After the brief introduction by 'The Fool', 'Miss Justice' (Audrey Hall) first greeted, "Hello, Mr. Hermit."
Then, as usual, she continued to greet the other members, which also served to introduce the new member to the existing ones and their codenames.
While greeting the others, as a 'Telepathist' of the 'Spectator' Pathway, she carefully observed the new member obscured by the gray fog...
'Mr. Hermit' appeared to be in his twenties, with a casual yet neat attire and hairstyle... He was likely a disciplined individual who disliked rigid rules.
He seemed curious but not nervous, and after his curiosity was satisfied, he became cautious. His mental fortitude was excellent, suggesting a rational and steady personality.
From this simple observation, Audrey had already sketched a rough psychological profile of 'The Hermit' in her mind...
Meanwhile, Odis was also observing the other members. Under the influence of the gray fog, 'Mr Fool' appeared mysterious and powerful.
To avoid becoming an 'example', Odis refrained from scrutinizing him too closely.
Opposite him sat a golden-haired figure in noble attire. Though her features were unclear, his Spiritual senses told him this was an exceptionally beautiful young lady.
To Audrey's left was Fors Wall, with her slightly curly brown hair and an unpretentious beige dress.
At the head of Odis's row sat Alger Wilson, a burly man with blue hair dressed in clothing from the Rorsted Archipelago.
Beside him was a boy a full head taller than Odis, clad in classical leather attire... It was the 'Little Sun', Derrick Berg...
At the far end sat the gloomy, lifeless figure of 'Mr World', who was currently just a puppet with no will of its own.
The others were also sizing up the new member...
'The Magician', Fors, wondered if the newcomer was a Beyonder...
'The Hanged Man', Alger, speculated about his background...
'The Sun', Derrick, was simply happy about the Tarot Club's expansion...
As for 'The World', it remained a mere facade, devoid of independent thought.
After the greetings and mutual observations, Audrey was the first to speak, "Honorable Mr. Fool, I have matters I wish to report to you privately."
Alger's attention snapped back from The Hermit, 'A private report?'
Immediately, he began guessing its contents.
Behind the gray fog, Klein nodded slightly, "Proceed."
With that, he muted the other members' senses for a one-on-one exchange...
Audrey recounted her interactions with the 'Psychology Alchemists' and submitted two pages of diary entries she had seen at the Roselle Memorial Exhibition.
In Odis's memory, the Tarot Gatherings had occurred too frequently for him to recall the specifics of this particular report. So like the others, he waited quietly.
About four or five minutes later, the private discussion concluded...
Fors eagerly turned to 'The World' at the far end, "Mr. World, I will expedite my search for Sun-domain mystical items or potent Extraordinary weapons."
Odis froze momentarily before remembering, 'Ah, Klein is preparing to fight the Indulgence faction of the Rose School of Thought...'
He leaned forward slightly, about to speak, but then reconsidered. As a first-time participant, it was wiser to observe... That was more in line with normal behavior.
Audrey asked, "What transaction did you two arrange privately?"
Fors didn't hide it, "Mr. World helped me acquire the 'Trickmaster' potion formula."
Currently still an 'Apprentice', she had spent years searching for this Sequence 8 formula. Never had she expected to obtain it so soon after joining the Tarot Club.
Audrey marveled inwardly... 'Mr. World is remarkably resourceful in finding formulas!'
Then, with her characteristic enthusiasm, she asked, "Mr. Hermit, did you have questions about 'mystical items' or 'Extraordinary weapons' earlier?"
Odis's subtle movement hadn't escaped the 'Telepathist', though she seemed to have misinterpreted his intention, assuming he was confused about the concepts. {T/N: 'Telepathist' is the Sequence 8 of the 'Visionary' Pathway...}
For most Beyonders, these terms were indeed easily conflated.
"First, thank you for your concern," Odis replied politely.
At this point, he had no choice but to voice his earlier thought, otherwise, his debut might earn him a 'dishonest' label...
"...I happen to possess a Sun-domain Extraordinary 'weapon'. Well, strictly speaking, it transcends that category since I incorporated Sequence 7 tier materials in it..."
"...I wasn't sure if it would meet Mr. World's needs, but then I remembered this is his transaction with Ms. Magician... So, interrupting seemed inappropriate."
Odis wasn't worried about exposing his research. Beyonders outside the 'Mystery Pryer', 'Reader' and 'Savant' Pathways would struggle to recognize his weapons' innovations.
Behind the gray fog, Klein's lips curled slightly...
He had manipulated 'The World' to discuss purchasing mystical items precisely to pique The Hermit's interest.
'Now that the Tarot Club has such connections, why not use them?' Klein thought.
Audrey blinked, first surprised at her misreading, then astonished that the newcomer could supply Extraordinary weapons.
Alger speculated, 'Is the new member an artificer?'
Derrick thought, 'Every Tarot member seems so impressive!'
Fors, meanwhile, was stunned... Extraordinary weapons rarely appeared in gatherings... 'Mr. Fool must have chosen the new member after careful consideration.' she thought.
But then it hit her...
'Justice' was nobility, 'The Hanged Man' had maritime connections, 'The Sun' hailed from the Forsaken Land of the Gods, 'The World' had diverse channels... And now, the newcomer dealt in weapons...
'What exactly is my role here?'
As 'The Magician' spiraled into self-doubt, Klein manipulated 'The World' to ask in a low voice, "Could you describe this weapon? If suitable, I may purchase it directly from you."
Odis elaborated, "When this weapon is not in use, it is only the length of an adult's palm and has a cylindrical shape, so it can be easily held in one hand..."
"...When infused with Spirituality, its ends extend, forming an illusory forearm-length pure white staff..."
"...As long as Spirituality is injected, the area within five meters of the staff radiates a warm and purifying energy... Said energy harms fallen, evil, and undead creatures continuously. It also bolsters the morale of allies..."
"...with an attack distance of about 15 meters, you can cast the 'Cleave of Purification' on the target, and you can also create 'Holy Water'..."
This was one of Odis's more potent prototypes, crafted using a 'Crimson Crest of the Dawn Rooster', which was a primary material for advancing to Sequence 7 'Solar High Priest' in the 'Sun' Pathway.
Klein frowned slightly. This sounded... unconventional. The World asked, "How much do you plan to sell it for? And its lifespan?"
Extraordinary weapons typically had usage limits.
"1 200 pounds." Odis quoted, "With an annual maintenance fee of 150 pounds, it can last for about 5 to 6 years, possibly longer."
Behind the gray fog, Klein straightened abruptly, 'This is no ordinary Extraordinary weapon!'