Eldritch Horror Theatre - Ch. 137: Disorder (8)
In an instant, the gazes of the entire team, including the Duchess, were drawn to the object in Fu Qian's hand.
Oval-shaped, with strange dark-red textures, its surface was covered in spikes of varying lengths.
This is—
Most people wore looks of bewilderment; only the Duchess had a solemn expression flash across her face.
This scene did not escape Fu Qian's eyes.
Of course, the stone wasn't from the chest. It was the one Fu Qian had obtained from the skeleton.
Just now, when he crouched down to inspect, Fu Qian had stealthily slipped it out and held it in his hand.
Skillfully exploiting a blind spot in their vision, Fu Qian "fished" it out of the chest.
He naturally had a purpose for doing this.
Judging from the effects of his own use, this item seemed to have some connection to the Eclipse Curse. This was also why Fu Qian had kept it all along.
However, whether it was the Duchess or the team members, they clearly didn't have much trust in him.
As mentioned before, he was nothing more than a mascot to boost morale.
And information regarding the Eclipse Curse was undoubtedly a secret of grave importance.
If he brought it out and asked directly, not only would it be hard to get an answer, but he might also draw suspicion.
Therefore, Fu Qian chose to test the waters using this method.
To his gratification, judging by the Duchess's reaction, she clearly knew something.
"If it's not the Eclipse Curse... Have you guys heard of any ability that can cause this kind of effect?"
Fu Qian casually set the stone aside and turned his attention back to why the corpse had ended up like this.
The group still shook their heads. One of them braced himself and stepped forward to take a look.
"I haven't heard of any malicious ability capable of turning a person into this, but there are indeed no signs of the Eclipse Curse on the body."
So that Nun wasn't killed because she discovered her lover's secret either?
It was even possible that both deaths were the work of the same killer?
The situation had suddenly become complicated!
The team members' expressions turned serious, each deep in thought.
However, due to his performance just now, everyone's impression of Fu Qian had improved slightly.
To be able to nonchalantly rummage through and analyze that lump of flesh was something an ordinary person truly couldn't do.
Although his strength wasn't high, in terms of the psychological fortitude he displayed, he was still quite formidable (twisted).
...
"Speaking of which, there's always been a question I haven't asked you."
After coming out of the room, the Duchess looked pensive. She suddenly turned her head and spoke to Fu Qian.
"Afflicted with the Eclipse Curse yet Awakening the Dragon Communion—how exactly did you do it? Such a thing has never happened before; it's practically a miracle!"
"You should know that in the Underground Prison, you can't even pray to the Seven Lights."
As soon as the Duchess said this, the others also looked over.
Indeed, this legend was inspiring, true, but to this day, no one knew how he managed it.
"Yeah, not only can't you see the Seven Lights, but you also have to be roasted by oil lamps."
Fu Qian stared at the Duchess and said with a smile.
Hearing the term "oil lamps," the latter's face visibly turned unnatural.
It seemed she knew how those Jailers down there treated the Colorless.
Fu Qian secretly shook his head in his heart, having no intention of making any judgments.
He reached into his pocket, fished out the iron piece, and flashed it.
"It's actually very simple. Just a devoted heart, plus this."
"This is a Token of the Seven Lights Covenant, usually carried around for indoor prayers. Although the mark of the Dragon Communion is rare on them, it's not considered unheard of."
The Duchess took a glance, her expression not particularly surprised.
"You guys split up and investigate first."
As if suddenly remembering something, the Duchess first turned around to dismiss the crowd, then waved to Fu Qian.
"You, come with me."
Hmm?
The others looked at Fu Qian, then at the Duchess.
Seeing a trace of unnatural flush on the latter's face, they seemed to understand something. Asking no questions, they quickly scurried off.
Acting up again? If it's a one-hour interval, the timing is about right.
From the team members' slightly odd expressions, Fu Qian realized something.
However, he wasn't too worried about it. Based on his understanding of her, she shouldn't go so far as to treat him as a human cauldron.
Deliberately not hiding her abnormality, even at the cost of causing a misunderstanding—she probably had something important to say.
Phew!
Without looking at Fu Qian, the Duchess led the way. It wasn't until they arrived at a secluded location that she let out a long breath.
"Apologies, please wait a moment."
"Be my guest."
Hearing this, Fu Qian took a step back. An illusory long whip appeared in the Duchess's hand, covered in spikes dotted with starlight.
The next moment, the Duchess impatiently lashed it against her own back.
The long whip phased directly through her clothes, emitting the sound of striking flesh.
A groan of pain escaped the Duchess's nose, her breathing instantly becoming heavy as she gritted her teeth and swung the whip several more times.
A few minutes later, the Duchess slowly opened her eyes. Her face had returned to calmness, and her imposing aura rebooted.
Holding the stone Fu Qian had given her earlier in her palm, the Duchess looked at him seriously.
"This is a Pus Stone!"
"It is a Cursed item, usually only found on the corpses of an Awakened One. Being pierced by it brings unspeakable agony."
So this thing is a relic?
"I don't know much about Pus Stones, but for it to appear in this place is truly somewhat strange..."
"Coupled with the despairing, continuous increase of the Colorless over a long period of time, I have a very bad premonition..."
"So, there's a favor I'd like to ask of you."
Gazing into Fu Qian's eyes, the Duchess's tone was unprecedentedly sincere.
"I want to ask you to go down into the prison once more."
Hmm?
Fu Qian looked at her without speaking, hoping she would provide an explanation.
"There is a person inside the prison who is quite familiar with Pus Stones. I hope you can go meet her and see if she is still there, or—if she is still alive."
"Understood. But with all due respect, why don't you go down yourself? No matter what, you'd be more reliable than a novice Awakened One like me, right?"
"I know it's a bit much to ask, but you are the most suitable candidate."
The Duchess gave a bitter smile.
"The guys down in the prison don't have a good relationship with those of us on the surface. Starting many years ago, we were forbidden from entering below, and correspondingly, they won't come out."
"And you are the only person who has walked out from below in all these years."
"Of course, I won't let you take too big of a risk. Before you go down, I will help you advance as much as possible to ensure you have enough strength."
"Naturally, the increased negative effects brought by the advancement are something you will have to overcome yourself."
"Understood. I accept this mission."
Fu Qian didn't dilly-dally any further and directly agreed.
Of course, no matter how sincere she appeared, Fu Qian didn't completely believe the Duchess's words.
This woman was quite scheming. She had already tested him multiple times earlier; her words this time didn't rule out the possibility that she was using him to achieve other goals.
But it didn't matter. Having sussed out the information that relevant clues were in the prison, he was going to have to make a trip down there regardless.
"What is the location of my target?"
"I don't know."
"You don't know?"
"Yes, it's been too long since I've been down there, but I know she will definitely be locked up in the deepest part."
Chapters 137 & 138 are wrong as of me posting this. The two current chapters are both for your other novel on the site. Please fix. Thanks in advance!
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