The Moment of Devouring (14)

The performance was still a performance, but this time Fu Qian chose a new direction for the story, completely changing his approach from last time.

Faced with his resolute stance, Doctor Cynthia merely stared at him expressionlessly, making no immediate comment.

"An interesting question."

Under that gaze, half a minute later, Fu Qian suddenly snorted, his voice dripping with disdain.

"In my normal state, I really wouldn't ask myself that."

"...Pachi?"

After a few seconds, his tone finally turned hesitant.

"Just meaningless thoughts."

As if trying to convince himself, Fu Qian even shook his head.

For a long while afterward, he chose to remain silent.

Even so, the smile on his face gradually disappeared.

Or rather, it shifted.

Because Doctor Cynthia looked considerably more satisfied.

She seemed to be quite pleased with the changes in Fu Qian's behavior.

Just as Fu Qian furrowed his brow and clenched his fist, she lifted the black cloth and covered Soul's Lure again.

Fu Qian jolted, as if waking from a dream.

But after looking up at Cynthia, he took a deep breath and dispelled the bewilderment from his face.

"Indeed, it's an interesting Supernatural Item. For me, it was a rare experience."

"Oh? What made it rare?"

Cynthia seemed noncommittal. She picked up a pen and paper and began taking notes with a serious expression.

Her actions seemed to put some psychological pressure on him.

Fu Qian hesitated briefly before choosing his words.

"Speaking to myself from a special perspective, examining myself. Of course, there was some occasional noise, too."

"Understandable. So what was that noise?"

Cynthia continued asking as she took notes.

"...Pachi."

Fu Qian hesitated for a moment, then finally said a name.

"He called me Pachi."

"Did 'he' call you that, or did you call yourself that?"

Cynthia's smile