Eldritch Horror Theatre

[Today’s work has begun. Entering Containment Scenario 3-1041]

With Fu Qian’s confirmation, today’s mission officially began.

[Current SAN Value: 98, current inspiration: 99]

[Select the skills and Items you wish to equip]

A Grade 3 Item doesn’t restrict abilities? ...Then it seems I can give it a try.

Amid the system prompts, Fu Qian muttered to himself, his gaze locking onto an Old Lantern resting on the table.

Given its unpredictable effects, testing it in high-level missions was undoubtedly too risky.

Now, however, he could definitely look for an opportunity.

Quickly making up his mind, Fu Qian grabbed the Lantern.

After a moment’s thought, he picked up the adjacent Pope-Bestowed Mask. At the same time, he unequipped Mercy and set it aside.If things blew out of proportion, there was a real risk of becoming a wanted man; he needed to minimize his recognizability.

[...1%... 5%... 15%... 45%... 75%... 95%... 100%. Containment Scenario loaded]

After equipping his items and confirming his skill selection, the mission briefing appeared.

[Every living being has the right to listen to the gospel and receive mercy.

As a member of the Gospel Team, you are committed to lending a helping hand to miserable souls trapped in suffering, anytime and anywhere, ensuring they can experience the beauty of life to the fullest.

As a transcendent specializing in healing, you hold no advantage in exploration or combat, but in this field, you are second to none.

The only regret is that people with your abilities are far too scarce.

Fortunately, the number of those qualified to become miserable souls is equally rare.]

Gospel Team? Has my image improved this much lately?

Listening to the mission briefing, Fu Qian clicked his tongue in wonder.

First I was a scholar educating the youth, and now I’m healing the wounded and rescuing the dying?

To ensure he could rise to this new responsibility, the rich anatomical knowledge he had accumulated in his past work instantly flashed through his mind for a review.

At the same time, the world before his eyes snapped into focus.

Is this... a live demonstration?

The scene that unfolded in the next second made even Fu Qian sigh in marvel.

Roughly three meters in front of him lay a human body with more than half of its skin sliced open.

Not only were the muscles and tendons vividly exposed, but textbook surgical windows had been opened into both the chest and abdominal cavities, perfectly displaying the placement of the internal organs... and their continued function.

That’s right. Standard as the dissection looked, this was clearly a real person, and they were still alive.

In fact, right at this moment, amidst a pool of blood, a figure wearing a mask and a white uniform was leaning over the body to check its condition.

There were four other people in the room wearing the exact same attire, and Fu Qian was one of them.

Aside from him and another person standing guard, the remaining two were gathered around a tall man, examining him as well.

Of course, Fu Qian could tell at a glance that there was absolutely no need for it.

Although the tall man was covered in blood, his only actual wound was a scalpel jammed into his arm.

”Mr. Watson, could you explain this?”

The person standing next to Fu Qian suddenly spoke up, addressing the middle-aged man with the knife wound.

”It’s nothing. You arrived very quickly!”

Watson, a man with thick but clearly well-groomed facial hair, let out a low chuckle, sounding immensely satisfied.

By now, one of the two checking his wound had pulled out a small vial of medicine, opened it, and poured it over the cut.

Amid an eerie, sweet fragrance, a clear, pristine light flared to life in the healer’s hand. With a gentle brush of their fingers, the gash on Watson’s arm visibly mended itself until it vanished completely.

”Can you treat him as well?”

Fully healed, Watson pointed at the man lying there.

”We can, but you will have to bear the additional cost.”

The negotiator’s tone gave away no emotion.

”Furthermore, we need to verify his identity.”

”Relax, he’s just an ordinary person like me.”

Watson waved a hand.

”He had a minor health issue and was struggling to afford the medical bills. So, we made a little wager. If he could help me find some amusement and survive until the end, I would stab myself.”

”Understood. Please wait a moment.”

The man who seemed to be the squad leader nodded. After giving that instruction, he walked straight out the door, clearly going to ask for authorization.

”Treat him.”

Barely a dozen seconds later, the leader pushed the door open and signaled for them to save the man.

Naturally, this man’s injuries were much more severe. But the transcendent medical squad was clearly highly trained. Under a rapid flurry of various techniques, the horrific wounds slowly began to close.

Of course, as his body recovered, so did his ability to scream.

Considering his own methods would be a bit too shocking for the world, Fu Qian wasn’t in a hurry to intervene.

Fortunately, the leader didn’t seem to mind his inaction.

A moment later, the man lying there finally regained some semblance of a human shape.

Compared to Watson, it was obvious this man was much younger, looking to be under forty.

”His minor issue has been resolved in passing. Someone will contact you later regarding the bill.”

Once the patient’s breathing steadied, the leader, who seemingly had no intention of lingering, informed Watson of the next steps and immediately signaled the squad to pack up and leave.

Upon exiting the building, the group boarded a vehicle stamped with a red insignia and sped away.

...

Judging from the mission briefing, this was the Gospel Team, and it was obvious that the one qualified to listen to the gospel was Mr. Watson.

Just as the briefing implied, not everyone was qualified to be a ”miserable soul.”

However, it had to be said that with transcendent power, this kind of medical operation was incredibly convenient. Most issues could be fixed right on the spot.

”233.”

While he was lost in thought, the leader sitting next to him leaned over.

”Don’t be in a rush to leave when we get back. I just received a notice that a client has requested a face-to-face meeting with you.”

233, his operational codename?

Faced with this designation, Fu Qian couldn’t help but recall his Tyrant getup from not long ago.

And a face-to-face meeting?

Fu Qian tapped a finger against his mask.

Since his abilities hadn’t been restricted, he had long since realized that his appearance—including his physique—was different from usual.

It was obvious the Warehouse had directly applied some degree of disguise on his behalf, saving him the trouble.

But even so, he didn’t possess any related memories and didn’t even know his own name here. He really couldn’t imagine what there was to discuss.

Regardless, the Containment Conditions hadn’t been issued yet, so he might as well let nature take its course.

...

Soon enough, the vehicle carrying the five of them drove into the underground garage of a red-and-white building.

After cleaning himself up and changing into casual clothes, Fu Qian quickly received the notification to meet the client.

The notice even specifically reminded him to wear the mask provided in the room to conceal his identity.

Plenty of companies valued client privacy, but this was the first time he’d seen one so attentive to employee privacy.

Amid his musings, Fu Qian followed the instructions to a conference room and met the client who was already waiting.

Except this person...

”Hello, Mister 233.”

Across the long table, Classmate Ji Liushuang—who was supposedly home visiting relatives—greeted him with absolute seriousness.