Lord of Mysteries: Starting As A Reader

But Mr. Azik is still under the watchful eye of "0-08". Once I get in touch with him, I'm afraid I'll fall into "0-08's" arrangement again...

Under the cover of the gray fog, Klein smiled bitterly in secret and stopped thinking about it. He turned to ask the third question:

"Who is the 'Iron Man' currently active in the Kingdom of Loen?"

Ever since he obtained the novel about the new Iron Man in the "Dream Labyrinth Tower", Klein had been wondering about the connection between Iron Man and himself. However, he had no clues, so he took this opportunity to ask "Tower".

"The Tower" is "Doctor Strange," and there's a high possibility he knows the true identity of "Iron Man." After all, they're both from the Avengers! Klein couldn't help but complain inwardly.

After hearing the question, Ebner shook his head apologetically and said, "I'm sorry... Although I know who he is, I can't tell you without his permission. Please forgive me.

"Or, could you change the question?"

One of Ebner's principles was not to reveal a friend's secrets without their permission.

Although Dunn couldn't exactly be considered Ebner's friend, the "Iron Man" was, in fact, the work of Miss Judy's mother and perhaps even a task arranged by Mother Earth herself. Naturally, Ebner wouldn't leak such a secret easily.

"Mr. Tower really knows who Iron Man is... Could it be that they actually have an organization similar to the Avengers? But what does he have to do with me? Why does the Dream Labyrinth Tower think I need to know Iron Man's story?"

Hmm... maybe I should change my thinking... What do I care about most at this stage? Apart from advancing my Sequence, it's probably revenge... So, could "Iron Man" be related to Ince Zangwill?

With his thoughts racing, Klein agreed to "Tower's" suggestion and said in a dignified tone:

"Okay... Then let me change the question. Is 'Iron Man' related to the defected bishop of the Church of Evernight, Ince Zangwill?"

Hearing this question, Ebner hesitated for a while but finally answered indirectly:

"There is a grudge between them."

"So that's it... Iron Man is Ince's enemy! He might be an important ally in my revenge. So that's why the Dream Labyrinth Tower compiled his deeds into a novel for me..."

Klein nodded thoughtfully, looked at Ebner, and said, "Very good. Thank you for your answer. I will keep my promise and rescue those kidnapped girls."

Thinking of the "additional investment" he had prepared, Ebner shook his head with feigned guilt and said:

"I should thank you for your tolerance... After all, I didn't answer your third question... So, to make up for that concealment, I can provide you with some material assistance for your mission."

"Material help? What's that? And this is just Mr. Tower's excuse... Judging from how indignant he was after seeing those pictures, he must want to help."

Since Ebner hadn't deliberately hidden his emotions, Klein, observing closely, quickly discerned his true intentions. However, Klein didn't feel annoyed by this; instead, he asked with interest:

"How can you help me?"

Ebner knew that Klein's spirit body could only carry a limited number of items and couldn't lift anything too heavy. Most of his magical items weren't suitable for Klein's use. The "Ring of Light" and the "Sun Brooch" had overlapping functions, and the "Tears of Lilith" wouldn't be particularly useful against the incorporeal thief "Black Emperor."

After some thought, Ebner decided to help with the "Ninth Law" spell, which he had exchanged from the "Dream Labyrinth Tower."

"The 'Ninth Law' is a high-level spell containing the power of the 'Imperative Mage.' However, it has a unique origin and can only exist in the real world for three minutes..."

Ebner explained in detail the function and usage of the "Ninth Law."

Even though it could only last for three minutes, Ebner believed that in the hands of the "Magician" Klein, he would be able to maximize its utility.

After hearing the explanation, Klein's eyes lit up. He had previously used high-level Charms like the "Flaring Sun Charm" and "Language of Foulness", so he understood their power. With such a tool, his success rate would undoubtedly increase significantly.

"But... why can it only exist for three minutes? Although I'm curious, I won't ask. After all, it's not my place."

Nodding, Klein said in a tone consistent with his current persona:

"It can indeed help me... Before the action begins, between 7 and 7:30, I will ask Mr. Fool to hand me the Charms.

"Heh, high-level Charms aren't cheap. You've spent a lot."

"It's not about money; it's about effort! Klein, you'd better catch all those bastards this time! Otherwise, my hard work will be wasted..."

After mocking himself internally, Ebner nodded to Klein's "Black Emperor" persona and said:

"I'll wait for your signal and prepare the spell as quickly as possible before sacrificing it to Mr. Fool."

Once their discussion concluded, Ebner turned to Xio, who had been silently listening, and instructed:

"Follow the normal procedures and send the three men to the police station or MI9. After all, they really did attack the daughter of a member of the House of Commons... But try to delay it until 7:30, when His Excellency the Favored One takes action."

Xio said thoughtfully, "Understood. I'll ensure the man who recited Mr. Fool's name appears to have committed suicide out of fear of punishment."

At this moment, the armored "Black Emperor" spoke again:

"Remember to ask Mr. Fool for protection later... After I rescue them, I will capture three of Capim's men. There will still be some suspicion on you, and I fear someone might use extraordinary means to investigate."

"Mr. Fool can still offer this kind of protection? He's such a kind, tolerant, and easy-to-talk-to god. No wonder Ebner trusts him so much..."

Xio was momentarily stunned before standing up to salute Mr. Fool in gratitude.

The Fool merely nodded slightly, saying nothing. After all, the fake "World" would be exposed the moment he spoke.

...

In a dimly lit carriage parked at the edge of the East Borough, Xio lifted the spiritual blockade, pushed open the carriage door, and stepped out. Behind her, the muffled screams and desperate pleas of two men still lingered in the stale air.

As for the man with the red birthmark on his face? He was already dead.

This was Freya's first encounter with such a chilling scene, and even though the figure stepping out of the carriage was much shorter than her, an overwhelming sense of awe and intimidation washed over her.

Standing nearby, Hazel, shaped by the gentle teachings of Mother Earth, felt a faint discomfort settle in her chest. She had keenly sensed the life force in the carriage fading into nothingness. However, she didn't dwell on it. Instead, she asked softly:

"Any results?"

"They are subordinates of the wealthy man Capim," Xio replied evenly, her voice carrying a steel edge.

"Who is Capim?" Hazel asked, her brows knitting together.

"A wealthy man suspected of being involved in human trafficking behind closed doors. He has deep connections with certain House of Commons members and senior officials in the Police Department..." Xio explained briefly.

"The congressmen... the police... they're all in this together?" Freya's face turned deathly pale as she pieced together the implications. It felt as if the sky above Backlund had been covered in eternal darkness, with no sunlight breaking through.

Although Hazel also felt her chest tighten with anger, she took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay composed. She asked, "What should we do now?"

"We'll take them back to MI9. Once we get a search warrant, we'll raid Capim's estate directly. After all, they dared to attack you, the daughter of a member of the House of Commons... Even with Capim's connections, he'll have to give an explanation. He might even secretly release Daisy to avoid more trouble."

Xio's words were measured, and designed to sound like a logical conclusion drawn without any prior knowledge of the unfolding plans. This way, even if someone investigated later, it wouldn't arouse suspicion.

"Okay, I'll go with you... as the 'party' who was attacked." After a moment's thought, Hazel added hesitantly, "Can't we just arrest Capim directly?"

"Capim won't see another dawn. Mr. Fool's believers will ensure that."

Though she thought this silently, Xio explained calmly, "We don't have enough solid evidence. If we act rashly, they might silence him to destroy any traces of proof."

Hazel bit her lip and turned her head away, frustration etched across her face. She wasn't angry at Xio, but rather at herself—at her own helplessness.

Understanding the weight of the situation, Freya gathered her courage and spoke up, "I... I'll also come along as a 'witness.'"

...

The Capim family's villa was located on Iris Street in the Cherwood Borough, close to the affluent West Borough.

After returning to the real world, Klein took a carriage to discreetly pass by the villa—a grand estate surrounded by a sprawling lawn, neatly trimmed gardens, marble statues, and a small fountain plaza.

Through the window of the carriage, Klein caught sight of the iron gate from his divination, guards patrolling with trained eyes, and vicious hounds pacing restlessly. Everything matched his vision perfectly—Daisy was indeed imprisoned here.

Satisfied, Klein instructed the coachman to take him to a modest hotel in the Bridge District.

In the privacy of a small, cheap room, Klein locked the door, sealed the space with his spiritual power, and checked the time on his gold-cased pocket watch.

Once certain, he took a deep breath, walked four steps backward counterclockwise, and entered the ancient, boundless gray fog.

There, he notified "Tower" that it was time to send the "Ninth Law" Charm.

...

In the dim underground chamber of Fragrant Manor, the gray fog receded from Ebner's vision as he stepped away from the ritual altar.

Wasting no time, he entered the "Dream Labyrinth Tower" and exchanged for the "Ninth Law" Charm—a temporary but immensely powerful artifact derived from the mystic principles of the "Imperative Mage."

Back in the workshop, Ebner performed a well-rehearsed sacrificial ritual, offering the Charm to "The Fool" above the gray fog.

When the glowing symbols faded and the ritual concluded, Ebner let out a long sigh of relief. His part was done. Now it was up to Klein to use the Charm wisely.

After cleaning up the ritual traces, Ebner dusted off his coat and returned upstairs. He quickly changed into casual attire and prepared to leave.

He had promised his "Red Maid" that they would visit the night market, and he had no intention of breaking that promise.

Besides, he still hadn't had dinner, so it was a good opportunity for us to go out and eat together.

(End of chapter)