Chapter 1924: Chapter 1919: From Light to Shadow Once More

"There’s reasonable suspicion, otherwise it’s hard to see how those two attacking us would be beneficial."

Professor Fu, hiding securely behind a shield with not a single leaf touching him, was unsurprised by Lord Stos’ statement and casually confirmed it.

This truly addressed the initial question, as Fu Qian believed it was one of the most probable answers.

As mentioned earlier, the actions of Brother Mal have always been puzzling in terms of their purpose.

On one hand, even if they really took down this powerful Exploration Team, what would be the point?

Aside from inciting the Night Watchman’s frenzied revenge.

Could it be that this place is akin to their foundational existence, allowing for endless resurrections as long as it remains, but ceases to exist if they are gone?

At first, this sounds reasonable, but the problem is that the Night Watchman clearly isn’t here to destroy this place; it’s merely a survey.

Moreover, if they really did that, it would destroy this place even faster.

Even if they’re not very bright, it shouldn’t lead to such a clearly suicidal action.

On the other hand, can they really achieve this even with the ark’s support for concealment?

Isn’t it overly confident—unless they never intended to achieve it from the start?

A subsequent thought led Fu Qian to stop Old Master Stoss thrice from acting rashly.

When on the upper level, the passage downstairs suddenly closed, after Malfoy was discovered by Su Gao, and the old master diverted him with a powerful move.

At that time, my evaluation of this change was, "This ship seems angry."

Could this be their true intention, to take action, assassinate, conceal, and subsequently force the Exploration Team to ravage the ark in order to flush them out, as exploration would otherwise be eternally stalled?

Would this process stimulate the ark’s aversion and hostility, escalating the conflict?

It’s apparently a different kind of manipulation, though it’s hard to determine what profits they would gain.

However, despite this uncertainty, it didn’t prevent me from guiding things in the opposite direction as a consultant.

For instance, stopping the event from escalating multiple times and finally suggesting Su Gao to execute Brother Mal when found.

Compared to Old Master Stoss, her actions were clearly more targeted and less likely to affect the surroundings.

The ultimate change, Brother Mal seemingly giving up treatment, somewhat validated the speculation.

...

The site of Brother Mal’s self-detonation was not far ahead.

Getting slashed once and then immediately blowing themselves to pieces doesn’t quite match a killer’s mentality.

Not to mention the self-destruction’s pathetic power. Mr. Feng Yunhong, who had similar flashes in the past, could annihilate a Fourth Phase peak with the same move.

It once again underscores the high manipulative element in previous actions.

"Was the brightening light also fake?"

While Lord Stos and the group were lost in thought, Su Gao turned her head to quietly confirm a notion.

As someone with first-hand experience entering the ark twice, she was evidently more sensitive to certain matters.

"It should be."

As gazes converged intensely, the group appeared enlightened, and Fu Qian nodded.

"Our experiences seem to have been manipulated; the brightening light represented the degree of distortion on this ship, but it might just simply have brightened... This setup was likely arranged upon detecting someone’s earlier entry.

"I must admit, the arrangement is quite clever, and even now, we can’t disprove it. Once we accept that those two are instigating conflict between us and the ship, it becomes much easier to comprehend."

Fu Qian gestured toward his own eyes.

"Since they could hide using the ship, making it nearly impossible for us to detect despite great effort, it’s possible for them to modulate the comparison of internal and external time flow slightly. Alongside a minor diversion, a tense atmosphere is successfully created."

"Regarding motives, considering the risks under time pressure, our range of choices becomes very limited, actions more intense, and easier to guide."

...

"Sounds plausible... and even if you told me this idea earlier, I probably wouldn’t have listened."

Su Gao and Fu Qian’s Q&A provided an alternative interpretation of the overall situation after boarding, and in the next deeper silence, Lord Stos finally spoke calmly.

He acknowledged Fu Qian’s idea to some extent and even honestly admitted his earlier judgment—if Fu Qian hadn’t brought it up himself but had been asked directly instead, it likely wouldn’t have convinced him.

But now, some things indeed have been proven...

Surveying the wreckage before him, it was clear to Old Master that this didn’t deserve the final blow.

"However, there’s one nagging question: why bother with this when simply not altering the internal and external time flow comparison would enhance realism?"

Of course, this doesn’t mean he hadn’t any doubts.

"Good question, hard to say."

This time, Fu Qian shook his head decisively.

"Perhaps even though they appear to have great affinity with this place, they still face distortion or, after synchronizing to a certain degree, we can no longer inflict substantial harm to the ark, rendering it unstimulated."

While answering, Fu Qian was also observing the same direction as Old Master’s gaze.

The impact of Brother Mal’s self-detonation undoubtedly ravaged all visible areas—but caused no damage.

For this ship, they seem to have been as gentle as a spring breeze.

"Su Gao, what do you think?"

This scene subtly supports Professor Fu’s view, yet Lord Stos values a holistic perspective and seeks the opinion of the investigator nominally in charge of this matter next.

If the earlier assumptions hold, time should suddenly become abundant.

Su Gao’s performance throughout was exemplary.

"They’re no longer hiding; the remnants are merging with the ship."

Su Gao, without courtesy, pointed to another direction.

"Then the scythe and feathers are disappearing."

Indeed...

Under her reminder, the group noticed these earlier threats.

It was evident that the wreckage left by the assassin’s explosion was rapidly merging into the ship, while both the feathers and scythe were visibly being suppressed, as though this ship was healing.

But what’s the goal?

Even with the original plan foiled, was it really necessary to do all this?

"Still can’t sense any exit—"

In contemplation, Demigod Su relayed an unsettling update.

"The ship is moving."

And with a slight pause, hinted at an even grimmer update.

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