Lord of the Mysteries Chapter Summary 1396-1410

Chapter 1396 – An Ordinary Person’s Daily Life (2/8)

Barton is tasked with drafting a document to support Vernal’s funding request for the Sivellaus mountain range project, but he’s perplexed by the lack of supporting information provided. Despite his reservations, he decides to help his friend by adding historical context to the document, citing renowned historians to avoid taking personal responsibility. As he works on the document, he can’t help but wonder if Vernal is being careless or relying too heavily on their connection to the foundation.

With the document finally complete, Barton submits it and returns to his usual work routine, including trial projects and gathering research materials. After work, he heads home, where his wife mentions Vernal’s brief visit earlier in the day. Barton is surprised, thinking that Vernal must have forgotten to send the necessary information and decided to return to East Chester County in person.

Barton’s curiosity is piqued as he presses his wife for more details about Vernal’s visit, asking about his accommodations and when he’ll return. With Vernal’s sudden appearance and Barton’s own mysteries still simmering beneath the surface, the air is thick with tension and unanswered questions, leaving the reader eager to unravel the threads of this complex narrative.

Chapter 1397 – An Ordinary Person’s Daily Life 3/8

Barton’s hair stands on end as he senses the smell of blood emanating from an envelope sent by Vernal, despite no visible signs of blood. The anomaly triggers his spiritual perception, and he immediately reports to the Compliance Department, following the foundation’s protocols for handling inexplicable phenomena. As he enters the department, he’s surprised to find a bright and cheerful atmosphere, contrary to his expectations of a dark and cold environment.

He meets Pacheco Dwayne, the deputy director of the Compliance Department, who exudes a friendly demeanor, unlike the cold and heartless image Barton had conjured up. Pacheco examines the envelope and determines that it originated from the Clough Hotel in the city, but advises against involving the police just yet. Instead, he proposes that Barton accompany him to the hotel to investigate the situation, citing the need for Barton’s familiarity with Vernal.

With his curiosity piqued, Barton agrees to join Pacheco, and together they set out to uncover the truth behind the mysterious envelope. The air is thick with tension as Barton’s concerns about Vernal’s well-being grow, and he begins to unravel the threads of this enigmatic narrative, leaving the reader wondering what secrets lie ahead.

Chapter 1398 – An Ordinary Person’s Daily Life 4/8

As Barton stands calmly, he’s met with an unexpected question from Pacheco: has he heard of the name Tamara before? Barton’s historical knowledge kicks in, and he reveals that Tamara is a significant name in the Fourth Epoch, appearing alongside notable figures like Tudor and Solomon. He tactfully omits any direct connection to Vernal’s current predicament, but Pacheco’s piercing gaze hints that he’s already made the connection.

Pacheco flashes a police identification document, claiming to be a police officer, and demands the hotel attendant open the room door, suspecting misfortune has befallen the tenant. Barton is taken aback, sensing something amiss, but Pacheco’s nonchalant response only fuels his curiosity. As they wait, the tension builds, and Barton’s concerns for Vernal’s well-being grow.

The hotel owner reluctantly opens the door, and a faint smell of blood wafts out, drawing an exasperated gasp from him. Pacheco’s consoling words offer little comfort, and the atmosphere remains thick with unease. With the room now open, Barton and Pacheco are poised to uncover the truth behind the mysterious envelope and Vernal’s involvement, leaving the reader wondering what secrets lie hidden within.

Chapter 1399 – An Ordinary Person’s Daily Life 5/8

As Pacheco inspects the room, he declares he’ll seek police assistance, and Barton is relieved to leave the scene, feeling the situation is too dangerous. He hurries back to his rental carriage, thoughts racing about Vernal’s whereabouts and whether he’s still alive. The strong stench of blood lingers in his mind, and he hopes the Lord blesses his friend.

Upon returning home, Barton’s wife informs him Vernal visited just fifteen minutes prior, but Wells, their valet, hasn’t had time to reach the foundation. Barton’s intuition screams that something is off. He rushes to the study room, only to find it empty, with the windows open and curtains rolled back. The books on the shelf are in disarray, and after a quick examination, he discovers a cryptic message scrawled in pencil: “The refugees of the Fourth Epoch worshiped an evil god.”

Panicked, Barton stuffs the book back and prepares to find Pacheco, but as he ponders where to look for him, a rental carriage stops outside, and the deputy director alights, revealing that Vernal returned to Barton’s house once more. With the stakes escalating, Barton is torn between seeking help from the foundation or the police, as the mystery surrounding Vernal and the mysterious envelope deepens.

Chapter 1400 – An Ordinary Person’s Daily Life 6/8

As Barton faces Vernal, memories of the archaeological expedition resurface, filling him with fear. Pacheco intervenes, asking why Barton didn’t reconcile with the Fourth Epoch refugees, prompting Vernal to reveal that they didn’t fully accept their faith. The air thickens with an eerie white fog, reeking of blood, as Vernal requests Pacheco’s help in retrieving an item and finding similar ancient artifacts.

Barton is stunned by Pacheco’s calm demeanor, wondering if he’s lost his mind. Meanwhile, Vernal’s eyes glow with gray light, and he tosses a mysterious glass bottle with an illusory fog inside. Pacheco’s body stiffens, sensing something unusual, as Barton grows increasingly uneasy.

As Vernal disappears into the half-collapsed building, Pacheco’s body suddenly transforms, covering him in thick black fur and swollen muscles. Barton’s eyes widen in horror, but the anomaly vanishes in an instant. Pacheco catches his breath and suggests they wait, leaving Barton bewildered and anxious about what’s to come.

Chapter 1401 – An Ordinary Person’s Daily Life 7/8

Pacheco suggests returning to the foundation, leaving Barton bewildered but relieved. As they part ways, Barton can’t shake off the feeling that Vernal’s true intention was to manipulate them into handing over the mysterious glass bottle. Back at the foundation, Barton goes through the motions, feeling uneasy and grateful for the mundane routine.

As the day comes to a close, Barton returns home, where he warns his wife about Vernal’s suspicious activities and instructs her to contact the police if he shows up again. Seeking solace in his study, Barton lights a cigarette, only to be confronted with the faint scent of blood reminiscent of the eerie fog from earlier.

As the smoke spreads, a figure materializes, revealing Vernal’s resurgence, his lower body shrouded in air like a monstrous entity. With an ominous laugh, Vernal declares his newfound immortality, sending chills down Barton’s spine.

Chapter 1402 – An Ordinary Person’s Daily Life 8/8

Barton awakens to a crimson moon hanging in the sky, its eerie glow calming his nerves as he senses Vernal’s influence has come to an end. His fear and anxiety dissipate, replaced by exhaustion, which he indulges in with a satisfying smile. He takes a pleasant bath, enjoys a glass of red wine, and sleeps soundly, free from nightmares.

The next morning, Barton feels reborn, his spirits lifted as he appreciates the beauty of his district, its fresh air, peaceful environment, and cultured pedestrians. He returns home to a warm breakfast with his family, regaling them with a newspaper joke and granting his children’s tiny requests, reveling in their smiles.

At the Loen Relic Search and Preservation Foundation, Barton settles into his daily routine, sipping special herbal black tea and reading newspapers, his pace leisurely and comfortable. A visit from Deputy Director Pacheco Dwayne brings warmth and friendship, as they discuss their peaceful nights and Pacheco shares the news that the police have taken over Vernal’s case, with a hint of misfortune befalling the manipulative figure.

Chapter 1403 – In Modern Day 1

As Barton settles into his daily routine, he’s struck by the tranquility of his district and the beauty of the world around him. He enjoys a leisurely morning at the Loen Relic Search and Preservation Foundation, sipping special herbal black tea and reading newspapers with Deputy Director Pacheco Dwayne, who shares news of the police taking over Vernal’s case.

Meanwhile, in a different part of the city, an ordinary company employee grapples with the rainstorm that suddenly disrupts his plans to head home on time. Without an umbrella, he’s forced to turn back to the office and wait out the storm, entertaining himself by browsing websites. As he explores the office lobby, he stumbles upon a new vending machine selling Somein Coffee, which piques his interest.

As the story unfolds, strange occurrences begin to emerge, hinting at the supernatural. The golden retriever near the office building seems to possess an uncanny level of self-control, and its gaze sends shivers down the employee’s spine. The eerie atmosphere is amplified by the storm outside, setting the stage for an intriguing turn of events.

Chapter 1404 – In Modern Day 2

As the office employee savors the Somein Coffee from the mysterious vending machine, he’s suddenly assaulted by a strange, numbing sensation, accompanied by eerie, muffled ravings that evoke an indescribable pain. When the torture ends, he’s left bewildered, his face contorted in shock, and the vending machine has vanished. The aftermath reveals a shocking transformation: his myopia has been cured, replaced by hawk-like vision that allows him to see every detail with unsettling clarity.

The employee struggles to wrap his head around this newfound ability, wondering if the Assassin beverage was some kind of mental drug or if something genuinely supernatural has occurred. He cycles through a range of emotions, from excitement to skepticism, as he grapples with the implications of his altered state. With his newfound vision, he can now discern the features of pedestrians outside, a far cry from his previous blurry gaze.

As the stormy night wears on, the employee is left reeling, questioning the nature of reality and the true purpose of the enigmatic vending machine. His encounter has awakened something within him, imbuing him with an array of uncanny abilities that blur the lines between fantasy and reality. With the mysterious machine gone, he’s left to ponder the extent of his new powers and the unknown forces at play in this world.

Chapter 1405 – In Modern Day 3

As the office employee struggles to grasp his newfound Assassin abilities, he’s confronted by the handsome vice-president from next door, who abruptly appears and requests a lighter. The employee’s unease stems from his secret, and he’s wary of being discovered. The vice-president’s unexpected smoking habit sparks a casual conversation, revealing his intriguing, enigmatic nature.

Their brief exchange hints at the vice-president’s mysterious past, as he mentions a deceased friend who introduced him to smoking. The employee’s curiosity is piqued, but he’s too uneasy to press for more information, instead excusing himself to return to work. With the office empty, he seizes the opportunity to test his Assassin abilities, particularly the captivating Feather Drop spell, which allows him to alter his body structure and land safely from great heights.

The employee’s restless energy propels him to dash to the window, where he prepares to put his newfound abilities to the test, gazing down at the empty alley below, ten stories down.

Chapter 1406 – In Modern Day 4

As I leave the office, I borrow CEO Huang’s colorful umbrella with rabbit ears and head back to my rented apartment in the old district, eager to test my new Assassin powers in a safe environment. The rainy commute is quite an adventure, and I’m grateful for my newfound agility, which helps me navigate the puddles with ease.

However, my excitement takes a brief pause when I notice a peculiar man walking past me without an umbrella or raincoat, seemingly unfazed by the heavy rain. He even takes out a cigarette and mutters “Wimp” under his breath, leaving me wondering who he’s talking about.

As I board Bus 35, I can’t help but ponder the possibilities of using my Assassin abilities to make a living. I consider taking on assassin missions, but the legality and risks hold me back. Other options, like being a security guard or dancer, don’t seem financially viable either. Despite the initial excitement, I’m left feeling a little disappointed and realize that making the most of my new powers won’t be as easy as I thought.

Chapter 1407 – In Modern Day 5

I’m having dinner with Peng Deng at a restaurant, trying to come up with an excuse for why I need to leave early, careful not to reveal my true plans of testing my new Assassin powers. Peng Deng is a keen observer and can easily see through my lies, so I spin a tale about having to pick up a foreign guest at the airport the next day. He’s skeptical but lets it slide, focused on his phone as usual.

As we eat, I savor the delicious Sichuan dishes, particularly the stir-fried sliced beef and tomato fried egg soup. The boss of the restaurant brings over a bowl of rice and a bottle of Coke, and I inwardly chuckle at his accent. I’m mindful not to eat too much, knowing I have a “jump” to make later. Peng Deng and I part ways, with him commenting on the extravagance of my umbrella with rabbit ears.

Back at my rented apartment, I receive an unexpected surprise – a postcard from a middle school classmate who now works in the city. She shares her travels with friends, and this time, she’s sent a postcard from the famous Sedlec Ossuary, complete with a haunting image of skulls lining the walls. I’m left with a mix of emotions – horror and a sense of holiness – as I tuck the postcard away, my mind still on the mysterious umbrella-wielding stranger from earlier.

Chapter 1408 – In Modern Day 6

I’m restrained and emotional, feeling an inexplicable urge to cry as I face Officer Deng at the police station. I’m cautious, like most ordinary people, but the sudden emotional fluctuations are unsettling. The police inquiry is about my living permit, which I haven’t applied for, and Officer Deng explains its importance for settling down in the city.

As the conversation unfolds, Officer Deng warns me about an illegal religion proselytizing in the city, using deceptive techniques like a “Fully Automatic Wishing Machine” to lure people. The mention sends a shiver down my spine, evoking memories of the mysterious vending machine. I’m relieved when the inquiry ends, but Officer Deng has one more question – about my joint tenancy, specifically the couple living in the other room.

As Officer Deng departs, I notice the green-eyed officer behind him, whose enigmatic smile sends a chill down my spine. He utters a cryptic warning about the cult’s secretive means, implying that their benefits come with a terrible price. His words resonate eerily, making me think of the Assassin potion and the “Leap of Faith” I obtained.

Chapter 1409 – In Modern Day 7

The mention of a cult sparks a flurry of questions in the chat group, with members like Judgment and Justice asking about its mysterious nature. The Star explains that this cult targets ordinary people, especially those interested in mysticism, promising them powers that exceed mortal limits. For instance, they might gain superhuman energy, the ability to see spirits, or control flames, but at a terrible cost.

As the conversation unfolds, group members share their own takes on the matter. The Magician excitedly claims to already possess such powers, while The Moon hints at his nocturnal nature. Justice remains curious, peppering The Star with questions, and even The Sun chimes in, asking about the existence of real mysticism. Meanwhile, The Hanged Man and The Magician exchange humorous banter about not scaring schoolchildren with supernatural talk.

The Star’s ominous warnings, however, cut through the chatter, implying that those who join the cult will ultimately pay a steep price, with some even succumbing to madness, suicide, or monstrous transformations. The group’s lighthearted tone is overshadowed by the creeping sense of unease, leaving readers wondering about the true nature of this cult and its grip on the city.

Chapter 1410 – In Modern Day 8

As I browse the aisles of Lawson, I can’t help but steal glances at a stunning beauty with brown-dyed hair and crystal-like accessories. Her charismatic presence catches my attention, and I struggle to tear my eyes away. Despite my habitual shyness, I find myself stealing looks, but my caution gets the better of me.

The beauty suddenly approaches me, smiling and asking to add me on WeChat, citing that my looks and temperament match her taste. Flabbergasted, I’m torn between being overwhelmed and wary, wondering if it’s a multi-level marketing scheme or honey trap. My instincts as a legal show aficionado kick in, but I eventually agree, though she disappears into thin air before I can even scan the QR code.

Just as I’m left wondering about the mysterious beauty, Officer Deng walks into the convenience store, having changed into casual wear since our earlier encounter. He orders a cup of coffee and greets me, seemingly forgetful of my name before correcting himself. The unlikely encounter leaves me puzzled, especially after the beauty’s sudden vanishing act.