In the temporary "screening room" atop the Round Tower of the City of Silver, Derrick clumsily operated the "Codex," projecting onto the screen scenes so astonishing that he himself could hardly tear his eyes away. Yet, to avoid any mishaps, he suppressed his curiosity and focused entirely on controlling the device.
The screen first displayed a wide, slightly turbid river surging forward, spanned by a magnificent bridge, with orderly docks lining both banks...
The bustling cargo and lively crowds immediately captured the full attention of the six-member council.
So this is what the world of light looks like? An environment completely free from corruption and distortion?
Every person in the temporary screening room, including the "Shepherd" elder Lovia, genuinely experienced the joy brought by this vibrant "human atmosphere."
"Despite the depths of winter, the docks of Backlund remain as busy as ever..."
As the narration began, the perspective shifted to a man—exceptionally handsome, with refined attire, though his demeanor carried a hint of delicacy.
A vampire? So this is what vampires look like in the outside world? Even monsters in the normal world are so pleasing to the eye.
What is it doing? Going hunting? Or is it the prey? Is this a hunting tutorial for humans in the normal world?
Council member Wallis, the only other female elder besides Lovia, couldn't help but speak up upon seeing Emlyn.
"Wallis, silence!" Chief Colin reprimanded.
"Apologies... I got too excited," Elder Wallis immediately composed herself and lowered her head in acknowledgment.
Derrick wanted to reassure them that the film could be replayed, but after some thought, he decided not to interrupt and continued with the screening.
Following the handsome vampire's footsteps, the screen gradually revealed rows upon rows of buildings on the river's northeastern bank, bustling streets, carriages coming and going, and occasionally, strange mechanical contraptions.
The vampire frequently took out colorful slips of paper to exchange for various foods, elegantly sampling them while offering critiques—Ebner had thoughtfully provided a "Language Comprehension" charm for translation.
Among the foods was the Dishi pie Derrick had brought earlier.
After confirming the pie was safe, the council members had each tried a piece, and its delicious taste had already won them over...
Now, hearing the vampire describe it as "a bit greasy," they all frowned, feeling this was disrespectful to the "holy meal."
Though it was the "Fool's" holy meal and they hadn't converted to His faith, the happiness it brought was undeniable.
Then again, vampires' tastes must differ from ours...
As they pondered this, their eyes remained glued to the screen, unwilling to miss a single second... Even Backlund's gloomy skies and hazy fog seemed like scenes too beautiful to have ever dreamed of!
However, Ebner had edited the promotional film for the City of Silver, so it wasn't long—just five minutes—offering a glimpse of daily life in Backlund before concluding.
As the screen darkened, even Chief Colin sighed regretfully.
But he knew this wasn't the time for sentimentality. He turned to a special "guest" in the screening room and asked, "Have you seen the scenes in these images before?"
The special guest was naturally Jack, the young boy rescued during the last temple expedition.
Given that he was also from the outside world and a believer of the "True Creator"—unrelated to Derrick's "Fool"—he had been brought here to verify the authenticity of the film's content.
"That bridge at the beginning is the Backlund Bridge! I've never been there, but I've seen photos of it in newspapers and magazines," the boy Jack replied after some thought.
His words undoubtedly confirmed the authenticity of the footage.
After a moment of consideration, Chief Colin addressed the other council members:
"You've all seen and felt the sincerity of the 'Fool'... or rather, His subordinate 'The Tower'...
"So, shall we agree to his proposed trade?"
The council members, now sobered from their awe, briefly discussed before unanimously approving the exchange—Lovia included.
In their view, the gear book was utterly useless to the City of Silver—they couldn't even open it. No matter its true value, it paled in comparison to a mystic art that could purge toxins and corruption.
Moreover, this trade might very well be an attempt at establishing contact. If they missed this opportunity, the City of Silver might lose all hope of ever reaching the normal world.
If before they had no real concept of the normal world and felt little about it... now every member of the six-member council harbored boundless yearning for that hazy, fog-shrouded city!
The golden rays of light, the patches of emerald green, the black plumes of smoke, the gray-white veiled skies—all were deeply imprinted in everyone's minds... For some time to come, this would likely be their most beautiful dream.
After hearing everyone's opinions, Colin nodded silently. Then his deep, weathered light blue eyes turned to Derrick as he solemnly said, "On behalf of Silver City, I accept Mr. 'Tower's' trade."
With that, he took out a palm-sized gear-bound book from his pocket and placed it on the table before Derrick where the "Codex" was set up.
Seeing this, Derrick breathed a sigh of relief and felt happy inside—he had finally completed Mr. "Tower's" commission and not let down the other members of the Tarot Club.
"I'll play the instructional 'recording' of that mystic art now," Derrick said cheerfully after putting away the gear book.
While he was "changing reels," Colin suddenly asked as if casually, "Has the 'Fool' promised to take you to the normal world?"
Still unfamiliar with operating the "Codex," Derrick instinctively replied, "The 'Fool' is a deity who adheres to the principle of equivalent exchange. I can't afford such a price... and I don't want to leave Silver City alone..."
Mid-sentence, he suddenly realized he might have said too much—some things couldn't be revealed without the "Fool's" permission—so he quickly shut his mouth.
Equivalent exchange... Probably everything in Silver City combined would be insignificant in the eyes of a deity...
Does His equivalent exchange mean He wants us to do something? Maybe satisfying His believers' trades like this could also please Him...
Is "equivalent exchange" a manifestation of the "Fool's" authority?
Even though Colin remained vigilant, this attitude of "equivalent exchange" somewhat reassured him—after all, it didn't seem like something a deranged evil god would do.
By now, Derrick had finally changed the "reel," and Ebner's handsome face appeared on the screen.
...
Backlund, Hillston District, Silver Moon Theater.
Compared to the awe and yearning of Silver City's residents, this full version of "Impressions of Backlund" merely amused most noble ladies and gentlemen.
After all, it contained much of the street life and natural scenery that these upper-class people had never encountered before.
But what captured their attention more was the highly attractive vampire, Emlyn.
As soon as the film ended, people began inquiring about the male lead's identity.
Upon learning he was a priest at the Harvest Church, many ladies expressed interest in learning about the Earth Mother's teachings...
Meanwhile, other gentlemen and bishops, while entertained, pondered what changes and value this new theatrical form could bring.
Soon, as the screen lit up again, "Bryan Film Company" demonstrated one of the film's potential values.
"That's Detective Bryan? I've met him once—is he giving a lecture at a free school?" thought some reporters who recognized Ebner.
"Lectures can be recorded? If I had my speeches filmed, wouldn't I avoid traveling everywhere and just appear at a few key locations to maintain popularity?" mused a certain parliament member.
"If such recorded lectures could reach more people... they'd have advertising value... like giving close-ups to the stationery brands students use..." contemplated a merchant—thanks to Emperor Roselle, product placement was already deeply ingrained in newspapers and magazines.
"If this could be promoted, the shortage of teachers at free schools could be solved!" The attending church bishops also grew serious.
In the private box, Audrey's impression of Detective Ebner Bryan improved significantly as she watched him patiently teach and answer questions for shabbily dressed students.
Mr. "Tower" truly is a knowledgeable, kind, and compassionate gentleman. No wonder he's so charming, winning the favor of Xio, Fors, and even Princess Vera...
Pity he's such a playboy!
While musing, she enthusiastically learned the mathematical techniques shown, finding them both convenient and fascinating.
...
West Borough, Mr. Surry's workshop.
Just after completing the ritual offering, Ebner sensed a slight change in his spirituality.
This is... my "Mysticism Magister" potion digested a bit? Feedback from Silver City or the Silver Moon Theater?
Either way, it proves this "video teaching" method works for advancement!
So the key to the "Mysticism Magister" acting method lies in the last line—"making mystic arts no longer secret"... While "learning, creating, and teaching mystic arts" can't be skipped, the end result matters more.
Of course, the premise of "making mystic arts no longer secret" must follow the "Knowledge Keeper" principle—teaching the right arts to the right people!
That's probably why Edwina always inquires about students' backgrounds before teaching.
As Ebner half-speculated, half-concluded, boundless gray mist suddenly appeared before his eyes. Then he saw "The Sun" Derrick holding a gear book, praying to make an offering.
(End of Chapter)