Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic

Chapter 76 Dead End

"Sir... I actually know a pretty good psychologist, should I introduce you to him?"

Despite his shock, Shard asked politely. The man opposite him in the wine-red formal wear might very well be the Circle Sorcerer of "[[Blood of Mercury]]" that Miss Annette had just mentioned. He had just heard the news, and before he could turn around, he was caught; it seemed his luck had indeed run out.

But there was no panic, Shard knew what he had to do.

"No, I'm here for you; this book told me so."

The man shook the small book in his hand at Shard. It was palm-sized, a size more commonly used for casual reading by travelers.

The cover of the book appeared to be made of wrinkled leather material, with nothing but a title and a single sentence. Shard had never seen the language used for the title and the sentence, but he still deciphered them:

[[The Puppeteer's Script]]

[[Perhaps people think that they can control fate, yet they do not realize that all is already within the grasp of fate.]]

"Do you need me to introduce it?"

The middle-aged man rocked the book in his hand; he still sat by the stone table, at least ten steps from Shard at the edge of the grape arbor, but Shard dared not flee:

"Our partners, the 'Blood Spirit School,' haven't sent anyone over yet, they have only sent the Angel-Level Relic '[The Puppeteer's Script]' they found in the 'birthing room.' Of course, this isn't the complete script, just part of it that can be used ten times after being divided; I think it's of Keeper of Secrets Level.

It's said to have been written by a mad puppeteer during the chaotic times of the Fourth Era, but the parts people get are blank. Under very stringent conditions, one can use their own blood to write on the pages and affect reality by paying a price."

He was talking non-stop, eyeing Shard, who looked at his charred left arm.

The detective wanted to back away, but the tingling numbness on his scalp made him too scared to move.

"You don't believe me? Even though the 'Blood Spirit School' people haven't arrived yet, this is enough. It's fate favoring the 'Blood of Mercury,' our goal will definitely be achieved. You might think the composition of the Blood of Mercury is insane, but with this, it's not an illusion; it's very convenient for finding things."

This matched Old John's intelligence report, the information from the stingy shopkeeper was surprisingly correct.

The man gestured for Shard to sit opposite him, but Shard didn't move:

"So, what does this have to do with me?"

"Look, you've finally come to see me. Luck is only luck, but what I possess is power! Damn it, in a moment, I must see what your heart looks like! Do you know how much I've paid for you?"

This way of speaking made Shard's scalp tingle.

The man placed the small book on the stone table, then gestured for Shard to sit opposite him.

Shard certainly didn't want to do so, but as the man's increasingly terrifying aura emerged, blood-red chains seemed to dance behind him. The chains writhed like snakes, and the stinging sensation in his heart forced Shard to walk towards another stone stool by the table.

The man in the wine-red suit seemed less human and more like a wild animal, exuding a sense of ferocity and danger. The current situation could almost be considered a dead end.

"Still too weak..."

The oppressive atmosphere made it hard to breathe, but his heart held no despair; until the very last moment, he would never lose confidence in survival.

"Alright, sir, take out all the 'Relics' you have on you. Take it slow, no sudden movements."

After confirming Shard was seated, the man said, and then pulled out the fountain pen from his chest:

"The 'Puppeteer's Script' has two opportunities left, and for you, I'm willing to waste one. But I won't pay the price; instead of letting you die directly, I want you to feel greater pain!"

He uncapped the pen and began writing in the 'Puppeteer's Script,' reciting the content as though reading a poem:

"Oh you, the one across,

Read exclusive content at empire

Please disarm.

Lay down your weapons,

Cast aside your power,

You,

Will have nothing left."