Negotiating Terms

Seeing Closfia's smile, Ebner couldn't help but recall Dunn's embarrassing performance in the "dream" back in Enmat Port. A shiver ran down his spine, but he still forced himself to remain calm and asked,

"Miss, what do you want me to do?"

Closfia gave him a knowing look, casually tossed the towel she had been using to dry her hair onto the sofa, and instead of answering directly, she changed the subject:

"After consuming the Mysticism Magister potion, you Scholars will experience a qualitative leap in your core ability. You will uncontrollably begin 'analyzing' the essence of your Beyonder powers… This inevitably leads to going too deep, touching upon the 'spiritual corruption' within the Beyonder characteristic.

"At that moment, you'll need 'soothing' to prevent losing control due to the corruption; 'intimidation' to disrupt your spirit, interfering with the potion's impulse to explore the essence further and stopping you from delving too deep; and finally, 'suggestion' to make you perform actions contrary to your true will, triggering intense mental resistance—this serves as the wake-up call to prevent you from becoming addicted to the process.

"The eyes are the windows to the soul. This is why the gaze of an adult Mind Dragon naturally carries all three abilities. If one were willing to assist, it would be the ideal choice for the ritual.

"But for a Spectator pathway Beyonder like myself, using these abilities isn't as simple. I need to adjust my approach based on your condition in real-time. It's not as easy as it sounds… Not every Spectator can control this balance well.

"And, well, experienced ones like me are even rarer."

At first, Ebner thought Closfia was simply explaining the theory behind the Mysticism Magister advancement ritual, but as she spoke, he gradually realized something.

So after all that, she's just exaggerating the difficulty to raise the price?

Looks like Miss "Sloth" has something significant in mind for her conditions…

Despite his growing wariness, Ebner truly had no better candidate. Among the Spectators he knew, Miss "Justice" was still just a Telepathist, Emma's mother, Lady Norma, was likely just a Spectator, and as for Susie…

Shaking his head inwardly, Ebner met Closfia's amused gaze, took a deep breath, and said,

"Whatever it is, just say the word. As long as it's within my power, I'll do my best to fulfill it."

If it's too outrageous, I'll go straight to the Church of Earth's Bounty and report her to the Mother Goddess.

He didn't say that last part out loud, though he suspected she could probably "read" it anyway.

Closfia glanced at him, frowned slightly, and said, "I have a feeling you just thought something rude."

Huh? 'Feeling'? She didn't actually 'read' my thoughts?

Is it because of the Mother Goddess, making her hesitant to use her abilities on me, or is there another reason?

While Ebner was lost in thought, Closfia continued,

"I want you and Dunn to put on a performance at the ruins near Indo, in full view of the public, following the 'script' I've prepared.

"Of course, your roles—'Iron Man' and 'Doctor Strange'—must align with my secondary character design as well."

This level of control… This isn't just role-playing—it's practically a ritual!

Miss "Sloth" has been making Dunn maintain a specific persona as 'Iron Man' all this time, likely to reinforce that image in the public's subconscious, paving the way for the final 'ritual'…

And while my 'Doctor Strange' persona isn't as famous as 'Iron Man,' Roselle's novels already established its reputation. Just appearing in public would leave a strong impression on people.

Our joint performance would further enhance the effectiveness of the ritual. That's why Closfia is making this demand!

Wait a second… The first time I met her, when I brought Dunn to the Church of Earth's Bounty in Enmat Port, I was using my 'Doctor Strange' disguise…

And right after that, she seized the opportunity while treating Dunn's mind to unexpectedly make him "debut" as 'Iron Man' in a dream…

She must have already known what the Mysticism Magister ritual required…

So this was her plan all along? She's been orchestrating this ever since she first saw me as 'Doctor Strange'?!

"Spectators" really are the ultimate schemers…

At this realization, Ebner couldn't help but feel that he was still too inexperienced. Compared to these Saints, his mind games were amateurish at best—let alone against angels or gods…

He glanced at Dunn and noticed that he was just as surprised. However, his surprise wasn't directed at himself—it was about the fact that the "performance" included Doctor Strange. This was evident from the subtle flicker in his deep gray eyes.

—If this were the usual Dunn, his thoughts wouldn't have been so easily readable. But right now, his mind was filled with the urge to "explain," though he had no real outlet for it.

Of course, this wasn't something Ebner could point out directly. Instead, he shifted his attention to another key detail from Closfia's words and asked with feigned confusion,

"The ruins near Indo?"

Are they also after that site rumored to contain a demigod dragon's skeleton and Five-Colored Radiance Stones? Did they get this information from another source?

Closfia chuckled lightly and said meaningfully,

Spreading the News

"Don't pretend—you're here for the ruins too, aren't you? After all, according to the rumors I spread, there's Five-Colored Radiance Stone inside."

"Wait… You spread the news about the ruins?" Ebner was startled. Forgetting the embarrassment of being exposed, he quickly asked,

That ruin was potentially connected to Mr. Azik, which meant it was likely of a high level. If it attracted an official demigod, he wouldn't stand a chance.

"So, you didn't get your information from my rumors…" Closfia raised an eyebrow, then took a moment to gather her thoughts before smiling. "Relax, I only spread small-scale rumors, without revealing too much concrete information. At most, it'll attract some mid-to-low Sequence Beyonders."

She paused for a moment, then added, "Without a sufficient audience, who would 'Iron Man' and 'Doctor Strange' perform for?"

Ah, I see… That level of risk is manageable, especially since I plan to enter the ruins with Mr. Azik.

While turning this over in his mind, Ebner cautiously probed, "Before I decide whether to accept your terms… I'd like to know more about the ruins."

Before Closfia could answer, Dunn, unable to resist his urge to "explain," jumped in and began recounting his experiences—starting with his pursuit of a merchant who had massacred an entire trade caravan and their families in Winter County.

Miss "Sloth" simply watched with an amused smile, making no effort to stop him. Clearly, she had no issue with Ebner learning the details.

As Dunn continued, Ebner gained a much clearer picture of the ruins.

...

For example, the caravan that had accidentally wandered into the ruins actually did so on a full moon night, and among their goods were Night Fragrance Grass and Deep Slumber Flowers—herbs known for inducing deep sleep.

For example, the entrance to the ruins wasn't fixed—it manifested in the dreams of certain individuals who met specific conditions.

For example, the "thick fog" described by the fishermen and the caravan survivors wasn't actual fog—it was a phenomenon caused by the intersection of the collective subconscious sea and the ruins.

In reality, those people had already entered a dream, but they weren't aware of it. They only regained full consciousness after walking through the mist, stepping into the ruins, and leaving the collective subconscious sea.

After all, ordinary people lacked the abilities of a "Dreamwalker" or a "Nightmare."

Dunn talked at length, even revealing the exact details of the rumors Closfia had deliberately spread. However, it aligned with what Miss "Sloth" had said earlier—nothing about the ruins hinted at demigod involvement.

Naturally, the exact mechanism of the ruins' entrance was left undisclosed—after all, the nature of its existence alone suggested it was anything but simple.

However, there was one thing neither Dunn nor Closfia knew—the ruins were somehow connected to Azik.

With that in mind, Ebner decided to bargain. "Miss Closfia, in principle, I agree to your terms… but I need to see your 'script' and 'character design' first. Also, when we enter the ruins, I'd like to bring a friend along."

Hearing this, Dunn gave him a strange look, thinking, Bringing a friend? Is he afraid his 'dark history' won't spread far enough?

Closfia, on the other hand, chuckled. "Cautious little guy, aren't you? Alright, I accept."

She then stood up, walked to a desk, and retrieved a stack of documents, handing them to Ebner. "This doesn't contradict the 'character setting' you've already established while role-playing. And with the next full moon falling on Thursday next week—ten days from now—you should take that time to reinforce the secondary character traits I've designed for you in people's minds."

As she spoke, Miss "Sloth" mysteriously produced a suitcase from who-knows-where and pointed to it.

"Dunn has his 'armor,' so it wouldn't be fair to leave you out. I asked my husband to craft a robe that perfectly fits the identity of 'Doctor Strange'… Want to try it on?"

If this wasn't premeditated, then I'll sell you 'The Fool' himself and have the rogue 'Black Emperor' join the performance!

Ebner mocked her internally but still accepted the suitcase and documents. Casually, he asked,

"By the way, Miss Closfia, how many Polymath have you helped advance to Mysticism Magister?"

"Hmm… One," Closfia replied after a moment of thought.

One? You had to think about one?

How does one count as 'experienced'?!

I feel like I'm getting scammed again…

Sighing inwardly, Ebner decided to check out this so-called "secondary character setting" first.

He pulled a document from the stack and began reading.

(End of Chapter)