Lord of The Mysterious Realms-Chapter 24: Bizarre Traits
"First Trait: If asked by A-01-2-0198 to buy a flower, ignoring the question or refusing to make a transaction will result in the subject's certain death within one week. Cause of death is massive hemorrhage, induced by an unknown species of vine growing inside the body and rupturing the blood vessels. The process is irreversible, and the vines are undetectable prior to death."
"Here's to a long and peaceful life for all good people!"
Jenkins silently wished himself well.
"Second Trait: If the subject agrees to the transaction, A-01-2-0198 will invariably offer exactly three flowers of the same color. The flower's species does not affect its bizarre traits, but the color determines the curse inflicted upon the buyer. The following are the known cases:
Red: Death from the common flu within a year. Yellow: At least one direct blood relative will become infertile; if the buyer has no direct blood relatives, the buyer dies immediately. Blue: Death by drowning within three weeks. Green: Certain death by suicide, with no time limit."
Smith finished reading, glanced at the two middle-aged gentlemen beside him, and then nodded at Jenkins.
"This is information that can be viewed by any Church-affiliated Enchanter with sufficient clearance. The following information requires a higher security clearance, but since you've been involved in this incident, you are permitted to know."
He didn't look at Papa Oliver. Instead, he set down the document in his hands and explained to Jenkins:
"According to our records, one person once purchased three black flowers from A-01-2-0198. But after contacting the Church, the buyer mysteriously vanished before everyone's eyes and has never been found. Any Enchanter who attempts to locate them using divination abilities goes instantly mad."
Jenkins swallowed hard. That poor soul was probably sent before some great and terrible entity... He awaited the verdict on his own fate.
"If two colors each cover more than thirty percent of a flower's petals, we call it a variegated flower. The buyer will split into two physically identical individuals within three hours. The personalities of these two beings will represent the extremes of good and evil."
"The Tiger Talisman."
Jenkins tried to comfort himself with a bit of snark, but found it was less effective than staring at the strange face reflected in the brass kettle on the table.
"Purchasing the white flowers carries no curse. Furthermore, completely consuming the white flowers can increase an Enchanter's maximum spirit."
Jenkins leaned back slightly and let out a long sigh of relief.
"Is that true?"
He whispered, afraid the old man would suddenly grin and say, "Just kidding!"
"Yes."
Smith nodded, his shiny forehead seeming to catch the light.
"So, congratulations, Mr. Williams. You encountered a Mysterious Object that brings almost certain death, yet you were fortunate enough to find yourself in the best possible scenario. Records show that a lucky soul has purchased the white flowers only twice before. One was an ordinary nine-year-old girl five hundred years ago, a believer of the Goddess; the other was an archbishop who believed in the 'Hermit of Destiny' three hundred years ago."
"Buying those other flowers... is it really a guaranteed death?"
Jenkins asked again.
"Yes. A-01-2-0198 usually stays in a city for about three weeks. While it seems dangerous, she only appears in places 'suitable for selling flowers.' So, as long as you stay indoors, you will never encounter her. Current records show that no one has ever run into A-01-2-0198 twice, which makes you the safest person in this room."
Mr. Smith smiled. Jenkins tried his best to keep from looking too smug.
"There is actually more information on A-01-2-0198, but no one in this room has the authority to know it... For a Mysterious Object of this level to appear in a densely populated city is an extremely serious matter, not to mention that the business with that giant octopus hasn't been resolved yet. Mr. Williams, according to regulations, you are required to submit a full written of your encounter with A-01-2-0198 to the Church. In return, the Church will provide you with a reward."
As he spoke, he gestured to Bincy and Hert, who had been silent the whole time.
"These two gentlemen—one is from our combat division, and the other is from the special items processing office. Representatives from both departments are required to be present for the documentation of any 'Mysterious Object' or 'Mysterious Realm.' You've just become a Scribe, so you'll have to get used to these procedures."
Jenkins nodded, finally breathing a sigh of relief.
For the next while, Jenkins recounted the story of his encounter with the giant octopus and the events of that day. The three men from the Church questioned him repeatedly about the details, and finally had him write two separate s before the matter was concluded.
Before they left, Smith brought up one more thing:
"If you're willing to sell the flowers, the Church is prepared to pay you one hundred and fifty pounds per flower."
This was a considerable sum, enough for Jenkins to purchase a decent property in Nolan City. Jenkins subconsciously glanced back at Papa Oliver. The old man gave a subtle shake of his head, then shrugged. "Are you that desperate for money right now?"
So Jenkins politely declined Mr. Smith's offer. Smith simply smiled and nodded, not seeming disappointed at all.
Jenkins and Papa Oliver didn't leave the Church right away. Instead, they decided to collect the basic ability Jenkins was entitled to before leaving.
The two of them sat in a small, hidden prayer room. While they waited for the approval process, Papa Oliver told Jenkins to hurry up and eat the three flowers.
"There aren't many ways to accumulate extra spirit that are completely harmless."
Papa Oliver told Jenkins earnestly, "Especially for newcomers like you, if you have a chance to advance, don't hesitate. This is an opportunity most people can only dream of. I've known people who risked extremely dangerous methods to accumulate spirit, and most of them ended up going mad. So don't take these things out of the Church."
Jenkins hesitated for a moment, then closed his eyes and ate the three flowers raw. Since the mentioned "complete consumption," Papa Oliver pressured him into eating the green stems as well.
"It's a bit disgusting, and my throat feels a little scratchy, but it's definitely working."
Jenkins concluded with a frown, his right hand pressed against the front of his coat, feeling a continuous stream of cold air flowing from his stomach. But the taste was actually a little sweet, like the freshly squeezed lemonade the maid at home would make.
Papa Oliver, however, just thought Jenkins had been pampered for too long and would get used to it.
Enchanters have a limited number of abilities they can possess, so they must be extremely careful about their choices. Some keep one or two ability slots open for years, not because they can't find abilities to learn, but because they're waiting for superior ones.
Jenkins had asked for Papa Oliver's opinion, and the old man believed that low-level Enchanters should choose their abilities based more on personal preference and their plans for the future.
Chapter 24: Bizarre Traits
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