Lord of Mysteries: Starting As A Reader

So, she's telling me I'll need to offer valuable knowledge each time we connect if I want to gain access to equivalent "stars" of knowledge here?

As Ebner considered this, he asked, "Then, what would you ask in exchange for the 'Mysticism Magister' potion formula?"

Vice Admiral Iceberg Edwina Edwards shook her head slightly, her expression unchanged. "You should know I can't reveal that."

So, your potion formula—and likely the potion itself—comes from the Church of Knowledge? Ebner had already guessed this, so he wasn't disappointed. Instead, he asked, "Do you happen to know where I might find a 'Finks Lion's complete brain' or a 'Gem Dragon's heart'?"

"Gem Dragons were practically extinct by the beginning of the Fourth Epoch. Even if one or two remain, they'd likely be at a demigod level far beyond your ability to handle. As for the 'Finks Lion,' they only still exist in certain parts of the Southern Continent," she replied after a moment of thought.

Huh? I half-expected you to offer me this information in exchange for knowledge of my own. Ebner glanced at her in surprise, his thoughts drifting to new conclusions: Some still remain on the Southern Continent? I suppose the Church of Knowledge's support for the West Bayam Resistance isn't just to irritate Intis but might also be motivated by the search for materials…

As if she could read his mind, Edwina said, "Based on the energy expenditure during our 'Polymath Exchange,' I realize I'm behind you in terms of knowledge accumulation… An exchange alone would never cover all that you know. So, I figured offering help and building a friendship would benefit me more in the end."

When she had suddenly received a "prophecy," or perhaps "oracle," instructing her to intercept Mr. D and retrieve the "Giant's Key," she had privately investigated the person she saved.

Because of that, she had a basic understanding of Ebner's personality and how he conducted himself.

Ebner was momentarily speechless but admitted that he was generous to friends, so her thinking wasn't wrong…

"But aren't you worried being this upfront would make me suspicious?" Ebner asked with a wry smile.

Edwina looked at him calmly. "That isn't how you operate… Once you're truly helped, you don't bother with the details."

"Based on information, it's something I reasoned out."

This… This is almost like how I managed to join the Tarot Club by bluffing about "knowing" who The Fool is… I mean, it worked only because I was confident I wouldn't face retaliation if caught…

He chuckled wryly, feeling a certain poetic justice at the situation. Edwina might be introverted outside the classroom, but she's got a way with people.

Embracing the moment, Ebner leaned in on her offer and asked, "Any specifics on where in the Southern Continent I'd find the Finks Lion?"

The "Southern Continent" referred to what used to be South America. Despite a series of god-wars and cataclysmic events, at least 10 million square kilometers of landmass remained.

With that much ground to cover, finding a lion could be tricky.

"I don't know," she answered frankly, then added with meaning, "But I could ask Maria for you—if she's still alive after tomorrow."

"The King of Immortality is still targeting her?" Ebner asked, frowning.

Again, the same question: With Nast right here, where does Agalito's confidence come from?

"The prophecy hasn't changed." Edwina held his gaze with her clear, blue eyes and added, "And I doubt the 'Kings of the Five Seas' can offer much help either."

If she's prophesying Nast's movements, this has to be the handiwork of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom. Otherwise, I'll start listening to the True Creator's rap!

What's more, Edwina's already venturing into the fields of prophecy and fate at the level of a "Mysticism Magister"… Is this some "secret art," preparing for her advancement? Or just part of her acting? The original work didn't include this… Maybe my arrival has motivated the God of Knowledge to train her more rigorously, rewarding her for her success in the D case?

After a string of guesses, Ebner asked again, "Did you warn Vice Admiral Pale?"

Edwina shook her head slightly. "No, as that would make things worse."

"Then, besides us, who else will help Maria tomorrow?" Ebner pressed, drawing several inferences in his mind.

"Tomorrow morning, Admiral of Star will intercept Agalito's second fleet; Admiral of Ailment will incidentally clash with his third fleet; I'll engage his first fleet, since its captain is a known enemy of Singer Orpheus. Holding them back is natural for me.

"As for you, you'll intercept the fourth fleet coming from the west."

Edwina recited the results of her previous "prophecy."

Orpheus the Bard? The deputy captain on the Golden Dream, always singing praises to the Sun?

This prophecy sounds more like the "arrangement" of a "friend" of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom…

It appears Maria is even more unique than I thought, special enough to be worth a god's investment…

Not unlike myself with Klein…

Though Ebner's mind raced, he made no move to refuse the potential danger posed by an "intercept order."

First, he'd already accepted Edwina's payment; it wasn't in his character to back out now.

Second, as Edwina rightly noted, he repaid those who extended him goodwill. The God of Knowledge had assisted him often, even sending a life-saving intervention. Now that a task related to Him had come up within his power, Ebner felt inclined to reciprocate.

Lastly, he could afford it. Ebner's recent increase in strength gave him both courage and confidence. Back when he first crossed into this world, he'd have run as far as he could from a mission like this.

But back then, he wouldn't have been offered such a task anyway.

---

Inside the ancient palace above the fog, Klein, seated in The Fool's chair, noticed the crimson star that represented The Hanged Man begin to pulsate. Reaching out with his spirit, he touched it.

After invoking The Fool's honorific, The Hanged Man's prayer came through:

"…I have already obtained the Spinal Fluid of the Cursed Black Panther and the Marrow Crystal of the Elven Spring. Please allow me to perform a sacrificial ritual, so I may present these to Mr. World."

Fast work… He said there'd be a major pirate event soon; apparently, that time is now. Klein thought, nodding slightly as he recalled the way Alger always hinted at things without fully disclosing them.

"Proceed," Klein replied.

Following a simple sacrificial ritual, Alger managed to quell his urge to recount the recent duel at the pirate congress. Even with Nast present, The Fool likely wouldn't care about two mid-sequence Beyonders clashing.

I'll wait until the next Tarot Meeting to discuss the duel under the guise of intelligence-sharing. Perhaps Mr. Tower can derive some useful information. Alger mused.

Klein, on the other hand, had already put Alger out of his mind, focusing on the two Beyonder materials displayed on the long bronze table.

Admiring them for a while, he thought excitedly, Now I only need the True Roots and Sap of the Mist Tree for my 'Magician' advancement. I wonder when Little Sun can secure it…

Just as Klein was daydreaming about the potential powers of a "Magician," he noticed the crimson star representing The Tower pulsing as well.

The Tower? Could something have happened to him while exploring that eerie place he mentioned?

With this thought, Klein took a deep breath, visualizing his topaz pendant, and repeated an incantation:

"'The Tower' is currently in danger."

After seven repetitions, he opened his eyes to see the pendant rotating counterclockwise, indicating a negative response.

Exhaling in relief, Klein extended his spirit to connect with The Tower's crimson star.