Odis's words and expression offered some comfort to Grosser and the others. As the two enormous doors closed, Odis took a deep breath: "I need to take this 'Travelogue' back to study it."
Edwina picked up "The Travels of Grosseus" from the desk and handed it to Odis: "Here, consider it payment for rescuing me."
Odis smiled and said, "After you release them, I will return the Travelogue to you, because I happen to have something else I would like to ask you for help with."
Taiwanese Novel Website → 𝘁𝘄𝗸𝗮𝗻.𝗰𝗼𝗺
He looked at Klein: "I remember you mentioned this travelogue. If you want it, how about this be considered Edwina's payment?"
"Well, it's not that I don't want it, that's why I'm giving it to you. I also really want to get this 'Travelogue,' but I have something more important to ask 'Lieutenant General Iceberg' for help."
Klein's cold face remained expressionless: "Fine."
His spiritual senses told him that this book was unusual, and he really wanted to take it back and study it.
Edwina, who was standing nearby, smiled and said, "Anyway, I still want to thank you for your help."
Then she looked at Odis: "Is there anything I can help you with?"
Odis did not answer the question directly, but said, "After our current operation is over, I would like to invite you to Cruz Island."
"We'll talk about this later."
Edwina nodded: "Okay."
After sending Klein back to Oravi, Odis returned to the Argo's workshop to figure out how to release Grosser and the others.
To save time, he placed the travelogue in the "wilderness of knowledge" and studied and pondered it with the help of two "intelligent puppets".
After some simulation experiments, he quickly came up with two ideas. The first idea was to make Grosser and others demigods. Once they had divinity, the laws of the real world would have no choice but to reluctantly acknowledge their existence.
However, the characteristics of five demigod levels are still only at Sequence 5, which makes Odis's head ache just thinking about it.
This method is clearly impractical.
The second approach is to "deceive" the laws of the real world. After all, this is a world with extraordinary power and extraordinary beings, which is itself a loophole in the "laws".
As for how to "deceive," Odis also had a good idea: use the characteristics of a "fraudster" combined with a corresponding magic circle to create a magical item.
By wearing this magical item, they can, to some extent, detach themselves from certain rules of the real world.
Next, Odis began to design the magic circle. At first, he planned to "trick" time, making the outside world ignore the time Grosser and the others spent in the book.
But Odis soon discovered that this was too difficult; unless one possessed the characteristics of a demigod like the "Thief," it would be impossible to deceive time.
So he changed his approach, setting up a protection for Grosser and others to conceal some of their true nature in order to deceive the real world.
The idea is relatively simple. Odis spent a week in the "wilderness of knowledge" designing the magic circle, and then handed it over to the two "intelligent puppets" for verification.
The next step is to solve the problem of the "Trickster" trait. A total of five traits are needed, and the total value is not high, only about 3,000 pounds. However, Odis cannot find so many traits all at once.
After thinking about it for a moment, Odis decided to write to Leonard and ask if he had any.
He stopped just as he took out his pen and paper, because it sounded strange to write to a member of the "Red Gloves" asking if he had any extraordinary properties of the "Thief's Way".
Moreover, it should instantly alert the poet, since very few people... or rather, from Leonard's perspective, no one knows that he harbors an "incorrect" old man within him.
Taking a deep breath, Odis wrote to Hugh of Backlund and Allen of Bayam, instructing them to use the channels of the Mysticism Research Society and the Intelligence Exchange Society, respectively, to purchase the extraordinary characteristics of the "Fraudster".
In his letter to Hugh, he also asked her to help investigate the Edwards family, who used to live at 18 De La Hare Street in the Northwest District.
Then he used his "travel" ability to return to the "Golden Dream". It was already late at night, and the crew was having a banquet to celebrate the captain's safe return. After Odis arrived on the ship, the atmosphere of the banquet suddenly became quiet.
"You may continue," Odis said. "I have something to discuss with your captain."
As he spoke, he skillfully made his way to Edwina's study.
So many of the crew members who were drinking quickly put down their glasses and went to the corridor outside the study to "clean up".
Odis knocked on the study door, and after receiving permission, entered the study of "General Iceberg" and explained his purpose.
Edwina was slightly taken aback: "You already have an idea?"
It had been less than three hours since Odis left the study.
Odis nodded: "I have a good idea. I need to test the 'fraudster' trait."
Edwina said, "I don't have one, but I know that Third Mate Jodson has a magical item that matches the 'fraudster'."
"How about magical items?"
Odis replied, "That's fine too."
Smash the magical item to gain the "Trickster" trait, plus the "Thief" trait.
Edwina hummed in agreement and waved her hand, opening a door to the study.
She saw that there were "just right" many crew members outside, so she said to them, "Call Johnson over."
Johnson rushed over upon hearing the summons, finally getting a chance to overhear the conversation between the "Mysterious Admiral" and the captain.
Upon learning that the "Mysterious Admiral" needed the magical item he possessed, Johnson quoted a price: "1,000 pounds."
Before Odis could even haggle, Edwina said, "This is, after all, something that stemmed from saving me. I can't let you bear the cost of the experiment yourself. I'll buy this magical item and give it to you."
"Thank you." Odis then looked at Johnson: "If your captain needed this magical item, would you have offered this price?"
The handsome Johnson smiled and said, "That was an inside deal on the 'Golden Dream,' of course it wasn't worth that price."
Odis pressed further, "So how much will you ask for?"
"200 pounds."
Odis chuckled.
He thought to himself: I despise you.
Edwina purchased the magical pendant-shaped item on her behalf, and Odis took it and left.
It was quite late, and Odis was a little tired, so he simply destroyed the magical artifact's properties and returned to the real world to rest.
After thinking it over, he wrote to Klein again, telling him that his research on Grosser and others returning to the real world required the extraordinary characteristics of a "con artist," and hoped that Klein could help keep an eye out for such a person.
After summoning the messenger, Odis suddenly thought of a question and said, "I have a question I would like to ask you."
The messenger, dressed in classic hunting attire, said, "Speak."
"When one is promoted to 'Mystic Scholar,' are there any requirements regarding the method of obtaining the drop of blood for research?"
"Theoretically, there isn't one," Messenger Elbera Steiano explained. "However, there are some pathways through the blood of mythical creatures that can aid in the abilities gained after becoming a demigod."
"Studying the blood of mythical creatures through the 'Diviner' pathway and advancing to the 'Mystic Scholar' enhances the ability to 'reproduce'."
"Studying the blood of mythical creatures through the 'Monster' pathway enhances one's prophetic abilities upon advancing to the 'Master of Prophecy' level."
"Studying the blood of mythical creatures along the 'Generalist' pathway will grant the ability to create magical items upon advancement to demigod status."
"Studying the blood of your own path mythical creatures enhances the abilities of both 'mystic' and 'prophet', and can also be helpful for ascending to angelhood."
Odis thought to himself: In this light, studying the blood of mythical creatures that follow this path is the optimal solution.
The problem is, where can he get the blood of the mythical creatures that are the "secret seekers"?
He then asked, "What if it's the blood of a mythical creature from the 'Sailor' pathway?"
Ellebella patiently replied, "It will be enhanced when you 'recreate' some mysterious scenes or figures related to lightning and storms."
Odis, still somewhat unconvinced, pressed on, "What if it's 'divine blood'? What advantages would that offer?"
After obtaining the divine blood of the "Elf King," Odis planned to advance his cultivation by studying the divine blood, but after hearing the messenger's reply, he wavered.
Elle Bella replied, "It can make the promotion process easier for you."
Odis was somewhat disappointed; it seemed there was no "bonus" for her.
After thanking the messenger, Odis told her where her letter was to be delivered.
The next day, a light rain fell on the sea, but the wind was not strong and did not hinder the navigation of ships.
The fleet, consisting of the Argo and the Golden Dream, is about two days' journey from Norhaus Island.
After having breakfast, Odis was on his way to the captain's cabin to discuss the next steps with the first mate when suddenly an image of a mysterious, imposing figure sitting on a bronze chair with a high back appeared in his mind.
That's a "fool"!
Then the scene shifts to a blue-haired man praying: "Fool who does not belong to this era... Respected 'Fool' sir, please convey this to the 'Hermit'."
"The Storm Church's fleet of two pirate ships has headed to Norhaus Port to wait for him there. Our current orders are to track him and 'Vice Admiral Iceberg's' fleet."
Odis was taken aback: "From this, the Hanged Man's ghost ship is one of the two pirate ships."
He pondered for a moment, then said in a prayerful tone, "A fool who does not belong to this age... Respected 'Fool,' please convey this to the Hanged Man."
"Admiral Iceberg and I obtained information about the extraordinary characteristics of the demigod level through the 'Sailor' pathway. This voyage is to try to obtain those characteristics."
"However, the Church of the Eternal Sun and the Church of the Storm have also received similar intelligence, but they may not know the exact location of that characteristic, which is why they are keeping an eye on us."
...
Upon hearing this prayer, Klein, perched on the gray fog, thought to himself: No wonder the Storm Church sent pirate ships to track them. I reckon the Storm Church's fleet is not far away either. As soon as they learn that Odis and Edwina have succeeded, they will immediately come to seize them.
Then he realized that "Lieutenant General Iceberg" had connections to the Church of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom: this was no longer just about finding a demigod-level extraordinary property, but a struggle between three churches. Mr. Gar should know his current predicament, shouldn't he?
Klein then thought that Odis had cooperation with the navy and the Church of the Goddess of Night, so there shouldn't be any danger.
With that thought in mind, he threw the image of Mr. Garr's prayer into the star representing the "Hanged Man".
...
Alger, who finally had the opportunity to temporarily detach himself from his crew, was somewhat surprised to hear the reply from the Hermit relayed by the Fool.
He had already suspected that the "Hermit" and the "Iceberg General" might have made some discoveries.
Unexpectedly, they discovered an extraordinary demigod-level artifact, and the Church of the Eternal Sun also received the news and will surely send people to compete for it.
This made Alger realize that a fierce battle might break out between the various parties near Norhaus Island.
...
After completing his communication with the "Hanged Man," Odis paced around the workshop for a moment, then went to the cockpit and ordered First Mate Bazel, who was on duty, to sail towards the port of Norhaus Island.
Now that the audience is in place, it's time for the actors to take the stage.
Odis then returned to her studio to continue yesterday's research. In the "Wilderness of Knowledge," using the characteristics of a "Trickster" and corresponding spiritual materials, she created a magical item in the shape of a pendant.
After repeatedly checking its functions, Odis took Grosser's Travels back to the real world. He was about to begin his plan, but after a slight hesitation, he used "travel" to come to the Golden Dream and invite "Admiral Iceberg" to be his assistant.
Calling her an assistant was really just letting her be an observer, since she was also quite concerned about the matter.
Edwina was surprised that Odis had achieved results so quickly, and gladly accepted the invitation to come aboard the "Argo".
Upon entering Odis's studio, she saw layers upon layers of magic circles on the ground.
Odis explained, "Just in case."
Then he said, "I'm going into the travelogue. You wait outside for a bit."
Edwina agreed.
Odis cut his finger with a dagger and smeared the blood on the spine of Grosser's Travels. The next second, his vision was once again obscured by the blizzard.
He took out his crystal ball and divined for a while. He found out that Grosser and the others were still guarding the camp. After determining their general location, he used the "flying spell" to find them.
After flying for more than ten minutes, Odis found the cave that served as their camp. When Shatas, who was waiting at the cave entrance, saw Odis's figure in mid-air, she shouted, "Do you have a plan?"
"I've got it." Odis said as he descended into the camp, took out the pendant, and briefly explained his research.
The ascetic Snowman and Solomon's nobleman Mobert could barely understand Odis's meaning, but the others seemed not to understand much.
Shatas sighed with a hint of bewilderment, "Indeed, those who wield the 'Gus Staff' are all learned."
Odis smiled and said, "My plan is theoretically sound, but just to be on the safe side, I'd like one of you to try it out first."
Grosser and the others felt a mix of emotions, both longing to go out and worried about potential dangers.
At this moment, Grosser, who was over four meters tall, stood up and said, "I'll go out first to verify your plan."
When Odis saw Grosser volunteer to be the test subject, he smiled and said, "Your goal is too big. I hope the first person to go out is a normal human being."
"Well, let me make some more preparations before sending Grosser and Shatas out."
Just as Ronzel from Backlund was about to volunteer, the worldly-wise "Dream Thief" Mobert preemptively asked Odis, "What's your plan?"
"I hope Snowman will do this experiment," Odis said. "Grossell would better wait until I'm ready before going out, and it would be best if Mobert and Shatas went out together."
"Longzel's situation is rather special. You took the magic potion in the 'Travelogue,' so I need to make further preparations before I dare to take you out."
"So in my opinion, it would be best if Snowman went out first to prove that my method works."
"Then give me some time, I'll gather the necessary materials and take the rest of the people out."
Mobert was the first to speak: "I agree."
Not a single mistake, not a single poem, not a single post, not a single piece of content, not a single look!
Everyone else realized that it was best to follow Odis's lead, and they all agreed.
So Odis gave the pendant to Snowman, and the two large double doors covered in ice and snow still stood where the "King of the North" had died.
Everyone arrived at the gate, and Odis pushed it open. Upon seeing Edwina outside, the others felt even more confident.
Odis stepped out first, followed by Snowman, who was wearing a pendant, after a brief prayer.
When Snowman stepped out the door, everyone's hearts were in their throats.
One second, two seconds, three seconds passed, and there was no change in Snowman. Odis smiled and announced, "Success!"
Inside the gate, cheers from Shatas immediately erupted.
At this moment, the gate slowly closed, and this time both the people inside and outside were relieved.
Odis said to Snowman, "I'll use a magical item on you first..."
Seeing the bewildered look on the ascetic's face, he spoke in ancient Hermes: "I have prepared a magical item that will allow you to learn a current mainstream language, and then I will take you to the island I rule. You can get used to the outside environment first."
This time Snowman understood: "No problem."
Edwina actually hoped that Snowman could go to Remburg with her, after all, he was a monk from the Tertiary period, and the knowledge he possessed was exactly what the Church of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom valued.
However, she did not compete with Odis for the man, after all, it was Odis who had rescued this ascetic.
After briefly explaining the principles of the "Helmet of Wisdom" to Snowman, Odis used this magical item to instill in Snowman knowledge about the Rune language and Rune script.
Then, using the word "travel," he was taken to Cruz Island, where Rupert, who was on duty there, briefly explained the situation of the ascetic.
He also asked Rupert to coordinate with the town government to designate a piece of land on the mountain opposite Lighthouse Hill to build a new village.
Currently, only a few houses have been built in this village, one of which must be at least eight meters high, and the door must be five meters high.
Upon hearing this order, Rupert smiled and said, "Is this to build houses for giants?"
Odis nodded: "Yes."
Rupert thought the captain was joking and didn't take it too seriously, after all, the main tribe of giants had been extinct for nearly two eras.
Odis then instructed that after preparing accommodations for Snowman, he should be sent to school and given someone to arrange for him to walk around and get to know the surrounding environment.
After settling Snowman in, Odis returned to the Argo and reconfirmed the next steps with Edwina before sending her back to the Golden Dream.
...
Odis had nothing else to do these past two days, so he went to the cockpit, sat in the captain's seat, and stared blankly ahead.
Or go to the restaurant, drink beer, and chat with the crew.
Since acquiring two "intelligent puppets" in the "wilderness of knowledge," Odis has been able to occasionally enjoy some leisure time.
For him, the most important thing right now is to rescue Grosser and the others as soon as possible, but he still needs to wait for Hugh, Allen and the others to reply and see if he can trade for the "fraudster" trait.
Odis would wander around the ship at his leisure, only occasionally returning to his workshop to design new inventions or to ponder certain issues.
Such wonderful times always pass quickly, and Odis felt as if Monday afternoon had arrived in the blink of an eye.
He had made preparations well in advance and lay down on the armchair in the captain's cabin.
At exactly three o'clock, Odis's vision was covered by gray fog.
Miss Justice rose gracefully and greeted Mr. Fool in a slightly cheerful tone, "Good afternoon."
Audrey has been in a good mood lately. Through casual conversation, she has helped people around her solve some psychological problems and received very positive feedback. This has led her to summarize more rules for playing the role of a "psychologist," and she is not far from completely digesting the potion.
"The Fool" Klein also sensed "Justice's" good mood, and as if infected by it, he nodded with a smile in response.
When the greetings were over, the priestess, Cattleya, looked at the head of the bronze table and said, "Honorable 'Fool,' I have 'collected' three pages of Russell's diary."
Klein appeared calm on the surface, but inwardly he was somewhat expectant: Here it comes, I wonder if the three pages of the diary specially selected by the "mysterious queen" will contain any highly valuable information?
He calmly said, "Very well, you can think of a request now."
"Yes, Mr. Fool." Then, with Klein's help, Cattleya materialized the contents of the diary.
Klein read through the diary line by line. The three pages of diary contained a great deal of information, including Roselle's concerns about his second son, Bonova. Both Roselle and Bernadette sensed that Bonova's humanity was waning.
There's also Roselle's mental activity about making a firm decision to jump to the adjacent path. Roselle guesses that the "Hidden Sage" is not a true god and should have one or two Sequence 1 properties that are not under the "Hidden Sage's" control.
The last paragraph of the diary is about Russell seeing something and making up his mind that he must become a god no matter what the cost.
The last part of the diary is so dizzying to read that you can get a sense of the mental shock Russell suffered.
Klein pondered for a few seconds before making the three pages of the diary disappear, then looked at the "priestess" and asked, "Have you thought about your request?"
Cattleya stood up and asked, "I want to know, why did Emperor Roselle go mad in his later years?"
"Justice" Audrey wondered if she had misheard; she never expected the "priestess" to ask such a weighty question right off the bat.
And how did she know that Emperor Rosell went mad in his later years?
Alger the Hanged Man, Emlyn the Moon, and Fors the Magician all held their breath, their eyes fixed on the head of the bronze table.
Only Derrick the Sun and Odysseus the Hermit were not particularly interested in this.
"The Fool" Klein breathed a slight sigh of relief, but he still had to say something beforehand. He chuckled and said, "First, we need to establish a fact."
"I am neither omniscient nor omnipotent."
He said it in a self-deprecating tone, but the other members did not sense anything unusual. After all, none of the true gods or evil gods had an omniscient and omnipotent title.
Odis thought to himself: This guy's tricks and charades are beyond my reach.
This statement essentially sets the tone in a way that is acceptable to everyone: if you ask a question in the future that falls into Mr. Fool's blind spot, then you are being ignorant.
With this tone in mind, Klein calmly replied, "Due to certain stimuli and influences, Rosell has turned his attention to Sequence 0."
"This process drove him insane."
Klein wasn't sure of the exact process; he only guessed that Russell must have jumped to a non-adjacent path.
Because Roselle chose the "Generalist" path as his initial route, a path through which true gods have existed since the Fourth Age.
After he jumped to the adjacent path, the "Hidden Sage" pressed down on his head again.
Although Klein was not clear about the specifics of the "Hidden Sage," He was at least an angel king-level being with uniqueness and a Sequence 1 characteristic.
Even if Roselle collects the other two Sequence 1 traits and becomes the King of Angels, it will be difficult for him to defeat the "Hidden Sage" and become a true god in a short period of time.
Therefore, he had to find another way and think of other methods.
Russell's diary mentions some secret information about the "Blood Emperor" more than once, so he should know about the "Blood Emperor" jumping to non-adjacent paths.
Then it becomes clear that Russell's madness in his "later years" was likely a "side effect" of jumping to non-adjacent paths.
However, these were all Klein's guesses, so his answer could only vaguely explain the problem, because he was also unclear about the specific process.
The other members were quite moved by Mr. Fool's answer, never expecting that the Emperor had such an experience.
At the same time, they almost simultaneously believed that the emperor must not have succeeded, because if he were a god, he would not have been assassinated.
Cattleya expressed her gratitude thoughtfully, and Klein then said, "You may begin."
As soon as he finished speaking, Odis was the first to say: "Gentlemen, I need a few extraordinary properties of the 'Trickster', and magical items of Sequence 8 or above are also acceptable."
"Does anyone have one? Or is it possible to trade it through the appropriate channels?"
"Justice" Audrey asked curiously, "'Hermit', what do you need so many of the extraordinary traits of the 'Scammer' pathway?"
Oddi readily replied, "To conduct an important experiment."
Other members were impressed by the "Hermit's" wealth, noting that he was using the characteristics of Sequence 8 to conduct experiments, while others were more curious about what kind of experiments the "Hermit" was conducting.
"The priestess" Cattleya said, "I just happened to get the relevant clues. Tonight I can help you trade for a 'scammer' trait for 600 pounds."
Odis readily agreed, "Deal."
He looked around at the people and saw that no one else spoke, so he knew that they either did not have the characteristics of this method or could not obtain the characteristics of this method through their own channels.
At this moment, "The World" suddenly said to Odis, "I hope to speak with you alone."
Odis guessed that Klein should have some clues from the letter he wrote earlier, asking him to help gather information on the characteristics of "fraudsters".
Odis then agreed to speak privately. After establishing a private communication environment, Klein manipulated the "world" and said, "I will also obtain a 'Trickster' trait in a little while, and I will give it to you by tonight at the latest."
Odis smiled slightly and asked, "How much?"
"No reward," Klein said. "After all, I have fought against Groselle and the others before."
While inquiring about the characteristics of a "fraudster," he unexpectedly encountered one who had swindled money and sex from many people.
So Klein decided to hunt it down and give its special properties to Odis.
Of course, the most crucial point is that this characteristic is easy to obtain, and it is not bought with gold pounds through trading, which is why Klein is so generous.
If he bought it with his own money, that's a different story.
Odis smiled and said, "Alright, I'll wait for your good news."
After their private conversation ended, Klein saw that no one else would speak, which meant that the deal with Odis was over.
So he manipulated the "world" again, looking at the "sun" Derrick: "I have the 'Notary' potion recipe you wanted."
Derrick said happily, "Thank you, Mr. 'World'. As agreed, I will note this debt and wait for your request."
"Of course, if you need gold pounds, I can also negotiate with Mr. 'The Hermit' to exchange some gold pounds for extraordinary materials."
Klein manipulated "The World" to reply: "I don't need gold pounds for the time being. I'll let you know what my needs are after I've thought it through."
Klein earned over ten thousand pounds in total from the hunt for Gilchrist, the third mate of the "Death Note," and the search for whales.
Apart from the gold coins reserved for future transactions with messengers that he couldn't use, the rest of his money, plus his previous savings, made him richer than ever before.
Derrick nodded: "Okay."
He quickly obtained the potion recipe and began browsing it eagerly.