Lord of Mysteries: Starting As A Reader

Ebner was actually well-prepared for the "showdown."

One could say that if Klein hadn't been so weak and inexperienced in the early days, making it difficult to keep secrets, Ebner might not have chosen to conceal things from him when he first entered the "Sefirah Castle."

After all, at that time, Ebner didn't know the attitude of the deities, especially the Evernight Goddess, towards true transmigrators like himself.

However, once he later discovered that there were many transmigrators like himself brought by the "Eye of Pure White," and that the Evernight Goddess, Lilith, and the God of Knowledge had long been aware of them and maintained a certain degree of goodwill, concealing things from Klein lost much of its meaning.

The reason he hadn't actively "showed his cards" to Klein was simply that he couldn't bear to give up the "fun" of the Tarot Club...

But Ebner's subsequent "concealment" wasn't very diligent, even perfunctory at times, which is why Klein probably noticed something amiss.

The "showdown" wasn't the problem; the only problem now was to what extent to "show."

"Hmm, Klein will most likely use 'The World,' meaning the identities of Klein, Sherlock, and Gehrman, to acknowledge me as a 'fellow countryman'... While 'The Fool's' disguise will most likely still be kept hidden..."

"I don't need to expose this... After all, if I expose it, knowing that 'The Fool' is actually a weakling, it would be harder for me to casually 'command' 'The Fool's' functions."

"Also, the truth about his 'transmigration' must be suppressed for now; it wouldn't be good if Mr. Fool developed psychological problems now... As for my true origin, that absolutely cannot be revealed..."

"Beyond these things, I can reveal a bit more, but I can't appear too 'mystical.'"

As he had deliberated many times before, Ebner quickly had a plan in mind. Only then did he pray to "The Fool," accepting "The World's" request for a meeting.

After waiting a few seconds, surging crimson light erupted before his eyes, engulfing everything.

Immediately, Ebner arrived above the gray fog, within the magnificent and ancient palace.

He looked around but didn't find "The World," yet he noticed a small room had appeared to the side, with its mahogany door slightly ajar.

Ebner curiously pushed the door open and saw a beautifully decorated living room. "The World" was sitting on a sofa in the room, watching the "television" hanging on the opposite wall.

This style is quite similar to the hotel room he and Sharon rented on the first floor of the "Dream Labyrinth Tower"... Was he inspired?

Glancing at the content on the "television," he saw it was "A Bite of Backlund," a show produced by "Bryan Film Company" starring Emlyn.

Is he trying to pressure me? However, to put on this act, your spirituality consumption must be considerable. Can you really sustain it? A slight curve played on Ebner's lips as he sat on the sofa opposite Klein, watching with him.

As expected, in less than half a minute, Klein turned off the "television" and then looked at Ebner across from him, waiting for the other to initiate the conversation.

Next came over a minute of staring, and the room suddenly fell silent.

Finally, Klein, whose "spirituality" was limited, couldn't help but speak first: "Don't you have anything to say?"

Ebner thought for a moment and, obligingly, replied in Chinese: "The mountain is not high?"

"Its fame comes from the presence of immortals..." Klein subconsciously responded, and his face instantly darkened. After all, this poem, "Ode to the Humble Dwelling," was his "dark history." He had written it to deceive "Tower," thinking the latter wouldn't understand.

Now, he realized that when "Tower" taught Hazel to write this piece at Harvest Cathedral, it was absolutely intentional...

I actually thought it was all my "fault" back then... No, in a sense, it really was my "fault."

After grumbling a few words inwardly, Klein took a deep breath and took the opportunity to ask the question he most wanted to know: "When did you know I was a transmigrator?"

As soon as he spoke, he oddly found that the atmosphere wasn't as tense as before. He couldn't help but mock himself again: Does self-deprecating humor help alleviate awkwardness? But why does it have to be me?

Ebner had already prepared his response and answered with a smile: "From the very beginning."

The very beginning... Klein stiffened again, instantly feeling that "self-deprecating humor" couldn't save him now.

Just as he was about to ask at what point "the very beginning" was, he heard Mr. Tower sigh and ask in return: "You wouldn't think that something as major as 'The Fool's' revival and the release of His 'container' from 'Sefirah Castle' would go unnoticed by deities, would you?

"At least the Evernight Goddess has always been paying attention, and the Mother Goddess of Earth happened to be in Tingen at that time."

Huh? He didn't guess that I am "The Fool"... But what is "Sefirah Castle"? Is it this space above the gray fog? He really knows a lot about this place; no wonder when I first pulled him up, he was deeply convinced of "The Fool's" divine identity. This might not only be because he knows "The Fool" is the name of Sequence 0 of the "Seer" pathway, but also related to his understanding of this space...

However, he still misunderstood my relationship with "The Fool," which is good news for me; my disguise wasn't completely stripped... But, what is a "container"? Why would he think I'm "The Fool's" container?

Finally, so I was being watched by two deities from the very beginning? Does that mean the Captain's "resurrection" by the Mother Goddess of Earth was indeed a favor to me?

With thoughts rapidly swirling, Klein stared at Ebner and asked, "So you deliberately joined the Tarot Club?"

"Is that your question, or Mr. Fool's question?" Ebner replied meaningfully.

He's confirming that my relationship with "The Fool" is very close... "Container," does that refer to a relationship like a deity's half-self? Like Danitz and the "Feared God"?

Thinking this, Klein cautiously replied indirectly on the surface: "You should know that Mr. Fool doesn't care about your motives or origins."

Good rhetorical skill... Ebner praised inwardly, nodding: "I did deliberately join the Tarot Club, but later I genuinely came to like this organization... Otherwise, I wouldn't have pulled in 'Justice' and 'Magician.'"

"Although saying this here might sound like flattery, I must say, Mr. Fool is much more humane than I understood Him to be; He truly is a benevolent and kind deity."

Klein felt somewhat awkward being praised. He hadn't expected such a high evaluation from Mr. Tower, especially since he hadn't really done much and had even lost his Sealed Artifact.

No sooner had he thought this than Ebner "sincerely" lamented again: "You lost my 'Fallen Morning Star' during the battle with Ince Zangwill, but Mr. Fool chose to shoulder the 'debt' for you, fulfilling many of my rather excessive 'requests'... This undoubtedly shows Mr. Fool's magnanimity and His favoritism towards you!

"Praise Mr. Fool!"

Stop talking! At this moment, Klein wished he could dig a hole in the floor with his toes, but he managed to control his expression using his "Clown" ability. He also stood up and piously said in the tone of a fervent believer: "Praise be to You, Mr. Fool."

And Ebner, witnessing this scene, struggled immensely not to burst out laughing...