Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 2301: Chapter 2296: The Story After the Accident

”You’re back?”

Faced with Professor Fu’s rational and well-founded explanation, Lisa ultimately had no rebuttal.

Not only did she fail to recruit another worker, but she also had to provide Cass’s current whereabouts upon request.

When Fu Qian actually visited the address, Cass was not surprised by his arrival and greeted him with a beaming smile right away.

”Back again.”

Fu Qian responded casually to Cass’s gesture and sat down beside him.

Having proposed an idea and handed it off to others to execute, Fu Qian, who had returned to the Academy Palace only a few days ago, didn’t idle; instead, he stayed quietly at the workplace.

Indeed, the legendary ’neither go nor stop,’ though surrounded by many things, Cass appeared not to be handling official duties but rather displayed post-exam laziness.

This was the first time coming to Cass’s office, which was much simpler compared to the place he gave to Lisa.

The space wasn’t large, entirely designed with practicality in mind.

The only similarity might be its relative warmth.

”Have you been to Lisa’s place?”

At this moment, the difference in composure became apparent. Without Fu Qian’s prompting, Cass wasn’t even curious about his travels.

He directly guessed his itinerary upon returning.

”Yes, it’s an interesting idea... Furthermore, I believe there wouldn’t be any objections from Linghui’s side.”

Fu Qian naturally expressed admiration, openly sharing his attitude toward the matter.

Not only that, but he also clearly predicted the reactions from stakeholders involved.

It was essentially an obvious matter.

Although Heaven’s Commencement Institute’s three giants appeared aggressive during prior events, in Linghui’s script, it was essentially that they owed a favor to Heaven’s Commencement, which allowed for the timely detection of a massive crisis.

Given their usual prideful style, even if Cass demanded compensation, they’d probably begrudgingly pay up.

In conclusion, even if compensation was forgotten, Linghui likely wouldn’t express dissatisfaction, let alone the fact that it’s true compensation now.

”So, what’s your opinion?”

Without refuting, Cass evidently shared the same sentiment.

Though his question was somewhat strange, as he’d already given his stance right away.

Even his expression bore a hint of playfulness.

”Quite interesting. Although the overall ranking isn’t high, and most of it lacks systematic theoretical support, one can still perceive everyone’s imagination.”

Fu Qian seemed unfazed, contemplating earnestly and providing a detailed answer.

”The scope covers a vast range, and transcendental secrets are undoubtedly within, just waiting to be summarized and discovered—so was that the action triggered back then?”

And then, Fu Qian suddenly posed a peculiar question.

...

There was a moment of silence in the air.

The last sentence seemed somewhat abrupt, as one might initially feel perplexed.

”Yes.”

Yet, Cass seemed to fully comprehend Fu Qian’s meaning, nodding directly.

”Because back then, during a trip out, the specific process was unclear to me. I only knew they discovered something special during an incident, which drew the Academy’s attention, leading to a secret exploration later on.”

Indeed, the action Fu Qian referred to was the exploration that incurred significant losses for the Academy back then.

Although, at that time, Cass, who hadn’t yet matured to the current level, didn’t know much about the specifics.

”Quite mysterious, just hearing about it sounds extraordinary...”

Momentarily sighing, Fu Qian also reflected.

The sudden shift to this topic wasn’t due to his overly erratic thinking.

On the contrary, it was precisely due to the logical progression of events that brought him here.

Earlier, while conversing with Professor Lisa, the commentary on the repository project was indeed genuine, including the benefits of opening it up to the entire Academy.

But as is widely known, good deeds aren’t necessarily to be done.

At least from Fu Qian’s perspective, such a plan seemed overly ambitious for Cass.

Previously, he gained considerably from Linghui’s side, directly securing a Forbidden Area; reciprocating with a gesture of goodwill was actually quite harmonious.

Most importantly, it required less effort and worry.

Yet, Cass opted for this assertive, dominant path and proceeded so efficiently, which seemed somewhat inconsistent with his style.

Owing to this impression, Fu Qian decided to pay a visit for discussion.

The earlier talks with Professor Lisa about implementing the ”repository for the whole Academy” was a mere pretext.

Surprisingly, Cass’s demeanor seemed slightly anticipatory.

When Cass once again asked for his ”opinion,” Fu Qian found some matters confirmed.

Indeed, the intention wasn’t about the repository.

”You’re not hoping I’ll work with Lisa to try and recreate a past discovery from that myriad of things, are you? That’s a definite needle-in-a-haystack endeavor.”

However, despite their tacit understanding, Fu Qian soon emphasized the objective difficulties.

As is widely known, progress in knowledge often stems from minor coincidences, like an apple falling on one’s head.

But it doesn’t mean you should actively seek to toss random items at your head to guarantee profits.

”Of course not, in fact, I know where they might have gone.”

Reassuringly, Cass shook his head without hesitation.

...

”You’re not the only one interested in what happened back then, I’m the same, although I’ve been required to make certain promises.”

Before Fu Qian could say anything, Cass’s words gradually became more straightforward, noting Fu Qian’s previous curiosity.

And it indeed sounded complex, not merely a matter of high confidentiality.

”Kaldora was the only survivor of the team, and though she was isolated immediately after returning, it still caused quite a commotion.

”And shortly after her, as I arrived ahead of schedule, eager to understand what happened and find a way to heal her, striving to confirm more information, I encountered Li He.”

Soon, Cass mentioned a familiar name.

”Because, at that time, Heaven’s Commencement Institute suffered the most losses, Li He hoped I could stay here to help stabilize the situation while he organized the investigation. I agreed, and he soon left the Academy.

”After a long wait, Li He returned in relatively good condition... Though when I checked the progress with him, he informed me that this matter was temporarily shelved and would no longer be explored, then—”

Cass pointed at his own mouth.

”Aside from the fact that everyone involved had passed away, no information was to be disclosed externally.”