Lord of Mysteries: Starting As A Reader

Backlund, 15 Minsk Street.

After finishing dinner with journalist Mike Joseph, Klein returned home alone. He had just planned to rest in his second-floor bedroom when a familiar sensation arose. Along with it came a faint tapping sound. Turning his head, he saw Sharon's figure outside the window, lightly rapping on the glass.

As always, she was dressed in her black Gothic-style court dress with a matching petite hat. Her pale complexion stood out against her light golden hair, highlighting her exquisite, doll-like beauty.

"She really came knocking on the window… Is this part of the 'Wraith' act?" Klein mused with a wry smile. He nodded at Sharon, signaling her to stop this eerie gesture.

In a flicker, Sharon disappeared from the window and reappeared, sitting quietly on the living room sofa.

"What is your answer?" she asked curtly.

"I agree to the exchange. However, I hope to learn more about the Biological Toxin Bottle," Klein said, pulling out a metal box from his pocket. He undid the spiritual seal and opened it, revealing the Zombie characteristic inside.

Having decided on the trade the previous night, Klein had already retrieved the characteristic from the gray fog.

"It was merely her spoils of war," Sharon replied as she accepted the metal box. She flipped her pale hand, and the Zombie characteristic vanished.

"This move looks more like a magician's trick than my own." Klein thought wryly. "If it's just a trophy, does that mean she doesn't know much about it either?"

Nodding thoughtfully, he casually asked, "Do you have more of the Roselle Manuscripts? The few pages you gave me aren't enough for thorough analysis."

He had found the quality of Sharon's manuscripts impressive and hoped to obtain more.

"Not at the moment… Those were provided by her," Sharon answered in her ethereal voice.

"Her?" Klein guessed. "The same person who traded for the Zombie characteristic? I wonder who she is. It would be interesting to meet her… But asking too much might make me seem overly eager about the Roselle Manuscripts."

As he pondered, Sharon showed no intention of leaving. Curious, Klein asked, "Is there something else?"

Sharon nodded slightly. "Golden Feather of Gondora, 2,200 pounds or a pair of Succubus Eyes."

"Golden Feather of Gondora? That's a material Justice needs. But Succubus Eyes? That's the main ingredient for the Demoness of Pleasure potion. Is the seller a Witch?"

"Come to think of it, there was someone at Mr. Eye of Wisdom gathering seeking materials for a Witch. Based on what that instigator Shok uncovered, it might even be the Demoness tied to Prince Edessak..."

"Could it be the same person?"

After some thought, Klein frowned slightly and said, "I'll need time to gather the funds."

"By tomorrow night at the latest," Sharon replied, her tone unchanging.

"Today's Saturday... You could have just said tomorrow night." Klein considered before saying, "Shall I bring the money to Bravehearts Bar when I have it?"

"Don't go there for now," Sharon said, shaking her head lightly. "Kaspars was captured by MI9."

"MI9? Did the fireworks that night alarm even them? Hmm, during the next Tarot Gathering, I'll have The World subtly inquire about this from Justice."

Before Klein could dwell further, Sharon continued in her ethereal voice, "I'll come here tomorrow night to meet you."

After a pause, she added, "I'll knock on the window first."

"If I told Mike about this, would he write a headline like 'A Ghost Knocks Every Night—Why?'" Klein mused to himself.

He nodded solemnly. "Alright."

Sharon returned the gesture, standing to give a small curtsey before disappearing from the living room.

After ensuring she was gone using the All-Black Eye, Klein returned to his bedroom, sealed the space, and stepped into the gray fog.

Through his own summons, Klein brought the All-Black Eye into the gray fog, manifesting himself as The World.

Taking his place as The Fool, Klein first manipulated The World to pray, then "activated" Justice's crimson star to forward the content of the prayer.

Afterward, Klein contemplated divining the origins of the Biological Toxin Bottle, only to notice The Tower's crimson star swelling and contracting.

Frowning, Klein sighed. While The Tower's requests often involved complex issues, Klein extended his spirituality toward the star.

"Vice Admiral of Ailment Tracy is in Bayam? Is this about human trafficking?" Recalling The Tower's earlier conversation with The Hanged Man during the Tarot Gathering, Klein quickly relayed the request to The Hanged Man's crimson star.

...

Western District, 9 Bellotto Street.

After apprehending Kaspars, Xio had him locked directly in MI9's secure detention cells.

"The Rose School of Thought includes demigods, after all. While they usually disdain targeting ordinary people, there are always exceptions—especially with the Sect of Indulgence."

From the Machinery Hivemind, Xio learned that the explosion at West Borough Dock was due to an internal conflict within the Rose School of Thought. She also gleaned details about Captain Iconser's... preferences, though those were irrelevant.

Just as she was heading to Lady Vera's office to justify her operation, Xio was enveloped in gray fog. The figure of The World appeared before her.

"2,200 pounds…" After hearing the prayer, Xio dismissed the Succubus Eyes option and calculated, "I have 1,200 pounds saved..."

"That leaves a gap of 1,000 pounds. I'll ask Lady Vera for help first and borrow the rest from Ebner if necessary..."

"I can gather 2,200 pounds by tomorrow night!"

Resolute, Xio went to the washroom to recite The Fool's honorific name and prayed to pass her reply to The World.

...

Church of the Waves, Bayam.

Alger Wilson, having obtained evidence of Tracy's involvement in human trafficking, was preparing to report to the local bishop when he received The Tower's forwarded request via The Fool.

"Tracy is in Bayam? And I'm to report her immediately?" Alger frowned but soon relaxed, deciding to include this information in his report.

Granted an audience, Alger presented his findings. After reviewing them, the bishop promptly summoned Executor Cordova Royer and Arbiter Squad Captain Wick.

"Take control of the Seid Chamber of Commerce immediately!" the bishop commanded. "Use 2-37 if necessary."

Cordova and Wick struck their chests solemnly. "Understood, Bishop Jogori! May the Storm be with you!"

Jogori turned to Alger. "You are familiar with Vice Admiral of Ailment. Accompany them."

"Familiar? Hardly more than a data broker. The Tower likely knows far more. But I can't pray to The Fool in front of the Arbiters..."

Despite his reservations, Alger struck his chest and replied, "May the Storm be with you!"

Jogori returned the salute, "May the Storm be with you!"

...

Outside a villa in Bayam.

Ebner, having reassured the servants, slipped out of the estate and set magical traps near the forest where Helene had emerged.

Removing his clothes, he activated Lilith's Tear, transforming into a giant bear before burrowing into the ground to lie in wait.