Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 2518: Chapter 2513: Lighthouse

”Don’t rush.”

Seemingly anticipating the Tower Guard’s reaction, Fu Qian casually handed over the key, even offering a word of comfort.

You see, the prior experience has proven itself once again; being kind to others does bring rewards.

No matter if his outlook on life is flawed, the Tower Guard seems clear on one point; he needs this job to anchor himself.

This point even gained some degree of recognition from ”Storm Moore,” as if the key in his hand possessed a certain symbolic power.

Which could eventually bring some minor troubles.

However, that’s not the main focus. As long as he’s not completely inactive, ”Follow desires, investigate fears,” this Evil God’s tenet immediately has room for action.

This job is evidently quite serious to the Tower Guard; once a mistake is pointed out, his reaction might be significant.

The fact proves it’s true, as he almost instantly slipped into a frantic state.

As for how he knew a mistake occurred?

Of course, it’s nonsense.

Everything must respect reality; he’s not that familiar with this place, just holding onto a symbolic concept to find his way here for now.

Even if this place really embodies the concept of Miracle Creatures’ eyes, and the Domain of the Dead did recently catch fire, it’s insufficient to deduce this is the fire’s origin point, let alone asserting the arsonist is still on the upper floor — but that’s what he hopes.

Besides, if it’s not to that extent, it wouldn’t affect the Tower Guard.

So the reminder would indeed be such.

If ineffective, then merely the few minutes invested are wasted, perhaps requiring slightly more aggressive actions.

Thankfully, the result now is undoubtedly a great success.

It seems the Tower Guard not only holds the key, but also has surveillance over this place, instantly confirming his words as truth.

Such denial of work competency left him so dissatisfied that he didn’t even interrogate, wanting to proceed directly to the capture.

All things considered, he believes he’ll get a good guide next.

No matter how cunning that ”colleague” is, no matter whether the space behind the door changes drastically, the surveillance-driven arrogance is worth anticipating.

”...Follow me, don’t go anywhere.”

Even a pioneer specially invited to follow along.

After receiving the keychain from Fu Qian, the Tower Guard visibly hesitated because of his attitude.

But he soon made up his mind, strictly demanding Fu Qian not leave his sight, avoiding sneaking into other places while he’s off duty.

”No problem.”

Why would Fu Qian have any objections? He readily agreed.

...

Outstanding stamina, young warrior.

Just as Fu Qian agreed, the Tower Guard had already rushed out.

And then, his choice of route showed no hesitation, almost instantly opening every door along the upward path.

Under incredible focus, not only did he seem completely tireless, but also had no time to urge the lawbreaker following behind.

Fortunately, Fu Qian had high self-awareness. Though leisurely paced, he tightly kept up; in moments, they were already approaching the lighthouse atop.

Admittedly, at first glance, everything the Tower Guard said was true. Along the way, there truly wasn’t anyone around.

Whether it turns into an incident report or ghosts, it was unknown.

But even if there were ghosts, they apparently had to avoid the Tower Guard’s brilliance.

”Sneaky mouse.”

At a certain moment, preparing to pull out the key to open the next door, the Tower Guard suddenly halted his actions, self-talk, his voice bitter.

”We need to go back down.”

When he turned to see Fu Qian behind, after a moment of surprise, his tone softened, gesturing towards the way back, even explaining it.

Oh? No doubt, the situation is somewhat curious.

Though the target is near, yet they backtrack; being more suspicious, he’d first worry if the Tower Guard had been influenced somehow.

Even if uninfluenced, going in circles seems not a good idea.

Aside from indomitable endurance, the Tower Guard’s physical capabilities seemed within normal human ranges.

Even with constant activity, in Fu Qian’s estimation, only ten minutes remained before the storm halted.

By then, despite achieving the goal after obstacles, how much room for maneuver is uncertain.

”Understood.”

Yet again, Fu Qian upheld trusting others, directly accepting the revised route.

...

This revision is extensive indeed.

Fu Qian’s easygoing approach shocked the Tower Guard, who, after silently observing Fu Qian, soon reciprocated with surprises.

Following route choices now exceed simply retracing steps or choosing another door. The complexity and peculiarity nearly reminded Fu Qian of his experience in Leytin.

Back then, to initiate a task, he had to reverse and navigate passwords between crossroads.

The only reassurance is that the process went smoothly; still no mid-way creature popped out in between.

In such smoothness, in the blink of an eye, another five minutes passed.

More ridiculous events occurred; the Tower Guard, holding the key, stood once again at the previous door.

In other words, after some intricacies, the end result is a return to the starting point, even the key in hand was unmistakably remembered by Fu Qian.

This time, the Tower Guard acted more resolutely, as if fearing the mouse behind the door would escape, inserted the key swiftly in the lock hole.

Fu Qian watched through the whole process, still making no remarks or moves.

Click—

Accompanying the key turning sound, as if the lighthouse shone light outward.

”It was you, indeed.”

A sigh accompanied it.

”It was you, indeed.”

Confronted with the familiar voice, Fu Qian replicated the sentiment verbatim.

Lady Nepheli.

...

”Good work.”

The door opened a crack, and more flame light leaked from behind, as if a torch burned fiercely there.

Fu Qian didn’t forget to greet the Tower Guard before entering.

Click—

After entering, he smoothly closed the door.

But the moment the Tower Guard was stunned by the illumination, standing like a true deceased.

The impact here was somewhat overwhelming for him.

Behind the door lay the building’s final segment, a spire of little practical use, at this point lost all human activity conditions.

Just like described earlier, the entirety transformed into a torch blazing in the darkness, unaffected by raging storms.

Regarding the source of flame?

Fu Qian lightly jumped, landing on the top platform.

”Welcome.”

Beside him sat a silhouette with its back turned, gazing into endless darkness, as fierce flames expanded over him.