Chapter 78: The Mind Reader Lady

Before this, Alger had never imagined a mystical object that could contain a "world" within it. He couldn't even picture what such an object might look like. However, his intuition told him that the item the Mad Captain was searching for was likely connected to the "Painting World" that Ashes was seeking.

Hearing the information Alger provided, Ashes pondered for a moment before asking, "Mr. Hanged Man, do you know who is backing the Mad Captain?"

Alger's words piqued Ashes' interest. After all, Archbishop Anthony had recently mentioned rumors related to the Painting World out at sea. It was highly likely that this "Mad Captain" had clues about the Painting World.

"Yes," Alger nodded lightly. "The Mad Captain is under the command of 'Disease Maiden' Tracy. Although I've never met this Disease Maiden nor do I know her sequence, I am certain she is a Sequence 5 Beyonder."

After a pause, Alger continued, "As one of the few female pirate captains, Disease Maiden is quite popular among pirates. Although anyone who gets close to her inevitably contracts a disease, many pirates are still drawn to her."

"It's said that this Disease Maiden has an extraordinary charm that attracts men."

Alger hesitated for a moment before adding, "There's also an unverified rumor that someone once referred to her as a witch, which might be related to her sequence."

Alger had obviously anticipated Ashes' questions and calmly shared all the information he knew. Of course, the information he had was not extensive. After all, he was only a Sequence 7, not yet qualified to interact directly with those at the Sequence 5 level. Most of his knowledge came from rumors circulating among pirates, though he had carefully verified their credibility before sharing them.

"A witch? That would be the Assassin sequence," Ashes mused aloud before asking, "Mr. Hanged Man, can you track down this Disease Maiden?"

"…"

Alger fell silent. He was just a Sequence 7; wasn't Ashes expecting too much of him?

"I can provide you with the formula for Sequence 6, 'Wind's Blessed,' right now," Ashes offered calmly. "You don't need to pay any additional price for this formula. All I ask is that you give me the pituitary gland of the Seven-Colored Lizard while continuing to investigate any information related to the Disease Maiden."

"Deal!" Alger agreed without hesitation, his heart stirred. After all, he was already out at sea, so investigating the Disease Maiden was just a small additional task for him. As for the Seven-Colored Lizard's pituitary gland, it was clearly something Ashes was securing for Miss Justice. But compared to the 'Wind's Blessed' formula, its value was negligible. The Sequence 6 potion formula was something rare and valuable, far more so than the pituitary gland or the task of tracking the Disease Maiden.

Klein watched the two complete their transaction, then manifested paper and pen in front of Ashes. After Ashes wrote down the potion formula, Klein pushed it toward Alger.

"Sequence 6, Wind's Blessed. Main ingredients: Six crystalline feathers of the Blue Shadow Falcon, and a pair of Dragon-Eye Sea Eagle's eyeballs."

Holding the 'Wind's Blessed' formula, Alger couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The main ingredients for the potion were crucial, and seeing these two listed components, Alger realized that he already had a lead on the Blue Shadow Falcon. All he needed now were the Dragon-Eye Sea Eagle's eyeballs. Although he had no leads on the latter at the moment, he wasn't in a hurry. He was still a Sequence 7 "Navigator" and had only recently learned about the acting method. It would take him at least two more months to fully digest the potion, giving him ample time to gather the remaining ingredient.

After confirming that no one else had any trades or requests, Mr. Fool prepared to conclude the Tarot Meeting.

"Mr. Lovers," Audrey suddenly spoke before the meeting ended, "Can you come to my house this afternoon?"

"Alright," Ashes responded, slightly surprised, but nodded lightly.

Klein's expression became somewhat odd, but he still sent everyone back from above the gray fog.

After the others had left, Klein, now alone above the gray fog, rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. Although only his soul had ascended to this place, he still habitually made the gesture. On the one hand, he was mentally fatigued from conducting the Tarot Meeting, which consumed a lot of spirituality. On the other hand, he felt troubled by Miss Justice's sudden request at the end. He had originally planned to visit Ashes in the afternoon, but now that seemed unlikely, and he would have to postpone it until tomorrow. Although it wasn't urgent, it still left him feeling somewhat resigned.

"It seems it can only wait until tomorrow," Klein thought.

At that moment, he suddenly received a prayer from Alger. The sacrificial ceremony had begun.

…

Meanwhile, complying with Audrey's request, Ashes arrived at the Hall family's luxurious villa in the Queen's District after the Tarot Meeting. Treated with the utmost respect by the servants and butlers, as if he were the master of the house, he was led to the second floor, where he stopped outside Audrey's boudoir. In the corridor, a large golden retriever loyally guarded the door, watching the passing servants. But when Ashes approached, the dog obediently stepped aside. Although it was just a dog, Ashes couldn't shake the feeling that its gaze was filled with meaning.

"Knock, knock, knock~"

"Come in," came the clear, sweet voice of the young lady from inside.

Ashes entered the room, closing the door behind him. Audrey was sitting by the bed, holding a constantly color-changing, rugged object—the pituitary gland of the Seven-Colored Lizard.

"Do you need help?" Ashes asked proactively.

"Yes," Audrey nodded eagerly, her excitement barely contained.

(End of Chapter)

60PWS = Extra Chapter