Looking directly at the ancient gods for a whole year

Chapter 2296 Asking for Fire
Lady Neferi, your tone reminds me of an old friend.

The end times have already come; what we see now is nothing but ashes obscuring our vision.

A certain Jade Soul Master also made similar nihilistic remarks.

The conversation went so deep that the other person seemed to have a lot to say about the apocalypse, which made Fu Qian very happy.

As for why Neferi felt this way, it seems we can deduce it a little.

She showed no surprise at the experience she had just described, and even felt as if she had found someone to talk to.

Neferi had indeed witnessed that apocalyptic scene, the moment when another "she" showed the academy's inhabitants a miracle.

However, instead of viewing it as a flawed history that never came to pass, she, as the person involved, saw it as the flawed reality.

“I know you don’t really agree with this… because you’ve always had a different perspective on the world.”

Before he could even comment, Neferi seemed to have already seen through his attitude.

Pointing to her eyes with a smile, she sounded even quite understanding.

As for the "you" they mentioned, what it represents is quite simple—

Myself, Ariel, and the other possible warehouse managers.

That's absolutely right.

Regardless of rank or status, the existence of the warehouse, which disrupts time and space, does indeed give people a slightly different perspective on the world compared to the native inhabitants who are powerless to escape it.

“The sublime, the transcendent, even the boundaries between life and death have become blurred… I don’t actually know much about you, but these things are still certain.”

As Fu Qian nodded slightly, Neferi seemed to be empathizing with the administrators' perspective, while her tone was quite humble.

"But have you ever considered that you're not the only ones with a detached perspective? Is the entity you're backing really that powerful?"

Staring straight at Fu Qian, Neferi's gaze was not aggressive at all; she even blinked at one point.

"The nights and nightmares are both too long."

……

These words sounded familiar, as if they were a line from another old friend.

Neferi's last sentence almost instantly reminded Fu Qian of the scene when he had a passionate exchange with Radiant Rainbow in Night City.

Even their expressions are so similar, conveying a sense of pity that says, "You have no idea what you're doing."

Although based on the reading comprehension before payment, the two expressions should have slightly different meanings.

The Radiant Rainbow seems to suggest that the shadows of a thousand years ago have not yet dissipated, while Nepheli's statement is even more pessimistic in comparison.

The aim is to emphasize the nature of the ashes of the apocalypse, suggesting that the world before us is no longer real.

"Is this Rom's opinion? It sounds a bit pessimistic. To be honest, based on our previous conversations, he seems to have a pretty positive attitude towards life."

The previous part naturally refers to the multiple attempts at possession and parasitism, although they were ultimately unsuccessful. However, it's clear that Rom was actively trying to regain his power and seek a new life.

"No."

As expected, Neferi shook her head, indicating that the knowledge was not obtained from that superior.

"The Night Watchers seem very ambitious, doing their utmost to maintain world peace."

Let me give another positive example before I start.

"really."

Neferi did not refute this.

"Our teachers and students have also overcome various difficulties and have been striving to explore extraordinary mysteries."

"They did a really good job..."

These words seemed to have a slight effect; Neferi looked away, her voice slightly lower. "However—do you think the academy is the first to do this?"

But before she could finish her parallel structure, she suddenly changed her tone and asked a question.

"No, the team from the academy encountered one even earlier."

Fu Qian didn't seem to mind, and instead stroked his chin and nodded slightly.

……

The exploration that caused the elites of the academy to suffer heavy losses also turned Kalaudora into a lump of flesh and blood in a jar.

Within the academy, this was considered a relatively low-level secret.

The key was the previous mission related to the Holy Infant Calamity. Before facing Professor Calaudora, who appeared as the last knight, Fu had a brief conversation with her.

In his view, the parties involved provided at least three important pieces of information.

Firstly, Kalaudora was pulled away from that operation, which was one of her last few moments.

Then the operation at the academy was aimed at a forbidden area, where a similar supernatural research institution was discovered, which had never been recorded before.

During their final exploration, they unknowingly acquired a kind of "crystallization" that appeared to be a blessing.

While it's uncertain whether that thing directly led to the final wipeout, it's clear that something is very strange.

“Very good, you are really different... It’s not unjust that Yasui Tokiyuki, that idiot, died at your hands.”

Once again, Neferi expressed surprise at the answer before her, and even made a sharp critique of Emperor Yasui.

"It's a pity I have no obligation to continue trying to persuade you, but I should have already shown enough sincerity. Now, could you please tell me my demands?"

However, the turn of events came quickly, and the next moment she indicated that she had finished answering.

"Thank you for your guidance. I've learned a lot. So, what would you like?"

Although new questions arose that remained unanswered, Fu Qian did not force Neferi's attitude.

Too much of a good thing is bad. Technical exchanges always require a balance. Once someone has shared their ideas with you, are you going to force them to share their operational plans as well?

Torture is indeed a possibility, but don't forget that you're not really good at this kind of psychological manipulation right now.

The burial scroll, too, is currently in a cooling state.

“A golden flame of destructive will, I think that shouldn’t be too difficult for you to achieve.”

Without mincing words, Neferi stated her request directly.

……

I'm telling you, it's not just to confirm my doubts.

It has to be said that this was a very special request, although things suddenly seemed more reasonable before payment.

Actions must always have a purpose, and in any case, dealing with oneself is never a safe thing.

Even if Neferi suspected that she might be the one smearing her, she would never be so naive as to confront her specifically to seek justice.

After all, if necessary, no one would hesitate to kill the other.

Looking at Neferi's series of actions, she immediately verified that the fake Ariel was indeed herself, and this action now had meaning—she wanted the mad fire.

It is clear that one of the miracles she once possessed has failed.

"That's not difficult at all, so whose will do you want to destroy?"

They weren't trying to renege on their debt; they just casually asked before paying.

"mine."

Neferi continued pointing to her face.