Chapter 2764 - 2759: Thirteen Tales (16)

Chapter 2764: Chapter 2759: Thirteen Tales (16)

Yes, he’s an old man who knows how to handle things.

Lady Trish’s fearful eyes indeed exist and even have a deeper connection to this place than they do.

The latter, who bore the pain of losing a son, has been hidden in the shadows of the asylum for years, becoming a silent recorder.

And it seemed that he was lurking quite successfully, even compared to the more keen Lady Trish. If it weren’t for my help, it would have been difficult to discover him.

However, through a single friendly visit, I obtained such an incredible secret; Fu Qian was naturally quite satisfied.

As for the fact that the other party became reserved after just a few words, he didn’t mind at all.

The art of discretion lies within.

Everyone out in the worldly society knows when to say that’s enough.

The reason a socially anxious person is willing to come forward is naturally due to my earlier threats.

Even the reaction to the threat fits the other’s self-introduction.

Because as a recorder, not wanting the recorded subjects to be wiped out, resulting in incomplete reports, he came out to strive a little.

But as is well known, an incomplete report won’t be fatal.

Initiating self-introduction, seeking understanding is already about enough; forcing someone to spill all their secrets might tip the balance unfavorably.

That’s the message the old recorder man is conveying right now.

Self-introduction complete, he might even offer a chance for Q&A, in exchange for you behaving yourself.

But if you insist on causing trouble, I’ll just walk away.

Considering the old man’s stealth skills, Fu Qian didn’t think he had much chance of preventing that by chasing after him.

So, the choice seemed obvious—what should I ask?

"I understand, there’s indeed something I’m quite curious about."

Fortunately, Fu Qian had thought about this issue beforehand, not keeping the old man waiting long.

"Besides these customers who came through official channels for treatment, are there others like me who intruded impulsively?"

...

"Following in the footsteps of an old acquaintance," a reason mentioned in the initial task intro, Fu Qian never forgot.

It’s just that earlier, the lack of relevant clues made it unworthy of rushing to invest effort in.

And now, what could be more suitable to consult than a role like "recorder," who enjoys observing others from the shadows and has been around since the asylum’s inception?

As for why not ask him how he slips away unnoticed?

It certainly sounded like a good idea. The old man being hidden for so long likely has some grasp of secret passages or mechanisms.

But Fu Qian still didn’t cherish this precious opportunity for two reasons.

Firstly, the world is treacherous, and regardless of the apparent sincerity of the counterpart, one cannot rule out the possibility of subjective malice.

Even if he truly helps point out a "bright path," whether to follow it remains questionable.

Secondly, and most importantly, the idealism capable of affecting time, reflected in Lady Trish and others, hasn’t been fundamentally unraveled.

If it’s truly a place of all evil individuals, each poses similar risks.

A special role like the recorder must be considered for the horrifying potential of harboring a Well of Time.

To unexpectedly send oneself directly to Judgment Day.

So how to avoid such risks?

Disappearing without contact seems the cleanest, though earlier he still chose to bait the man out.

Mainly this task felt exceptionally unique, seeming to have a wide timeframe but practically offering scant margin for slow advancement.

For a deeply engaging point like the recorder, Fu Qian won’t easily abandon it.

Thus, he ultimately chose to mitigate risks by avoiding topics that might directly complete the task, like asking about the escape route.

After all, the task’s completion and Judgment Day’s arrival are strongly correlated by thought.

But at the same time, such a rare opportunity demands questions of depth.

At this moment, that "acquaintance" of his is undoubtedly a great choice.

It involves some profound matters, and the question is quite unconventional.

"Intruder? I’ll need to have my son look into it."

Listening quietly to Fu Qian’s request, the recorder fell silent for a moment before responding.

But the content of this response... also involves a necromancer affair?

...

Indeed, the unusual can’t match against the sinister.

This place was originally owned by the old man, whose son once lived here.

It was only after the latter’s death that it was donated to become the current asylum.

At that moment, Fu Qian lamented while recalling the origins mentioned earlier.

Even the old man’s peculiar hobby clearly originated from the same event.

After the agony of losing his son, he chose to completely hide in the shadows.

Yet, this seemingly tragic story has a small contradiction?

The old man’s son not only didn’t die but even transformed into a secretary, helping search the recorded information?

Demon Mountain indeed harbors hidden talents, rendering the atmosphere instantly magical, but—

"I appreciate his effort."

Comparing Lady Trish’s experience, Fu Qian still refrained from escalating the question and even managed a courteous remark.

The one still stunned nearby had a story that was also magically inexplicable? The ultimate proof suggested no supernatural forces were needed.

"It’s okay... as I age, I forget many things.

Indeed, the response that followed sounded quite normal.

"Sometimes, I find it hard to understand what I’ve written, always doing it instinctively, so much so that I can’t even review it for completeness."

The old man’s tone carried a sigh, vividly portraying the sorrow of an aging person.

...

Ah, so that’s it.

So, the old man revealing himself under my threat wasn’t because Lady Trish’s death would spoil the records.

But because he couldn’t determine if the records would be incomplete in that situation?

Indeed, nothing can be taken for granted.

While listening to the old man’s story, Fu Qian’s thoughts wandered elsewhere.

Though merely supplementary details, they rendered the situation suddenly more logical.

Uncertainty in loss often provokes greater fear.

"I can imagine that feeling; my apologies for being rude earlier."

As for what loss comes from missing a few notes?

That indeed is a question, but while apologizing for his earlier excessive behavior, Fu Qian had a vague sense of understanding.

"Hehe, fortunately, my son helps me... When my heart stopped beating that day, I knew he wasn’t dead. He stayed here in an alternative way."

Sure enough, the old man soon offered an explanation.

"I record everything because of that, and eventually, I found his voice in there.

"He also liked my way, and soon we became increasingly in sync."