How can one summarize the remaining "Magician's Rules"? Caine thoughtfully pondered the questions most important to him, idly flipping through the newspaper he had already read. He had previously considered one point—the difference between having or lacking audience applause—but felt that alone, it still wasn't sufficient. With this idea in mind, his thoughts rapidly expanded, unexpectedly connecting to several other insights: during his earlier "Seer" phase, receiving recognition and being praised as a genuine Seer gave him a sense that his potions were absorbed more quickly. After formulating the "Seer's Rules," however, he began to see that this connection wasn't direct—others' opinions and feedback were merely performances, not substantive outcomes. Once he performed well enough, recognition naturally followed, and the faster absorption naturally occurred. In other words, he had long believed these two aspects were simply different expressions of the same outcome, rather than a cause-and-effect relationship. Now, there's also the option of "audience applause"... If it truly helps me digest the potion, does that suggest that some performances genuinely require feedback, and that others' opinions subtly influence the very pace at which I digest the potion? Hmm. Broadening this thought, does the establishment of seven orthodox deities' churches, their propagation of faith, and the cultivation of followers also stem from such factors? ...This is truly a sacrilegious notion. I've always been someone who praises the gods, but never one who truly reveres them wholeheartedly. I'll praise them, but I won't believe in them blindly. Kline quickly adjusts his thinking, seeking other angles. He repeatedly compares the subtle differences between "seers," "clowns," and "magicians," and gradually forms a notion: Compared to the "magician," who requires "performance," does that carry a sense of "initiative"? Does the magician actively seek opportunities to perform, unlike the "seer" and "clown," who remain more passive? From the perspective of fate, this also makes sense—starting with the seer who reveres fate, moving through the clown who is played by fate yet still maintains a smile, and finally to the magician who actively challenges fate, even if only achieving a false outcome, securing applause merely by deception. Klein gave a barely perceptible nod, deciding to try and step forward and make a performance. Where should he begin? Something less risky—yes, the story of the vampire Emlyn White being imprisoned by Father Utravskiy could be considered. But only if he could confirm that these non-human beings generally uphold their duties, perhaps with only minor thefts. Where exactly does Emlyn's companion reside in the southern district of the bridge? He couldn't quite recall—let the seer recall that, meanwhile, checking the level of risk. With this thought, Klein set down the newspaper and rose to head upstairs. It must be said that, without any other motive, actively stepping in to something almost entirely unrelated to himself—this is not his nature. He can only manage it out of sheer performance. As for me, who's still rather straightforward, how am I supposed to handle a steel-male type playing the role of a "witch" or a "joyful fairy"? It's no wonder the Silver City emphasizes, "You're merely playing the part." Now, Caine suddenly understands the significance of that advice. ........ In a dimly lit room at the top of the Round Tower, the head of the "Six-Party Council," Colin Iliad, stands by the window, gazing at the Silver City shrouded in darkness and lightning. The flashes of light highlight the white, disheveled strands of his hair, the weathered scars on his face—some twisted, some severe, the deep lines etched across his forehead, and the worried gaze of his eyes. After an indeterminate length of time, Colin turns to face the dark corner, and in a steady voice asks, "Have you found anything?" In the corner, a shadow rose up, casting a dark, wavering and twisting silhouette onto the wall. Its voice carried a metallic scraping quality, quite sharp: "After returning home, Drik Berg has shown certain anomalies, though nothing requiring immediate intervention." Colin nodded gently. "What specific actions has he taken?" Having transformed into a luminous figure through the magical artifact at the base of the tower to eliminate the unruly individuals and the mysterious figure who was not his true self, he had long suspected that the matter had not been fully resolved. The sudden collapse of the former exploration team leader, the mysterious figure's bold intervention after forty-two years of restrained patience—without regard for traps or consequences—had deeply unsettled Colin, who had previously hunted numerous monsters. This instinctive sense of dissonance led him to believe this was a deliberate choice by the mysterious figure. Though the figure's true intentions remained unknown, he was certain there would be further, well-planned actions—far from a simple, straightforward elimination. After confirming no abnormalities in the young man's use of the "Sword of the Hunter's" abilities, he deliberately feigned ignorance and sent the boy named Darien Berg home, while secretly arranging for close monitoring. This marked a clear departure from the previous practice of detention and inspection—something Colin had been compelled to change. The steadily shifting black shadow replied: "After entering the room, Darien sat by the bed and quietly spoke to himself for a while. Concerned about being noticed by the mysterious figure, I stayed at a distance and didn't catch the exact words, though I could clearly observe this as an atypical behavior. After his self-talk, he appeared very tired and fell asleep quickly. However, after only a short time, he suddenly woke up and began performing a ritual—I suspect he was not fully conscious at that moment, perhaps under the influence of the mysterious figure. By the way, the ritual carried a mystical element." Colin pondered seriously and then said, "Indeed... perhaps he is communicating with his true form through this means." "What is his purpose? Why is he at ease staying at the base of the Round Tower for forty-two years?" The black shadow naturally could not answer this question, and continued: "Since the ritual, Deryck has shown no further abnormalities. Should we address this matter immediately? If the true form of that mysterious figure is summoned, we may not be able to handle it." Chief Colin of the Six-Body Council remained silent for a few seconds, then said, "Let us continue observing. The mysterious figure has not yet demonstrated a substantial or pressing malice. Our response should not be overly vigorous. Oh, do you remember that prophecy? The disaster is drawing near... as we explore further, we are discovering more and more strange ruins, and the things we recover are becoming increasingly hazardous..." "Following your judgment, Chief." The black shadow gradually retracted and vanished into the ground. At the Berg household, Deric suddenly began to cough violently, coughing so hard that it seemed his heart would split in two. Cough! Cough! Cough! He bent forward, coughing continuously until a sudden itch in his throat caused him to expel something. *Plip!* A semi-transparent creature slid down his throat and landed on the floor—a bug about the size and thickness of a finger. Parts of its body were completely transparent, forming concentric rings. Deric had seen something similar at the base of the Round Tower, and this discovery confirmed to him beyond doubt that he had finally escaped Amun's influence. He knelt down and picked up the small, translucent insect. Finally, he counted twelve distinct rings on its body. What was this thing? What could it be used for? It seemed to have already died. Deric sat in thoughtful silence. In front of it lay a cliff face, and around it stretched a vast, misty expanse, silent and still. This was the Tranquil Church—the headquarters of the Church of the Night Goddess—commonly known as the Sanctum. Leonard Mitchell, with dark hair and bright eyes, donned a black coat and wore red gloves, stepping out of his room. Though he had successfully advanced and stabilized within the order, he had yet to be given the opportunity to participate in any active missions, still required to complete drills and attend what were called esoteric courses. Turning the corner, he spotted a staircase descending to the lower levels, where Captain Deneen Smith—dressed in a black coat and with deep gray eyes—stood alongside Kline Moretti, who carried a quiet, scholarly air, all of them smiling and waiting. Leonard tilted his head slightly, sighed silently: "My memory is fading. I've completely forgotten that you'd all already left…" He turned his gaze, descended the stairs, and arrived at the first floor of the church, knocking on the door of a modest room. Chairs were scattered throughout the room, with several night-watchers wearing red gloves seated casually. Leonard chose a spot at random and began chatting with friends he knew. A moment later, Cresta Cecilia, an accomplished steward with her collar raised high enough to conceal her chin and lips, entered and took a seat at the front, facing the group. "Today's session will outline several key points," she said. "As 'Red Glove' members, you will be traveling across various locations and will encounter high-tier extraordinary individuals with a certain probability—some of whom may pose a direct threat. Should they act with clear hostility and intend to eliminate you, your only recourse will be to leave subtle traces of your presence, enabling subsequent investigators to gather relevant clues. Specific methods for doing so include... However, often these high-tier extraordinary individuals will not immediately act against you. Instead, they may leverage your presence based on various considerations. You must remain vigilant and never be deceived. Below are the scenarios we have identified." Leonard in the back smiled and listened intently—his target was an exceptional one! Cassima, the Senior Steward, paused for two seconds before continuing: "First, some exceptional beings may disguise themselves as hidden entities, deceiving you through promises and hopes, leading you to recite their corresponding descriptions. Second, some exceptional beings may currently be imprisoned or sealed, and they will feign themselves as magical items that fulfill your desires, thus guiding you to help them escape—such as the lamp that grants three wishes, or a wishing pond. Third, there exists a specific magical remedy among the exceptional beings known as 'The Parasite.' These beings often claim to have lost their physical bodies and can only coexist with your spirit, relying entirely on you, unable to harm you. They offer you knowledge, recipes, and various benefits, hoping that you grow strong enough to help them rebuild their bodies or seek justice for them." "In reality, the extraordinary beings who are parasitized merely become their nourishment, allowing their own lives and states to continue." Leonard listened, and his smile gradually faded.