Lord of Mysteries: Taiyi

Somewhere in Backlund, in a dark room.

A slightly hunched figure, draped in a black robe, was writing something at a desk before a candle burning with a dim yellow light.

Suddenly, the already flickering candlelight began to sway, and the shadow of the black-robed man flickered on the rough wall before finally merging completely into the shadows.

A figure suddenly appeared in a corner of the room, hidden in the darkness, exuding an aura of majesty that made people feel no desire to submit.

The black-robed man, who had been sitting, hurriedly stood up and respectfully approached the figure, saying:

"Lord North Wind, why have you come in person?"

The man known as "North Wind" did not answer his question, but instead spoke:

"This is the Sequence Six potion, 'Paranoia.' It allows your illusions to influence reality, including your clones, and can also 'return' your physical state to a point in the past. However, you are likely to fall into your own illusions and be harmed while playing the role. It also has a stronger anti-divination ability."

Then he took out a bottle of pink potion with mesmerizing light from behind his back and handed it to the man in black robes.

After he took it, "North Wind" continued:

"Take the potion as soon as possible. Many 'one-chickens' have been arrested recently. Be extra careful when recruiting followers. If you are worried about being exposed, you can apply to leave Backlund at any time."

Upon hearing this, the hooded man, who was trembling slightly under the weight of authority, bowed even lower and said respectfully:

"Thank you for your concern, but I don't think I will be exposed."

After saying that, his face in the shadows began to writhe, and soon it changed into another appearance.

The dim candle went out completely, "North Wind" vanished, and "Shijo" remained slightly hunched. He held the potion bottle with trembling hands, murmuring to himself with a sense of anticipation:

"Finally, Amy, I'm one step closer to you, hehehe~"

He staggered to the desk, placed the potion, and then ripped off his face. The face writhed and transformed into a small, silver-white cube. After removing his face, "Shijo" felt as if his entire skeleton, which had been compressed for a long time, was now free of pressure, allowing him to instantly grow 10 centimeters taller and no longer hunchbacked.

His pale blue eyes were fixed on the potion.

……

Somewhere in the West End, at Mr. A's gathering place. Kurt, who was running low on money, silently observed the transactions for a while. After not finding any useful information, and learning that Hugh and Fors didn't want to buy anything, he was guided by a waiter to choose one of several hidden doors and leave the venue.

Once outside, Kurt touched the tin box hidden in his clothes, and followed Hugh and Fors through the alley for a while before removing his disguise. He checked the time and found it was only a little past 4 o'clock.

After some consideration, Kurt chose to return home with Fors and Hugh to wait for Bill.

Back in his bedroom, he continued his study of the sunflowers. Unlike before, Kurt began using more scientific methods, such as slicing and dyeing. His idea was to hybridize the incantations and seeds to grow plants with extraordinary abilities, achieving some magical effects…

For example, by combining talismans containing enormous energy with potatoes... potato mines were created.

……

At 6:30 PM, Bill, still dressed in a suit, arrived at Bard Watch Shop. Kurt made him a cup of Southvale coffee. Bill was the same as before; Kurt even had the illusion that his hair wouldn't move—it was still that slicked-back hairstyle. Compared to before, he looked much less like a typical office worker, and his demeanor was elegant and capable.

He took the black tea and picked up the newspaper that Kurt had just brought in. Kurt hadn't had time to read it yet, but after a casual glance, he noticed the information that the old man with the eye of wisdom would be holding an extraordinary gathering tomorrow.

I can go check it out tomorrow; I might get some useful information. I remember getting information about the "storyteller" from the last Extraordinary Gathering, so I've decided to attend more Extraordinary Gatherings in the future... I can ask Hugh and Fors about this; they should know about other Extraordinary Gatherings.

As Kurt pondered, Bill suddenly spoke up:

"After that, I will only come once a week on Sundays until your sister returns to Backlund."

Kurt was overjoyed upon hearing this. He was getting busier and busier, and he had to see Bill every day, which was really annoying... Fortunately, his sister Lori seemed to have been moved by Kurt's current behavior and was probably certain that Kurt really wouldn't sneak away.

Seeing Kurt's delighted expression, Bill surprisingly cracked a joke:

"You seem happy that you don't have to face me every day... After all, no one likes to see a doctor every day."

Lori is a doctor too… Kurt didn’t refute Bill; he was in a good mood and smiled.

"I'll visit you at the hospital if I need anything later. Thank you for your help during this time."

Bill chuckled and said, "It was nothing. How's your fund going?"

Kurt was in a good mood and chatted with Bill for a while. After Hugh and Fors arrived, he said goodbye to Bill and headed to the East End.

Today's class went smoothly, but Lucy was a little reluctant to part with Kurt and her group members. Kurt gave her a simple farewell ceremony, and Lucy, with red eyes, followed her sister Fran away from the East End back to their previous home in the Joewood district.

Kurt then remembered Bly, who had been taken back to the police station and detained by Pete, and the missionary Aurora Society members... and finally decided to find time to do some "good deeds" in the East District.

Tomorrow is Sunday, and Pete should be going to church for Mass. I can take the opportunity to get in touch with him and ask him about Bryant.

……

On Sunday, Kurt received the medical report of Mrs. Sarah, Finks' mother, and planned to show it to his teacher. If Melanie couldn't prepare the medicine based on the medical record, she would have to go to the hospital.

At 10 o'clock sharp, Kut arrived at the Harvest Church and saw Carter diligently wiping some low candlesticks, with the gentle giant Bishop Utravsky beside him. He was watching Carter work with a gentle expression.

After greeting them, Kurt went to his classroom.

Walker, the "wild bird," was also there today, perched on a shelf in the dimly lit room, silently looking down at the room.

Melanie, who was reading a book, looked at Kurt and said after hearing him enter:

"The house you recommended is very nice, with a huge bedroom and excellent natural light... The only downside is that I still need to find some servants and various maids."

Remembering that he still needed their help, Curry nodded and suggested:

"I can also help you with this, teacher. I know where to find servants."

When Melanie heard Kurt say that, she smiled, adjusted her black-rimmed glasses, and smiled back:

"No need. The landlady has already recommended some places to me to find suitable domestic help. She's a boastful old woman, but otherwise quite kind and friendly. She reminds me of one of my former teammates, someone who was there for me growing up..."

Melanie seemed to suddenly recall the past, and her voice gradually lowered.

Living a long life can sometimes be a bad thing... Kurt didn't inquire about this story and silently waited for Melanie to adjust on her own.