As a fledgling "diviner" just stepping into the realm of mysticism, Klein dared not claim vast knowledge, but he certainly understood more than the average person, comprehending the various divination arts that could be categorized into three major types according to a certain criterion.
And that criterion is the source of "revelation"!
The first type of divination method includes tarot, poker, pendulum, wand, and dream interpretation, leveraging the "revelations" obtained through communication between the "inquirer" and the spiritual realm to interpret the divination results. However, pendulum and wand methods require a high spiritual, mental, and astral demand, making it impossible for ordinary individuals to obtain accurate and distinct "revelations" unless they are extraordinary. Tarot divination, on the other hand, uses a predetermined set of symbolic elements to allow even the naive to perceive the "revelations" they feel. Dream interpretation lies somewhere between these methods.
The second type of divination method includes numerology, astrology, and all their derivatives. Diviners calculate, speculate, and interpret the corresponding results based on objective information provided by the inquirer or natural changes. The initiative lies not with the inquirer but with the diviner.
The third type of divination method involves the assistance of a third-party force beyond the diviner and the inquirer. Disc and pen divination, known to Klein from his past life, belong to this category. Through certain rituals, they request direct answers from unknown and mysterious entities. Although ordinary people are unlikely to succeed, if communication is established with malicious or inherently destabilizing entities, tragedies often ensue.
Hansen had just mentioned "mirror divination," which falls under this method—in the world of mysticism, mirrors are gateways to the unknown, the bizarre, and the spiritual realm. So, Klein halted outside the meeting room, intending to listen to how this renowned diviner would explain it, deciding whether to inform the captain and "raid" the gas meter of the latter at midnight.
Of course, there are safe ways to perform "mirror divination" as well, such as invoking answers from the seven orthodox deities. While ordinary people may find it extremely difficult to receive genuine "revelations," at least they would not be in danger or suffer from aftermaths.
However, the kind of "mirror divination" strictly controlled by night watchmen, proxy punishers, and the like involves soliciting assistance from gods or mysterious entities revered by certain organizations. Additionally, arbitrary concoctions are not advisable. Who knows, a single word or trait might attract unknown attention.
In this world of extraordinary powers, similar divinations tend to lead to extremely adverse outcomes. Klein even suspected that the previous owner, along with Welch and Naya, had conducted a similar "dark divination" based on the Antigonus family's notes.
At this moment, Hansen had finished explaining the principles of mirror divination to the five members and began describing the specific process:
"Firstly, select a suitable date and time according to the deity you worship. This can be determined using the 'Astrology Manual.' For example, we all know that Sunday symbolizes the goddess of darkness, representing rest. During the hours of 2 to 3 in the morning, 9 to 10 in the morning, 4 to 5 in the afternoon, and 11 at night to midnight, it's the moon's time, dominated by the goddess of darkness. Therefore, diviners who worship the goddess of darkness can perform 'mirror divination' during these time slots on Sundays."
Impressive foundation... Klein nodded slightly behind the partially obscured door of the meeting room.
It must be said that with the seven churches balancing each other, some mystical knowledge has indeed leaked out. For instance, the "Astrology Manual" provides many symbolic meanings. However, without magical potions or extraordinary powers, ordinary people can hardly achieve the desired effects.
"Secondly, carefully wipe the mirror. It must be a silver-plated mirror and place it in a location symbolizing the moon at home..." Hansen demonstrated with the props in his hand.
No, what's needed at this moment is the "pendulum method." Choose a location first, silently recite "this is suitable for mirror divination" seven times in your mind, and then observe the direction the pendulum swings. Clockwise indicates correctness, counterclockwise indicates error... Of course, if you're praying to malicious, unknown, or mystical entities, the location isn't crucial; whether they are interested is the key... Klein silently corrected.
At this moment, he felt like he was a student listening to a teacher's lecture...
Hansen couldn't hear Klein's thoughts and continued to explain the preparations in a normal tone.
After the members finished jotting down notes, he continued his explanation:
"After bathing, ensure that all curtains are drawn, the door is securely locked. Then, light a candle and place it in front of the mirror. Humbly pray to the deity you believe in, keeping the questions as simple as possible, without embellishments... After praying seven times, pick up your mirror and gently drop it on the ground—it must be very light... Remember the pattern of the breakage, as this is the revelation bestowed by the deity... Let me delve into the specifics of the main symbols."
Ah, this is orthodox "mirror divination." Klein breathed a sigh of relief, strolling into the meeting room and settling into his previous seat, finishing the last sip of his remaining Southwell coffee.
The term "orthodox" implies that indeed revelations can be obtained, but they are essentially impossible to interpret accurately.
During this step, if an "extraordinary" individual receives a response, they can directly see certain images in the mirror, obtaining clearer information! Because the symbols formed after the breakage are numerous, Hansen talked for a long time, not wrapping up until Edward Steff was done divining for someone and returned to the meeting room.
Klein didn't inquire about what Edward divined for someone or what method he used. This is an unwritten rule among diviners. As a "diviner" himself, he naturally had to strictly adhere to it, unless the other party brought it up proactively.
"I've noticed that our interpretations are often too vague, seemingly catering to different needs, allowing different people to find resonance with their own descriptions." Edward sighed softly, taking a sip of his Earl Grey tea, "For example, encountering many obstacles, facing numerous trials, but ultimately seeing the dawn. Who knows when the dawn will come? For instance, your journey hasn't been smooth, but you'll definitely arrive alive. Hey, the dead won't refute me."
Since he didn't start listening from the beginning, he overlooked Hansen's "mirror divination course."
"Survivor bias," Klein added with a smile.
Survivor bias roughly means that many statistics often only come from those who are alive, survivors, ignoring the deceased, leading to significant biases in the results.
"Yes, Emperor Russell was truly a philosopher," Edward exclaimed.
...Klein lifted the coffee cup without coffee and pretended to take a sip.
Throughout the afternoon, the members immersed themselves in horoscopes and mirror divination, occasionally coming to Klein and Edward for discussions.
During such times, Klein performed his duties as an unofficial member of the night watchman team, diligently guiding them away from potential extraordinary and dangerous paths.
However, the thing he most wanted to do was unsuccessful. Several inquirers came and went, none of them choosing him for divination.
"Perhaps next time I should take the initiative to 'serve,' utter a few words like 'misfortune follows you,' 'you will have no luck recently,' 'nothing will go smoothly for you'? No, that doesn't seem like a diviner..." Klein shook his head self-deprecatingly, picked up his cane, and stood up, bidding farewell as he left.
At half-past five, Edward Steff put on his coat, about to leave the divination club, when he suddenly spotted a familiar figure.
"Afternoon, Graces, long time no see," he greeted with a smile, seeing his friend with the same hobby dressed in his usual attire, sporting a black bow tie, with a single eyeglass hanging from his chest pocket.
Immediately, he noticed that the other's complexion was quite poor, even his soft blond hair showed signs of dryness.
"Afternoon, Edward... *cough* *cough*," Graces, holding his hat, suddenly pressed his fist against his mouth and coughed a few times.
Edward expressed concern, "You seem to be ill?"
"A severe illness, I even had pneumonia before. If it weren't for my wife happening upon a formidable apothecary who gave me some miraculous potions, you probably would have seen me in the cemetery by now," Graces said, his tone filled with relief and gratitude.
"Lord, I can hardly believe it. You were so healthy before, and now look at you, so weak! I remember divining for you last week, and there was no sign indicating you would suffer from a serious illness," Edward said, moving his cane, astonished.
"My own divination results are the same as what you provided. Perhaps we are not yet qualified diviners, and moreover..." Graces suddenly remembered what happened on Monday, his expression becoming unusually serious.
Just then, the lovely lady Angelica approached, greeting them with a gentle smile.
After exchanging pleasantries, she first inquired about Graces' health, offering some advice, before casually mentioning, "Mr. Graces, the gentleman you divined for last time, Mr. Moretti, has also joined the club."
"The gentleman I divined for last time?" Graces's eyes lit up. "Good heavens, where is he?"
"He has already left," both Angelica and Edward couldn't understand Graces's unusual reaction.
Graces paced excitedly for a moment, saying, "If he comes next time and I'm not at the club, please make sure to ask him when he will return!"
"Graces, what's going on? Did Mr. Klein Moretti do something to you?" Edward asked, puzzled.
Graces raised his arm, meeting Edward and Angelica's probing gazes directly, and replied passionately, "He's a very, very, very extraordinary..."
Lowering his arm, Graces emphatically exclaimed with three "very"s, "Doctor!"