After rigorously testing Ebner's grasp of the materials, The Eye of Wisdom nodded in approval, "You've exceeded my expectations. I imagine the Reader potion has enhanced your memory, but achieving this level of fluency shows a real gift for languages."
"That's also thanks to the straightforwardness of the materials you provided," Ebner replied modestly.
"Roselle once said that excessive modesty borders on hypocrisy, Ebner. When I studied these materials, it took me a full month to master Feysac! And that was before I'd consumed any potion," The Eye of Wisdom chuckled.
A whole month to learn a language with no supernatural aid? Who's the real monster here? Ebner mused, but he kept his respectful smile intact.
Suddenly, The Eye of Wisdom asked, "What is your faith?"
What if I told you I believe in the Fool? Would you pull out your Sun Brooch and purify me on the spot? Ebner was taken aback but quickly remembered that the original Ebner and his family were followers of the Goddess, so he replied, "Um… the Goddess of the Night."
The Eye of Wisdom chuckled, clearly sensing Ebner's wavering beliefs. In a persuasive tone, he said, "You don't strike me as a devout believer in the Night Goddess. I think your character and worldview align much better with the Church of Knowledge. What say you?"
Are you suggesting that my lack of fervent faith makes me a good match for the 'Turncoat Dragon'? Ebner pondered with a hint of amusement. After a moment, he asked, "What's in it for me?"
For a moment, even the well-traveled Eye of Wisdom seemed at a loss. Was it even right to introduce such a pragmatic young man to his faith? With a sigh, he explained, "Perhaps you heard from Kaspars, but I've long considered taking you as a student. Now, seeing your talent and diligence, I'm even more inclined to make you my apprentice. You clearly lack some essential occult knowledge."
This was true. Although Ebner had read *Lord of Mysteries* and knew a great deal of secrets and high-level information, his understanding of basic occult knowledge was quite limited, as the novel had glossed over many of these details.
Still, though the extended hand was tempting, Ebner didn't respond right away. Instead, he posed a simple question:
"Why?"
Why me, specifically? Backlund is full of talented young people, and for a Sequence 7 Knowledge Keeper, finding a student shouldn't require this level of effort.
The Eye of Wisdom seemed to understand what Ebner was asking and appreciated his caution. "If I told you that I felt a connection with you, an urge to help you from the bottom of my heart, you wouldn't believe it."
Seeing Ebner nod in agreement, the old man smiled. "Yet that is precisely the truth. From the moment I first saw you, my intuition insisted that helping you now would bring substantial rewards in the future—even helping me avoid a catastrophe. I don't know where this instinct originates, but it's saved me before. Though this time, it's stronger than ever."
Wait a minute, such a prophetic "instinct" is a power only a Sequence 4 Prophet of the Reader pathway would have! Can a Sequence 7 Knowledge Keeper really sense things this clearly? Unless... unless someone higher up is granting him this experience…
The thought sent chills down Ebner's spine. As an otherworldly soul bonded with the Reader pathway, would the Knowledge God, a deity known for omniscience, already be aware of him? Especially with a golden finger perfectly suited to this pathway?
He had previously dismissed this possibility, assuming that his mysterious abilities included some form of protection, warding off any divine scrutiny. Yet the benevolence shown by The Eye of Wisdom made him second-guess. Perhaps the Knowledge God's reach within his pathway was beyond his initial estimation.
If the god did notice my presence but didn't act immediately, only investing in me indirectly… does this mean that whatever changes my existence brings will work in the god's favor? Ebner thought, sobering up from his initial unease. At the very least, he reasoned, the god's actions weren't subtle. Is this what it means to "leave a name when you do a good deed"?
After sorting through these thoughts, Ebner sighed inwardly, wondering what kind of "repayment" he might one day owe for this assistance. In the end, though, what choice did he have? If he refused, the Knowledge God might treat him as an enemy. Sometimes, knowing too much is more a burden than a boon, he thought, a bitter smile on his lips.
When he glanced up at The Eye of Wisdom, who was patiently waiting for an answer, Ebner took a deep breath and said, "I would be honored to become your student, Teacher. My name is Ebner, Ebner Bryan."
Removing his mask, Ebner revealed his face as a sign of respect to his new mentor.
The Eye of Wisdom seemed genuinely pleased. He took off his own mask, revealing his blue eyes and narrow face—a dignified elder with graying hair and an air of refinement.
"My name is Isengard Stanton, Sequence 7 Knowledge Keeper and follower of the Knowledge God. From today, you are officially my student, and I'll make a recommendation for you to the headquarters in Luen." The Eye of Wisdom, now Isengard, introduced himself.
That's all? No other ceremony or ritual? Ebner wondered, surprised by the simplicity.
Noticing Ebner's astonishment, Isengard explained with a smile, "In the Church of Knowledge, we don't have many formalities unless an official ceremony is involved. We guide anyone who has a love for learning and dedication. Besides, we're here in the territory of the Tyrant, so simpler is safer."
Ebner nodded in understanding as Isengard continued, "Starting tomorrow, you'll move into my home in Hillsdon, 16 Granal Street. I'll teach you whenever I'm free. When I'm working, you may study my collection, but you'll need to help organize and analyze information in exchange for food and lodging."
No pay, huh? Ebner thought, but refrained from complaining and merely mentioned his plans to practice firearms and combat in the mornings. Isengard, the detective, agreed without any hesitation.
"All right, now let's bring that young lady in, and we'll find and eliminate the Beyonder who cursed her. As your teacher, I'll see to it that my student has no unresolved dangers looming overhead." Isengard stood and rapped his cane against the floor.
Ebner was surprised by this unexpected support and felt a sense of reassurance in accepting him as a mentor.
Xio returned to the parlor, led by the assistant. Seeing the unmasked pair, she looked surprised and slightly uneasy, glancing at Ebner.
"I am now Isengard's student," Ebner explained briefly, and added, "Teacher has agreed to help us find the person who cursed you."
Xio's lips pressed together, feeling once again indebted to Ebner. But knowing that catching this person was necessary to protect Fors from future threats, she didn't refuse.
Removing her own mask, she expressed her gratitude to both of them. "Thank you, Ebner. Thank you, Mr. Stanton."
"No need for that. Time is of the essence, so let's head out. You can tell me the details on the way." Isengard gestured them forward, his quick decisiveness showing the mark of a skilled detective.
Ebner and Xio quickly fell into step beside him, recounting the events as they headed to the nearest subway station.
---
In the subway station near the Church of the Fist of the Storm, Isengard stared at a corner near the platform's waiting room. Using insights gained from observing the curse on Xio, he mentally pieced together the scene of a fractured badge. This ability—Scene Recall—was one of a Knowledge Keeper's skills.
"So, it was here where he suffered the backlash. Ah, he was using a '3' grade Sealed Artifact, a badge… Your mystical item must have quite the potency." Isengard shot Ebner a knowing smile, aware of Ebner's evasiveness about the source of his strength.
Ebner chuckled awkwardly but refrained from explaining, determined to keep his Pure White Eye a closely guarded secret.
"This person isn't a trained criminal; otherwise, he would've cleared his tracks better. At the very least, he's not experienced in evading detectives. Stay close—I have a good idea of where he's hiding."