Dorian
He held the crystal ball in his left hand, his right palm hovering over the top, stroking it back and forth, muttering under his breath as if whispering.
Gradually, the sparkling points within the crystal ball grew brighter and more distinct, as if the night sky had cast its reflection down into it.
The stars often used to determine the direction of fate and the trajectory of life emerged one by one, forming a three-dimensional astrolabe, interspersed with many Spirit World revelations that seemed to be symbols.
Dorian Gray finally stopped his movements and lowered his head to scrutinize.
"Not lying… the trajectory of events is indeed so… It seems she can bring some changes to the Abraham family, optimistic changes…" The light of the crystal ball slowly faded. Dorian stood up, having made a decision in his heart.
At noon, inside the Four-winged Bird Restaurant.
Before Fors was a fish that had been cut into segments, deep-fried, and sprinkled with rosemary. The skin was crispy, the flesh tender, without fine bones, quite delicious. The only problem was that the chef's aesthetic was very bizarre. He had actually kept both bulging fish eyes and, through plating techniques, made them look upward simultaneously, as if lamenting their unwillingness to die.
…Fors pushed over the fish head, cut off the fish tail, and covered the upward-facing eye.
At this moment, Dorian Gray, while moving his knife and fork, said in a seemingly casual manner:
"Anissa was very fond of mysticism and had some research in this area. When you were sorting through her belongings at the end, did you see any related books, notes, or items?"
"There are some notes and books," Fors answered frankly. "I became a mysticism enthusiast because of them, but unfortunately, there are some things I completely cannot understand."
For example, that book *Spirit World Visions*, not only is it absurd, but its logic is confused, and the words fail to convey the meaning. Even if one can force themselves to read on and regularly calm their agitation, it's hard to remember the content, forgetting it as soon as it's read, let alone understanding it… Fors added in her heart.
Dorian nodded slightly and laughed.
"Then you can consult me. I am also a mysticism enthusiast, a relatively proficient one."
"Really? That's great!" Fors said cooperatively.
Seeing that she was truly interested, Dorian immediately steered the conversation towards mysticism, sometimes mentioning the Spirit World, sometimes talking about his own meditation experiences. Having prepared well, he had deliberately chosen a remote and quiet spot when entering the restaurant, not afraid that their conversation would be overheard by the surrounding customers.
At the end of lunch, Dorian took the initiative to propose:
"I never knew how to express my gratitude, but now I finally don't have to worry about this problem. Hehe, although Lawrence gave you a reward, I think it's not enough to match your kindness, goodwill, and trustworthiness.
"Ms. Wall, if you have any questions in the field of mysticism, you can write to me and ask. This is my meager token of gratitude."
"This is exactly what I was hoping for." Fors did not refuse.
From the conversation just now, she could clearly see that Dorian Gray possessed solid, rich, and systematic knowledge of mysticism, worthy of being a member of the ancient Abraham family.
This aspect was also Fors' shortcoming. Although she had mastered a lot of common knowledge of the Beyonder world, it all came from a few not-so-deep books and notes, as well as scattered bits of words heard and experienced at various gatherings and encounters, lacking comprehensiveness, system, and having many flaws.
Hearing her answer, Dorian raised his glass, smiled, and said:
"I hope that one day, we too can possess mystical and extraordinary abilities."
…………
A squad of people in black trench coats and red gloves entered the underground area. The leader was a man in his forties, with soft facial features and long hair at his temples.
He wore an exaggerated standard top hat and carried a black straight cane inlaid with gold. He quietly followed the Nighthawk leading the way and entered a quite spacious room.
Inside the room were bookshelves filled with numerous case files. A woman wrapped in a black robe, wearing blue eyeshadow and blush, exuding an eerie beauty, sat leisurely on a high-backed chair without standing up to welcome them. It was the former 'Spirit Medium,' Daly.
"Sost, the materials you need are over there." Daly pointed with her chin towards the table by the door.
The middle-aged man called Sost chuckled and said:
"Daly, how did you get assigned to guard this place? You should be handling more important matters."
"No, it was my own idea. I need to settle down and look through more materials," Daly chuckled softly. "It's to better move forward. Humans are fragile creatures who need a certain period of tranquility. No one can always be at the peak, constantly enjoying excitement and pleasure."
"...Your style really has never changed. It's a pity you never give me a chance." Sost couldn't help but laugh.
Daly shook her head seriously and said:
"Clearly, you don't understand me. My tastes have become even more peculiar now. If you could turn yourself into a rotting corpse or reveal gleaming white bones, then I would definitely be interested in you."
She turned to look at a 'Red Glove' standing behind Sost: "Leonard, why did you choose to join his team? This guy is arrogant, conceited, and cowardly. He always fantasizes that the woman he likes will take the initiative to lie in bed and wait for him. To be blunt, maybe this is a characteristic of a 'Nightmare'?"
When she said 'Nightmare,' Daly paused significantly.
Leonard replied helplessly:
"Miss Daly, this is Lord Secema's arrangement."
"I see… It seems you quite agree with my view of Sost." Daly concluded, her voice a little hoarse.
...Leonard was momentarily at a loss for how to explain.
Fortunately, the 'Soul Summoner' Sost didn't mind Daly's words. He walked to the table piled with materials, picked up a file, and began flipping through it. Leonard and the others immediately gathered around, imitating their deacon.