To be honest, Fu Qian didn't find it all that strange to paint a face on a mask or helmet.
But generally speaking, whether it was meant to intimidate enemies with a ferocious look or soften all things with a gentle one, the face had to have something special about it.
This one did have something special, at least in one respect: its eyes were absurdly large and set far apart on either side.
Unfortunately, rather than giving off an air of great wisdom, it brought to mind only the legendary clear-eyed stupidity.
Paired with the drooping corners of its mouth, as if it might start drooling at any moment, that stupidity was practically pathological. It seemed ready to become tangible.
An organization devoted to studying the beginning and end of the world had chosen the face of an intellectually disabled alien as its symbol?
Fu Qian had never looked down on the human pioneers who dared to explore, but at that moment, he couldn't help admiring the courage on display.
Was it meant to constantly remind them of their own stupidity?
If so, that sort of bearing was indeed impressive.
Unfortunately, just as people seemed to dislike the mask and refuse to wear it, many of them didn't seem to keep that humility in mind at all times.
"Welcome. It sounds like you're very interested in our topic."
Since they'd already broken the ice without a hitch, Fu Qian didn't bother being polite. He spoke first, relaxed and at ease.
Welcome...
The wording was really putting the cart before the horse. Never mind that the other person had clearly been telling them to shut up—what did Fu Qian mean, "welcome"?
Had he gotten mixed up about who the host was?
"What are you doing here?"
The neatly dressed researcher