Chapter 2424 - 2419: The Prophet Is Dead (30)
Chapter 2424: Chapter 2419: The Prophet Is Dead (30)
It is said that when one suddenly lifts their head from life’s beauty, death becomes easier to see.
Admittedly, the feeling is quite similar now.
Compared to the last visit, the restaurant’s decor hasn’t changed much.
Above this spot, there remains a slightly ornate old-fashioned chandelier.
Yet, the latter, unlit, seems to be enveloped by lifeless grey.
It’s not apparent under the shadow, easily overlooked if careless.
But once noticed, it’s hard to shift focus from that peculiarity.
Everything withers, good and evil turns to grey, thrusting one into a Sage state in mere seconds.
Additionally, that feeling has a certain familiarity—Fu Qian mentioned it seems like he just saw it.
Indeed, although it’s hard to say it’s exactly the same, there is an undeniable deja vu reminiscent of the grey seen on those bodies under the lake behind the Unseen Hillock.
Ding!
At a certain moment, Fu Qian reached out, triggering a crisp sound.
It not only resembled the grey on human bodies but also upon realizing it was discovered, the shadow trembled and extended a slender sharp claw.
Graceful curvature, dark red hue, distinctly bone-like, yet emitting a metallic clash when it touched the Mirror Armor on his hand.
Ding!
Before one sound could fade, another arose, as Fu Qian’s pinky already encountered the second sharp claw.
Crack!
Then came the third.
The different sound was due to the third claw splitting abruptly as it emerged, treacherously growing another section.
However, Fu Qian was prepared, using two fingers to clamp it firmly.
A graceful exchange, eventually leading to a stalemate.
The reason he was ready was quite simple—a similar scene had occurred at the same location before.
Crash!
Not even waiting for any words, a louder sound erupted from the recently quiet restaurant.
The waiter hurried out from the kitchen, stopping a short distance away, staring at the scene of claw interaction in a daze.
The previously held plate shattered into pieces, sausages rolled everywhere.
...
Encountering a Predator is indeed like this.
Rather than feeling the atmosphere was ruined, in Fu Qian’s eyes, the scene was more entertaining.
It made perfect sense why Catherine reacted in that way—she could recognize the figure, as could he. The visitor was none other than the Spider Queen who used to consider her a meal.
Indeed, the missing Demigod Akasha.
Lady Crystal searched all over, even risking collusion with tigers.
But the sought-after target flamboyantly revealed itself in a familiar guise.
"You’ve become gentle, although the look is rather odd."
The voice still carried that affable tone, praising before the figure even arrived.
Not startled by the sound of the shattered plate, another sharp claw slowly extended from the shadow the next moment.
This time targeting the ground, not Fu Qian.
Then supporting itself, a bare foot gently stepped down, followed by a mass of dense red hair enveloping the figure.
"I thought you’d break them."
Once seated beside, the claw against Fu Qian’s hand slowly retracted without obstruction.
An unmistakably Akasha’s face staring straight at Fu Qian, looking hurt and on the verge of tears.
Actually broken once, and even gained an extra reward because of it.
Fu Qian merely mused to himself.
The past scene of ruthlessly crushing claws undoubtedly happened in a false history, later interactions with natives were mostly cooperative.
Yet it seemed he left a rather poor impression.
Just now, Akasha’s reflex was her claws might be broken.
Of course, it’s not that he lacked interest.
Provided the later task summary idea of pulling down the entire claw, curious if it could become a long weapon.
"Does this look strange?"
Examining the old acquaintance from a resource gathering perspective, Fu Qian finally spoke, even tapping his finger on his head.
The face armor blossomed like a flower, perfectly recreating the operation of justice partner Ballard.
...
"A bit odd, but upon closer look it feels good."
Facing Andiel’s face beneath the armor, Akasha showed no surprise.
Even while carefully appraising, offering a candid evaluation of Fu Qian’s new appearance.
Unfortunately, she ultimately couldn’t recall the former companion.
Fu Qian couldn’t help but sigh slightly at Akasha’s reaction.
Due to the nature of Unseen Hillock and his death from Visceral Critical Strike, Grim Ballard’s encounter was distinctly different from other natives, an utter erasure.
The manifestation being complete absence of any memory related to him among everyone.
That might explain the warehouse’s statement that Mirror Knight would return someday, but no longer as Ballard.
Fu Qian understood the concept of justice partner remained an irrepressible element to Unseen Hillock, destined to resurrect.
It’s just unfortunate the justice partner called "Ballard" was utterly sacrificed.
However, it’s alright, there’s still the false justice partner.
"Good, as long as it’s appealing—Lady Crystal and I put considerable effort searching for you."
Between sighs, Fu Qian nodded, the tone familiarly casual.
"...Thank you for your hard work."
Speaking of the Demigod scurrying around, Akasha’s coquettish demeanor indeed eased a bit.
But merely murmuring appreciation while squinting without further word.
"Oh, and Amber."
Fu Qian suddenly recalled, supplementing an additional remark.
...
"Kindly arrange two more servings."
This time Akasha fell silent, and Fu Qian didn’t rush her, merely instructing Catherine beside.
After all, it’s just a sausage, dropped is dropped, far from troubling the staff.
"Alright..."
Perhaps aided by the affability along with the familiar face beneath the helmet, Catherine seemed to resume brain function, responding dryly.
"At this time, this is all we have here."
Satisfied, Fu Qian nodded, turning back to particularly address Akasha.
"No need to force, tell me what you can."
While the Spider Queen’s face stiffened, unsure how to respond, he gently reminded, implying avoiding difficulty.
"Since you’re not here to act, I believe it’s not purely for reminiscing either, you’re here to communicate something, feel free to speak.
"Don’t worry about motives, I won’t mind them."