Chapter 2546: Chapter 2541: Fallen Persona

The wrath of both humans and gods.

Not only did they delay wages, but they even ridiculed those who came to demand their pay, utterly disregarding the spirit of the contract.

Although the door remained closed, and no other person was seen, suddenly the noisy laughter was vividly reminiscent.

Along with the words spoken by the Doorkeeper earlier, it’s easy to imagine a group of people owed wages sitting there in various postures, as calm as pigs not fearing boiling water.

Of course, there are disadvantages as well as benefits. The originally lifeless research institute suddenly gained quite a bit of liveliness.

"I think you could open the door..."

"And then have my brain ripped out, haha..."

"Why don’t you open the door? Afraid of being found brainless?"

The object of ridicule was not only those demanding their wages, even the fellow behind the door was being mocked, quickly escalating into mutual attacks.

A group of so-called researchers with lines as sharp as they wished to see their colleagues in despair.

As for the so-called Scavenger outside the door, it sounded like they don’t even deserve the status of fringe members, almost discussed as if they were a foreign creature.

"I believe you heard that as well? Sorry, for safety reasons, I cannot open the door for now, and I also may not have any money for you to take away."

And after a bout of noise, the Doorkeeper finally responded, politely apologizing to Fu Qian, stating the door would not be opened.

And there’s absolutely no money.

...

I said it didn’t matter whether the work was completed or not, see how the other side didn’t even consider using that excuse.

The Doorkeeper’s response was undoubtedly evasive, but at that moment Fu Qian did not rush to resort to violence, instead expressing that the philosophy of previous work had been verified.

"It’s okay, spiritual wealth is fine too."

Fu Qian, who had read various abstract books, was also familiar with stories like "working for twenty years to receive a small piece of life wisdom paper," immediately expressing there was no need to be so vulgar.

Hmm...

This time, not only was the Doorkeeper at a loss for words, even the laughter of the onlookers faded.

"You really are different from them."

After a long while, an indistinct sigh could be heard, the Doorkeeper seemed to make some decision.

Still didn’t open the door, but the next moment the lampstand beside suddenly lit up.

Given that it was an oil lamp, the brightness wasn’t too high, but it was somewhat magical to light up like that.

But upon seeing the silver dots and lines on it, it didn’t seem so hard to understand anymore.

In short, the figures of those demanding wages were suddenly illuminated more brightly, pulling out a long shadow.

"Them?"

Fu Qian watched this scene and casually asked.

"...What do you think?"

The Doorkeeper played coy, much like giving you a small slip of paper with life philosophy, specifically asking you to look at it at home.

"Let me think, are the other shadows not as brave as I am in fighting for their rights?"

Unfortunately, as a widely-read expert, no matter how abstract the question, it was no issue for Fu Qian.

Not even leaving time to really think, the next moment they directly provided an answer.

...

Indeed, the other "shadows."

People always have cognitive inertia.

For example, if the previous role was a Scavenger cleaning up shadows, then naturally assume a similar identity this time.

Essentially, this is a kind of intellectual laziness.

Some might say, aren’t you still being lazy?

No, no, don’t forget this time the Scavenger identity was proactively brought up by oneself.

The first moment arriving at this place, facing the Doorkeeper’s inquiry, a similar tone was intentionally used.

But as everyone knows, in this day and age, it’s hard to be consistent inside and out, the more one claims to be, the less likely to believe.

For Fu Qian, the only expectation was the reaction from the other upon hearing it.

And the development of things was quite interesting to say, the Doorkeeper not only really believed it but even actively helped point the way.

Including later discussing the mission of the Mathematics Research Institute, while marveling at how Fu Qian, as a fringe member, didn’t even know that, still giving out important assignments without doubt, hoping to help find the lost notebook.

Granted, in the Engraving Wisdom, many people’s mental states were indeed not particularly normal, but by the time things progressed to this point, Fu Qian was very doubtful whether that notebook truly existed.

This also explained the irresponsible work attitude when inside the inner room.

Furthermore, a subsequent question arose, what if the other party was only pretending to be confused, feigning belief that he was a Scavenger coming to take a shift.

Then, in his real thoughts, what did he think my true identity was?

Simple, aside from being a cleaner, wasn’t there also the one being cleaned up?

...

Who else would come to such an eerie place besides researchers and scavengers?

In fact, as early as during the last visit in Engraving Wisdom, the receptionist had already given the answer.

There was also the object to be cleaned up — "shadows."

And according to them, they were elusive, most likely appearing in the lake, but could be anywhere.

Assuming the perspective of a researcher, a sudden unwelcome guest, a strange face, and didn’t look like a fringe member of the organization, what suspicion should arise?

Of course, there’s an absolutely critical point that cannot be ignored, which renders this suspicion completely irrational—clearly, I am perfectly fine, with no invisible situation at all.

This seemed entirely contrary to the nature of a "shadow."

Indeed, it’s very logical, but witnessing inside the inner room, made Fu Qian harbor some more abstract speculations—

To whom is "invisible" directed?

If a shadow possesses self-awareness, does it too see only the shadow when observing itself?

This might involve a subtle cognitive error, seeing oneself doesn’t imply others can see it too.

Don’t forget the definition of self in the Supernatural Realm has always been very special.

As for why would I, a dignified Abandonment King, suddenly degrade to such a role disturbing the peace? And be completely oblivious?

On the one hand, naturally, due to zero Extraordinary Perception, on the other, don’t forget the example just recently—wasn’t the Judgment Chief also downgraded?

This has already been demonstrated, and his ranking wasn’t low either.

In summary, the identity of "shadow" from Fu Qian’s perspective has always been tentatively reserved.

And always using this as a starting point to speculate on the researchers’ behavioral purposes.

Just now, asking for the "spiritual reward," the Doorkeeper’s reaction was somewhat playful and suggestive.

A suddenly lit lamp casting a "shadow" on the ground.

"You really are unique... I’m somewhat regretting it, I should have chatted with you more earlier."

Facing his statement, the Doorkeeper’s further reaction came as a blatant indication.

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