Lord of the Mysteries Chapter Summary 1-15

Chapter 1 – Crimson

Zhou Mingrui wakes up to an excruciating headache, feeling like his temples are being pierced by a sharp object. He tries to move, but his body is unresponsive, and his thoughts are cloudy and difficult to control. As he struggles to focus, he wonders if he’s dreaming or awake, and if he’s experiencing a cerebral hemorrhage.

As the pain slowly subsides, Zhou Mingrui opens his eyes to find himself in an unfamiliar study, surrounded by strange objects like a revolver, an ink bottle with an angel pattern, and a crimson moon hanging in midair. The room is filled with an eerie, crimson glow, and he feels inexplicably horrified.

As Zhou Mingrui tries to take in his surroundings, he discovers the room is small, with a bed, cabinet, and mechanical device on the walls. He sees himself in a dressing mirror, and his gaze sweeps the room, taking in the strange, steampunk-inspired decor. The atmosphere is tense and foreboding, and Zhou Mingrui is left with more questions than answers, wondering how he ended up in this bizarre world.

Chapter 2 – Situation

Zhou Mingrui’s gaze falls upon a dessicated corpse-like reflection in the dressing mirror, leaving him reeling in fear. Despite his initial terror, he tries to calm himself and inspects his body, finding his wounds to be grievous but his vitality strong. He attempts to examine his head injury but is hindered by the dim lighting.

As he searches for a solution, a memory fragment from his past life as Klein Moretti surfaces, reminding him of the gas lamp’s capabilities. He finds the lamp on the wall and attempts to light it, but it doesn’t work at first. After recalling his brother Benson’s resourcefulness in installing gas pipes, Zhou Mingrui discovers a gas meter and uses a copper penny to activate it, finally illuminating the room with a warm glow.

With the darkness receded, Zhou Mingrui inspects his wound again, finding it to be rapidly healing. He attributes this to the restorative effects of transmigration. Feeling relieved, he decides to clean up the blood stains on his head and ventures out into the dark corridor, where the crimson moonlight casts eerie silhouettes.

Chapter 3 – Melissa

Zhou Mingrui’s fear and unease dissipate as he focuses on studying Klein’s memory fragments, trying to piece together the mysteries of his past life. He discovers that Klein’s memories are fragmented and incomplete, like shattered glass, with many missing pieces, including the events leading up to his death. Despite this, Zhou Mingrui recalls Klein’s university struggles and his ambition to attend Tingen University’s History department, as well as his mentor’s recommendation letter.

As Zhou Mingrui delves deeper into Klein’s memories, he learns more about his family, including his brother Benson’s resourcefulness and support for his sister Melissa’s dreams of becoming a steam mechanic. Melissa’s passion for machinery and her education at the Tingen Technical School’s Steam and Machinery department are revealed, as well as Benson’s struggles to maintain their livelihood amidst the company’s decline.

As Melissa awakens, Zhou Mingrui quickly hides the revolver and composes himself, trying to act normal despite his still-healing head wound. He shows Melissa a silver vine-leaf pocket watch, a precious family heirloom that Melissa had previously fixed, but which now appears broken again. The conversation is awkward, but Zhou Mingrui is determined to navigate his new reality and uncover the secrets of his past life.

Chapter 4 – Divination

Zhou Mingrui, still navigating his new reality, prepares to venture out to buy ingredients for his luck enhancement ritual. He changes into a brownish-yellow coat and felt hat, and retrieves a roll of notes from a hidden compartment, admiring the unique ink and design of the Loen Kingdom’s currency. With his outfit and finances in order, he pockets a revolver for protection, concerned about potential ‘accidents’ due to Klein’s suspicious suicide.

As he exits his apartment, Zhou Mingrui is met with the vibrant sights and sounds of the bustling street market. Mobile hawkers peddle their wares, from roasted fish to fresh vegetables, while the aroma of food and grime fills the air. He tightly clutches his revolver and notes, his senses on high alert for potential thieves and dangers.

Zhou Mingrui eventually reaches Smyrin Bakery, owned by the kind-hearted Granny Wendy Smyrin, who has been a fixture in Klein’s memories. As he enters the bakery, the warm atmosphere and scent of fresh bread envelop him, a respite from the chaos of the street. But what awaits him inside, and how will his luck enhancement ritual unfold?

Chapter 5 – Ritual

Zhou Mingrui enters a mysterious tent to have his fortune told by a woman claiming to possess accurate divinations. He’s skeptical, remembering his experiences as a keyboard folklorist, and ensures the service is free before proceeding. The fortune-teller guides him through a tarot card reading, asking him to shuffle and cut the deck, and then revealing three cards representing his past, present, and future.

The present card, “The Fool,” suggests a fresh beginning with endless possibilities, leaving Zhou Mingrui intrigued. However, their session is interrupted by another woman, an animal trainer, who reveals the fortune-teller to be an imposter. The real fortune-teller offers to interpret the cards, but Zhou Mingrui refuses, unwilling to pay for the service.

Undeterred, Zhou Mingrui continues his day, purchasing ingredients for his luck enhancement ritual at the market. He spends his last notes and penny, worrying about his dwindling finances. Back in his apartment, he decides to translate the ritual phrases into the local languages, Loen and Feysac, in case the original incantation fails.

Chapter 6 – Beyonder

In the midst of the gray fog, Zhou Mingrui finds himself face-to-face with two newcomers, Audrey Hall and Alger Wilson, who were mysteriously transported into this world. As they struggle to comprehend their surroundings, Zhou Mingrui takes advantage of the situation, deciding to maintain his enigmatic identity and manipulate their perceptions. He feigns a mysterious tone, replying to their questions with an air of detached curiosity, while simultaneously observing their reactions.

As the trio engages in conversation, Zhou Mingrui realizes that the couple’s images are interconnected with the crimson red “stars” beyond the fog, and that he can potentially see through the mist once he becomes stronger. Audrey, fascinated by the supernatural, asks how to become a “Beyonder,” and Zhou Mingrui, intrigued by her question, begins to ponder an answer, all while maintaining his mystique.

The gray fog suddenly churns, and a grand, ancient palace materializes around them, with a long, bronze table and crimson-red, high-back chairs. Zhou Mingrui takes his seat, exuding an aura of confidence and mystery, as Audrey and Alger sit across from him, captivated by the surreal atmosphere.

Chapter 7 – Call Sign

As the grand hall settles, Zhou Mingrui introduces himself as “The Fool,” leaving Audrey and Alger in awe of his mysterious aura. The trio engages in a trade discussion, with Audrey and Alger exchanging information to obtain the Ghost Shark’s blood in exchange for a potion formula. Zhou Mingrui agrees to bear witness, and the conversation sparks an idea – what if they hold regular “Gatherings” to facilitate exchanges of knowledge and resources?

Audrey suggests that Zhou Mingrui, as the enigmatic leader, could benefit from their unique skills and insights, and Alger echoes the sentiment, acknowledging that their combined efforts could produce unpredictable effects. Zhou Mingrui weighs the pros and cons, ultimately deciding that the benefits of these gatherings outweigh the risks of exposure. He agrees to their proposal, setting a regular meeting time and promising rewards for their assistance.

As the meeting concludes, Audrey proposes that they adopt call signs inspired by tarot cards, and Zhou Mingrui agrees. She chooses “Justice,” while Alger selects “The Hanged Man.” With their designations in place, the trio concludes their inaugural Gathering, leaving readers wondering what secrets and opportunities will unfold in their future meetings.

Chapter 8 – A New Era

As the stormy weather ravages the three-mast sailboat, Alger Wilson emerges from his crimson-eyed trance, shatters a quirky glass bottle, and absorbs a hexagonal crystal-like snowflake into his palm. He then confronts a pale middle-aged captain, chokes him, and uses him as a shield to smash through a wooden wall, sending him into the raging sea. The blond man, a fellow crew member, rushes in to assess the situation, and they discuss the captain’s Beyonder powers and their reward for finding the ghost ship.

Meanwhile, Audrey Hall, back in Empress Borough, is still reeling from her mysterious encounter with “The Fool.” She gazes at a swirling “crimson” mark on her hand, which eventually fades away, leaving her breathless and thrilled. She begins to dance, feeling a sense of excitement and liberation, before being interrupted by her maidservant, Annie. As they prepare for a ceremony, Audrey fabricates a story about her dog, Susie, breaking the old bronze mirror, hiding her true emotions and experiences.

The chapter concludes with Alger contemplating the new era that has begun, amidst the eerie, self-manned sailboat, and Audrey looking forward to her ceremony, cloaking her enigmatic encounter with “The Fool” behind a veil of normalcy.

Chapter 9 – The Notebook

Klein, now fully recovered, finds four black dots on the back of his hand, which quickly disappear, leaving him with more questions than answers. These mysterious marks seem to be connected to the ritual he performed earlier, and he wonders if he can bypass the staple food offerings in future rituals. As he reflects on the strange events, Klein is gripped by an intense fear of the unknown, but also an overwhelming urge to explore and understand the mysterious domain.

Despite his hunger and fatigue, Klein forces himself to rest, eventually waking up to find himself rejuvenated. His priorities shift to food, and he decides to make use of the rye bread offerings, boiling water with a furnace to make a simple meal. As he waits, Klein’s thoughts wander to his upcoming interview and his life in the big city.

After devouring two potatoes and two loaves of bread, Klein feels revitalized, and his appreciation for the simple joys of life is renewed. With his hunger sated, he begins to tidy up, basking in the warm sunlight streaming through the window, but the mysterious forces at play in his life continue to lurk, waiting to be uncovered.

Chapter 10 – The Norm

As Klein recovers from his ritual-induced exhaustion, he’s suddenly interrupted by a knock on the door – it’s Bitsch Mountbatten, the local policeman, accompanied by three inspectors. They’re looking for information about Welch McGovern, Klein’s classmate and friend. The inspectors’ superior, a middle-aged man with piercing eyes, asks Klein about his relationship with Welch, and Klein reveals their shared interest in the mysterious Fourth Epoch notebook.

However, the inspectors drop a bombshell: Welch and Naya, another friend, have both died under mysterious circumstances, with evidence pointing to a bizarre suicide pact. Klein is left reeling, his mind racing with the implications of these disturbing events. The inspectors’ motives and the truth behind Welch and Naya’s deaths remain unclear, leaving Klein to navigate a web of uncertainty and fear.

With the police inspectors still lingering in his apartment, Klein is forced to confront the darkness that’s been lurking beneath the surface of his reality. The mysterious forces he’s been sensing are now closer than ever, and he’s left wondering what other secrets will soon be revealed.

Chapter 11 – Real Culinary Skills

Klein’s attempts to seek protection from the police inspectors are met with indifference, leaving him feeling uneasy and suspicious. He wonders if they’re just probing him or setting a trap, and his paranoia grows as he realizes they might still be watching him. Despite his doubts, Klein decides to focus on preparing a meal for his sister Melissa, who’s soon to return from school. He busies himself chopping mutton, onions, and carrots, and skillfully cooks a tender pea stew, showcasing his self-taught culinary skills.

As he waits for Melissa, Klein’s mind wanders back to the mysterious circumstances surrounding Welch and Naya’s deaths. He can’t shake off the feeling that the police are hiding something, and that he’s being manipulated in some way. The eerie atmosphere lingers, and Klein’s self-defense mechanisms kick in, preparing him for the unexpected.

In the midst of his cooking, Klein’s thoughts drift to Welch, his deceased friend, and the Midseashire flavors he used to enjoy. He rationalizes his newfound cooking skills by blaming them on Welch’s influence, but the weight of the unknown looms large. With the stew simmering on the stove, Klein waits anxiously for Melissa’s return, his senses on high alert for any signs of trouble.

Chapter 12 – Here Again

As Klein waits for his sister Melissa to return from school, he’s still reeling from the eerie atmosphere surrounding Welch and Naya’s deaths. He tries to focus on cooking a tender pea stew, but his mind wanders back to the mysterious circumstances. Melissa returns, and the siblings spend a peaceful evening together, unaware of the impending surprise that awaits them.

Klein is jolted awake by a knock on the door at dawn, and to his surprise, it’s Dunn Smith, the gray-eyed police inspector from the day before. The inspector reveals that a carriage driver has come forward, testifying that Klein visited Welch’s place on the 27th, the day of their deaths. Furthermore, Welch paid for Klein’s transportation fees. Klein feigns innocence, claiming he can’t remember the details, but the inspector remains skeptical.

Dunn Smith searches the room, eventually finding the revolver Klein had been hiding behind the bed board. Klein spills out his fabricated story, leaving out crucial details about his transmigration and mysterious abilities. The inspector listens intently, believing Klein’s words but still regarding him as the prime suspect. He requests Klein’s cooperation in an investigation at the police station, which could take up to three days to clear his name.

Chapter 13 – Nighthawk

Klein’s life takes a dark turn as Dunn Smith, aka Nighthawk, reveals his true identity as a Beyonder from the Church of the Evernight Goddess. The police inspector’s gray eyes pierce through the dimly lit corridor as he confesses to entering Klein’s dream, guiding his thoughts, and uncovering hidden emotions. Klein’s mind reels as he realizes the extent of Dunn’s abilities, and he struggles to comprehend how a normal human can control and manipulate dreams.

Dunn’s words are laced with an air of mystery, and Klein finds himself torn between fascination and fear. As the inspector continues to probe, Klein’s thoughts whirl with the possibilities of his transmigration and the perks that come with it. He begins to wonder if his special body and soul are connected to his ability to conceal his true intentions in his dreams.

The stakes escalate as Dunn announces his intention to take Klein to meet an expert, who might help him recover lost memories. The mention of the Antigonus family notebook sends a chill down Klein’s spine, and he’s forced to confront the reality of his situation. With Dunn’s superior strength and abilities, Klein knows resistance is futile, and he reluctantly agrees to accompany the inspector, unsure of what lies ahead.

Chapter 14 – The Medium

As Klein accompanies Dunn Smith to Welch’s residence, he’s greeted by an eerie atmosphere, sensing numerous unseen eyes observing him. Despite the unsettling feeling, he follows Dunn into the house, where they meet Daly, a mysterious and beautiful medium. The room is filled with an otherworldly aura, with a cobalt blue candle flame casting an ethereal glow. Daly’s eccentric behavior and enigmatic words only add to Klein’s unease, as she prepares to extract hidden secrets from him.

Daly’s methods are unconventional, using aromatic essences to calm Klein’s nerves. However, her words and actions only heighten the sense of unease, making Klein question what she’s capable of. As the fragrances fill the air, Klein’s tension dissipates, replaced by a sense of tranquility. But this calm is short-lived, as the room begins to distort, colors blending together in an impressionist haze, and Klein’s perception blurs.

Unsettling murmurs fill the air, making it seem as if hundreds of unseen voices are debating around him. Klein’s grip on reality begins to slip, leaving him disoriented and helpless. With Daly’s true intentions unclear, Klein’s situation grows increasingly precarious, leaving him to wonder what secrets she’ll uncover, and what the cost will be.

Chapter 15 – The Invitation

Klein’s tumultuous emotions rise as Dunn reveals the hidden dangers of Beyonders, and the Church’s internal Judiciary’s involvement. Dunn’s enigmatic responses only fuel Klein’s doubts, making him question how he can make an informed decision to join. The air is thick with tension as Klein struggles to understand the true nature of Beyonders and the Church’s intentions.

Dunn’s cryptic explanations hint at the importance of civilian staff members, who are privy to secrets and can aid in the understanding of Beyonders’ hidden dangers. Klein’s unique qualities, including his luck and educational background, make him an attractive candidate for the Church. Dunn’s words are laced with a sense of dry humor, as he admits that the Church often encounters ancient documents and relics that require expertise.

As the conversation unfolds, Klein begins to grasp the Church’s motivations, but Dunn’s statements are shrouded in mystery. The true extent of the Church’s secrets and the risks involved in joining remain unclear, leaving Klein with more questions than answers. With Dunn’s words hanging in the balance, Klein is left to ponder the unknown, and the darkness that lurks beneath the surface of the Church’s seemingly benevolent facade.