After confirming for a second, Klein clasped his hands together, leaned forward, and said:
What exactly happened?
"No, I can't say any more." Emlyn White shook his head firmly.
Fearing he was being tested, Klein didn't press further and instead analyzed the situation based solely on the information the Vampire had just revealed:
Related to " The Fool "... capable of helping Emlyn White resolve his hidden dangers... carries a high risk... Considering his previous thoughts, this seems to indicate that he intends to perform a corresponding ritual, praying to " The Fool," which is me, to dispel the Psychological Suggestion and regain his long-lost freedom... But this is no longer Emlyn's own ritual; it originates from the orders of some powerful figure. And given this Vampire's pride, those willing to address him as "powerful figures" are mostly strong members of the Sanguine... Why would Sanguine leader send his descendant to pray to " The Fool "? Aurora Order?
Full of doubt, Klein raised his head and looked at Emlyn, who was looking at him expectantly, and scoffed inwardly:
Do you think I'll answer your request?
He hesitated for two seconds, then instead of offering a suggestion directly, said:
"Statistically, of every 100 people Hidden Existence, unknown entity, 30 will receive no response, 68 will encounter terrible things that cost them their lives or make their lives worse than death, and only 2 may succeed and obtain what they want, but the price they pay may not be what they are willing to pay."
As a former keyboard warrior, Klein has always believed that when proving something or strengthening a point of view, those who only talk about individual cases or special cases without mentioning the overall sample and statistical data are all being dishonest and are changing the subject. In general, such cases are accompanied by similar statements, such as "I have a friend," "a girl I know," or "so-and-so in my life."
So, in order to convince Emlyn White, he carefully fabricated some data.
Of course, this is not entirely without basis; at least many of the files that Klein read during his time with the Nighthawks team described similar situations.
"Only two were successful? Sixty-eight had problems?" Emlyn was indeed startled and couldn't help but raise his hand to smooth his hair.
"That's basically it. That's the level of danger of what you're about to do. If you have malicious intent, the risk is even higher," Klein replied sincerely.
Emlyn shook his head subconsciously:
"No, no, no malicious intent, and besides, that important person will protect me throughout the process."
No malice? Well, even if there was malice, you might not know that you're just cannon fodder pushed to the forefront... Klein raised his right palm, emphasizing his words with a gesture:
"This will reduce the risk significantly, but it won't eliminate it entirely. Can that powerful figure truly fight against the Hidden Existence?"
"... I shouldn't, I can't," Emlyn stammered in reply.
"So," Klein said, shrugging.
He suddenly smiled and said:
" Emlyn, you really don't need to take this risk. Even if you completely convert to Earth Mother, it won't affect your life. Look at the people of Feynapotter, they eat whatever they want, wear whatever they want, and do whatever they like. By then, Father Utravsky will probably stop forcing you to do volunteer work at the Harvest Church, and you will regain your original freedom."
"Furthermore, I think you've adapted well to the teachings of the Earth Mother, with no contradictions."
Emlyn White was silent for a moment before saying:
"Becoming a believer because you like His ideals is completely different from being forcibly converted into a believer through Psychological Suggestion. Even if one day I do turn my back on the Moon and worship the Mother Goddess, I hope it is a choice I make freely, and has nothing to do with others. This is the last pride of a Sanguine."
Klein glanced at Emlyn with slight surprise, not expecting the other to be so persistent.
He considered for two seconds, then stopped trying to persuade him and simply grunted in agreement.
"The question is actually very simple: can the orders from a powerful figure, coupled with the temptation to escape danger, give you the courage to face a certain level of risk? If you have the conviction to be willing to pay for it with your life, then the answer is very simple."
Ultimately, it's up to you to weigh the pros and cons of this matter.
Emlyn listened with a heavy expression, and instinctively retorted:
"If I were to actually try, it wouldn't be for myself, but for the entire Sanguine! Solving the hidden danger would just be a side benefit!"
For the entire Sanguine? What could I possibly have that involves the entire Sanguine? That big shot is lying to you, isn't he? Klein chuckled.
"Do you really believe that a weak Vampire has the chance to save his entire race?"
" Sanguine, Sanguine!" Emlyn emphasized, "And my strength isn't bad either, equivalent to Sequence 7 in your human race, and I'm the kind who excels in combat!"
"As for whether you believe it or not, you wouldn't understand," he said, standing up. "Although your analysis and suggestions are meaningless, I still have to thank you. Um, the consultation fee will be deducted from the suitcase and tin box from last time."
Huh? Klein didn't immediately understand what the other person was saying.
Only after Emlyn left did he suddenly realize:
"Aren't containers usually given away as freebies in large transactions?"
"That stingy, miserly Vampire!"
In the still-dark darkness before the lightning had subsided, the City of Silver exploration team arrived "on time" at the outskirts of the semi-abandoned temple.
Derrick remembered that during their first mission, all the animal-hide lanterns went out here, plunging the entire group into complete darkness. He also remembered hearing a chilling cry for help from the depths of the temple emanating from a little boy Jack.
According to Mr. " The Hanged Man " and Ms. " Justice," this might be the starting point of our cycle. But why did we awaken at the campfire camp outside the city, instead of here? Derrick recalled the discussion at the Tarot Club and, following the advice, raised his arm and prayed silently.
A pure and clear light suddenly emanated from his body, prompting Joshua and the other members of the exploration team to quickly assume a fighting stance.
"What happened?" Colin the Demon Hunter drew his straight sword and asked in a deep voice.
Derrick looked left and right in "horrified" and said:
"Your Excellency, I just heard a child crying, 'Help me... help me...'"
He wanted to test whether this was the key point!
"And now?" Colin asked warily.
"It's gone now." Derrick listened carefully.
" The Demon Hunter " Colin glanced at Joshua and the others out of the corner of his eye. "Did you hear that?"
"No." The exploration team members shook their heads one after another.
Colin made his decision after only a few seconds of thought. He pulled a small, dark blue metal vial from a hidden compartment in his belt and applied the colorless, viscous liquid inside to his straight sword.
Immediately afterwards, he thrust his longsword upwards.
Suddenly, the sky brightened, and streaks of silver, snake-like light swam above, rapidly spreading outwards.
A silvery light instantly enveloped all members of the exploration team, seemingly illuminating even the darkest "corners" of each individual.
With a hissing sound, the slender silver snake darted into the void, disappearing without a trace.
Everything quickly calmed down, leaving only the dim light of the animal-hide lanterns casting a quiet glow.
Colin half-closed his eyes, seemingly sensing something, and after a full five seconds, he raised his hand and pointed forward, saying:
"From now on, there can be no negligence; we must raise our vigilance to the highest level."
These words sound so familiar... This isn't the key to breaking out of this predicament... Derrick calmed himself and followed the group into the semi-abandoned temple without the slightest hesitation.
This time, he learned his lesson and did not look at the face of the " Fallen Creator " again. Then, during the inspection of the ground part, he took the initiative and actively secured the area where the mural was located.
He carried an animal-skin lantern, wielded a " Hurricane Axe," and embarked on an operation in a small group with a teammate.
After passing through walls that were either mottled or collapsed, he finally arrived at his destination.
As the light from the animal-skin lantern drew nearer, the mural on the wall gradually came into focus.
Derrick first looked into the corner and found the strange line of words that had stuck with him.
" Rose Redemption..." he murmured the name, raised the animal-skin lantern, and carefully examined the details of the mural.
On the mottled wall, at the highest point is a blurry, huge, pitch-black cross, with an indistinct shadow hanging upside down above it.
Against this backdrop, there lies a desolate and lifeless plain.
In the plains, a long procession marched, their destination the distant mountains, and the cross and the upside-down figure atop the mountain.
Within this procession, some members were still kneeling on the ground, praying devoutly, while others had already stood up and were walking forward against the strong wind.
Their faces were only sketched out in simple strokes, seemingly to emphasize the tattered state of their clothing, except for the leader at the very front, whose features were quite clear.
He was a tall, thin man with long, silver hair that reached his vest.
The man had gentle features, his head was lowered, his eyes were closed, and behind him were layers of radiant wings.
Angel! The legendary Angel! Derrick excitedly and secretly observed the situation around the "leader".
Soon, he noticed a winding, shimmering river at the feet of the man who resembled Angel.
The river kept turning and meandering, eventually returning to itself and becoming its source!
A cycle! This forms a cycle! Derrick suddenly felt he had grasped a key point.
Within a cyclical experience, a circular river appears within the mural on the wall!
The latter is clearly indicating or revealing something!
Derrick's gaze shifted upwards, and he saw the silver-haired Angel with countless wings, whose face was gentle yet tinged with indifference, as if he were looking down at a river, looking down at Fate.
Is this the real meaning of Mr. The Fool's hint? Derrick thought for a moment and decided to give it a try—if he succeeded, he planned to blame his abnormal behavior on the little boy Jack; if he failed, no one would remember what he had done!
Amidst his teammates' astonished gazes, Derrick raised the " Hurricane Axe " and cleaved it fiercely at the river depicted in the mural.
A flash of lightning was triggered, and the silvery light fell onto the axe.