Meanwhile, at the abandoned warehouse where the battle previously took place—
There had already been numerous groups of official Beyonders coming and going. The people present at the abandoned warehouse now were of significant importance.
Yes, three archbishops who had been elsewhere not long ago had now gathered in front of this abandoned warehouse.
Not far from them, a man named Ikanser Bernard, holding an ancient silver mirror with intricate patterns, couldn't help but wipe the cold sweat off his forehead.
As a deacon of the Machinery Hivemind, Ikanser wouldn't typically lose his composure in front of three archbishops. The reason for his anxiety was the infamous Mirror of Societal Death, Arrodes, in his hands.
Although he hadn't yet used the Arrodes mirror, as someone who had suffered under it before, Ikanser could already imagine his future.
'I'm finished; my reputation will be ruined throughout the entire Backlund church circle by tomorrow!'
Although he felt bitter but he couldn't say anything.
"Let's begin!" Archbishop Haydn glanced at Ikanser. Although puzzled by his unusual nervousness, Haydn, known for his kindness to subordinates, didn't press the matter, simply speaking amiably.
Archbishop Anthony and the Archbishop Snake also fixed their gazes on Ikanser, or rather on the Arrodes mirror in his hand, awaiting clues from the sealed artifact.
"Yes, Archbishop Haydn," Ikanser gritted his teeth, trying to calm himself. After taking a deep breath, he solemnly asked, "Honorable Arrodes, my question is, who were the participants in the events that just occurred here?"
As Ikanser asked, the surrounding darkness seemed to shift. The surface of the silver mirror rippled with light, and soon a complete image formed.
In the rising flames, a figure floated mid-air. He wore a silk top hat and a black double-breasted long coat, his body distorted and face blurred, with hints of makeup visible.
The figure stepped onto the dazzling fireworks and coldly raised a gun. The scene then shifted to a middle-aged man in a dark red cloak, who seemed to be the target. The man's fall was clearly depicted.
Scenes transitioned rapidly, showing a woman in a complex black court dress with light golden hair, and a man with black hair. However, their faces were indistinct, making identification impossible.
The vision concluded with bright flames and bursting fireworks, in which the man in the black coat reappeared.
Under everyone's gaze, the man faced forward, placed his hat over his chest, and bowed slightly like a top-tier magician concluding his performance.
Even knowing this would happen, the blatant favoritism still made a hidden Angel of Secrets in the corner mentally scoff.
The Arrodes mirror wasn't just secretly helping Mr. Fool debut; it had added layers of filters, emphasizing mystique and grandeur. Arrodes was indeed Mr. Fool's number one admirer, assisting even before Mr. Fool knew of its existence.
'Should I reveal a bit about his loyal little mirror to Mr. Fool?'
Lynn mused, finding the idea appealing. Arrodes's unique traits could provide some amusement for Mr. Fool.
Yes, Lynn hadn't initially thought of Klein's suspicion because he had arrived earlier near the warehouse where Klein and others fought, intending to observe the mirror.
Lynn was certain Klein's high potion digestion wasn't due to the Lord of Storms or others.
Now that the three archbishops had seen Arrodes's filtered version, they might even aid Klein's digestion process from a distance.
'And since I've seen this version too, if my main account and I are considered one entity, my repeated viewing shouldn't add to Klein's digestion, but if otherwise, it could.'
Lynn pondered, unconcerned about Klein's rapid advancement. A faster start could lead to a more leisurely later stage, with more time available. Klein was already accustomed to fighting Sequence 6 and Sequence 5 enemies, maintaining stable mental health without signs of losing control. Early advancement seemed beneficial.
Lynn hoped Klein would have time to consolidate his state after advancing to higher sequences. In the original timeline, Klein's rapid late-stage advancement correlated with his strained mental state, partly due to the inability to return home and the relentless pressure of ascending, combating divinity within.
Thus, Lynn wished his friend could advance more leisurely, considering the apocalypse was still over a decade away. Even if Amon arrived, Lynn could help fend him off, negating any rush.
Lynn didn't want Klein to become a fragile flower, but he also didn't wish for him to be overly lonely and exhausted.
'If Mr. Fool can stabilize post-advancement, he wouldn't fall asleep immediately after becoming Half-Lord of Mysteries...' Lynn muttered internally, hoping Klein would soon become the Lord of Mysteries, a powerful ally. But as a friend, Lynn prioritized Klein's happiness.
'If only there were a way to address the awakening of ancient consciousnesses, solving Sasrir's issue, and easing Klein's burden...' Lynn sighed inwardly, then refocused on the Arrodes mirror.
'Why didn't my main account appear in the mirror? It only showed six people, excluding me... Did Arrodes sense my disguise?'
As Lynn contemplated, the Arrodes mirror displayed lines of text, not addressing Lynn but Ikanser, "According to the principle of reciprocity, it's my turn to ask."
"If you answer incorrectly or lie, you will be punished."
The word "punished" appeared blood-red, as if dripping.
Despite anticipating this, Ikanser's face contorted momentarily before becoming solemn, with a hint of hopelessness.
Under Lynn's intrigued gaze, Arrodes mirror questioned Ikanser, "What is your sexual orientation?"
Ikanser was instantly shocked, as if he is struck by lightning.
(End of Chapter)
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