The Secret Cult Chronicles of the Decaying Lake Manor

The next morning, as Elliott helped George get dressed, carrying his shirt and dark suit jacket, the latter noticed that the young man seemed to radiate a different kind of energy from the inside out.

It seems that the effects of that bottle of Holy Grail Spring far exceeded expectations.

"William, the pollution has been cleaned up. What are your plans for the future?"

"That's right, young master, I feel better than ever before. I can say I haven't felt this good in a year."

Elliott said with great pleasure, "I will serve the manor and you with even greater enthusiasm, and perhaps in the distant future I will be able to take over Mr. Carson's position?"

“If you ask me, you’re underestimating yourself, William,” George, adjusting his collar, suddenly spoke up. “You have talent in ‘our field,’ and your future shouldn’t be limited to being a servant—the pollution that came to you, and your long-term persistence, didn’t happen for no reason.”

"Young Master, you mean..."

George turned to Elliott: "Extraordinary power doesn't just exist in legends and imagination. The cleansing potion you took yesterday came from that. Think about it, my illness, which took me six months to barely control, was completely cured with less than half a pint of the potion. Not to mention, the Kraken and the Sirens might actually exist!"

Elliott lowered his head, his voice low: "Those powers seem...too far away for someone like me."

"Far away?" George turned around, watching Elliott adjust his cuffs, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Perhaps not."

He took the coat from Elliott, tossed it over his shoulder, and put it on himself.

“My father once told me that the path to extraordinary achievements isn’t just about bloodline or luck.” George’s voice was half-seriously, half-jokingly. “Talent, opportunity, determination—you seem to have it all.”

He walked to the full-length mirror, straightened his clothes, and glanced at himself in the mirror.

Elliott stood still, his hands clasped in front of him.

There was surprise and doubt in his eyes, but George could see a spark of fire igniting deep within them.

"Soon, William, soon you'll be able to judge for yourself whether it's truly 'out of reach' or not."

George turned around and patted Elliott on the shoulder.

"Now, let's go have breakfast."

Elliott bowed deeply and turned to leave.

The atmosphere in the restaurant was completely different from the oppressive and heavy atmosphere of the past few days.

Lady Violet sat in the main seat, looking much better than she had a few days ago. Although she still looked somewhat tired, she had regained her dignified and sharp demeanor.

Uncle Albert and Miss Kelly sat at one side of the table, discussing yesterday's Whist poker game—Uncle Albert was clearly still upset about the wins and losses of several key hands.

Frederick, however, remained silent, unmoved by the relaxed atmosphere around him, focusing only on the food on his plate.

George noticed that his younger brother would occasionally glance at him, with a look that was hard to describe.

"George," came the old lady's voice, tinged with gentle concern, "you seemed to be busy very late last night? I heard from Mrs. Hughes that the lights in the alchemy room were on until dawn."

"I'm just organizing some documents left by Father, Grandmother," George replied flawlessly. "There are some things I need to familiarize myself with as soon as possible."

"Your father..." The old lady's eyes flickered, "The matters he left behind are probably not easy."

"I'll do my best, Grandma," George said, cutting off a small piece of smoked fish and putting it in his mouth.

After breakfast, everyone dispersed in twos and threes, and George returned alone to the temporary alchemy room on the third floor.

He sat down at the table, closed his eyes, and let his consciousness sink into the card table.

The [Passion] card I obtained a few days ago has now lost its dull color and is shining with a warm glow again.

The cooling-off period has been completed.

George waved his hand in the air, and two cards flew to him.

[The Acquaintance - Elliott], and [The Resonance of Matter].

The latter is secret knowledge from the "Theory of Matter," which describes the essential laws of the material world.

Elliott's talent leaned towards "stars" and "strings," and the "resonance of matter" precisely integrates these two criteria.

After acquiring the card, George made a decision, and this morning's conversation undoubtedly resolved the final hurdle.

He focused his attention on the [Acquaintance Elliott] card.

The edge of the card glowed faintly, and a prompt appeared.

To recruit followers, you must establish something they will believe in. Please select the secret knowledge you will reveal to this person.

Without hesitation, George attached the [Matter Resonance] card to the Elliott card.

The two cards overlapped in the void, and new text immediately appeared:

This is the first person you recruited; giving him guidance will come at a price.

George had already anticipated this.

He beckoned and drew the newly restored [Passion] card, gently placing it over the overlapping cards.

A flash of red light, and the Passion card instantly dimmed, a small crack appearing on its surface, like cooled porcelain.

A new notification appears:

This person is ready and will be able to break through the veil and see the truth once the esoteric Buddhist community is established.

[You can submit any secret text to choose the corresponding savior as your object of worship, or you can temporarily set aside this section and maintain a flexible approach—this will impose limitations on the number of members in the cult.]

George pondered for a moment.

Adhering to a specific savior probably means that the religious order will develop along a clear path, and it may not be wise for a newly established community to be bound to it too early.

Since only two teammates have been confirmed so far, he has decided to put the matter on hold for the time being.

The words continue to flow:

[You don't have a location fully under your control yet; the club headquarters is only a temporary base.]

Please name your religious sect carefully.

name.

A declaration, an expectation for the future, and perhaps an understanding of the extraordinary path.

George's thoughts raced.

The power beneath the surface of this world has the flavor of the Cthulhu Mythos from a previous life, but possesses a more magnificent sense of order.

This gave him some inspiration for naming it.

George inputted into his mind:

【Holy Light】

The light shone brightly, as if the card table had been injected with new life, and intricate patterns appeared on its surface.

The new cards coalesced and took shape on the table.

【Holy Light】

[Sexual Characteristics: Esoteric Buddhist Community]

[A promising esoteric Buddhist community. The path is uncertain, resources are limited, but as a seed, there is no shortage of hope for it to sprout.]

Current followers: 1 (maximum 2)

[Current criteria tend to favor: Candle, Star, and String]

[Currently honored by Sivi: Not selected]

[Headquarters Location: Temporary Alchemy Room (Paradise Island Manor)]

George stared at the card and nodded slightly.

It was somewhat different from what he had imagined about founding a secret religious society. There was no scene of a group of people shouting something like "King is handing out candy" around a pattern drawn in blood in a dark room.

But he was more concerned about Elliott's situation, and wondered if there would be any abnormalities in the awakening of the "followers" he had inspired with the card table.

He picked up Elliott's card, and as expected, the card had changed significantly.

[The Believer - Eliot]

[Sexual Aspects: 2nd Star, 2nd String, Follower]

[Elliott was resilient and humble, able to see the hope in himself and in others.]

There was nothing unusual about the card, but seeing the actual situation was reassuring.

George quickly left the card table, exited the alchemy room, and headed downstairs.