Lord of Mysteries: Starting As A Reader

Dream Labyrinth Tower

After passing the seventh level and returning to the "Room of Rewards," Klein felt mentally exhausted, and even Miss Sharon, typically devoid of excess expressions, had a dim look in her eyes.

The scenarios they had just experienced in the "Dream Labyrinth" were mentally taxing, filled with constant tension. To make matters worse, their strength had been suppressed to the level of Sequence 9, making their progress exceptionally arduous.

"That last labyrinth story was adapted from Cube or something similar, right? Although I could use divination to find the 'correct' path, it was still too dangerous. Without Miss Sharon's help, I might not have made it through…"

Klein murmured internally, but his train of thought was interrupted by a string of messages echoing in his ears.

The information informed him that he had obtained basic access to the "Dream Labyrinth Tower" and could choose to either continue climbing or temporarily leave, with the option to specify when he would re-enter the dream world to continue.

However, the messages also stated that due to irregularities in how he had obtained the "Climber" qualification, restrictions had been imposed by the previous owner of the "Dream Door." As a result, access to the "Resting Room," "Points Acquisition and Exchange," and similar permissions, which should have unlocked on the seventh floor, were unavailable to him.

After carefully processing the information, Klein frowned and glanced at Miss Sharon beside him. She nodded slightly, indicating she had heard the same.

"Based on what we learned earlier, labyrinth scenarios beyond the sixth level blur the line between reality and dream. Dying in these scenarios likely means true death for us as well…"

He analyzed aloud, continuing, "Given that Linster dragged us here, he's clearly not trying to give us benefits. By sacrificing himself to this tower, he probably reached some kind of 'agreement.' The restrictions we're experiencing could be part of his plan."

"Those restricted permissions likely include methods for leaving scenarios beyond the sixth level." Sharon broke her usual brevity, speaking an unusually long sentence. After a brief pause, she added, "We'll encounter him on the sixth or fifth level."

This is starting to feel like the kind of unsolvable horror scenario you'd find in certain novels... But even if Linster has reached some understanding with the tower by sacrificing himself, he likely doesn't have deep insight into stories Roselle borrowed from Earth…

If the upcoming scenarios are indeed adapted from familiar films or anime, they might not be impossible to navigate. It's worth a try—especially since I can always leave the "Dream Labyrinth Tower" through the fog above the gray mist.

Besides, although this tower appears polite and offers us choices, how could Linster's revenge allow us to retreat? If we refuse to continue or schedule our return for decades or centuries later, we'd probably be thrown directly into a scenario Linster prepared for us.

With these thoughts, Klein glanced again at Miss Sharon, whose doll-like appearance remained as poised as ever.

If it truly comes to a desperate situation, I might have to convert Miss Sharon into a follower of The Fool. The question is, would she be willing…?

Noticing Klein's gaze, Sharon seemed to misunderstand his intent. She shook her head and said calmly, "They won't give us the chance to retreat."

That aligns with my judgment. Klein nodded slightly and then suggested, "Based on what we know, the sixth level scenario is likely expansive and synchronized with real-world time. With possible ambushes awaiting, I think it would be wise to leave temporarily, rest, and prepare before continuing."

"Mm. Dawn is near, and I have other matters to attend to." Sharon agreed with a subtle nod.

"How about next Monday night?" Klein proposed, hoping to resume after the next Tarot Meeting to avoid potential delays caused by being trapped in a scenario.

"Alright." Sharon took only a moment to consider before responding.

After setting their return time with the "Dream Labyrinth Tower," the two didn't immediately leave but instead approached separate mirrors to claim their rewards.

Looking at the hardcover book in his hands, Klein couldn't help but mutter, "Baby Dolls of the Vampire? What's this? Another novel?"

Despite the dubious title, Klein opened the book and began to read attentively.

After reading just a short segment, he was visibly surprised. The protagonist of the book was none other than Emlyn White, the vampire currently confined beneath the Harvest Church.

Moreover, Klein recalled recently receiving a commission during a detective gathering to locate this very vampire.

"A baby doll? Could it be that the vampire has been gruesomely turning people into dolls?" Klein thought darkly as he continued reading.

To his surprise, the story turned out to be entirely different from what he imagined. Emlyn wasn't a sinister murderer but rather a "shut-in" collector obsessed with action figures and figurines.

Most of the book detailed Emlyn painstakingly crafting backstories, dialogues, and settings for his growing collection of dolls. Klein massaged his temples and felt the tower might have misunderstood his desires. I never wanted to know about any of this!

At the book's conclusion, however, Klein found something of genuine interest.

The story described Emlyn attending his last vampire gathering, where he attempted to sell a material he had acquired by chance to fund more figurine purchases. While perusing the vampire treasury's inventory, he had noticed the mention of "Thousand-faced Hunter."

This… this gives me the lead I need for the main material of my potion! So that's the significance of this novel. Klein closed the book thoughtfully, letting it dissipate.

"I suppose I should prioritize investigating that vampire now," he concluded.

Meanwhile, Miss Sharon had finished reading her reward. While her expressionless face betrayed nothing, Klein inexplicably felt she was pleased.

Just as they were about to leave the Dream Labyrinth Tower, Sharon seemed to recall something and spoke up, "Someone wishes to exchange a mystical item for your 'Zombie' characteristic."

"What kind of item?" Klein asked. He had intended to sell the characteristic anyway, so he was open to the idea if the item proved useful.

"I'll bring it to you tonight," Sharon replied in her usual calm tone.

So the item is already in her possession. She wants me to inspect it first before deciding. Not a bad arrangement.

Klein agreed without hesitation, "Alright."

Without further words, the two departed the towering structure, its base reaching into the clouds.

…

Morning

Having just awoken aboard the ship, Ebner received a "dream connection" request from Vice Admiral Iceberg Edwina Edwards. After a quick wash, he used the "Dream Gate" to enter the rest area of the Dream Labyrinth Tower.

Edwina's figure appeared shortly thereafter. Although her expression remained composed as always, there was a hint of unmistakable joy in her eyes.

"Using the models for 'door' rituals you provided yesterday, we've successfully developed a prototype for the teleportation spell," Edwina began without preamble, diving straight into the results of her research.

Ebner's interest was piqued, and he listened intently as she detailed her findings.

After finishing her explanation, Edwina summarized, "While the spell still has numerous issues requiring refinement—such as identifying substitute materials and ensuring safety—the foundational framework appears sound."

She paused briefly before adding, "I intend to submit it as a paper to Lenburg. The title will be:

'The Edwards-Bryan Teleportation Spell: Fundamental Principles.'

"What do you think?"

(End of Chapter)