Global Mining.

Chapter 328: Dachun's Secret is Finally Cracked
Dachun was surprised: "Where did you get the pirate treasure map?"

Fafna wrote: "Look for Aziza! I had a great chat with her privately."

Ah, did I use the board's secret order to chat with her privately? Aziza knows about my Ghost Island, will she tell her about it? Exposing me is a small matter, but the island robbed the Golden Empire and Silver City of their supplies, which is a big deal that cannot be told...

Dachun was a little nervous: "So the newest book on your bookshelf is her favorite, Romeo and Juliet?"

Fafna's face suddenly turned unhappy: "What do you care what my bookshelf is!"

You were so moved that you burst into tears just now, what’s your attitude now?

Fafner added, "These treasure maps involve the treasure of the first generation of Pirate Kings. There will definitely be a lot of commotion, so it will be a good show to watch."

Ah, I ignored Pirate Grandpa for a week and almost forgot about him.

Dachun asked, "What good plays are there?"

Fafna chuckled and wrote, "For example, while the mermaids aren't in Silver City, lead the pirates to cause trouble there? The more trouble Silver City causes, the greater the chance of you being released and redeeming your sins."

This idea is the same as the Ugly Emperor calling people to cause trouble!

Dachun became excited. "Then how do you explain the origin of this treasure map? You can't just say it was Aziza who gave you the information, right?"

Fafna smiled. "Wasn't your Biliana from the Southern Canyon Village sent by the pirates? Actually, there's no need to explain. These nobles sent their apprentices there to learn dance with the intention of investigating. Everyone knows it and just assumes it's related to her."

Ah, I'm taking the blame! ?

Dachun felt something was amiss: "Since everyone assumes that the pirate treasure map is related to Biliana, and Biliana is related to me, then the pirates causing trouble in Silver City must be assumed to be me. In that case, it's even more impossible for Silver City to release me, right?"

Fafna chuckled. "What we want is for Silver City to know that the pirates' trouble is related to you! If they don't let you go, it means the trouble isn't big enough!"

Uh... isn't this what the Ugly Emperor meant by "only by letting me out can the unrest be quelled"? It's still a bit risky, but it does make it easier for the mermaid to get me out.

Dachun was very pleased: "Thank you for your trouble."

Fafna snorted and wrote, "Also, you're being presumptuous. Not only did you sneak into my room, but you also kept calling me 'you, you, you'. I'm not happy."

Dachun was anxious: "I'm typing with magic, it's tiring! If we were outside, I'd still call her Lady Fafner!"

Fafna was finally satisfied: "I forgive you! We have talked enough. It's time for me to go to my morning class. I need to maintain a regular routine to act more convincingly."

"Okay, I'll let you know if there's anything important - Lady Fafner."

Fafna quickly changed her clothes and went out: "Got it!"

Doesn’t she brush her teeth and wash her face?

Anyway, I've contacted Fafner, so the next step is to get through to the other three city beauties. However, I have no connection with them at all, so I can't just show up. I need Eve to convince them first...

……

On top of the Golden Throne, the Great Observatory.

The Imperial Star Master Hubble is observing the void.

Michael came to visit.

The Star Realm Mage was quite surprised: "So it's Mr. First Sage, why are you suddenly interested in coming to me?"

Michael said, "I just want to ask for some information on astrology."

The Celestial Mage shook his head. "Astrology isn't something you can learn simply by asking. Even if I lived another hundred years, I wouldn't be able to learn it all."

Michael agreed. Compared to projects like Global Mining, which primarily focused on financial digital currencies, its predecessor, Genesis, was much richer in content, even encompassing some rather niche research tasks, such as the deduction of planetary geological evolution, the evolution of life, the development of human society, and metaphysical content like dream analysis and astrological prediction.

Although we don't expect the main brain to analyze astrology and come up with any results, a game is still a game after all, and no matter how mysterious something is, it will have its own rules.

Michael asked directly: "Do you know the old lady who runs an astrology shop in the dark alley area of ​​Black Iron City?"

The Star Mage was stunned for a moment: "I'm not sure, could it be that she has achieved something?"

If she can't catch the eye of the Star Realm Mage, then that means this old lady is not of good enough quality?
Michael said, "She rewarded the wanted criminal Dachun with a divine-level astrology textbook. I find it hard to imagine how an ordinary and unknown astrologer could have such a textbook."

The Star Mage's brows jumped, and then he waved his hand, and five or six books shining with the brilliance of divine artifacts floated around him.

And asked: "Which version of the textbook is she using?"

Michael was really shocked by his background, and immediately switched back to the chat group to look through the surveillance video released by Sariel and compare the color of the cover.

Then he confirmed the result: "The third one!"

The Astro Mage picked up the third book, lost in thought. "This was written by my mentor, the Astrodancer Celia. It's the most confusing and difficult of all. Of course, it started out as a common publication, and it was only through my long-term study that it became a divine artifact. I believe the Dark Iron Astrologer you mentioned also spent a long time studying to elevate his textbook to a divine artifact."

Michael was surprised. "It's rumored that you've had the extraordinary ability to predict the future since birth. You're a genius in astrology. Do you have a mentor?"

The Star Mage smiled. "Astrology is a very advanced subject. Women even have a very obvious gender advantage. I have a lot to learn. Although I was already famous and had already written textbooks—"

At this point, he pointed to one of the books and said: "This book was written by me."

Then he continued, "Then, I heard rumors that a tavern dancer who was a refugee from a frontier war also possessed miraculous astrological abilities. However, her ability wasn't very accurate in predicting other things, but she was absolutely accurate in predicting the number of mineral coins in a customer's wallet, never making a mistake. She could tell who was wealthy at a glance. Later, she was even able to accurately predict hidden mines buried deep underground, and her reputation quickly soared. So I went to visit her and offered to be her apprentice—but I really couldn't learn anything from her. It seemed to me that I might not have three qualities: one, a unique talent. Two, not being a woman. Three, not being a dancer. Especially since dancing itself is a mysterious ritual activity in some primitive witchcraft."

Michael was stunned. "So, it has to be a female dancer?"

Michael instantly thought of the first day of the server launch. Dachun went to the astrology shop and robbed the Earl's Mansion, escaping in a dancer's costume. And after returning to the city from exile, his main activity was to find dancers! So, it's reasonable to assume he'd already learned astrology by then! So, women aren't necessary; dancers are the key?
The Celestial Mage smiled helplessly, "It's also possible that my astrological talent has limited my learning. In fact, I still learned the most valuable things from her."

Michael asked in surprise, "What is it?"

The Star Mage sighed, "It's modesty! I was young and arrogant back then. After meeting her, I was completely captivated."

Michael asked again: "Where is this Celie?"

The Star Mage smiled and said, "She is a special talent of the Empire. She is also in the Golden Throne and is the owner of the Starlight Tavern in the civilian commercial district."

Michael was stunned. He knew most of the NPC information of the Golden Throne, so when did a mentor-level person suddenly appear?

Michael asked in surprise, "If she is so famous, why do I know nothing about her?"

The Celestial Mage lamented, "That was decades ago. Some adventure guilds even engaged in large-scale battles over her. So, to protect her talent, the Empire arranged for her to immigrate to the Golden Throne and downplayed her fame, only calling her out when she was most needed."

Michael's brows twitched when he heard this. This was probably some event that was triggered, and the system was loading the NPC background story!

Michael asked again: "Can I go find her now?"

The Star Mage said, "She's a hermit now. You can go drink with her, but if you want to know anything about astrology, you must have a high-level astrology."

Michael decided to learn! This is the teaching material of the top astrologer's mentor. If he can learn it, how can I be worse than him?

"Sir, can I learn astrology from you?"

The Star Mage smiled and said, "However, I cannot teach you directly. Here are six textbooks. You can choose one to study, but it's a loan!"

Michael pointed directly at Dachun's textbook: "It's the one for the astrological dancer."

The Star Mage was stunned for a moment: "Sir, you... okay. If you don't understand, you can ask me to exchange textbooks."

"Thank you, sir! Farewell then." The Star Realm Mage continued, "I have one thing to inform you, sir. The Void Entropy Demon Gate is about to open. Be prepared."

"understood."

The so-called Void Entropy Demon is actually a pile of shit files. Especially when artificial intelligence begins to emerge, the system will be accompanied by more shit mountains. The solution in the game is to turn these things into monsters and clean them up regularly.

Then, Michaela will go to meet this mentor. Michaela believes that her privileged status will transcend her hermit setting.

Civilian commercial street.

Michael came to a seemingly ordinary Starlight Tavern. It was ordinary because most of the Golden Throne's assets belonged to the rich and powerful, while this tavern belonged to the common people, who could not surpass or surpass the rich and powerful in luxury.

In fact, Michael does not quite agree with this setting, but this is the result of social development derived from the self-deduction of the intelligent system.

World domination is a science, but even more of an art. After entering the Industrial Age, the millennia of agricultural history might not be enough to justify the development of industrial society in just 300 years. Therefore, one of the game's original goals was to use intelligent systems to deduce various possible outcomes of social development. This would be far more efficient than using rats to simulate human society, or even using a small esports nation as a human pilot.

Michael came to the bar and sat down. "Ms. Celia, please give me a glass of our signature starlight cocktail."

The female shopkeeper was surprised: "It's actually the First Sage. It's our shop's great honor to have you come to our shop!"

Michael smiled faintly, "Ms. Celia is too modest. As the greatest astrologer in the empire, you are the honor of the Golden Throne."

Celie was stunned and smiled awkwardly: "What are you talking about, sir?"

Michael went straight to the point: "Master Hubble said that you were her mentor, so I have borrowed the book you once wrote and would like to ask for your guidance, ma'am."

Looking at the book Michael held out, Celie said blankly, "I'm sorry. Although you are the respected First Sage, some things are as fleeting as the nebulae in the void. I can't teach you, Master Hubble, and I can't teach you either. Please go back."

Michael was anxious: "Do I have to be a dancer?"

Celie was stunned: "Why do you think so?"

"Because Master Hubble thinks so too."

Celia said in a deep voice, "Being a dancer isn't that easy! Besides, venerable sage, have you ever thought about how the whole city would look at you if you put on a dance costume and danced?"

Michael's scalp was tingling! Perhaps, the feminine Raphael should be allowed to learn! But he couldn't come here...

Celia's expression suddenly became strange. "Actually, I also want to know if it will work on male students. I do have a solution, but it requires the personal influence of Mr. Sage."

Michael came in and asked, "Madam, please speak?"

Celia whispered, "Why don't you just hold a dance festival and let the whole city dance?"

Michael was stunned. What on earth had triggered this incident? Why had he made such a fuss just because he asked her to teach him astrology?
Michael was embarrassed: "This matter is also very troublesome."

Celie smiled and said, "Other people come to the tavern to relieve their worries, but I have caused you more trouble. I'm really sorry. How about I have a few drinks with you?"

She was a drinking companion? What triggered this incident?
Michael dared not disobey: "Thank you very much, Madam..."

……

At this time, Dachun, who was reading a book boringly in the cell, suddenly received a message from Xiaohao.

Dachun immediately switched to his trumpet. It was the Earth Mother's voice coming from the Eye of Dibilon: "Contact Mr. Clown and have him put on a clown costume and come to my shop for a drink. Quick!"

Dachun was surprised. What was going on?
Anyway, Xiaohua immediately vibrated on the Ugly Emperor's bow tie, and the Ugly Emperor, who was strolling leisurely (picking up rubbish), immediately blocked it with a newspaper: "What's the matter?"

Dachun wrote: "Put on a clown costume and go to the Celia Tavern for a drink, quickly..."

The Ugly Emperor was happy: "I can drink again."

Dachun added, "Let's just drink the cheapest tapioca!"

The Ugly Emperor smiled and said, "Don't worry, I won't let anyone suspect that I'm suddenly rich."

The next moment, the Ugly King appeared in the tavern. Dachun, who had been watching curiously, was so shocked that his eyes almost popped out. It was the number one man, Michael!

Holy shit! With his status, he shouldn't be in a cheap place like this. There's only one possibility: he tracked us down here!? How awesome is he!? Did I miss something?
The Ugly Emperor stepped forward and said, "Ms. Celia, give me a cup of... tapioca!"

Celie smiled and said, "Okay, Mr. Clown."

……

Michael was completely bewildered when he suddenly saw a clown enter. Michael knew the clown's purpose: to bring a touch of humor to this solemn city and liven up the atmosphere. However, according to the system's deduction, such a profession couldn't be pursued by capable young gentlemen, only by incompetent elders. This, in turn, added a touch of... pathos to this virtual society.
At this moment, the clown also saw him and greeted him in surprise: "It's the respected sage! Sorry, I will sit further away."

Michael smiled faintly, but still had to say something nice: "No need, we are all citizens of the Golden Throne, we are all equal!"

Celie also smiled: "As expected of a wise man, you are so humble and approachable."

Michael always loved to hear this kind of praise: "Madam, you are too kind. Equality and fraternity are the meaning of being a sage."

Celia smiled and said, "I know it's difficult for you, a sage, to dance. Why don't you try to experience the life of a commoner?"

Experience civilians?

Michael was stunned. What he meant was… if I danced in a clown costume, no one would know it was me? No, this is a game, the NPCs would know… Wait!
Looking at the makeup on the clown's face, Michael had a flash of inspiration. This makeup was very similar to the inexplicable makeup on Dachun's face!
Michael suddenly realized it! He got it! The makeup on Dachun's face was clown makeup, or rather, male dancer makeup! He had put on that makeup specifically to fight in Gem City, and the old lady from the astrologer shop had also followed him to Gem City...

So the answer is out: to learn astrology, you have to wear makeup and act like a male dancer—makeup and dancing are both standard features of primitive shamanic rituals, and they have a natural connection to astrology! So, my instructor has already given me the answer! I've finally cracked Dachun's secret!
Michael was overjoyed: "Yes, ma'am! Mr. Clown, I want to wear a clown costume too!"

The clown was shocked: "Why?"

Michael instantly thought of a phrase that would definitely not be laughed at: "This is about experiencing the lives of the lower classes and expressing our care for them!"

Celie applauded: "As expected of Mr. Sage!"

The clown was stunned: "But this is all I have, and it's dirty and smelly..."

Celie said, "There are tailor shops in town anyway. We can make multiple sets."

Order multiple sets? That's right, as long as more people participate, you won't be laughed at!

Michael suddenly realized: "How about I order a hundred sets and hold a clown festival?"

Celie smiled and called out to the roomful of patrons, "Dear customers, our First Sage wants to show his care for the lower classes... Would you all be willing to don clown costumes and participate in the event? On the day of the event, we'll give out a free cup of tapioca shochu~~"

The guests in the room applauded in unison: "As expected of the First Sage, you are so wise~~~"

Michael's heart melted. He was indeed a mentor. He even funded free drinks for my event...

……

At this moment, Dachun, who was observing from behind, was also confused. What was going on? It seemed like I hadn't been exposed.

The voice of the Earth Mother came from the Eye of Dibiron: "See? The festival has formed!"

Dachun was stunned: "But I want a reading festival, not a clown festival?"

The Earth Mother smiled and said, "It's all a festival anyway. Let's start with an unrelated event and gradually transition to the real goal. So next time, it'll be a drinking festival, and the next time, it'll be a reading festival. Once everyone gets used to it, they won't find it strange or suspicious anymore..."

Dachun suddenly realized, that's what it is!
(End of this chapter)