"Fallen Creator... Fallen..." Alger, The Hanged Man, chewed on The Fool's words as if lost in thought.
Yet in his heart, what echoed was the other party's relaxed, natural, and indifferent attitude.
It was an attitude of looking someone in the eye, an attitude of equality!
If not for his experiences in the previous ritual, Alger might have thought The Fool was just bluffing, trying to intimidate him and "Justice" with a facade of self-importance, but now he would rather believe that The Fool, even if not equal to the True Creator, was at least close to that level.
It was a danger... and an opportunity... Alger silently murmured, then with a hint of a smile, he said: "Mr. Fool, your description is indeed more accurate. According to our observations, of the Beyonders who believe in the True Creator, no, the Fallen Creator, the rate of losing control is far higher than average, and most of the rest are madmen."
The Nighthawks' internal records also mentioned this... And the so-called "madmen" don't just mean they lose their rationality, but their entire worldview becomes twisted... Klein maintained his posture, not responding to The Hanged Man.
He was still considering how to properly ask about the Secret Order and the "Clown" potion, but he hadn't found a method that fit his status.
What a pity. This place is fundamentally different from an online social platform. Otherwise, I could create an alt account and join, specifically to ask questions I'm not conveniently placed to ask... Maybe one day, when I learn a magic similar to Mirroring, I can try it. For example, making half of the members my alt accounts...
There are twenty-two chairs here, and the Tarot has twenty-two cards. A perfect match. But when I "wished" for a palace, I hadn't called myself The Fool, nor planned to create the Tarot Club. Hmm, is this a symbol of the twenty-two Sequence pathways?
I wanted a palace, and a palace appeared. I want an "alt account," will an alt account appear...
Seeing that The Fool, shrouded in thick gray fog, had not spoken, "Justice" Audrey spoke, half-sighing, half-curious: "That sounds terrifying. Hmm, Mr. Hanged Man, could you tell me in detail about the various secret organizations and hidden cults? I can hardly encounter these in my daily life, so I can only learn about them through you. I will pay you. What do you want?"
Good question! Miss Justice, you have practically taken on the role of my alt account! This way, The Hanged Man will definitely mention the Secret Order... You are the best straight man! Klein felt a surge of energy, but didn't let his emotions show in his expression or actions.
Alger thought for a moment and said: "I need a sum of money, 1000 pounds. Preferably unmarked banknotes, or freshly mined gems, calculated based on the monthly average price of the Backlund jewelry market."
1000 pounds? That's a huge sum of cash! You could buy a house in an upscale neighborhood in Tingen City! Not everyone can just take that out at once... The Captain's annual salary is just this much, right? Hailey's "death compensation" was only 300 pounds... Although Miss Justice is a noble, she clearly hasn't inherited the family estate and can only receive the corresponding annuity... No wonder The Hanged Man said gems could be used as payment... Klein was acutely sensitive to monetary figures. Thankfully, he was surrounded by thick gray fog.
For a single young lady or woman, 2000 pounds would be enough for her to live a comfortable life for a lifetime! —The stable annual yield of 2000 pounds is around 100 pounds.
"1000 pounds?" Audrey blurted out in surprise, then answered in a light and cheerful tone, "No problem. Sent to the same address as before?"
From Miss Justice's tone, she thinks it's cheap? Klein didn't let his gaze shift towards her.
Alger was silent for a full twenty seconds before saying: "Yes, the 'Warrior and Sea' bar on Pelican Street in the White Rose Borough of Pritz Harbor. Give it to the boss, Williams. Say it's for the 'Captain'."
"Alright." Audrey leaned back slightly, putting on the air of a "Spectator." "Mr. Hanged Man, you can begin."
Alger glanced at The Fool, deliberated for a moment, then slowly began: "Let's start with the Mosas Ascetic Order. It is the oldest secret organization. Of course, there are many who believe the oldest secret organizations should be the Church of the Eternal Night, the Church of the Mother Earth, and the Church of the God of War."
"Those people must be members of the Church of the Storm, the Church of the Eternal Blazing Sun, or the Church of Knowledge and Wisdom," Audrey retorted solemnly.
The Church of the Eternal Night is the oldest secret organization? Klein had never heard such a claim before.
In the Fourth Epoch, or the Third Epoch, what exactly happened?
Alger chuckled and said: "These truths were long buried in ancient history. The only thing certain is that no one has ever claimed that the Church of the Storm, the Church of the Eternal Blazing Sun, or the Church of Knowledge and Wisdom were once secret organizations."
"Alright, to save time, let's get back to the main topic. The Mosas Ascetic Order was formed by several humans who had seen the Blasphemy Slate. They believe in an impersonal deity known as the Hidden Sage."
"It is described as a deity, but it is closer to a concept, a natural law! For example, 'All is number', and the Hidden Sage is the incarnation of the Spiritual Number. For example, 'Knowledge is paramount', and the Hidden Sage is knowledge itself. Therefore, in its early days, the Mosas Ascetic Order was a very respected organization with good relations with all the major Churches."
"The members of this organization use asceticism to resist losing control, to resolve the residual influence of potions, and strictly guard secrets, adhering to morality and precepts, believing in the continuous reincarnation of the soul after death..."
"The Sequence 9 they master is called the 'Mystery Pryer'... The term 'Wizard' also spread from this organization."
Audrey savored The Hanged Man's description and keenly retorted: "You said the early Mosas Ascetic Order was a very respected organization. Is it not anymore?"
Alger gave an almost imperceptible nod and said: "Yes, they have degenerated into an evil organization."