Chapter 232

Chapter 224: Perceive

In the secret room, Dorothy was pondering the characteristics of the Scholar tier.

The advantages of this profession were clear and distinct. The primary advantage was its comprehensiveness; as one progressed to higher tiers, their abilities increased in both number and strength. It was already evident that the Scholar at the Red Gold tier would be incredibly powerful, capable of simulating numerous abilities.

However, the disadvantages were also apparent. At lower tiers, the profession was relatively weak, as the simulated abilities from other paths were inferior and incomplete. Without auxiliary spirituality, using these abilities caused extreme spiritual tension. Advancing required a full investment of spirituality, with a significantly larger total requirement compared to other paths.

“Major spiritual consumption isn’t automatically restored by blue bars but instead through experience points. It feels like this profession is forcing players to spend real money…”

Dorothy muttered to herself, realizing he would need to purchase many “Cup” transmissions. Fortunately, she could extract spirituality from transmissions, otherwise, she wouldn’t know how to play the Scholar.

Next, Dorothy reviewed his current spiritual state. After advancing, all the accumulated spirituality had significantly decreased. The situation now stood as follows:

6 Cups, 7 Stones, 3 Shadows, 1 Lamp, 1 Silence, 0 Enlightenment.

Of course, “Enlightenment” here refers to accumulated experience points. Dorothy’s blue bar “Enlightenment” had been restored to 10 points after advancing, but this enlightenment couldn’t be used for advancement.

Now, Dorothy’s total spiritual limit reached 30 points. Therefore, advancing to White Chalk would require at least 30 points of “Enlightenment.” Given the characteristics of the Scholar tier, the next advancement would certainly require full participation of spirituality. Apart from “Enlightenment,” the requirements for other spiritual aspects would likely be substantial as well.

“Sigh… I feel like I’ve gone back to square one.”

Seeing his hard-earned spirituality drastically reduced, Dorothy sighed helplessly. However, overall, he felt quite happy since he had finally advanced, achieving a small goal.

“So… I should be able to leave now.”

As he spoke, Dorothy immediately walked to the General Language inscription at the exit where he had entered the secret room. He touched the text on the wall, and as expected, the wall gradually disappeared, revealing a long passage similar to when he first entered the secret room.

‘Finally, I can leave.’

Seeing this, Dorothy was delighted and began to gather his belongings to leave. Just as he was packing the “Navigation of the Literary Sea,” an idea came to him.

‘Before leaving, I should thank Neve and Vania for their help. They’ve done a lot for me outside. I should inform them that my troubles are resolved.’

With this thought, Dorothy sat down and began writing a reply to Vania and Neve.

Vania responded quickly, and then Dorothy started writing to Neve.

“Thank you for your help, Senior Sister Neve. The trouble on my end has been resolved.”

…

East Tivyán, on a bustling street.

At noon, the carriage carrying Neve was navigating the busy road. After sacrificing a transmission, Neve had been reading her history book, waiting for news from Dorothy. When she saw Dorothy’s notes reappear in the book, she felt a surge of relief.

‘It seems Dorothy has resolved her troubles. It’s good everything went smoothly.’

Sighing with relief, Neve replied.

“The Rosy Cross saved me and helped me fight the Thistle. It was my duty. I’m glad my actions were successful. Initially, I was worried something unexpected might happen.”

Neve wrote, and soon after, Dorothy’s response appeared again.

“Worried about unexpected situations? What? Did you encounter something concerning during the process of buying transmissions?”

After a moment’s hesitation, Neve continued writing.

“Yes… I encountered something odd. Overall, I met someone calling himself Moisans…”

Then, Neve wrote down the events she experienced at the bank.

Honestly, Neve was quite concerned about Moisans’ sudden show of kindness, even though she was new to the Secret World. Despite this, nothing untoward had happened so far. Although she had lowered her guard, she decided it was best to tell Dorothy about it.

…

Inside the secret room, Dorothy frowned slightly after reading Neve’s account. He immediately sensed something was amiss.

‘This person called Moisans… There’s definitely something wrong. Not only did he suddenly show up and court favor with Neve, but what he said was riddled with issues—things like black tea and Black Iron Tier… Is he really an Extraordinary Being? Or is he truly a Secret Researcher?’

Dorothy pondered within, thinking this Moisans might be a novice Extraordinary Being with incorrect information. But then he reconsidered; could someone at this level really know details about the White Stone Craftsmen Guild’s base in Tivyán? Long-term transactions at the guild’s base didn’t seem like the behavior of a novice.

‘A seasoned Extraordinary associate deliberately courting a newcomer like Neve and asking many basic errors… This is interesting…’

Dorothy thought along these lines, becoming increasingly suspicious. After considering several possibilities, he wrote back to Neve.

“Are you currently in a carriage?”

…

On the carriage, Neve read the message that appeared on the book and continued writing.

“Yes, I’m currently returning by carriage.”

After writing, the words faded away, and Dorothy’s response appeared immediately.

“Now, check if there’s another carriage following you. Don’t look back. Use a mirror to see behind you. Remember to hold the mirror slightly low.”

Seeing Dorothy’s new response, Neve furrowed her brow and paused for a moment before searching her bag for a mirror.

As a university student with a growing reputation, Neve always carried a mirror. Soon, she found a small hand mirror in her bag.

Holding the mirror in front of her, Neve looked into the reflection. Through the carriage’s rear window, she observed the road behind.

Focusing on the mirror, Neve watched for about seven or eight minutes. Sure enough, she saw another carriage tailing her!

‘There really is one! When did it start following me!’

Seeing the trailing vehicle, Neve broke out in a cold sweat. She immediately put down the mirror and began writing urgently on the book.

“Somebody is following me!”

”