Cthulhu America, I can see the kill line.

The rain poured down, the fine rain threads covering the sky and earth like a woven net, and countless tiny specks of psionic light flickered and danced in Kong Jiu's eyes.

He looked up at the sky, his gaze a mixture of curiosity and confusion, and pointed to the faint, indistinct filaments.

"What are those fine threads?"

Kong Jiu turned to the hazy figure beside him, the one from the future, the extraordinary self that Neos spoke of, and asked a question.

He had no choice but to accept the idea that Sof had originally proposed.

My future self will become something that humans cannot understand, just like many others I have met.

Kong Jiu did not aspire to become a "god"; his only desire was to "go home".

But if it's a possible way to get home, he's willing to try.

The figure remained silent for a moment, then slowly shook its head, its face hidden in the shadows, only its eyes revealing a deep and unfathomable depth.

His voice was low and hoarse, as if suppressing some taboo: "This involves the future; you have to find the answers yourself."

As he spoke, he handed the book back to Kong Jiu and lightly tapped the other's forehead with his fingertip.

"Since we have some free time now, let me sort out the current situation for you and also plan out the future for you."

As the calm figure spoke, the system interface unfolded before Kong Jiu's eyes.

As soon as it unfolded, the figure of Kong Jiu from the future frowned slightly.

His gaze turned serious as he pointed to the "Original Path Creation Record" section, lowering his voice: "This skill must not be used recklessly, otherwise, even Neos and I will be unable to interfere."

However, the figure didn't offer much explanation and continued scrolling down the screen.

My gaze lingered on the [One-Shot C]

[Detects units below level 60 within 5 kilometers and allows adding tags]

Since Farah's passing, and after forcibly infusing his spiritual power into himself, his intelligence has increased dramatically.

This appraisal skill is closely linked to one's own spiritual energy. After undergoing multiple upgrades, its further evolution is to be expected.

However, the figure of his future self suddenly frowned, a look of rejection flashing in his eyes.

He gave a series of pointers on the [Appraisal] skill, his tone urgent: "This skill will cause trouble in the future. It's best to change it as soon as possible. It's a habit of using it so frequently that it's like a passive skill."

As he spoke, he appeared agitated, even somewhat indignant.

However, a sudden change occurred!

A burst of spiritual energy, like a spark of lightning, tore through the veil of reality and shot forth like a silver snake, striking directly at the figure!

The figure's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly raised his hand to block.

However, his instinctive raising of his hand clearly had no effect.

With a deafening roar, lightning exploded.

The figure was cleaved by the slash, its form flickering and its light dimming, as if it might vanish at any moment.

He awkwardly smoothed his disheveled hair, his face still showing lingering fear, and said with a wry smile, "I was careless; I forgot I couldn't give away spoilers."

Kong Jiu, who had originally intended to retort, "This detection habit has saved my life countless times," was so frightened by the sudden thunderous power that he swallowed his words back.

He could only stammer in shock, "What... was that just now?"

"That is..."

The figure opened its mouth as if to speak, but suddenly stopped, as if an invisible hand had gripped its throat.

This version of himself from the future could only shake his head, his smile bitter: "No, I can't tell you, otherwise I'll get hit again."

He then pointed to the system interface: "Just like this system, you must be curious about its origins, right?"

Kong Jiu nodded, his eyes filled with even deeper confusion.

"But I can't say that, just like Li Yingying couldn't directly alter reality back then."

The figure sighed helplessly and continued scrolling through the system menu. His gaze swept over Kong Jiu's dazzling yet somewhat strange list of skills.

His eyes repeatedly showed disdain and disgust, but also a hint of nostalgia and reluctance.

"This blood magic is a good thing, but... sigh, I know all too well Mina's troublesome tricks;

The concepts of 'continuity' and 'loyalty'? While you can experience a surge in power in the warp, as if blessed by the terrain, remember not to abuse it—don't ask why;

[From the Heart to the Object] Is it still (in my form)? There's a system bug. What bug? I'll have to get punished again for what I told you;

"The Eye That Gazes Directly at the Dead End"? That's just a lower-level form of advanced spiritual vision. It must be said that Oscar, a mere mortal, has done remarkably well in cultivating his demonic eye to this level…

However, I'll change this skill to [Spiritual Vision] for you. Since you can open your third eye anyway, it's like adding a shortcut to an app.

The figure chattered on and on, offering brief comments on each skill, but only touching on the surface without daring to say a word more.

Finally, his gaze fell on the blacked-out rationality section and the handwritten words "By the Gods".

His gaze suddenly became complicated, and the figure subconsciously made a gesture that was exactly the same as Kong Jiu's habit: scratching his chin.

He turned his head, his gaze towards his past self tinged with an indescribable melancholy.

"'Me,' you're in for a rough time... sigh."

Before he finished speaking, he looked around warily, as if guarding against the lightning strike again.

In the end, he simply patted Kong Jiu on the shoulder heavily, his voice firm: "That's enough. You and I understand. Our only goal is to go home. That's it."

In this profound admonition, the figure transformed into specks of azure starlight and gradually dissipated.

The world around them also faded from a purely psionic illusion back into a mundane and bleak reality.

Kong Jiu's divine eyes, which once saw through all things, have returned to the eyes of an ordinary person.

"Will 'I' help me?"

Kong Jiu closed his eyes, recalling all the absurdities.

He stood quietly in the rain, feeling the earth-shaking changes that had taken place in a single day.

Rainwater slid down his cheeks, the cool touch helping him clear his jumbled thoughts.

A moment later, following "his own" instructions, he opened the system again.

[From mind to matter (the form of others): Half of intelligence, amplified by strength and agility.]

Just as he said.

The originally incomplete "Mind Over Matter," which only had a quarter of its effectiveness, has now been restored to half the level of a normal psychic.

With the 43 points of intelligence granted by Farah's gift of the loop, Kong Jiu could clearly sense that his physical strength and agility had reached a new level, even comparable to those modified warriors who relied on enhancement agents.

However, there was little joy in his eyes, only a silent indifference.

He did not want to pursue power, nor did he want to get entangled in conflict.

Throughout the entire process, his only thought was to go home.

If I could save a few people along the way and make my conscience feel better, that would be even better.

Strength, not too much, was a belief that Kong Jiu always held.

Through the rain, Kong Jiu slowly raised his head and looked up at the gloomy sky.

The [Spiritual Eye] has been quietly activated.

The remaining half of the Iron Curtain's life force clearly appeared in his vision.

He silently raised his hand and gently touched the ring on his finger.

"Arthur, Farah is dead, and I'm prepared to settle things with Wintert tonight. What's the next step?"

The emerald green ring conveyed these thoughts to the Rat God, who was plotting something famous.

A moment later, Squich's aged and profound voice entered his mind through the ring:

"Those insignificant people, Kong. You can deal with them as you please—but you've already resolved that concept, haven't you?"

Kong Jiu nodded silently.

Squich's joy rippled through the air, and then a clear command entered Kongjiu's mind.

"Now, take that girl from the Stewart family and go witness the end of the Hills Curtain."