“Good afternoon, Mr. Fool.”

Miss Justice, also known as Audrey, gave a graceful bow, then shifted her gaze across the table. In the same lighthearted tone, she greeted, “And good afternoon, Mr. Hanged Man~!”

Klein smiled faintly, maintaining an air of mystery.

“Good afternoon, Miss Justice.”

As Audrey took her seat, she noticed a new presence among them. Curiosity sparked in her eyes as she observed the newcomer: a man with striking white hair and intense red eyes that seemed to pierce through the swirling gray fog. His attire was somewhat blurred, though it held an aura of high quality and a distinct Loen Kingdom style.

Mr. Fool’s voice broke the silence, drawing everyone’s attention. “This is Miss Justice,” he said with an air of calm authority. “And this is Mr. Hanged Man. Our new member goes by Mr. Death.”

Audrey’s curiosity intensified. She offered the newcomer a warm smile. “Good afternoon, Mr. Death.” His poised demeanor and refined air struck her as distinctly aristocratic, making her feel an odd kinship with him.

Atlas, the man now known as Mr. Death, offered a sly smile. “Well, well... a noble from the Loen Kingdom and a pirate with the Lord of Storms. This gathering certainly promises intrigue.”

Atlas’s voice reverberated through the grand hall, an echo that made Audrey, Alger, and even Klein feel a thrill of unease. Though they quickly regained composure, the impact lingered.

Audrey was the first to break the silence, her voice tinged with wariness. “Mr. Death, how did you discern our backgrounds so easily?”

Atlas’s smile widened as he explained, “For one, you wear clothing far beyond what most can afford. And even for those of noble rank, some of your attire would stretch even a viscount’s salary. It was an educated guess.”

Audrey sank back, murmuring, “So that’s how…”

Atlas turned to Alger, his tone analytical. “As for Mr. Hanged Man… blue hair is common among Beyonders on the Sailor pathway—a path strictly regulated by the Church of the Lord of Storms. That made you quite easy to place.”

Klein felt a chill at Atlas’s insight. ‘Mr. Death could very well be a high-sequence Beyonder. When we first communicated, he hinted at being on the verge of losing control... I’ll have to tread carefully if I want to maintain this guise.’

Curious, Klein decided to test his spiritual vision. Lowering his gaze, he tapped his glabella twice, then shifted his eyes to Audrey.

‘Her aura’s colors are bright red and yellow—joy, zeal... and a hint of annoyance?’ His eyes trailed to where Audrey subtly glanced sideways, clearly perturbed by Atlas’s deductions.

Turning his vision towards Alger, Klein found nothing unusual. But when he tried focusing on Mr. Death, he was met with a strange resistance—a dark fog enshrouded Atlas’s form, obscuring his etheric presence as if warding off intrusion.

‘What on earth is that? Is it a natural defense of a high-sequence Beyonder?’ Klein was stumped, his curiosity piqued further.

Just then, Audrey spoke up. “Mr. Hanged Man, did you receive the box of Ghost Shark Blood?”

Atlas chuckled at her words, clearly relishing the chance to stir things up. “Oh, Ghost Shark Blood, hmm?”

He turned his gaze to Alger, his smile turning wicked. “Tell me, Mr. Hanged Man, have you fully digested your Sequence Eight potion? Have you gathered all the ingredients for the Seafarer potion?”

Alger’s jaw clenched. He had had no idea of his this person was he wanted to retaliate but restrained himself out of respect for the ‘Great Existence’ presiding over them. ‘Who is this man Mr. Fool has brought here? He has a frightening level of knowledge about the Beyonder pathways.’

Alger’s thoughts raced, trying to recalibrate his impression of Atlas. ‘With just a few words, Mr. Death identified my Sequence... I may have underestimated him.’

Before the tension could rise further, Atlas gave a casual laugh and raised a hand. “Don’t worry, I won’t pry further.”

Alger exhaled, then turned to Klein with a question. “Mr. Fool, is there a way to make our conversations private? I’d like to share Miss Justice’s formula with her.”

Klein’s pulse quickened as he realized he hadn’t anticipated this request. Thinking swiftly, he manipulated the gray fog to envelop Atlas, separating him from the others’ conversation.

Atlas scowled, muttering under his breath, “Fuck you, Alger.” He regained his composure, though, as an idea for a lucrative scheme formed in his mind.

Clearing his throat, he waited until the private exchange ended before drawing attention back to himself. “Miss Justice, Mr. Hanged Man, I recall I owe you both some important information. It’s a carefully guarded secret that can accelerate your potion digestion by as much as ninety percent.”

Stolen novel; please report.

Audrey’s eyes lit up. “How much?”

Atlas’s smile was sly. “Six hundred pounds.”

Alger almost choked. Though intrigued, he felt the price was steep. Resigned, he replied, “I’ll sit this one out.”

But Audrey’s curiosity outweighed her hesitation. “Deal.”

Atlas’s grin broadened. ‘As expected of a noble from the Tarot Club. Tossing around six hundred pounds as if it were nothing. That sum could sustain an entire family for generations,’ he mused to himself.

After requesting Mr. Fool’s assistance in granting them privacy from Alger, he continued,

“The key to mastering a potion isn’t just in grasping it—it’s in digesting it.”

“Not in discovery, but in action.”

“The name of the potion is both symbolic and conceptual. Embracing this is the key to digesting it.”

Atlas paused, glancing meaningfully at Audrey. “This knowledge is concealed by the churches and secret organizations to maintain control over Beyonders who might otherwise grow too powerful.”

Klein felt a flash of revelation. ‘So that’s why the Church hides this method… Mr. Death might be from a Beyonder family.’

Audrey, meanwhile, seemed captivated. She repeated the phrases under her breath, as if they held a profound truth. “Digesting… acting… key…”

Atlas then added with a smirk, “One more piece of advice—worth two hundred pounds, so pay close attention. Acting, while essential, comes with its own danger.”

Audrey’s attention was razor-sharp.

“Remember that you’re only acting. Forget that, and your risk of corruption spikes higher than my dog’s energy after three tons of coke.”

Audrey blinked in confusion. “What’s... coke?”

Atlas only shrugged, chuckling. “Not telling.”

Audrey pouted, but Klein was dumbfounded. ‘Did he just mention coke? That exists only on Earth... could he be a transmigrator like me?’ Klein quickly composed himself, contemplating ways to subtly test Atlas’s knowledge.

Klein brought The Hanged Man back into focus, just as Audrey posed a question.

“Mr. Death, how should I send you the money?” she asked, curious but polite.

Atlas considered this for a moment before replying, “Hold onto it for now. I’ll collect it later.” He paused, then added with a hint of amusement, “Miss Justice, perhaps you could help Mr. Hanged Man understand the value of the information I’ve shared?”

Audrey nodded and turned to Alger. “Mr. Hanged Man, the knowledge Mr. Death provided is highly valuable. I suggest you act on it.”

Alger pondered this, realizing the worth. *L"Six hundred pounds—if it helps me digest my potion faster, the time saved would be invaluable." He nodded and said, “I accept.”

Atlas’s lips curved in a slight smile. “Actually, the price has risen to eight hundred pounds now.”

“What?!” Alger’s eyes widened in shock.

Atlas nodded calmly. “The additional two hundred pounds cover an essential rule of acting. Consider it a courtesy discount for our first exchange, but this time, it’s a formal fee.”

Alger clenched his teeth, frustration evident, but took a steadying breath. *Mr. Death probably won’t demand payment right away. I’ll have time to save the money,* he reassured himself before nodding. “Fine. I accept.”

Atlas gave a knowing nod. “Remember, the key to mastering a potion lies not in discovery, but in acting. It’s not just about understanding the name; the name symbolizes and guides the digestion process.” He looked at Alger with a serious expression. “Keep in mind—if you don’t act, your chances of corruption will skyrocket.”

Alger’s face paled slightly, his mind racing. “Thank you for the advice,” he managed to say.

Atlas responded with a casual nod. “No problem.”

Just then, Audrey hesitated before turning to Klein. “Mr. Fool, is there any mission we should undertake?”

Klein leaned back, his voice calm and enigmatic. “Gather pages of Roselle Gustav’s secret diary for me. Even a single page will do.”

“A diary?” Alger’s brow furrowed slightly, his curiosity piqued.

Klein’s fingers interlocked as he maintained his relaxed air. “Yes, think of it as a diary.”

Atlas watched Klein with a smirk, amused. "Playing the mysterious role, aren’t you, Klein?"He decided not to call him out on it.

Audrey glanced at Atlas, noticing he wasn’t surprised by the request. *Does Mr. Death already know it’s a secret diary?* she wondered. Even Alger gave Atlas a sidelong glance, noting, *Mr. Death has extensive knowledge in mysticism.*

Klein’s suspicions deepened. "He could be a fellow countryman—or perhaps we both share ties to Earth."

Audrey, her curiosity still piqued, asked, “They say Emperor Roselle’s diary is written in a language or symbols he invented.”

“Yes,” Alger replied simply. “Some think it’s mystical symbolism, while others consider it a unique hieroglyph. But as far as I know, no one has deciphered it.”

He glanced at Klein, as if seeking confirmation.

Klein merely smiled, unfazed.

After hearing The Hanged Man’s explanation, Audrey looked concerned. “If we can’t understand the symbols…how are we to pass the information to you, Mr. Fool? Or should we mail it somewhere?”

In response, Audrey and Alger saw Mr. Fool sit up slightly amid the thick, gray fog.

“Miss Justice, let’s try something. Visualize a passage of text as if you’re writing it with urgency. Pick up the fountain pen next to you and write it on a piece of paper.”

Before Klein even finished, Audrey noticed a piece of yellowed goatskin parchment and a dark red fountain pen appear before her. Curious, she picked up the pen and, following the instructions, imagined a line Roselle once wrote:

“If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?”

She focused, her mind clear, and transferred her desire into the words.

As she placed the pen on the parchment, she watched with astonishment as the words appeared, as though written by her own hand.

“If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?”

“Goddess, how fascinating!” Audrey murmured, her amazement mixed with awe. She glanced at Klein with newfound apprehension. “Mr. Fool…can you read my thoughts?”

Klein’s voice was calm and reassuring. “No, I merely guided the process. I’ve simplified the act of writing, making it a projection of your intent. If you choose not to convey something, nothing will appear.”

Relieved, Audrey nodded thoughtfully. “So, if we memorize the symbols or text, we can project it just as we intend?”

“Yes,” Klein confirmed.

“Miss Justice, trust in your memory,” Alger added, watching with interest. “As a Spectator, your ability to recall details will improve significantly.”

Audrey nodded, pleased, then looked at Klein. “Mr. Fool, I’ll work hard to complete your mission. I’ll gather as much of Emperor Roselle’s diary as I can.”

Klein gave a faint smile. “I believe in fair exchange. The advance payment I’ve provided covers two pages from each of you. For additional pages, there will be further rewards.”

Alger gave a respectful bow, one hand placed over his chest. “You are indeed a generous gentleman.”

After a brief pause, Alger glanced at Klein. “It seems that’s all for now"

“Perhaps we can have a casual chat,” Klein suggested. “Mr. Hanged Man, shall we start with you?”

Alger paused, then said, “The infamous pirate Lieutenant General Deweyville is rumored to be setting sail for the eastern end of the Sonia Sea.”

Audrey’s eyes gleamed with recognition. “The captain of the Black Tulip?”

“Yes,” Alger confirmed with a nod.

Klein ran his fingers thoughtfully along the edge of the bronze table before responding.

"According to what I know, the Secret Order has lost an Antigonus family notebook."

“An Antigonus family notebook?” Alger echoed, raising an eyebrow. He chuckled, shaking his head. “I’d love to see how the Church of the Evernight Goddess would react to that.”

Atlas chuckled, joining in. “So would I.”

Audrey, intrigued, tilted her head. “Why? What kind of reaction would the Church of the Evernight Goddess have?”

Alger gave a slight smile. “The Antigonus family was actually destroyed by the Church of the Evernight Goddess.” He paused thoughtfully. “I’m not certain if it happened at the end of the Fourth Epoch or the start of the current one.”

“It was at the end of the Fourth Epoch,” Atlas corrected with a knowing smile. “Their family was unique because their ancestor once tried to ascend, attempting to become a True God.”

"But alas, he went mad now he resides in the top of Hornacis Mountain"

Klein’s blood ran cold at the mention of Hornacis Mountain, words that had haunted him ever since he first took the Seer potion. "What about him trying to become a god?" he thought, his heart pounding.

He would’ve lunged at Atlas if not for the need to maintain his image.

Alger’s eyes widened slightly at Atlas’s knowledge. "How does he know all this? Was he alive back then, or does he have ties to a powerful family?"

Audrey looked both horrified and fascinated. “Mr. Death, when you say he was ‘close to becoming a God,’ what does that mean?” Her voice trembled with curiosity.

Klein silently cheered her on. "Thank you, Miss Justice. I’ll always admire your courage."

The room seemed to chill as Atlas’s tone darkened, his voice cold.

“That’s not something you need to know right now.”

---