In an underground basement without any windows, the burly Alger Wilson sat by a long table with various apparatuses and goatskin parchments on it.
In front of him was a half-consumed candle. The dim, yellowish flame's flickering made the shadows of the objects and table move like a mirage.
Alger's hair was disheveled like seaweed with a deep blue color that resembled black. He wore a robe with lightning patterns embroidered on it. He clasped his hands with his thumbs facing each other while he focused on a bottle of black liquid to the left of the candle.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Splash! Splash! Splash!
The sound of tempestuous winds or the crashing of the sea waves howled from inside the sealed bottle. And in spots where the black ink did not sink, a faint fog would swirl. It was as though it grew eyes and a mouth.
Alger cocked his head to glance at the clock hanging on the wall and watched the needle strike three.
He pressed down on his temple as his eyes turned dark. Fascinating colors surfaced from the various items on the table.
At that moment, he discovered a deep-red light appear like a tidal wave from nowhere, drowning him instantly!
...
Backlund, Empress Borough, Inside the Hall family's luxurious mansion.
After dismissing her dance teacher, Audrey locked the door and sat straight up in front of her dressing table.
The sun outside was bright and gorgeous. There was a light-brown notebook made of exquisite goat skin. It was flipped open to reveal that it was blank. To its right was a fountain pen with a golden tip and embedded rubies.
Audrey did a test and made sure that she could pick up the fountain pen and write down the formula the moment she left the Gathering.
"I'm so looking forward to it..." She inhaled to repress her excited emotions as she looked at the mirror with puckered lips.
However, she did not see it reflect herself. Instead, a dark red and illusory beam burst out from her body!
...
Above the gray fog stood a majestic divine hall that looked like a giant's residence.
Dark red colors bloomed on both sides of the bronze table. They surged upwards like a fountain before pattering down. It 'carved' two blurry figures who sat in the same spots as before.
It's undeniable. The same sensation I've felt after my attempt is identical to the atmosphere dwelling in this mysterious world... Selina reckoned her state during the arrival before casting her gaze at the end of the bronze table.
The mysterious man who calls himself The Fool remains the superior figure in this space... Is he really perhaps the reason for my transmigration?
Regardless, in an ode of the former Selina. She performed a brief bow by slightly lowering her body and her waist.
Gently raising her skirt, she greeted.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Fool."
To her surprise, her voice was accompanied by another. Resonating across the dense fog in a unified tone.
She turned to see Ms. Justice, mirroring her courtesy, addressing Mr. Fool with an amiable respect.
Noticing this, Audrey's voice hitched as she hurriedly said. "Ah! Ms. Lovers... I-I apologize."
Selina drew a sigh before revealing a soft smile. "No worries... I apologize as well. In the next instance, you'll do the honor of greeting everyone."
Ms. Lovers is really kind... I wonder if the Milo incident truly faze her... Audrey mumbled quietly before addressing the individuals present around the bronze table.
Mr. Fool then gestured for the trio to settle.
After the dismissive action, The Fool gradually took on a position where his fingers could reach his glabella. And as if contemplating, his fingers tapped his head unhurriedly in succession.
The trio nodded afterwards. Audrey drew a light gasped and asked in anticipation. "Mr. Hanged Man, did you receive the box of Ghost Shark blood?"
Alger took a quick glance at the Seat of Honor before retracting it immediately.
"Thank you very much. It perfectly met my expectations. I never expected you to send it to me so quickly. The Ghost Shark blood is not the typical extraordinary creature," said Alger frankly.
Audrey smiled humbly and said, "I'm very happy to see this outcome."
As she loved anything to do with mystery from a young age, she had befriended those in aristocratic circles with similar interests. They have exchanged information, books, and rare artifacts among each other. But before this, none of them had ever obtained any supernatural power to become a real Beyonder. Instead, there were a few princes that hinted that they could gift them what they wanted if they became their princess consort.
However, she had obtained the Ghost Shark blood directly from her family's vault. After all, the inventory only states 'one big bottle,' without mentioning how many milliliters or how full it had to be, she believed that pouring a little bit of it would go unnoticed. Even if there was an accident and the matter was exposed, her parents were unlikely to pursue the matter.
After their exchange of words. Just as Alger could proceed with the potion formula, he noticed Ms. Lovers and thus suddenly halted.
This was a transaction with only him and Ms. Justice had agreed upon. But with the presence of a third-party aside from Mr. Fool. The individual could overhear the information without having to trade with anything, leveraging their transaction and lessening the integrity of the gathering's fair exchange.
Seeing Alger's stern expression at Ms. Lovers. Audrey thought for a second, before saying. "It's fine if-"
Just before she could finish her words. Selina followed in a composed tone. "I'm interested in the Spectator potion as well..."
"Rest assured. I will adhere to the equivalent exchange of Mr. Fool." She added.
Alger felt a relief hearing her offer. He had been vying for an opportunity to brought the topic of her escape from Milo. Since before, the information concerning the secret organization behind Milo were considered confidential, and required high authority clearance.
But since the main subject of the said events was exclusively present within this very gathering. He could be informed through a matter of trade and exchange.
With the offer laid in front of him, Alger decided. "Then, In exchange for the formula. Instead of money, disclose to me..."
He paused. Looked at Audrey for a moment, then resumed. "Us, about what happened to the town and how you escaped."
Selina was slightly taken aback. But she was already prepared for such confrontation beforehand.
It was certain that even the members of the Tarot club would be interested by the mystery circling the cult of Milo, it even concerns a god's descent!
With a short nod, she detailed the events that have transpired within the borders of her hometown. Starting from the early months of the past year, then ending to the day before.
Her briefing covers how the residents of Milo began to act strange, to her parents becoming distant, to the presence of insect people until the final ceremonial act for the second and last time.
As she transitions to the present. Audrey's heart palpitates in an unrecognizable fear with a taint of admiration.
She have always knew that being a beyonder would be accompanied by inherent dangers. This could've persuaded her before to abandon the idea of becoming a beyonder, but now, her perception changed.
Seeing how Selina managed to escape and how such events can also happen to anyone, even to her without notice. Her longing for experience was now slowly being tainted by a sense to protect.
After the disclosure. Alger leaned over to the back of his chair and glanced at the Seat of Honor.
Mr. Fool remained silent.
"As promised, a reward should be given to the helpers of the operation." Selina drew a breath as she spoke.
Audrey hesitate at the offer. She did provide aid, only, it was given in an almost subtle way. All she did was to raise suspicion for the incoming empty crates from Milo by informing the officials of the matter. And due to her father's reputation, she was able to slip away from the eyes of the officials.
Just as she open her mouth. Alger initiated. "I've already requested my reward. As for the potion, a simple five hundred pounds should suffice for the formula."
For Alger. He had already acquired benefits more than he had accounted for. Reaping more may result in unexpected outcomes.
"Very well" Selina nodded briefly. "How should I give the money to you?"
"The same method Ms. Justice had used. Warrior & Sea Bar at Pelican Street, in the White Rose Borough of Pritz Harbor." Alger recounted.
Pritz Harbor... Isn't that across the Amantha Mountains? Selina grumbled inwardly. You mean I have to take the station? I don't actually have any allies to deliver it for me!
As she brooded over the method of delivery. Selina suddenly realized another variable, That's right... They now know that the only descendant of the Ivory family and Ms. Lovers are one. And since Tingen is the most viable place to escape from Milo. My identity would now be hanging by a few threads...
But if I was able to delivery the money to him through my "non-existent connections". Can that convince them that I have allies other than myself? Selina collected her thoughts with an inward sigh.
Meanwhile, Alger, seated across from Selina, had been eerily silent after the lady's monotonous reaction.
Pritz Harbor is far from Tingen... And she confirmed the method without considering the distance...
She's most likely in Tingen... Taking a steam train would cost her time and money significantly...
Unless... she will instead, sent her own personnel for this matter. If that's the case... Was I wrong for assuming that her ally is only herself? Alger contemplated to himself. Eyes fixated at the lady in front of him.
After awhile, Selina Intertwined her hands beneath the table and decided to not add any further. Instead, she now looked at Audrey and asked. "How about you Ms. Justice?"
Audrey remained quiet. Holding herself from interrupting the duo.
Upon hearing Selina's call. Audrey snapped from her silence. Thinking that it would be impolite to reject the offer, she replied. "I would like to know the next Sequence of Spectator potion... I-I don't mean the formula, just the name..."
Selina was taken aback by Ms. Justice's choice of reward.
I don't... even know how I can begin to search my next Sequence. She mumbled and sighed internally before nodding nonetheless.
"I will try my best." She replied.
Audrey heaved a sigh of relief as she said. "Thank you."
After that, Selina turned her head towards the end of the mottled bronze table.
The enigmatic Mr. Fool remained shrouded by a dense sea of white fog.
As the authoritative figure and the being responsible for the gathering that have led to her successful escape. As gratitude, Selina said in a respectful manner. "Mr. Fool, I know that what I can offer isn't nowhere near your capabilities. Regardless, I would still like to present my gratitude."
The Fool, seated at the Seat of Honor, glanced at Selina for a solid five minutes. Then replied. "One of my admirers, requires a small donation for an operation."
Admirers? Selina looked at The Fool in puzzlement. Before easing afterwards, she muttered to herself. Of course, a being like Him would naturally have subordinates. But my question is... Why donation?
Regardless, Selina set her thoughts aside as she asked. "How can I donate to this admirer of yours?"
The Fool paused momentarily, then replied minutes later. "He have already disclosed the method. He said to deposit a minimum of three hundred pounds at the Northland bank of North Borough, Tingen City."
W-What a coincidence? Selina was stunned at the mention of Tingen City. It was where she is, currently!
"The account's details will be disclosed later as the gathering's two attendees haven't finished their transaction." Mr. Fool continued, thoughts and actions heavily obscured by the gray fog.
Selina didn't added further. With her prose, she looked at Audrey and Alger.
Admirers? That's to be expected... A being at that level would must certainly have subordinates under Him. Alger muttered in a dismissive tone.
Seeing Mr. Fool's attention. Audrey turned her gaze to Alger and said. "Mr. Hanged Man, please continue with the Spectator formula."
Alger nodded briefly as he said in a deep voice. "According to our agreement, I will now tell the formula to the potion, Spectator."
"Let me prepare myself. Alright, begin." Audrey glanced at Selina, seemingly trying to discern the lady's thoughts. She then inhaled as she focused her full attention.
"Low-Sequence potions are very easy to concoct. Just follow the order that I provide you. Do remember that there can be smaller quantities of the ingredients but not more. It would cause major problems. You should have heard about news of Beyonders losing control. I believe there's no need for me to repeat it?" Alger first mentioned things to take note of.
Audrey nodded gently and said, "I understand completely."
Selina didn't make any remarks within herself. Only displaying a slight grudge at the mention of losing control.
She believes that if not because of her current body dying from it. She wouldn't have transmigrated into this world.
Regardless, all she could do now was sigh and gave herself a low self-deprecating comment. I probably would've still transmigrated even if it's not Selina.
Afterwards, she unknowingly imagined herself waking up in a man's body. Mhm... No thanks...
While Audrey spoke, she turned her head to look at Mr. Fool. She wished to know if the mystery expert had anything to add; unfortunately, The Fool was sitting silently there like a statue.
Alger thought for a moment before saying, "Having smaller quantities does not mean it should deviate by too much... If you do not have an assistant, I suggest you spend some time familiarizing yourself with chemistry experiment."
"I have a family tutor for such matters," answered Audrey without feeling the burden.
After Alger mentioned the furthest extent of the deviation, he recited with great fluency, "Spectator. Sequence 9 potion. 80 milliliters of pure water. 5 drops of autumn crocus essence. 13 grams of cow teeth paeonol powder. 7 petals of elf flowers. A matured Manhal Fish's eyeball. Add 35 milliliters of goat-horned black fish blood."
As Alger listed the formula. Selina took note of the ingredients thoroughly as she sat silently by her seat.
Only now did she realized that the knowledge of the formula was seemingly absorbed and etched gravely in her mind. As if its been memorized and repeated countless times in her head.
Another ability of my potion? Selina thought before dismissing it afterwards.
Alger then added. "The final two items are the main ingredients. They are extraordinary creatures from the sea. You have to be careful."