Mystery: When the Fool Meets the Masked Fool

Chapter 6 Tarot Club

Next, Audrey and Alger discussed potions and official Beyonders. Not only did they fail to gain any useful information from Klein, but they also gave "Mr. Fool" a good lecture on the common sense of the Beyonder world.

Finally, Alger said, "Who wants to become a Beyonder without paying a price?" This completely shattered the girl's fantasy, causing Audrey to puff out her cheeks.

After another dozen or so breaths of silence, Alger finally lost his patience. After Mr. Fool's approval, he said carefully, "I actually have two Sequence Nine formulas."

Audrey clearly knew what Sequence Nine meant. Under Mr. Fool's bewildered gaze, she happily inquired, "Really? Which two are they?"

Then, Alger solemnly expounded on his worldview, and then introduced two Sequence Nine potions, one for sailors and one for the audience, to Audrey.

At this moment, Serris, who had been arguing with Erha and had been quiet, suddenly made his presence known. "You two, I have a few Sequence Nine formulas here. Hmm... let me think... Fortune Teller, Chanter, Corpse Collector, Hunter, Pharmacist... that's about it."

He wanted to see if Miss Justice would continue on her way to the audience with his simple interference.

Although I didn't deliberately remember it when I read it before, I can still recall it when I need it. Bengtie has many wonderful little props similar to the Pensieve in "Harry Potter", and there is no shortage of means to retrieve memories.

He immediately pulled out five different potion formulas, shocking everyone present. It was like a classic Dragon Aotian novel. If Alger had suddenly jumped out at this moment and let Ceris show off and get slapped in the face, it would have been even more realistic.

Unfortunately, that didn't happen. Alger just looked at Audrey quietly, waiting for her to make a choice.

"Alger, Alger, look at you. You don't even have the slightest bit of the aura of a Storm People! You should learn from Master Luo."

Faced with this "concubine selection scene," Audrey's gaze darted back and forth between Ceris and Alger. After a long pause, she finally said, "I think I prefer the feeling of being an audience member." She turned to face Alger, "What can I offer you in exchange?"

Miss Justice ultimately chose the audience. So, did Audrey truly enjoy the audience, or was it fate or the interference of someone higher up? Cerus rested his head on one hand, pondering the question.

Alger seemed prepared and replied in a deep voice, "Ghost shark blood, at least 100 milliliters of ghost shark blood.

Audrey nodded excitedly at first, then asked worriedly, "If I can get it, I mean if, how should I give it to you? And how can I guarantee that you will give me the potion formula after you get the ghost shark blood, and that the formula is authentic?"

Alger said calmly, "I'll give you an address. Once I receive the ghost shark blood, I'll mail the formula back to you, or I'll tell you directly here. As for the guarantee, I think with this mysterious gentleman as a witness, you and I will both feel reassured."

As he said this, he turned his gaze to Klein, who was sitting at the head of the table. "Sir, you have brought us here, possessing power beyond our imagination. The testimony you bear is one neither she nor I dare to disobey."

What is this? A test?

"Yeah, probably testing if Kemiao can pull him up again. Also, ignoring Kemiao while discussing business earlier was probably testing Kemiao's tolerance level for them. If Audrey was just innocent, then Alger was really reckless in the early stages."

[Sailor's way, please be considerate. 】

"Right!" Audrey's eyes lit up, and she agreed excitedly. She had no self-awareness of being used as a pawn. In her opinion, the mysterious man, whose methods were unimaginable, was indeed a sufficiently "authoritative" witness. How could she and the guy across from her have the guts to deceive him?
Audrey half-turned and looked at Klein sincerely, "Sir, please be a witness to our transaction." Only then did she realize she had forgotten something, which was so impolite. She hurriedly asked, "Sir, what should we address you?"

Alger nodded slightly, then asked solemnly, "Sir, how should we address you?"

Klein was stunned for a moment, and his fingers tapped lightly on the long bronze table. The content of the previous divination suddenly flashed through his mind.

【Ohhhh, it’s coming, a famous scene. 】

Klein leaned back, retracted his right hand, crossed his fingers, and placed them on his chin. He smiled at the two of them and said, "You can call me..." He paused and spoke in a gentle and calm tone.
"The Fool."

[Ah~ So good~ I’m completely filled with that famous scene from the Fool-sama, and I can’t help but hum with satisfaction~]

"Oh, this groove crooning literature is as bad as Uncle Jack's apple pie next door. If you say anything like that again, I'm going to kick your drum with my boot. Believe me, I will do it, I swear."

[Hey, man, your damn translation accent is as disgusting as the sexy black stockings of the 100-year-old Mrs. Youn next door. Oh, Merlin's JK short skirt, you are so disgusting.]

The brief answer quickly disappeared into the magnificent temple and the dense mist, but in Audrey and Alger's hearts, the voice echoed for a long time, stirring up ripples again and again.

Although I didn't expect it, I feel that this kind of mysterious big shot should be called with this kind of feeling, a name that perfectly reflects the image of mystery, power, weirdness, etc.!
Ceris's surprised laughter suddenly rang out, interrupting Audrey's next action:

"Aha, my goodness, dear Mr. Fool. This is such a wonderful coincidence. You see, you are the Fool, and I am a Masked Fool. Hmm, perhaps we could have been a family thousands of years ago~"

"Masked Fool..." Alger repeated the word silently. Suddenly, as if he had thought of something, he turned and looked at Ceres. "Perhaps... this so-called Masked Fool is an organization that Mr. Fool once founded. He doesn't seem to know Mr. Fool... so the connection between them was severed for some reason. Now Mr. Fool has brought that person here, perhaps to regain control of the organization... He is indeed a great figure."

Klein and Audrey were both stunned for a moment. Audrey looked at Mr. Fool in confusion, hoping to hear a response from this mysterious figure.

Klein didn't have much time to think. His brain raced, and he immediately came up with a plan. He chuckled and said, "Who can say for sure about things like this?"

He chose to muddle through with an ambiguous reply.

"Oh, okay..." Cerus looked a little disappointed. "I just..." He seemed to want to say something, but looked at Audrey and Alger. "No, nothing."

[Hey, being a riddle teller is really fun.]

Serris glanced at Alger, who was in awe, and said to Erha in his heart, "Hey, he believed it. He really believed it."

[It's fun, Dice Boss is fun.]

After a few seconds of silence, to avoid a dull moment, Audrey stood up, lifted her skirt slightly, bent her knees, and saluted Klein. "Dear Mr. Fool, please allow me to make a request. Could you be a witness to our transaction?"

"It's a small matter." Klein's thoughts raced as he answered in a manner befitting his status.

"It's our honor, Mr. Fool." Alger also stood up, placed his right hand on his chest, and bowed in salute. To avoid being out of place, Ceres also stood up and saluted.

Klein pressed his right hand lightly and said with a smile, "You guys continue."

Alger nodded and sat down again. He glanced at Ceres, then back at Audrey and said, "If you can get the ghost shark blood, have someone deliver it to the Warrior and the Sea bar on Pelican Street in the White Rose district of Pritz Harbor. Tell the owner, Williams, that this is what the Captain wants."

After a pause, Alger asked, "After I confirm, will you send the potion formula to my address, or should I tell you directly here?"

Audrey pondered for a moment, then smiled. "I've chosen a more confidential method, right here, although this will test my memory. Since Mr. Fool has agreed to witness the transaction, it means there will be another similar "gathering."

Thinking about this, she suddenly turned her head, looked at Klein with shining eyes, and suggested with interest:
"Mr. Fool, would you mind trying this a few more times?"

Alger listened calmly, his heart also stirring. He quickly agreed, "Mr. Fool, don't you find this kind of 'gathering' quite interesting? Although your power surpasses our imagination, there are always areas in the world you don't understand or excel in. The lady across from you, who is obviously of noble birth, and the gentleman who calls himself the Masked Fool, may be able to help you with certain matters. I also have my own unique experience, insights, channels, and resources. Perhaps at some point in the future, we can help you complete the trivial tasks that are inconvenient for you to do yourself."

In his opinion, since he was dragged into this place without any preparation or resistance, it meant that the initiative was in the hands of the mysterious Mr. Fool. He could not refuse and stop participating in the "gathering" and would definitely succeed. Therefore, he might as well explore the benefits of this encounter more deeply and use the gains to make up for the passivity and disadvantages.

The four parties around the long table have different backgrounds, different resources, different information channels, and different understandings of mysterious fields. If they can communicate with each other and cooperate in a limited way, it will produce inestimable and immeasurable effects.

For example, the resource exchange just agreed upon, for example, if you want to kill someone, you can ask the "party members" who have nothing to do with you in appearance or in reality for help, which will perfectly mislead things in another direction.

A lady of noble birth... Is my performance and accent so obvious? Audrey's mouth half opened, startled for a moment, but she quickly recovered and nodded without hesitation: "Mr. Fool, I think this is a good suggestion. As long as the 'gathering' becomes a regular event, if there are things that are inconvenient for you to come in person, you can completely transfer them to us. Of course, it must be within our capabilities."

"Yes, Mr. Fool, we Masked Fools are known for being efficient and effective. And just think about it, it's so fun to have the Masked Fool help the Fools." Serris followed suit. [Efficient and effective? Huh? What the hell are you talking about? Is this still the Masked Fool?]

"Famous... famous for what?" Alger pondered the implications of Serris's words. "Could it be an organization from the Fourth Epoch or even earlier? Or perhaps, the God-Forsaken Land?"

【Non-Gang+1+1+1】

Klein had been weighing the pros and cons since a while ago. More "gatherings" would indeed allow him to gain more extraordinary secrets and mystical knowledge, which would be helpful for future time travel. For example, the potion formula for "audience" should appear at the next "gathering." Similarly, it could also provide information and provide some help in his current real life. However, more "gatherings" would also make it easier to expose one's true strengths and weaknesses.

He glanced at Serris calmly from the corner of his eye, and thinking of his hesitation to speak just now, he felt a little uneasy, wondering if he was impersonating some important person.

As expected, no matter which world, there is no such thing as only benefits... Klein extended his right hand again and tapped the edge of the long table with his fingers.

Considering that the convening and disbanding of the "gathering" was under his control, even if any problems were exposed, they would be within controllable limits. The benefits clearly outweighed the disadvantages, so Klein made a quick decision. He stopped tapping and smiled at the six expectant yet anxious eyes.
"I'm a person who prefers equal exchange. I won't ask you to help me unconditionally. Every Monday at 3 pm, try to be alone. Once I've tried a few more times and figured out some things, maybe you can ask for leave early and don't have to worry about being in an inappropriate situation."

This means that we have agreed to the three people's proposal.

Audrey had just turned seventeen and had always been pampered. She had a very strong girlish heart. When she heard Mr. Fool's answer, she couldn't help but clench her fists and shook them lightly in front of her chest twice.

"Then shouldn't we give ourselves a nickname? After all, we can't communicate using our real names." Without waiting for Alger to speak, she said excitedly with sparkling eyes.

Although I might not be able to hide my true situation from Mr. Fool, the two guys opposite me are also somewhat dangerous. I can't let them know who I really am!
"Sure." Klein answered briefly and easily.

Audrey immediately freed her thoughts and said, "You're Mr. Fool, from the Tarot cards. Since this is a regular, long-term, secret 'gathering,' the title should be as consistent as possible. Well, I'll choose from the Tarot cards."

Her tone gradually became cheerful: "It's decided, my title is, 'Justice'!" This is one of the twenty-one major cards in the Tarot.

Miss Justice is officially online!

"So what about the two gentlemen?" Audrey smiled and looked at her "companions" opposite.

Alger frowned slightly, then relaxed and said, "The Hanged Man."

This is another main card.

Then, they both turned their gazes towards Serris.

[Queen! Priestess!]

"Then I'll just be... a demon." Serris touched his chin.

"Okay, then we're considered founding members of the Tarot Club!" Audrey said happily at first, then timidly looked at Klein, who was shrouded in gray mist. "Is that all right, Mr. Fool?"

Klein shook his head in amusement. "You can make your own decisions on such trivial matters."

"Thank you!" Audrey was obviously excited.

【Your uncle dotes on her father.】

Then she looked at Alger again: "Mr. Hanged Man, could you please repeat the address you just mentioned? I'm afraid my memory isn't clear enough."

"No problem." Alger was quite satisfied with Audrey's seriousness and repeated the address.
After silently reciting it three times, Audrey said excitedly, "I heard that Tarot cards are just a game invented by Emperor Russell and don't actually have the function of divination?"

"No, oftentimes, divination comes from within. Everyone has spirituality and can communicate with the spiritual world and higher-level relationships. It's just that ordinary people can't perceive this, let alone interpret the 'hints' they receive. When they use divination tools, this information is revealed through the tools. The simplest example is dreams and dream interpretation." Alger glanced at Klein. Seeing that he didn't respond, he denied Audrey's statement. "Tarot cards are actually such a tool. They use more symbolism and more rational elements to help us interpret 'hints' more conveniently and accurately."

Klein seemed nonchalant, but he was actually listening very carefully. At this moment, Klein's spiritual power should have been almost exhausted, but with Serris's previous help, Klein now only felt a slight tingling between his eyebrows.

"I understand." Audrey nodded in agreement, then emphasized, "That's not what I meant. I'm not questioning the Tarot. I heard that Emperor Roselle actually created another deck of cards, a secret one, symbolizing some unknown power. There were twenty-two cards in total. After completing it, he used this as a reference to invent the twenty-two main cards of the Tarot as a game tool. Is this accurate?"

She looked at Klein, as if wanting to get an answer from the mysterious Mr. Fool.

Klein simply smiled without saying a word. He glanced at the Devil and the Hanged Man, as if giving them a test.

[That day, Cerus recalled the fear of being dominated by Doctor Truth.]

"Shut up! If you keep doing this, I'll test you."

Alger subconsciously straightened his back like a primary school student being questioned by a teacher, and said in a deep voice, "Yes, it is said that Emperor Roselle has seen the Blasphemous Slate. That deck of cards contains the secrets of the twenty-two divine paths."

"Twenty-two paths to God..." Audrey repeated in a tone full of longing.

"So, do you know what the twenty-two paths to God are?" Audrey's gem-like eyes were full of longing.

"This... I only know a few of them, and they're not complete... They might not even be correct..." Alger said with embarrassment.

"I know," Ceres joined the conversation. "So what are you willing to give in exchange? Mr. Fool just said it has to be an equal exchange."

At this time, the pain between Klein's eyebrows gradually spread into a headache. He closed his eyes to relieve the pain.

"Hmm...is gold pounds okay? If so, how much do you think would be appropriate?" Audrey asked tentatively.

"That's not necessary, sister. If you just want to know the name, I can tell you the first three sequences of each path." Serris smiled as innocently as Ding Zhen, although no one could see it.

"Really?" Audrey was delighted, but a little hesitant. "But, didn't you say it's an equal exchange?"

Alger seemed to know what Serris was up to, but he didn't say anything to stop him. He just thought to himself, "This is a profiteer..."

"I don't remember everything." Looking at Mr. Fool, Cerus waved his hand and said, "Forget it this time. Let's talk about it at the next gathering."

Klein's headache grew more severe, and he felt the invisible connection between him, the crimson stars, and the gray-white mist begin to waver.

"Okay, let's end the party here today." He made the decision immediately and spoke in a low voice.

"Okay, dear Mr. Fool~" Serris stood up and bowed.

"I will obey your will." Alger stood up and bowed his head.
"Your will is at your command," Audrey imitated the Hanged Man. She had so many questions and thoughts, and she was completely reluctant to let it end.

Klein ended the call and smiled, saying, "Let's look forward to our next gathering."

The Stars shone brighter, but the crimson light receded like water. As soon as the three heard Mr. Fool’s words, their figures became even more blurred and unreal.

In less than a second, the "projection" shattered, and silence returned above the gray fog.

(End of this chapter)