Lord of Mysteries 2: Circle of Inevitability

Our prior conjectures have been validated. The Overseer did indeed detected Jebusʼs death. Whether the Overseer was limited by his abilities or hindered by the Primordial Demoness figurine is uncertain, but he was unable to immediately locate us and launch a counterattack…

We must abandon the original plan. Getting Moran Avigny to ʼwillinglyʼ enter the studyʼs full-body mirror is no longer feasible…

Lost in thought, Lumian watched as Moran Avigny tucked away the hand mirror, boarded the carriage, and headed home.

Taking advantage of the still somewhat chaotic scene, he and Anthony discreetly left the Pavilion of Pleasure.

At the periphery of a square adorned with statues and obelisks, Lumian scanned his surroundings. Confirming that no one was nearby, he murmured to Anthony, ”What do you think frightened Moran Avigny?”

He had already shared his theory with Anthony.

Drawing on his Spectator perspective, Anthony endeavored to analyze the psychological states of the School of Truth and Moran Avigny.

”Without intel on the enemy, itʼs improbable that the School of Truth, a secret organization worshiping an evil deity, would dispatch additional demigod-level operatives to Moran Avignyʼs proximity to enhance protection for the Mirror People. Unlike an orthodox Church, they canʼt afford to act rashly and perpetually escalate their involvement. They must consider the possibility that the group that apprehended Jebus is equally formidable, potentially including a demigod in their ranks. They might even suspect that this could be a covert mission orchestrated by the Purifier, Machinery Hivemind, or an elite unit from Bureau 8.

”In essence, the Overseer will convey to Moran Avigny that heʼs now on his own. Theyʼll offer indirect support but canʼt intervene directly.

”Other cults might react with insanity, extremism, and irrationality while still defending Moran Avigny. However, based on Jebusʼs ideology, the School of Truth will refrain from such actions.”

”That explains why Moran Avigny couldnʼt conceal his fear. Itʼs tantamount to being forsaken.” Lumian gently nodded.

Anthony continued his analysis.

”We must also take into account Moran Avignyʼs unique characteristic as a Mirror Person.

”The Mirror People weʼve previously encountered not only pursued their own ambitions but also exhibited a certain zealotry towards their leader and overarching objectives.

”Based on my observations, while Moran Avigny is undeniably terrified, he managed to exercise some restraint. Upon entering the carriage, he appeared resolute and determined.”

Lumian comprehended and remarked, ”Is he contemplating self-sacrifice? Heʼll promptly alert the other Mirror People and urge them to swiftly conceal themselves. As for himself, heʼs under the strict protection of officials, rendering escape impossible. His only option is to remain in place, visible to the enemy faction, hoping that his fortune is sufficient and the official protection proves effective.

”Heh heh, in times like these, protection becomes another form of confinement.”

Anthony shifted the topic. ”Which tributary turned black following the change in Moran Avignyʼs fate?”

Lumian shook his head. ”Nothing at present. This is an exceptionally unique situation. It signifies that it will manifest only when Moran Avigny makes a new choice, branching into a new fate tributary.”

At this juncture, Lumian exhaled slowly and stated, ”I donʼt perceive any other opportunities at the moment. It would have been good if the Overseer had acted rashly and protected Moran Avigny. The Demoness of Black should be awaiting him. Hmm, letʼs locate Jenna and Franca first.”

…

In the quarry cave housing a permanent entrance to the mirror world, Franca, who had been patiently waiting, witnessed black hair reemerge from the mirror, descending strand by strand.

Demoness of Black Clarice materialized and spoke softly, ”Currently, no Beyonders are concealed behind the relevant mirror. They must have abandoned Moran Avigny.

”Iʼm unable to provide assistance at this time. You must reevaluate your strategy and devise a means to capture Moran Avigny, who is under the robust protection of official Beyonders, without entering the mirror world.”

Do you have a solution in mind? Franca wished to inquire but refrained out of concern for offending the Demoness of Black. Instead, she simply replied, ”Understood.”

…