Lord of Mysteries: Starting As A Reader

A giant-blooded noble? A castle destroyed by a mysterious calamity?

Ebner recalled that Miss Gwen had once mentioned how she obtained her "Warrior" and "Pugilist" potion formulas from the notes of a giant-blooded noble…

Even the cave with the dragon-eyed python leading to the sunken ship had been discovered thanks to those very notes.

And his own Sword of Dawn was most likely an extraordinary item formed from the Beyonder characteristics of that same giant-blooded noble.

So this sharp-featured woman's theory isn't baseless. Gwen probably excavated that notebook near the hot spring inn.

That giant-blooded noble was only at Sequence 6—considered a significant figure among low-sequence Beyonders but hardly worth much attention from the Church. So it makes sense that his castle ruins weren't thoroughly searched by high-ranking officials. Any overlooked relics would be understandable.

But what's unsettling is the phrase "mysterious calamity"…

A disaster capable of wiping out an entire castle should have drawn the attention of major powers, right? Yet, the fact that this noble's notes still exist means…

The most reasonable explanation is that both the Church of the God of Combat and the Feysac authorities already knew exactly what that "mysterious calamity" was—so they didn't bother investigating further.

Heh, maybe they were the ones who caused the calamity in the first place… The Einhorn family, rulers of the Feysac royal house, control the "Red Priest" pathway. Creating large-scale disasters is their specialty—second only to the "Tyrant" pathway.

But seriously, why do I keep running into situations like this? Cullen's manor might have a "God of Luck" ruin beneath it, Baron Conva's castle was also destroyed by a calamity when I explored it with Emma and Fanny…

If not for my thorough knowledge of the original novel, with my luck, I probably would've ended up renting that villa on Williams Street—the one with Little Red atop it…

While Ebner was busy ridiculing himself, the argument between the man and woman grew more intense. They had even started exposing each other's dirty secrets, to the point where if insults weren't enough, they seemed ready to resort to violence.

And through their words, Ebner learned that the sharp-featured woman was named Paki, a Sequence 7 "Astrologer" affiliated with a subordinate organization of the Theosophy Order.

Meanwhile, "Fierce Wolf" Livov was a Sequence 8 "Pugilist."

However, the more Ebner listened, the more something felt off. Their argument seemed too deliberate—almost as if someone was "guiding" them to reveal their crimes…

"Guiding"?

Ebner's eyes widened in realization. He quickly simulated the ability of a "Dreamwalker" and discovered that this entire room—no, the entire bar—had unknowingly been pulled into a dreamscape.

Just then, a soft "Hmm?" echoed in the air. The voice's owner seemed surprised, as if only now noticing that someone had managed to resist their dream ability.

A wave of serene tranquility enveloped Ebner, making his emotions stabilize and his eyelids grow heavy…

This kind of sleep-inducing effect… At least a "Soul Assurer"! Could it be the Church of the God of Combat's official team taking action?

Ebner dared not be careless. He continuously "suggested" himself to stay awake while preparing to activate "Dream Traversal"—planning to escape the Nightmare ability's range first.

But before he could fully form the thought, a pillar of light shot down from above, forcing him to dodge, causing his "jump" to fail.

Looking up with a serious expression, he saw a figure clad in gold and red armor hovering midair. The person had their right hand raised, gathering energy for another attack.

"Iron Man?! Dunn?" Ebner's mouth twitched. Reflexively, he glanced down at his own outfit…

Hmm… Blue robes, long boots, red cloak… Great, this is officially "Iron Man vs. Doctor Strange"… Are we reenacting Civil War now?

Even as his mind filled with sarcastic thoughts, he saw "Iron Man" finishing their energy charge for another attack. Left with no choice, Ebner dispelled his "Psychology Invisibility," revealing himself as he said helplessly, "Stop! It's me!"

The armored figure floating midair seemed just as surprised by the situation. After a brief silence, he cautiously asked, "Where did you first meet me?"

"In your grave!" Ebner answered without hesitation.

"So it really is you, 'Doctor Strange'... Long time no see." "Iron Man," or rather, Dunn, fell silent again for a few seconds before actively dispelling the Nightmare. Together, he and Ebner returned to the real-world third-floor office of the bar.

"These two… are they your targets this time?" Ebner glanced at the unconscious Paki and Livov beside them, his expression thoughtful.

Although he had been staying overseas lately, the stories of "Iron Man's" exploits and heroics had still reached his ears.

While some of the tales were exaggerated or involved accusations falsely pinned on him, there was no denying that the former Captain of the Nighthawks had indeed rid several cities of their worst criminals and upheld justice.

Yet, Dunn had always operated within Ruen's borders—Ebner hadn't expected to see him in Feysac.

"That's right," Dunn said as he removed his mask, revealing an unfamiliar face… Clearly, he had reshaped it after regaining the ability to change appearances with the "Joker Mask."

"Livov is a complete scumbag. He handpicks young boys, trains them, teaches them how to kill… and even forces them to prove their 'courage' by murdering innocent people.

"Since he commits these crimes in coastal villages along the Intis and Ruen borders instead of within Feysac itself, the Church of the God of Combat and the Feysac authorities have never punished him."

Speaking about this so-called "Fierce Wolf," Dunn's expression remained calm, but Ebner could hear the disgust in his voice.

"As for that woman from the Theosophy Order, she's been using various methods to sell off large numbers of Feysac's homeless and poor to a slave trader in the Seafaring Sea… No idea where they're being transported." Dunn pointed at Paki, the "Astrologer," and added.

Probably being sent to help George III build his tomb… That guy's influence is everywhere. Ebner sighed inwardly. But he was also confused—why was Dunn telling him all this?

Noticing his doubt, Dunn smiled bitterly and said, "It's just a habit… Before executing criminals, I always declare their crimes."

"Is that really necessary?" Ebner frowned. The Dunn in the original novel didn't have this kind of personality—he had always been the cool and silent type. Could it be that the lingering consciousness within the Beyonder characteristics used in his resurrection is still affecting him?

"It's Lady Closfia's request… In her words, it helps strengthen my 'character setting,'" Dunn replied helplessly.

He didn't bother hiding much from "Doctor Strange"—after all, Ebner was the one who had brought him back to life and already knew most of his circumstances.

More importantly, Lady Closfia was undoubtedly watching from the shadows.

"Character setting"? Is Judy's mother using Captain Dunn as part of a ritual? Or is this some kind of role-playing requirement? What Sequence level ritual would even need this…?

No wonder she's been following the captain around…

Wait—following him around?

At that thought, Ebner's spirituality tingled. He immediately activated the Pure White Eye and soon spotted a beautiful woman lounging lazily in the corner of the room, her face full of amusement.

She had long brown hair and an air of carefree nonchalance—none other than Judy's mother, a Saint of the Earth Mother Church, and the "Lady of Sloth" from the Psychological Alchemists…

Closfia.

(End of Chapter)