53 COI

Amidst exaggerated laughter, the doors of the two bedrooms creaked open.

Franca and Jenna appeared at the door, casting puzzled glances at Lumian.

"What's so funny?" Franca muttered as she approached.

How could he interrogate a criminal to get a reaction akin to watching a comedy performance?

Lumian stopped laughing and remarked, "Ignorance can lead to many dangers, as can arrogance. And having ignorance and arrogance makes it almost irredeemable."

Observing this, Jenna retreated to the bedroom and closed the door.

She knew there were certain matters between Ciel and Franca that were best left unknown to her.

"Why? Is this guy really ignorant and arrogant?" Franca used her right hand to quickly tidy her disheveled hair after waking up.

She settled into the recliner and fixed her gaze on I Know Someone, who remained composed and emotionless.

Lumian recounted how I Know Someone found it pointless to simply escape and insisted on seeking some amusement. He also mentioned his ignorance regarding the pursuer's connection to the Tarot Club.

Franca was left speechless.

She couldn't decide if this core member of April Fool's was highly professional and committed to his principles or simply arrogant and ignorant.

After a few moments, Franca glanced back at the guest bedroom door.

"Jenna is getting more involved in our affairs. Sooner or later, she would uncover our true faiths and the secret organization supporting us…"

Lumian said nonchalantly,"It's simple. Mr. Fool is an officially recognized orthodox god. In a few days, take Jenna to Lavigny Docks and reveal who we truly worship and whose blessings we receive. Ask her if she wants to secretly convert to Mr. Fool. If she declines, that's okay too."

"Okay." Franca nodded solemnly.

Lumian refocused his attention on I Know Someone, who remained remarkably composed, and he redirected the conversation.

"Why were the lot of you targeting Aurore, Muggle?"

I Know Someone seemed to be discussing something unrelated to himself.

"Because many members of the Research Society were praising her, we decided to embarrass her."

"What kind of logic is that?" Franca blurted out. "You want to tease people when they are praised?"

I Know Someone nodded gently.

"Breaking the idealized image in the minds of many people is part of the spirit of pranks. Their reactions bring us immense satisfaction."

Franca's face flushed with anger. She wanted to unleash a tirade but restrained herself due to her lacking vocabulary.

She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

"So, do you even remember what happiness and joy are? Do you still experience these emotions?"

Lumian let out a long sigh and asked,"And then?"

I Know Someone wore a nostalgic expression.

"Capitalizing on Muggle's visit to our team to trade, I occasionally offered her helpful advice. She began to trust me more, even sharing her concerns with me as a psychiatrist seeking solutions.

"During that time, I played the role of a credible source, all while collecting enough information and planning a massive prank. Eventually, I discovered that the body Muggle inhabited following her transmigration belonged to a girl who believed in a evil deity of Inevitability. Furthermore, she realized that her family, including her father, mother, brothers, and sister, displayed odd behaviors. There were numerous unsettling details upon closer examination, enough to induce fear in anyone who delved too deep. So, she found an opportunity to escape from home.

"This situation bore a striking resemblance to a family I knew, with a female member who had mysteriously vanished.

"After careful comparisons, Loki, the family, and I confirmed that Muggle was indeed their missing relative. Then, one day, Loki provided the family's modified Soul Summoning Spell and instructed me to find a way to sell it to Muggle for her use.

"Drawing on my understanding of Muggle's psychological and emotional state, I meticulously crafted a persuasive argument. Leveraging her longing to return home and her habit of searching for clues, I convinced Mad Lady to sell the Soul Summoning Spell to her.

"As expected, she began to suffer from schizophrenia. In a sense, Roche Louise Sanson came back to life.

"In each subsequent treatment session, I made her appear better on the surface, but her condition deteriorated with each passing session. At times, I even guided Roche's personality to emerge and engage with her. It was quite intriguing."

Lumian listened in silence, refraining from interrupting I Know Someone's account with anger. Franca, on the other hand, was seething with anger, repeatedly sipping water to calm herself.

Why are these people so detestable!

They didn't regard others as real people at all!

After I Know Someone had finished speaking, Lumian inquired further.

"The Soul Summoning Spell comes from Roche Louise Sanson's family?"

"That's correct." I Know Someone's condition was akin to a windless lake. "They combined the knowledge obtained from a boon and a Warlock's Soul Summoning Spell, giving rise to the Soul Summoning Spell that Muggle purchased. I'm not sure what makes it special; I'm not a scholar of witchcraft."

Knowledge from a boon… Lumian quickly reviewed his knowledge of Dancer, Alms Monk, and Contractee within the Inevitability pathway, but he found nothing that could be connected to the Soul Summoning Spell.

He suspected that it might be a knowledge linked to a higher Sequence of the Inevitability pathway or perhaps a unique boon bestowed by the evil god known as Inevitability.

After a few moments of contemplation, Lumian asked slowly, "Does Roche Louise Sanson's family know about Muggle's existence and her condition? Are they aware of her true identity and her current location?"

I Know Someone nodded.

"I informed them of the first part, and Roche herself disclosed the rest. Later, they managed to establish contact with Muggle, bypassing both me and Loki."

The Sinners is involved in spreading the Inevitability faith in Cordu and providing various resources… That's correct. The padre could have joined them immediately after leaving Cordu and become their so-called archbishop. This indirectly confirms it… Lumian's emotions remained subdued, but his mind was sharp.

He subconsciously clenched his fists and focused on I Know Someone.

"What are the names of the members of Roche Louise Sanson's family? Where are they currently residing? Are they affiliated with a secret organization or a cult?"

I Know Someone shook his head.

"After I moved into the asylum, I lost contact with them. During this period, I attempted to locate them but discovered that they had already relocated. It seemed they were no longer using their original identities, as if they were trying to hide from something.

"Roche's father's name is Voisin, her mother's name is Constace, her elder brother's name is Bliss, her elder sister's name is Annette, and her younger brother's name is Atur. They are all part of a branch of the Sanson family. However, I do not know their current names.

"Voisin was once a struggling merchant on the brink of bankruptcy, but he later joined a secret organization known as the Sinners. Miraculously, he escaped his financial woes and regained his success. He had numerous businesses, with the most notable being the Voisin Café, that doubled up as a hotel, restaurant, and various functions. It was frequented by high society, but before they relocated, these businesses were sold."

Lumian proceeded to gather more information about the Sinners and sought details about the appearance, mannerisms, and habits of each family member.

With the newly acquired information in hand, Lumian spoke thoughtfully, "Do you know what role the Sinners' demigod or Beyonder at a higher Sequence played in the Cordu disaster?"

I Know Someone replied,"Not long before I moved into the asylum, Voisin informed me that they were taken by surprise. This occurred much earlier than the agreed-upon time, so none of them had arrived at the scene.

"It appears that some individuals were overly eager to obtain the boons. The ensuing mishap resulting from their failure also caused them to lose many leads. Otherwise, they would have discovered you much earlier."

The Sufferer lurking in the shadows of Cordu and around me isn't the demigod of the Sinners, so who is interfering with my fate with Termiboros? Lumian frowned and asked, "Did Roche not inform the Sinners, her parents, or her siblings about the early ritual?"

"No," I Know Someone replied succinctly. "They believe she wished to reduce the number of individuals receiving the boons and concentrate the power."

Lumian fell into a contemplative silence, sensing that something was amiss.

Could the lizard-like elf be involved?

It had prevented Aurore from seeking Madame Hela's help and Roche Louise Sanson from contacting the Sinners?

Lumian attempted to inquire further about this matter but did not receive additional information.

Wary of the truth serum's effects wearing off, he decided to change the subject.

"What does the deity you believe in want you to do in Trier?"

I Know Someone's vacant eyes remained fixed on the sofa as he responded, "He occasionally grants us revelations for us to decipher independently.

"If we interpret them correctly and complete the corresponding task, we receive something unexpected.

"Apart from these revelations, He rarely communicates with us directly. We can only pray to Him through a ritual, and this can be done no more than once a week."

The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings and Mr. Fool's state are very similar… Lumian was tempted to inquire about the revelations granted by the Celestial Worthy but decided it might be too risky to discuss.

After a brief moment of consideration and deliberation, he decided to approach it from another angle and indirectly inquire.

"Did you start the rumors about human blood bread?"

"Yes," I Know Someone admitted without hesitation.

Lumian continued, "What about the rumor that Mandrake can treat illnesses?"

I Know Someone calmly replied, "I was the one behind that as well.

"It was a revelation from the Celestial Worthy. It was then that I realized I could influence events this way. After some time, rumors of human blood bread began to spread."

The Mandrake rumor is a revelation from the Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings? Will there be any hidden dangers in using it to suppress the spirituality surge? Lumian contemplated the idea of warning the naive Vampire, La Nou Bruch.

He circled around and inquired about other revelations about the Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings. He didn't obtain much useful information, so he could only move on to the last topic.

"Tell me about Mad Lady, Ultraman, Hisoka, Loki, and Bard."

-x-X-x-

I Know Someone said calmly, "Mad Lady is probably a Traveler. I have no idea where she lives…

"Loki is a Sequence 5 Marionettist of the Seer pathway, but I suspect he wields more power from Celestial Worthy than us. He can access resources unknown to us. He even owns a mysterious ancient castle, Dylan, hidden somewhere…

"Bard is a Sequence 6 Prometheus of the Marauder pathway. Of course, I'm unsure of his current situation. We haven't seen each other in reality for a long time… He did write Emperor Roselle's Secret Chronicles and published it under someone else's name…

"I'm not familiar with Hisoka. He hasn't attended any real-life gatherings in the Northern Continent. In my opinion, he's very dangerous, second only to Loki. He's similar to Mad Lady…

"If I hadn't gone crazy for a while, I would be a Sequence 5 by now…"

Castle Dylan… Lumian recalled Madame Hela's description of Loki's dream and suspected that the mysterious ancient castle hidden somewhere was where Loki had been resurrected.

He hadn't expected Bard to be a Beyonder of the Marauder pathway. He believed that the nickname originated from the Ocean Songster of the Sailor pathway or the Midnight Poet of the Evernight pathway, but on second thought, it made sense. In rural stories, bards often moonlighted as thieves.

This also confirmed the Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings's influence on the Seer, Apprentice, and Marauder pathways. Half of the six core members belonged to these three pathways.

After I Know Someone finished speaking, Franca asked with concern, "Who else in the Research Society is involved with this?"

I Know Someone couldn't resist keeping it a secret. He replied calmly, "I know Pettigrew is one…"

"Pettigrew?" Franca blurted out in surprise. "I thought he was making fun of his height with that nickname, but it turns out he's mocking his identity?"

I Know Someone nodded gently.

"Before finding the organization and joining the Research Society, he already knew Loki. As you all know, Loki can use the Celestial Worthy's power to sense transmigrators within a certain range, and Pettigrew is also in the Trier Greater Region.

"He first became Loki's subordinate before joining the Research Society. He was assigned to another team. He actually nicknamed himself Pettigrew because he wanted to play a prank and reveal the truth. He mocked and fooled all the Research Society members who lacked insight, but in reality, I knew he was hesitating, feeling guilty, and struggling. He hoped to use this method to warn the other Research Society members that there was something wrong with him.

"My plan was to find an opportunity to tell him that Muggle, who never discriminated against his height and was gentle and amiable to him, was harmed by us. He could be considered an indirect helper. When the time comes, his devastation and pained expression would have been very interesting."

"Dammit!" Franca cursed.

Although I Know Someone had been lobotomized and he had become very calm, his tone no longer mocking, his straightforward thoughts were still filled with vileness, making Franca unable to control her emotions.

"What else?" Lumian asked on her behalf.

I Know Someone recited five more aliases in a row before concluding, "These are the few I know. As for the ones Loki and the others secretly developed or didn't tell me, I'm not sure."

"There's quite a few…" Franca was filled with hatred and frustration.

Franca exhaled and muttered, "Your sister's adaptation of famous quotes is ridiculous…"

"Did you spread news of the impending apocalypse because you believed in the Celestial Worthy and rushed to pursue joy, allowing you to commit all sorts of evil deeds without feeling guilty? Or did you become desperate and believe in the Celestial Worthy because you were certain that the apocalypse was about to arrive and humans couldn't resist?"

I Know Someone replied,"Both. Some tried to replicate their pre-transmigration actions and immediately gained the Celestial Worthy's attention, while others faced catastrophes and learned about the apocalypse. They only believed in the Celestial Worthy after their mental breakdown."

At this point, I Know Someone's empty eye sockets turned to Franca, who had just asked the question.

"Later, the Celestial Worthy even gave us some revelations, allowing us to guess a portion of the truth, including…"

For some inexplicable reason, Lumian suddenly felt a strong sense of danger and interrupted I Know Someone's statement.

"You don't have to continue!"

I Know Someone immediately closed his mouth.

"Why can't he say it?" Franca eagerly awaited the answer, but there was no response.

Lumian recalled concepts like the "barrier" related to the apocalypse and said seriously, "It's not suitable for you to know the truth about the apocalypse yet. That knowledge might cause you to lose control or be fatally corrupted on the spot. You can inquire about it when you become a demigod."

"Alright." Franca glanced at Lumian and muttered, "Why do you act like you know the truth…"

Why can he do it, but I can't?

"I only know a little," Lumian replied candidly. "And that knowledge brought me danger. It's all thanks to Mr. Fool's seal."

As the effects of the truth serum wore off, I Know Someone returned to his usual unchanging calm. Even his willingness to answer questions had vanished.

Franca gazed at the lobotomized Psychiatrist for a few seconds before sighing.

"Sometimes, we're still too naive. We might even think of ourselves as the protagonist."

Lumian knew that "we" referred to the members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society.

Franca averted her gaze and turned to Lumian.

"While the sheep was undergoing the operation, I searched both I Know Someone's and his substitute's wards. I found some papers at the latter's place. I didn't read the content carefully, but it felt a little esoteric."

As she spoke, she rose and returned to her room, retrieving a thin stack of papers.

Lumian flipped through them and frowned.

"Midoro's Worship…"

"What's this?" Franca hadn't heard the first half of the interrogation.

Lumian explained briefly and concluded, "This should be a spell that allows one to traverse the Formless Door and closely align with an evil god, gaining knowledge and experience. Even ordinary people should be able to learn it after receiving proper guidance."

Lumian put away the secret deed spell, Midoro's Worship. Although he didn't know how to use it, nor did he need to, he could still grasp the corresponding knowledge. This would help him deal with the heretics who relied on Midoro's Worship to obtain knowledge and strength.

He then said to Franca, "Relay this information to Madame Hela. I'll handle I Know Someone."

"Alright." Franca nodded gently and watched as Lumian put on the Lie earring and walked to the armchair. He grabbed the calm man's shoulder and instantly vanished.

…

Prison district, Rois Comprehensive Execution Ground.

It was not yet 7 a.m., and there was no one here. It was wet, as if isolated from the world.

Lumian emerged from the void with I Know Someone and tied the April Fool's core member to the stake.

Then, he retreated a long distance, crouched down, and pressed his hands to the ground.

Two crimson tongues of fire swiftly darted towards I Know Someone's body along the weed-covered ground.

They grew larger and larger until they transformed into a giant serpent, engulfing I Know Someone completely.

Lumian stood up and used his feet to maintain the flow of flames. He silently watched as the calm Psychiatrist revealed grayish-white Dragon Scales under the stress.

His body subconsciously struggled, but it wasn't as intense. His various Beyonder powers scattered in all directions, but they failed to affect Lumian who stood beyond their range.

Lumian condensed a dangerous flaming spear and hurled it, piercing and burning a hole around I Know Someone's chest and abdomen.

The crimson flames that hadn't incinerated the Dragon Scales elsewhere surged into I Know Someone's body.

As Lumian watched the April Fool's core member truly begin to burn, his body instinctively emitting pained cries, his thoughts raced. He quickly recalled the battle last night and today's interrogation.

He had learned a lot from this, but he couldn't quite grasp the acting principle.

Flames aren't just lethal; they can also be used as deterrence, intimidation, and a signal…

It is necessary for Pyromaniacs to combine their flames with traps…

…

As the raging flames engulfed I Know Someone, Lumian felt as if a fire was burning in his heart.

It was anger, satisfaction, and catharsis.

At that moment, Lumian's Pyromaniac potion digested a little more, just as it had after the battle the previous night.

After an unknown period of time, in the uninhabited execution ground, I Know Someone ceased his struggles and lost his breath. His body was charred as it cracked apart.

-x-X-x-

In the drizzling execution ground, Lumian watched as the crimson flames gradually dwindled before his eyes. He observed as translucent, colorless mucus seeped out of the corpse. It surrounded the charred and cracked I Know Someone, attempting to burrow into his head through the empty eye sockets and fuse with some organ.

Rumble!

I Know Someone's head exploded from the inside out, splattering grayish-white colloids everywhere.

The transparent, colorless mucus had lost its binding substance, leaving it only able to condense independently, eventually forming a sticky colloid.

This colloid landed beneath the stake. From a distance, it resembled an unfixed mirror, capable of reflecting everything around it.

Lumian strode over and retrieved the colorless colloid, which was likely a Hypnotist Beyonder characteristic. He did this amidst the scorching air and the flames that flowed around him.

As he gazed upon it, he noticed minuscule transparent bubbles deep within the colloid. They caught and refracted sunlight from various angles, displaying an array of colors.

After storing away the Beyonder characteristic, Lumian turned on his heel and departed from the stake.

Behind him, the lingering flames continued their relentless assault, devouring the charred corpse.

As the light flickered, Lumian's figure vanished from the Rois Comprehensive Execution Ground.

…

In Apartment 601, 3 Rue des Blouses Blanches, in the market district.

Lumian, who had reverted to his original form with the Lie earring, rubbed his temples and turned to Franca.

"It's already taken care of. It's fitting for someone like him to meet his end at the stake."

"Unfortunately, he's a believer in the Celestial Worthy. Even if he doesn't take action, he remains a hidden threat—a potential time bomb. Otherwise, I would have spared him, albeit with his frontal lobe removed and his sight forever gone."

Franca breathed a sigh of relief. "That's reassuring."

In truth, she felt a twinge of regret. If not for the insanity that had gripped I Know Someone in the past and his faith in the Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings, who was suspected of triggering their transmigration, she might have attempted to channel his spirit and inquire about the potion formula for the Spectator pathway, from Sequence 9 down to Sequence 6 or even Sequence 5. However, after thorough contemplation, she decided to forsake this perilous scheme.

Lumian's gaze shifted to the open door of the guest bedroom.

"Where's Jenna?"

"She's gone to the Théatre de l'Ancienne Cage à Pigeons," Franca taunted Lumian. "She's much more diligent than you in digesting the potion."

Lumian replied thoughtfully, "After venting the flames within me to battle and carry out the execution, my Pyromaniac potion has significantly digested. At this rate, if I can distill a new acting principle, it should be fully digested within two months."

"No problem," Franca replied without hesitation. "The Beyonder characteristics of these followers of the evil god have eluded the grasp of high-ranking individuals. I wouldn't dare to possess them myself. There's no need to think about repaying me. Dealing with I Know Someone is also a mandate from the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society."

"Where are you off to?" Lumian asked casually.

Franca responded with a hint of annoyance, "I've been caught up in all sorts of messes you've stirred up lately, and I haven't had a moment to pleasure myself. Now that it's finally settled, it's only fair that I take a break, right? I suggest you behave yourself for the next few days!"

Lumian couldn't help but smile as the Demoness of Pleasure slipped on her boots, swung the door open, and left.

Once the door slammed shut, Lumian, who had originally planned to return to Auberge du Coq Doré to write to Madam Magician, grabbed a pen and paper from the nearby table. He meticulously jotted down all the information I Know Someone had given him.

He then neatly folded the paper and placed I Know Someone's Hypnotist Beyonder characteristic on top of it.

Summoning the "doll" messenger, Lumian patiently waited.

Before long, the "doll" messenger returned, carrying the translucent colloid and a square piece of folded paper.

Madam Magician's reply read:

"This is a shared mission of the Tarot Club. There's no need for a reward. Keep it for yourself. I've already removed the corruption that could be removed.

"We'll mobilize various resources to search for the whereabouts of the remaining five April Fool's members, but we currently lack a solid lead. The pranks mentioned in the information have been ongoing for too long."

Lumian finished reading in silence, allowing the crimson flames to consume the paper in his hand.

He longed to teleport directly to Feynapotter's Gaia Province and the Southern Continent's West Balam to personally hunt down the suspicious April Fool's team members, such as Bard. However, he knew it was futile. Without sufficient information or clues, it was like searching for a needle in a haystack.

He couldn't rely on the ice-cream-eating boy's luck every time, could he?

All I can do now is wait for the Tarot Club to uncover useful leads… The only person I can track down at the moment is the publisher of the underground book, Emperor Roselle's Secret Chronicles. If only they had met with the real author, Bard… Lumian felt a mixture of disappointment and relief.

He planned to take his time with the Hypnotist Beyonder characteristic. While he searched for a suitable Artisan, he waited for Anthony Reid to investigate General Philip's widow.

If the Psychiatrist gained something and succeeded in curing his psychological issues, Lumian wouldn't mind selling him the Hypnotist Beyonder characteristics and splitting the proceeds with Franca.

If Lumian found a suitable Artisan before that, he would designate the mystical item he crafted as a common resource, allowing Franca, Jenna, and the others to use it as they saw fit.

After tucking away the Hypnotist Beyonder characteristic in a concealed pocket, Lumian exhaled and leaned back in his dining chair.

Only then did he hear the growl of his stomach and realize his hunger.

Since waking up at 6 a.m., he had been engrossed in the interrogation, execution, and letter writing, completely forgetting about breakfast.

Honestly, leaving me alone here; it's as if I live here… Lumian mumbled to himself as he got up and ventured into the apartment's kitchen to see what ingredients were available.

Scanning the area, he spotted a few potatoes.

Following the process, he ignited the stove, heated a pan, added oil, sautéed, and tossed in the shredded potatoes. He seasoned the dish accordingly.

Once it was ready, Lumian toasted two slices of bread and poured a glass of milk.

Sitting down at the dining table, he sandwiched the crispy shredded potatoes between the slices of toast and savored them, occasionally taking a sip of milk.

Outside the window, the drizzle had cleared, and the sun beamed brightly.

…

During the following week, Lumian made the most of his time. He patiently awaited the recovery of his mental damage from the past two battles, taking the opportunity to act as a Pyromaniac and gradually digest the potion.

In the midst of this process, he also managed to report to Mr. K about his recent activities and the discovery of the evil god organization.

Members of the Savoie Mob in Salle de Bal Brise were surprised. Their boss had unexpectedly appeared for five to six consecutive days and had stayed for extended periods each time. Compared to their previous experiences of him being unavailable, it was as if he had found a double.

Charlie was equally astounded. Ciel frequented the basement bar every night to drink, tease, and taunt people, making him the prime target of this unusual dedication.

Just as Franca was about to revisit Trocadéro's Red House café and discreetly remind Browns Sauron not to forget auditing her, Hela's pure silver skull sent out a notice of a special gathering to Apartment 601 at 3 Rue des Blouses Blanches and Lumian's abandoned safe house on Rue des Blouses Blanches.

It had been a while since Lumian had visited the safe house. If Franca hadn't inquired about the letter upon receiving it, he might not have been aware of it.

Many members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society operated in a similar fashion. They had designated locations for receiving and sending letters but did not actually reside there. They only visited periodically to avoid detection by Hela,

finding comfort in these small details.

Lumian arrived at the abandoned safe house on Rue des Blouses Blanches and carefully unfolded the letter. Its contents read:

"Muggle:

"There's a special gathering scheduled for 10 tonight. We need to discuss something of utmost importance that concerns everyone's safety."

…

At night, just three minutes shy of ten o'clock, Lumian recited the incantation imbued with Concealment powers within the confines of the safe house on Rue du Rossignol.

Gradually, he felt himself sinking into a profound slumber, the sensation akin to his body being erased by an enormous eraser.

After an indeterminate period, he suddenly regained consciousness and found himself standing amidst an ancient palace enveloped in the misty shroud of a town.

Over a hundred members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society had already assembled, their figures still taking shape.

Navigating through what resembled a grand masquerade ball venue, Lumian, now transformed into Aurore using Lie, wore a Warlock's black robe and half-mask as he approached the Academy team.

He scanned the area but didn't spot the member known as Pettigrew.

Standing beside a slender man with a brownish-yellow manila document bag obscuring his head was Professor, adorned in a black butterfly mask, a bow tie shirt, and a long dark coat.

It was her husband, Associate Professor.

Professor regarded Lumian with curiosity and inquired, "Do you know what's happening? Why did they convene this special gathering?"

Lumian, taking on the persona of "Muggle" Aurore, smirked and let out a sigh.

"Because we have traitors among us."

"Traitors…" Professor and the other members of the Academy team echoed the term.

At that moment, the half-giant president, Gandalf, attired in a simple robe and hood, and the vice president, Hela, who appeared as a black widow with her face concealed by a veil, made their way to the massive stone throne situated deep within the ancient palace.

-x-X-x-

The notice had already made it clear that this was no ordinary gathering. Most members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society didn't split into groups to chat. Instead, they took their customary positions and fixed their eyes on the massive mottled stone chair.

"We've got a bunch of traitors among us!"

A bunch of traitors… Even though Professor and the others from the Academy had received Lumian's hint, they hadn't expected the issue to be this severe.

It wasn't just one traitor; it was a whole bunch!

The ancient palace, though dilapidated, exploded with commotion. Some members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society were skeptical, while others became instantly wary, suspicious of everyone around. Some thought there might be a problem, but they didn't think it was as bad as Gandalf made it out to be.

As they whispered amongst themselves, Hela, her face shrouded in black, spoke with an icy tone, "First, let's have one of the victims share her experience."

Her voice wasn't loud, but it cut through the silence of the night, reaching every member of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society.

She then turned her gaze toward the area where the Academy team was positioned.

Understanding Hela's intent, Lumian confidently ascended the steps and stood next to the massive, ancient mottled stone chair.

He channeled Aurore's emotional reaction if she were to discover the truth about her death and spoke with a deep, resonant voice, "On April 1st, I acquired a spell known as the Soul Summoning Spell from Mad Lady of the April Fool's team…"

Without any need for amplification, Lumian's imitation of Aurore's voice harnessed the Concealed power that saturated the Nation of the Evernight, ensuring that everyone present could hear without any leaks.

It was evident that Hela had lent her assistance. Lumian, not being a true Warlock, couldn't employ supplementary spells himself.

Upon hearing this revelation, most members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society shifted their attention to the palace's crevice housing the April Fool's team. They noticed the conspicuous absence of Mad Lady and a significant number of her team members.

They could now infer which group the traitors were affiliated with. Those who had been pranked by the April Fool's team couldn't help but feel a sense of vindication.

Lumian continued with his account. He didn't immediately divulge Loki and I Know Someone's "confessions." Instead, he reconstructed Aurore's emotions.

The trust in I Know Someone, the yearning for home, the obsession with clues, the fascination with Mad Lady's claims, the fear and unease upon discovering a soul fragment fused with her memories after using the Soul Summoning Spell and the subsequent split into a separate personality, the desperate search for treatment from I Know Someone, the helplessness and horror from her repeated improvements before repeated deterioration…

Lumian's agitation grew as he spoke. At times, he even choked back a sob.

Part of this stemmed from his frustration. He had failed to notice Aurore's abnormal emotions and state earlier. His relaxed demeanor around those close to him had caused him to overlook subtle changes. By the time he had realized the gravity of the situation, it had already spiraled out of control.

Simultaneously, as he recounted and simulated Aurore, her fragmented soul seemed to stir and hover near the edge of the seal, exerting an influence on his own psyche.

As he neared the end of his narrative, Lumian took a deep breath.

"I came perilously close to death because of it. Fortunately, I received assistance at the eleventh hour and managed to seal my split personality. That's why I was absent from the gatherings for almost half a year.

Hela took charge of the conversation.

As Hela noticed the growing fear and concern among the members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, she recounted Loki's mockery of Muggle and I Know Someone's intricate schemes.

This revelation stoked the flames of fury within most of the Research Society's members, and they began to grasp the reasons behind Muggle and Hela's actions.

Hela surveyed the assembled crowd and continued, "Muggle wasn't the sole victim of their malevolence. Many members who had previously met untimely ends or disappeared were also targeted.

"Now, let's invite a few witnesses up."

With that, several witnesses, including Black Earth and other April Fool's team members, took the stage one by one to share what they knew. Their accounts sent shivers down the spines of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society members, leaving them with a lingering fear.

It became abundantly clear that if Muggle hadn't survived and exposed their true colors, countless more individuals could have fallen prey to their schemes!

After the witnesses had concluded their accounts, President Gandalf presented the evidence, including diaries and items. Finally, he addressed the assembly, "According to I Know Someone's confession, we've managed to eliminate Loki's accomplices who were embedded in other teams. Among them, Pettigrew took his own life, overwhelmed by guilt. He was a good person but lacked determination and courage. If he had reached out to Hela and me earlier and hinted at the situation more effectively, many unfortunate events might have been averted. He wouldn't have had to carry this heavy burden."

As sighs rippled through the audience, Gandalf's resonant voice grew stronger.

"Everyone, we've only dealt with those accomplices known to I Know Someone. It's entirely possible that there are still spies embedded in various teams, loyal only to Loki. I propose the formation of a Review Committee consisting of Hela, myself, and three other trusted companions who have already undergone mutual reviews. Our mission will be to assess the remaining members and root out any hidden threats. We'll take decisive action against Loki and his allies."

Members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society hesitated, concerned that this move would expose their secrets and realities to the Review Committee.

If any ambitious individuals were part of this committee, they could potentially exploit the information to manipulate and control members, posing a more significant threat than Loki's gang.

Gandalf remained observant, waiting for their deliberations before adding, "Do not be overly concerned. Our review process won't delve into your personal secrets or true identities. The primary goal is for the Review Committee to draft a stringent contract that ensures Research Society members won't harm each other. Everyone will sign it, and the contract will be notarized by Apollo. We don't care which deity you believe in, your real-world profession, or your hidden secrets. As long as you pose no threat and don't become hidden time bombs, you will be fine. This limitation will be clearly outlined in the contract."

Apollo, one of the five vice presidents, was known by a different nickname before. However, one day, he had unexpectedly approached the massive stone chair and announced his new moniker.

He had already successfully passed Gandalf and Hela's scrutiny.

In comparison to a comprehensive body-to-soul review, signing a binding contract to ensure each other's safety seemed far more acceptable to the members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society.

After a show of hands, the Review Committee was officially established with nearly unanimous support.

The committee comprised five members: President Gandalf, Vice President Hela, Vice President Apollo, Hidden Blade from the Sanctuary team, and Headmaster from the Academy team.

Hela had initially suggested that Muggle join the Review Committee, but Lumian felt that, given that he wasn't truly Muggle, it wouldn't be appropriate for him to hold such a position. Thus, he rejected Hela's proposal.

As the vote passed, Lumian overheard Hidden Blade Franca mutter, "Humans are still the same. If you want to open a window, there will always be plenty of objections. But if you propose to tear down the roof, they'll happily agree to let you open the window."

Upon noticing Muggle's gaze, Hidden Blade Franca added, "I didn't say that."

Subsequently, the members split into groups to discuss the terms of the contract. Their aim was to ensure that it contained no extraneous content and that it could effectively expose traitors and harmful actions without any loopholes.

As Lumian descended the steps, he noticed Hidden Blade Franca engaged in conversation with a tall individual wearing a lion headgear.

"Muggle, you're in the market district too?"

"007, why do you say that?" Franca asked with deliberate curiosity.

That 007 who's affiliated with an official faction in Trier… Lumian nodded and smirked.

"Just because you're active in the market district doesn't necessarily mean you live there."

"That's true," 007 replied, then turned to Hidden Blade with a hint of jest in his voice, "You've already told me about that terrifying aura that night, and today you mentioned Loki and the others' betrayal. It would have been strange if I couldn't connect the dots and figure out that it was Madame Hela, you, and Muggle dealing with Loki and I Know Someone in the market district. Besides, I heard about a Marionettist going missing from Bureau 8 during that time, and it matched the abilities Loki displayed."

At this point, 007 looked at Hidden Blade and Muggle in puzzlement.

"None of you are Beyonders of the Hunter pathway."

The higher-ups suspected that the terrifying aura had been emitted by a high-level Beyonder of the Hunter pathway.

"Can we create that terrifying aura ourselves? It must be exogenous!" Franca was telling the truth, but she was deliberately misleading him into thinking about charms, Sealed Artifacts, and so on.

As 007 nodded slowly in contemplation, Lumian focused on him and inquired, "What's the official stance of Bureau 8 regarding the missing Marionettist? Why do they believe he disappeared?"

-x-X-x-

Wearing a lion headgear, 007 took a moment to think before speaking.

"I've only heard rumors that the Marionettist disappeared with some classified information."

"That's not true," Franca replied, dropping the act. 007 had already figured out that the truth of that night involved the two of them teaming up with Hela to deal with Loki.

Loki didn't possess any such information!

007 didn't argue with her and continued discussing the rumors.

"And the classified information seems to be tied to a treasure left behind by a secret organization."

Left-behind treasure… Lumian and Franca both remembered the Castle Dylan mentioned by I Know Someone.

The location of this mysterious castle remained unknown, and Loki's dreams featured a towering and ominous ancient castle.

007 continued, "There are also members of Bureau 8 who suspect that the terrifying aura from that night is connected to the missing Marionettist. An intelligence supervisor named Antoine has been repeatedly asking for more details."

Antoine… He believes Loki's disappearance wasn't random, and something must have happened to him? Lumian made a mental note of the name.

After recounting the rumors, 007 glanced at Muggle and said half-jokingly, "It's best if you avoid the market district. Hidden Blade has stirred up trouble there. It's very dangerous."

"Who said that? Security has clearly improved!" Franca responded confidently.

Ever since she and Lumian had taken down the leaders of the Poison Spur Mob, the Savoie Mob had taken control of the entire market district. The frequency of mob fights, shootings, and killings had decreased significantly, and security had improved.

007 sighed and remarked, "That's only on the surface. There are more incidents involving supernatural powers than before."

"Sigh, I wonder when I'll get a long vacation."

Lumian, in the role of Muggle, conversed with 007 for a while before returning to the Academy team.

Professor, wearing a black butterfly mask, approached him and let out a soft sigh.

"I was worried that something had happened to you due to the Hidden Sage's whispers, and you needed some time to recover. Who would have thought that Loki's gang was behind it?"

After cursing Loki and his gang, she turned to Muggle for confirmation.

"Have you noticed that the Hidden Sage's whispers have taken on a disturbing change in recent months?"

Aurore's grimoires didn't contain any records of this… Lumian thought for a moment and replied with a hint of bitterness, "Nothing much. As you know, I was affected by the Soul Summoning Spell in the first few months of this year. My mental state was unstable, and recently, I've sealed a part of my personality. The issues with my body haven't been fully resolved. I had already digested the Warlock potion and was planning to gather ingredients for advancement, but I haven't dared to do so now."

The professor understood and cautioned, "You should be careful. Until your mental problems are completely resolved, and you return to your normal state, don't consider consuming the potion."

Her voice lowered as she continued, "I've noticed that the Hidden Sage's whispers have been revealing more living knowledge lately. It's the kind of knowledge that actively seeks out individuals and insists on entering their minds. This makes it even more dangerous for Beyonders of the Mystery Pryer pathway like us."

More knowledge actively pursuing individuals… Has the Hidden Sage's nature changed? Lumian had heard his sister Aurore mention the Knowledge Pursuer, so he didn't appear confused or bewildered.

He nodded solemnly and said, "I'll be cautious."

Professor didn't press further and continued discussing the specifics of the contract with Associate Professor and the other Academy team members. "Muggle" Lumian also took part in the conversation.

It took more than half an hour for the teams to gather their members' opinions, document them, and submit them to the Review Committee.

After careful consolidation, adoption, and rejection by Gandalf, Hela, and others, along with collective discussions involving all members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society, the terms of the contract were painstakingly finalized.

It wasn't clear if everyone tacitly agreed to enter the Nation of the Evernight, but the gathering included transmigrators. There was no requirement for members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society to be of the same kind or come from the same world. Hela was aware of this but chose not to bring it up. This allowed Lumian to fully meet the conditions and willingly comply with the contract's restrictions. He wouldn't secretly investigate the backgrounds of the Research Society members and wouldn't intentionally harm one another.

However, there were certain exceptions. The contract granted the Review Committee the right to investigate suspected members, but they couldn't pass judgment or make decisions unilaterally. They had to convene a special gathering and inform all members of the situation. Every member would then vote on guilt and suggest a rough range of punishment.

Loki and the others, who were currently being pursued, were no longer protected. Anyone had the authority to apprehend them.

After the contract was approved, Hidden Blade Franca, who stood beside Lumian, let out a sigh of relief and genuinely commented, "Once everyone signs the contract, the Research Society will truly become a secret organization.

"It was too lax before. Many matters relied on everyone's self-awareness."

Lumian, showing only the lower half of Aurore's face, smiled and replied, "After all, you all didn't come together for anything significant before. You lacked a strict hierarchy. It's only natural that you had the freedom to do as you pleased."

A loosely organized group could only mature gradually after weathering various challenges.

As Vice President Apollo drafted an extensive mystical contract, the various teams resumed their daily discussions.

This time, the primary focus of each team was on Loki and his companions' actions and potential accomplices.

Gandalf, Headmaster, Hela, Hidden Blade, and others moved from team to team, observing each member's reactions closely.

Suddenly, the Research Society member disguised as a horse, began reciting the incantation to leave the Nation of the Evernight before the Review Committee could patrol his area.

"A Beyonder from ancient times, the ruler of the Nation of the Evernight, the noble Mother of Heaven…"

The voice echoed through the ancient palace, but before the figure could finish the incantation, his eyes closed, and he fell asleep.

The surrounding members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society were momentarily shocked before realizing the situation.

They cursed, "Traitor!"

This individual had been one of Loki's hidden accomplices.

With the mole incapacitated, the Review Committee resumed their patrol.

Fifteen minutes later, the contract, as large as two dining tables, was produced, bearing the signature of a Notary.

Exhausted, Vice President Apollo drank a potion provided by Gandalf to alleviate his mental fatigue.

In the following period, members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society ascended the steps one by one. Under the watchful eyes of the Review Committee, they read the contract and signed it using the nicknames they had been using for years.

During this process, the fog outside the ancient palace grew denser, as if preventing any external interference.

Once all the members had signed, three more traitors were exposed.

One of them transformed into a torch of light after signing, while another attempted to abduct his companion next to him, only to fall into a deep slumber. Seeing this, the third traitor chose to confess.

After a vote, the one who confessed was handled by a Hypnotist to erase relevant memories. He was expelled from the Research Society, while the remaining three turned into Beyonder characteristics.

Hela concluded, "Gandalf and I will investigate the family situations of these members. If they are ordinary people and there are no issues, I suggest auctioning off the Beyonder characteristics for money and providing compensation."

This compensation wasn't a reward for their wrongdoings but rather a way to assist the relatives of the members who had taken over the bodies and could no longer provide support.

Many members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society had transmigrated to this world five to six years ago. Some had wives and children. Upon hearing this proposal, they were moved and felt it wouldn't be fair to implicate their families.

Lumian had no objections. He still considered himself an outsider in this situation.

In the remaining time, Lumian visited various teams, following Hidden Blade Franca's guidance, and identified two Artisans capable of crafting mystical items.

He didn't rush to interact with the Artisans and entrust them with the Hypnotist Beyonder characteristic from I Know Someone. Instead, he planned to wait for Anthony Reid.

The assistance a Hypnotist could provide far exceeded that of a corresponding mystical item. After all, most mystical items couldn't speak or offer advice and guidance.

Due to Loki's incident and the exposure of hidden traitors, many members of the Curly-Haired Baboons Research Society lost their enthusiasm and chose to depart without lingering, causing the number of people in the ancient palace to dwindle.

The Professor and Associate Professor couple, who had initially intended to organize an Academy team gathering in Trier, temporarily abandoned the idea.

…

At noon the following day, Lumian casually arrived at Salle de Bal Brise with a Rouen meatloaf in hand.

Upon entering the café on the second floor, he spotted "Rat" Christo.

The short smuggling leader, sporting a pair of rat-like whiskers, greeted him with a smile.

Lumian raised his eyebrows and asked with a smile, "Got into trouble?"

Simultaneously, he thought to himself, This guy is a Sequence 8 Beast Tamer. Beyond that is Sequence 7 Vampire. With his current appearance, I wonder how the potion will increase his charm and height?

Christo chuckled and said, "There's something I want to ask you. I can't make up my mind."

Lumian pulled up a chair and sat down.

"And what's the matter?"

Christo, resembling a large rat, glanced around and said, "The Trier Cave Association invited me to join them. Why do you think they're interested in recruiting me?"

The Trier Cave Association was a group of individuals passionate about exploring and studying caves. Over time, it expanded its scope to include mining and drew in mine owners as well.

In Trier, the region with the most caves was underground.

-x-X-x-

Upon hearing the name Trier Cave Association and their invitation to "Rat" Christo, Lumian didn't feel puzzled initially. Instead, he recalled the secret map of Underground Trier he had once seen from Gardner Martin.

Now, Lumian suspected that it might have been leaked from the Trier Cave Association.

This seemingly civilian organization had a large number of cave researchers. Some of them were employees of the municipal department or expert consultants. They had ample opportunities to come into contact with confidential exploration and construction information. There was no lack of people who had participated in the municipal modification decades ago. They were hands-on witnesses who had bored through various tunnels and reinforced all the quarry caves.

They had a deep understanding of Underground Trier.

Lumian looked at "Rat" Christo and asked thoughtfully, "Do you really not understand why they invited you to join the association?"

"Rat" Christo smiled sheepishly and said, "I have a guess, but I'm not sure.

"Ciel, don't tell me they've discovered I'm a smuggler leader?"

As a merchant who had long exploited Underground Trier's concealed nature to smuggle alcohol, weapons, and ammunition, Christo's knowledge of different tunnels, remote mines, underground tombs, and hidden chambers rivaled that of most members of the Cave Association. He even possessed secret routes that remained unknown to others.

Moreover, his nickname was "Rat," and he was a true Beast Tamer. With the help of his animal friends, his "tentacles" could extend to many areas that humans couldn't reach.

Christo suspected that the Cave Association had taken a liking to him because of these traits.

That was why he felt uneasy. Whether it was his status as a Beast Tamer in the Beyonder domain or his nature as a big-time smuggler, they were enough to send him to trial. His options would probably range from hanging, a firing squad, incineration, beheading, to becoming a low-level experimentalist.

Lumian chuckled.

"I don't believe that adventurers who join the Cave Association haven't been involved in smuggling and don't have Beyonders among them."

"That's right," "Rat" Christo exhaled and said, "The Cave Association wants some business from me?"

Lumian glanced at him and said, "That's why you should consult the Boss about this, not me."

Christo lowered his voice and smiled ingratiatingly. "I'm just worried that the Boss will take the opportunity to assign me some dangerous mission."

Based on Gardner Martin's previous missions and the confidential map, this "Rat" keenly sensed the Boss's extraordinary interest in Underground Trier.

He felt that if he joined the Trier Cave Association, Gardner Martin might arrange for him to contact some members of the association and attempt to steal confidential information or participate in research and risky expeditions.

And that often meant danger.

He had consulted Lumian not only because he felt that his colleague was powerful, knowledgeable, and quick-witted but also because he wanted to find someone to shirk his responsibility in advance.

He had already made up his mind to join the Trier Cave Association and keep it a secret from Gardner Martin, the boss of the Savoie Mob.

Previously, he had fawned over Lumian, displaying a certain degree of submission. His words were filled with praise for Lumian because he valued his colleague's rapid advancement in Sequence, his strength, and his intelligence. If he befriended him, he might be able to save his life from a dangerous mission given by Gardner Martin at a critical moment.

Gardner Martin definitely couldn't know about this, but if he accidentally discovered the matter, Christo could naturally blame it on Ciel:

I, 'Rat,' am a boorish and uncultured individual. I spend my days dealing with animals, laborers, and the dark underground. I have limited knowledge and ain't very bright. I often seek guidance from Ciel when I encounter matters, and he told me that I could join the Cave Association. He said it was a very normal and personal matter.

Lumian looked at Christo with a faint smile, his dark-blue eyes and grayish-black hair, and didn't respond to his inquiry. Instead, he asked, "You've been a Beast Tamer for a long time, right? Do you know what the next Sequence is?"

Judging by Rat's care and concern for his animal companions, even if he didn't know the acting method, the Beast Tamer potion should have mostly been digested.

"I don't know. The Boss didn't tell me," Christo's eyes darted around.

Lumian chuckled and said, "As far as I know, the next Sequence of Beast Tamer is a qualitative change. It will bring you an all-around improvement, including a longer lifespan and a body with better recovery traits."

Without waiting for Christo to press further, Lumian changed the subject.

"Therefore, you must work hard to complete the mission given by the Boss and strive to obtain the corresponding rewards as soon as possible."

"Yes, yes, yes," Christo hastily agreed.

Only then did Lumian steer the conversation back on track. He smiled and asked, "Do you wish to join the Trier Cave Association?"

Christo stammered, "I-I'm curious about their motives. Moreover, the person who came seems polite and keeps smiling, but I keep feeling that his actions are a threat to me. Yes, a threat!

"The one following him is even more expressionless. He looks at me as if I'm a dead man, a criminal awaiting trial!"

Curious… Lumian chuckled inwardly, grasping Rat's inclination and thoughts.

"Angrily," he said, "How dare they threaten a leader of our Savoie Mob? We must inform the Boss about this!"

"No, no need!" Christo panicked. "The Cave Association is a semi-official organization. We're just mobsters. There's no need to clash with them. This won't do you, me, or Red Boots, who are members of the Savoie Mob in the market district, any good."

Lumian clicked his tongue silently, planning to add fuel to the fire and force the truth out of "Rat."

At that moment, Sarkota, who had been guarding the staircase at the bottom, walked up and said to Lumian, "Boss, two individuals calling themselves Trier Cave Association liaisons are here to pay you a visit."

Visit me? Someone from the Trier Cave Association is visiting me? Lumian glanced at "Rat" Christo, who had his hands on the table in surprise and confusion. He leaned back in his chair and said to Sarkota, "Invite them up."

The Trier Cave Association's two liaisons were young. They wore black formal attire and blue bow ties. One had brown hair, brown eyes, and a reserved smile. The other had black hair and brown eyes, expressionless and cold.

The friendly liaison glanced at "Rat" Christo and fixed his gaze on Lumian's face.

He smiled and asked, "Good afternoon. Are you Monsieur Ciel Dubois?"

"Yes." Lumian wanted to see what the Trier Cave Association was up to.

Lumian didn't hide his emotions and asked with amusement, "What do I have that caught your Cave Association's eye?"

I'm not a smuggler who frequents Underground Trier!

Could it be that you know that I entered the fourth level of the catacombs and obtained the Samaritan Women's Spring water?

Could it be that you still know that I'm a member of the Iron and Blood Cross Order and am aware of a series of hidden catacombs like the Albert Mines?

Joseph replied with a smile, "We have our reasons. If you're willing to join our association, you'll definitely know the specific reason."

Rayan, who was taller than Joseph, added coldly, "That's a good thing for you."

Lumian gazed at them for a few seconds before chuckling.

"I'm not interested in your association."

The expressionless Rayan narrowed his eyes.

"I hope you won't regret it."

Joseph smiled meaningfully and said, "You might not know the significance of our Cave Association in Trier.

"Unfortunately, you missed this opportunity."

With that, the two of them turned around and prepared to walk towards the stairs leading to the ground floor.

As Lumian watched them leave, he raised his head slightly.

What is the Trier Cave Association up to? This matter is definitely not simple…

Perhaps this is an opportunity. If I offend the Cave Association, Gardner Martin probably won't let me stay in the market district anymore…

My current mission in the Iron and Blood Cross Order is to investigate the Sauron family's decline and explore the underground to find the entrance to Fourth Epoch Trier. It has nothing to do with staying in the market district…

Once I leave the market district, I'll be out of Loki's sight. I can slip into the shadows and wait patiently…

I wonder if I can continue enjoying Salle de Bal Brise's share of profits…

If anything goes awry, I'll teleport away immediately…

As these thoughts raced through his mind, Lumian suddenly knocked on the coffee table in front of him.

Amidst the thumping sounds, he glanced at Joseph and Rayan's figures and asked calmly, "Who gave you the permission to leave?"

-x-X-x-

Joseph and Rayan came to a sudden halt, swiftly turning to face Lumian.

Lumian observed them in silence, offering no immediate explanation.

Joseph, maintaining his smug and condescending grin, inquired, "Monsieur Ciel, I'm not sure I comprehend your meaning."

Lumian spoke with composure, "I granted you permission to visit me, not the freedom to depart."

"This is my Salle de Bal Brise, not your home. You can't come and go as you please."

Though Lumian didn't intentionally use Provocation, his demeanor, tone, and message radiated unmistakable disdain, as if he held no fear of their wrath.

Rayan, his expression unchanged, narrowed his eyes, turned away, and continued his stride toward the staircase, completely disregarding Lumian's words.

Joseph, with brown hair and eyes to match, glanced at Lumian, then at Rayan. His gaze flickered, but he made no move to stop him.

Unfazed, Lumian calmly drew his revolver and discharged a round toward the staircase without hesitation.

With a bang, Rayan came to an abrupt standstill once again.

Slowly, he pivoted to face Lumian, exuding a palpable pressure from his eyes.

A subtle movement in Christo's pocket betrayed his discomfort and vigilance, sensing imminent danger.

Unperturbed, Lumian, holding the revolver, issued a sincere apology, "I'm sorry, I am carrying a concealed firearm."

As he spoke, he glanced back at Rayan and Joseph, a faint, fearless smile playing on his lips.

Joseph's feigned polite smile crumbled, replaced by a piercing gaze fixed on Lumian, as if assessing the mob leader's resolve, confidence, and strength.

Lumian contemplated uttering, "What are you staring at? If you want to fight, let's fight. If not, back down." to further infuriate the Trier Cave Association representatives, but considering the presence of "Rat" Christo, he abandoned the notion.

It would expose his true intention of provocation rather than investigating their true purpose, making it challenging to explain to Gardner Martin, the current or former Conspirer.

His unwavering gaze remained locked with Joseph and Rayan. With the revolver in his right hand, he deftly spun the cylinder.

After more than ten seconds that left "Rat" Christo visibly sweating, Joseph once again wore a polite smile and asked, "May we depart now, Monsieur Ciel?"

Oh, so you see through my true intentions of deliberately finding fault, hoping to get some action? Where's your arrogance and self-esteem? Lumian chuckled inwardly and said in an infuriating tone,

"Not just yet."

Rayan took an abrupt step forward, but Joseph restrained him.

The freckled, brown-haired, brown-eyed young man raised his chin slightly and locked eyes with Lumian.

"What must we do to gain your permission?"

Lumian's smile held a tinge of disappointment as he replied, "Answer my question, why did you invite Christo and me to join the Cave Association? I don't recall having a hobby of exploring and studying caves."

Joseph fell into a brief silence before explaining, "Our association's cave adventurers have encountered Christo several times underground and noticed his in-depth knowledge of Underground Trier. He appears to be well-acquainted with many hidden routes, which aligns with our cave association's criteria for invitations."

"Rat" Christo didn't voice any objections to this explanation. Although his primary activities involved smuggling underground, there were no completely hidden smuggling routes. They inevitably crossed paths with tunnels and mines known to cave adventurers and quarry police. During these encounters, it was inevitable that he would come across a few "passersby" or be covertly observed from a distance.

Lumian, all the while, idly stroked the revolver's muzzle without interrupting Joseph's narrative.

Joseph paused for a brief moment before elaborating, "There are two reasons for your invitation."

"The first reason is an Earth Blood ore specimen."

The Earth Blood ore specimen… Lumian hadn't anticipated this reason at all.

Without taking much time to consider, guided by his prankster instincts and recent advice from Anthony Reid, Lumian swiftly responded, "An Earth Blood ore specimen… Ah, I recall now. I acquired it from a lunatic named Flameng. Isn't it just a stone? It holds no value to me. I don't even know its whereabouts."

Lumian then added with a touch of nostalgia, "It appears to have been stolen. I left it in a rented apartment. Heh heh, individuals like us rarely have a place solely for rest and sleep. My apartment was laden with numerous traps. Who would have imagined a thief successfully infiltrating and accessing the cabinet? What's more, they only took the Earth Blood ore and left everything else untouched. It puzzled me at the time, making me wonder if my recollection was flawed—the stone has long been lost, and no thief had broken in…"

Ciel Dubois's words were delivered with a sincere and detailed tone, and his demeanor conveyed an apparent lack of concern regarding the ore specimen. Now, it merely seemed like the loss of some insignificant item. Joseph and Rayan exchanged glances, their attitudes subtly shifting.

As Lumian finished his act, his mind raced, trying to decipher the rationale behind the Trier Cave Association's interest in the Earth Blood ore.

The Earth Blood's rock stratum has existed beneath Trier for centuries, if not millennia. The specific minerals concealed within it couldn't have surfaced recently, catching the attention of Flameng and other mineral researchers…

Official factions in Trier and certain secretive organizations probably know that a select few minerals within the Earth Blood rock stratum hold a connection to the death of Blood Emperor Alista Tudor. However, they haven't uncovered their practical significance, merely corrupting the minds of those who encountered them…

That night, I activated the brand on my right hand, causing numerous high-ranking individuals in Trier to sense it. Someone might have identified the aura of Blood Emperor Alista Tudor through various means, prompting an investigation into relevant items…

The whereabouts of the specific minerals within the Earth Blood rock stratum are a vital lead in their inquiry. Flameng's belongings were registered with the market district's police headquarters…

Given the Cave Association's connection to the authorities, they likely accepted the mission and sought me out, the one who had acquired Flameng's belongings…

But why didn't they just send someone from the police headquarters to inquire directly? The Purifier, Machinery Hivemind, and Bureau 8 members all possess corresponding police identities…

Of course, the authorities aren't unified. They are officially divided between the government and the two Churches, but in practice, each faction harbors internal divisions.

The Eternal Blazing Sun Church's Order Of Preachers clashes with the Brotherhood Minor and other ideological factions. The Church of the God of Steam and Machinery's cloister system opposes the cathedral system. Bureau 8 is even more of a mixed bag. Some members come from secret organizations recognized by the government, some are former nobles like Sauron, who retains some influence, and others had been groomed by Bureau 8 over the years…

The only thing holding them together is the fact that Bureau 8 members can't officially align with any political party, or it would become even more chaotic…

In such a fractured environment, it is possible that a group within a faction had identified the Earth Blood ore's unique trail of clues but doesn't want others to know. Hence, they bypassed the police station's public channels and conducted their investigation through the unofficial Cave Association…

Perhaps someone within the Cave Association has recognized this clue and possesses an in-depth knowledge of underground terrain and mineral specimens. They are likely among the most proficient professionals…

Is this why they hadn't directly requested my cooperation with the investigation and instead attempted to recruit me into the Cave Association?

Lumian swiftly reached this preliminary conclusion, eagerly awaiting Joseph to reveal the second reason.

Joseph said, "We believed you had an interest in underground minerals and were a kindred spirit."

"Did it really get stolen, or did you leave it somewhere else but have forgotten about it?"

"It must have been stolen," Lumian said truthfully. "I found some traces of a break-in. Because of this, I became concerned about the gold I had saved, so I went to the bank to rent a safe deposit box for it."

Joseph nodded gently and said, "The second reason is that Kendall, an administrator of the catacombs, told us that among the individuals who brought Flameng's ashes there for burial, you seemed to possess a unique sensitivity to something abnormal that others couldn't perceive."

They connected the dots from the Earth Blood ore to the catacombs… Lumian was enlightened.

"I'm not sure what you mean by 'special.'"

Joseph didn't elaborate or push for further information. He simply looked at Lumian and asked, "Monsieur Ciel, may we leave now?"

Lumian regarded them for a few seconds before nodding slowly.

"Sure."

The situation had taken an unexpected turn, causing him to abandon his plan of provoking the two liaisons and antagonizing the Trier Cave Association further.

While he had undoubtedly irked Joseph and Rayan, they had also obtained the answers they were seeking, or at least a part of them. There might be minor repercussions in the future, but a major confrontation was unlikely.

After Joseph and Rayan disappeared down the stairs, Lumian sat in contemplation for several moments. He holstered his revolver, stood up, and addressed "Rat" Christo, "This situation is more complex than I anticipated. I need to report it to the Boss."

He considered a dangerous possibility.

If it turned out that the Sauron family was behind the investigation into the special Earth Blood ore through the Cave Association, and they discovered a connection between Ciel Dubois, a mob leader, and the supposed son of a wealthy businessman who exhibited peculiar behavior in Poufer Sauron's King's Pie game, it could pose a significant problem.

Therefore, he needed to inform Gardner Martin immediately, be forthright with him, and eliminate any potential hidden threats while seeking useful advice.

With the Iron and Blood Cross Order as a secret organization backing this entire operation and his primary mission assigned by Gardner Martin, Lumian had no intention of handling the matter on his own.

"Rat" Christo hesitated for a moment before forcing a smile and responding, "Alright."

-x-X-x-

Quartier de la Cathédrale Commémorative, 11 Rue des Fontaines.

Lumian took the lead, briefly explaining the origins of the Earth Blood ore specimen.

"While I was staying at Auberge du Coq Doré, I crossed paths with a man named Flameng, a Lunatic who had a tragic encounter with the Montsouris ghost, leading to the bizarre deaths of his family.

"Occasionally, he regained lucidity. We drank together a few times. One day, he hanged himself. His belongings, including the Earth Blood ore specimen, ended up with the police. They said they were to hand them over to his surviving relatives, but they refused to accept them. Eventually, they asked me to retrieve them, which included the Earth Blood ore specimen.

"I knew that lunatic and had drinks with him. I didn't throw away the mineral specimen and casually placed it in an iron cabinet of my safe house…"

Lumian spoke the truth, not a single word being false. He only concealed the fact that he had helped Flameng escape the Montsouris ghost and Termiboros's reminder regarding the Earth Blood ore.

Gardner Martin, his brownish-red eyes reflecting wisdom and a touch of silver hair in his black hair, inquired, "Where is your safe house?"

Lumian replied honestly, "It's in the leftmost room on the third floor of 19 Rue des Blouses Blanches."

This wasn't on the same side as Apartment 6, which had emitted a terrifying aura, and there was a distance between them, so Lumian's answer was straightforward.

Gardner Martin smiled.

"No wonder you frequent Rue des Blouses Blanches so often. It's not just because of Jenna."

Boss, are you hinting at me not to visit Franca too often? Are you implying that you're aware of this situation? Lumian grumbled and continued.

He gave the same story he had told Joseph and Rayan from the Cave Association.

Finally, Lumian subtly probed, "Will this pose a problem for our Savoie Mob? There might be an official faction hidden behind the Cave Association."

He wanted to convey to Gardner Martin that his cover in front of Poufer Sauron might be at risk, trusting the boss's intelligence to grasp the implication.

Gardner Martin gave a slight nod and turned his attention to "Rat" Christo, saying, "If you want to join the Cave Association, you can, but ensure it doesn't interfere with our smuggling operations."

Christo nodded repeatedly.

"Understood, Boss."

Following Gardner Martin's instructions, he departed from the study, leaving Lumian alone.

Gardner Martin smiled and consoled the official member of the Iron and Blood Cross Order.

It was a subtle message, urging Lumian to remain in the market district and continue overseeing Salle de Bal Brise, Auberge du Coq Doré, Salle de Gristmill, and other businesses.

Simultaneously, he sneered inwardly.

He keenly felt the irrationality of Gardner Martin's plan.

Transitioning control to another Beyonder to oversee Salle de Bal Brise and other operations, allowing Lumian to slip into the shadows, was a straightforward task for the boss of the Savoie Mob and the Commanding Officer of the Iron and Blood Cross Order. There were no downsides to this arrangement.

Even though he couldn't afford to mistreat Lumian, a subordinate on an important mission, he could compensate him by continuing to share the profits from Salle de Bal Brise and other businesses. He couldn't risk keeping an official member, who had already attracted suspicion, in his current location.

While Lumian's retreat into the shadows might make him appear even more suspicious, potentially putting the Savoie Mob in the crosshairs, Gardner Martin had encountered such challenges numerous times before. There had to be a solution.

Sensing the Commanding Officer of the Iron and Blood Cross Order's suspicion, Lumian aimed to use the Cave Association to keep testing him.

His account and explanations were entirely truthful. Normally, Gardner Martin would believe him, but the issue was that too many unusual events had occurred around him recently. As a former or current Conspirer, Gardner Martin would instinctively smell something fishy.

The detailed reasons were no longer enough to hide the overall abnormality.

With this thought in mind, Lumian's determination to kill surged.

He stared at Gardner Martin, positioned by the floor-to-ceiling windows, and estimated the distance between them to be about five meters.

At such a close range, if he were to suddenly employ the Spell of Harrumph, and Gardner Martin hadn't reached Sequence 4 and achieved godhood, lacking a mystical item to defend against such abilities, he could quickly subdue the Savoie Mob boss and eliminate him.

The current situation resembled that of two ordinary individuals without Beyonder powers standing within a five-meter radius. One held a high social status and excelled in combat, while the other held a low status and lacked physical strength. However, they both concealed a revolver and possessed exceptional marksmanship.

Within five meters, regardless of an ordinary person's status or combat skills, they would succumb to a single shot!

Considering the missions for the Tarot Club and the Aurora Order, Lumian composed himself and inquired, "Commanding Officer, I wish to purchase the Conspirer potion formula from the Order."

He had gained valuable insights from his advancement to Pyromaniac. He didn't want to go through the nerve-wracking process of searching for each Conspirer potion ingredient after digesting the Pyromaniac potion. His goal was to gather Conspirer ingredients in advance while continuing to digest the remaining Pyromaniac potion, thereby maximizing his time efficiency.

Gardner Martin responded with surprise, "Do you have that much cash for that?

"The Conspirer potion formula can command prices ranging from 70,000 to 80,000 verl d'or at the most mysticism gatherings, if not more. It's unlike Pyromaniacs, who are constantly perishing as others advance. Conspirers understand the importance of self-preservation, and they've become more cautious about sharing their Sequence potion formulas."

In Trier, the most common potion formulas available ranged from Sequence 9 to Sequence 7 of the Hunter pathway.

Without waiting for Lumian's reply, Gardner Martin grinned and added, "If you can unearth even a portion of the Sauron family's decline secret, I'll reward you with the Conspirer potion formula. It doesn't have to be the whole story, just a piece of the puzzle."

"If you're eager to advance and don't want to wait, as an official member of the Iron and Blood Cross Order, you have the privilege of purchasing the Conspirer potion formula at a discounted price of 60,000 verl d'or."

Lumian agreed without hesitation, "No problem. I'll bring 60,000 verl d'or tomorrow."

His initial plan had been to inquire with Mr. K and Madam Magician if Gardner Martin declined his request.

"Do you really have 60,000 verl d'or?" Gardner Martin chuckled.

In total, he had received 50,000 verl d'or in banknotes and gold, worth 30,000 verl d'or. After repaying Franca's 25,000, he had 55,000 left. Combined with the original 1,000 gold, 1,000 banknotes, and 4,000 verl d'or, he had 61,000 verl d'or in liquid assets.

"Salle de Bal Unique…" Gardner Martin repeated, his expression growing more serious. "You really managed to retrieve the debt from Salle de Bal Unique?"

Evidently, the Commanding Officer of the Iron and Blood Cross Order was familiar with Salle de Bal Unique.

Lumian nodded, his demeanor open and honest.

"Yes."

The members of the Savoie Mob at Salle de Bal Brise were more or less aware that he had helped Fitz collect his debt. Lumian couldn't keep Gardner Martin in the dark, so he decided to disclose it directly to confuse the situation and divert the Iron and Blood Cross Order's suspicions.

Furthermore, he could use this opportunity to put a little fear into Gardner Martin!

Gardner Martin scrutinized Lumian and subtly moved closer to the floor-to-ceiling windows.

After a few moments, he inquired with curiosity, "Have you never heard of the issues surrounding Salle de Bal Unique?"

"I have," Lumian replied with a smile.

If he had a monocle, he might have playfully inserted it into his right eye socket at that moment, savoring Gardner Martin's intriguing expressions and subconscious reactions.

After a pause, Lumian continued, "After accepting the commission, I conducted a thorough investigation of the dance hall and realized it wasn't as simple as it seemed. It had a mysterious background and posed a significant danger, so I initially decided to abandon it. However, one day, while trailing an adversary, I noticed something unusual. One of the guards at Salle de Bal Unique's entrance had inexplicably vanished. And upstairs, behind a window, their boss, Timmons, appeared to have lost his spirit.

"I saw this as an opportunity, so I made an attempt to enter and collect the debt. To my surprise, I succeeded!"

As Lumian spoke, he took a step forward and asked earnestly, "Commanding Officer, are there any hidden dangers I should be aware of?"

Gardner Martin discreetly took another step forward and smiled.

"Not at the moment. Keep an eye out for any future anomalies."

Lumian seized the opportunity to express his bewilderment.

"Commanding Officer, something doesn't quite add up. Why have there been so many events swirling around me lately? Some I initiated, while others just seemed to find their way to me. Am I truly a harbinger of trouble? Or has my recent fate been to rush around and handle things, leaving me constantly busy and weary?"

Gardner Martin regarded him with meaning and replied, "Perhaps, this is the destiny that every Hunter is bound to face."

After Lumian departed, Gardner Martin shifted his gaze to the side.

A hidden door creaked open, and Supervisor Olson emerged, bearing a resemblance to a hungry bear.

"How is it?" Gardner Martin inquired.

Olson smirked and responded, "It's natural for him to be discontent with your arrangements. His loyalty isn't firmly established yet. He won't be able to join your team for the time being."

Gardner Martin shifted the conversation thoughtfully.

"The calamity on him is more conspicuous than any of us. Is it possible that he's more compatible?"

Olson fell silent for a few moments before replying, "Let's observe and wait."

…

Meanwhile, as Lumian returned to the market district, Franca sat at Trocadéro's Red House Café. Her gaze fell upon Browns Sauron, her long, flowing orange-red hair resembling a waterfall, as she asked, "When will you folks complete the audit?"

Browns Sauron didn't provide a direct response. She studied Franca, who had black hair and brown eyes, for a moment before saying, "We've identified a suspected member of the Bliss Society."

-x-X-x-