Bitter Fruit (41)
Not bad.
Calm and serene, as still as an ancient well. Compared with her dark form last time, Lady Xilaliya's current state was like breaking through delusion and attaining great enlightenment.
Fu Qian was fairly sure she wasn't trying to retreat in order to find a way to survive. Death simply no longer frightened her.
Her eyes had been flashing wildly just moments ago. Now, all that remained in them was wisdom.
Of course, Fu Qian's "Not bad" didn't mean he thought this state was actually better.
What mattered was the change.
The "Bitter Fruit" he was looking for was something in the process of growing.
Ever since the containment conditions had appeared, finding "change" had been more important to Fu Qian than uncovering "secrets."
Unfortunately, reality had gone the other way. One secret after another had been pried from the natives' hearts, while all of Akons seemed much too peaceful and quiet, with no sign of any major upheaval.
Now, after coming to visit Xilaliya again and giving her a little provocation, he'd seen such a dramatic change. It was almost a pleasant surprise.
And that wasn't all. Most importantly, the way Xilaliya was acting now immediately brought to mind her explanation of the treatment's effects in the underground stone chamber at the start of the mission—
The effect of her embrace was to "catalyze the filth in one's heart until it withered," thereby bringing about true peace.
And the way she looked now was, by all appearances, like she'd embraced herself.
Was this a sign of the Bitter Fruit? Had he misjudged the Warehouse?
Had it tried to give him a hint by arranging for his mission to begin with a conversation with Xilaliya?
Not bad. With such a positive attitude, there was still room