Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1766: Chapter 1761: Withering and Fear

Transcendent and scientific research, to a certain extent, are two concepts that don’t quite mesh.

The former requires reverence, while the latter inherently tends towards risk.

It’s comforting that many instructors at the Academy demonstrate considerable proficiency in this regard, summarizing as taking great risks without showing it.

Take Professor Ah Kai, who might have been napping just now, before sleep even conducted an experiment nearby.

The Death Seed, planted directly not far from the Benevolence Institute, without any concern of being attacked by other professors if they found out.

Of course, it’s not entirely without security measures—a bright green cloth strip surrounds this secluded corner, encircling a stone pillar and other miscellaneous items.

However, such a crime scene-like setup often inadvertently entices one to have a look inside out of curiosity.

"The Benevolence side is usually very quiet, and it’s even less frequented deeper into this area."

Aware of this issue on the way here, Professor Ah Kai seemed a little embarrassed, actively explaining before Fu Qian could comment.

"Moreover, it expands very slowly, so the danger isn’t that significant."

Casually pulling open the strip, Professor Ah Kai signaled Fu Qian could come closer to observe.

"It’s almost been an hour now."

...

Slow it definitely is.

Though there’s no spectacular visual effect, Fu Qian could still sense the anomaly there without needing to approach.

Nevertheless, he didn’t refuse Professor Ah Kai’s invitation, walking to the stone pillar and knocking on it with his finger.

Rumble...

Despite its bucket-like thickness, the weathered pillar did not topple over.

Yet, on one of its sides, fine stone dust cascaded down like dandruff, its ferocity creating an arched erosion on the pillar moments later.

This is part of the sphere, the boundary of the Death Seed.

Using this mark, even without sensing anything, a bit of geometry knowledge can roughly determine the sphere’s center and radius.

Professor Ah Kai was not falsely exonerating himself; an hour has only spread it to this extent, its speed comparable to a snail.

Even though this snail is evidently poisonous.

Withering erodes everything, as the pillar’s unique shape fully demonstrates.

Unaffected portions seem like they could endure at least a century, while the inside of the sphere has already turned to dust.

And it’s not the only affected object.

Everything within the range, metals corroded, trees and plants withered, even a cluster of fur nestled over there has completely lost its sheen.

With the stone dust settling, a chain reaction seemed to ensue, leaving everything unable to maintain its form, likewise turning to dust.

Even though the impact is so negligible.

Despite this, one cannot smell a hint of corpses.

Indeed, it greatly resembles the feeling Brother Huo gives, as previous discussions about its Miracle Creatures’ identity and origin appear further confirmed.

"Do the extra effects need direct engagement to experience?"

Though he initiated, it was ultimately Professor Ah Kai’s project. Fu Qian did not rudely proceed hands-on but nodded slightly to confirm.

"Yes, its existence is very stable, currently posing no risk of disturbance."

Such excellent academic integrity, Professor Ah Kai felt respected while straightforwardly explaining.

"However, its ranking is quite high; it’s best to proceed incrementally."

"Understood."

Nodding, Fu Qian slowly extended a finger into the "sphere".

...

Risk-taking is ever in pursuit of truth.

Even though he surpasses Professor Ah Kai by another phase, Fu Qian has no interest in violating experimental procedures.

Before incrementally progressing, he even rolled up the sleeve of his newly bought shirt.

No substantial impact reached.

That entirely invisible sphere welcomed entry without any obstacles.

Yet, in Fu Qian’s perception, he clearly knew flesh entering the sphere was dying rapidly.

And that’s not the only change.

"Can you feel it?"

At this moment, Professor Ah Kai, who had been watching, couldn’t help but inquire excitedly.

"That’s the purest emotion, directly imprinting on the soul—fear. This is the essence of this miracle; the withering effect akin to death is just a side effect."

"Moreover, unlike the latter, once out of the affected range, the withering effect quickly alleviates, but not fear. It seems directly fused with the soul, requiring much longer to dissipate."

Speaking, Ah Kai lifted his arm, displaying his left pinky.

Indeed, the front section presents entirely different states compared to the rest.

Foremost dull as a withered branch, however, the remainder remains fresh and smooth.

Professor Ah Kai truly possesses a scientific spirit, not content with merely testing utilizing objects following the miracle’s successful activation.

And his conclusion is undeniably coherent.

With a slight nod, Fu Qian’s hand continued inward up to his rolled-up sleeve, experiencing increasing discomfort.

"How long has it been here?"

Simultaneously, he gestured toward Ah Kai’s hand.

"Approximately eight hours, marking the first success from a ten-second exposure within."

Though fu Professor realized the damage on my hand surpassed one hour significantly, Ah Kai wasn’t too puzzled, gently rubbing the dried section of his finger.

"Even now, I’m still battling fear coursing within my soul... Does Fu Professor sense anything unusual?"

Clearly, having a demigod assist in testing the effects is desirable for him, warranting significant attention to Fu Qian’s feelings.

"Your conclusion is somewhat valid; this mind impact is the core."

Fu Qian didn’t play coy, withdrawing his hand at once, examining the corpse-like skin.

"But the relationship between fear and withering might not depict a miracle of primary and auxiliary effects but as cause and effect."

Clenching his fist, Fu Qian listened to the cracking bones, shaking his head.

"Withering doesn’t appear directly; its driving source is fear of withering."

"Though I don’t know Benevolence Institute’s precise miracle definition, it feels this essence is like someone scared of dying ends up frightening themselves to death."