'The Fool' was equally puzzled... 'What would require such a large number of people, and secretly at that? Is this the work of a hidden organization, or are cultists plotting something?'
But no one could answer Klein's inner question, nor could anyone address The Magician's earlier inquiry...
Or rather, the only person who could answer, Odis, had no intention of revealing the truth at this time.
'Miss Justice' furrowed her delicate brows, "Didn't the police notice the disappearances of those homeless individuals?"
'The Hermit' smiled faintly, "As long as the vagrants don't commit crimes or sleep in parks, the police don't concern themselves with them."
Audrey blinked, "Then who does oversee them?"
Odis met the noble lady's gaze, "The God of Death."
Audrey froze momentarily before comprehending his meaning, "They... they... I mean, after all, those are..."
She suddenly found herself at a loss for words.
Beside her, 'The Magician' chimed in, "After all, they're human lives."
Odis didn't pursue the topic further.
From the lower end of the bronze table, 'The World' interjected in a somber tone, "Many gentlemen of Backlund would disagree."
Audrey was stunned but, lacking context, couldn't immediately rebut.
At this point, The Hanged Man asked The Hermit, "Do you know who's issuing these missions to locate the homeless?"
"No," Odis replied, opting to withhold deeper involvement for now.
Alger pressed, "If you uncover new leads, please notify me promptly. I'll pay additional fees for further intelligence."
Odis nodded, "Agreed."
With the intelligence transaction concluded, Alger announced, "You may begin gathering leads on the 'Wind-Blessed' potion formula. I'll offer thoroughly satisfactory compensation!" {T/N: 'Wind-Blessed' is the Sequence 6 of the 'Tyrant' Pathway...}
At the head of the table, Klein discreetly activated his Spirit Vision and scanned Alger. Sure enough, the latter's Astral hue had deepened into a richer blue... a sign of complete potion digestion.
Audrey reflected, 'How fast time flies. Mr. Hanged Man and I have been in the Tarot Club for over four months. At the first gathering, Mr. Fool revealed the Acting Method. Now, The Hanged Man is advancing toward Sequence 6...'
Her gaze flicked to The Hermit... 'The new member shows no surprise. Does he regularly interact with Sequence 6 individuals? Or is he unaware that Wind-Blessed denotes Sequence 6?'
Fors also wore a solemn expression. As a wild Beyonder who frequented various gatherings, she knew Sequence 6 denoted captain-level status in churches, and commanding two to four squads in major cities.
This held true across all Orthodox Churches and Organizations... Sequence 6 marked core strength.
The other members then pledged to assist 'The Hanged Man' in his search.
Once Alger finished, Derrick raised a hand, "I've been assigned a mission to explore the half-ruined temple mentioned before, the one tied to the Fallen Creator..."
Again, Odis felt Audrey's scrutinizing gaze. Suppressing a sigh, he feigned keen interest.
Yet, Audrey found something off... the newcomer's body language didn't quite match his expression, 'Is his curiosity feigned?' she mused.
Fortunately, Derrick continued, redirecting her attention.
Derrick explained, "The leader of this expedition is Elder Lovia, a 'Shepherd'. Do you have any advice?" {T/N: 'Shepherd' is Sequence 5 of the 'Hanged Man' Pathway...}
Klein's immediate mental response was, 'My advice? Run far, far away...'
But to preserve The Fool's dignity, he remained silent.
Alger didn't hesitate, "My advice is Don't go."
After a pause, Derrick replied helplessly, "But... the mission is mandatory."
With a 'Spectator' Pathway Beyonder present, Odis dared not react overtly, and merely smiled at 'The Hanged Man'.
Alger chuckled darkly, "Nothing is mandatory... Before the mission, engineer an 'accident', let a monster wound you. Reference past cases in the City of Silver for severity."
From Derrick's posture, Audrey instantly gleaned his thought, 'That's an option?'
After a stunned moment, Derrick admitted, "But I have no patrol duties scheduled soon..."
Alger hummed, "Then simulate loss of control by draining your Spirituality... Here's a trick: sustain high-intensity Spirituality expenditure for two days straight, and signs of instability will emerge. Cease overexertion afterward, and you'll recover within a week..."
He smirked, "...Surely the City of Silver's leadership wouldn't bring a 'ticking time bomb' on an expedition?"
Klein sighed inwardly, 'An honest, earnest child, corrupted by this sly old fox...'
Audrey listened agape, feeling like she'd just received a masterclass.
Derrick wrestled internally. Deceiving the City of Silver's elders felt wrong, but if he perished, no one would warn the council about Elder Lovia's risks...
After seconds of turmoil, he exhaled heavily, "Thank you, Mr. Hanged Man."
At this point, Odis seized the moment to ask, "May I pose a question? Is this 'Fallen Creator' the same as the True Creator?"
This query was purely for Justice's benefit. Showing no interest would raise suspicion, while asking about the temple's location would seem too curious...
Mentioning the 'Fallen Creator' struck the right balance.
'Having a Telepathist around is such a hassle,' Odis grumbled internally, 'Otherwise, I wouldn't need to act.'
Thankfully, the gray fog masked his true reactions... even meticulous acting might not fool the 'Spectator' Pathway Beyonder otherwise...
Derrick took a deep breath, "Yes, Mr. Hermit. You might wonder about the temple. It's in an abandoned city with fragmented murals depicting doomsday prophecies, with the 'Fallen Creator' saving believers..."
'Whoa there, I didn't ask for details!'
Odis's cheek twitched, but to maintain his facade, he widened his eyes in shock, "An abandoned city? The True Creator saving believers?"
The newcomer's reaction amused Klein, 'Every new member is awed by the Forsaken Land of the Gods, consequently realizing the Tarot Club's caliber.'
Audrey, too, seemed to relish sharing the revelation, "'The Sunʼ resides neither in the Northern nor Southern Continent, nor upon the seas."
Odis had no choice but to escalate his performance, feigning astonishment until his face ached, "Then... could he be in the sky?"