Lord of Mysteries: Starting As A Reader

After pondering for a while, Ebner decided to stick to his original plan: following the military team into the Pasu Valley.

First, given the current circumstances, it would be nearly impossible to find a guide unrelated to the military or the "Rose School of Thought." Second, if Xio's team were truly in danger, he could step in to help in time.

As for the risks, Ebner, confident that his strength was not inferior to that of a Pirate Admiral and with Edwina's support, was not afraid of any opponent below the level of a demigod.

And even if a demigod were to act, backed by the "Tarot Club" and the "Dream Labyrinth Tower," he had means to hold his ground for a time. As long as he could escape the demigod's sensory range, he was confident he could either evade pursuit or hide effectively.

Of course, if he were unlucky enough to encounter an angel-level being, all he could do was pray that the "Earth Mother" or the "God of Knowledge and Wisdom" truly favored him.

Ebner hadn't considered temporarily abandoning the mission and returning after the dust settled. In this world, nothing came without risk. Securing the main material for the Sequence 5 potion was impossible without taking risks. If he gave up now, wouldn't he be tempted to give up in similar situations in the future? Besides, he had a feeling that if he missed this opportunity, it might take a long time before he could locate the main ingredient for "Mysticism Magister" again.

Having made up his mind, Ebner looked at Xio, who had just finished eating, and started telling her about his experiences in the "Dream Labyrinth Tower." Since both of them had signed a "contract" with Mr. Gaston, they had never discussed this topic above the gray fog, so it was the first time Xio was hearing about it.

After listening, Xio pulled out the "Solomon Gold Coin" that Ebner had entrusted her to keep. She looked thoughtful and said, "From what you've described, it seems like you've encountered several incidents related to the 'Goddess of Luck.' Even the estate gifted by the vampire might have some ruins tied to Her…

"Could this 'Solomon Gold Coin' also be something She left behind?"

Ebner was taken aback by her words. He had never considered this possibility before. He had always assumed that the coin was the handiwork of Will, the little "snake," especially since Will had specifically warned him about it.

But now that he thought about it, could the coin also be the remnant of some poor soul who had stumbled upon the expelled characteristics of the "Goddess of Luck" and been transformed?

As he recalled, the analysis report had stated that this item originated from a Sequence 7 "Lucky One," whose Beyonder characteristic had corrupted this coin from the Solomon Empire. And since this "Lucky One" had been slain by a Disciplinary Paladin, the coin had a lingering fear of "orderly" powers, which allowed it to be sealed using the blood of a Beyonder from the Arbiter pathway.

Looking back now, the coin's effects far exceeded what a "Lucky One" could achieve. Its abilities even rivaled the accumulated "luck" stored in the extraordinary item held by the witch Lina, known as the "Winner."

What was even more suspicious was that a mere Sequence 7-level Beyonder item had been significant enough to warrant the intervention of a "Mercury Snake," which had warned him not to use it outside of Backlund.

If the coin was truly part of the "snake's" scheme, it would make sense… But if it wasn't, then its origins might be even more problematic!

What is this? Some kind of fated connection between me and the "Goddess of Luck"?

After mulling it over, Ebner decided it might be best to take the coin above the gray fog at some point and entrust it to Mr. Fool for investigation—or, more accurately, to test its origins. After all, Klein was the real "expert" in such matters.

Still, this could wait. Having recently handed the "Misfortune Crystal" to Klein's Blessed for "investigation," presenting another item so soon didn't seem appropriate. For now, Ebner resolved to focus on gathering advancement materials and actively role-playing the "Polymath." Everything else could be postponed.

Having made up his mind, Ebner didn't dwell further on the topic. After telling Xio to put the "Solomon Gold Coin" away, he asked, "While we have the opportunity, would you like me to help you through the sixth level of the 'Dream Labyrinth Tower'?"

Xio thought seriously for a moment before ultimately shaking her head. "The sixth level moves in sync with real-world time, so it would take too long. I have to report back to my unit tomorrow night, so I doubt I'd have enough time."

Ebner wasn't surprised by her decision. He was about to change the subject when Xio smiled and said, "However, since we have some time now, I could challenge the first three levels and earn enough points to exchange for an 'Escape Talisman.'"

"I could use some points myself." Ebner readily agreed, and the two quickly stepped into the "Dream Door" together.

…

Backlund, Hillston District, Quelaag Club.

After helping "Judgment" Miss transfer the "Wind-blessed" characteristic to Mr. Hanged Man, Klein headed straight to the Quelaag Club.

The moment he entered the hall, he spotted Talim Dumont, the horse-riding instructor, sitting in a quiet corner, lost in thought.

Thinking of how he had used "gourmet food" to cultivate a believer—and recalling the Demoness who accompanied that believer—Klein approached with a smile and greeted him:

"Good afternoon, Talim. You seem to have another dilemma on your mind?"

Talim jolted out of his thoughts and hurriedly shook his head. "N-no, not at all."

You look like someone caught red-handed. Klein muttered inwardly, taking a seat across from him.

At this moment, Talim seemed to remember something. Glancing around, he said in a low voice, "Sherlock, a certain influential figure took an interest in your exploits after I mentioned you. This person wants to meet you. Would you be interested?

"Honestly, I'm envious. Opportunities like this are incredibly rare."

Wait a second—what "exploits"? Apart from intercepting Lanevus, killing members of the "Rose School of Thought," blowing up Capim's home, and dismantling an Aurora Order base—all done under aliases—what could you even know about? Helping Mrs. Mary catch her cheating husband? Escorting Mike the reporter to a brothel? Investigating life in the East Borough?

...Hmm, at most, he might know that I contributed to the serial killer case and helped Dr. Allen resolve his nightmares through consultation…

And a "big figure"? It must be referring to Prince Edessak, right? Even Lina, that somewhat mysterious Demoness, couldn't resolve his issues and ended up desperately praying to an unknown "mysterious god" like the Fool…

Wait, saying this makes me sound bad. It should be "a mysterious and formidable being like the Fool," not "mysterious god."

Klein grumbled internally before cautiously replying:

"Talim, I'm sorry. As a detective, I have my principles, one of which is to avoid getting involved in matters concerning high-ranking figures. What might just be a sneeze-level friction on their stage could bring me disasters I cannot bear.

"I won't label myself, so I won't meet that big figure."

This had been one of Klein's pre-set rules since before becoming a detective.

Getting entangled with high society makes it easy for others to dig into your past. Before becoming a Faceless, Klein couldn't afford to take that risk. Besides, Prince Edessak was likely the royal family's "goodwill gesture" for cooperating with mysterious organizations. How could he dare approach someone like that?

"…You're very rational," Talim said after some thought. "That big figure anticipated this kind of response and believes that such a cautious detective is even more trustworthy. Hence, he hopes you will take on a commission—one that doesn't involve high society."

"What sort of commission?" Klein asked.

Talim chuckled and said:

"It's about the Capim case you discussed with Mike previously. That big figure is very interested in the organization symbolized by tarot cards in the case. He mentioned that similar incidents have occurred more than once, and he hopes you can find relevant clues."

What? Investigating myself? Is Prince Edessak bored? Or is this an "arrangement"? Or was someone "nudging" him? Or is he genuinely curious about an organization symbolized by tarot cards?

Klein, puzzled and filled with questions, was initially inclined to refuse. However, Talim added with a smile:

"Sherlock, there's no need for you to take any risks. That big figure merely wants you to pay more attention and collect relevant information or rumors. Here's ten pounds in cash as activity funds. Even if you don't find any valuable information, you won't need to return it. And if you do find useful clues, he'll pay for each one and reimburse all expenses incurred during the process."

Reimbursement? It's been a long time since anyone promised me something like that… Though, compared to Miss Hazel, this prince doesn't seem as generous.

Klein muttered inwardly before reconsidering:

But the other party has gone to such lengths to phrase it this way. If a private detective were to refuse, it would make them look suspicious… And investigating myself should obviously be handled by me.

After hesitating for a few seconds, Klein didn't immediately agree. Instead, he excused himself to the restroom and performed the four-step ritual to ascend to the gray fog's ancient hall. Taking a seat belonging to the Fool, he began to analyze seriously:

"An 'arrangement' is possible. The Bandit 'Black Emperor' used 'misfortune' to target Ince Zangwill. There's a high probability he's already sensed it through '0-08'… Given that the latter half of last night's events showed little sign of deliberate 'arrangement,' the 'misfortune' effect likely succeeded. Ince might've even suffered a major setback… It's only natural for him to want to identify who ambushed him.

"On the other hand, 'nudging' also makes sense. From Lina and Talim's conversation that night, it's clear that the Demoness placed near the prince by a certain mysterious organization wasn't very willing. She might be trying to incite conflict between the tarot-card-using organization and the royal family or other mysterious groups, using the chaos as an opportunity to escape… Too bad she miscalculated one thing: I neither have the courage nor the strength to confront them head-on. If this is her scheme, it's bound to fail.

"As for simple curiosity… Well, that's possible too. After all, I don't really know what kind of person Prince Edessak is… Hmm, when Lina finishes setting up a detection-shielded area tonight, I could use the Bandit 'Black Emperor' persona to talk to her."

Having thought this through, Klein used his pendulum for divination and received a "no danger" result. Only then did he return to reality, step out of the restroom, and accept the ten one-pound notes from Talim with a polite demeanor. He planned to submit one vague piece of information each week to "earn" reimbursement funds.

…

Bayam, Fragrant Manor.

In the evening, after spending the afternoon "grinding points" with Xio, Ebner had dinner with her before escorting her back to Glarien City. His estate, though spacious, wasn't suitable for hosting Xio, who was supposed to be in the Southern Continent. Doing so might expose the existence of the "teleportation" ability.

As for Ebner himself, he used another talisman to return to Bayam. He then called Helene, who had rested for nearly two days, to the underground workshop to "boil water."

Ebner intended to craft the "Interrogator" characteristic, which Klein had sent as consultation payment, into a mystical item. This item would serve as the highlight for the Beyonder gathering set to be held at the "Amyris Leaf Bar" the following night.

(Chapter ends)