Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1748: Chapter 1743: Bitter Fruit (37)

Is it over just like that?

Fu Qian was still quite confident that the other party wasn’t disguising themselves in such a manner to enter a Stealth State, waiting for an opportunity to ambush.

The aura of the white-faced people was completely gone, not a trace left behind, as if they had never appeared.

And just a moment ago, they were still in a state of preparing to unleash their powers and transform grandly; the extreme contrast was as if a fully buffed warrior didn’t even get to charge at the Demon King before falling off a cliff.

Alas—

Even Fu Qian couldn’t help but sigh for their unfulfilled aspirations.

Of course, it’s entirely believable that Doctor Dorian’s melancholy at this moment wouldn’t be any less.

With the double Hilary formation broken, the white-faced people seemed to be the last reliable figure to trap oneself here or even to complete treatment like other outsiders, resulting in such regret.

Did I put too much pressure on myself after all?

To be honest, Dorian did quite well.

A purely Second Phase combat character was theoretically quite sufficient, hardly imaginable that many outsiders could handle it.

Though from Fu Qian’s perspective, nothing stunning was seen until the opponent died from overloading.

In any case, reality is cruel.

In the cold, lonely night, Fu Qian had no intention of going back to the church for some chat.

Since all prosperity has been witnessed, there’s no reason to linger. It’s time to return to reality for a good chat with Doctor Dorian, who no longer has any work.

...

Indeed, although the specs were high, Doctor Dorian’s dream realm was not very flexible.

After waiting quietly in the Darkness again, a moment came when Fu Qian’s surroundings suddenly lit up brightly, revealing the unique doll-like, watery eyes.

Compared to the last time, there were even more eyes this time—not just a pair but two pairs.

Moving his somewhat stiff neck, he glanced around; apart from an extra Hilary doll, beside the equally pale-faced Dorian, there was something that wasn’t there before.

A man with long hair and high cheekbones, precisely the fourth person seen earlier in the church.

But compared to other dolls, it had noticeable differences.

Apart from being slightly less exquisite, from head to toe, whether body or clothing, it vaguely exuded a decayed feel, as if it had been a burial item seeing daylight after millennia.

To the extent that Fu Qian suspected if he breathed a bit harder, the doll might end up like the white-faced person earlier, turned into dust.

"Sir..."

The next moment, this suspicion was directly confirmed.

The sight alone of Fu Qian’s gaze seemed to put enormous psychological pressure on Dorian, causing him to adjust his rigid posture unconsciously.

But just that slight move caused the fourth doll to collapse directly into dust.

So this is the consequence?

Calmly watching this unfold, the question Fu Qian had pondered before resurfaced.

Without my cooperation, directly turning the Night Butcher into reality, what extraordinary element allowed the fourth person to do this?

At least now, the cost is evident, making it seem like a one-time consumable.

No wonder there wasn’t such an intensity used on me initially.

"I thought you could do better."

Quickly drawing a conclusion, Fu Qian nodded slightly in encouragement to Dorian, whose efforts, though fruitless, were still acknowledged.

...

"I have a few questions. First, was he an outsider?"

Even though based on previous exploration results, no matter how tragically Dorian inside here dies, it wouldn’t affect him "in reality" one bit.

Fu Qian didn’t mind making use of that unyielding survival instinct.

And his first question was directed towards a pile of dust.

"...Yes."

The other party cooperated actively on the home ground, while Fu Qian utilized all his strength, ultimately yielding a complete defeat. Dorian seemed to have lost even his will to escape.

The Holy Sword was gripped and released in his hand, but after mere seconds of mental struggle, he nodded and acknowledged it directly.

"After the treatment, were they left behind here this way?"

Instantly confirming another hypothesis regarding the fourth person, Fu Qian nodded satisfyingly and continued to ask.

This was also something he had been curious about before.

"Uh..."

Yet it seemed the question delved too deep, leaving Dorian temporarily hesitating.

"Sorry, give me a moment."

Rather than rushing, Fu Qian even seemed to remember something.

Under Dorian’s bewildered gaze the next moment, Fu Qian grabbed his head with one hand and gently took it off. Simultaneously, thick, asphalt-like blood gushed out from the severed neck.

The stiffness in his neck had a reason; having been there for so long, the accumulation effect of Heart Strike was quite something.

...

"Yes, if outsiders can’t wake up from the treatment, they’ll become like that."

And just when the blood-congealing work was completed, and Fu Qian casually put his head back on, Dorian finally seemed to recall the answer to the earlier question.

This severe affliction had been displayed by Fu Qian from the beginning, so naturally, it wasn’t something Dorian could forget.

And the earlier scene completely shattered a certain hidden anticipation in Dorian’s heart, leading to an embrace of destiny with open-mindedness.

Indeed.

Fu Qian was pleased with this attitude.

"When did you first discover you had this ability?"

"A long time ago...even before the day this place was abandoned."

And as Dorian took a deep breath, he clearly fell into a vague recollection.

"I’m not sure how it happened, I only knew I was becoming different, and it was a good difference...because I was already weary of that so-called faith."

"Dedicating my heart and soul, placing all hope on an unpredictable mercy after pleasing? Utterly boring and foolish!"

"But this difference, I could clearly feel myself transforming into another form, growing, Transcending... through mastering dreams."

"At first I just thought it was a special dream, but quickly realized it was not so simple. It allowed me to view Akons from another perspective, and even bring others in..."

"And if someone was entirely lost in it, not only would the dream realm grow, I’d also gain special rewards."

Dorian said while glancing at the remains of the fourth person.

"Did these come about the same way?"

Without questioning or commenting on Dorian’s attitude towards faith, Fu Qian simply gestured at the Hilary dolls.

"No... I just needed some helpers, and after the dream realm expanded, my connection to Akons grew stronger, allowing me to do some special things."

Dorian shook his head instantly.