Terrance had an extraordinary and surreal dream.
In the dream, he met a person shrouded in mystery, exuding power and erudition—a man who introduced himself as "Doctor Strange."
When I asked, "How can I gain others' recognition?" he didn't answer directly. Instead, he used his immense power to present various scenarios, compelling me to experience them firsthand. At crucial moments requiring decisions, he pre-set choices for me to make.
At first, my choices always led to pitiful, terrifying, or even hateful "endings." So, I began to try the options I would never have considered before.
Some of those choices led to even more frightening outcomes, but others unexpectedly transformed what seemed like a dead end into a new path forward…
Through this process of repeated choices, I gradually came to a realization: to achieve something, effort alone isn't enough; the direction of effort matters just as much. If a path is particularly arduous and there are other options, there's no need to stubbornly persist…
For example, seeking recognition isn't always about pleasing or accommodating others; that approach often backfires.
Just as Terrance reached this thought, all the scenarios dissolved in an instant, and the red-caped "Doctor Strange" reappeared before him.
Before Terrance could express his gratitude, the figure smiled faintly and, stepping onto the starlit bridge, vanished gracefully.
At the same moment, Terrance awoke with a jolt.
Sitting on his bed in a daze for a while, he gazed out the cabin window to find the sky already lightening.
After a quick splash of cold water on his face, his mind finally began working properly. A trace of lingering fear gripped him as he thought: What exactly was that in my dream last night? Was it some evil spirit disguised as "Doctor Strange"? Or was it actually Doctor Strange nearby, using dream-related powers to invade my dream?
If it was an evil spirit… have I already formed some sort of connection with it? But it didn't seem malicious… plus, my "Light Talisman" didn't activate…
If it really was the renowned Doctor Strange, what was his purpose? Was it part of some ritual?
As a "young master" from an extraordinary family, Terrance had a solid foundation in mysticism and considered many possibilities.
Eventually, he gritted his teeth and decided not to use his emergency family-contact talisman, nor to tell the captain or Lydia to avoid worrying them.
Instead, he planned to consult Mr. Gaston or Detective Ebner Bryan for help in performing a "purification" or "exorcism" ritual to eliminate any potential evil spirits.
However, as Terrance stepped out of his cabin after packing his things, he ran into three sailors who usually looked down on him.
Upon spotting him, they immediately began hurling veiled insults, loudly mocking him.
Normally, when faced with such situations, Terrance would bow his head and quickly walk away or argue that he wasn't the person they accused him of being…
But after experiencing countless similar scenarios in his dream and trying out various responses, Terrance felt an unexpected sense of familiarity with the scene.
He recalled one of the choices from his dream, then walked forward with an expressionless face and kicked each of the three men to the ground.
This was his first time trying a "rebellious" option in the dream, so it left a deep impression on him. More importantly… it worked!
Of course, for young Terrance, this choice was also immensely satisfying.
The three sailors, stunned at first, quickly grew furious. They had always despised Terrance, viewing him as a freeloader reliant on the captain and Miss Lydia.
After all, Terrance rarely participated in combat and mostly served as a diviner and medium—roles Gwyn valued highly but which the sailors saw as fraudulent.
They immediately tried to retaliate, disregarding Miss Lydia's warnings.
To their shock, the "pretty boy" they always looked down on turned out to be a surprisingly good fighter! Even when they joined forces, they were swiftly beaten down again.
Although Terrance's nature was timid, he was still an extraordinary individual—specifically, a "Fighting Scholar" adept in combat!
Terrance had previously refrained from showing his skills out of fear that his abilities would make him more of a target for envy, just as they had at his family's school, where he faced even greater isolation. But through his dream, he realized that displaying his strengths could sometimes have positive effects…
For instance, after defeating the three sailors, another group of sailors—who were at odds with the first trio—immediately viewed Terrance in a new light. They approached him, struck up a conversation, and even invited him to the bar later, speaking with newfound friendliness.
Don't expect to be accepted by everyone; trying to please everyone will only result in lukewarm relationships with all. Learn to make choices. This was another lesson Terrance had learned from his dream.
After successfully connecting with the second group of sailors and arranging to meet them at the bar that evening, Terrance suddenly realized how closely this mirrored the results in his dream. It left him uncertain whether he was in reality or yet another dream scene…
Whoever "Doctor Strange" is and whatever his intentions, he is undoubtedly a worldly and erudite figure! A true mentor!
With this thought, Terrance wasted no time. He disembarked and headed straight for Damir's school.
While he respected and appreciated "Doctor Strange," when it came to his safety, "purification" and "exorcism" were non-negotiable.
---
Meanwhile, sensing the "feedback" from Terrance, Ebner nodded in satisfaction.
This method of "role-playing" is indeed effective. The digestion effect surpasses even the insights gained when "Justice" and "The Hanged Man" realized I was "Doctor Strange"… But that can't be helped. Most of their problems were resolved in the "Gray Fog," so the key step of solving their problems personally was missing…
Even so, relying solely on Roselle's Dream Technique for "role-playing" is still incomplete. Take Terrance, for example—while he may spread my reputation for erudition, there's no established channel for others to contact "Doctor Strange"…
Of course, as a young man from an extraordinary family, Terrance wouldn't publicize an enigmatic and unknown entity either. I never expected him to. After all, this was just a first attempt. Further refinement of Roselle's Dream Technique is necessary.
The ideal targets are people like the newly joined Miss "Justice" in the Tarot Club—those with some understanding of the extraordinary but who are also filled with romantic fantasies.
Pondering the intricacies of role-playing, Ebner packed his equipment and headed for the underground entrance to the "Dream Labyrinth Tower."
Given Mr. Gaston's pace, it would take him a few more days to "grind" enough points for another "Exit Charm." Ebner decided to use this time to challenge the fifth floor of the "Dream Labyrinth Tower."
Just as he was about to leave, Terrance came running over, sweating profusely and looking frantic.
Could he have figured out that I orchestrated last night's dream? Impossible… I didn't leave any loose ends. Though slightly anxious, Ebner maintained a calm facade. Smiling as Terrance approached, he asked, "What's the matter?"
"Mr. Bryan… I… I think I encountered an 'evil spirit' in my dream last night… I'd like your help conducting a purification ritual!" Terrance said between heavy breaths, his expression earnest.
What is this? Am I supposed to purify myself? Ebner was momentarily at a loss.
Quickly regaining his composure, he thought: Isn't this another opportunity to use "knowledge" to solve a problem in my role-playing?
With a more sincere smile, he calmly simulated "reassurance" and said warmly, "Don't worry… First, tell me exactly what this 'evil spirit' looked like…"
---
Backlund West District, 2 King's Avenue, Kingdom Museum.
Although it wasn't the weekend, when Klein arrived, a long queue had already formed outside the museum. The "Roselle Memorial Exhibition," organized by the Church of Steam, was currently on display.
In this world, the middle class had relatively few entertainment options. Beyond reading newspapers, novels, attending operas and concerts, playing tennis or squash, enjoying plays, and participating in or hosting banquets and balls, the remaining activities were limited to visiting parks, attending exhibitions, or going on vacations. Thanks to Emperor Roselle's influence, annual leave had become common among this social class.
Following a charming female "guide," Klein soon entered the first exhibition hall, which showcased everyday items from Emperor Roselle's life.
On display were his blankets, clothes, drinking glasses, and even the infamous "golden patina toilet" invented on "Fool's Day," which Klein had read about in Roselle's diary.
Oh, Great Emperor, you used this 'toilet' to prank relatives, friends, and subordinates. Now, it has become an object of public display and amusement. In a way, this feels like karma… Klein silently mused, amused.
He turned his attention to another exhibit, which featured a page from Roselle's diary that he had read during a Tarot meeting—a detailed rant about constipation—as well as many of Roselle's "plagiarized" works.
While trying hard to suppress his expressions using his "Clown" abilities, Klein noticed two women standing before a nearby display cabinet.
One of them was tall, standing over 1.7 meters, with long chestnut hair cascading to her waist. She had a well-proportioned figure, neither too slender nor too full. She wore a youthful yellow tiered dress but paired it incongruously with a somber black old-fashioned soft hat. A fine mesh veil hung down from the hat, obscuring her face.
The other woman appeared younger, around sixteen or seventeen years old. She was slender, attractive, and had striking dark golden hair cascading down her back. She wore a black dress, her demeanor inexplicably exuding an air of cold detachment.
At that moment, the dark-golden-haired woman stood beside the chestnut-haired lady, gazing at the items within the display case. They remained in place for a long time without moving.
(End of Chapter)