Eldritch Horror Theatre

”So that’s how it is. His Excellency Weilon’s sense of responsibility is truly admirable.”

A familiar aura in his perception was already so distinct that no one would be naive enough to think Weilon couldn’t hear their conversation from over here.

Deeply impressed by the man’s Void of Causal Origin, Fu Qian immediately offered a compliment without a second thought.

Unfortunately, given his usual behavior, it was hard not to suspect he was being sarcastic.

At least, that was how Lanaya felt.

Having witnessed their entire conflict, she was perhaps the most certain that this demigod from the Spirit Ash Courtyard had suffered a massive loss at Fu Qian’s hands.

In all fairness, while Professor Fu could be arrogant and domineering, he hadn’t been responsible for the incident. Weilon had practically brought it upon himself.

Regardless, for such a proud senior, the blow had been a bit too harsh.

When Weilon had suddenly visited earlier, Lanaya had been confused but relieved that he hadn’t bumped into the special consultant for this incident.

Who would have thought that Professor Fu—having just found an experimental volunteer—would fail to properly exploit them, instead idling his way back here.The initially relaxed atmosphere of their shift instantly soured.

”Your Excellency Weilon. I see Professor Rob is here as well.”

Fortunately, to her slight relief, Consultant Fu actually seemed somewhat restrained in a formal setting in front of Madam Su of the Night Watchers.

Facing the two people looking over from inside, he smiled and offered a perfectly serious greeting.

...

Professor Chang Mo really was quite responsible.

Thanks to Li Weixuan’s arrangements, Rob and Ah Kai had been assigned directly to her as grunts. Along with Lanaya, the duty roster should have been much lighter.

But she clearly hadn’t just focused on reducing her workload. Instead, she had prioritized strengthening security, directly doubling the number of people on duty.

She hadn’t even given priority to scheduling Professor Ah Kai, as he still needed to gather information related to Miracles.

Even so, it was safe to assume the latter was definitely not idle right now.

”Professor Fu... long time no see.”

Weilon, unseen for many days, initially wore a rather serious expression.

But faced with this flawless greeting, he couldn’t exactly ignore the man. He gave a slight nod in response.

His gaze then shifted to Su Gao’s face, and he offered an emotionless greeting.

It seemed that after conversing with Lanaya and the others, he had a good grasp of the current situation.

Of course, an old-school demigod had his own pride. Even when facing a representative of the Night Watchers, there was no need for him to be overly respectful.

Unfortunately for him, when it came to detached aloofness, he still didn’t hold the upper hand.

Su Gao simply gave a cold, brief response and said nothing more, completely unbothered by the awkward silence.

”Long time no see. Professor Weilon, your bearing is even more impressive than before.”

Fortunately, the interim spokesperson of Apocalypse was there to fill the gap. Fu Qian let out a hearty laugh.

Academics don’t lie; compared to last time, the man’s complexion was indeed much better.

Back then, he had been consumed by grief and anger over the tragic loss of the Academy’s elite, Yi’an.

Later, carrying those emotions, he had been trapped in the Lucid Dream, madly judging himself, and had only calmed down after taking a sword strike from the Female Demigod of Sword Reference Academy at the hearing.

Such massive emotional swings could easily break a young person, let alone an old man as proud as him.

But as mentioned before, to maintain a sense of superiority in an Academy full of talents, the Spirit Ash Courtyard truly had its unique merits.

Meeting again now, His Excellency Weilon appeared completely fine, without a single lingering psychological shadow.

...

”The commotion earlier... It seemed to come from the direction of Professor Fu’s Laboratory?”

This was when the importance of first impressions became clear.

Even though Fu Qian’s tone and demeanor were impeccable, and despite his humility toward colleagues while holding a high position as a scholar-turned-official, the old man Weilon still let out a cold snort.

Beyond his severe expression, his posture was one of aggressively demanding accountability, seemingly because Professor Lisa’s little box had disturbed his sweet dreams.

”Yes, but the credit isn’t mine alone. Strictly speaking, it was a collaborative project between two laboratories.”

But who was Professor Fu? Without blinking an eye, he threw Lisa under the bus.

”Following our joint exploration of the forbidden zone, Professor Lisa worked tirelessly, forgetting food and sleep, and finally made a breakthrough. Unable to wait until daylight, she came specifically to report it to me.”

Of course, he didn’t forget to casually praise Professor Lisa’s academic spirit.

”Since you brought it up, I am truly curious... Do you have a clear understanding of what you actually did in the Bone Spirit Realm?”

Unfortunately, Professor Weilon clearly didn’t appreciate this, sneering coldly as he listened.

’So the people of Spirit Ash call that place the Bone Spirit Realm? That does fit their attitude toward such special supernatural creations.’

”If I had to say, I suppose we opened a new chapter for its exploration?”

Critiquing in his mind, Fu Qian acted completely oblivious to the sarcasm, highly praising their recent scientific expedition.

”Heh... Does Professor Fu think that just because Apocalypse has custody rights now, you can do whatever you please?”

Unfortunately, Weilon wasn’t buying it.

”Indeed. I am also the designated consultant for the investigation of this incident.”

Fu Qian instantly confirmed it. Wearing an arrogant expression, he finally stopped pretending to be approachable and emphasized the gap in their statuses.

...

”Alright, you two.”

Seeing the old man Weilon’s glare turn as sharp as a knife, Lanaya, completely unsurprised by this outcome, finally stepped forward as the person in charge of the duty shift and forcefully interjected.

”I completely believe in your passion for research, but aren’t you focused on the wrong project?”

Having headed the Disciplinary Department for years, a serious Lanaya carried an aura of natural authority. She didn’t let her momentum falter in the slightest just because she was facing two demigods.

She wasn’t even focused on breaking up the fight. Her cold, barbed remark was a clear reminder for them to mind the setting—if they wanted to argue, they could take it elsewhere.

”Then I won’t disturb you further. I wish Professor Fu and the rest of you a smooth investigation.”

This time, to everyone’s relief, Professor Weilon was actually the one more willing to listen. He reined in his temper with astonishing speed and walked off with a flick of his sleeve.

”Thank you for your confidence in Apocalypse.”

Yet Fu Qian still insisted on rubbing it in.

”I heard a young genius recently came to visit the Spirit Ash Courtyard?”

He acted as if he had suddenly remembered something just as the other man turned to leave.

Hmm...

Professor Weilon, who had initially worn an expression of disdainful refusal to argue, paused and slowly turned his head back.

”If there’s a chance, you absolutely must let me meet them.”

Fu Qian’s smile remained unchanged.

Eldest Miss Wen’s trip here had looked like it would be a pleasant study tour, but the posturing of these seniors seemed a bit too aggressive.

Besides, these Psychic Type players really were troublesome; they even had to beat around the bush just to show off.