Lord of Mysteries: Starting As A Reader

Roselle's Golden Armor Technique is essentially an advanced modification of the Stiano Golden Armor Technique. While the original technique provided formidable defensive capabilities comparable to a "Guardian," it lacked additional features.

Roselle's improvements retained much of the original's defensive properties while introducing unique functionalities.

For example, the "Aries Edition" in Ebner's possession grants the caster spatial abilities after summoning the armor. These include short-range teleportation, telekinesis within a limited range, and even the possibility of pre-planned spatial "travel."

However, after each "travel," a ritual must be performed to pray to Roselle for the ability to be re-imbued into the Golden Armor.

When Roselle was the Knowledge Emperor, he might have answered such prayers. But now, as a half-dead Black Emperor, it's doubtful he retains such power.

"Overall, this technique is far inferior to the Golden Cloths in the Saint Seiya anime. It's only a half-finished product!

"Fortunately, Roselle documented his thoughts and ideas in this book while refining the technique. If I ever become a demigod, I might be able to complete it and recreate the powerful techniques of the Golden Saints.

"But for now, its spatial attributes are the most useful part. Combined with the 'teleportation' and 'spirit world traversal' knowledge I've deciphered, I might be able to develop a spatial mysticism usable even at Sequence 6.

"Perhaps I could even involve Iceberg Lieutenant Tracy. She'd likely find this intriguing."

With these thoughts in mind, Ebner put away the book and turned his gaze to Gaston.

The "Artisan" had just reviewed his own rewards and now looked significantly more relaxed.

Noticing Ebner's gaze, Gaston expressed his thanks before hesitantly asking,

"I still don't understand how you knew a condemned prisoner in that city would have information about the 'City of Death,' or how you confirmed the location of the Sun Scripture."

Ebner's lips curled into a faint smile.

"That's just deduction."

Deduction? You could've said it was prophecy, and I'd believe you! But where's the logical connection?

Seeing Ebner had no intention of explaining, Gaston refrained from pressing further. Instead, he resolved to review every step of Ebner's actions later, hoping to uncover the logic behind his deductions.

---

Quelaag Club, Underground Shooting Range

Having received a message from Miss Sharon earlier that morning confirming she had obtained three pages of Roselle's manuscript and information on the Gondola's Golden Wing, Klein decided to relax for a day before his "performance."

After finishing his shooting practice, Klein exhaled, holstered his revolver, adjusted his coat, and began heading back to the first-floor lobby.

The waiter had mentioned that today's limited dish was pan-seared dragonbone fish.

As he ascended the stairs, Klein encountered Miss Hazel, who carried a short bow and wore long gloves, known for having blood unsuitable for vampires.

Recently, Klein had accepted a commission to locate Emlyn White from other detectives. Seeing the priestess guarding the vampire in question, he couldn't help but glance her way.

Quickly averting his gaze, Klein reminded himself that his two visits to the Harvest Church had been in clown disguise. Now, as "Sherlock Moriarty," initiating conversation might raise suspicion.

However, as they passed, Hazel abruptly stopped. She turned back to glance at Klein, hesitated, then decided to investigate his identity later through her connections rather than confronting him directly.

After her experience at the "ballroom severed hand incident," she had learned to act cautiously.

Klein, on the other hand, noticed Hazel's scrutiny. While maintaining his composure, he inwardly lamented, Was my disguise so poor? Or does Miss Hazel possess some unique ability to recognize me at a glance?

Fortunately, the Church of the Earth Mother isn't an official organization in Loen. Even if Sherlock is exposed as a Beyonder, it shouldn't cause too many problems… Still, I should divine this later in the gray fog to be sure.

Mulling this over, Klein entered the self-service restaurant and spotted two familiar figures: Mrs. Mary, a member of the Kingdom's Atmospheric Pollution Investigation Committee, and his landlady, Mrs. Steline Sommer. Both were dressed lightly, carrying tennis rackets, looking much younger than usual.

Klein politely approached and exchanged pleasantries.

Upon learning of Klein's involvement in the "serial killer case" and the 300 pounds he earned as a reward, Mrs. Steline immediately invited him to a "matchmaking dinner party" she was hosting on Sunday. She enthusiastically listed several young women from families whose annual income matched Klein's recent windfall.

Bound by neighborly obligations and reluctant to prepare his own dinner, Klein agreed with a polite smile. However, inwardly, he grumbled,

In her eyes, is this the level of woman I deserve? Compared to Mr. Tower, am I, the Fool, really that… ordinary?

Shaking his head, Klein watched the two ladies leave for the club's small library. He then found a seat and began enjoying his pan-seared dragonbone fish.

"It would've been perfect with a side of veal steak drizzled in black pepper sauce…" Klein muttered regretfully.

Just then, he noticed Talim Dumont entering with a young woman.

Recalling the "relationship problem" Talim had consulted him about previously, Klein suspected this might be the "leading lady."

He was about to greet Talim, a brown-haired equestrian instructor from a fallen noble family when he froze upon recognizing the woman beside him.

Dressed in a sophisticated gown with a scholarly air, she turned her head slightly to speak with Talim, who seemed lost in thought.

Lina the Witch!

Klein instantly recognized the witch with whom he'd briefly crossed paths. Though he was grateful for her help in saving Cohen Lee, he remained cautious, knowing she was a harbinger of disaster.

I mustn't show any weaknesses…

Adjusting his expression to one of brief infatuation, Klein quickly replaced it with a polite smile and approached Talim.

Feigning casual surprise, Lina didn't seem suspicious as she observed Klein's reaction.

Talim, finally snapping out of his daze, argued briefly with Lina. Seeing the restaurant's increasing crowd, she remarked, "I'll find you later," and left.

"This is your 'relationship problem'?" Klein asked with a smile.

Talim hesitated, his lips moving silently before he finally said,

"It's not about her… She just wants answers I can't give."

---

Davil Island.

After purchasing a ticket for the next morning's voyage to the "City of Generosity," Bayam, Ebner was heading back to the school when a muscular man over six feet tall with a shiny face blocked his path.

(End of Chapter)