Chapter 5: Isn't the acting Method Common Knowledge?

"You can break free from '2-049' on your own? Are you a mid-sequence? Sequence Six or Sequence Five?"

The scar-faced man reacted faster than the other two, asking in a deep voice.

To him, even Al Harsen, a Sequence 7, couldn't resist the influence of '2-049.'

Therefore, anyone who could break free from '2-049' had to be at least Sequence Six!

"Neither."

The ashen one gently shook his head. He had some knowledge of the sequences and understood what the man was asking about.

However, he had never consumed any potion and wasn't an official sequencer, let alone a mid-sequence one.

"True."

The scar-faced man nodded silently, believing the ashen one.

After all, if he were truly Sequence Six, why would he join their team?

He should be joining the Red Gloves instead.

So, it must be another reason?

Perhaps—

"The influence of other sealed artifacts?"

Al Harsen also considered this possibility at the same time, looking at the ashen one with a more complex expression.

Initially, he thought the ashen one was just a spoiled noble looking for an easy life. Now, it seemed he wasn't just any noble—

Possessing a sealed artifact that could resist '2-049' would have to be at least the same level or higher.

And being able to carry such an artifact long-term meant its side effects shouldn't be too severe.

Someone with an artifact of this level must have a significant status.

"Let's reintroduce ourselves."

The black-haired woman with a lovely face extended a friendly hand to the ashen one, "Loretta, Sequence 8, Gravedigger."

The ashen one hesitated briefly but eventually shook her hand.

Despite her attractive appearance, her attire was very masculine.

A black coat, white shirt, black tight pants, and matching boots.

If she wore a hat and tucked her black hair under it, she might be mistaken for a pretty boy.

"Al Harsen."

El Hasen, wearing a gray double-breasted coat, still had a sullen expression, "Sequence 7, Nightmare."

"Borgia."

The scar-faced man driving the carriage spoke from outside, "Sequence 8, Midnight Poet."

"Ashen One."

The ashen one glanced at the group, replying concisely.

"Tsk."

Al Harsen gave him a dissatisfied look.

Everyone was being open, even sharing their sequences, and you just give a fake name that doesn't match your records? Do you think we haven't seen your files? Your name is clearly Ash Black!

The ashen one noticed Al Harsen's hostility and understood its source.

Although he didn't care much, it was better to do something to ease the tension.

This made the ashen one ponder.

If he were in the Dark Souls world, what would he do?

Hmm.

In Dark Souls, he usually built relationships by helping others kill enemies—

Like helping Sirris kill her grandfather or helping Yuria kill her brother.

But even with his fragmented memories, he knew he couldn't use the same method now.

So,

The simplest way would be to give something.

Souls, weapons, rings.

None of these were appropriate.

"Give information?"

The ashen one hesitated. His memory of "Lord of the Mysteries" was limited.

But he remembered certain key elements clearly.

Perhaps this information could be exchanged.

"Do you know about the Acting Method?"

In the silent carriage, the ashen one suddenly asked.

"Acting Method?"

El Hasen and the others exchanged confused glances.

"Yes."

The ashen one nodded slightly. In his impression, the Acting Method was quite important, so he began recalling his memories.

"The key to the potion is not mastering it, but digesting it."

"Is Not Grasping, but Acting."

"And the names of the potions are not just symbols, but concepts. They are the keys to digestion."

The ashen one paused, observing their reactions.

"Digesting, Acting…"

The three were stunned, muttering to themselves repeatedly.

During this, the puppet in the black iron box that the ashen one had struck resumed its banging, but they didn't notice.

The ashen one watched as Al Harsen's body suddenly stiffened and slowed down.

"Bam!"

The ashen one pushed Al Harsen hard, bringing him back to his senses.

The moment he snapped back, Al Harsen felt a wave of fear.

If no one had pushed him, he might have been turned into a puppet by '2-049'!

"Thank you."

Al Harsen's gaze towards the ashen one became complex, and he spoke with some difficulty.

They had been careless just now.

First, the ashen one's ability to break free on his own made them forget to relieve Borgia.

Then, the Acting Method news made them forget about '2-049.'

If the ashen one hadn't pushed him, he might have become '2-049's puppet.

And his gratitude was not just for saving his life.

It was also for sharing the invaluable Acting Method!

Regardless of the ashen one's identity or how he knew the Acting Method,

To Al Harsen, he couldn't imagine discovering it on his own.

Without the Acting Method,

He would be like everyone else—

Practicing spirituality control and power through meditation to master the potion, uncover its symbolic meaning, and more mysteries.

But now, he realized he had been on the wrong path!

Without knowing the Acting Method, he might have stayed at Sequence 7 forever.

Dying on a mission or losing control.

But now, with the Acting Method, he could ascend to Sequence Six within half a year, maybe even less!

Receiving such a great favor from a rich kid he had looked down on was a complex feeling for Al Harsen.

"No need."

The ashen one shook his head slowly, "Just don't leak this information."

In his impression, the Acting Method should be common knowledge.

But seeing their reactions, it seemed few people knew about it.

"Rest assured."

Loretta immediately said, "I won't say a word, even if it kills me!"

Borgia, still driving, nodded seriously, noting this favor.

"Truly embarrassing."

Al Harsen smiled wryly, awkwardly getting out to relieve Borgia.

The ashen one generously shared the Acting Method, making Al Harsen seem petty.

This was truly embarrassing.

"Where are we going?"

The ashen one asked to change the strange atmosphere.

"To the station."

Al Harsen turned to explain, "Our mission is to escort '2-049' to Tingen by train and assist the Night Watcher team there."

Clearly, sharing the Acting Method quickly improved relations.

They took turns driving the carriage to the station.

When they arrived, the platform was empty, and the train had been waiting.

Only when they boarded an empty carriage did the train depart, half an hour late.

(End of Chapter)