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72.97% Lord of Mysteries: Starting As A Reader / Chapter 378: The Value of the Genie

章節 378: The Value of the Genie

Klein, seated at the head of the table as the Fool, relaxed slightly now that his goal was achieved. However, he still controlled the World to add, "While I don't know the specifics of the Secret Order's plans, the intelligence suggests they may exploit Stewart's new doctrinal proposals."

Judgment Xio nodded. "Thank you for the warning. I'll take note of it."

The Hanged Man Alger also filed the information away, considering how to discreetly report it to his superiors.

After this exchange, World returned to his usual silence. Justice Audrey, noticing that the others were lost in thought, took the initiative to share her insights:

"The Kingdom's Air Pollution Investigation Committee has been formally established.

"The committee's chairman is Sir Des Shaw, and the chief secretary is Mr. Hibbert Hall..."

Sitting at the head of the table, Klein mentally added: I know that. My former employer, Mrs. Mary, is now a member of this committee. According to landlady Mrs. Starling, there's a grand ball tonight to celebrate its establishment.

Judgment Xio was reminded of the same ball. Due to the ongoing serial killings in Backlund, she had been assigned by MI9 to provide security at the event.

Her earlier statement to Fors about having a "task" wasn't entirely untrue. In contrast, Fors's claim about being struck by "inspiration" was highly suspect.

Many attendees at the ball would be Storm Church adherents, and Stewart might be among them. Xio mentally plotted, If the opportunity arises, I'll relay the information World shared with him.

"Hmph, it's about time those parliamentarians did something useful," Alger sneered. "Though I wonder if this committee will end up as just another political stunt or a meaningless formality."

Hibbert would never be part of a useless stunt… Audrey pressed her lips together in mild frustration.

Xio, glancing at the silent World, decided to contribute her own intelligence:

"A certain high-ranking MI9 official is seeking the whereabouts of the 'Wishing Lamp.' They're willing to pay the price of a demigod-level potion formula for any credible information."

The Wishing Lamp?! Isn't that the "0-05" Sealed Artifact that World asked about in a previous meeting, and which Tower explained?

According to Tower, Roselle used it to briefly ascend to Sequence 1. Why would MI9 be searching for it now? Is this an individual's ambition or a directive from the Ruen monarchy?

Alger frowned as his thoughts churned. Roselle used the lamp, backed by the Church, to kill the last angel of the Sauron family. Could someone in MI9 be attempting to emulate him? But the Augustuses are no declining Saurons…

Alger glanced instinctively at World and Tower.

Klein, behind the mask of the Fool, also felt perplexed.

Tower mentioned the Wishing Lamp is a fusion of a Miracle Invoker's Beyonder characteristic and a mysterious origin. The Augustuses follow the Arbiter pathway; obtaining the lamp wouldn't help them ascend—it'd simply be another powerful "0"-grade Sealed Artifact. As an ancient angelic family, they wouldn't lack such artifacts.

Could this search be a personal endeavor by an MI9 official?

Based on Roselle's diaries, I can infer a few things about the lamp's current whereabouts…

First, it's unlikely to be in any major Church's possession. If it were, MI9 wouldn't need to search for clues. "0"-grade artifacts are typically cataloged and monitored by governments and Churches alike.

Second, it's not in the hands of a troublemaking secret organization. The Wishing Lamp's abilities would've made waves in the supernatural community already.

That leaves three possibilities:

1. The lamp was hidden by Roselle's enigmatic secret society.

2. It was traded to the Secret Order, possibly via Amon or another party, given Roselle's relationship with Zaratul.

3. It remains with Roselle's children, most likely his favored eldest daughter, Bernadette, who might still be alive.

If it's with Bernadette, there's nothing to be done. But if it's held by the first two groups, perhaps MI9 could provide a decent trade…

Would divination on the gray fog confirm anything? My connection to the Wishing Lamp isn't strong, even with this space aiding me.

Klein, feeling the room's attention shift to World, controlled his proxy to rasp, "What pathway's demigod formula is being offered?"

Xio thought for a moment before replying, "Arbiter… though it's likely negotiable."

She speculated that Princess Vera, with her royal status, likely possessed multiple formulas, including those of the Lawyer pathway, which MI9 controlled.

"I'll look into it," World responded, his voice low and noncommittal. "But I can't promise results."

Their exchange left the Magician Fors more bewildered than even the Sun. Her wide eyes reflected astonishment and curiosity, almost piercing the shroud of gray fog that veiled her thoughts.

The Wishing Lamp? What an evocative, mystical name! What sort of artifact could match a demigod formula in value? Just an hour ago, I still thought of demigods as mere legends!

Justice Audrey, noticing Fors's expression, suppressed a smile. Without using her abilities, she could easily "read" Fors's thoughts. Half out of kindness and half to boast, she explained the Wishing Lamp's history and capabilities.

Fors, shaken and intrigued, felt a strange sense of déjà vu, reminiscent of when Ebner had once regaled her with tales of "0"-grade Sealed Artifacts. But after his advancement to Sequence 8, he started withholding more than he shared… That's why I based the "evil spirit" character in my novels on him!

While Fors grappled with wonder and nostalgia, the real-life "evil spirit" Ebner was deep in thought.

The Wishing Lamp is only valued at a demigod formula? That's disappointing.

Reflecting on the original story, Ebner shared Klein's initial assumptions about the artifact's potential locations. However, when considering the lamp's origin, a new possibility emerged:

In the original, an otherworldly force linked to the Outer God "Uncertain Mist" also sought the Wishing Lamp. Though this storyline deviated in this timeline, it's possible the Tower family's intervention didn't prevent its continuation.

If the Wishing Lamp were crucial to sealing an influence of Uncertain Mist, an MI9 official seeking it might be driven by personal knowledge… or perhaps it's someone from the Tower family within MI9.

The lamp, combined with the Genie and Uncertain Mist, could pave the way for the return of an Old One, the "Child of Chaos."

This could be a continuation of Xio's East Chester County encounter… Should I warn her?

After a moment's deliberation, Ebner decided against it. Xio lacked the tools to handle such revelations safely. With the Fool as her ultimate safety net, it was best not to burden her unnecessarily.

Just as Ebner relaxed, Derrick began sharing updates on Silver City's recent changes.

Once Derrick finished, Alger turned toward Ebner, organizing his thoughts. Finally, he spoke:

"A major incident involving the Pirate Kings and four Pirate Admirals has shaken the seas!"

(Chapter End)


next chapter

章節 379: The Identity of Doctor Strange

The news of the Immortal King Agalito's five fleets being devastated had only just begun spreading across the seas. Naturally, the members in Backlund were unaware, and the Sun in the God-forsaken land understood even less.

"What happened?" Audrey's eyes widened slightly, nearly breaking her poker-faced demeanor as a Spectator.

Ever since becoming a Beyonder, what she most desired was to witness firsthand the legendary figures and events she had only heard about in noble circles.

Similarly, the Magician Fors blurted out in excitement, "Which Pirate Kings and Pirate Admirals—"

She stopped herself mid-sentence, realizing it was inappropriate to press the Hanged Man, who appeared to be a leader of sorts, and promptly shut her mouth.

Alger didn't mind. He scanned the table, focusing briefly on the composed Tower, before solemnly explaining:

"After the Pirate Conference I mentioned at the last Tarot Meeting, the Immortal King Agalito led his five fleets to encircle and eliminate the Admiral of Pale, Maria!"

The Immortal King going after the Admiral of Pale? That duel during the Pirate Conference must have been Agalito testing Maria's strength, Klein thought as he pieced together the events.

Audrey, unburdened by Fors's hesitation, asked with keen interest, "Did the Immortal King succeed?"

"No. In the end, Maria successfully escaped. Agalito's five fleets were severely damaged, with three commanders killed and another captured. Only the third fleet's Venomfire Buzz managed to escape, but he was executed by Agalito himself upon return," Alger said gravely.

The Hanged Man sure knows how to keep people hooked, Ebner thought, stifling a chuckle as he speculated about Alger's intentions. He's likely trying to gauge my reaction or perhaps the Fool's…

Maybe he even thinks the Fool has put together some sort of "Avengers" team in secret!

Shaking his head inwardly, Ebner maintained a neutral expression, pretending to hear the tale for the first time, much to Alger's quiet disappointment.

"How did Maria manage that?" Audrey asked, her tone reflecting her astonishment.

Beside her, Fors was just as wide-eyed, her excitement palpable. She could almost feel inspiration brewing.

Judgment Xio joined in with a pointed question: "What were the capabilities of the fleet commanders? What kind of forces were involved?"

She suspected Ebner might have been involved in this incident, so her inquiry was intentionally detailed.

This question put Alger in a tight spot. Although he had considerable knowledge of the seas, Agalito's fleets were notoriously ruthless, leaving no survivors. Reliable intelligence was scarce.

After some deliberation, he replied hesitantly:

"The first fleet was commanded by the Cursing Speaker, Verlanders. I don't know his exact Sequence, but his abilities were undoubtedly at the level of Sequence 5. His bounty alone reached 10,000 pounds. His flagship, the Blood Horn, was a ghost ship equivalent to a powerful Sequence 5 on the seas.

"The second and third fleets were commanded by Firesword Prewus and Venomfire Buzz, respectively. Both were Devils with bounties of 8,000 and 8,200 pounds. Each fleet consisted of five large sailing warships. Their actions were audacious, but until this incident, they had never been caught. After learning about the danger-sensing abilities of Devils, I now understand why.

"The fourth fleet was led by the Gray Giant Gravena, a Dawn Palain at Sequence 6 with a bounty of 7,500 pounds. His fleet had only three ships, but his flagship, the Blade of the King, was another fearsome ghost ship. With his coordination, their combat power rivaled that of a Pirate General.

"The fifth fleet was commanded by Louis, whose Sequence is unknown but who specialized in ice spells. His bounty was 7,200 pounds, and his fleet relied on steam-powered warships with overwhelming firepower."

Sequence 5 and 6 Beyonders, with other powerful crew members likely aboard… yet all five fleets were severely damaged, and their commanders killed or captured? Klein marveled, sensing something extraordinary must have tipped the scales.

His thoughts turned to Tower. Considering the mysterious liquor bottle Tower had offered for divination after the Pirate Conference, combined with the peculiar midnight "delivery" of a cloak, Klein couldn't help but wonder if Tower had been involved.

Similarly, Xio had her suspicions. Pressing her lips together, she felt a sense of urgency. Ebner has already grown so powerful. I can't afford to lag behind.

"How did Maria accomplish it?" Audrey repeated, echoing everyone's thoughts.

"It wasn't just Maria's doing," Alger clarified, abandoning any further suspense.

"The Immortal King's first fleet was intercepted and annihilated by Admiral of Iceberg, Edwina Edwards. Cursing Speaker Verlanders was killed on the spot.

"The second fleet was ambushed by Admiral of Stars, Cattleya, aboard the Future. Firesword Prewus was captured, and the remaining ships fled.

"The third fleet had an unfortunate run-in with the Black Death and Admiral of Affliction. Venomfire Buzz reportedly made some crude remarks, which earned him a severe beating. He abandoned his flagship to escape but was executed by Agalito upon his return.

"The fifth fleet blocked the Pale Admiral's escape route from Agalito's Death Announcer. Maria, wielding the Blade of Pale Justice, destroyed the fleet and killed Louis. None survived."

The four female Pirate Admirals teamed up against the Immortal King? All of them are rumored to be beauties. Could Agalito have harbored inappropriate ambitions, provoking their retaliation?

Fors felt inspiration surge, lamenting the absence of pen and paper to capture her ideas.

Audrey, equally enraptured, found herself marveling at the epic nature of the confrontation. But a lingering question prompted her to ask, "And the fourth fleet?"

Alger hesitated, casting a cautious glance at the Fool and Tower. Seeing no objections, he took a deep breath and revealed:

"The fourth fleet was stopped by a single individual!

"He had no fleet, no crew—just himself. Yet, he singlehandedly decimated the Gray Giant Gravena and destroyed his ghost ship.

"This man bore a striking resemblance to the Doctor Strange depicted in the illustrations of Roselle's Heroes series.

"And he called himself—Doctor Strange!"

Doctor Strange? What's that? And who is this Roselle they keep mentioning? The Sun, Derrick, furrowed his brow, wondering if he should exchange for more information about this figure.

Doctor Strange! Following Iron Man and the Hulk, is Doctor Strange making his debut? Does he use a magical ring to create fiery portals and traverse space? And what's his connection to Maria, to intervene on her behalf? Fors's mind raced with questions she dared not voice, leaving her to imagine wild scenarios.

Doctor Strange… as expected. Klein and Xio confirmed their earlier guesses. Both had encountered the custom outfit—a purchase and delivery, respectively—that matched Alger's description. Their gazes naturally turned toward Tower.

Doctor Strange… Could it be…? Audrey recalled the Hanged Man's furtive glances at the Fool and Tower earlier. She immediately formulated a hypothesis: Could the one who stopped the fourth fleet be a member of the Tarot Club? Didn't Tower and the Hanged Man meet and conduct a 3,900-pound transaction privately?

Is Tower Doctor Strange?

Could the Iron Man of Backlund also be an ally under the Fool's command?

Noticing the subtle yet probing glances from Justice, Judgment, the Hanged Man, and even the World, Ebner's lips curled into a faint smile.

He surveyed the group and finally declared with a calm yet confident tone:

"There's no need to speculate…

"I am Doctor Strange!"

(End of Chapter)


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