As Lin Ruo pondered how to employ his supernatural abilities, Klein found himself amidst the gray mist.
In line with the original story, Klein encountered Audrey and Alger within the gray fog. Swiftly, he decided to pose as a prominent figure within the enigmatic realm to gain the upper hand.
Successfully deceiving Audrey and Alger, he adopted the moniker "The Fool." Witnessing their exchange concerning the audience's potion formula, he initiated the formation of the Tarot Club, as proposed by Audrey and Alger. The two also adopted the titles of Justice and The Hanged Man, respectively.
In the ensuing discussion, the conversation covered various subjects involving tarot cards and blasphemous cards. However, due to Klein's considerable mental strain, the dialogue remained brief before he abruptly adjourned the meeting.
After their departure, in less than a second, Klein felt a descent and beheld the radiant golden sunlight once again. He stood within his apartment, at its very center.
Reflected in the nearby full-length mirror, a young man with ebony hair and eyes observed him silently.
"You seem to have met with failure," remarked the youth, prompting a wry smile from Klein. Recalling the dreamlike gray mist from moments earlier, Klein felt overwhelmed by uncertainty. He yearned to share his thoughts but found himself speechless when he attempted to voice them.
Dragging his legs, which felt burdened like lead, Klein moved to a chair by the table and sat down. Seemingly organizing his thoughts, he spoke a few seconds later, "Following the ritual, I entered a mysterious realm. There, I encountered a mysterious being who identified himself as 'The Fool.'"
While narrating this, Klein's gaze subconsciously evaded the shadow cast by Lin Ruo's mirror. He chose not to divulge his ruse as The Fool within the gray fog.
That matter was profoundly enigmatic, and considering his recent acquaintance with Lin Ruo, Klein deemed it wise to withhold that secret. Though Lin Ruo hadn't exhibited any malicious intent thus far, Klein, naturally cautious, resolved to maintain this information as his personal secret.
After all, guarding one's secrets is prudent, as even well-intentioned individuals can harbor harmful motives. Rational adults seldom divulge their deepest secrets upon first meeting.
"It's not a big deal if he learns of it later; then, I can apologize," Klein mused inwardly.
Lin Ruo appeared unsurprised by Klein's statement. After all, Lin Ruo had yet to decipher Klein's character. The latter was not one to recklessly reveal himself upon their initial encounter.
Apprehending Klein's wariness, Lin Ruo offered a feigned expression of bemusement and inquired, "The Fool?"
"Yes, that's how he identified himself," affirmed Klein. Having already ventured into fabrications, he decided to provide more details this time. "Moreover, he hosted a regular gathering centered around the Beyonder world. I participated."
Klein chose not to conceal his involvement in the regular meetings. Considering his impending collaboration with Lin Ruo, which might endure for a considerable period, and acknowledging the forthcoming sessions of the Tarot Club, he found it preferable to present himself as an ordinary attendee, much like Audrey as Justice and Alger as The Hanged Man.
At this juncture, a tinge of concern flickered across Lin Ruo's countenance. "You joined in? That's risky. The world of the Beyonder isn't inherently safe. And the individual you encountered, calling himself 'The Fool'..."
A pang of guilt surged within Klein. Yet, curiosity compelled him to inquire, "Is there something amiss with the title of 'Fool'?"
Glimpsing the tarot cards Klein had drawn, Lin Ruo affected an expression of puzzlement before proceeding, "I'm unsure how best to explain this. Are you acquainted with potions and the sequence of gods?"
Though feeling somewhat overwhelmed, Klein mustered his focus to respond, recalling Alger's teachings. "I've heard a bit about them, but my understanding is limited. It seems humans can ascend to the Beyonder only through potions, right?"
"Do you grasp this?" Lin Ruo's demeanor feigned bewilderment, preparing to share a modicum of information about Sequence 0 without delving into tainted territory. "Indeed, you've just crossed over."
"Listen carefully, Klein," Lin Ruo began, explaining a preconceived draft. "In this world, the contemporary potion system comprises 22 paths. Each path spans from Sequence 9 to Sequence 0, encompassing a progression from lower to higher, from weaker to stronger. Sequence 9 denotes the initiation of each path, whereas Sequence 0 signifies its culmination."
Pausing, Lin Ruo's expression turned complex. "However, only a handful are privy to the existence of Sequence 0. In the minds of most Beyonders, the potion sequence commences at Sequence 9 and concludes at Sequence 1."
"Why's that?" Klein inquired, aching temples notwithstanding. Lin Ruo's account of potion knowledge prompted him to push through the discomfort.
"Attaining Sequence 0 equates to achieving godhood," Lin Ruo pronounced gravely, drawing out each word for emphasis.
Klein experienced a revelation, comprehending the rationale behind such secrecy.
Given that transcending to Sequence 0 meant becoming a god, the contemporary dominant churches naturally concealed this truth. As Klein once learned, when a god's blood flows, they cease to be divine. If the wider populace knew that Sequence 0 could be reached through potion consumption, it might erode the fervent devotion to gods, thereby potentially fomenting notions of replacement among some individuals.
Admittedly, the gods and dominant churches possessed immeasurable power, such concerns might not sow significant turmoil. Nevertheless, undesirable repercussions could emerge in time.
Klein was swift to acknowledge that this response largely emanated from his modern perspective. Growing up in a society steeped in Marxist-Leninist beliefs, he perceived the potion approach as akin to usurping divine authority.
Realistically, disseminating information about Sequence 0 throughout the populace wouldn't likely trigger major upheaval. After all, the vast gulf separating mortals and low-sequence Beyonders from the gods dampened any such repercussions. Furthermore, high-sequence Beyonders were already acquainted with the secret of Sequence 0.
Yet, even as Klein pondered the rationale, he harbored a greater interest in Lin Ruo's awareness of such matters. To comprehend the true implications of this, to glean secrets known to only a select few Beyonders, hinted at Lin Ruo's profound insights into the Beyonder world.
Gathering his thoughts, Klein couldn't restrain himself from querying, "So, what's the issue with the title 'Fool'?"
Lin Ruo's gaze turned toward him, and in the ensuing moment, Lin Ruo's voice resonated:
"The name of Sequence 0 within one of the 22 paths is—"
"'The Fool'!"