"Mr. Sifa, are you okay?"
The familiar voice brought Sifa back to his senses. In front of him was a blond, eagle-nosed young man—Joyce—who looked a little worried.
Sifa wiped his face. "I'm fine, don't worry. Even if they won't let me send a telegram, I believe my father will be paying attention to news from Enmat Port. As long as he knows that the Sativa has entered the port, he'll definitely come. When that happens, I'll ask him to hire a lawyer, and we'll surely be able to go home."
While comforting the others in the cell, Sifa felt far less certain inside. After all, Enqi Town was far away in Dixi County, and he wasn't sure whether the police would even notify anyone about the Sativa. Maybe by the time his family heard anything, he would already be thrown into a real prison.
Anxiously, the afternoon arrived. Suddenly, the cell door opened, and a policeman in a black-and-white uniform asked, "Which one of you is Mr. Sifa?"
Sifa looked up in surprise, stood, and said, "I am."
The policeman stepped back. "Please follow me."
In the cell, Tris stood up. "Where are you taking him?"
The policeman waved his baton. "None of your business. Sit down!"
Sifa turned and said, "Don't worry. I'll be fine."
I hope so... he added silently.
Sifa was led to a quiet room and asked to sit and wait. Throughout the process, the police offered no explanation.
Not long after, the door opened again, and a large figure stepped inside—a middle-aged man, tall and imposing. He wore a top hat, and beneath his deep brows and well-groomed beard was an air of authority. Dressed in a white shirt, black waistcoat, and matching formal suit, he carried a delicate cane in one hand as he entered.
"They didn't beat you, son?"
Sifa suddenly stood up. "Dad?!"
The man who had come was none other than Sifa's father, Baron Bison Disraeli—an ambitious noble, dissatisfied with his current station. In recent years, he had been active in social circles, striving to enter the power center of the Loen Kingdom and secure a place in the House of Lords.
"How are you—?"
Bison raised his hand to gesture for calm. "Sit down, let's talk."
He pulled out a chair and sat. "Not long ago, we received news from the sea. I learned something had happened after your ship left Caesar Port. Your mother was very worried, so I came to Smart Harbor to wait for news.
I've been here nearly two weeks, sending people to the port daily to ask for updates.
This morning, I went to meet a friend, and when I returned to the hotel this afternoon, I heard the Sativa had come back. At the same time, I learned everyone aboard was detained. The police wouldn't say much, but I heard a tragedy occurred on your ship?"
Sifa nodded. "Father, I need a lawyer."
Bison leaned back slightly, nodding. "I know. Before I came, I contacted Zilif. He'll be here tomorrow—day after tomorrow at the latest.
Until then, say nothing. I've arranged for them to move you to a private cell."
Hearing this, Sifa felt relieved. "Father, I hope Mr. Zilif can also defend the others from the ship."
Bison frowned. "May I ask why? You understand this isn't a simple case."
Sifa took a moment to gather his thoughts before answering. "There are two reasons. First, I promised them on the ship that I would hire a lawyer for them when we reached the port.
You've always told me: credibility is the foundation of our standing. Now is the time for me to honor that promise.
Second, this could shape your image and enhance your reputation. Please believe me, Father. We're victims of the tragedy of the Sativa—we're innocent, even if blood has stained our hands.
If you hire a lawyer to ensure these people are treated fairly, the image of a baron who speaks for the common folk will surely bring you closer to the members of the Upper House."
A look of surprise flickered in Bison's eyes. After a moment of thought, he nodded. "You've convinced me. Very well. I'll discuss it with Zilif."
There was a knock at the door. A policeman entered and cleared his throat. "Time's up."
Bison rose, adjusting his top hat. "Stay strong. Don't worry. Next time, I'll bring the lawyer with me."
After his father left, Sifa was taken to a private cell.
The room was small, with a bed and its own bathroom—better than the previous cell, but only just.
Once the door closed, Sifa sat on the bed, observing his surroundings. Confirming no one was watching, he approached the high window with its metal bars.
Now, finally alone, he decided to summon that mysterious book.
On the ship, he hadn't dared attempt the ritual, fearing it might draw attention. But now, with privacy at last, it was the perfect opportunity to test his theory.
Sifa raised his hands and began reciting the incantation.
This time, there was no six-pointed star, no candles. Sifa wasn't sure if it would succeed.
But soon, the colors of the room seemed to deepen, and dust motes floated strangely in the air—signs the ritual had worked.
The illusory book appeared again. Sifa instinctively kept his gaze lowered, as though afraid of glimpsing something he shouldn't see.
Once the cover of the Book of Mysteries had fully materialized, Sifa felt its weight in his hands and opened it quickly.
Inside were the messages he'd left on the message board—along with some new replies.
Sifa's heart surged with joy and excitement.
Sure enough, this mysterious book could connect two worlds, allowing him to communicate with the "reader".
Eagerly, he read the replies:
[Mountain and Sea Man: Which sequence to choose? Of course, it's the Assassin. Trust me—there are surprises in the higher sequences of this path ╮(￣▽￣)╭.]
In this tone, you add an expression after "you"—I'm very scared.
Sifa read on:
[Galen the Shakugan: Hahaha! Definitely spy on the Secret person.]
[The Faceless Man: The assassin is the best option—okay, just kidding. Let me answer seriously. There's no way to apply for advance grade potion. Originally, I wanted to recommend lay low or something, but considering that the protagonist is a nobleman… In that case, the Arbitrator and Church sequences—such as Sailor, Savant, or Sleepless—are all worth considering.
These official sequences have detailed information and offer stable advancement. The only drawback is slow upgrades and official oversight.
As for other sequences, I personally think the Hunter sequence is also a good choice. Early on, it boosts physical fitness, especially combat skills.
A little promotion, and you can play with fire. In terms of raw destructive power, this sequence is definitely in the top three!]