Lord of Mysteries: Starting As A Reader

"Mister Tower, I'd like to request your help."

Hearing this, Ebner didn't immediately reply. Staying professional, he first bowed respectfully to Mister Fool seated at the head of the ancient long table, then shifted his gaze to its opposite end, where Mister World sat as expected.

Just as he was about to speak, Ebner caught sight of someone new seated diagonally opposite him. This figure wasn't one of the familiar ladies — Justice, Magician, or Judgment.

Who could it be? Has the Tarot Club gained a new member? The Hermit? Or has Klein completely abandoned his scruples and crafted a "female dummy" persona for himself?

As these thoughts raced through his mind, Mister Fool's leisurely voice echoed,

"This is Miss Temperance, a new member of the Tarot Club."

Temperance? Ebner silently repeated the codename. As the lady across from him rose gracefully and curtsied, he scrutinized her attire: a black Gothic court dress paired with a matching soft hat. Though the gray fog obscured her face, she exuded a peculiar unreal quality — no wonder I'd thought she might be Klein's new persona.

This is Miss Sharron, isn't it? What unexpected events happened on her side that prompted Klein to bring her into the Tarot Club?

Given Klein's personality, Ebner knew he would never force someone to recite his honorific name and join the Tarot Club unless they were willing.

A mid-sequence Beyonder who was well-versed in the occult would only choose to approach an enigmatic god under two conditions — desperation or an unavoidable reason.

Of course, except for me... Ebner thought wryly before formally greeting Miss Temperance. Then he got down to business,

"What do you need me to do?"

"We hope Mister Tower can use Suggestion to help us forget information related to Sealed Artifact 0-08," World Klein rasped.

"0-08 again?" Ebner was a bit surprised, having just helped with this matter a few days ago.

Behind the gray fog, Klein forced a bitter smile, acknowledging his persistent entanglement with that Sealed Artifact. However, he refrained from elaborating, simply having the World say,

"Yes, it's still about 0-08. I'm troubling you again. As for the payment..."

Before he could finish, Sharron, who had been quietly listening like a doll, suddenly interjected,

"I'll handle the payment."

Since she hadn't clarified the debt regarding the previous purification, she didn't want to owe Sherlock more favors.

World Klein quickly deduced her intentions and, without fuss, gestured for her to proceed.

"I can offer knowledge in mysticism and procure various types of potions," Sharron said in her ethereal voice.

"Mysticism knowledge? What kind?" Ebner asked, intrigued.

"The Book of Secrets by Klarman, the Shaman King." Sharron looked at him calmly.

Alright, now it's confirmed — she's definitely Sharron. I didn't expect her to get so close to Klein. Judging by their seamless cooperation, it's just like my dynamic with Xio...

As he pondered how the butterfly effect had disrupted the original plot so drastically, Ebner's eyes gleamed as he feigned surprise,

"Klarman? The Shaman King who supposedly received gifts from the Primordial Moon and joined the Rose School of Thought in devotion to it?"

Damn, I forgot to remind Sharron about Mister Tower's scholarly reputation. He's probably already deduced her origins based on the Temperance codename...

So it was this Shaman King Klarman who introduced the Primordial Moon's faith to the Rose School of Thought? I didn't expect the author of the Book of Secrets I own to be one of the culprits behind Linster triggering the contamination from the depths of the Dream Labyrinth Tower... Is this some sort of mystical convergence?

As Klein pondered, Miss Temperance Sharron also felt a ripple of emotion. She hadn't expected someone in the Tarot Club to know Klarman's background. After a few seconds of silence, she nodded.

"Yes, that Shaman King," she confirmed. Then she looked back at Ebner and asked succinctly, "What's your answer?"

Ebner thought for a moment. Seeing this as a chance to ask Sharron some questions, he negotiated,

"A fair deal... But considering Klarman's status as a Shaman King, some of his mystical knowledge might overlap with what I already know. Mister Fool can vouch for that.

"So, as compensation, you'll need to answer one question — something about the Temperance Faction of the Rose School of Thought."

As expected, he figured it out... Fortunately, Mister World always displays a broad range of knowledge during the Tarot Club, or Mister Tower would have uncovered my full background, Klein thought with relief.

Though her identity had been guessed, Sharron only replied concisely, "It won't be a question that endangers the Temperance Faction."

She didn't seem particularly concerned about her affiliation being exposed.

"Of course." Ebner nodded. Seeing Sharron still gazing quietly at him, he organized his words and asked,

"I want to know about Daniel from over 900 years ago."

Daniel? Who's that? And over 900 years ago — isn't that around the time Sharron mentioned the Chained God issued the oracle of indulgence? Klein pondered as he endured his headache from depleted spirituality, silently praying to the Goddess that Sharron wouldn't give a long-winded answer. Otherwise, Mister Fool would have to step in with some excuse to cut her off.

"900 years ago... Daniel... His real name wasn't Daniel; he was my teacher's younger brother... His name was Dannet Tinekerr."

Sharron pursed her lips before adding, "Information about him isn't exactly secret, so I can tell you... but I'll need some time to organize it."

Teacher? Miss Sharron has a teacher? Well, that makes sense. Being part of the Temperance Faction within the corrupted Rose School must have required someone powerful to protect them. That likely explains how she and Maric managed to escape...

A figure who's lived for at least 900 years — if not an angel, then certainly a powerful demigod... Klein speculated as he began looking forward to the information Sharron would gather. After all, no matter what, it would have to pass through his hands before reaching Tower.

"Deal."

Ebner wasn't in much of a hurry either. According to the lion, the true reappearance of Daniel Lake and the opening of the maze entrance would take over a day.

If Jane could answer the lion's question, it would guide her straight through Roselle's "thief's tunnel" into the depths of the maze, ahead of everyone else.

There should be enough time for Miss Sharron to organize her materials.