Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1498: Chapter 1496: Human Pillar (Part 2)

"Can Lord Aike think of any possible reasons? What’s really going on here?"

A true professional always bravely faces problems.

Although he didn’t speak up immediately, Fu Qian didn’t think the Night Watcher Demigod had much trust in him.

Even if, as previously guessed, Aike was also in a predicament, this silence was more due to resonating with his words.

In light of this, Fu Qian unhesitatingly followed up on this feeling of confusion with more questions.

It was just a temporary team-up; emotional resonance was enough.

Like this question, Fu Qian never expected the other party to answer.

"Is this not your real face?"

As proven by actual events, Aike’s thoughts were indeed interrupted by Fu Qian’s question, and he slowly looked over without addressing it, speaking bluntly.

"No, I’ve never seen this face before. Of course, I have to say it has a real sense of security; your judgment is very reasonable."

Fu Qian coolly described the situation, even taking a moment to self-deprecate, showing some optimism.

...

Had he even transformed into a different, unfamiliar image?

It was evident that Fu Qian’s account made Aike even more puzzled for a moment.

"Are you trying to tell me... you don’t even know what place this is, and you were already here when you came to your senses?"

"I don’t know. In fact, I’m even perplexed about whether this place is reality."

Fu Qian shook his head again, even sharing his previous judgment.

"The only thing that gives me a slight sense of familiarity is that building, as if I’ve seen it somewhere."

"But that’s all it is; overall, it still feels unfamiliar to me, and I have no idea where it came from—"

"Em House Palace."

As the saying goes, sincerity can move mountains; Fu Qian’s sharing was finally interrupted.

As he expressed his special impression of the distant architecture, Aike sighed softly and uttered a name.

"Oh?"

Such a delightful change naturally made Fu Qian raise an eyebrow, perfectly playing along.

"It’s part of the Larea Royal Family, one of the assets allowed to be retained after the power was handed over to the Federation, fully privately owned, so it’s not very well-known."

True to form, Aike smoothly continued the introduction.

"Even now, the descendants of this ancient family still live there. Don’t tell me you’ve never heard of the surname they’re so proud of?"

...

A royal residence, can it really be such an orthodox remnant of a feudal system?

Exploring the edge of the map truly yields special rewards.

The Demigod Aike’s introduction sparked a reflection from Fu Qian.

Larea.

Although in this world, both myths and history have traces of embellishment.

But as an expert and a cultural industry worker, taking time to observe a dressed-up little girl, Fu Qian thought it was quite necessary.

And among them, this surname is one that is very likely to appear if you’re reading a world history of over a thousand words.

This was also why the Demigod Aike had the last question posed earlier.

According to the information, after the legendary Mythic Era ended, surviving humans didn’t advance smoothly into a modernized happy life under protection but still went through a complete evolution of productivity.

Including the Night Watcher, who behaved quite low-key for a considerable period among them.

Even without transcendent channels of faith, some families gained great power through mutations and established dynasty-like entities through bloodlines, which wasn’t uncommon.

Of course, the Larea lineage was quite retro; they directly called themselves Divine, claiming that their bloodline carried the blood of Gods, and eventually, they truly attained peak power through exaggerated combat prowess.

And similar existences were more than one throughout the world.

However, their glory almost completely ended at the same time—when the Night Watcher returned with unprecedented assertiveness, forcibly replacing everything with the concept of the Federation.

Although the details were sparse, the process was even more efficient than expected.

Soon a large, loose alliance emerged that prevented ordinary human wars.

Various severe restrictions on Transcendents also slowly implemented from then on.

As for when, it really was after the invention of the steam engine, just as Veil mentioned at the opera house.

Can we really admire this past glory, but the current problem is—

In a flash of thought, Fu Qian glanced at the distant building.

"I’ve heard of it, but are you sure it’s still habitable?"

This wasn’t just idle talk; the task description’s shroud metaphor was quite fitting, as under the lifeless iridescent glow, the decaying colossal structure, despite its grandeur, truly didn’t seem livable.

No matter if there were tacit exchanges back then, it was a peaceful evolution on the outside, and such a living environment was a bit harsh, to say the least.𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"Of course, it can’t accommodate living people."

Without even sparing Fu Qian a glance, Aike stared at the building at the end of the road, revealing a hint of an enigmatic smile.

"But it’s not the real Em House Palace."

...

"I see, so that explains it..."

Aike’s words undeniably confirmed the earlier speculation about reality.

As someone with questionable behavior, Fu Qian didn’t fake surprise but mused to himself as if it was expected.

"Illusions, dreams, because of reasons I’m not sure about, facing this unique trouble, next is considering how to escape, but..."

Suddenly recalling something, Fu Qian narrowed his eyes at Aike, who remained standing behind the tree.

"How are you sure it’s not the real Em House Palace, sir?"

"... Are you suspecting me? Are you mistaken about your situation?"

Finally withdrawing his gaze, Aike looked over with a slight mocking smile, a tone that wasn’t very friendly.

"If what you see really isn’t real, then perhaps death isn’t the worst outcome."

Shaking his head, Fu Qian remained unafraid.

"And if it’s a misjudgment, then reminding you to reassess should be considered a good-willed gesture."

"Can’t it be that I’m deliberately deceiving you, and exposing it will put you in great danger?"

Aike seemed finally a tad more interested in the person before him, but he still wasn’t very cooperative, letting out a light chuckle.

"Miss, with your demeanor, from earlier till now, have you even realized you haven’t asked this suspicious individual what they’re called?"

With such worries, stop pretending like you’re in full control over everything.

Despite his inner grievances, Fu Qian just quietly observed his companion.

"... Of course I’m certain."

Seemingly processing Fu Qian’s resolve, a few seconds later, the Demigod Aike finally took a deep breath.

"Because I was originally an invited guest to their banquet."