Eldritch Horror Theatre

A divine artifact that even the past sages of the Sword Comprehension Institute had desperately sought but failed to obtain?

Technological progress truly is the primary productive force. No sooner had the breakthrough project results been submitted than an exceptional reward followed.

Though clearly, in Classmate Liushuang’s eyes, this item was far too excessive for a mere reward.

Fu Qian examined the Sword in the Stone, which had been drawn with ease.

As expected, it formed a stark contrast with its scabbard. The slender blade was exquisite and ornate, without a single trace of rust.

And for Fu Qian, it wasn’t hard to sense the extraordinary nature emanating from it—or rather, its divinity.

From this perspective, the origins of that story and the supposed test of the gods seemed to carry a degree of truth.

Even compared to the Weaver’s Limb Tip he had given her previously, Fu Qian firmly believed that even if he had ripped off Akasha’s entire claw and forged it into a longsword, its lethality still couldn’t be mentioned in the same breath as this weapon.

Calling it a minor divine artifact was no exaggeration. No wonder the Sword Comprehension Institute had always coveted it.

In short, for Classmate Ji Liushuang, as long as she wasn’t afraid of the side effects, this combination of a long and short blade was enough for her to unleash astonishing destructive power.Though the core reason she found it so precious probably wasn’t this.

”Chief Yuan and the others are well aware that I’m currently in charge of the Gospel Team,”

Ji Liushuang continued a moment later, exactly as expected.

”Giving this item to me as a reward... besides shocking everyone else in the Sword Comprehension Institute once they find out, I believe it will provoke a lot of thoughts from even more people.”

”Understood. On one hand, it’s the Sword of the King. On the other, those who forget justice and mercy will die a violent death.”

Only now did Fu Qian finally nod, acknowledging her reasoning... and her concerns.

”The sword’s side effects can indeed be seen as a warning, reminding you that the Gospel Team had better stay true to its original aspiration at all times.”

”But at the same time, only the person in charge is qualified to receive such a warning. They essentially just issued you an official endorsement.”

...

”Yeah...”

Offering no pointless modesty, Ji Liushuang sighed softly, recognizing the greatest significance this sword held for her.

As powerful as the Sword of the King was, as a young student—and even the nominal heir of the Ji Clan—it was hard to foresee any situations where she would need to put her life on the line anytime soon.

Without directly facilitating her cultivation, it was hard to say how much practical use the sword’s raw power really had.

Its symbolic meaning, conversely, was far stronger.

Giving this sealed artifact with its ominous side effects to Classmate Liushuang could certainly be seen as a cautionary beating to keep her alert, but at the same time, it made it almost impossible to hand the Gospel Team over to anyone else.

The Night Watchers did not interfere with the operations of various transcendent organizations, true, but that didn’t mean they wouldn’t express their own stance, especially when the Gospel Team operated in sensitive territory.

The moment the people of the Ji Clan learned of this, Classmate Liushuang’s control over the Gospel Team would become practically unshakable.

Even if they wanted to pull any petty tricks behind the scenes, they would have to think twice.

And this was exactly what Ji Liushuang couldn’t understand.

”So this is a bit too precious, compared to what we’ve done so far... I’ve been hesitating over whether I should find a way to politely decline this gift. Since you just returned, Professor Fu, I thought I’d ask for your opinion.”

As she spoke, Classmate Liushuang directly handed the sword over to him.

Was this also why she had invited him over instead of heading back to discuss it?

It was more efficient this way. By the time a decision was made, the person delivering the reward might not have even left yet, making a polite refusal seem a bit less abrupt?

Fu Qian reached out and took it. Deep in thought, he gave it a few swings along with its scabbard. Sure enough, it had quite a bit of heft.

”Are you worried this also includes an advance payment for future tasks?”

In the next breath, he pinpointed Ji Liushuang’s underlying fear.

”Mhm.”

Her expression remained calm.

”For one, my own strength is limited, so I won’t be of much help. For another, I don’t believe I have the authority to do so.”

...

She was indeed worried about this.

Although keeping it offered considerable benefits, and thanks to his prior instructions, she no longer minded taking advantage of the situation.

But now, this advantage had far exceeded expectations. It made Classmate Liushuang worry there was a pit waiting for her, to the point she would rather just give it up entirely.

It wouldn’t even be hard to think of an excuse to refuse—like claiming she wasn’t actually interested in the Gospel Team, for instance.

”Relax. The price has already been paid in full. Don’t imagine them to be so generous.”

Of course, this entire misunderstanding stemmed mainly from the fact that Classmate Liushuang didn’t know this was actually the settlement reward for two separate projects.

The assassination in the Archipelago was a conspiracy shared solely among himself, Li Weixuan, and Yuan Fang. Those two had even specifically promised to keep his involvement a secret.

He just didn’t know what kind of excuse Brother Yuan Fang had used to submit the application within the Night Watchers under these circumstances. It surely couldn’t have been easy.

”...Alright.”

Not believing Professor Fu would lie about such a trivial matter, Ji Liushuang instantly realized upon hearing this that there was indeed a hidden story at play.

Thus, regarding Fu Qian’s advice, she hesitated for only a split second before cleanly accepting it, taking back the Sword in the Stone that Fu Qian handed over to her.

”This sword actually has another unique quirk.”

With a distinct scrape of friction, she completely drew the elegant, luxurious longsword.

At that same moment, both she and the blade seemed to be coated in a layer of radiant light.

”Aside from being incredibly powerful, every swing pushes its lethality even higher. But naturally, there’s a drawback.”

Mimicking Fu Qian’s earlier motions, Ji Liushuang gave it a few practice swings, then pointed at the tip of the blade.

”Its weight also increases rapidly. And it isn’t distributed evenly; it concentrates at the front end, as if invisible stone is condensing right there, until you can no longer lift it... Truth be told, I’m already practically unable to wield it freely.”

So it really was the un-pullable Sword in the Stone, huh?

Seeing Classmate Liushuang’s wrist being forcefully dragged down under the sheer weight as she spoke, Fu Qian suddenly felt the moniker was even more fitting.

Regardless of its outward appearance, the sword seemed intent on living up to its name.

”So, does that Night Watcher demigod have any questions she wants to ask me?”

While marveling at it, Fu Qian changed the subject, turning his attention to another matter.

Her Excellency Aike could be considered an old acquaintance by now. To think she was the one inquiring about this matter today.

Between this and the Laria Royal Family newborn incident from last time, she really gave off the vibe of a special envoy from headquarters.

...

”Her Excellency Aike did mention wanting to see you. She was a bit surprised by the contents of the report, but she didn’t show any obvious dissatisfaction.”

”It seems her main purpose in coming here this time is to confirm the status of the anomalous personnel.”

Fu Qian’s question was undoubtedly a bit of a leap, but hearing that he seemed to know Her Excellency’s background, Ji Liushuang went ahead and described how their interaction went.

”Even when I later explained your absence, she didn’t say much about it. Do you need to go have a chat with her?”

”Of course.”

Fu Qian nodded with a smile.