Just as I thought when I examined Valentinus's memories. The man hosting the gathering is only a projection. No wonder Mr. Gluttony isn't too concerned about security...
That means the "salted fish" bait will finally come in handy.
The thought had barely crossed Abner's mind when the man in the center of the warehouse stopped studying Fors and began organizing the meeting as usual.
First, Mr. Gluttony's projection shared some knowledge of mysticism free of charge.
Abner found that strange. Unlike the Reader Pathway, the Spectator Pathway had no Sequence that required teaching. Why would this Demigod deliberately spread knowledge? Was he simply being kind?
But Abner soon noticed something wrong with the lesson. It seemed to contain a hidden agenda, subtly influencing the minds of every Beyonder present. It silently invaded their thoughts and reinforced a brand planted long ago.
It had no effect on Abner. By simulating the Fraud ability at the Demigod level, he deceived the man without arousing suspicion.
After all, the projection itself was not particularly strong, probably only at Sequence 5. It merely seemed unusually mysterious because of the true body's high standing.
The lesson soon ended. After the trading and commissions came the final stage, when each member reported their progress to the organizer in the center of the warehouse.
"Sir, I've successfully 'persuaded' the warehouse supervisors at the Second Steel Factory and Conston Gun Factory to accept that shipment of inferior coal."
"Sir, the Second Army's quartermaster is wavering. We expect him to sell a stockpile of ammunition and firearms privately next week..."
"Sir, I still have no leads on the Sonia Sea Fleet's hidden naval port. I request another month for the assignment..."
As Abner listened to the assorted reports, his astonishment gave way to a grim realization.
*The Psychology Alchemists