Chapter 7: The Fool's virtual conference.
Dipak felt the weight of Audrey and Alger's expectant gazes upon him. The swirling grey fog seemed to pulse with anticipation, matching the rapid beating of his heart. Drawing on his newfound Acting skill and the confidence boost from his improved stats, he spoke in a calm, measured tone that seemed to resonate with the very fog around them.
"You may address me as... The Fool."
As soon as the words left his lips, Dipak felt a strange resonance within himself, as if the name had awakened something dormant. A new notification appeared in his vision:
[Skill Unlocked: Mystical Identity (Level 1)]
Audrey's eyes widened with a mixture of awe and curiosity. "The Fool," she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "How intriguing!"
Alger, more composed but clearly impressed, gave a slight nod. "A powerful title, sir. It suits this mystical gathering."
Dipak maintained his enigmatic smile, even though his mind raced with the implications of this new development. He had taken his first real step into this world of Beyonders and mysteries. Whatever came next, he was now The Fool, and he would play the part to the best of his abilities.
Audrey leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Mr. Fool, would you be willing to witness our trade? Your presence would ensure neither of us violates our agreement."
Alger nodded in agreement. "Indeed, having you as a witness would be most reassuring."
Dipak considered for a moment, then inclined his head slightly. "Very well. I shall bear witness to your exchange."
[Skill Improved: Negotiation (Level 2)]
As Alger began to explain the intricacies of their trade - Ghost Shark blood for a Spectator potion formula - Dipak listened intently, filing away every piece of information for future reference. The complexity of this world continued to astound him.
"We'll conduct the actual exchange during future gatherings," Alger concluded. "It's safer that way."
Audrey's face lit up at the mention of future gatherings. "Oh! Mr. Fool, would you consider making these meetings a regular occurrence? We could assist you with your endeavours in return for your guidance and knowledge."
Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.
[Skill Unlocked: Gathering Management (Level 1)]
Dipak felt a mix of excitement and trepidation at the proposal. Regular meetings could provide him with invaluable information and allies, but they also meant maintaining his mysterious persona consistently. After a moment's consideration, he nodded.
"Your proposal has merit," he said, his voice carrying an authority he didn't entirely feel. "We shall convene every Monday at 3 PM. Your assistance will be... rewarded."
[Skill Improved: Authority (Level 2)]
Audrey clapped her hands together, barely containing her enthusiasm. "Wonderful! Oh, I have an idea. Since you're The Fool, why don't we all adopt call signs based on tarot cards? It would add to the mystique of our gatherings."
Alger raised an eyebrow but didn't object. "An interesting suggestion. What did you have in mind?"
"Well," Audrey said, tapping her chin thoughtfully, "I think I'd like to be 'Justice.' It represents fairness and truth, which aligns with my goals."
Alger considered for a moment before speaking. "Then I shall be 'The Hanged Man.' It symbolises sacrifice and a different perspective, which suits my role."
Dipak nodded approvingly, impressed by their quick adoption of the tarot theme. "Very well. Justice and The Hanged Man, welcome to... the Tarot Club."
[Skill Unlocked: Tarot Knowledge (Level 1)]
Audrey's eyes lit up at the name. "The Tarot Club! Oh, how marvellous!"
As the words echoed in the misty space, Dipak felt a sudden jolt of recognition. A fragment of memory, previously locked away, burst into his consciousness with startling clarity.
*The Tarot Club... of course!*
He remembered now - this had happened in the novel he'd read in his previous life. Klein Moretti, the protagonist, had formed a mystical gathering called the Tarot Club. The realisation both thrilled and unnerved him. On one hand, it confirmed he was on the right path, following the story's trajectory. On the other, it underscored the weight of responsibility now resting on his shoulders.
[Skill Improved: Novel Memory Recall (Level 2)]
Dipak maintained his composed exterior, but internally, his mind raced. *How much more will I remember? And how can I use this knowledge to navigate the dangers ahead?*
As the newly christened Justice and Hanged Man began to discuss the origins and significance of tarot cards, mentioning Emperor Roselle and something called the Blasphemy Slate, Dipak listened intently, absorbing every detail. He found himself automatically comparing this new information with the fragmentary memories of the novel, trying to piece together a more complete picture of this world and its mysteries.
[Skill Improved: Occult Knowledge (Level 2)]
However, as the conversation progressed, Dipak began to feel a strain. The fog around them seemed to flicker, and he sensed his control over this mysterious space weakening. It was time to end the gathering.
"We shall reconvene next week," he announced, his voice cutting through the discussion. "Until then, reflect on what you've learned and prepare for our next meeting."
[Skill Improved: Fog Manipulation (Level 3)]
With a wave of his hand, the fog began to thicken, obscuring Audrey and Alger from view. As their presences faded, Dipak found himself back in Klein's apartment, the mundane surroundings a stark contrast to the mystical realm he'd just left.
He sank into a chair, his mind reeling from the experience. He was now The Fool, the mysterious leader of the Tarot Club. It was a role he never expected to play, but one he knew he had to embrace if he wanted to survive and thrive in this world.
As Dipak contemplated his new identity and the challenges that lay ahead, he checked his status, noting the changes that had occurred during this extraordinary gathering. But he said that this virtual video call is something like a zoom call meeting.
```
Name: Klein Moretti (Dipak)
Age: 22
Sequence: Fool's Path (Sequence 9)
Spiritual Power: 70%
Strength: 6
Agility: 5
Constitution: 7
Intelligence: 9 (+1)
Spirituality: 6 (+2)
Luck: ?
Skills:
- Talisman Making (Novice)
- History (Intermediate)
- Occult Knowledge (Level 2) [Improved]
- Fog Manipulation (Level 3) [Improved]
- Beyonder Knowledge (Level 1)
- Acting (Level 1)
- Mystical Identity (Level 1) [New]
- Negotiation (Level 2) [Improved]
- Gathering Management (Level 1) [New]
- Authority (Level 2) [Improved]
- Tarot Knowledge (Level 1) [New]
- Novel Memory Recall (Level 2) [Improved]
Condition: Excited, Cautious
```