Lord of Mysteries: Starting As A Reader

This explanation is quite similar to the Bizarro Sorcerer's advancement ritual in the original work—a mark that also serves as an anchor. The Bizarro Sorcerer requires it due to the spiritual body splitting at this stage.

Just as the lion quoted Roselle, the Prophet's "analytical" abilities mutate into "multi-thread processing," which seems akin to a fractured mind, necessitating anchors as well.

Back when I was just an ordinary person, using Pure White Eye for analyzing objects or abilities already gave me a multi-thread experience. Will that give me an advantage during future advancements? Or maybe I can skip the ritual altogether?

Forget it, such things must be tested to know for sure. But if I guess wrong, it's game over. Better not risk it unless I have to.

Returning to the main topic, the purpose of the "world-shaking discovery or invention" ritual seems to be to establish an anchor, not the discovery or invention itself.

This doesn't require faith, which is prone to becoming chaotic and impacting one's humanity. The ritual likely focuses on people's instinctive reverence for knowledge and respect for those who pursue it, channeling this sentiment briefly onto the individual to form an anchor.

Whether it's a discovery or an invention, they're essentially forms of knowledge—principles, laws, information, secrets, or applications.

It doesn't even need a vast number of people. As long as those who encounter the discovery or invention are sufficiently "shocked," it should suffice.

The phrase "world-shaking" likely refers to the degree of shock rather than literally shaking the entire world. That's unrealistic for a Sequence 5.

While contemplating this, Ebner couldn't help but mutter silently, "If I revealed that the Primordial Demoness was originally a man, would that count as 'shocking the world'?"

But he quickly dismissed the idea. He wasn't an authority figure, and without evidence, most Beyonders would dismiss it as the ramblings of a lunatic.

And those who already knew wouldn't be shocked either.

As Ebner indulged in his wild thoughts, Vice Admiral Iceberg Edwina, who had long finished her analysis and quietly listened, suddenly asked, "What does 'multi-thread processing' mean?"

"You actually understand Roselle's made-up jargon?" the lion perked up before Ebner could respond. "Not bad for someone Roselle prophesied about! Hey, are you perhaps a creation of that Calamity Seal? It's the only one that can keep up with Roselle's endless nonsense."

It went on without waiting for Ebner's response, inadvertently revealing a series of Roselle's secrets.

No wonder this lion is called the Sphinx—truly living up to its name. Sphinx originates from ancient Fusac, meaning "one who spreads secret knowledge."

After mentally sighing, Ebner briefly explained to Edwina that "multi-thread processing" was akin to parallel analysis. Then he casually asked, "What is the Calamity Seal?"

The lion pondered for a moment but hadn't figured out how to answer when it abruptly paused, stopping in a space about the size of a basketball court.

The conversation ended there.

Scanning the space, Ebner noticed that half of it was lined with continuous workbenches cluttered with materials, jars, a furnace, and even an old-fashioned steam engine—a rudimentary workshop and laboratory.

The other side, where the lion currently stood, seemed to be a "living area" outfitted with comfortable-looking grass mats, a bar counter, and shelves stocked with bottles. It was unclear whether they held potions or drinks.

Nearby was a row of life-sized punching bags, each painted with the image of a man with chestnut hair and a neatly trimmed mustache.

As Ebner, Edwina, and Jane all glanced at the punching bags, the lion casually introduced, "That's my entertainment area."

Plucking a colorful mane hair, it conjured a wind blade that sliced through the neck of one punching bag's image. The lion nodded in satisfaction. "Just like that."

It seems this lion holds quite a grudge against Roselle. But is it because he imprisoned it here for over a century or because he abandoned it?

Judging from the lion's earlier tone, it's probably the latter.

Looking at the familiar workshop layout, Ebner thought to himself.

Jane and Edwina seemed to be thinking similar thoughts as they observed the lion thoughtfully.

Vice Admiral Iceberg even pondered that if she ever left the Golden Dream, she'd ensure the crew was well taken care of, lest they end up like this lion.

The lion, meanwhile, paid no attention to their thoughts. It raised a paw, pointing at a water-like "mirror" in the center of the ceiling, and said,

"That's Roselle's 'thief tunnel.' It leads directly to the depths of Daniel's Maze.

"Do you want to enter now, or wait until the maze's main entrance fully opens?"

Ebner exchanged glances with the two ladies, who decisively left the decision to him.

Without shirking responsibility, Ebner pondered for a moment before asking, "What's the difference?"

"Essentially, none. Since you don't have the 'key,' even if you reach the 'deepest point,' you can't truly unlock the treasure. You'll still have to wait for those holding the key to enter through the main gate, navigate the maze, and reach the deepest point.

"Roselle could bypass Daniel's seals, but we can't.

"However, the card left by Roselle might be outside the treasure vault."

The lion explained dutifully.

"Have you ever gone inside?" Ebner asked after some thought.

"My lair is technically the reflection of a well within Daniel's Valley, but that place is outside the maze's boundaries." The lion spoke bitterly, shooting a wind blade at the punching bag, then turned to Jane.

"Fortunately, this lady answered the question Daniel set up, which lifted some of the 'rules' and 'restrictions' on me. As long as she gets that card, I'll be completely free."

Grinding its teeth, the lion continued, "Once I'm free, I'll expose all of Roselle's dirty secrets and ruin his reputation!"

"He's really dead," Jane reminded him calmly.

"Dead? That scourge wouldn't just die!" The lion sneered dismissively before swiftly changing the subject. "So, what's your decision?"

"I choose to enter now," Ebner answered without hesitation.

He had already made up his mind. The seals left by a demigod might be troublesome, but with Pure White Eye, he might be able to overcome them.

Even if they couldn't reach the treasure, they could set up measures in advance, gaining an edge when the military or the Rose School of Thought arrived with the key.

"Then go ahead. This time, I don't need to carry you. Even without 'mirror world' abilities, you can directly reach the destination. Roselle solidified that door." The lion shook its head and said.

Ebner activated Pure White Eye, analyzing the door carefully. Seeing no deception in the lion's words, he beckoned the two ladies to his side.

After a brief discussion, Edwina and Jane each grabbed one of Ebner's arms, allowing him to lift them with wind manipulation as they ascended toward the door on the ceiling.

A dizzying sensation, like passing through a teleportation gate, swept over them. When their vision cleared, they found themselves standing before a grand palace of gold and crimson, straight out of a fairy tale.

On the first step of the main hall, a solitary card lay silently.

At first, it appeared completely ordinary. But the moment the trio entered, a radiant brilliance began to rise from its surface, transforming it entirely.

Ebner's eyes focused, quickly recognizing the image of Roselle blowing a trumpet on the card.

It was a Judgment Card.