Chapter Six: The Tarot Society

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Next came the discussion between Audrey and Alger about potions and official extraordinaries. Not only did they fail to extract any useful information from Klein, but they also ended up giving “Mr. Fool” a thorough lesson in the common knowledge of the extraordinary world.

In the end, Alger shattered the girl’s illusions with a simple phrase: “Who doesn’t want to become extraordinary without paying a price?” Audrey couldn’t help but puff out her cheeks in frustration.

After another dozen breaths of silence, Alger finally couldn’t contain himself. With “Mr. Fool’s” approval, he carefully said, “I actually have two Potion Grade 9 formulas on hand.”

Audrey clearly knew what Grade 9 meant. Under the confused gaze of “Mr. Fool,” she happily asked, “Really? Which two?”

Alger first gave a serious explanation of the worldview, then introduced Audrey to the two Grade 9 potions: Sailor and Spectator.

At that moment, Selris, who had been quietly bickering with the husky and making little noise, suddenly asserted his presence: “You two, I also have a few Grade 9 formulas here. Hmm… let me see… Diviner, Praiser, Mortician, Hunter, Apothecary… roughly these.”

He wanted to see if, with his slight intervention, Miss Justice would continue down the path of the Spectator.

Although he hadn’t memorized them deliberately while reading, he could recall when needed. The Iron Collapse realm had many clever gadgets similar to the Pensieve in Harry Potter, and methods for extracting memories were not lacking.

Pulling out five different potion formulas at once stunned everyone present, evoking the classic feeling of an old-school, over-the-top hero story. If Alger had suddenly had a brainwave and let Selris show off and slap down someone, it would have been even more fitting.

Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Alger quietly looked at Audrey, waiting for her to make a choice.

[Alger, oh Alger, look at you now—there’s not a trace of the storm-born spirit left! You should really learn a thing or two from Master Luo.]

Facing this “selection ceremony,” Audrey’s eyes flickered between Selris and Alger, hesitating for a long while before saying, “I think I prefer the feeling of being a Spectator.” She then turned to Alger, “What should I offer you in exchange?”

“Miss Justice ultimately chose the Spectator. So, is it truly Audrey’s preference, or is there some fate or higher power at play?” Selris propped his head with one hand, pondering this question.

Alger seemed prepared, replying solemnly, “Blood of the Ghost Shark, at least 100 milliliters.”

Audrey nodded excitedly at first, then asked with concern, “If I can obtain it—if—I should say—how do I give it to you? And how can I be sure that after you receive the Ghost Shark blood, you’ll give me the potion formula, and that the formula is genuine?”

Alger’s tone was casual: “I’ll give you an address. When I receive the Ghost Shark blood, I’ll either mail the formula back to you or tell you directly here. As for guarantees, I think if this mysterious gentleman serves as witness, both you and I will feel sufficiently assured.”

As he said this, his gaze shifted to Klein, who sat at the head of the table: “Sir, you brought us here, possessing unimaginable power beyond our understanding. Your witness is something neither she nor I would dare to defy.”

[What’s this? A test?]

“Yeah, probably testing if Klein can pull him up again, and earlier ignoring Klein’s business talk was likely testing Klein’s tolerance. If Audrey is simply innocent, then Alger’s early boldness was truly reckless.”

[Sailor’s path, cut him some slack.]

“Exactly!” Audrey’s eyes brightened in agreement, showing not a hint of self-awareness about being a pawn. To her, this mysterious gentleman with unfathomable means was indeed an “authoritative” witness. Neither she nor the guy opposite would dare deceive him!

Half-turning, Audrey sincerely looked at Klein: “Sir, please be the witness to our transaction.” Only then did she realize she’d forgotten to ask a certain question out of politeness, quickly adding, “Sir, how should we address you?”

Alger nodded slightly and solemnly asked as well: “Sir, how should we address you?”

Klein was momentarily stunned, his fingers tapping lightly on the bronze table. Suddenly, memories of prior divinations flashed through his mind.

[Oh, here it comes—a classic moment.]

Reclining slightly, Klein withdrew his right hand, interlaced his fingers beneath his chin, and smiled at the two: “You may call me…” He paused, then spoke softly and calmly:

“The Fool.”

[Ah~ That’s satisfying~ The classic moment of Lord Fool fills me with contentment, I can’t help but hum softly~]

“Oh, that hum is so cliché, just like Uncle Jack’s apple pie next door—terrible. If you say that again, I swear I’ll kick your drum skin with my boots. Believe me, I will.”

[Hey, buddy, your damn translator tone is as disgusting as Mrs. Yuen’s sexy black stockings next door. Oh, Merlin’s JK skirt, you’re really gross.]

The brief answer soon faded into the grandeur of the temple and the drifting mist, but in Audrey and Alger’s hearts, that voice echoed long, stirring ripple after ripple.

Though unexpected, they felt such a mysterious figure’s title should sound exactly like that—perfectly embodying mystery, power, and strangeness!

Suddenly, Selris’s delighted laughter interrupted Audrey’s next move:

“Ah ha, dear Mr. Fool. What a wonderful coincidence. See, you are the Fool, and I am a Masked Fool. Hmm, maybe we were family thousands of years ago~”

“Masked Fool…” Alger silently repeated the phrase, then suddenly seemed to realize something. He turned to Selris: “Perhaps this so-called Masked Fool is part of an organization Mr. Fool once founded. He seems not to know Mr. Fool… so their connection was severed for some reason. Now, Mr. Fool has brought that person here, maybe to regain control of the organization… Truly a big shot.”

Klein and Audrey were equally stunned. Audrey looked innocently at Mr. Fool, hoping to hear a response from the mysterious figure.

Klein had little time to ponder. His mind raced swiftly, devising a countermeasure. He smiled lightly and said, “Who can say for sure about such things?”

He chose to answer ambiguously and brush it off.

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“Oh, well…” Selris appeared somewhat disappointed. “I just…” He seemed about to say something but glanced at Audrey and Alger. “No, never mind.”

[Heh, being a riddler is fun.]

Selris glanced at the respectful Alger and thought to himself, “Heh, he believes it, he really believes it.”

[So fun, big boss dice is fun.]

After a brief silence, to avoid an awkward pause, Audrey stood up, lifted her skirt slightly, bent her knees, and bowed to Klein: “Respected Mr. Fool, may I presumptuously ask you to witness our transaction?”

“A minor matter.” Klein’s mind turned rapidly, responding in a manner befitting his identity.

“It is our honor, Mr. Fool.” Alger also stood, placing his right hand over his chest and bowing. To avoid feeling left out, Selris stood and bowed as well.

Klein pressed his right hand down in the air and smiled: “Continue.”

Alger nodded, sat down again, glanced at Selris, then back at Audrey: “If you can get the Ghost Shark blood, find someone to deliver it to the ‘Warrior and Sea’ bar on Pelican Street, White Rose District, Pritz Port. Tell the owner Williams it’s for ‘Captain.’”

He paused, then asked, “After I confirm, do you want to give me an address to send the potion formula, or should I tell you directly here?”

Audrey thought for a moment, then smiled: “I choose the more confidential way—right here, though it tests my memory. Since Mr. Fool agreed to witness the transaction, it means there will be more similar ‘gatherings.’”

Thinking this, she turned her head suddenly, her eyes shining brightly as she looked at Klein and proposed with interest:

“Mr. Fool, would you mind having a few more ‘tries’ like this?”

Alger listened steadily, moved as well, quickly adding, “Mr. Fool, don’t you think such ‘gatherings’ are interesting? Though your power surpasses our imagination, there are always areas you don’t understand or excel at. That noble-born lady opposite and the self-proclaimed Masked Fool might assist you in certain matters. I also have my own experiences, insights, channels, and resources. Perhaps in the future, we can help you with trivial tasks inconvenient for you to handle personally.”

From his perspective, since he was brought here defenseless and without resistance, the initiative lay with the mysterious Mr. Fool. Refusing or declining future gatherings might not succeed. So, it was better to explore the benefits deeply and compensate for passivity and disadvantage with gains.

The four around the table came from different backgrounds, possessed different resources, had various channels for information, and understood different mysterious realms. If they exchanged and cooperated, even if limited, the effect would be immeasurable.

For example, the resource exchange just agreed upon. Or if he wanted someone eliminated, he could enlist a “gathering” member who had no apparent or real connection, perfectly misleading the matter elsewhere.

A noble-born lady… Is my accent that obvious? Audrey’s mouth half-opened, stunned briefly, but she quickly regained composure and nodded decisively: “Mr. Fool, I think this is a great proposal. As long as the ‘gathering’ becomes regular, there are things you cannot handle personally that can be entrusted to us, of course within our abilities.”

“Yes, Mr. Fool, we Masked Fools are known for being efficient and decisive. And think about it, Masked Fools helping the Fool—that’s quite interesting.” Selris eagerly chimed in.

[Efficient and decisive? Huh? What the hell are you doing? Is this still the Masked Fool?]

“Known for… where?” Alger considered the implications of Selris’s words. “Could it be an organization from the Quaternary period or even earlier? Or perhaps the Godforsaken Lands?”

[Non-Gang +1+1+1]

Since earlier, Klein had been weighing pros and cons. More “gatherings” would indeed bring more extraordinary secrets and mystical knowledge, aiding future time travel. For instance, the “Spectator” potion formula expected to appear at the next gathering. Similarly, it could provide information and assistance for current reality. However, more gatherings also risked exposing his true nature.

He glanced discreetly at Selris, recalling his hesitant gesture earlier, feeling somewhat uneasy about the possibility of impersonating some big shot.

Indeed, no matter the world, nothing exists that’s purely beneficial… Klein tapped his fingers lightly on the table edge again.

Considering that he controlled the assembly and dismissal of the “gatherings,” any exposure would remain manageable. The benefits clearly outweighed the drawbacks. Klein quickly made a decision. He stopped tapping and smiled at the six pairs of expectant yet anxious eyes:

“I am a man who likes equal exchange. I won’t let you help me unconditionally. Every Monday at 3 PM, try to be alone. After I make several attempts and clarify some matters, perhaps you can take leave in advance and not worry about inappropriate situations.”

This was his agreement to the trio’s proposal.

Audrey, freshly seventeen and much cared for, with a strong girlish nature, clenched her fists and lightly waved them twice at her chest upon hearing Mr. Fool’s answer.

“Should we give ourselves titles too? After all, we can’t communicate using our real names.” Without waiting for Alger, she said excitedly, her eyes sparkling.

Although Mr. Fool might already know her true identity, the other two were dangerous; they must not know who she really was!

“Fine.” Klein answered briefly and lightly.

Audrey immediately let her thoughts flow and said while pondering, “You are Mr. Fool, from the Tarot cards. Since this is a regular, long-term, secret ‘gathering,’ our titles should be consistent. Hmm, I’ll pick mine from the Tarot cards too.”

Her tone gradually brightened: “Decided, my title is ‘Justice’! It’s one of the twenty-one Major Arcana cards.”

Miss Justice officially debuted!

“Then what about you two gentlemen?” Audrey smiled sweetly at her “companions.”

Alger frowned briefly, then relaxed: “The Hanged Man.”

Another Major Arcana card.

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Then both turned their gaze to Selris.

[Queen! High Priestess!]

“Then I’ll be… The Devil,” Selris said, stroking his chin.

“Great, then we’re founding members of the Tarot Society!” Audrey blurted happily, then shyly looked at Klein, shrouded in gray-white mist, “Is that alright, Mr. Fool?”

Klein shook his head amusedly: “Such minor matters, you may decide for yourselves.”

“Thank you!” Audrey was clearly excited.

[Your uncle spoils your dad.]

Then she looked at Alger: “Mr. Hanged Man, could you repeat the address again? I’m afraid I won’t remember it well.”

“No problem.” Alger was quite pleased with Audrey’s seriousness and repeated it once more.

After silently repeating it three times, Audrey enthusiastically asked, “I heard the Tarot cards were just a game invented by Emperor Rosell and don’t actually have divination power?”

“No, often divination comes from within. Everyone has spirituality and can connect with the spirit world, higher levels of information, though ordinary people can’t perceive or interpret these ‘hints.’ When they use divination tools, these messages manifest through the tools. A simple example is dreams and dream interpretation.” Alger glanced at Klein, who gave no indication, so he refuted Audrey’s statement, “Tarot cards belong to this category. They use more symbolism and rational elements to help us interpret ‘hints’ more conveniently and accurately.”

Klein appeared casual but listened intently. At this moment, Klein’s spiritual energy should have been nearly depleted, but thanks to Selris’s prior assistance, he only felt a slight prickling between his brows.

“I see.” Audrey nodded in agreement, then emphasized, “I didn’t mean to question the Tarot cards. I heard Emperor Rosell actually made another deck—secret, symbolizing some unknown powers, with twenty-two cards. After completing it, he referenced it to invent the twenty-two Major Arcana cards of the Tarot as a game tool. Is that accurate?”

She looked at Klein, seemingly hoping to hear an answer from the mysterious Mr. Fool.

Klein only smiled and didn’t speak, glancing over at “The Devil” and “The Hanged Man,” as if testing them.

[That day, Selris recalled the terror of being dominated by Doctor Truth.]

“Shut up, if you keep that up, I’ll quiz you.”

Alger instinctively straightened his back like a student called on by the teacher and said solemnly, “Yes, it’s said Emperor Rosell saw the Blasphemous Tablets. That deck hides the secret of the twenty-two paths of God.”

“The twenty-two paths of God…” Audrey repeated with longing in her voice.

“So, do you know which the twenty-two paths are?” Her eyes sparkled like gems.

“Well… I only know a few, and they’re incomplete… maybe even inaccurate…” Alger felt embarrassed.

“I know,” Selris joined the conversation, “So what are you willing to trade? Mr. Fool said it must be equal exchange.”

At that moment, Klein’s headache intensified, feeling the invisible link between the Crimson Star and gray-white mist shake.

“Alright, let today’s gathering end here,” he decisively said in a low voice.

“Very well, dear Mr. Fool~” Selris stood and performed an exit bow.

“As you wish.” Alger rose and bowed deeply.

“As you wish.” Audrey imitated “The Hanged Man.” She still had many questions and ideas, reluctant to end.

As Klein severed the connection, he smiled: “Let us look forward to the next gathering.”

The “star” brightened again, the crimson glow shrinking like water. The three just heard Mr. Fool’s words as their figures blurred, becoming more ethereal.

In less than a second, the “projection” shattered, and silence returned above the gray mist.