Sharing Information

Advice? My advice is to stay as far away as possible and prioritize safety... Klein immediately concluded in his mind upon hearing Derrick's question.

However, in order to maintain the "Fool's" image and observe what other suggestions might arise, he chose to remain silent and refrained from manipulating the "World" to speak.

Ebner, on the other hand, knew that despite Shepherd Elder Lovia's devotion to the Fallen Creator, her allegiance to the City of Silver remained paramount—much like Derrick's faith in the Fool.

Yet, Lovia's loyalty to the City of Silver didn't mean she bore no malice toward Derrick. In the original timeline, many of her teammates on expeditions had succumbed to madness and corruption.

However, Ebner didn't step forward to teach Derrick how to evade the mission. Both as "Tower" and "Doctor Strange," he preferred to maintain a level of detachment. This kind of "cunning advice" was better left to someone like the "Hanged Man."

"Judgment" Xio had a few thoughts as well, gathered from her time among some loafing colleagues at MI9. However, such pragmatic tactics didn't fit the "haughty young lady" persona she had cultivated, so she kept quiet.

"Magician" Fors, being perpetually nonchalant, had no experience Derrick could draw upon.

After a brief silence, Alger, the "Hanged Man," turned to Derrick and said in a calm, low tone:

"You've given us too little information to offer any useful advice."

Derrick nodded and gazed upward for a moment before recounting what the City of Silver's chief had discovered in the Fallen Creator's temple.

Since Derrick had not personally participated in the exploration, his knowledge was limited to the details in the mission report, which lacked precision.

Even so, his account revealed several notable details:

The temple contained records of apocalyptic prophecies and blood sacrifices meant to deliver believers.One mural corner bore the evolved Giant script for the term "Redemption Rose."The murals themselves were at least a millennium old.

Derrick also briefly mentioned the Six-Person Council's progress in clearing the ruins of the city-state and the surface of the temple, before repeating his question:

"Our mission is to explore the underground sections of the temple.

"Based on your knowledge of the Fallen Creator, what should I watch out for?"

"My advice?" Alger said almost immediately. "Don't go at all!"

With a somber tone, he outlined the severe risks of exploring the Fallen Creator's temple under Lovia's leadership.

Such a conclusion didn't need Derrick to share so much detail... Ah, I see. Alger was using the opportunity to gather intelligence! Truly cunning… though it feels a bit like bullying a naive child.

At the head of the table, Klein shook his head slightly while turning his thoughts toward the term "Redemption Rose." His brows furrowed as he pondered: What could that mean?

Meanwhile, Derrick hesitated for a few seconds before replying with difficulty:

"But the mission is mandatory."

Alger chuckled lowly, sensing the situation had entered familiar territory. In a meaningful tone, he remarked,

"Nothing is truly mandatory."

What followed was a masterclass in cunning tactics. Alger demonstrated how to rationalize avoiding missions while maintaining peace of mind.

Through a combination of "sustained spiritual expenditure to feign losing control" and "reframing responsibility as serving the City of Silver better by avoiding the mission," Alger skillfully swayed Derrick.

By the end of Alger's "lesson," Derrick looked dazed but determined. Finally, he bit his lip and nodded emphatically.

"I understand!

"Thank you, Mr. Hanged Man."

Ah, an earnest and upright child corrupted by a sly old fox... Alger, why are you so adept at this?! Klein sighed inwardly.

Audrey, the "Justice," was similarly stunned. She felt she had learned a valuable, albeit morally ambiguous, lesson.

Xio, the "Judgment," let out a soft sigh, thinking: Roselle's remark that 'all crows are equally black' rings true. It seems the Church of the Storms is no better than MI9.

Fors struggled to keep from covering her face. Derrick might actually be easier to mislead than Xio!

Ebner, meanwhile, deliberated whether to warn Derrick about Amon. Ultimately, he decided to hold back.

With Amon, ignorance is safety. If Derrick becomes more alert due to my warning, he might attract Amon's attention, posing a greater danger to himself and possibly even Mr. Fool.

After Klein inevitably encounters Amon, I can revisit the topic and raise awareness during the next Tarot gathering.

While Ebner pondered, Klein saw that Derrick's issue was settled and had the "World" make a request:

"I have a question for Mr. Sun.

"It may involve a trade.

"I request a private conversation."

Switching back to himself, Klein nodded indifferently and said,

"Granted."

After observing this "performance" and sensing the veil of privacy, Ebner felt his fatigued mind ease slightly. He mused: Klein's execution of this maneuver is becoming increasingly seamless.

Combining this with the original storyline, Ebner surmised that Klein intended to ask about methods to cleanse Beyonder characteristics of contamination. That Klein didn't approach him likely stemmed from thinking he couldn't offer Ebner anything worthwhile in exchange.

Klein, you overthink things… If you'd simply asked, I would have told you. This will eventually become common knowledge anyway.

As Ebner's thoughts wandered, the private conversation between the "World" and the "Sun" concluded.

Audrey discreetly observed for a while but couldn't determine whether the "World" was satisfied with the exchange. However, Derrick seemed both slightly embarrassed and oddly invigorated.

As expected, Mr. World's pathway counters mine, Audrey concluded with a soft sigh.

Xio broke the silence by elegantly asking about the "Judge" materials she needed, revisiting a topic that had previously yielded no responses.

To her surprise, the "World" replied in his hoarse voice:

"I've found a lead on the 'Gondola's Golden Feather.' I'll need to confirm it next week, so be ready with the payment."

This information came from Sharon's earlier update. Among Klein's inquiries, only the feather and a Roselle manuscript had promising leads. These would be relayed after dealing with the Sensualists' pursuers.

"Understood." Xio's eyes curved into a delighted smile. Without the gray fog obscuring her expression, Fors would undoubtedly have recognized her usual demeanor.

A Sequence 6 material like the "Golden Feather" was worth at least 2,000 pounds. Xio didn't have that amount saved, but she planned to borrow from MI9 or Ebner if necessary. Thus, she confidently projected an air of wealth.

This misled members like the "Hanged Man," who further entrenched their belief that Xio was a noblewoman turned MI9 operative.

Meanwhile, Klein, knowing Xio's true background, couldn't help but grumble internally: She's more committed to her act than I am. Does the Arbiter pathway also grant a knack for roles like "Clown," "Magician," or "Faceless"?

With the trades concluded, the Tarot gathering entered its casual discussion phase. After Alger shared some amusing maritime anecdotes, Ebner steered the conversation:

"Last week, an Elven temple appeared in the northern waters near Olavi Island.

"It's the 'Trial Temple' of the Elven race.

"Legend has it that it was once overseen by the subordinate god of the Elf King, the 'God of Luck.'"

(End of chapter)