Chapter 13: The First Law of Mysticism

Wu Chang’s vision went black. When he came to his senses, two kerosene lamps were held almost against his face, their brightness making him dizzy.

He covered one eye with the back of his hand to adapt to the sudden light, muttering under his breath:

"This woman is too impatient."

He had only been in the Moonlight Sanitarium for two days, and it was still early before the deadline Zhu Li had mentioned. He had originally wanted to collect more information and approach the director in a couple of days, but who would have thought Zhu Li would say "there's no time" and push him through a door.

After a brief adjustment, he followed the light forward, passed through a short corridor, and arrived at a spacious office.

Compared to the bright corridor, the office was much dimmer; like the other patient rooms, it only had one dim kerosene lamp.

By the faint light, he could see a massive shadow crouching over the desk.

The moment he stepped into the room, the black shadow shuddered and stood up like a giant beast startled from its sleep.

As the shadow rose, Wu Chang’s gaze shifted from level to looking up.

Director Landi was over three meters tall, his shoulders as broad as a wall, and his upper arms were as thick as an adult man’s waist. Combined with his long golden hair, he looked like a standing lion.

Never mind Landi’s absurd height; even if an ordinary person ate steroids and testosterone for every meal, they couldn't build a physique like that.

Director Landi’s fitness regimen couldn't have been copied from a grown-up Arnold, could it?

Wu Chang really wanted to go out and ask Zhu Li if she was sure Landi’s ancestors were mages and not some kind of berserkers.

Landi walked to within two meters of Wu Chang and sized up the intruder. Feeling the overwhelming pressure, Wu Chang swallowed hard, unable to think of how to start.

Perhaps out of consideration for Wu Chang’s predicament, Landi found a topic for him.

Landi took a thick, nearly two-meter-long smoothbore gun from behind his back, poked the muzzle straight at Wu Chang’s forehead, and muttered to himself: "The illness has worsened again; the hallucinations can actually take the form of strangers."

"Director, don't shoot! It’s me." Now Wu Chang knew how to start.

"Who are you?"

"I am a royal envoy from the Royal City. His Majesty sent me to bring you a message."

Fearing Landi wouldn't believe him, Wu Chang hurriedly handed over the King’s badge he was clutching.

Landi had originally not wanted to waste his breath on Wu Chang, intending to end today’s hallucination quickly and return to work, but the moment his gaze swept over the King’s badge, his eyes were firmly locked onto it, unable to move.

This creation, representing the pinnacle of human magic and craftsmanship, possessed an unparalleled sense of magnificence. Although it was made only of metal, it would not be outshone even if placed next to the most brilliant jewels.

It needed no anti-counterfeiting measures; one only had to see it to believe it was the King’s badge.

Landi was very confident in his own aesthetic judgment; this was not something he could have hallucinated out of thin air.

It was the real thing.

Having confirmed Wu Chang’s identity, Landi’s expression softened. He reluctantly returned the badge to Wu Chang and asked, "Why has the envoy come this time? Does His Majesty still believe in myths and legends like the Gold of Curses?"

Wu Chang shook his head, struck the pose of an envoy, paced around the director’s office, and said, "No, I have come for Baishi Town this time. According to our preliminary investigation, the various strange occurrences happening in Baishi Town have the shadow of the Tranquility Church behind them."

Hearing the four words "Tranquility Church," Landi instinctively frowned.

Seeing Landi waver, and now with the backing of the King’s envoy identity, Wu Chang prepared to take the opportunity to persuade Landi, making him face reality and awaken the power in his bloodline.

"Director Landi, do you believe in the existence of mysticism?"

Landi answered decisively: "I do not."

Wu Chang was about to deliver his prepared lines, but when he looked up, the words in his mouth were blocked by something.

He narrowed his eyes and looked at the golden crossbow hanging on the wall. Beside the crossbow were three silver bolts that looked like works of art. The bolt placed in the middle radiated a deep red resentment.

Perhaps because too much time had passed, the scenes contained within the resentment had dissipated, leaving only an ordinary last testament and a blood-colored last testament.

"The First Law of Mysticism: Human cognition is one of the sources of mysticism’s existence. The more people believe in its existence, the more powerful it becomes. The best seal is not strict guarding, but complete oblivion."

[Eliminate or completely seal the remnant soul of the Evil God Laiman.]

The First Law of Mysticism? "How about it? It's beautiful, isn't it?"

Landi’s voice sounded from behind, waking Wu Chang’s attention from his thoughts.

"This golden crossbow is an achievement my ancestors earned through constant warfare, in blood and fire. It is also proof of the Anderson family’s former glory. Although it cannot compare to the King’s badge, it is a rare work of art in this world. Even in our most destitute times, the family never thought of selling it."

"Its existence has always warned me to keep my feet on the ground and use my own hands to revitalize the family like my ancestors, rather than pinning my hopes on some myths and legends."

Wu Chang pursed his lips and swallowed his pre-organized speech. "Sorry, it is indeed beautiful, so beautiful that I was mesmerized. Where was I just now?"

"You asked me if I believe in the existence of mysticism," Landi replied.

"And your answer is?"

"I do not."

Wu Chang nodded and agreed, "I don't believe in it either."

"Hm?" Landi was somewhat surprised by Wu Chang’s answer.

Wu Chang took out the Silver Dawn and said with a sincere face, "Beyond the identity of a royal envoy, I am actually a scientist and also an engineer. This gun is my work. I firmly believe that the future of humanity must lie in machinery and science."

Landi only took one look before marveling at the compactness and delicacy of this short firearm. Even when he was studying medicine in the capital, he had never seen such an exquisite firearm.

Realizing the other party was also of the scientific school, Landi’s gaze became much friendlier instantly.

Wu Chang continued, "Through my investigation, I suspect that the Tranquility Church is manufacturing some kind of hallucinogenic drug."

"Hallucinogenic drug?"

"Yes. While that drug is addictive, it erodes the user’s mind, making their mental state unstable and blurring the boundary between reality and hallucination. And everything seen in the hallucinations becomes what the Tranquility Church calls divine miracles."

Landi thought for a moment, returned to his desk, picked up a fountain pen, and said with a grave expression:

"As you can see, the situation in Baishi Town has spiraled out of control; it is difficult to salvage with the power of one person alone. I will issue you a doctor’s pass. With it, you can move freely within the sanitarium and Baishi Town. Take the opportunity to leave and tell His Majesty your findings."

Hearing about the pass, Wu Chang was delighted; he hadn't expected the dungeon clearance to be so easy.

Wait, was it a bit too easy?

He looked at the King’s badge in his hand and narrowed his eyes to think carefully.

Zhu Li’s goal couldn't have been the pass from the very beginning, could it?

Being able to sit by and watch so many players die, that woman was definitely not soft-hearted. If an opportunity to leave were placed in front of her, she would absolutely backstab her newly met cheap ally without hesitation.

Wu Chang walked quickly to Landi and said righteously:

"No, it is precisely because the situation is critical that I cannot leave. The journey to the capital is long, taking nearly a month round-trip. By the time I return, I fear everything will be too late."

"Even if I die, I must destroy the Tranquility Church’s evil plan; I cannot sit by and watch such a tragedy happen!"

Landi was infected by Wu Chang’s spirit and immediately said, "Baishi Town is my territory; how could I let you, the envoy, risk your life alone? You must count me in. As long as you have a need, I will satisfy any request as much as I can."

"I actually do have one thing I need your help with, Director," Wu Chang said, seizing the opportunity.

"The Tranquility Church chose Baishi Town as their experimental site. I suspect that besides revenge, there is also a wariness of the Anderson family. I suspect that the Secret Magic Knights of the past possessed a method to cure paranoia."

"Is there any place like an underground storage room here that keeps information about the Secret Magic Knights?"

Landi raised an eyebrow and said, "There is indeed an underground secret room that stores old books left behind by my ancestors. Although I think the possibility is small, you can go and try your luck."

"One more thing."

Wu Chang looked at the crossbow bolt on the wall and said, "As an engineer and craftsman, I would like to borrow a silver crossbow bolt to study its manufacturing technique. I wonder if that is possible."

Landi shrugged and said, "No need to borrow. Take whichever one you like; your courage is fully worthy of it."

(End of chapter)