happened to him.”

As expected of Chief Yuan; unfortunately, her answer was in the exact same style as her previous self-evaluation.

”I have an item related to my teacher. Its function is very simple: it allows me to sense his state to a certain extent, even across vast distances.”

Clearly realizing the problem, Yuan Shan hesitated for a moment before continuing to explain.

”But just now, that item suddenly lost its connection, and my attempts to contact my teacher have failed... Originally, my plan was that if you weren’t here, I’d set out for the Sacred Night Capital straight away.”