[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-lord-of-mysteries-starting-as-a-reader":3,"chapter-lord-of-mysteries-starting-as-a-reader-lord-of-mysteries-starting-as-a-reader-chapter-548":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Lord of Mysteries: Starting As A Reader",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1553125,2017,"Chapter 548: Darkwill’s Treatment","lord-of-mysteries-starting-as-a-reader-chapter-548",548,"\u003Cp>Ebner knew Darkwill had a sharp tongue, but he wasn't the type to joke about medical matters. And judging by Tran's increasingly red face, it was clear that something was wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wait a minute... I remember Cullen secretly adjusted Tran's body back in Damir...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How has he already become \"drained\" again?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it be that Lydia's potion has worn off?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Ebner simulated the Physician's abilities and carefully examined Tran's condition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment later, he sighed in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tran's body wasn't actually damaged—though he was, indeed, severely weakened. But that, in itself, was proof of Lydia's restraint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to Cullen's description, Tran's attraction to Lydia was constantly increasing. If it ever passed a certain threshold, and Lydia wasn't under the effects of a potion, she might drain his blood completely in an instant!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Still... it's not just 'blood loss' this time... or rather...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"His... um... 'need' for mummy powder seems to be the bigger problem...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A young girl, unable to satisfy her cravings through food, found... alternative means to relieve her 'hunger'? Or was she trying to compensate for the boy?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Ebner spiraled into overthinking, Tran finally noticed his presence—prompted by Helene stepping closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His already red face deepened in color, and he blurted out in a mix of surprise and embarrassment:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Bryan?! What are you doing here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've been friends with Mr. Darkwill since our days in Backlund, so I came by for a visit.\" Ebner smiled casually, responding with a simple greeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't mention his business deal with the chubby apothecary—there was no need for Tran to know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Darkwill, however, took one look at Tran's face, then at Ebner, before deliberately butting in with a teasing smirk:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your condition isn't too serious... Since you know Ebner, I'll give you a discount. Just 3 pounds, and I guarantee that tonight, you'll be stronger than ever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Though, personally, I'd recommend taking a few days to rest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I... I...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the confidence Ebner had helped him build, Tran was still shy—especially in such sensitive matters. His face burned brighter, and he stammered uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Darkwill practically beamed. He reached into a cabinet, took out a mix of common and exotic herbs, tossed in some insect shells, and sealed them in a paper pouch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boil everything in water for half an hour...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Trust me, drink the concoction, and both you and your lady will be very... satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One of Duke Negan's mistresses personally praised its effects.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of his customers were either hardened regulars or people like Ebner, who didn't humor him—which made their reactions incredibly dull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So now that he had an amusingly awkward young man to tease, Darkwill was delighted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, seeing others flustered or frustrated was one of his greatest joys.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, helping people recover their health was another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But... since he always combined the two, people rarely ever thanked him for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Duke Negan's mistress...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now that I think about it, in the original novel, Duke Negan did take some 'mummy powder'-based medication before he died...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Darkwill, you bastard, are you actually an accomplice of that 'Desire Apostle' from the Blood Sanctify Sect?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait... Could this also be something that 'that Russian priest' arranged?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That'd really shake up my impression of him...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While mentally roasting a few high-level figures, Ebner turned his attention to Tran—who was now caught in an awkward dilemma over whether to take the medicine or not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Ebner took the initiative—he grabbed the medicine pouch, stuffed it into Tran's hand, and intentionally changed the subject:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did you come to Bayam alone, or did theArrunheimarrive as well?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Holding the pouch that had just been forced into his hands, Tran blinked in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief hesitation, he glanced at Ebner with grateful eyes, then quickly pulled out three one-pound notes and placed them on the counter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, he exhaled and replied in a lowered voice:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The captain came too. We're planning to attend the Beyonder gathering at Amyris Leaf Bar on Wednesday night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I heard that ever since the boss behind the scenes changed, the event has attracted more Beyonders, thanks to the presence of a 'Notary' and an 'Appraiser'.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Apparently, the trade quality is much higher now, so the captain is looking to acquire some supplies before we explore that—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right then, Tran suddenly shut his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, what came next was a team secret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how much respect he had for Mr. Bryan, it wouldn't be appropriate to reveal any more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Exploration?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh, I get it—it's about the treasure tied to the Golden Snake Sword...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From that diary page Xio submitted earlier, we can already tell that Roselle had some ulterior motives...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He might not have outright set a deadly trap, but there's definitely a huge 'surprise' waiting for them there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And we can't be sure whether Roselle was already corrupted when he set it up...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he was, then even his 'good intentions' wouldn't be something Gwen, Tran, or Lydia could handle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I remember writing to Cullen about this before... Didn't he take any action?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or maybe... Cullen has his own considerations? Well, either way, if he's aware of it, then it's not my problem to worry about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Amyris Leaf Bar's gathering?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I only successfully hosted it once, and it's already making waves in Damir?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While processing these thoughts, Ebner tactfully ignored Tran's slip-up and instead politely extended an invitation:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Have you found a place to stay? If not, you're welcome at myFragrant Manor. There are plenty of guest rooms available.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the soundproofing is excellent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tran hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"T-this... this is something the captain would have to decide.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though his response was polite, his tone showed that he was seriously considering the offer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That... that's up to the captain to decide,\" Tran thought for a moment before responding shyly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That makes sense... Here, I'll leave you my address. If Gwen makes a decision, she can come directly,\" Ebner said, glancing at Helene beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The red-clad maid immediately understood and retrieved pen and paper from her pocket, handing them over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a few swift strokes, Ebner wrote down his Fragrant Manor's address, then passed the note to Tran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterward, he exchanged a few casual words with Darkwill, who had been consciously keeping his distance since the start of the conversation. Then, together with Helene, he left the herbal shop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tran watched Helene's retreating figure and couldn't help but feel a little worried for the captain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Captain Gwen and Detective Bryan seemed to have no special relationship, there was no doubt that Gwen trusted and admired him more than any other man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And those rumors back in Damir...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe they weren't entirely false.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, as Roselle once said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where there's an opening, the wind will slip in!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once Tran left with his medicine, Darkwill finally stepped out of his shop, whipping the air playfully as he turned toward the shivering owl in the yard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, let's test out this miraculous whip!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Owl Harry stared wide-eyed at the leather weapon for a few seconds before calmly saying:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My feathers aren't as tough as iron armor. If you try it on me, you'll lose a valuable assistant.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But what Ireallyneed is an assistant who can handle monsters and gang thugs...\" Darkwill flicked the whip again, speaking in a deliberately ominous tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, the frail girl, Budi, who had been silent all along, finally gathered her courage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Darkwill... please don't bully Mr. Harry...\" she said in a trembling voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you need to test it, you can use me instead... I owe you a lot. It's only right that I cooperate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though her entire body shook, she still met Darkwill's gaze head-on and spoke without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Darkwill stared at her for a long moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Budi's legs nearly gave out, he suddenly put away the whip and chuckled oddly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since Budi asked, I'll spare this dumb bird... for now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Budi exhaled deeply, her weak body almost collapsing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only thanks to Harry, who grabbed onto her collar with his talons, that she didn't fall to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Mr. Darkwill! You're a very kind person!\" Budi chirped excitedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Darkwill ignored her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he simply stretched out his right arm, allowing the owl to hop onto it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just before re-entering his shop, Darkwill paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his back still turned, he asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I remember... the night you first came here for help, you said your wish was to 'live like a person.'\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah...?\" Budi blinked blankly, taking several seconds to process his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, now you are.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After saying this, Darkwill returned to his counter, his departure punctuated by the owl's annoyed chattering:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How was my acting? Pretty convincing, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Budi, meanwhile, remained rooted to the spot, staring into the distance in a daze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her physical afflictions had been cured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the emotional scars were far harder to erase.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this was a good start.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>....\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tran, now carrying his medicine, arrived at the designated meeting place—a small café.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure enough, inside, he saw the tall and stunning Captain Gwen, along with Lydia, who was eagerly waving at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What took you so long?\" Lydia frowned, noticing his slow, hesitant steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, as if casually, she added:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I thought I saw you heading toward Red Theater?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had she not just checked Tran's physical state, she definitely would've followed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Tran could explain, Lydia sniffed the air and immediately found the medicine pouch in his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She barely glanced at it before scrunching her nose in distaste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's effective, sure, but the ingredients are way too crude...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you needed something like this, you should've just come to me instead!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, as a Blood Race, Lydia was a natural-born Apothecary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come to you?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I'd lose even more face!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tran muttered complaints internally, but instead of arguing, he quickly turned to Captain Gwen, who was smirking knowingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, almost instinctively, he changed the subject:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Captain, I just met Detective Bryan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>....\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Bayam's docks, the ancient-looking shipBlue Avengersailed into the private harbor of the Church of the God of Storms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing at the bow, Alger Wilson—wearing his captain's hat—narrowed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He watched as a massive wooden sailing ship emerged from the sea.\u003C\u002Fp>",1716,"2026-06-06T07:27:07.895Z",1,"novelbin.me","62c33f4daef2f135a6c29c8d1e128282eda562e1d0019a2f3c52fe3250900bec","lord-of-mysteries-starting-as-a-reader-chapter-549","lord-of-mysteries-starting-as-a-reader-chapter-547",1326,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Flord-of-mysteries-starting-as-a-reader-cover.jpg"]