Backlund, Cherwood Borough.
As the deep crimson glow faded, Fors once again saw her familiar desk and the open notebook where she recorded inspirations.
For her, this kind of experience no longer held any novelty, yet it still inspired a profound sense of reverence.
This was a power that did not belong to humans—this was the might of a god!
Steadying her emotions, she retrieved her usual spiritual materials, set up the altar, and offered the Beyonder characteristic of the "Rose Bishop" to the gray fog.
Only after completing all this did Fors rarely begin planning her next steps:
"Once the 'films' Ebner is producing are officially put to use, my 'Trickmaster' potion should see considerable digestion…
"But I can't just rely on that—I still need to actively seek out opportunities to perform.
"But 'deceiving' and 'fooling' others isn't exactly a good thing… How should I strike the right balance? Should I really join a circus?"
Fors instinctively felt resistant to the idea, but then she recalled the bizarre incident in Bansi Harbor that Mr. World had just shared during the Tarot meeting—the tale of the "Red Angel" Medici, and the "Rose of Redemption"...
Add to that the Great Smog event and the repeated attempts of the True Creator to descend…
Each of these incidents pointed toward the possibility that the world was changing, and the future might grow increasingly perilous.
More importantly, there had also been subtle hints in the words Ebner once spoke to her and Xio.
"Even 'Moon,' a vampire with such a lazy disposition, asked Mr. Hanged Man at the end of the meeting how to swindle—no, how to secure 'investment' from his clan. As one of the lowest-sequence members of the Tarot Club, I really need to put in some effort!"
After giving herself this pep talk, Fors stood up with renewed energy and paced around the living room, wondering whether she should do more volunteer performances at the free school or go find work with a circus...
In the midst of this, her gaze drifted to the cozy armchair covered with a thick, soft rug. She inhaled the aroma of coffee and tobacco that lingered in the room, felt the slow, creeping warmth—and gradually, her resolve began to waver, along with any motivation to go out.
"Decisions made in haste aren't necessarily the right ones… Even Emperor Roselle said, 'Defying the laws of nature and rushing things only leads to failure'..."
"Maybe I should wait until tomorrow, the day after tomorrow. I can ask Xio and Ebner for their opinions first."
Muttering to herself, she sat back down and picked up her coffee cup.
...
West Borough, No. 9 Bellotto Street.
Shortly after the Tarot Club meeting ended, Xio had changed into a fresh set of clothes in a safe house and returned to MI9's headquarters to review documents in the archives, preparing for the "gathering" Ebner had called for that evening.
But just then, a colleague came to find her, saying that Her Highness Vera had summoned her to the office.
Xio didn't think much of it, assuming it was just another mission, and quickly went down to the second floor, entering a room tucked into the corner.
Vera, as usual, wore a sharply tailored military uniform, appearing both composed and valiant. When she saw Xio enter, she casually placed a document folder on the desk and said, "This is detailed information on the major Beyonder families in Intis. It's far more comprehensive than anything in the archive room."
Xio picked up the folder and stood in silence for a while before she couldn't help but ask, "You… seem very concerned about Ebner?"
"Since I've invested in his company, it's only natural to keep an eye on things," Vera said with a faint smile, offering no further explanation. She then shifted topics. "The premiere is tomorrow, at the old Edsac Theater. I've invited quite a few noblewomen with real influence… including Count Hall's wife and daughter. If they're impressed, the founding of the film company will go much more smoothly—whether in Loen or in Intis."
Xio didn't believe a word of Vera's stated reasons, but the princess hadn't shown any signs of ill intent. In fact, she had even helped cover up many of Xio's past missteps due to carelessness.
And it seemed there were quite a few people who had their eyes on Ebner—from gods above to his schoolmates below...
Carefully thinking it over, and realizing that Her Highness didn't want to say more, Xio sensibly refrained from pressing the issue.
After that, she glanced at the clock, picked up the document folder, and was about to take her leave when Vera suddenly stopped her again and, after a moment's consideration, said, "I have a private mission for you. If you can complete it successfully, I can apply to the higher-ups to grant you access to one of the Berolt Mountain ape nests under the kingdom's control."
The advancement ritual for the Punisher Knight required taking the potion inside the Berolt Mountain ape's nest.
Xio frowned. The reward was certainly tempting, but she still asked cautiously, "What kind of mission is it?"
"A very simple one," Vera replied with a smile. She pulled out a small box covered in various runes from her coat and said, "When you head back later, just throw this into the abandoned chapel in the middle of Williams Street."
Williams Street… abandoned chapel… Red Angel Medici?
Xio was startled the moment she heard it. Naturally, she had heard from Ebner what was buried beneath Williams Street.
"Seems you know quite a bit already…" Vera looked mildly surprised, but then relaxed and added, "Don't worry, there's no danger… Mm, if you're still uneasy, you can go back and consult that person.
"But the box must be thrown into the chapel before dawn at the latest.
"If it's late, the mission will be considered a failure."
...
Above the gray fog, after Klein finished managing the "logistics" deliveries for various members, he projected the image of "The World," made him assume a prayerful pose, and had him request Mr. Fool to pass along his need for a radio to Miss Justice, asking her to buy one on his behalf in Backlund.
After handling this, Klein was just about to return to the real world when he saw The Tower's crimson star expand and contract. He extended his spirituality toward it.
"So the learning materials for The Sun are ready…"
Klein nodded, then received the "sacrifice," pulling a head-sized cube and a bag of steaming-hot Dicie meat pies out of the Gate of Summoning.
"Dicie pies, huh… It's been a week or two since I've had them… Though, to be fair, murloc meat wasn't too bad either…" Klein sighed with some emotion, then picked up the cube known as the Fangdian and studied it for a moment, realizing it was an occult version of a combined camera and projector. He immediately understood Mr. Tower's intent.
"So the study material is actually pre-recorded video clips… This really is a good method."
He clicked his tongue a few times but didn't find it suspicious. After all, the Church of Steam's black technology was endless in this world—there was even a mirror called Arrodes that could play holographic projections. Compared to that, this "Fangdian" was practically an outdated product.
...
Silver City, the Berg family home.
Derrick opened his eyes, emerging from his feigned sleep.
He fastened the Hurricane Axe to his back and was just about to head to the underground market to buy spiritual materials that might be useful to other Tarot Club members, when he received a notice from Mr. Fool.
He immediately scrambled to set up the ritual, summoning the Fangdian and the bag of meat pies from the Door of Illusion onto his altar.
"This is what food in the outside world is like? Food that isn't polluted or toxic?"
Recalling the brief introduction Mr. Tower had given, Derrick picked up one of the pies and cautiously took a bite.
The savory juices rich with meaty aroma instantly excited his taste buds, and Derrick—who had never even understood the concept of "delicious food"—was instantly conquered by its "charm."
"Is… is this the holy communion of Mr. Fool?"
He remembered ancient records in Silver City's texts describing how, in the age when the Lord's light still shone upon the land, every church distributed holy communion that brought people happiness.
And now, Derrick truly felt happiness.
(End of this chapter)