Lord of the Mysteries Chapter Summary 316-330

Chapter 316 – Never Perform Unprepared

Klein, with a hint of amusement, borrows Bishop Utravsky’s Mental Terror Candle to inquire about the vampire’s secrets, prompting the vampire to reveal the origins of the Master Key. The vampire, caught and detained, recounts its encounter with a thief who used the Master Key to steal blood and valuables, including a pocket watch with inlaid diamonds. The thief, initially trying to access the hospital’s finance department, got lost and was caught by the vampire.

Klein, however, suspects the vampire is lying about the exact address where the thief obtained the Master Key. He uses his divination skills to verify the vampire’s statement and confirms his suspicions. The vampire, pressured by Klein’s threat to involve the Churches, reluctantly reveals the true address: 32 Verdi Street, south of the bridge.

With this new information, Klein plans to investigate further, and the chapter ends with the sense that the mystery is slowly unraveling, with Klein one step closer to uncovering the truth behind the Master Key and the serial murders.

Chapter 317 – Roselle Memorial Exhibition

Klein, dressed in a silk top hat and long double-breasted frock coat, visits the Royal Museum in West Borough, eager to uncover more clues about the Master Key. As he follows a guided tour, he finds himself bored by the exhibits showcasing Emperor Roselle’s daily necessities and historical relics. However, his attention is piqued when he sees the emperor’s diary, written in simplified Chinese, featuring humorous and relatable entries about constipation and romantic misunderstandings.

Klein’s curiosity is sparked, and he wonders about the security measures in place to protect the exhibits, suspecting that Beyonders from the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery might be involved. As he continues through the museum, he encounters a strikingly tall woman standing in front of a display cabinet, her presence catching his attention.

Despite his amusement at the exhibit’s romanticized portrayal of Emperor Roselle, Klein remains focused on his investigation, his divination skills and sharp instincts on high alert as he navigates the museum, searching for any leads that might bring him closer to uncovering the truth behind the Master Key and the serial murders.

Chapter 318 – Verification

Klein’s investigation at the Royal Museum continues as he becomes fixated on a specific bookmark, suspecting it might be a Card of Blasphemy. He uses his Spirit Vision to scan the exhibits, but finds nothing abnormal, leading him to deduce that the bookmark in question is likely hidden in a valuable book. Klein’s attention narrows to a single manuscript, which he believes Roselle would choose due to his warped sense of humor.

As the guided tour progresses, Klein asks the female guide about potential notes or items hidden between the books, but is informed that such items have already been removed. This revelation greatly simplifies his task, as he now only needs to focus on the one bookmark. Klein takes note of the room’s layout, including the oriel windows and crystal chandeliers, as he begins to formulate a plan to steal the bookmark.

Klein’s internal monologue reveals his analysis of the situation, including the likely security measures in place and the motivations of the various Churches and ancient families. He concludes that the security level of the exhibition won’t be too high, and that the focus of the guards will be on Roselle’s diary. Klein realizes he needs to find someone to help him verify the bookmark, but is hesitant to involve others due to the risks involved.

Chapter 319 – Audreys Adventure

Audrey Hall, a young lady from a count family, receives a mysterious request from The Fool, asking for her help in obtaining a bookmark from Roselle’s manuscript of creativity. To her surprise, The Fool is aware of her planned visit to the Roselle Memorial Exhibition that evening, and she agrees to take on the task, curious about the bookmark’s significance. With a minimum reward of 500 pounds, Audrey begins to plan her evening operation, knowing she needs to be cautious not to arouse suspicion.

As the evening arrives, Audrey, accompanied by other aristocratic children, including Viscount Glaint, arrives at the Royal Museum. Max Livermore, the Captain of the Machinery Hivemind’s West Borough squad, disguises himself as a security guard to keep a close eye on the group. Meanwhile, Audrey feigns interest in the exhibits, including a gold-plated toilet, all the while thinking of ways to inconspicuously obtain the bookmark.

With her plan taking shape, Audrey’s thoughts turn to Susie, a potential accomplice, and a pair of gemstone earrings with fine needles that might come in handy. As the group continues their tour, Audrey remains focused on her mission, aware that she needs to be fluid and logical in her approach to avoid raising suspicions and becoming a suspect.

Chapter 320 – Action

Klein receives a surprising update from Audrey, alias Miss Justice, who has verified the bookmark’s authenticity, revealing it to be a Card of Blasphemy. Audrey’s efficiency and potential influence impress Klein, who decides to wait before responding to her, fearing she might act strangely if told the truth. Instead, he begins planning to infiltrate the Royal Museum, creating a detailed blueprint of the first floor and surrounding areas to ensure a safe and successful heist.

Klein’s initial plan involves creating a fake bookmark, but he soon realizes this could put Audrey under suspicion. He modifies his plan to steal the surrounding items as well, including some lighter books, to avoid implicating her. After finishing his preparations, Klein patiently waits until after nine, taking advantage of the curfew imposed due to serial murders, to make his move.

As the night deepens, Klein sets out, changing his attire and using a rented carriage to reach West Borough. He arrives at the Royal Museum, where four security guards are stationed, carefully monitoring the surroundings. With his plan in place, Klein is ready to put it into action, navigating the risks and dangers that come with infiltrating the museum and obtaining the valuable Card of Blasphemy.

Chapter 321 – A Living Person Appears

In the exhibition hall of the Royal Museum, two Machinery Hivemind members detect a disturbance, which they initially dismiss as a dead leaf blown in by the wind. Meanwhile, Klein uses his powers to set off a diversion in the nearby washroom, creating a small fire to draw the attention of the security guards. The Machinery Hivemind members, following their captain’s orders, remain in place, ready to defend Roselle’s notebook.

As the security guards and Max Livermore rush to respond to the fire, Klein uses his ability to navigate the museum’s layout, passing through walls and doors to reach the restored study. He carefully makes his way to Roselle’s desk, taking the bookmark of creativity and the graffiti-like bookmark to prevent suspicion from falling on Audrey.

Just as Klein is about to grab the remaining bookmarks, a sudden, shrill cry of a baby echoes through the exhibition hall, freezing him in place. Fine black rifts appear around him, and an eyeball filled with blood strands and tiny white worms crawling in its center emerges, casting an ominous shadow over the scene.

Chapter 322 – The Thrilling Night

Klein’s diversion in the museum washroom has drawn the attention of the security guards, but his plan is suddenly derailed by ashrill cry of a baby, and an ominous eyeball emerges, casting a dark shadow. As he freezes, he’s confronted by a grotesque scene: a female corpse, a large black dog with sharp teeth and blood-red stains, and an atmosphere of horror.

The dog, a Sequence 6 Devil, transforms into a gigantic monster with bat wings and goat horns, breathing fire and emitting a strong smell of sulfur. Klein quickly creates an illusion to evade its attack and makes a break for the oriel window, smashing through the glass to escape. The Devil dog pursues, unleashing a fireball that Klein narrowly avoids.

Klein uses his wits to shout for help, awakening the nearby residents and distracting the Devil dog long enough to escape into a nearby fireplace. He emerges, uses the Master Key to tear through walls, and flees in a new direction, all while taking precautions to evade the Devil dog’s scent-tracking abilities. As he catches his breath, Klein can’t help but appreciate the usefulness of a well-timed scream in this desperate situation.

Chapter 323 – The Opening Incantation

Klein continues to unravel the mystery of the bookmark, scrutinizing it for any hidden clues. He injects his spirituality, trying various languages to trigger a response, but the bookmark remains inert. Klein reflects on his mistake, realizing that Roselle’s sense of humor might not be as straightforward as he thought. He tries to tap into Roselle’s warped mindset, imagining what kind of incantation the desperate powerhouse would use to unlock the card.

Klein experiments with different words and languages, trying to find the correct incantation. He rules out common phrases and focuses on what Roselle might have been unwilling to part with, eventually landing on the name “Bernadette,” his beloved daughter. After several failed attempts, Klein successfully unlocks the bookmark using the Intis language, and it transforms into a miniature book.

As the book reveals its secrets, Klein discovers that it contains information about the “Cards of Blasphemy,” including the Sequence 0: Dark Emperor and subsequent sequences, such as Sequence 9: Lawyer and Sequence 8: Barbarian. The book provides cryptic descriptions and potion formulas, igniting Klein’s curiosity and prompting him to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Cards of Blasphemy.

Chapter 324 – Imagined and Real “Adorer”

Audrey Hall is thrilled to finally receive a response from Mr. Fool, and her joy is short-lived as she’s unsure what a “Card of Blasphemy” refers to. However, she makes an educated guess, connecting it to Emperor Roselle’s secret deck of cards, which is said to hold the paths of the divine. She realizes that Mr. Fool’s adorer has successfully retrieved the bookmark containing a Card of Blasphemy without arousing suspicion, raising the reward to 3,000 pounds.

As Audrey continues to ponder the implications, she envisions their Tarot Club possessing a complete path to becoming a god. Meanwhile, she engages in a conversation with her father, Count Hall, about the latest news on the serial murder case, which has claimed its 12th victim. Audrey expresses her hope for the police’s success in catching the culprit, all while thinking about Mr. Fool’s adorer’s daring heist at the museum.

Audrey’s excitement and pride are evident as she contemplates the possibilities, wondering if other bookmarks might hold similar secrets. With the Card of Blasphemy in their possession, she’s convinced that their Tarot Club will become the most powerful hidden faction in the world under Mr. Fool’s guidance.

Chapter 325 – The Equestrian Teachers Problem

Klein responds to Isengard Stanton’s letter, learning that the detective’s investigation into the serial murder case has made progress, and the police are closing in on the suspect. The famous detective hints at Klein’s connection to the mysterious forces behind the crime, but Klein deflects the insinuation with humility. With the case nearing resolution, Klein feels relieved that the authorities are on the right track and focuses on his next move.

As Klein waits for the reward money, he plans to visit the Roselle Memorial Exhibition to pay Leppard for the Card of Blasphemy, hoping the patent for the bicycle will be filed by then. With a free day ahead, he decides to practice his marksmanship and Beyonder powers at the Quelaag Club, where he runs into Talim, an aristocratic equestrian teacher and acquaintance.

Klein and Talim engage in small talk, with Klein boasting about his involvement in the serial murder case, though he knows it’s just a cover for his true identity as a Beyonders. As they chat, Klein learns about the latest Western Railway and East Balam Plantation shares, and Talim asks him a question, addressing him as “Sherlock.”

Chapter 326 – “Professional” Suggestion

Klein meets with Dr. Aaron Ceres, a man plagued by bad luck, and Talim, an aristocratic equestrian teacher, at a restaurant. Aaron recounts his experiences, and Klein uses his detective skills to probe for connections to mysticism. Klein suspects that Aaron might be cursed and asks if he has encountered anything unusual, but Aaron initially thinks of nothing. Under Talim’s concerned gaze, Klein presses on, asking if Aaron has offended anyone or become an obstacle to others.

Aaron finally recalls a patient he treated, a young boy named Will Auceptin, who played tarot cards with him before surgery. The boy predicted Aaron’s bad luck, and Klein’s interest is piqued. He asks for Will’s whereabouts, but Aaron doesn’t remember. As they discuss possible solutions, Klein suggests seeking help from the cathedral, but Aaron is skeptical, having already tried praying to the Evernight Goddess without success.

As the conversation unfolds, Klein’s thoughts turn to the possibility of a mysterious item, like the Misfortune Cloth Puppet, being involved in Aaron’s curse. He keeps his suspicions hidden, adopting the persona of a concerned detective, while Talim watches with curiosity. The investigation is ongoing, with Klein determined to uncover the truth behind Aaron’s misfortunes and the enigmatic Will Auceptin.

Chapter 327 – Encounter on the Road

Klein attends a performance at the Rice Circus, where he observes a beast taming act and a magician’s show. As he watches, he uses his Seer abilities to analyze the emotional colors of the animals and the audience. He’s impressed by the magician’s skill in diverting attention, but suspects the chubby Apothecary-like man backstage might be involved in Dr. Aaron’s curse. Klein leaves the theater, but on his way back to Minsk Street, he suddenly finds himself in a strange, dream-like state, surrounded by people who seem alive but lack auras or emotions in his Spirit Vision.

As he tries to remain calm, Klein realizes he’s the only one with a spirituality luster, and the people around him are merely moving without life. The carriage continues to move, but Klein’s senses are on high alert, unsure of what’s happening or how to escape this bizarre situation. The chapter ends with an ominous, angry roar, leaving Klein – and the reader – on edge.

Klein’s detective skills are still focused on uncovering the mystery behind Dr. Aaron’s curse, but this new, unsettling experience has him questioning his perception of reality. With his Seer abilities and sharp instincts, Klein must navigate this strange, potentially deadly scenario and find a way back to the world he knows.

Chapter 328 – He That Touches Pitch Shall Be Defiled

Klein returns to the scene of the Devil dog’s death, suspicious that a Sealed Artifact might be involved in creating the strange environment. He takes a detour to avoid potential official Beyonders, and uses his Spirit Vision to scan the area, but finds nothing out of the ordinary. However, he does sense the Artifact’s scope of influence, which covers at least one block.

Klein then heads to a cafe, where he observes the street, hoping to notice any changes. Although he doesn’t find anything, he confirms that a Magician always prepares beforehand, a valuable insight for his investigation. As he enjoys his coffee, he feels a subtle stirring within him, related to the precipitate in his body.

After his observation, Klein heads back to Minsk Street, where he runs into Lawyer Jurgen, who invites him for dinner. At Jurgen’s house, Klein finds an already set table with blackened steaks and mashed potatoes, courtesy of Jurgen’s grandmother, Mrs. Doris. However, he soon learns that Mrs. Doris has been hospitalized due to her chronic lung problems. As they sit down to eat, Klein’s thoughts remain on the mysterious Sealed Artifact and the secrets it might hold.

Chapter 329 – Claw Marks

Klein visits Bravehearts Bar, searching for Kaspars Kalinin, the black market arms dealer. Instead, he finds a new group of individuals who claim to have taken over Kaspars’ business. They offer Klein a deal, but he senses a trap, possibly set by the Rose School of Thought to capture Maric and Miss Sharron. Klein decides to observe the situation, trying to gather information without provoking any conflict.

As he interacts with the group’s representative, a man with a protruding mouth, Klein is led to a billiard room where he finds a gruesome scene – the group’s boss, a burly man with a full beard, is hanging from the ceiling, dead. The atmosphere is tense, and Klein takes a step back, activating his Spirit Vision to scan the room.

Amidst the chaos, Klein remains calm, uttering a prayer for the deceased and making a sarcastic comment about the boss’s temper. With the scene unfolding before him, Klein’s thoughts are focused on the Sealed Artifact, Kaspars, and the mysterious forces at play in Backlund.

Chapter 330 – Sharron and Maric’s Philosophy

Klein reflects on his previous encounters, recognizing that he won’t recklessly interfere in unknown situations like he did with Sharron’s help. He’s cautious about using mysticism knowledge, especially from orthodox sources like The Hanged Man, and instead seeks guidance from Sharron and Maric, who possess unorthodox knowledge as former members of a secret organization. Klein recognizes that this knowledge could be valuable in his ultimate goal of returning to Earth.

As Sharron and Maric reveal their backstory, Klein learns that they belonged to an ancient and secretive organization, the Rose School of Thought, which dates back to before the Fourth Epoch. This organization believes in an evil god and practices a form of magic that involves primitive sacrifice and indulging desires. Sharron and Maric, however, disagreed with this approach, instead advocating for repressing desires and showing temperance. They escaped the organization and are now being pursued.

Klein pieces together the information, realizing that the Rose School of Thought’s approach contradicts the requirements of the Prisoner pathway, and that the evil god’s influence is problematic. He presses Sharron and Maric for more information, asking if the dead man in the alley is connected to their situation, and Maric confirms that he got himself involved in their affair.