Chapter 78: The Cultural Characteristics of the Elves
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Hobert estimated that the "Great and Mysterious Fool" behind the gray fog must have made some connections by now.
He continued, "The elves look quite similar to humans, but their ears are pointed, and they tend to have a fiery temper. This likely has something to do with their Beyonder characteristics.
"The Elf King used to be an ally of the Giant King, but later they became mortal enemies, waging war against each other for many years."
Hobert laughed, "I guarantee that unless you become a high-ranking member of a church, you would never come into contact with this kind of information!
"Elven culture is vastly different from our current culture. I can't describe it too specifically, but I can help you identify whether the ruins you encounter belong to the elves, provided I can see the murals or decorative patterns within the ruins."
Hobert only shared some non-confidential, trivial information.
As for the homeland of the elves, the Queen of Calamity, the Elf King's subordinate god, and other more secret information, he didn't plan on revealing that to the Hanged Man just yet.
However, this was already enough to shock the other three.
Alger was somewhat dazed. He hadn't expected the Emperor to know so many details about the elves. He was well aware of the value of this knowledge. As the Emperor had said, unless one was a regional bishop or a cardinal of the church, they couldn't possibly know this. Yet, the Emperor was certainly not a regional bishop or cardinal.
Audrey, on the other hand, became even more curious about this ancient race. Klein, at this moment, was preoccupied with thoughts of chopsticks and spicy boiled fish.
A few seconds later, Alger snapped back to reality. "I can reproduce the patterns from the ruins. Mr. Fool, please help me present them."
Klein slowly nodded, and paper and a pen materialized before Alger.
Alger picked up the pen, and immediately, patterns appeared on the paper. These designs were markedly different from the cultural symbols of the various countries and ethnic groups on the northern and southern continents today.
Hobert took a look at the patterns. There were two types. One resembled the Chinese character for "回" (hui), depicting what looked like clusters of clouds arranged together.
The other looked like a tipped-over "S," but with an added hook at both ends, resembling the continuous forward-rolling waves of the ocean.
"This is 'Thunder Pattern'!" Although it was different from the Thunder Pattern Hobert had in mind, the abstract yet vivid, free-spirited essence of Eastern culture — or rather, "Western Continent" culture in this context — remained intact.
Hobert remarked, "These patterns clearly have the characteristics of elven culture. The ruins you encountered should indeed belong to the elves."
Alger asked, "This ruin should have been discovered by many before, but even so, my spirituality still resonates with it. Why is that?"
"Congratulations!" Hobert smiled, "If you explore the ruins further, you're bound to find Beyonder characteristics or materials that match your Pathway."
Alger's eyes brightened. "How can I find them?"
Hobert smiled and said, "I suggest you try using your Beyonder abilities within the ruins. It might trigger a stronger resonance and help you uncover more clues."
He paused for a moment before adding, "Alright, we should now discuss how you're going to pay me."
Alger asked, "What do you want from me?"
"The first payment is your findings from the exploration," Hobert replied. "I'm also very interested in the elven ruins, so part of the payment is that I want to know the results of your exploration."
Alger nodded, "No problem."
Hobert continued, "The other payment is 1,000 pounds in cash or items, materials, or information of equivalent value.
"Of course, I don't need it urgently. You can owe me for now."
Alger breathed a sigh of relief. The price was within an acceptable range. "Agreed."
With the transaction settled, the gathering moved into the sharing phase.
Audrey was the first to speak. "Recently, I encountered a Beyonder with many connections. He seems to only be Sequence 9, but through his channels, he's able to facilitate many seemingly difficult deals.
"For example, he once explained how to cleverly use Beyonder abilities to overcome one's past self."
At this point, Hobert realized that she was referring to him!
Audrey continued, "I didn't find too many traits typical of a Beyonder on him, but I remember him emphasizing seriously that he was a 'Lawyer.' Is there a potion in the 'Lawyer' Sequence?"
Hobert scratched his head. That's the terrifying thing about being a Spectator! I clearly hid my Beyonder abilities, but Audrey still managed to gather so many clues.
"There is," Alger answered succinctly.
Audrey nodded and didn't pursue further questions about the Lawyer's Beyonder abilities, knowing that the Hanged Man would demand payment if she did. She wasn't new to these gatherings and didn't want to pay for information that wasn't urgent.
Hobert switched the topic, "As far as I know, a mercenary team from Loen ambushed a group of Feysac Empire Beyonders in the southern continent. The battle eliminated two Sequence 5s from the Feysac Empire."
Alger smiled, "Mercenaries again? It seems Loen has no desire for war recently. They aren't even willing to engage in a small-scale naval battle with a dozen ships."
Audrey then asked a few more questions about "acting" and "digesting" potions. The Fool helped her understand the feeling of digesting a potion.
With this topic concluded, the gathering drew to a close.
Upon leaving the gray fog, Hobert returned to his rented apartment. He stretched and prepared to resume working on Mr. Sean's case and Bob's case.
Lying on the bed, Hobert felt a bit sentimental. Handling more normal cases actually made him busier!
…
In the eastern part of the Berserk Sea, on an unnamed island.
Alger had found an excuse to leave the sailors of the Ghost Ship behind, heading alone to the ruins in the center of the island.
The ruins were little more than a few slanted stone pillars. They had once been covered by vines until one of Alger's sailors discovered the site while searching for fresh water, and they had cleared away the vines.
In the middle of the stone pillars was an emerald green pool of water, its depths unfathomable.
Alger had ordered his sailors to dive in and search before, but nothing had been found. Previous explorers had likely done the same. If the secrets of the ruins were easily discovered, whatever was inside would have long been taken.
Alger circled the pool once and, following the Emperor's advice, used his Beyonder ability to create a whirlpool within the water.
Suddenly, Alger saw a white halo appear at the bottom of the pool, as if a light had been switched on!
It really worked!