Eldritch Horror Theatre

Hmph, how could our kind be mere commoners.

After half a lifetime of scheming, this shortcut to success—the path of entering officialdom through academia—has finally been walked by yours truly.

Classmate Su Gao’s casual remark had pushed this already heated meeting to entirely new heights.

Feeling the piercing gazes that practically wanted to shatter against his face, Professor Fu stood with his hands clasped behind his back. He remained completely silent, displaying the perfect demeanor of a mastermind strategizing within the command tent.

It was no wonder he carried such an imposing aura. Not only was he stirring up a storm at the pinnacle of human education—the highest transcendent Academy—and occupying the seat of interim spokesperson, but he was also effortlessly integrating industry, academia, and research to provide advisory services for the foremost violent organization.

Such political maneuvering, and the hardships involved, were simply beyond the comprehension of ordinary people.

”So that’s how it is...”

At the very least, after briefly admiring his demeanor, Professor Chang Mo seemed to have completely given up on thinking. Her murmurs were so soft they were barely audible.

”Ah? That is truly wonderful!”

And this was exactly where the difference between them showed.Though equally unable to conceal his shock, Li Weixuan had merely been suppressed for a moment by Professor Fu’s imperious presence. When he spoke again, his tone was already laced with pleasant surprise.

”I was just worrying about how the Academy should coordinate on our end. Professor Fu is outstanding in both strength and scholarship; this can be considered the best possible arrangement... If you have any issues later, please seek me out at any time.”

Look at that. What was true leadership?

Faced with a series of sudden incidents, and even this final unexpected twist, he had organized his thoughts in the blink of an eye. He recognized that Professor Fu was acting entirely for the public good, for the people, and for all living beings.

Thus, even though he hadn’t been informed in advance, he showed absolutely no displeasure. He even smoothly took the opportunity to fight for some credit.

And he wasn’t fighting for his own credit, but for the entire Academy.

Although Dean Li was still young, his handling of the situation left Elder Fu filled with gratification, evoking a sense that he no longer needed to worry about what would happen after he was gone.

Of course, he didn’t forget to throw an extra glance at Professor Chang Mo, who looked even more bewildered and uncertain after the dean’s words.

Teacher Mo, your depths are still far too shallow.

...

”Professor Fu, I will leave the hard work to you from here on.”

The midnight secret meeting concluded with astonishing efficiency.

After confirming they didn’t need help arranging accommodations, Li Weixuan still earnestly escorted Demigod Su and her group to the door, specifically asking Professor Fu to cooperate fully.

It was obvious that the message conveyed earlier through Classmate Liushuang let him know Professor Fu likely had more theories about the background of the entity hiding in the Benevolent Curse Institute.

This was probably also why, after the incident occurred, the professor hadn’t attended the follow-up meeting and had even swiftly left the Academy.

Naturally, Li Weixuan wouldn’t think Professor Fu harbored any petty thoughts about fighting for credit.

Leaving in such a hurry right after specifically warning him—whatever was involved behind the scenes was likely not something the Academy could easily bear.

Coupled with the fact that he appeared alongside the person in charge from the Night Watchers this time, he had probably been running around ever since, contacting old acquaintances to handle the matter.

At this point, although the matter of the ”ship” seemed bizarre, Li Weixuan felt a distinct sense of reassurance settle his anxious heart.

”Don’t mention it. It is what I ought to do.”

Fu Qian, who was fundamentally the root cause of this entire series of events, clearly felt Dean Li’s expectations. Giving a slight nod, he signaled that he would take care of everything.

”Rob and Professor Ah Kai, I will have to trouble you two with the upcoming tasks as well.”

Watching Fu Qian and the others leave, Li Weixuan didn’t forget to turn his head and cast an expressionless glance at the two staff members awaiting disciplinary action.

”Ah?”

Rob and Ah Kai had already been somewhat dazed, and for a moment, they had no idea how to react.

Tonight had truly been a rollercoaster. First, unable to suppress their unbearable curiosity, they had broken the rules to sneak into the forbidden grounds. But right when their expectations were dashed and they found nothing, they were caught red-handed.

Yet before their punishment could arrive, they had surprisingly eavesdropped on a shocking secret, leaving them with the profound sense that all their trouble hadn’t been for nothing.

And now, they were directly and seriously being asked for a favor?

”Regarding the remnants involving a High-Tier Transcendent, the security over at the Benevolent Curse Institute clearly needs to be strengthened. Could I trouble you to assist Professor Chang Mo?”

Fortunately, Li Weixuan didn’t need them to say anything. A moment later, he continued in a gentle tone that brokered no refusal.

”...Of course. Professor Chang Mo, please assign us as you see fit.”

Realizing this was a chance to atone for their crimes by working the night shift with Professor Chang Mo, Rob and Ah Kai didn’t hesitate and agreed immediately.

Although they were being forced to act as guards, this meant their earlier trespassing was being lightly glossed over. They would even be able to follow the investigation’s progress and satisfy their curiosity.

With an arrangement like this, how could they possibly object?

...

”Professor Fu, is there any problem with handling it this way?”

The night was desolate, carrying a chill wind.

Su Gao, who had just intimidated everyone present, didn’t mind the cold. She simply turned her head to confirm the situation.

”None at all.”

Fu Qian offered his praise without any hesitation.

This was absolutely not empty mutual flattery between friends.

Though she spoke little, every word hit the mark. Just now, she had undoubtedly controlled the rhythm of the entire scene, conveniently solidified his title as a Night Watchers Special Operations Consultant along the way, and finally offered a reference opinion on how to deal with Rob and Ah Kai.

Furthermore, the way she grasped the boundaries clearly took his own ideas into heavy consideration.

Acting entirely in his true appearance and directly referring to himself as an ad-hoc consultant was enough to demonstrate his proactive attitude in this investigation.

This trip wasn’t about him being forced into something against his will, but rather openly and generously placing the identity of Fang Xun onto the head of the Academy’s Professor Fu.

Under these circumstances, directly affirming Professor Chang’s doubts showed that she had grasped the spirit of his intentions perfectly.

Beyond that, bringing up the hope for Ah Kai and Rob’s cooperation right on the spot could be considered offering her own opinion on their subsequent punishment, fully displaying the Night Watchers’ magnanimity and their absolute control over the situation.

”That’s good. Is that Tower your Laboratory?”

Having received his approval, Su Gao clearly felt more confident about their subsequent actions. Nodding slightly, she then pointed in a certain direction and asked curiously.

Although it was still far from dawn, for a demigod, the faintest glimmer of light was enough to spot such an imposing structure.

”Yes. Once you’re done submitting your report, you are welcome to come over and rest.”

Following her gaze, Fu Qian confirmed it and casually extended an invitation.

Although he had mentioned earlier that she could come rest her feet after she finished her work, knowing Classmate Su Gao, it clearly wasn’t time for her to rest yet.

This matter was of grave importance. Just as they had pulled the Academy’s leader out of bed for a midnight meeting, Brother Yuan Fang and the rest of the Night Watchers were likely going to be forced to work overtime next.

As for himself, despite bearing the title of Special Operations Consultant, there was no need for him to tag along for this kind of administrative grunt work.

Just as he had once said: going too far is as bad as falling short.

”Alright.”

Sure enough, Classmate Su Gao agreed directly. Then, without a moment’s hesitation, she bid him farewell and walked off in the other direction.