Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 2199: Chapter 2194: The Prisoner’s Adaptation

What a small world indeed.

Unexpectedly, I see an old friend’s elegance again in this illusory place.

Recalling the days when we were inseparable and faced challenges together, Fu Qian couldn’t help but feel nostalgic.

There’s no mistake, although as an administrator I’ve seen countless unusual forms, compared to Brother Interlocutor, they pale like fireflies to the bright moon.

Segmented limbs, shell, coarse hair, long wings... a belly that drags on the ground.

The flea-like body paired with that regretful face didn’t need to be extravagant to be visually impactful.

Of course, what’s equally impactful is his appearance here.

The erosion in the Puppetry Workshop actually involves the Interlocutor?

When observing the transformed prizes in the box earlier, I indeed had some associations.

After all, this insect concept is something I’ve dealt with more than once.

And this anomaly seems inherently linked to the Nightmare Corridor.

To the point that, at that moment, the esteemed name of His Excellency Alarakir naturally surfaced in Fu Qian’s mind, though it was far from being proven.

As of now, the appearance of the Interlocutor adds solid ground to my previous speculation.

The likelihood that this place is related to Alarakir and even the Nightmare Corridor has significantly increased.

But that’s not the only gain; His Excellency Alarakir had displayed all sorts of insect forms — why specifically the Interlocutor?

"What’s the specific meaning of this retrospection?"

In the end, the illusory image dissipated, and Fu Qian turned his head to confirm with the Witch.

"If the façade of this place truly comes from a story as we suspect, then my actions are equivalent to adding an annotation to that story."

The Witch explained very patiently.

"There might not be critical information, but to some extent, it’s aligned... Did you notice something?"

Since Fu Qian didn’t hide it, she clearly sensed something.

"Yes, that human-headed insect-bodied being is an old friend."

Pointing to where the apparition appeared earlier, Fu Qian believed the Witch surely had a lasting impression as well.

"He is trapped in the passage I traverse every time, where another Superior Being manifests various insect forms."

...

The Witch seemed to be rather surprised at such efficient progress, understanding what Fu Qian’s words represented.

It was already speculated before whether the strange changes had something to do with their frequent traversals, and this seemed like powerful evidence.

"Describe your old friend."

After a brief thought, the Witch directly hinted.

"That old friend claims to be the Interlocutor, claiming himself a victim, trapped in there long ago without a way to break free, with even his mind and body becoming distorted."

Fu Qian naturally was generous in sharing, and his old friend’s experience was heart-wrenching.

While introducing the five different doors, Fu Qian refrained from hastily judging the properties of the Interlocutor.

"According to him, his ability is called Divine Corrosion, capable of distorting anything, even nightmares constructed by Divine Beings.

"Judging from my sensory experience, this claim doesn’t seem like exaggeration. Even high-ranking rules are influenced by him. He even tried to attach himself to me, looking to escape."

Fu Qian referred, of course, to his first entry into the Nightmare Corridor.

Though often thwarted, one must admit the Interlocutor’s abilities; they markedly affected both the nightmare and warehouse, with impressive results.

"It indeed sounds apt for such matters. So, do you think the same situation might happen this time, with him using your power to escape?"

...

With details of the Nightmare Corridor, it was evident it was the Witch’s first time hearing of it; she slightly nodded and gestured to the side for indication.

As for her speculations, she undoubtedly thought clearly.

It had been previously mentioned that due to the nature of this place, even if erosion occurred, it didn’t necessarily have to imply a change to fundamental world rules.

Now a professional in such matters has emerged, pinpointing the issue to an individual, clarifying things.

Clearly, the Witch was merely exploring this possibility, but there were still too many probabilities up to this point.

"This situation can’t be ruled out, but two issues arise: First, I have fairly reliable intelligence that it’s extremely difficult for that old friend to escape from there. I also don’t believe he can easily attach himself to me now."

Fu Qian’s response was realistic, pointing to his head.

Reliable intelligence naturally came from the warehouse, referencing an instance of breaching the Nightmare Corridor and acting as the Evil God’s corrosion of reality.

Providing an advantage, the warehouse mentioned a crucial point in the final mission summary: within the Corridor, His Excellency Alarakir and others have been sentenced to the utmost penalty, unable to get out.

Long trapped inside and deeply affected, Interlocutor’s condition could hardly fare much better.

Moreover, this time Fu Qian even utilized Extreme Hunger Infection at the level of the true Abandonment King; it’s hard to imagine him capitalizing on such an opportunity.

"Second point, if it’s solely the Interlocutor’s operation, it doesn’t quite explain why I can so readily traverse back and forth."

Ultimately, I’m the crucial part; even assuming the Interlocutor executed extreme manoeuvres, from Fu Qian’s perspective, unless the Nightmare Corridor were dismantled, such convenience would be hard to afford.

"This is where my confusion lies, having crossed just now, I didn’t find anything particularly special on you either.

"Besides this scenario, do you have other possible leanings?"

The Witch nodded slightly, adding a remark.

"I have; I understand that old friend of mine, rather simple-minded, easily manipulated by crafty individuals. Given it’s clearly related to him yet beyond his ability, I incline towards the imprisoned few being responsible."

Fu Qian directly pointed to His Excellency Alarakir and others, advocating for his old friend.

"Reasonable, but this then raises why the Interlocutor would be of use, seeing as it’s his image appearing."

Quickly seizing the crux of the issue, the Witch’s thoughts remained clear.

A dull mind is easy to exploit, but not a reason in itself for exploitation.

"This question is something I’ve just been pondering; it seems like two possibilities: first, his type of ability is quite suited for such tasks. Second, is there a possibility connected to the Interlocutor’s origins?"

While speaking, Fu Qian looked around.

"Are there any imprints related to him, like his hometown?"

Thoughts shouldn’t be rigid; since the brief opportunity had already been raised as an issue, could it be that it wasn’t an opportunity at all?

His Excellency Alarakir has long been attempting to descend into reality, something well-known.

But heading into the Bookstore World is descending, and doesn’t coming this way apply too?