Chapter 2530: Chapter 2525: Shadows in the Inverted Lake

Still a surprise?

Losing SAN Points is a local specialty, an experience not to be missed?

Last time, right after reaching Fallen Star Point, it delivered a hard hit. This time, just entering and receiving such a warm welcome feels overly enthusiastic.

"Sorry for being a bit late."

Just one sentence, and I lost two lives. At that moment, Fu Qian was filled with admiration, stepped forward to converse with the welcomer, and even didn’t forget to observe the serious-looking robe.

Unfortunately, on one hand, it has clear differences from the one Nepheli wore before; on the other hand, on the pure black base, there are no overly obvious starry patterns.

The only decorative element is the gray drape on the shoulders.

If coupled with a hat with tassels, Fu Qian felt he seemed to be witnessing a graduation ceremony.

"You know..."

But the graduate opposite was clearly not happy. Even though Fu Qian proactively admitted his fault, the other couldn’t help but grumble a bit.

As for why admit fault if nothing was wrong?

Who said nothing was wrong? It’s been a long time since I got the Star Map, and coming late to make them wait is quite normal.

Moreover, Fu Qian was so intrigued, he was curious why they were waiting for him.

[SAN Points -1]

Unfortunately, before waiting for further dialogue options, a prompt sounded once again, proving continual blood loss.

But everything should be seen positively; at least the numbers were consistent, not giving an arithmetic or geometric sequence blow.

In the blink of an eye, loss occurred again, yet Fu Qian, the SAN Points consumer, remained emotionally stable.

Although seemingly unfriendly, to put it bluntly it’s just a standard hourly billing model.

When Night Holy City was preparing to meet Prism of Radiant Transformation before, the idea of using SAN Points as session cards was already there, but this time it’s just more formal.

"Alright, don’t waste time, follow me."

Even more comforting was that the receptionist finally did not further fuss about the tardiness, standing up next moment, beckoning Fu Qian to follow.

...

Everything fears comparison; compared to many previous exploration activities, the treatment this time was almost very humane.

Of course, there was no refusal, Fu Qian followed the call while curiously observing the surroundings.

Although it costs session cards and until now, not even aware of why they are waiting, but overall it seemed reasonably gentle.

So much so that one might be curious if the Academy’s Exploration Team back then received such good hospitality.

According to Cass’s words, the team lineup back then should have been enormous, and high reception standards would strain the budget?

Although this place seemed quite financially robust.

After standing up, the receptionist unsurprisingly moved toward a multi-faced hourglass, circled it, then stepped into a small door behind it.

And throughout, Fu Qian, who followed, could truly appreciate the thoughtful design of this place.

Although not exaggerated in size, in terms of space utilization, it was evidently meticulously crafted, maintaining complexity yet not losing solemnity and majesty, exuding a few elements of a temple of knowledge.

In comparison, the Academy seemed a bit clumsy, black, and rustic, slightly vulgar in temperament.

"This way."

After successively passing one up and one down spiral staircase, the receptionist even gestured for Fu Qian to continue downward to a deeper level.

The overall complexity of the route could be unfriendly to someone with no sense of direction.

"Alone I’m not sure you can make it, but the rules can’t change; you can only pick one."

Fortunately, no further trekking was necessary; approximately two levels underground, the receptionist gestured to stop before a door adorned with two rows of rivets, and particularly reminded before opening it.

Choose one? Is the benefit this good?

While surveying the area, Fu Qian noted this door appeared extraordinary, and listening to the receptionist, there might even be gifts behind for him?

Though the rules sounded strict with no room for compromise.

Additionally, they didn’t seem to mind more people reporting here?

[SAN Points -1]

Silently summarizing the information gained from conversation, the familiar prompt sounded for the third time.

"Understood."

In a pleasant voice, Fu Qian nodded without objection.

"Very well."

The receptionist seemed finally somewhat pleased with his response, dragged open that heavy door.

...

A warehouse after all?

No need to enter, Fu Qian could easily see the scene inside the door.

Honestly, the layout even had a warehouse’s vibe.

High and low shelves, variously sized wooden boxes...

Aside from the overall scale being truly petite, it’s almost just the size of a level in his lab.

Additionally, most wooden boxes were not closed, allowing a direct view of the contents inside.

Long blades, serrated edges, pointed spikes... The designs appeared quite ferocious, filled with menacing energy.

In a moment, only heightened déjà vu could be described, reminiscent of scenes selecting slaying tools at the start of numerous games.

"These are specially crafted weapons, each can be useful when dealing with shadows lurking around."

The receptionist even affirmed this thought, while gesturing for him to enter.

"Shadows?"

However, a certain word mentioned was rather peculiar.

Additionally, it sounded like the mission was already defined - taking these fierce tools to deal with the unwelcome entities referred to as "shadows."

But engaging in such possibly lethal activities requires caution, Fu Qian unabashedly showed curiosity.

"You..."

Unsurprisingly, the receptionist was momentarily speechless, staring at him sharply.

"You don’t even know what you’re here to do? Just what are the folks selecting people on the shore doing?"

Fortunately, Fu Qian’s honesty seemed to win some goodwill, soon shifting the receptionist’s dissatisfaction to his ’colleagues’ responsible for other tasks.

Let’s just say it sounds like quite a mature assembly line operation.

Moreover, referring to "shore" has vivid imagery.

After all, theoretically, the closest "shore" from here is Moore...

"...Throughout the entire lake area, there’s an unpredictable entity that suddenly appears lurking, itself unobservable, but our arrangements around can cast their shadows."

At this point, the receptionist resignedly sighed and began a patient explanation.

"And what you need to do is take something from here... any piece, then patrol and eliminate them.

"These are masterpieces of special mix, able to bring a true end to shadows, otherwise it’s endless — do you understand?"

Pointing out those wooden boxes along the way, the receptionist’s patience seemed almost depleted.

"Understood."

To be fair, indeed, it was explained quite clearly, Fu Qian had already walked to the shelves, examining each weapon.

Surely very well-designed, plenty of ornamentation without substance — Fu Qian’s gaze finally settled on a short gun adorned with swirling patterns.

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