Lord of Mysteries: The Assassin's Dark Path

The peephole on the door slid open, revealing a pair of brownish eyes.

Shortly after, the door opened to reveal a man wearing a similar iron mask. He handed over a hooded robe, identical to the one he was wearing, and motioned for Varina to put it on.

After Varina complied, the man closed the door and led him through the dark living room into a larger sitting room on the first floor.

The spacious sitting room had clearly undergone some specific arrangements. Apart from a small coffee table in the center, the room was lined with sofas and chairs set apart at deliberate intervals, obviously not for typical home use.

On the coffee table in the center burned a single candle, casting dim, flickering light throughout the room.

Varina glanced around and noted seven or eight attendees, all clad in hooded robes and iron masks. Without hesitation, he chose a seat at what felt like a "safe distance" and sat down.

The others in the room, accustomed to latecomers, quickly resumed the gathering once Varina was seated.

"I'm selling a mystical item with minimal negative side effects."

The speaker was a man with a ring of facial hair encircling his mouth. He gave a brief overview of the item's effects, intentionally omitting its appearance:

"Anyone possessing it for over a day will feel invigorated at night, gaining superior night vision. The downside is significant insomnia — even after removing it, the effect lingers for at least three days."

"I call it 'The Factory Owner's Favorite.' Price: 500 pounds. Any takers?"

This… sounds like a mystical item formed after the death of a Sleepless — a Sequence 9 of the Church of the Goddess of the Night. Could this man have killed one of their Watchers? Or perhaps it came from a rogue Beyonder who somehow obtained the formula?

Varina couldn't help but take another look at the man, trying to discern which possibility was more likely, but his observational skills fell short.

While Varina studied the man, the others also glanced at him, then turned away after seeing him produce a small wooden jewelry box.

The man waited a moment, but no one responded. He put the box away with a chuckle. "Ah, I guess we don't have any factory owners among us tonight."

To be fair, the lack of interest wasn't surprising. The item's negative effects, while minor, outweighed its limited benefits.

"Wait."

A woman whose face was completely obscured by the shadow of her hood spoke up in a fluctuating tone.

"I might be interested. Would you consider a trade?"

"I have a mystical weapon I'm planning to sell. I'd like to exchange it for your item."

The man didn't refuse outright. "What kind of weapon are we talking about?"

"A two-handed greatsword that grants its wielder enhanced strength and agility, along with basic swordsmanship instincts. It should remain effective for at least three more years."

After a moment of deliberation, the man agreed, "Deal."

The attendant who had brought Varina inside facilitated the exchange between the two.

"I'm looking to purchase the formula for Sequence 8 Barbarian. Does anyone have it for sale?"

It was the same hooded woman. Her voice cut through the lull that followed her trade.

After a brief silence, she sighed and withdrew her gaze from the group.

Over the next few minutes, several others offered items, materials, or requests. Only a fraction of the transactions concluded successfully.

During this time, Varina observed quietly, gaining a clearer understanding of this gathering.

It was a small meeting for low-Sequence Beyonders with limited resources and connections. As a result, many demands went unmet.

Take the hooded woman as an example. In the original work, even a year later, when Klein attended this gathering, she still hadn't obtained the Barbarian formula.

It was clear to Varina that the host of this gathering, "The Eye of Wisdom" — none other than renowned detective Isengard Stanton — maintained this event primarily to fulfill his role as a Sequence 7 Mystic. The gathering's broader utility to him was negligible.

Varina realized that his chances of obtaining the Assassin formula here were even lower than he'd anticipated.

When most attendees had presented their trades, Varina took advantage of a lull to speak up.

"I'm looking to purchase the formula for Sequence 9 Assassin. Does anyone here know where to find it?"

As his request hung in the air, Varina scanned the room, scrutinizing the expressions of each participant.

Disappointment washed over him. No one reacted, indicating they neither possessed the formula nor knew of its specifics.

Most importantly, he focused on The Eye of Wisdom, who remained silent.

"Does it have to be Assassin?"

A man sitting on the outskirts of the room asked in a low voice, "Would you consider a different initial formula?"

"No, I'm only interested in Assassin," Varina answered firmly.

Almost simultaneously, The Eye of Wisdom spoke up, his voice slightly aged but firm.

"Black Snake, I forbid you from selling that formula at my gathering again! You know exactly which one I'm talking about."

"Got it. No problem. Consider it noted," the man referred to as Black Snake agreed nonchalantly.

Hearing the name Black Snake, Varina immediately understood. This man had intended to sell him the formula for Prayer Master, hoping to recruit him into the Aurora Order.

No thanks.

Turning into a woman might still have a reversal option, but turning into a lunatic? That's a dead end.

Varina's request for the Assassin formula ended inconclusively.

After a few more unsuccessful trades, The Eye of Wisdom clapped his hands.

"That's it for today. As usual, leave one by one, with a three-minute interval between each departure."

Under his guidance, attendees were led out by the attendant through different exits, minimizing the risk of exposing themselves to others.

About thirty minutes later, only Varina and The Eye of Wisdom remained in the room.

"You must have kept me back to say something, right?" Varina asked, his tone calm and composed.

"Impressive mental fortitude," the elder complimented offhandedly before getting to the point.

"From what Kaspars said, you're already half an Assassin, correct?"

Varina nodded. "That's right."

"I advise you to stop searching for the formula."

"The one you're after is controlled by a twisted cult. If you continue, your fate will be to become a pawn of that cult, a mere tool devoid of free will, ultimately twisted beyond recognition."

His expression grave, the elder delivered a final warning:

"In my opinion, losing oneself is far worse than a short lifespan. I hope you'll heed my advice."

He waved dismissively. "Now, go."

Following the attendant, Varina left the gathering in silence.

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