Here's the interlude chapter I promised. These Tarot Club interludes will show up occasionally here and there—I find them really fun to write.
First of all, I should mention that some parts of this chapter are taken directly from the original material—specifically, Roselle's diaries. I can't change those. They'll appear only rarely; I included them here mainly to set the right tone for the chapter and to show some of Klein's development. I won't be including them—or explanations about the world of LOTM—in future Tarot Club interludes.
As always, if you'd like to read 3/7/13 chapters ahead or simply support me, you can do so on my (P)(A)(T). If not, I'm still truly grateful that you're reading. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!
Anyway, I won't drag this out—have a great night and enjoy the read!
(P)(A)(T)/CalleumArtori.
[...]---[...]
Monday, July 9th, 1349, at three o'clock in the afternoon.
In the majestic divine hall above the gray fog stood a long, ancient, stained table. Klein sat in the seat of honor, his face veiled by the thick mist.
In front of him, on his right-hand side, the [Pocket Trump Card] rested face down on the table, its black back facing upward.
With a slight wave of his concealed hand, two crimson stars and one orange star pulsed within the infinite expanse, casting red and orange beams of light that descended upon the high-backed chairs surrounding the bronze table.
The lights solidified, revealing the blurred figures of Audrey Hall, Alger Wilson, and Fors Wall.
Audrey immediately rose to her feet, lightly holding her skirt in an elegant, habitual curtsy.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Fool. Good afternoon, Mr. Hanged Man." Her words came to an abrupt halt.
Her eyes flickered through the fog as she realized there was a third person seated at the table, on the left side.
Taking advantage of the pause, The Fool, Klein, leaned back in his chair and spoke in a calm, monotone voice.
"This is our newest member, Miss Magician."
He then turned his gaze toward the tense writer.
"Miss Magician, these are Miss Justice and Mr. Hanged Man."
"New member?" Audrey was shocked at first, but her surprise immediately turned into delight.
She was thrilled to witness the development of the Tarot Club. It made her feel like a protagonist.
The Hanged Man, Alger, frowned, somewhat displeased that The Fool had brought in a new member so suddenly.
He could have at least mentioned it to us… But a great figure like Mr. Fool wouldn't need to concern himself with our feelings… he thought, exasperated, before giving a simple greeting to Justice and Magician.
During that brief exchange, Audrey entered her Spectator state and paid close attention to the newest member, Magician.
Her posture is stiff. Her shoulders are slightly hunched forward, and her hands are clasped beneath the table—a clearly defensive stance, Audrey analyzed silently. She's nervous, with a trace of restrained fear. Afraid of Mr. Fool, or of the environment? She seems to be looking for someone else… but who?
Fors was, in fact, struggling to keep her breathing steady. The anticipation for this meeting over the past three days had already turned a few strands of her hair white!
And she couldn't even talk to Xio about what had happened, since Mr. Fool had instructed her to keep the meeting a secret.
Fors glanced around, her mind rapidly scanning the ancient hall.
She immediately noticed the absence of the shadowy, terrifying, and incredibly gentle figure who had saved her life.
'He' isn't here… Lord Devas didn't come today, Fors realized. Mr. Fool said 'His' appearances would be irregular, but it still feels strange to be here without that overwhelming presence.
Fors felt like someone who had been invited to a party by a friend, only for that one friend to leave for some reason, leaving her alone at the party without knowing anyone.
It wasn't a pleasant feeling.
Forcing herself to act, Fors imitated Audrey's polite gesture as best she could. "G-good afternoon, Mr. Fool." She turned first to greet The Fool, her voice coming out slightly shaky.
Taking a deep breath, her voice steadier now, she turned to the others. "Good afternoon, Miss Justice. Good afternoon, Mr. Hanged Man. I am Miss Magician—pleased to meet you."
Alger narrowed his eyes.
He didn't need to be a Spectator to notice the newcomer's hesitation.
She's tense and fearful of Mr. Fool, but not surprised by us. Mr. Fool must have informed her about the other members when he recruited her. She recovered quickly—she must have some experience as a Beyonder, Alger deduced pragmatically, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed.
The Fool, Klein, lightly tapped his fingers against the edge of the bronze table.
The absence of The Human made it easier to control the atmosphere of the meeting. Without that "juggernaut" radiating aura and presence, it was far easier to act as if he were the strongest person in the room.
And Fors's introduction reinforced his unfathomable image in front of Audrey and Alger without requiring any extra effort on his part.
At that moment, Justice Audrey finally noticed the card on the table before Mr. Fool.
She opened her mouth to ask, then quickly closed it.
That could wait until later, during the Information Exchange and Requests session, she thought, suppressing her curiosity and maintaining her Spectator state.
The Fool, Klein, who had already activated his Spirit Vision, observed Audrey calmly.
She really has become a Beyonder… Klein was about to look away when he suddenly saw Miss Justice's chair begin to change.
The bright stars on the back of the chair moved rapidly, forming an illusory constellation that did not belong to reality.
This constellation was familiar to Klein, as it was one of the symbols of mysticism—a symbol representing the Giant Dragon!
Spectator… Giant Dragon… Klein restrained himself from shaking his head and turned his gaze to the back of The Hanged Man's chair.
Under normal circumstances, it would have been impossible for him to see the back of the chair from his angle—but he was in control.
Everything presented itself according to his will.
The constellation on the back of Alger's chair had not changed, but ever since Klein had grasped the fundamentals of mysticism, he could recognize the symbol of Wind Storm.
Sailor… Guardian of the Sea… Wind… That makes sense. The deep hue in The Hanged Man's aura is far purer than before… Has he advanced? Ah, right—and what about the symbol behind my chair?
After everything that had happened over the past few days, Klein hadn't paid attention to it.
He suppressed the urge to look and did not linger on Fors with his Spirit Vision for more than a moment. Seeing that nothing had changed there, he tapped the edge of the long table three times and smiled as he said:
"Congratulations, Miss Justice—you are now a Beyonder."
He figured it out immediately? Audrey felt a slight jolt and smiled faintly, a mix of pride and fear at Mr. Fool's apparent omniscience.
"Thank you, Mr. Fool—and thank you, Mr. Hanged Man."
"That was much faster than I expected," Alger Wilson said honestly, internally reassessing the resources that Justice might now have at her disposal.
Klein did not continue the topic. He touched his glabella and said with a smile:
"Miss Justice, Mr. Hanged Man, have either of you found Roselle's diary?"
Upon hearing The Fool's question, Audrey did not respond immediately. Instead, she widened her crystalline eyes and turned to look at The Hanged Man with a scrutinizing gaze.
Alger instinctively stilled his movements. After a few seconds of silence, he said:
"I found two pages of Emperor Roselle's diary and memorized their contents."
"I have one page," Audrey said.
"Very good." Klein did not allow any joy or disappointment to show.
Maybe I can check with Devas later and see if he can use Analyze: Item on one of the pages… no, that's unlikely to work, since these aren't the original pages. I'd have to get my hands on an actual page myself and bring it above the gray fog—or summon him into the real world, which would last… five seconds, at best…
Even after digesting most of the Seer potion, Klein was still far too weak to sustain the summoning of someone like The Human's Memory Image for more than a few seconds.
Mocking his own temporary helplessness inwardly, The Fool, Klein, remained outwardly impassive.
"Should we present them now?" Audrey asked.
"Yes." Klein nodded.
Pieces of yellow-brown goatskin parchment and dark red fountain pens appeared before Audrey and Alger.
The two picked up their pens and began recalling the symbols they had seen. They also infused their emotions into what they wrote.
Without a sound, lines of text appeared on the goatskin. Some looked formal, some delicate, others slanted.
In just a minute, everything Alger and Audrey had forcefully memorized was written down.
Klein gathered the three pieces of parchment into his hands.
He gave the pages a cursory glance and noticed that some of the grammar was incorrect. There were also missing and mistaken words.
But experimentation had proven that an incorrect sequence of words, to a certain extent, did not affect the overall comprehension of Chinese.
Klein wasn't worried about missing words either, as he was used to reading web novels filled with errors and abbreviations.
Holding the three sheets, Klein began reading:
'8th April. I stood at the bow of Black King and stretched my arms, saying to Grimm and Edwards, 'My fortune is yours for the taking, but you'll have to find it first. I left everything I own at the ends of the Fog Sea!' They did not understand my humor at all and even asked if I really had other treasures. How boring. You can't be my Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse if you keep at that!'
'April 11th. I discovered a nameless island that was not on a safe sea route. There are a good number of extraordinary animals there, no—I prefer calling them extraordinary beings; it feels more impressive that way. Other than that, there are several weird creatures on the island. I believe that if Darwin had been transmigrated there, there is no way he could have written his Theory of Evolution.
'April 15th. Grimm has suddenly become a little odd. Has he been infected by something?'
When did Emperor Roselle, who was born in the Intis Empire, set out on a voyage? The Sea of Fog should be the sea west of the Intis Republic… Right, I need to use historical records from the library as reference… Klein quickly finished reading one page, shifting his gaze to the back of the sheet.
At this point, he no longer concealed the fact that he could decipher Emperor Roselle's secret symbols, as that ability fit perfectly with The Fool's persona and status.
Audrey and Alger said nothing. They waited in silence, as if they weren't surprised by such a revelation. In fact, they even believed it was only natural.
Fors, having already been informed of how the gatherings worked, simply accepted that The Fool could read the writing of the legendary Emperor Roselle as something casual.
Mr. Fool is someone on par with Lord Devas, so this must be trivial for 'Him,' she thought.
Klein continued reading:
'October 2nd. They actually wanted me to marry Matilda from the Abel family without even consulting me first! Heavens, I have not even met her! No, I must decline! Even if I were to run away from home and survive on my own and suffer the vicissitudes of life, I must fight against this marriage!'
'October 5th. Miss Matilda is really pretty.
'October 6th. Her personality and her demeanor is just my type. I am starting to look forward to the marriage.'
Hey, Emperor, where's your integrity? Klein leaned back in his seat, not allowing his emotions to pass through the fog.
He had noticed early on that Gustav didn't write in his diary every day. Most of the time, he only wrote when there were certain events he needed to satirize, record, or vent his emotions about.
Would I have done something like this if I hadn't received the Stream invitation? Writing a diary to vent because I'm alone and can't be truthful with anyone in this world?…
No, probably not…
Pushing that thought aside, Klein lowered his gaze and looked at the final line on the page.
'October 9th. They actually called me the Son of the Steam. I like that very much.
Klein felt a bit disappointed by the limited value of the information on the first two pages.
But he wasn't in a bad mood. In fact, his mood had been quite good these past few days—especially with the conversations he'd been having with The Human.
He moved the third page to the top. This one had writing on both sides.
'May 21st. The Church of the God of Craftsmanship gave me two choices, two beginning Sequence pathways. One of them is the Savant. It is a complete Sequence pathway they possess. The other is Mystery Pryer, which they obtained from the Moses Ascetic Order, but it lacks the higher Sequences.'
'May 22nd. My choice was easy: Savant! The Savant has a complete Sequence pathway! Although wielding more information on mysticism can aid my return home, the problem is that if I am not strong enough, there is a need to acquire external help for transmigration.'
'And I do not know if this external entity would be good or bad, benevolent or malicious. I cannot control it, and thus it could be very dangerous. In that case, why not strengthen myself and return by relying on my own powers? Thus, the complete Sequence was the most important factor in my considerations!'
'May 23rd. I have become a Savant. With the power of the potion, I actually recalled all the knowledge I had learned in the past, such as physics, chemistry, etc…'
'I have not only recalled the knowledge, but I understand it more deeply, as well as its possible applications and implications. Haha, this is a 'job' specially tailored for a transmigrator like me from an alternate realm. I will be able to express my advantage to the greatest extent!'
'I have to say that if I were to return in my present state to the third year of high school, I would definitely become top scholar. If I could further specialize in an area, it wouldn't even be too hard for me to become a scientist.
'May 26th. I am enjoying my status as a Savant. Something odd worth mentioning. When I address myself as a Savant, doing things that are in line with this role, the murmurings that drive me crazy become considerably softer. I have also been able to control my occasional temper outbursts. I have also recalled the matter regarding the diary.'
'Is this the 'acting' that the mysterious Mr. Zaratul mentioned? This could be key in resolving the side effects posed by potions.'
Acting… So this really is the key to resolving the side effects of potions! Roselle's description gave Klein confidence that his earlier conclusion was correct.
But it feels like there's something more… pretending to be something I'm not could easily backfire. Even actors on Earth could lose themselves—there must be something I'm missing…
Klein had grown far more suspicious and wary of the world he found himself in after his conversations with The Human. Already cautious by nature, he had become even more so.
As he read the diary page, Klein deeply realized there was a fundamental difference between how he and Emperor Roselle approached things.
For instance, when it came to returning home, Klein had considered deepening his understanding of mysticism to minimize risks and achieve his goal, whereas Emperor Roselle preferred to rely on himself and face the risks head-on.
I have to admit, I sometimes envy people like that. Perhaps everyone longs for something they don't have… whether it's something simple or complex, something small or grand.
Returning home is still my ultimate goal. Devas and the Stream have increased the chances of that succeeding…
Of course, I also need to think about growing stronger; both are important.
Klein thought, letting out a faint sigh.
He set the three diary pages down and raised his eyes to Justice, the Hanged Man, and Magician. He smiled slightly.
"My apologies, I was quite absorbed in reading them."
Audrey calmed the envy in her heart—she wanted to read those pages as well!
"I can understand. I hope that one day I'll be able to exchange information about the diary's contents."
"That will require a price." Klein smiled as he looked at Justice, then shifted his gaze to the stoic Hanged Man, and finally to the silent Magician.
Audrey clasped her hands together in front of her.
"Mr. Fool, Mr. Hanged Man, I have four questions to ask. If you believe the answers warrant a high price, please tell me what you desire—I will do my best to fulfill it."
"No problem," Alger replied succinctly.
Klein nodded and leaned back further, settling comfortably at the head of the bronze table.
"Actually, I can wait a bit," Justice Audrey paused as she noticed something.
She turned to Magician Fors on her left. "Miss Magician may go first. I feel you're eager to ask Mr. Fool something. I can wait."
I want to know more about you and what you're trying to ask! Why did you seem like you were looking for someone?!
Ahem! I mean, I want to be a good senior and set an example by letting the newcomer go first.
I must always set an example. Yes—good job, Audrey, good Audrey.
Smiling inwardly at her quick thinking, Audrey leaned back and fell silent.
Fors looked at Miss Justice, genuinely surprised by her attitude.
She's really nice, Fors thought, feeling part of her initial tension fade under the friendly reception.
She gave a slight nod to the young lady on her right, then turned toward the head of the bronze table.
"I have a request directed at Miss Justice and Mr. Hanged Man, and a question for you, Mr. Fool," Fors said, keeping her tone respectful. She then fell silent, as if asking for permission.
The Fool, Klein, gave a calm, slow nod, indicating she could proceed.
With permission granted, Fors turned to the other two members.
"I am looking for the formula for the Sequence Eight potion, Trickmaster. I would like to know if either of you has it or has any leads, and what the price would be."
Audrey shook her head apologetically. "I'm sorry, Miss Magician, but I don't have any information at the moment."
I don't even know which pathway that Sequence belongs to! I only became a Beyonder a few days ago!
The Hanged Man, Alger, however, stroked his chin thoughtfully, his dark eyes evaluating Fors through the fog.
Trickmaster… so she really is from the Apprentice pathway.
An unaffiliated Beyonder, most likely. If she were tied to an ancient family, a Sequence 8 potion would be easy to obtain. Either that, or she isn't important enough within her family to access such information. Perhaps this is a test for her…
Alger quickly deduced pragmatically.
"I don't have it on hand," Alger replied in a calm, measured tone. "But I know people who might. I can try to obtain the formula for you, but it won't be cheap, and it will take time. What form of payment are you offering? Gold pounds, or corresponding ingredients?"
Fors hesitated for a second before answering. "I can pay in gold pounds. If you manage to obtain the formula, Mr. Hanged Man, please tell me the price at the next gathering."
"Deal," Alger nodded. "I'll bring news if I find anything."
With the transaction settled, Fors took a deep breath and turned back to The Fool. Her hands returned to being clasped beneath the table, her anxiety resurfacing.
"Mr. Fool," she began, her voice dropping into an even more reverent tone. "I would like to ask about Lord Devas. Will 'He' appear at future gatherings?"
Behind her tense expression, Fors's mind was working rapidly.
What I really want to ask is whether I can continue praying to 'Him' in difficult times… but asking that directly to Mr. Fool would be very rude and disrespectful. I'll need to speak with Lord Devas personally to find out.
Meanwhile, The Hanged Man, Alger, widened his eyes slightly, as if noticing something in the tone Fors had used.
At the head of the table, Klein felt an overwhelming urge to sigh in relief, though the fog perfectly concealed any change in his expression.
Excellent work, Miss Magician! Thank you very much for bringing him up, Klein praised her inwardly. This way I don't have to introduce the topic myself and make it seem like I'm forcing it just to show off.
Outwardly, The Fool, Klein, simply nodded calmly, his voice maintaining its unfathomable monotone.
"Devas likely won't be able to attend the next gatherings for at least one or two months, as he and I are occupied."
The Fool, Klein, then paused deliberately.
He wanted to observe the reactions of Justice and the Hanged Man, as it was the first time they had heard that name.
The reaction was immediate—though silent.
The Hanged Man, Alger, felt his muscles stiffen instinctively.
Lord Devas? Occupied?! Alger's mind reeled. So she really did mean 'He,' not just he. I didn't mishear!
Perhaps Mr. Fool truly is a deity, or a genuinely ancient existence? For Miss Magician to refer to someone Mr. Fool considers his equal as "He," then logically, Mr. Fool must also be a "He."
Audrey also partially lost control of her Spectator state, the shock evident in her posture.
Lord Devas? A new name? A joint endeavor with Mr. Fool?
Unable to contain her curiosity, Audrey leaned forward slightly and asked politely,
"Mr. Fool, with all due respect, who is… Lord Devas?"
She deliberately used the title. Fors had sounded extremely reverent and fearful when saying the name, and The Fool had spoken as if they were working together as equals.
The Fool, Klein, leaned back further into the high-backed chair, as if he were the master of the universe.
"Devas is a member of the Tarot Club," Klein explained in a flat tone. "He goes by the codenames Mr. Devil and Mr. Tower."
He paused briefly, allowing the weight of the titles to sink in, then added with unwavering seriousness:
"Treat him with the same respect you show me, for in all respects, we are equals."
Inwardly, Klein mocked his own words.
Yes, equals in the status of lost transmigrators! But it's better to let them think whatever they want…
An absolute, crushing silence fell over the ancient hall.
Alger swallowed, cold sweat threatening to run down the back of his neck. The idea that there were now two divine-level existences involved in that secret gathering filled him with dread.
Equals… Devil and Tower… calamity and pure corruption. Mr. Fool and an ancient abyssal god are collaborating—and both are part of this Club. I cannot afford to make a single mistake here.
Audrey felt a chill run down her spine, yet an indescribable excitement also surged within her chest.
Two gods! The Tarot Club truly is the most hidden, high-level organization in the world! Mr. Devil and Mr. Tower… and Mr. Fool just confirmed they are equals! We are witnessing the meeting of deities!
Fors simply remained silent, shrinking slightly in her chair. The stunned reactions of Mr. Hanged Man and Miss Justice only confirmed what she already knew—the being who had saved her was truly extraordinary.
She had to restrain the urge to puff up with pride.
With considerable effort, Audrey managed to recover from her astonishment. She regained her Spectator state, though her mind was now teeming with dozens of new questions.
I need to focus. Mr. Fool was generous with that explanation—I shouldn't test his patience. I'll save my questions about Lord Devas for later.
Or should I say Mr. Devil, Mr. Tower?… Why so many names?! Ugh! I want to ask!
Composing herself, she cleared her throat softly, reorganizing her thoughts back to the questions she had originally planned to ask before this monumental revelation.
"My first question is: what does acting truly mean? I've noticed that the residual psyche in the potion has minimal effect on me—is it because I've been acting as a Spectator all this time?"
Alger did not speak. Instead, he looked toward The Fool, as if waiting for him to answer.
He was still too immersed in the revelation of someone whom The Fool acknowledged as an equal.
Klein rubbed his finger along the edge of the table and spoke in a relaxed tone:
"Let me explain it with an analogy. Imagine the core powers of your potion as a heavily guarded castle. The remnants of the psyche that can cause a backlash reside within that castle. Our goal is to eliminate them and become the true master of the castle."
"There are two ways to do this. The first is to storm the castle by force. There's no guarantee it will work, and you will certainly be injured unless you can suppress it with absolute power. Of course, we're not prepared for that."
"The second way is to have the owner of the castle issue an invitation. This invitation allows us to bypass the guards' scrutiny and infiltrate the castle. We can then deal with the enemies with ease. But the problem lies in the fact that the invitation specifies the guest's appearance and characteristics. So we must disguise ourselves and act as the invited guest. Do you understand?"
Alger spoke immediately, as if he had anticipated this answer: "So the invitation you mentioned refers to the name of the Sequence potion?"
"Exactly," Klein replied with certainty.
Audrey froze for a moment, a sudden sense of complete understanding washing over her. Fors, seated to Klein's right, also widened her eyes.
Acting… So that's why when I traveled and learned new things, my potion seemed to digest faster?… It's because I was unconsciously acting as an apprentice of life? The realization struck her like lightning.
Knowledge shared by someone like Mr. Fool is truly invaluable!
Audrey immediately broke out of her Spectator state due to her excitement.
She praised him cheerfully, "What an exceptional method—I think… I think it truly matches your title. Your style is perfectly in line with The Fool… I never would have believed acting could have such an effect. Fortunately, I've been acting as a Spectator these past few days."
She paused before adding, "I believe this is a very valuable answer; I'm not comfortable accepting it for nothing. Mr. Fool, what do you require in return? Of course, I still remember that I owe you a page from Emperor Roselle's diary."
"More pages from Roselle's diary, or…" Klein paused for a moment.
He wanted to obtain information about the Seer pathway, but he felt that asking for something so low-level would damage The Fool's mysterious image.
Thus, he chose to give up on it for now and planned to ask discreetly another day.
Even though I'm just one step away from fully digesting the Seer potion—and I'd love to at least know the name of the next Sequence—asking something like that wouldn't suit the great Mr. Fool, especially after the help Miss Magician and even the mention of Devas just gave me… he thought reluctantly, then added expressionlessly:
"Anything related to the Antigonus family, even if I may already know it."
Alger remained silent for a few seconds. He looked toward the head of the long bronze table for a moment before slowly opening his mouth.
"Mr. Fool… I believe I can repay you immediately with the information you've just requested."
"No problem," Klein tried to keep his tone steady and unfazed.
He rested his left elbow on the armrest and lightly supported his forehead with his fingers, pretending to listen calmly.
Alger considered his words before saying, "The Antigonus family is an ancient lineage. Their history can be traced back to the Cataclysm Era before the Fourth Epoch, and they are connected to the second Blasphemy Slate."
The second Blasphemy Slate? There's a second Blasphemy Slate? How many are there? Klein's pupils contracted, and he nearly shifted in his seat.
From what the Hanged Man and Justice had previously said, the Blasphemy Slate contained the profound mysteries of the twenty-two divine pathways!
There are two such crucial artifacts—or perhaps even more?
Twenty-two divine pathways… Sequences and pathways… could those two terms mean the same thing? Does each complete Sequence pathway lead directly to the throne of divinity?
At that moment, the mention of the second Blasphemy Slate sparked a flood of thoughts in Klein's mind. He believed that if not for the thick gray-white fog concealing him, his emotional reaction would have been exposed to Miss Spectator.
As for the term Cataclysm Era, he was not unfamiliar with it as a historian. It was another name for the Third Epoch. After his recent review, Klein even knew that the Third Epoch was divided into two eras: the Glorious Era and the Cataclysm Era.
"A second Blasphemy Slate?" Audrey clearly revealed her lack of knowledge on the matter.
Before calming her emotions, she returned to her Spectator state.
Good question! Klein secretly praised Miss Justice. It was a question that would have been inconvenient for him to ask as The Fool.
Alger cast a furtive glance at The Fool and noticed that his posture remained unchanged, without a single sound.
Thus, he thought for a moment before replying, "The first Blasphemy Slate appeared in the Dark Age, which is the Second Epoch, when humanity struggled to survive under the protection of the gods. The second Blasphemy Slate appeared at the end of the Third Epoch. One could even say that its appearance symbolized the end of the Cataclysm Era."
"The contents of the two Blasphemy Slates are kept secret by the seven major Churches. I only know fragments of it. I only know that they involve the pathways to divinity, but I'm not certain of the differences between them."
"Was the Blasphemy Slate that Emperor Roselle saw the first or the second?" Audrey asked curiously.
Hearing this, Klein recalled what Alger had said about potion names during the first gathering. He had mentioned that the names of Sequence potions were derived from the Blasphemy Slate!
Likewise, the Captain had also said that the formation and completion of the potion system was thanks to the emergence of the Blasphemy Slate… This indirectly confirms that the pathways to divinity are the Sequence pathways! Klein answered his own earlier question silently.
At last, I'll be able to confirm with Devas how many pathways there are! I didn't say anything before to avoid embarrassing myself, but now I'm certain!
And so Alger simply replied, "The second."
The light in Audrey's eyes dimmed as she returned to her Spectator state.
She did not continue asking questions; instead, she simply fixed her gaze on the Hanged Man.
It was obvious her scrutiny made Alger uncomfortable, but he suppressed his emotions.
Lowering his voice, he continued, "During the Solomon Dynasty in the Fourth Epoch, although the Antigonus family was considered a prominent part of the aristocracy, they didn't do anything particularly noteworthy until they supported the establishment of the Tudor Empire. After that, they stood at the very center of the Northern Continent's stage."
"During that period, Antigonus, Amon, Abraham, Jacob, and others were illustrious names within the human world. However, after the War of the Four Emperors, the Blood Emperor of the Tudor Empire perished. They fell from the peak of their pedestal and are now hunted by the seven gods."
"I'm not certain of the exact process, but I do know that the Antigonus family was destroyed by the Church of the Evernight Goddess. Mr. Fool, if you wish to learn more, I'm afraid you'll have to obtain that information from the Church of the Evernight Goddess or from certain ancient secret organizations. You know which few I'm referring to."
I don't… Klein nodded while feeling a bitter sense of déjà vu.
"Alright."
The Secret Order is one. The Captain and Old Neil mentioned the Moses Ascetic Order. I wonder if the Psychology Alchemists count…
As he sorted through possibilities in his mind, Alger provided the final piece of information.
"Likewise, I have no idea which Sequence pathways the Antigonus family possessed. Only two adjectives repeatedly appear in descriptions of them—strange and terrifying."
Strange and terrifying… Is that Devas's pathway, by any chance? Klein mocked inwardly before his thoughts drifted to the notebook, the original Klein, his classmates, and what had happened to Ray Bieber's mother.
A fitting description… truly something strange and terrifying…
Klein tapped the edge of the long table lightly with his fingertip a few times.
Then he spoke slowly.
"Very well. I am satisfied with the payment."
The reason he repeatedly tapped the table was to emphasize the gesture—to make Justice, the Hanged Man, and Magician believe it was merely a habit, concealing the fact that the same motion was used to activate and deactivate his Spirit Vision.
"The pleasure is mine," Alger said no more.
Audrey glanced at the Hanged Man, then at the Fool. She smiled faintly and said, "Then I will ask my second question: what is the name of the subsequent potion after Spectator? Where can I find clues about it?"
I'd like to ask questions like that directly as well, but it would lead to other problems… Klein remained silent, simply shifting his gaze toward the Hanged Man.
Alger was quiet for a few seconds before replying, "I'll answer this one for free, since I guided you onto this path."
"The subsequent Sequence for Spectator is Sequence 8: Telepath. The old name for Sequence 7 was Mind Analyst, but it is now called Psychiatrist. This is what I learned from a member of the Psychology Alchemists. I believe they possess a large number of potion formulas for this pathway."
Psychology Alchemists… Spirit Medium Daly approved of much of their theory, but the Captain considered them evil and insane… Klein listened while pondering deeply.
"Do you know the whereabouts of that particular member of the Psychology Alchemists?" Audrey asked, her eyes lighting up with excitement.
Whether Telepath or Psychiatrist, both names appealed to her sense of aesthetics.
Alger let out a rare chuckle.
"I do. He's now immersed in the seas around Sonia Island. I sank him with my own hands."
"If you wish to seek out the Psychology Alchemists, I must apologize—I've cut off that lead."
He wasn't worried that Justice might identify him through that description, as he had acted alone, far from prying eyes.
"Sank him…" Audrey didn't know how to respond or what expression to make.
She took a deep breath and suddenly failed to maintain her Spectator state.
She asked timidly, "My third question. If—and I mean if—a normal animal were to drink a Sequence 9 potion, what would happen?"
What kind of question is that? Don't tell me… Klein subtly tapped his glabella with the finger supporting his head.
Soon, he observed the shift in her emotions—frenzied, nervous, and slightly embarrassed.
Could she have done something that foolish? Klein was surprised, but not shocked.
After the last two gatherings, he was certain that Miss Justice could be rather airheaded at times.
Magician Fors, who had been silently listening, turned to look at Audrey as if trying to determine whether she was serious.
Is it possible… that we could have Beyonder pets? Could I have a Beyonder cat and not even know it?!
The Hanged Man, Alger, was also clearly stunned. He took a moment before answering.
"Ordinary animals do not possess the same brain capacity as humans. They are incapable of learning Cogitation in time. Therefore, it would most likely result in immediate death or a collapse into a monster. However, if they survive the initial ingestion, they would become an extraordinary creature. If the potion enhances their intelligence, they might even become smarter."
"Alright," Audrey let out a silent sigh and nodded, speaking in a more relaxed tone. "I only have one question left."
She paused, her bright eyes drifting toward the object resting to the right of The Fool. "Mr. Fool, if I may be so bold… what is that card in front of you?"
Finally, someone asked, Klein thought, feeling a trace of satisfaction.
He had placed the [Pocket Trump Card] there deliberately, to reinforce the mystery and authority of the Club.
Outwardly, he revealed nothing. He simply extended his fog-shrouded hand, picked up the card with slow movements, and flipped it face up.
Like its back, the front was filled with absolute darkness—a void that seemed to swallow the surrounding light.
But before anyone could react, the darkness at the center of the card split open. A human eye with a vivid orange iris opened, pulsing with a horrifying light.
At that very instant, a terrifying aura leaked from the card, spreading through the divine hall like an invisible tide. It was an overwhelming presence—a gaze that seemed to scrutinize the very soul of everyone present, evaluating their existence and humanity. The air above the gray fog suddenly felt heavy, saturated with the essence of something ancient and dangerous.
Before panic could set in, The Fool, Klein, casually placed the card face down again, as if he were merely handling an ordinary office item.
It's still an incredibly unpleasant sensation to experience… Klein reflected inwardly, suppressing a shiver.
Over the past few days, he had conducted exhaustive experiments with the [Pocket Trump Card]. Although he unfortunately could not summon The Human's full Memory Image more than once a week without exhausting himself, he had discovered several intriguing aspects of the item:
The first was the ability to partially "invoke" the aura and presence that The Human emitted upon arrival.
It was an imitation—a kind of historical projection of that overwhelming pressure, something that, for now, could only be replicated within the domain of the gray fog. Klein estimated that, as his Sequence advanced, he might one day be able to manifest that aura in reality.
The second discovery was the card's absurd durability. Klein had tried damaging its edges, used knives, and even fired a bullet at it during one particularly bold test.
The bullet had simply ricocheted or flattened without leaving the slightest mark on the black surface. For safety, he had begun carrying the [Pocket Trump Card] in the front pocket of his suit, using it as a form of mystical protection for his heart.
The third was an anti-divination property. When Klein infused his spirituality into the card, it created a "blind spot" for diviners. It consumed a great deal of energy, but it was a valuable shield for someone who lived in the shadows.
Klein activated his Spirit Vision to observe the members.
Fors's reaction was the most restrained. Upon sensing the aura and meeting that orange gaze, she immediately recognized the mark of The Human.
It's 'Him'… the same presence that saved me from the maddening whispers of the moon…, Fors thought, feeling a mixture of comfort and reverent fear.
She did not shrink back in terror; instead, she lowered her head deeply in absolute respect.
Audrey and Alger, however, did not remain as composed.
The color drained from Audrey's face, and she nearly lost her elegant composure. What was that?! That eye… it felt as if I were being judged by a force of nature. It was as if death itself had opened a crack just to look at us!
Alger felt his survival instincts scream.
He gripped the edges of the bronze table, his knuckles turning white. That aura… there's no way this is just a High-Sequence Beyonder. None of the high-ranking Beyonders of the Church of the Lord of Storms feel anything remotely like this…
It's something fundamentally different…
Alger lowered his head, deeply shaken, engraving it into his heart that Mr. Fool—and whoever Lord Devas was—were truly 'They,' not merely they.
After waiting for the members' heartbeats to steady, The Fool, Klein, spoke in his ethereal voice:
"This card is one of the projects Devas and I are working on. You will learn more in the future."
He offered no further explanation, and silence returned. Then, without changing his posture, he allowed a faint smile to form beneath the fog.
"I have something to propose to you. It will require your cooperation."
Magician Fors nodded promptly, her trust in The Fool and The Human outweighing any hesitation.
Alger showed visible signs of nervousness, but still nodded in agreement; he felt that refusing now would be a fatal mistake.
Miss Justice nodded slowly, her pupils still dilated from the shock, yet shining with the admiration of someone who had just glimpsed something incredible.
She felt like a little girl visiting a zoo for the first time, seeing dangerously magnificent beasts from afar. She knew they were dangerous, yet she couldn't help but admire them.
Before they could respond, Klein reassured them: "Don't worry. It's trivial. If successful, it will benefit you, so I won't require any additional compensation."
"Go ahead." Audrey instinctively entered her Spectator state, trying to regain her composure, though the gray fog remained impenetrable.
"As you wish," Alger replied, steadying his voice.
Fors simply nodded in silence.
Klein moved his fingers and said, "Some time ago, I mentioned that we would conduct a few experiments to allow you to request leave. That way, you won't have to worry if you need to be somewhere inappropriate on a Monday afternoon."
"That is indeed our wish." Audrey relaxed her brows, feeling genuine relief at the practicality of the proposal.
Alger thought for a moment before asking, "What do you need us to do?"
"You may try a bit of ritualistic magic in your free time. It doesn't need to be too formal. As long as you are in an environment where you won't be disturbed… Place four new candles on an altar, positioned at the four corners."
"It would be best if they are sandalwood-scented candles. Place a loaf of white bread near the candle in the upper-left corner, a bowl of Feynapotter noodles near the candle in the upper-right corner, paella near the candle in the lower-left corner, and a Desi pie near the candle in the lower-right corner… Use a silver knife to create a sealed spiritual environment…"
Klein described his modified version of the luck-enhancing ritual.
He taught Audrey and Fors how to create the spiritual environment, ensuring that even the newcomer had the necessary tools to succeed in the experiment.
Klein wasn't sure how much Fors knew about mysticism, but it didn't hurt to be thorough.
He recalled how Fors had addressed The Human.
The three lines she had used, though whispered, echoed in his mind. Klein felt a trace of healthy envy—he, too, wanted titles that sounded grand and ancient. Unlike his friend, he still felt the need for the structure of a ritual to ensure a proper connection.
"…Mix moon flowers, golden mint, sleep blossoms, finger citron, and jara. Then distill them. Extract the essential oil and drop one drop onto each candle…"
Audrey listened with great interest, carefully noting everything he said. When he finished, she asked, "And the incantation? Mr. Fool, what is the corresponding incantation?"
Alger stopped writing, his fountain pen hovering above the paper as he awaited the answer.
Klein, immersed in the gray fog, lightly tapped the bronze table and chanted in Hermes—the language of mysticism—in a voice that seemed to come from everywhere at once:
"The Fool that doesn't belong to this era;"
"The Mysterious Ruler above the Gray Fog;"
"The King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck…"
[...]
In the Cherwood District of Backlund, Fors opened her eyes.
She saw the ceiling of the apartment she rented with Xio, smelled the lingering scent of coffee, and felt the softness of the cushion beneath her head, along with the sofa she was lying on.
She stared at the ceiling without moving, lazing about.
Mr. Fool truly is another mysterious deity, just like Lord Devas, Fors concluded, her mind still processing the magnitude of the beings she had become involved with.
The casual reverence The Fool displayed, the terrifying presence leaking from that dark card… everything pointed to the very apex of the mystical world.
She compared their honorific names in her mind.
Devas's, which echoed within her like an irrevocable, inescapable decree:
"The Human to whom nothing human is foreign;"
"The Sin born of sin, crowned in blood;"
"The One who remains when the gods fall."
And Mr. Fool's, which carried an ancient, impenetrable weight.
She also committed to memory the ritual Mr. Fool had explained after reciting his own honorific name, quietly repeating the phrases so she wouldn't forget:
"I pray for your aid."
"I beseech your loving grace."
"I pray that you grant me a good dream."
"Moon flower, a herb that belongs to the crimson moon, please bestow your power upon my incantation!"
"Finger citron, a herb that belongs to the sun, please bestow your power upon my incantation."
...
Does Lord Devas have a formal incantation like this for me to ask for help? Fors wondered, staring at the ceiling. No, probably not. When I needed it, just the phrases were enough. And 'He' came.
In fact, I didn't even need the phrases. Simply invoking my humanity was enough to draw 'His' attention… Using and reciting his honorific name only seemed to serve as permission for 'Him' to help me…
There was something else. Ever since she had been saved by 'Him,' Fors's spirituality felt different—more active, more vibrant.
Her instincts had sharpened significantly, and she found it easier to deduce things, especially when it came to other people.
Just by glancing at passersby through the window over the past few days, she had noticed that she could instinctively understand how they behaved, how they would move, whether they were dangerous or not, and even identify openings she could exploit if they attacked her.
A blessing from Lord Devas, perhaps… she thought, feeling a mixture of gratitude and curiosity. Why her, of all people? What was so special about her?
With an exhausted yet relieved sigh, she finally got up, dragging her feet across the wooden floor.
The apartment was quiet.
Xio wasn't home.
On the table near the kitchen, there was a hastily scribbled note from her small friend, saying she had gone out to investigate a few things around the neighborhood and would be back in the evening.
[...]
Backlund, Empress Borough.
Audrey saw the oil painting hanging on the wall. She felt the softness of the feather pillow beneath her head.
She didn't get up immediately; instead, she carefully replayed everything that had happened during the gathering, as if watching a play on repeat.
Mr. Fool carried a certain confidence in his tone when he told us to attempt the ritual and gave us the descriptions of the Mysterious Ruler, the King of Yellow and Black… Confidence… Audrey exhaled as she analyzed it silently, her body trembling faintly.
The memory of that merciless orange eye leaking from the dark card was still etched deep in her mind.
Forget it. Since I can't fight it and we are nothing but ants before deities, there's no need to dwell on it… Audrey tried to calm herself. Mr. Fool has always been friendly and guided us; 'He' must be an entity that respects order… And if Lord Devas works with 'Him,' perhaps he isn't purely a destructive Calamity.
Audrey's mood quickly improved with that optimistic rationalization. She thought about her acting and the diminished effects of the potion.
The Acting method was indeed the greatest treasure she could have received.
Audrey hummed a cheerful tune and got out of bed. She walked toward the door, adjusting her mindset as she entered her Spectator state.
As she opened the bedroom door, she saw a maid passing by.
She noticed the old calluses on her hands, the marks on her face, the fatigue in her gait, and other similar details. From those observations, she could deduce many things.
At that moment, Audrey felt something strange. She quickly turned to look toward the shadowed corner of the balcony.
She saw her golden retriever, Susie, sitting there, watching her in silence—just as she had been watching the maid. The dog's eyes appeared calm, analytical, and strangely intelligent.
My goddess… Audrey's lips twitched as she let out a sigh. She really wanted to cover her face.
[...]
On the Sonia Sea, inside the heavily guarded captain's quarters.
Alger woke up and realized nothing around him had changed. The wood of the ship creaked softly with the waves. It was as if nothing had happened.
No ancient god had crushed him, and no orange-eyed Calamity had descended from the heavens to shatter his mind.
An ancient existence? he thought to himself. No… two ancient existences, working together in the shadows of the world.
Feeling the cold sweat still clinging to his back, the rugged captain stared at the wooden ceiling and sighed.
[...]
Klein, having exited the ritual, opened the curtains. He picked up the stream phone and began typing. Ever since he received it, it had become where he organized his information.
Normally, he would have done this in a notebook, memorized everything, and then burned the pages. But since the phone was protected by the stream itself—and no one else could access it—he felt comfortable doing it there.
He recalled the contents of Emperor Roselle's diary and wrote the pages in order, creating a kind of virtual copy he could revisit anytime in the future.
After finishing, Klein reread his notes several times. He memorized them despite having them saved. Finally, he closed the app, turned off the screen, and slipped the phone into his pocket.
With this, everything is organized. I'll keep memorizing it over time so I won't have to rely on rereading if I need to recall something. As things grow more complex, it might get harder, but I'll figure it out…
Klein straightened himself and stretched his neck.
He planned to head to the Divination Club. Even though he had nearly digested the Seer potion, he still had to maintain the façade to avoid suspicion.
That—and he needed to understand what a Seer truly was. He didn't yet have the insight required to take that final step and fully digest the potion. What he lacked was understanding, and Klein felt that the Divination Club was where he could gain it.
Before leaving, Klein took time to meticulously clean his suit and top hat with a brush and cloth. Then he washed his white shirt, replacing it with a similar linen one along with the only decent cheap coat he owned. After that, he stepped out into the street at a brisk pace.
First Melissa's dress. Then Benson's suit. Only after that can I consider a second coat for myself. Money is never enough…
And we also need to save up to buy porcelain tableware to receive guests…
I should be grateful that Jinn said he would cover the stream membership for me—one less thing to worry about…
I also need to save money to buy various materials related to mysticism…
Klein sat in a public carriage, taking stock of the household finances. The more he calculated, the more he shook his head.
Devas said he would help me, but I can't rely on that alone. There's always the possibility something goes wrong and he can't bring any items above the gray fog.
And I'm not entirely comfortable depending on his help without being able to offer anything in return… it makes me feel like a beggar…
Klein sighed. He estimated it would take at least a year for him, his brother, and his sister to live as a middle-class family—of course, that was without Devas's help or any potential promotion for him or Benson, or a salary increase.
The public carriage rolled through the streets and came to a stop in front of the Divination Club on Howes Street.
"Time to get to work…" he muttered.
[...]---[...]
Well, about the chapter… it's mostly meant to show some changes and reactions. The next interludes will focus more on actual developments.
Overall, I really enjoy writing these. Writing the characters reactions here is pretty funny—especially how everyone tends to overthink and come up with all sorts of wild ideas, and then Klein and Devas end up getting random glazing for no reason...
Have a great night, everyone, and enjoy the read!