Chapter 55: The Hanged Man's Reward

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Alger continued, "The negative effect of the white cane is that it makes one prone to anger, often leading to irrational decisions driven by that anger. However, if you make an effort to control yourself, the negative effect can generally be avoided."

Hobert speculated that the Beyonder properties of the cane likely came from the Pathway of the "Sailor," specifically from Sequence 8, Folk of Rage. While the abilities of the cane were appealing to Hobert, the negative effect left him dissatisfied.

One had to remember, an irrational choice could be fatal in many situations.

Seeing that the Emperor was still not satisfied, Alger spoke for a third time, "The third option is a silver ring. Once you wear it, you will become an expert in combat.

"The negative effect is that the wearer will become overly cautious, to the point of appearing paranoid. This negative effect can be mitigated by ignoring the cautionary thoughts triggered by the ring, but it takes time to discern which thoughts are genuinely cautious and which are caused by the ring."

Hobert massaged his forehead. To him, the negative effects of all three Beyonder items were significant, which suggested that the "wild artisan" collaborating with the Hanged Man was quite mediocre.

This thought occurred to Hobert after experiencing the negative effects of the Spirit Necklace. For other Beyonders, these negative effects were likely acceptable. After all, gaining a new ability always came with a price.

After much consideration, Hobert finally said, "I'll take the ring. Caution is better than anger."

Alger nodded, "Alright, how should I get it to you?"

At this point, The Fool hadn't yet set up a "Fool's Courier Service," but Hobert already had a plan, "You can send it to 388 Empress Avenue, Backlund, and address it to 'Private'."

This address belonged to a mercenary club. Hobert planned to have a steward receive the package, which he would then collect himself.

From yesterday's gathering, Hobert had surmised that the mercenary club was likely affiliated with and supported by the Loen royal family. Even if other members of the Tarot Club found this address, the special nature of the club would make it difficult for them to uncover his identity.

Even if someone managed to investigate the club, they would probably assume Hobert was military personnel, as the club's core members were a team of mercenaries composed of retired officers.

Audrey straightened up in her seat. She was very familiar with Empress Avenue! It was lined with properties owned by the nobles of the Loen Kingdom. Could it be that The Emperor was of noble descent? Had she ever crossed paths with him at a party? Why, then, did she have no memory of the owner of 388?

Hearing such a specific address, Alger also planned to ask his friends in Backlund to investigate The Emperor's identity. However, he figured The Emperor wouldn't expose himself so easily.

"No problem," Alger said. "Luckily, I heard that a military airship headed to Backlund is stopping to refuel on my island. If all goes well, you'll have it in two to three days."

With the transaction completed, the information exchange began.

Hobert spoke first, "I've recently met a merchant who sells Beyonder materials. If anyone needs such materials, I can act as a broker and only charge a basic fee.

"Also, during my dealings with this merchant, I learned that in Tingen City, there's an elderly official Beyonder who has been purchasing materials related to life alchemy.

"The merchant said this individual seems to be a Mystery Pryer, preparing for some kind of dark ritual, and that their condition appears to be deteriorating.

"If anyone is in Tingen City, be careful. If you have the right channels, you might want to alert the local official Beyonders."

As Hobert said this, he tried hard not to look at The Fool's reaction.

Thanks to the mist obscuring everything, no one could see The Fool's current expression, but Hobert knew that The Fool was surely listening intently.

Finally, Hobert sighed, "Losing control is the norm for Beyonders, even official Beyonders can't escape this fate."

Alger turned to the Emperor and said, "This is what I can't understand. Logically, the higher-ups of the Church can't all be idiots, right? Plus, they've had thousands of years of accumulated experience. The seven major churches should all know about the 'acting method,' so why don't they disclose it within their ranks? It would effectively prevent their own people from losing control."

Hobert smiled, "Hanged Man, you don't need to probe me like this. Yes, just as you've guessed, it's the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Indestructibility."

Alger immediately looked at The Fool, seemingly seeking confirmation.

But the great Fool could only offer a wry smile: That's exactly what confuses me! However, the mention of the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Indestructibility does inspire me with a new line of thought.

Seeing that The Fool didn't correct the Emperor, Alger chuckled, "Emperor, I wasn't testing you. I simply wasn't certain of my guess."

Audrey felt that ever since The Emperor joined, the Tarot Club's information exchange had suddenly become much more advanced.

However, this only exposed her own lack of knowledge about mysticism. She wanted to join the conversation, "Mr. Emperor, what exactly is the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Indestructibility?"

Hobert smiled, "Miss Justice, it seems you still owe me some compensation from last time."

"Indeed," Audrey replied. "Including the reward for this explanation, how about 600 pounds?"

Hobert nearly choked on his own saliva. Young lady, do you have money burning a hole in your pocket? 600 pounds, just like that! Have you forgotten? At A's gathering, I haggled with one of the Giant Bishop's men for ages, and it was only worth 150 pounds!

He thought back to his battle with Xio, where they had risked their lives, only for his fortune to reach about 500 pounds. And now, because of Justice's curiosity, his wealth was about to double!

However, Hobert realized that while the Beyonder Characteristics Indestructibility might be common knowledge to him, it was indeed worth a lot to someone like Audrey, a noblewoman who couldn't access official Beyonder circles.

The clever use of abilities like "overcoming one's past self" was one thing, but the Beyonder Characteristics Indestructibility was high-end knowledge.

Seeing Hobert deep in thought, Audrey quickly added, "If you think the price is too low, we can negotiate."

"The price is just right." Hobert began to explain, "This knowledge has always been monopolized by the churches and secret organizations, but it's a vital law in the Beyonder world. And despite its importance, it's quite simple to explain:

"Beyonder Characteristics do not disappear, they don't diminish, they simply transfer from one vessel to another.

"For example, the ring that the Hanged Man is sending me possesses Beyonder abilities because it holds the Beyonder Characteristics of a 'Warrior' or 'Melee Scholar.' Once I wear it, I can use a portion of those Beyonder abilities."

Audrey seemed to suddenly grasp something, "Then, then does that mean Beyonders are also vessels?"