Chapter 593: Solution
*The method for separating a Rampager's mental corruption from a
Beyonder characteristic...* The Hermit Cattleya shot a glance at
The World and guessed that he might've obtained one to two Beyonder
characteristics that a Rampager left behind. In addition, one of them
likely involved the advancement characteristic for The World or someone
close to him.
This was a very easy inference since if one didn't use a Beyonder
characteristic as the main ingredient of a potion, the mental corruption
of a Rampager in it didn't matter if it was made into a mystical item.
At worst, the negative side effects would be extremely strong, making it
equivalent to a Sealed Artifact, but that didn't mean that there was no
way of using it.
After adjusting his emotions, Klein controlled The World to answer
hoarsely, "Write it on a piece of paper and pass it to me."
With that said, Klein originally wished to encourage Little Sun for
being a trustworthy person, but upon considering how The World's image
was that of a gloomy and reserved person who didn't say anything else
unless he had ulterior motives. He instantly fell into a slight dilemma.
*No, there's an ulterior motive... By letting Little Sun maintain his
principles, it will make things a lot easier in the future. To put it
simply, it will be easier to fleece him... Of course, I'll have to
suffer the damage from his honesty and uprightness as a result... The
World is an experienced and shrewd Beyonder in the eyes of Miss Justice,
Mr. Hanged Man, and the others. They likely wouldn't notice any
problems...* Klein's mind raced as he made The World let out a
deep laugh.
"You're really a trustworthy person. Your character is worthy of
praise."
The Hanged Man pricked up his brows and took the initiative to say to
Derrick, "I'm also interested in the knowledge regarding this. What can
I use to trade for this information?"
He planned to do the transaction if it wasn't too expensive, and he
would give up if it exceeded his expectations. After all, he didn't have
any use for it at the moment.
Having been praised, Derrick was still lost in his joy. After two
seconds of thought, he said with abnormal sincerity, "Mr. Hanged Man,
there's no need. You've often been giving me suggestions in the past
when I was faced with trials. Just treat it as a way of showing my
appreciation."
*...If The World is a real person and was drinking, he definitely
would've spewed out all the water in his mouth. Thankfully, he's neither
drinking, nor is he real.* Klein mustered all the Beyonder
powers of a Clown to ensure his expression remained unchanged.
"..."
The Hanged Man was briefly at a loss for words. The Sun's reply was
completely out of his expectations.
He had been traveling the seas for years and had experienced numerous
encounters. His outlook on things was no longer that of black and white,
with it mainly shades of gray. At this moment, he felt a baffling sense
of guilt.
"Your character is really worthy of praise," Alger quickly composed
himself and praised Little Sun.
Don't copy what I said! Can't you use a different sentence...
The World glanced at The Hanged Man as The Fool lamented how wily old
foxes were all one and the same.
Dumbass! No, he's dumber than an ass! A dumb sheep! The Moon
Emlyn silently condemned The Sun.
From this morning, he had been filled with anticipation for this Tarot
Gathering, as he had already advanced to Baron and had wished to find a
chance to covertly flaunt himself.
*They might not be able to tell, apart from Mr. Fool... Mr. Hanged Man
likely can guess it... I should do something later to let them know that
I'm an honorable Lord Baron...* Emlyn pondered as he listened.
Towards Little Sun's words, Justice Audrey didn't feel any guilt or
anger, as she knew very well that Mr. Hanged Man had been the one who
had been guiding him every time. The others were only occasionally
giving suggestions.
*This is the natural result of being a good person... I hope Mr. Hanged
Man will become kinder in the future...* She watched this scene
in delight and didn't have the urge to spend money to obtain the method
for separating the mental corruption from a Beyonder characteristic.
Derrick quickly turned around and obtained Mr. Fool's approval and
conjured two yellowish-brown goatskin parchments.
Klein controlled The World and took a piece. He scanned it impatiently.
"There are two methods. The first is to use an item that can steal the
Beyonder powers of others. Extract the mental corruption left behind by
a Rampager and concoct the Beyonder characteristic into a potion before
the theft loses effect. This way, the mental corruption will have
nowhere to go and will directly dissipate.
"The second is to hold a ritual and pray to one of the two mystical
items in our City of Silver. Use its feedback to shatter the Beyonder
characteristic and let the mental corruption expire. After that, the
Beyonder characteristic will automatically gather together slowly.
"I only managed to obtain the corresponding ritual's procedure and was
unable to obtain the precise description of the item. Only the elders of
the six-member council have the right to know it and preside over such a
ritual.
"The ritual's procedure is...
Hmm... Thoughts went through Klein's mind as he nearly forgot
to control the dummy, The World.
*The first method is indeed something I never considered before... The
Sealed Artifact, Blood Vessel Thief, behind the Chanis Gate in Tingen
City is able to steal a target's Beyonder powers. By viewing a mental
corruption as one of them, there's nothing wrong with this
logic...*
*But here comes the problem. The mental corruption inside the All-Black
Eye isn't that of an ordinary Beyonder but from the evil god, True
Creator. Regardless of if it's the Beyonder who's stealing the power or
a mystical item of a similar trait, it will not be able to withstand
such mental corruption. The former has a hundred percent chance of
losing control, while the latter will directly be corrupted...*
*In theory, I can sacrifice a similar mystical item and use it to
replace the All-Black Eye's corruption. However, the timing has to be
done perfectly without any errors; otherwise, the two items might end up
corrupted.*
*Klein quickly analyzed the viability of the first option. As for the
second option, it was similar to his and Edwina's previous guess. Only
the details were somewhat different.*
*The two powerful mystical items in the City of Silver are, at best,
Grade 0. Basically, it can't be a true god's Sequence 0 remains;
otherwise, they wouldn't be in such a pathetic state in the Forsaken
Land of God. Therefore, does it mean that in order to shatter a Beyonder
characteristic, one doesn't need a god's strength? It's enough to do it
at the level of an angel? According to Little Sun, an angel is
equivalent to a subsidiary god and can barely be considered a
god...*
*Yes... This matter can be verified. Sea God Kalvetua only obtained a
portion of Calamity Cohinem's characteristic. The remaining part is in
the Book of Calamity... There might even be a third part. I wonder where
it's hidden since it helps this high elf, at the level of an angel, be
able to resist death. In short, it can be seen that Cohinem's Beyonder
characteristic was split into at least two parts. This is essentially
the same as shattering a Beyonder characteristic.*
*With all the evidence validating each other, I can make a preliminary
conclusion that as long as the ritual is right, the feedback of a
powerhouse at the angel level will be able to shatter a Beyonder
characteristic. Then, here comes the problem. Where do I find an
angel...*
*Mr. Azik might be one at his peak, but he clearly hasn't recovered yet.
As for Saints, Snake of Fate, Will Auceptin, is only a fetus that hasn't
even been born at the moment.*
Klein didn't spend too much time thinking, deciding to consider how to
resolve the problem after the Tarot Gathering ended.
With that, Alger quickly scanned the area and gained an understanding to
a certain degree.
Towards this, he had a theory.
*Getting The World to seek the method to separate the mental corruption
from a Beyonder characteristic is likely a test Mr. Fool had given to
his Blessed.*
*But does this imply that Mr. Fool's strength has only recovered to the
level of a Saint and not an Angel? Otherwise, there's no need to go
through such trouble. He could've directly removed it.*
*How long has it been? It's just been seven months and Mr. Fool has
already recovered to this extent... Right, "He" can already respond in
place of Sea God Kalvetua!*
*In another one to two years, he will likely be able to escape from his
seal. Standing at the pinnacle as an Angel, he will just be one step
short of the ultimate goal.*
Ignoring The Hanged Man's reaction, Cattleya looked at The Hanged Man
and thought for a few seconds before chuckling.
"I'm not sure if those methods include one of the methods I know of.
"I can provide it for free. An Unshadowed of the Sun pathway can
directly cleanse away the mental corruption in a Beyonder
characteristic."
*Ma'am Hermit is a lot more proactive than the last time... Has she
adjusted her state of mind, or does she have a motive? Or could it be
that she's discovered that everyone else is a weakling, so there's no
need to be too careful...* Klein was first surprised with
Cattleya's attitude before being delighted that he had obtained a third
method. It was from the Sun pathway which the City of Silver lacked.
*But I can't find the help of an Unshadowed, although I do have an
incomplete Unshadowed potion formula...* He controlled The World
to deliberate for a moment before having him turn to Cattleya to laugh
deeply.
"Thank you for your generosity, Ma'am Hermit."
Following that, he switched to the demeanor of a salesman and asked
Derrick, "Do you know of a book named Groselle's Travels?"
Derrick thought seriously before honestly shaking his head.
"No."
No... Klein nearly failed to continue what he had to say, but
thankfully, he steadied himself and let The World explain himself, "It's
a magical book that originates from dragons. Many of its owners have
vanished."
"Originates from dragons?" Audrey keenly noticed this important point as
she asked with interest.
"Yes, a Beyonder plans on selling it for 8,000 pounds," The World said
hoarsely.
He didn't raise the price above Edwina's offer because he had yet to
bargain with her. This was where he could profit on the trade. Besides,
even if Edwina insisted on 8,000 pounds, he could still obtain
Groselle's Travels and study it. It was worth the time he spent closing
the deal.
Audrey pursed her lips slightly as she darted her eyes around a little
and cautiously asked, "What's so magical about it?"
"...It requires further study." The World chose to be honest.
"I'll consider it." Audrey wasn't in a hurry to agree to it because
8,000 pounds was also a considerable sum of money to her as well.
Especially with her having just been reimbursed for Lie, it was very
difficult for her father, Earl Hall, to accept a book of unknown
purpose. And if she were to rely on herself, it would take her at least
three to four months---this was built on the premise that she had
already purchased the Psychiatrist's Beyonder characteristic for Susie.
Hence, she turned to ask The World about the Psychiatrist Beyonder
characteristic.
*...I mainly spent this week hunting Vice Admiral Ailment and failed. I
didn't find a Grazing target to switch to...* Klein was
instantly left somewhat embarrassed, feeling as though The World's
shrewd image had been damaged.