Lord of Mysteries: Starting As A Reader

The usually serious Gaston wore such an eager expression that Ebner felt almost embarrassed to bring up the fact that he wasn't here to discuss climbing the tower.

However, there was no avoiding it, so Ebner shook his head gently and reminded him,

"Mr. Gaston… didn't we agree to go tonight?"

"My apologies, I got ahead of myself…" Gaston was momentarily stunned before self-deprecating with a chuckle. Adjusting his demeanor, he asked calmly,

"So, what brings you here?"

"I'd like to purchase the large sword you recently crafted—the one that can emit 'Radiant Flame.' A friend of mine happens to need it," Ebner said directly, not bothering to beat around the bush.

Gaston gave him a skeptical glance as they entered the workshop together. With a peculiar tone, he remarked,

"That 'Sword of Courage' is quite heavy. Even Miss Gwyn would find it cumbersome to wield, and she already has a sword that suits her well."

What does Gwyn have to do with this?Did he think I was buying the sword for her?

Ebner felt a little exasperated. Just because we had dinner together the other night, does that mean rumors are flying around already?

Besides, even if he were giving a gift to a young lady, what kind of person would give a massive enchanted sword?

Suppressing his inner grumbles, Ebner wisely chose not to argue further, knowing that explaining might only make things worse. He simply replied,

"It's for another friend," and said no more.

Gaston nodded, refraining from any more comments. He activated the workshop's power core, controlling mechanical arms to retrieve a sword over two meters long from the storage room.

"This sword is worth 600 pounds… If it weren't for the limited number of people capable of using it, it could fetch an even higher price," Gaston said, clearly proud of his creation. He had no intention of selling it at a discount, even if it remained unsold in his collection.

"Deal," Ebner replied without hesitation, pulling out a large stack of banknotes from his bag and handing it over.

After verifying the amount and authenticity of the gold pounds, Gaston smiled faintly, his tone carrying a hint of mischief.

"Need help carrying it to your room?"

Ebner instantly recognized the teasing subtext and thought, This old man, who seems so serious and scholarly on the surface, is actually quite cheeky once you get to know him…

Rather than demonstrating his corpse-mimicking strength, Ebner decided to make a point. He chanted a spell in front of Gaston, summoning the "Door of Dreams." Then, gripping the sword's hilt, he activated his Nightmare abilities and stepped into the Dream Labyrinth Tower.

Gaston, who had hoped to see Ebner struggle with the massive weapon, was left wide-eyed in shock.

Moments later, Ebner returned from the dream, but the "Door of Dreams" and the "Sword of Courage" were nowhere to be seen.

"Was that… the 'Door of Dreams' just now?" Gaston murmured, sounding as if he were speaking in his sleep.

"Indeed. It's one of the privileges of clearing the fifth level—nothing too special," Ebner replied with deliberate nonchalance.

Ah, the joy of outdoing a show-off in their own game...

"So, the privilege of the fifth level is that…" Gaston sighed, his expression complex.

"Does that mean you're no longer restricted by the underground entrance to the dreamscape?"

"That's correct. However, I will still honor our contract. Even if I take others into the Dream Labyrinth Tower in the future, I won't disclose the location of your entrance," Ebner reassured him, adding,

"If you're still concerned, we can have the contract notarized again."

"There's no need. I trust your character," Gaston replied, waving off the suggestion.

---

In the City of Silver, within Derrick Berg's home…

Derrick paced around the table, his mind caught in a whirlwind of indecision. Rationally, he knew the "Hanged Man's" advice was the best course of action. Yet every time he considered faking signs of losing control to avoid the mission, he saw the faces of the other team members.

Darke… Heimanth… Rook… They're my friends.

Isn't there any way to save them?

Should I seek an audience with the Chief and warn him that the half-destroyed temple belongs to the Fallen Creator, an evil god tied to the Shepherd pathway? But how would I explain how I know this? To them, wouldn't the Fool be just another evil god?

Frustrated, Derrick ruffled his hair in agitation.

At that moment, the endless gray fog enveloped his vision, showing him "Tower" placing a massive sword on an altar for sacrifice.

Derrick, you can't hesitate anymore. For the trust of Mr. Tower, Miss Justice, and Miss Magician, you mustn't falter now!

Just as Mr. Hanged Man said, this isn't about selfishly deceiving others. It's about preserving your strength to save the City of Silver!

With this self-affirmation, Derrick finally made up his mind. However, instead of immediately consuming his spirituality to feign losing control, he held a ceremony to retrieve the sword taller than himself. Then, he carried it to a prearranged meeting with Antilna.

---

In the luxurious Hall family villa…

Audrey, leisurely applying oil paints in her studio, had just seen off her mother, Countess Caitlin.

The countess had come to recommend a psychology tutor for her.

"Islant…" Audrey repeated the name, then turned to her large dog, Susie.

"What do you think?"

Susie glanced around to ensure the maid, Annie, was out of earshot. Then, cautiously vibrating the air, she replied,

"That name was mentioned by your very serious friend—the one who said someone had followed us that night."

"I know… She's from the Psychology Alchemists. This is their formal approach," Audrey said with a smile.

"But, Audrey, I don't understand. Why would you willingly interact with bad people? It's dangerous," Susie asked, tilting her head in confusion.

"The reasons are complicated… But Susie, you'll protect me, won't you?" Audrey asked with a gentle smile.

"Of course!" Susie replied firmly.

Audrey's eyes curved with satisfaction as she stroked Susie's head. Susie, in turn, closed her eyes in bliss.

Suddenly, Audrey's hand froze mid-stroke.

Susie tilted her head, puzzled. "What's wrong?"

Audrey's face blossomed into a radiant smile, her excitement lighting up the room.

"Susie, I know how to become a Psychiatrist!"

Though she didn't fully understand, Susie wagged her tail, sharing in her owner's joy.

---

Late at night, Xio returned to their rented house in Cherwood Borough after taking a task at the pub. Seeing light in Fors's room, she knocked on the door.

"Why are you still up?"

Noticing Fors scribbling something, Xio leaned over for a glance, then teased,

"Fors, have you turned diligent? Starting a new book? Did your publisher raise your royalty rates?"

"No, no, no," Fors stammered, covering her notes with a blank sheet while forcing a smile.

"I just received news at a gathering—a lead on the Trickmaster potion's main ingredient."

I'm not lying; I did hear about it at the Tarot gathering.

"Really? No wonder you're suddenly so motivated. Congratulations!" Xio grinned, pretending not to notice Fors's odd behavior.

Seeing her friend's genuine happiness, Fors sighed inwardly.

I've joined a secret organization. From now on, I'll bear the burden of constantly hiding the truth and deceiving my friends…

This must be one of the prices.

Still, deception is necessary…

Fors hesitated before shyly asking,

"Could you lend me some money? I'll pay you back as soon as my next royalty payment comes in."

Xio looked at her with mock seriousness, barely hiding her amusement.

"Sure, but I'll need to accompany you to your gathering. Can't have you gambling it all away."

"What?" Fors nearly dropped her pen in shock.

"Do I look like someone who gambles illegally?"

"Yes!" Xio replied without hesitation.

"If I hadn't stopped you, you wouldn't have just smoked; you'd have tried marijuana too!"

Fors was left speechless, her mind scrambling for excuses. Finally, she managed to convince Xio she was truly buying materials, sparing herself from further interrogation.

Once back in her own room, Xio lay on her bed, her shoulders shaking with laughter.

After a while, she calmed down, murmuring to herself,

"I never used to tease Fors this much… Have I really picked up bad habits from Ebner?"

---

As Xio mulled over Ebner, he and Gaston stepped into the passage leading to the sixth level of the Dream Labyrinth Tower.

(End of Chapter)