Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 2521: Chapter 2516: Late Arrival

As a genius of the Benevolence Institute, and the inventor of the ”Yesterday Once More” miracle, what exactly did Nepheli see in her past that piqued Fu Qian’s curiosity at the time?

With this question in mind during several encounters, the answer was almost self-evident.

This includes the unique worldview of Nepheli, which also found a logical reason—she too saw that version of herself that triggers the apocalypse.

Is it real, is it not, true or false, it may plant a seed of doubt.

And what was once pursued suddenly loses its taste in the dead of a midnight dream.

If everything explored throughout life is no more than lies woven by others, it is undoubtedly hard to accept for a proud academic.

In short, it seems that Lady Nepheli was stimulated by this and ultimately gave up a bright future to join a nefarious organization, beginning to understand everything in an alternative way.

Of course, due to her proactive activities, she has already been expelled from the organization.

Next, she found herself and acquired a bloom of the Fire of Madness.

”I must thank you for your generous sharing.”

At this point, Nepheli seemed to have thought of the same point, and in her thanks, almost acknowledged Fu Qian’s accusations, looking around.

”I discovered this place long ago, but unfortunately not early enough. At that time, I wasn’t so obsessed with the secrets of the Sea of Ashes... just another patchwork of the Night Watchman.

”But after discovering a certain characteristic of this place, how to utilize it became the answer I wanted to find suddenly.”

...

The words are getting more and more direct.

Another patchwork of the Night Watchman, it’s clear that Nepheli has similar views on the subsequent handling of exploration activities, where the Night Watchman’s component is substantial.

It’s not something difficult to think of, but the attitude at the time of description can explain the situation well, already somewhat bored with the order maintained by the Night Watchman, a typical symptom of blackening.

After all, if what lies ahead is merely an illusion outside the real world, then what distinguishes it from a dream?

”Then you found it.”

Fu Qian imitated Nepheli’s gesture, reaching out to the void, but unfortunately, there was no tactile sensation of invisible creatures, even the raging flames felt not too familiar.

”Yes, with Rom’s help, but unfortunately once again not early enough... when I realized I needed to ignite, I lost the kindling.”

Turning his head to watch his actions, Nepheli casually mentioned a remarkable name, laughing with some self-mockery.

”Well... that really is unfortunate.”

With such bold operation, Fu Qian seemed to see the charm removal light flashing on Nepheli.

After all, to be a Superior Being and not just existing in legends, she had been an active figure until a couple of days ago, yet she candidly called out to Rom in such a sensitive place.

Even if evidence showed severe damage in previous actions, Nepheli’s stance could be described as bold.

As for the kindling, that’s very clear, the operation requires a bit of Fire of Madness as a primer.

Unfortunately, her luck was really not good, right in time for the return of the Abandonment King, the miracle that could summon the Fire of Madness became ineffective.

”But the ignition target shouldn’t be here, right? I remember you said it was to ignite yourself.”

Retracting his hand and rubbing his chin, Fu Qian clearly emphasized detail, suspecting that Nepheli had spoken ambiguously about certain content.

”Oh? Standing in each other’s position, you seem to have no reason to believe my words like this? Can’t it just be a casual pretext I made at the time?”

Nepheli found this somewhat strange, looking at him with a laugh and questioning back.

”It can be, but I tend not to believe it is.”

Clearly trusting his judgment more, Fu Qian shook his head.

”... It certainly isn’t.”

Staring at Fu Qian for a while, Nepheli took a deep breath.

In the blink of an eye, the flames on her body became more intense, fully demonstrating why a bellows is used when lighting a fire.

Of course, that wasn’t the point; this time, her flames finally carried a familiar scent.

”These in front are merely reflections, the thing truly ignited is only myself.”

...

Ah, so that’s how it is, warnings against such academic personnel’s perverse tastes are surely warranted.

Though only a few words, they are enough for Fu Qian to construct the current real situation.

The term ”need to ignite” is undoubtedly quite misleading, easily causing one to think Nepheli intends to ignite the entire Domain of the Dead to achieve her plan.

Including the radiant Lighthouse behind is quite visually impactful.

Yet don’t forget, standing here is the master of Fire of Madness, even if transformed, there is a limit to degradation, the flame ahead lacks any affinity.

This fact alone was enough to make Fu Qian suspicious.

It proves that Nepheli transforming into a candle has never changed, her utilization of the miracle creature underfoot is in another way.

”Does a candle want to be seen by a mirror, needing to first be lit?”

Fu Qian casually offered a metaphor.

”Correct... Just like a mirror, that’s the essential attribute of this place, though according to Rom, it belongs to the creations of the Death Sequence.”

Nepheli, surprisingly, clapped her hands again in applause.

”I’m not sure how it reflects the path to Inverted Lake, but it seems to help you see yourself more clearly, provided you exhibit intensely enough.”

Then would you sacrifice yourself by burning your mind?

The truth has become much clearer by now, and Fu Qian sighed in his heart.

Moreover, according to this saying, my previous metaphor of the Wind and Moon Treasure Mirror turns out to be extremely fitting.

”It’s no surprise, isn’t the clear-minded people here examples? Theoretically, you too are just trying to figure out if you’re alive or dead.”

Even this place’s connection with the Death Overlord has been verified, Fu Qian was quite satisfied with his reassurance.

”Haha, it looks like you had a pleasant chat with them...”

Nepheli also seemed happy hearing it.

”I don’t know what terms Cass offered you, but if I were still at the Academy when you joined, I think I’d use various ways to get you into Benevolence—wait, how did you do it?”

Midway through speaking, Nepheli seemed to realize something, frowning.

”The time has obviously arrived, why hasn’t the storm stopped?”

Needless to say, did you think we were cautious and didn’t resort to torturing for a reason?

Fu Qian sighed in his heart but had a smiling face.

”That’s how weather forecasts are, generally not very accurate.”

Hmm...

Unfortunately, Nepheli ultimately didn’t say anything further, looking deeply over here, then disappearing along with the radiance.

...

Oh, as expected, it wasn’t so fortunate, arriving just a step late after all.

As the scene shifted, Fu Qian was already back at the foot of the Lighthouse after entering the door.

In the dim light, his hand moved from the door behind him, raising his head to look at the corner of the tower.

The light still emanated from that position, but one could no longer recognize the former sages, only leaving behind a few shiny bones.