Lord of Mysteries: The New Black Emperor

Chapter 92: Busy Hobert

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Hobert's words made the other three sink into even deeper contemplation.

Klein finally understood why the Church didn't openly disclose the "acting method." Beyonder characteristics are conserved! The amount is fixed, and if everyone quickly digests their potions, the simplest way to advance, rather than seeking increasingly rare Beyonder materials, is to acquire Beyonder characteristics from others.

Even thinking about it briefly, it was a bloody and terrifying scenario.

Hobert continued, "Let's return to Mr. Hanged Man's question.

"The skeleton left behind this secret, hoping that someday someone would retrieve the Beyonder characteristics left by the three upper elves.

"Back then, when the Elf King's authority was taken away, the remaining elves harbored deep resentment. Whoever held the authority of the Storm would be hated by the elves.

"That's why they want more pirates to know about those three locations. As long as those three Beyonder characteristics don't belong to the Church of the Lord of Storms, the ones who obtain them will surely be enemies of the Church of the Lord of Storms.

"Of course, the secret could very well be acquired by the Church of the Lord of Storms. But even if someone from the Church got hold of such important information, there's a high chance they wouldn't report it to their superiors.

"After all, this is a prime opportunity to establish their own power! If they could acquire just one of the Beyonder characteristics, the 'Four Kings' of the seas would become the 'Five Kings.'"

Klein glanced meaningfully at Alger, and Alger, hearing these words, felt a surge of excitement. What the Emperor said was exactly what he had been seeking.

Hobert added, "Since there's a high likelihood of causing trouble for the Church of the Lord of Storms or even the Lord of Storms 'Himself,' it's natural that the skeleton would try every means to preserve this secret."

"I understand," Alger said. "No wonder the Kingdom of Loen and the Kingdom of Feynapotter have been enemies for most of history. But..."

He asked again, "Why, then, does the Church of the Lord of Storms oppose the Church of Knowledge and Wisdom and the Church of the Eternal Blazing Sun?"

Hobert smiled and said, "That's another question, and the answer is just as valuable as the 'Law of Conservation of Beyonder Characteristics'—if not more so."

In other words, this would require a new trade. However, the "Law of Similar Sequence Beyonder Characteristics Conservation" was enough for them to digest for now, and neither Alger nor Audrey intended to continue trading.

Everyone had their own speculations, and the deal ended there.

Alger understood the risks he faced and planned to start investigating from other angles.

During the free exchange session, no one had any noteworthy information to share this week, so after a few brief words, this meeting of the Tarot Club concluded.

After leaving the gray fog, Hobert returned to his rented apartment. Stretching, he thought about how he still had to go buy the materials for the "Apothecary" potion and make a trip to Upton.

Lying on his bed, Hobert reflected, 'This week has been incredibly busy!'

...

Alger sat in his captain's quarters, silent for a long time. He hadn't expected that the animosity among Beyonders originated from a fundamental law.

"Captain! An urgent telegram from the Chasm of Storms!" a crew member knocked on the door.

Alger was surprised. As someone who pretended to be a pirate while serving the Church of the Lord of Storms, he had almost never received a telegram from the Chasm of Storms.

He immediately opened the door and took the telegram from the subordinate's hand: Investigate the whereabouts of Qilangos!

Qilangos?

Alger's gaze sharpened. Why would the Chasm of Storms investigate him?

...

Backlund, Queen's Avenue.

Xio and Fors exited Viscount Glaint's residence. Xio seemed concerned. "We've revealed so much information about Hobert to Viscount Glaint. Is it really okay?"

"Unless the Viscount is a member of the Aurora Order," Fors replied with a smile, "Hobert himself briefly mentioned your search for Zachary with him.

"This shows that, to him, this operation doesn't need to be kept secret within the 'Justice League.' We just added a few details. It shouldn't be an issue."

Xio still seemed puzzled. "Why has Viscount Glaint suddenly taken an interest in Hobert's affairs?"

"Hasn't the Viscount always enjoyed hearing stories about the Beyonder world?" Fors didn't think too much of it.

Xio nodded slowly, thinking that if there was an opportunity, she should remind Hobert.

...

Backlund, 51 Henry Street.

Hobert entered Gal's Herbal Shop, where Gal was wiping down the counter. "Dear Mr. Hobert, you've come to support my business again."

Hobert smiled. "I need to purchase some special materials."

Gal immediately understood what Hobert meant. "Please follow me."

He rang the bell behind the counter, signaling for a clerk to take over, and then led Hobert through a side door into the backyard.

Having done business with Gal a few times before, Hobert had come to trust him to some degree, so he followed Gal to the backyard.

The backyard of the herbal shop was large, with many herbs hanging out to dry, filling the air with the scent of medicinal plants.

Gal led Hobert to a small room and asked, "What do you need?"

Hobert replied, "The horn of an adult unicorn Pegasus and crystalized venom from a crown jellyfish."

By only purchasing these two main ingredients, Gal wouldn't know what Hobert needed them for.

Gal said, "We have an adult unicorn Pegasus horn in stock, but the crown jellyfish venom is out of stock. Please come back tomorrow morning after 10 a.m. I guarantee I'll have both materials ready for you.

"These two materials are quite expensive. The price should be between 320 and 350 pounds."

Hobert nodded. "Alright, I'll come back tomorrow."

After leaving Gal's Herbal Shop, Hobert returned home briefly to inform his butler that he'd be home late and asked him to save a portion of dinner for him.

Then, Hobert took a carriage to the outskirts of the city, walking several kilometers to the woods opposite Upton's estate.

First, using the last rays of the setting sun, Hobert observed from a distance to confirm that Upton was still alive. After night fell, he used his agility to climb to the second floor and enter Upton's bedroom through a window.

Upton was delighted to see Hobert in his mask. His appearance meant that Hobert had made up his mind to help him deal with the Tamara family.

Hobert got straight to the point: "You need to move to the vicinity of the Harvest Church to South of the Bridge. I'll set up an ambush there, waiting for the Tamara family members to arrive."

The Harvest Church was legal in Backlund, but Bishop Utravsky was not a legal Beyonder. With Daly's involvement and the sharing of spoils, a fight involving the "Giant" Bishop near the Harvest Church would be something the Nighthawks could overlook. But fighting outside the city was a different matter.

Moreover, the Harvest Church was an ideal ambush location.

Upton nodded repeatedly. "Alright, alright, I'll rent a quiet place in the South Bridge district tomorrow."

He added, "As I mentioned before, my mother was an Astrologer, so we naturally have high spiritual intuition.

"I have a premonition that the family members might find me in the coming days."

"Once you've moved to South of the Bridge, I'll be waiting nearby," Hobert said. "Make sure you wear the 'Astrologer's Hair' often. If your spirituality gives you any warnings, contact me immediately."

He added, "Also, unless you play a major role in the battle, you won't have the right to share the spoils."