Eldritch Horror Theatre

That was right. The person standing before him was none other than the gestating angel Lorraine, whom he had dealt with in the Angel Dungeon.

Of course, this was only the poor woman’s body.

Long ago, the moment she looked directly into the mirror of the Angel Covenant, her personal will had been completely annihilated by the fetus in her womb.

Theoretically speaking, she was now nothing more than a walking cradle.

This was exactly why Fu Qian had just commented that the little friend lacked patience.

The one paying this rather impolite visit was the fetus itself, which had finally developed its own consciousness under the catalyst of his Fetus-Preserving Pellet.

As for why it had come, that was naturally due to the minor provocation he had left behind before departing.

That table in the corner he had glanced at last—aside from the one standing before him, the other two were also acquaintances: Elena and Cross, the Saintess and Heavy Hammer Duo.

...

It seemed that before the Angel Dungeon was completely concealed, these three had not only successfully escaped but had also formed a special team to roam the Wasteland together.Among them, the Child of Lorraine undoubtedly possessed the most exaggerated strength.

Even though it had fallen from that pure, saint-like state, the aura it displayed was, in Fu Qian’s eyes, at least at the Demigod Level.

Its mental maturity, however, was another matter entirely.

The moment he had walked through the door earlier, even though it hadn’t turned its head, a concealed yet direct scrutiny had locked onto him, like a small beast eyeing its prey.

He had the feeling that if it hadn’t been restrained by Elena at its side, it probably would have taken further action.

To think that such a trio would actually be interested in the legendary Ancient Dragon Blessing. It clearly added some significant variables to how things might develop.

That was why, before Fu Qian left, he had deliberately put on a display of power bordering on provocation. Under that stimulus, he successfully caused Elena’s restraint to fail.

In truth, his reason for coming to the back area in the first place was to find a quiet spot to catch up with a few old friends.

Choosing this particular room, complete with a table and chairs, served the same purpose.

...

”Come in.”

Facing the Child of Lorraine, who hadn’t said a word since sitting down, Fu Qian wasn’t in a hurry to initiate any conversation. Instead, he simply called out again.

Before his voice even faded, two more figures had already appeared at the doorway.

The one in front had a pure gaze and a graceful posture. Even a thick, full-body robe couldn’t conceal her solemn and holy aura. She was none other than the Patricidal Saintess, Elena.

After experiencing the rapid flip-flopping between light and darkness, she had finally managed to return from her corrupted fall with the help of the Angel Covenant.

That was right. Because she had looked directly into the mirror at the last moment, coupled with the effects of the Eternally Lucid Mind, she had successfully forged the covenant, just as Ji Yicheng had done at the time.

But of course, even so, Elena’s level was still far too lacking.

For instance, Fu Qian didn’t think she was capable of sensing how terrifying he truly was, unlike the Child of Lorraine.

Though she had probably realized a little of it by now.

”Don’t stand on ceremony. I’ve been waiting for you.”

At Fu Qian’s further invitation, Elena, who had hesitated much longer than the Child of Lorraine, finally let out a soft sigh and walked in.

”Mister Lu, because of Lorraine’s special condition, she was a bit offensive just now. Please forgive us.”

The moment she sat down, Elena formally apologized on behalf of her teammate while gently stroking Lorraine’s back, seemingly trying to soothe her emotions.

Although, in Fu Qian’s opinion, rubbing her belly directly might have been more effective.

”It’s fine. I provoked her first.”

Fu Qian waved his hand, not only showing that he didn’t mind at all but even admitting that he had done it on purpose earlier.

”There were a bit too many people out there. I just wanted to find a quiet place to chat with the three of you.”

Just as expected!

Elena, who had already suspected as much, felt a sudden jolt of alarm.

Yet, his candor made it seem like he didn’t harbor any deep malice.

”Please speak. If it’s something we know, we will do our best to answer.”

Communicating with smart people really saved time and effort. Of course, it seemed that the only one capable of communicating in this team right now was this smart person.

Amid his silent praise, Fu Qian withdrew his gaze from evaluating Cross.

Even when they had first met, this guardian, entrusted by Elena’s father, had been a man of few words. Right now, he was completely silent, merely following by her side the entire way.

He even wore an iron-black mask under his hood, completely concealing his face.

This fellow, who had once nearly lost control, now appeared to be barely maintaining a normal state by relying on some sort of mind-calming Angel Halo from Elena.

What a Blind Idiot Trio!

”No need to be nervous. This is merely a mutually beneficial exchange. In fact, there isn’t anything I absolutely must obtain on this trip.”

Fu Qian continued to maintain his persona as a capricious madman.

”Actually, if you have any questions, you can feel free to ask me right now.”

”...Mister Lu knows us?”

Fu Qian’s overwhelming sincerity clearly left Elena somewhat flattered and apprehensive.

However, considering that the blessing outside could appear at any moment, she only hesitated for a few seconds before quickly asking her question.

”I had some dealings with the late Sir William, so I’ve heard a thing or two about your heroic feat of patricide.”

Fu Qian nodded, completely disregarding the fact that under his provocation, Elena, who had already transformed into an angel, could barely maintain her expression.

”As for her? The person represented by the name Lorraine should already be dead, though the little friend in her belly is certainly formidable.”

He actually knew all of this!

Narrowing her eyes to stare at Fu Qian, Elena wore an unprecedentedly grim expression.

Having her greatest secret exposed at a single glance forced her to reevaluate the threat level of the person sitting before her.

As she had followed him here earlier, she had still been thinking about how to prevent things from blowing out of proportion to avoid affecting their subsequent actions.

Now, it seemed the situation was far more perilous than she had imagined.

...

As her thoughts raced, Elena’s heart gave a sudden leap. The mysterious figure sitting across from her had unexpectedly reached out a hand.

Assuming he was about to make a lethal move, traces of blinding white light instantly seeped out across Elena’s face, but she managed to rein it in immediately after.

She realized that he had merely reached out to catch a falling Feather.

Looking up at the fluttering ”snowflakes” once more, Elena abruptly realized that because her own emotions had flared, Lorraine had sensed it and entered a state of high alert once again.

”Lorraine’s will has indeed dissipated, but there are quite a few people in the Wasteland who recognize this face. If we used another name, it might cause unnecessary trouble.”

Placing her hand directly on Lorraine’s lower abdomen, she carefully soothed her without bothering to hide her actions anymore, explaining quickly.

”Understood.”

Watching the sky full of flying Feathers stagnate and eventually disperse entirely under Elena’s soothing touch, Fu Qian thought to himself that it really wasn’t easy being the leader of this team.

”My question is very simple. Is there anything you absolutely must obtain on this trip?”

”...The Ancient Giant Dragon.”

Oh? As expected, they were different from the rest. What lofty ambitions!

Fu Qian praised them silently.

”Why are you so sure that the Ancient Giant Dragon will definitely appear?”

”We aren’t sure...”