Lord of Mysteries: The New Black Emperor

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Hobert suddenly recalled that although the middle-aged worker's body and face were filthy, his hair wasn't dirty, and it clearly had the impression of being pressed down by a hat.

He slapped his thigh in frustration, wondering why he had only just noticed these details!

This... this was the ability of a Swindler! They could mislead thoughts, which was why Hobert had sensed something wrong earlier but had overlooked it under the influence of the Swindler's power.

Feeling slightly annoyed, Hobert resolved that if he encountered another Swindler in the future, he would have to be more cautious. They might slip away right under his nose.

Xio was also frustrated. "What do we do now?"

Hobert turned to the worker lying on the ground. "The hat is yours; the coat is mine."

"Yes, yes, yes!" The worker quickly took off the coat and handed it to Hobert before limping away, clearly still hurting from Xio's earlier kick.

Hobert searched the coat, finding two letters, a pocket watch, and a pipe.

The pipe seemed like something the man used frequently. If they had the ability to perform "Dowsing rod divination," they could use it to locate him, but Dowsing was a unique Beyonder ability of a Seer, and neither Hobert nor Xio were skilled in divination.

Hobert then looked at the two letters. As expected, one was from Darkholm, addressed to "Dear Mr. Heyman."

The man who had just escaped right under their noses was Heyman!

Darkholm reported that someone was inquiring about Zachary's whereabouts, even knowing Mr. Heyman's name, and described Hobert and Xio's general appearance in the letter.

The second letter was also addressed to "Dear Mr. Heyman." Hobert skipped to the end, where the signature read, "Your loyal Zachary"!

Zachary was still in Backlund!

Hobert read the letter carefully:

"Dear Mr. Heyman,

"It's been eight days since I took the potion, but why hasn't the whispering in my ears diminished? It's as if a solemn voice is proclaiming some grand declaration. Although I can't understand what it's saying, the content stirs something deep within me, filling me with an uncontrollable excitement. Is that sacred voice the voice of the Lord?

"Besides the whispers, I hear people talking quietly in front of me, but I can't see them. My hiding place is clearly an abandoned factory, so why does it become so lively at night? Those voices are terrifying, keeping me awake night after night. If this continues, I'll be crushed by these maddening voices.

"I believe you must have a way to alleviate these symptoms. Please, help me solve these problems. I'm on the verge of jumping into the Tussock River—it might be a form of relief. Additionally, as per your instructions, I attempted the rituals you mentioned. I believe they were successful because, for a moment, I saw the Lord's kingdom.

"I can feel my power growing, like drinking a refreshing glass of cold water on a hot summer day. I hope to gain more strength and look forward to your further guidance."

The second half of the letter radiated madness, and after reading it, both Hobert and Xio felt uneasy.

It was clear from the letter that Zachary had become a Beyonder, though it was still uncertain which Pathway he belonged to. However, his condition seemed off.

Pointing at the letter, Hobert said, "We have two clues now: one is the abandoned factory, and the other is the banks of the Tussock River. The area isn't large."

Xio asked, "What about Heyman, who just escaped?"

Hobert thought for a moment. "Heyman left Zachary's letter as a form of protection for himself.

"Based on the letter's content, it'll be easier for us to find Zachary. This increases the likelihood that we'll abandon our pursuit of Heyman.

"Also, we know too little about Heyman. We may need to have another 'friendly exchange' with Mr. Darkholm to learn more information.

"But if we delay, Zachary might get a warning, and then we won't be able to find anyone. So, both emotionally and logically, we'll go after Zachary first."

Xio spread her hands. "Is this what it's like dealing with a Swindler? We know their plan, but we still have to follow it?"

Hobert smiled thinly. "Yes, that's exactly what dealing with a Swindler is like. But he probably doesn't realize that once we find Zachary, whether or not he's willing to talk, I'll have ways of getting more clues about Heyman."

He added, "We can't waste any more time. We'll talk as we go. Ah, perfect, there's a carriage over there."

Hobert approached the driver of the cab and, after a brief conversation, learned about three abandoned factories along the banks of the Tussock River.

Xio, not used to handling such Beyonder cases, was a little slow to catch up with Hobert's thought process, but seeing how reliable Hobert had been so far, she didn't hesitate much and quickly followed his lead.

Riding the cab, they picked up speed and soon arrived at the first abandoned factory.

Hobert only needed one glance to know it wasn't the right place. There were too many homeless people living there, and if Zachary had any sense, he wouldn't attempt ritual magic in such a place.

The cab moved on to their second target.

In the carriage, Hobert reasoned, "Let's recap. A month ago, Zachary carried out a scam involving thousands of pounds.

"Heyman was the mastermind behind this, luring Zachary to work for him with the promise of a potion. After successfully pulling off the scam, Zachary received the potion he had been dreaming of.

"Zachary planned to consult Heyman on occult knowledge at any time, so he didn't flee to another city. Instead, he found a hidden spot to master the potion's power and frequently wrote letters to Heyman."

Hobert rubbed his chin and glanced at Xio. "Do you have anything to add?"

"Their handwriting is very neat," Xio said, adjusting her hat.

"What do you mean?"

"Most of the gang members in the East Borough are illiterate. Even those who can read only know a few common words. I've never seen a gang boss write such neat letters like Zachary and Darkholm."

Hobert pondered for a moment. "Maybe we should visit Mr. Darkholm sometime, especially since his injuries are thanks to us."

Xio laughed like a carefree youth, saying, "You're right."

At that moment, the horse pulling the cab neighed loudly, refusing to move forward no matter how much the driver whipped it.

Hobert opened the window and looked out. The factory ahead gave off an unsettling vibe. Dozens of crows circled above it, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the abandoned building.

He straightened his coat and got out of the cab. "This is the place we're looking for!"