Not only did they speak the same Loen language, but they also shared the same tense, grim atmosphere.
Where am I? What am I doing here? Zhou Mingrui repeated the couple's questions to calm himself down. What struck him most wasn't the words or their meanings, but the couple's confusion, panic, and reverence.
Two people were mysteriously pulled into this gray fog world. Zhou Mingrui, the one responsible, was already shocked—imagine how bewildered the couple must feel!
In this strange situation, Zhou Mingrui considered two options: pretend to be a victim to gain their trust or maintain his mysterious persona to control the situation and gather information. He quickly decided on the second approach.
After a pause, Zhou Mingrui chuckled and said calmly, "An attempt."
Audrey Hall, perplexed by the mysterious figure in the fog, found the whole situation absurd and eerie. She had been at her dressing table moments before but now found herself in this foggy world. How unimaginable!
Audrey composed herself and asked, "Sir, is the attempt over? Can we return?"
Zhou Mingrui observed the tall blonde girl through the mist, then glanced at the man beside her. He realized that when he grew stronger, he might be able to see them more clearly through the fog.
In this situation, they were the visitors, and he was the host. The two figures appeared insubstantial, their forms tinted with a faint crimson. Zhou Mingrui sensed that their presence was tied to a connection only he could fully grasp.
"You may return if you make a formal request," Zhou Mingrui replied.
Audrey, sensing no ill will, relaxed. Instead of leaving immediately, her curiosity took over. She eagerly asked, "Sir, how can I become a Beyonder?"
As she spoke, Zhou Mingrui thought that he should be in a grand palace, seated at a long table, observing his visitors from a throne. Suddenly, the fog stirred, shocking Audrey and Alger, as towering stone pillars and a vast dome materialized. A long bronze table with high-back chairs appeared, creating an awe-inspiring setting.
Audrey whispered, "How fascinating..." while Alger inspected the scene in silence. He then addressed Audrey's question: to become a Beyonder, one must join the major Churches or seek help from royal families or ancient nobles. Otherwise, the only path was through dangerous, secretive organizations.
Audrey, determined, asked, "Are there no other options?"
Alger, after a moment, revealed he had two Sequence 9 potion formulas. The first was for a "Sailor," granting agility and strength in water. The second, "Spectator," sharpened the mind and observational abilities.
Audrey, intrigued, asked how she could obtain the Spectator potion. Alger offered to trade the formula for the blood of a Ghost Shark, promising that their deal would be secure under the watch of the "mysterious sir."
Audrey turned to Zhou Mingrui and asked, "Sir, will you be our witness? Also, how should we address you?"
After a moment's pause, Zhou Mingrui smiled faintly and replied, "You can call me... The Fool."