In the Serene White Kingdom, stone-white pillars rose slowly into the air, crimson curtains draping elegantly around them as they formed. Chairs engraved with the blazing image of the sun emerged one after the other, until a massive, imposing table took shape at the middle.
By each side's three figures materialized around them. And at the "high seat" sat Lumian, his figure blurred and leaving after images.
"Good day, Mr. Beyond," Mrs. Venerable greeted promptly.
She let out a soft chuckle. "I thought you wouldn't continue the organization."
Lumian rested his hand on the armrest of his chair and replied camly. "Of course I would. Where else would I obtain information?"
He paused briefly before adding, "Mrs. Venerable, what about the promise you made—to inform the king?"
She laughed awkwardly. "Mr. Beyond, it went rather well… though there was a slight escalation."
Lumian's brows knitted as he leaned forward. "The king rejected our proposal?"
"No, no—of course he accepted," she quickly clarified. "The issue is that… I may have given you a title. And I named the organization as well. Hehe."
Lumian sighed and leaned back in his seat. So that's what you call escalation? What a silly girl.
Outwardly, however, he asked, "And what did you name the organization?"
Mrs. Venerable chuckled again before replying. "The watchers lounge. And as for your title… it is: The One Who Gazes at Infinites, The One Who Looks into Definite Possibilities, The Ruler of the White Kingdom, and The One Who Dispels Misfortune and Brings Fortune."
She rubbed her chin thoughtfully, trying to recall her own improvised phrasing.
Lumian chuckled softly to himself. Those are rather impressive titles…
He waved his hand casually. "Very well. I like the name."
His gaze then shifted toward Mr. Revenger and Mr. Plunderer.
...
Seeing this, Mr. Revenger and Mr. Plunderer—though their figures remained blurred—spoke in unison.
"Good day, Mr. Beyond."
Lumian nodded slightly, resting his chin against his hand.
Mr. Plunderer cleared his throat softly before turning toward Mrs. Venerable.
"Mrs. Venerable, what about the nightshade berries?"
She raised her brows faintly. "I didn't expect this meeting, so I didn't bring them. What about the map?"
Mr. Plunderer chuckled. "The same could be said for me, hehe."
As they spoke, Lumian thought about something.
Since nothing occurs in this space without my permission…
If synchronization is established… could their thoughts manifest here?
He straightened in his seat, fingers tapping lightly against the armrest. "Mrs. Venerable," he said calmly, "try thinking about the nightshade berries."
"And you—focus on the map."
"Alright~" Mrs. Venerable replied cheerfully.
She and Mr. Plunderer closed their eyes, imagining the objects clearly.
At the same time, Lumian perceived their visions—clear, detailed impressions forming within his awareness.
He closed his eyes as well, synchronizing with those thoughts.
In the next instant, the air within the white kingdom swirled.
A map took shape from nothingness, its edges curling as if caught in an unseen breeze. Beside it materialized a black pouch also.
The two object drifted towards them. The first going to Mrs. Venerable, and the second to Mr. Plunderer.
...
After receiving the map, Mrs. Venerable examined it carefully before folding it closed.
"Thank you, Mr. Plunderer."
Mr. Plunderer nodded, weighing the black pouch in his hand.
Meanwhile, Lumian's thoughts shifted.
Do they know anything about the Witch's Garden?
Isn't this organization supposed to be about information, let me ask them, because why would the Witches Garden be attempting to awaken the Lord of Chaos.
He let out a low grunt, drawing the attention of the other members toward his blurred figure.
Do you all have to be this quiet? he thought irritably.
Outwardly, he smiled faintly. "Have any of you heard of the Witches Garden?"
There was a minute of silence, until, finally, Mr. Revenger mumured under his breath, repeating the name, as though searching for a long lost memory.
"The Witches Garden... The Witches Garden... The Witches Garden... The Witches Garden..."
He rubbed his philtrum thoughtfully before replying. "Mr. Beyond, why do you ask?"
"..."
Amid the quiet, he continued, his voice steady. "The Witches Garden was established during the Age of Steampunk by a woman named Aethera Herrera. At that time, the Pale Moon Goddess had not fully stepped into Godhood. The two clashed repeatedly. If you recall, they were even enemies during the war against the Red Moon Dynasty and the Blue Moon."
But what where the fighting for... Lumian inwardly said. Then raising his eyes slightly another realization struck him.
The members of the Witches Garden called her Lady Aethera... How can she still be alive after all these years.
With those thoughts, Lumian spoke up. "What happened after the war? Did Aethera ascend?"
Mr. Revenger brushed along his cheeks as he replied. "No... When the Pale Moon Goddess was on the verge of fully ascending, she fought once more with Lady Aethera, but this time teamed up with the God of Fate, and managed to kill her."
Hearing that, Lumian immediately became silent. She died?
Suddenly, a thought surfaced, heavy and unsettling.
Then perhaps the ritual wasn't meant to awaken the Lord of Chaos…
Perhaps it was meant to bring Aethera back to life!
...
Lumian immediately turned to Mr. Revenger.
"Mr. Revenger, where did you obtain this information?"
"One of the preserved writings from the Church of the Pale Goddess," Mr. Revenger replied calmly.
Lumian tilted his head slightly. "You worship the Pale Goddess?"
The Revenger, Benson, shook his head in the negative. "No. I worship the Skywalker. I merely study their texts to understand the events of the past."
Lumian nodded slowly. So he studies other Churches for historical reconstruction… Good. Very good.
He couldn't suppress a faint smile. His fellow members were more useful than expected.
Leaning back in his seat, Lumian processed the information in silence. After a moment, he leaned forward again. "My apologies for the interruption. Mr. Revenger, do you have any idea why they were in constant war?"
Mr. Revenger shook his head in the negative once again. "It was not recorded in the text."
"Hmm~" Lumian hummed thoughtfully in response.
At that moment, Mrs. Venerable glanced at the three blurred figures. Though she still felt slightly afraid of Mr. Beyond, as a result of the previous incident. she gathered her courage, and spoke up.
"Mr. Beyond… are you aware that there is another secret cult? Apart from the one you mentioned." She paused slightly.
"Have you heard of the Holy Communion?"
...
There's another secret cult? Lumian's eyes lifted slightly.
His thoughts were already chaotic, until Mr. Plunderer chuckled. "Mrs. Venerable, first things first — I've never heard of it. And I'm fairly certain Mr. Beyond hasn't either."
He turned toward Mr. Revenger. "Or have you, Mr. Revenger?"
Mr. Revenger's mouth twitched. He knew he had already branded himself as the organization's 'bookworm.' "
He considered remaining silent. But in the end, he parted his mouth and spoke.
"The last rumor I heard, back in my country… was that the Holy Communion worships the Primordial Lord of Chaos; they technically believe that the God of Beginnings, supposed to not seal him away, as they believe chaos must occur, and it's nature, or natural." Mr. Revenger confusingly explained.
"There was an incident," he continued. "One of their members slaughtered thirty people for a ritual. After completing it… the individual collapsed and died."
Mrs. Venerable pouted slightly and said. "My father once told me the Holy Communion is extremely dangerous. He believes they were responsible for destroying the town, Leochi."
Lumian smiled as he tapped on the armrest. And how are you sure of that? But Captain Hargreaves mentioned that town before.
Mrs. Venerable continued. "He also told me that they want to awaken him, but are yet to succeed."
Lumian nodded slowly. "That should be the ritual Captain Zayn mentioned."
Just as he was listening, another thought struck him. The tarot divination... The Pale Moon Goddess wanted to communicate with me. But what does she want?
Before his thoughts could spiral further, Mr. Revenger let out a quiet chuckle. "This cult reminds me of a particular entity mentioned in St. Mary's Text."
He paused, then continued. "A being whose nature implies holiness… yet embodies the opposite."
His blurred gaze turned toward the high seat. "Mr. Beyond… have you heard of the Angel of Gamble?"
...
Betyl, Blackhead District — Inside a Bar.
Chime!
The bell above the door rang as it swung open.
A figure stepped inside, dressed in a blue shirt and black trousers.
Vincent walked forward with a relaxed smile, casually scanning the room for a familiar face.
A moment later, his gaze settled on a man seated in the dim corner, a hood pulled low over his face.
Vincent approached without hesitation. As soon as he reached him, he leaned down and whispered into the man's ear.
"Lypha."
The hooded man gave a subtle nod as Vincent slid into the seat beside him.
"So," he murmured, "where is he?"
Without a word, the man pulled several folded papers from his coat. He spread them slightly, revealing a worn map beneath.
A finger tapped a marked location. Vincent cast his gaze downward.
The name was written clearly:
Phitopia.
Vincent's smile deepened slightly.