He set the whiskey glass down upon the table, an inexplicable sense of tranquility washing over him. Strangely, despite his dislike of the awful drink, he had hardly registered the searing burn of the whiskey as it coursed down his throat.
“What is your perspective on this matter, Mr. Bolard? Should I proceed with the consumption of the jester potion?” Asher inquired, his voice unwavering and steady.
Detective Bolard regarded him with a serious demeanor, his intense gaze fixed as he reclined in his chair, contemplating the gravity of the situation.
“I trust that Henry has already conveyed the inherent dangers associated with descent. It would be wise to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of embarking into this world. Once you have arrived at your decision, there exists only a limited amount of guidance I can provide. However, I must emphasize that the firm is currently in dire need of a utility emissary with the capacity for fortune-telling. Filling this role would prove invaluable to us as a cohesive unit.
When it comes to comparing the myriad of paths available, the reality is that each one possesses its own merits and drawbacks. The jester path is particularly infamous for two notable aspects: first, their almost unparalleled survivability at the higher steps. Once they attain the later steps, they become nearly impossible to eliminate—worse than cockroaches, in fact. They can endure just about anything that comes their way. However, the cost of such formidable durability is an alarmingly elevated risk of mental collapse. I am confident the dossier addressed this issue, but to be unequivocally clear, the rate at which jesters succumb to madness is exceedingly high. While I do not possess the exact statistics, I can assure you that the likelihood of a jester losing control is almost tenfold greater than any other path, with one exception.”
“Bloody hell, it sounds bad,” Asher conceded. “But is it truly as grave as it seems? A 35% probability of delivering an accurate prediction may appear dismal, but isn’t that effectively 35% better than what one would normally expect? If I amalgamate that with my own analytical skills, I could likely enhance my chances even further. Moreover, at the higher steps, this ability might transform into an invaluable asset. The tightrope walker ability also—initially appearing inconsequential—could very well be a life-saving skill. The agility it affords me could prove crucial in perilous situations. The potential inherent in the second step of the jester path seems exceptionally powerful as well.
Perhaps I am underestimating the alternative paths due to my ignorance, but I must contemplate the long-term ramifications. Will I even survive long enough to acquire the merits necessary for transitioning to another path? Tomorrow, Henry and I will be hunting down Step 9 Descenders…”
Having come to a resolution, Asher directed his attention toward Mr. Bolard, determination evident in his expression.
“I have made my decision. I wish to ingest the jester potion, Mr. Bolard.”
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Bolard appeared unfazed by Asher’s choice, an understanding gleam in his eye.
“Very well. Proceed to Henry’s office and await my return. I shall gather the requisite ingredients for your potion. You will be responsible for brewing it yourself, but rest assured that Henry will be available for assistance should you require it.”
Asher sat quietly in Henry's office, mentally preparing himself for the descent ahead.
Henry, seemingly irritated by Asher’s presence, muttered, “Can’t you two handle anything on your own?”
“Old man, don’t you have anything you could share with me before I embark on this journey?” Asher pressed.
“It’s not particularly complex, kid. You will either lose control, or you will transform into a jester. The sole barrier between you and the metamorphosis into a monster will be your willpower. This is especially crucial during the potion consumption phase, but it remains equally vital thereafter. You must consistently maintain a robust enough will to counteract the influence exerted by the potion. If it offers you any solace, I believe you will manage. The likelihood of losing control diminishes with proper potion composition as well as spirit essence condensation—both of which you enjoy the privilege of. If you need reassurance, the chances of you devolving into a monster are probably only about 70%.”
Asher processed this information, realizing that the training he had undergone was designed not only to fortify his will but also to protect him from himself.
“I see, yes, that certainly provides some comfort... But would it kill you to offer a kind word every now and again, you stingy old man?”
At that moment, the door swung open, and Mr. Bolard entered the room, a small chest tucked under his arm. He handed it to Asher, then exchanged a solemn glance with Henry, who nodded in response. Henry walked to his desk and retrieved a revolver, methodically loading it with silver bullets embossed with intricate black lettering. Asher squinted, attempting to decipher the script from his position, suspecting it bore a message blessed by the church—likely inscribed with a sacred liquid imbued with spiritual energy.
Mr. Bolard then withdrew a piece of parchment from his suit jacket, presenting it to Asher.
“When you have completed your task, you must burn this paper. It is beneficial to anchor yourself to something or someone. For me, that anchor is my wife, Sharon. I am unsure what that might be for you, but I encourage you to contemplate it. What holds the utmost importance in your life? Use that as a shield to stabilize yourself amid the tumultuous winds of your mind.
I wish you the best of luck, Asher.”
Mr. Bolard’s demeanor remained unaffected by the somber atmosphere that lingered after Henry’s words. He smiled, grasping Asher’s shoulder in a firm yet supportive manner, a chuckle escaping his lips.
“I distinctly remember shaking like a leaf just like you.”
With that, he turned and ambled out of the room, whistling a lighthearted tune as he made his way toward the lobby.
Asher placed the chest on the coffee table, which had served as his makeshift office.
“It wasn’t much, but it was his own!”
He opened the envelope Mr. Bolard had entrusted to him and withdrew the aged parchment contained within. Asher sipped his coffee, hoping to expel the lingering effects of the whiskey he had consumed in Mr. Bolard’s office.
Jester Potion Step 9
Ingredients:
Goblin Shaman's Heart
Farseer Anglerfish's Eyes and Brain
50 ml of Witch's Hazel
2 Four-Leafed Clovers
Asher examined the contents of the chest, ensuring that all necessary ingredients were present. After confirming, he retrieved the cauldron and set it near the pestle and mortar he had procured from one of Henry's shelves at his insistence.