Evil Gods Don’t Save People

Soon after, the Fool received sacrifices from Audrey and Alger respectively.

Audrey had sacrificed a pie and some other dishes as well a bunch of newspapers, even leaving a corresponding explanation of the dishes' name and origin.

Should he bless her to make sure she doesn't lose control during her advancement?

As for Mr. Hanged Man, he had also sacrificed food and… also newspapers.

It seemed that the fact this was a free favor hadn't deterred him.

Mr. Fool seized the food called Desi pie that was given to him by Ms. Justice.

It was apparently a type of pie from Desi Bay that stood out amongst the southern pies; a baked dish made of wheat dough filled with a tiny bit of meat.

Then, the god took a bite.

The rich, meaty juice seeped into the outer crust, neutralizing the dryness and made up for its shortcomings. The wheat fragrance was clearly brought out, and the small pieces of crushed apples were used to stimulate appetite with a slightly sour and sweet taste while neutralizing the oily taste.

Desi pie was his favorite food from now on.

In a brighter mood, Mr. Fool savored the sacrifice while reading a newspaper.

The Grain Act…

***

Feeling something from his spiritual intuition, the Fool looked at the pocket watch he had taken out from the pores of history and set to be synchronized to Backlund's time.

Maybe he shouldn't rely too much on a historical projection.

Should he ask for a real pocket watch next time?

He nodded to himself.

Though, it was funny how he was reduced to asking for a pocket watch as an equivalent exchange. And even if he had money, he wouldn't be able to use it himself to buy something in the real world.

Seeing that it was time for the gathering to begin, the Fool put away the (historical projection) pocket watch with the other items under the table.

Then, he extended his right hand and formed an invisible connection, connecting him to the two familiar crimson stars.

As Audrey and Alger's figures began to form, Mr. Fool saw that Audrey had become a beyonder.

Moreover, the chair belonging to Miss Justice changed.

The bright stars on the back of the chair moved swiftly, forming an illusory constellation that didn't belong to reality.

It was a symbol that represented a 'Giant Dragon'.

He noticed that Alger also seemed to have advanced.

"Congratulations, Miss Justice, you are a Beyonder now."

Audrey was stunned and smiled faintly.

"Thank you, Mr. Fool, and thank you, Mr. Hanged Man."

"That was much faster that I thought," Alger Wilson said honestly.

The Fool added, "Congratulations for advancing as well, Mr. Hanged Man."

Following the Fool's example, Audrey also congratulated him, happy that the Tarot Club had become stronger even though it was a small gathering.

Then, she inquired, "Mr. Fool, did you like the food?"

Alger turned over as well.

Although the god had asked for common food, what should they do if He didn't like it?

The Fool nodded.

"Yes, thank you."

Alger unnoticeably froze.

'What did I hea-'

Not noticing Alger's reaction, Audrey curiously questioned him, "If I may ask, what was your favorite dish? Knowing your tastes would help me know what to sacrifice next time."

'Oops, was I too rude?'

However, the Fool wasn't offended and calmly answered, "Desi pie."

Audrey nodded with a serious face, committing it to memory.

Then, seeing that Alger seemingly didn't have anything to say, Audrey put her palms together and placed them in front of her.

"Mr. Fool, Mr. Hanged Man, I have two questions to ask. If you think that the answers warrant a high price, tell me what you want, I will try my best to seek it."

"No problem," Alger answered succinctly.

Mr. Fool also nodded.

Audrey took a look at The Hanged Man and then The Fool. She smiled faintly and said, "Then, I shall ask the first question: what is the name of the subsequent potion for Spectator? Where can I find the clues?"

Although it was a trivial matter for the Fool, he knew that gods and low-Sequence Beyonders had different values. Thus, the Fool inquired, "This question is free, but until what Sequence do you want to know the potions' name? Is Sequence 5 enough or do you want to know more?"

Audrey was a little dazed.

Was Sequence 5 enough?

Did that mean that the Fool knew the potion names of the Spectator Pathway above Sequence 5?

Audrey understood that it was a test.

Would she take advantage of the god's kindness and be greedy, or would she be satisfied with this result for a free question?

Naturally, Audrey already knew the answer.

Miss Justice bowed gratefully, "Thank you for your generosity. Sequence 5 is even more than enough, I will pay back this favor with whatever you desire."

However, the Fool shook his head, frowning slightly, "It's fine, I said it was free."

Then, he answered, "Sequence 8 is named Telepathist, Sequence 7 is Psychiatrist, Sequence 6 is Hypnotist and Sequence 5 is Dreamwalker."

Audrey broke out of her Spectator's state, feeling excited, while the Fool continued, "As for clues, I have the subsequent potion formulas of that pathway."

"Can you sell the Sequence 8 Telepathist potion formula to me? What do you want in exchange?" asked Audrey as her eyes beamed with joy.

The Fool recalled what he was missing earlier.

"A pocket watch with Backlund's time."

Audrey was stunned then helplessly reminded the Fool, "Mr. Fool, a Sequence 8 potion formula usually costs at least 400 pounds; a pocket watch is simply too cheap. You can ask for more."

The Fool thought for a while.

There weren't many things he wanted. Then, the next best option would be to ask for something other than knowledge that would help him trade with humans even as a god.

"Then, in addition to the pocket watch, enough money to cover the rest of the Sequence 8 potion formula's price. I'll leave the exact amount up to your judgment."

Audrey nodded, determined, while Alger was dazzled by the possibility of being able to ask the same things to the Fool if He also happened to know the potion formulas of his pathway.

"I'll sacrifice the money and the pocket watch to you today," declared Audrey.

She would buy a new pocket watch right after the gathering.

Not checking the amount of money he would receive, the Fool nodded and made the Sequence 8 potion formula of the Visionary pathway appear on a piece of paper in his hand, before the paper disappeared and teleported in front of Audrey.

Surprised, Audrey received it and read the potion formula, 'Rainbow Salamender's complete pituitary gland…'

After she memorized it and thanked the Fool, she drew a deep breath and asked bashfully, "The second question. If—and I'm saying if—a normal animal were to drink a Sequence 9 potion, what would happen?"

The Fool noticed that Audrey's emotions had turned frantic, nervous, and a little ashamed, indicating that this question may not be purely hypothetical.

After being distracted for a moment, the god began to reflect seriously on the question.

The result shouldn't be that different from humans, right? Weren't there quite a few people with Beyonder animals?

The Hanged Man Alger, who was obviously dumbfounded, took a while to reply.

"Normal animals do not have the brains of humans. They wouldn't be able to learn Cogitation in a timely manner. Therefore, it would most likely lead to immediate death or a breakdown into a monster. However, if they survived the initial ingestion of the potion, they should become an extraordinary creature. If the potion has the ability to enhance their intelligence, they can even become smarter."

"Alright." Audrey breathed out a silent sigh and nodded while saying with a relaxed tone. "I have no other questions."

Alger considered for a moment and did not mention matters regarding the Aurora Order or the Listener. Similarly, he shook his head and said, "Nor do I."

After a moment of silence, the Fool spoke up, "According to The Hanged Man's suggestion last week, we can have a time for casual conversation after all official issues have been discussed. Who shall begin?"

Audrey sighed and said, "Mr. Fool, the suggestion you made regarding the exam selection and the separation between civil and political matters has received the approval of many members of parliament. Perhaps it could become a reality. Of course, with the efficiency of this government, the bill will only appear half a year from now at the earliest."

"Let's hope so," Alger replied sarcastically.

He paused for a few seconds, then glanced at The Fool. He deliberated before saying, "In recent decades, the amount of activities of the various secret organizations has seen an upward trend. In fact, there are even new secret organizations appearing, some of them having reached scale with a good number of Beyonders."

The Fool saw Alger glancing at him.

'Is he trying to ask why?'

Though, it's not that he didn't know the answer.

'The apocalypse is coming.'

The Fool didn't comment on The Hanged Man's news and changed the subject.

Seeing the Grain Act being announced in the newspaper and his spiritual intuition, the Fool had found something to share for this gathering.

"George III is preparing to become a god. His Apotheosis ceremony should happen within the next three years."

Audrey and Alger were shocked.

The Grain act.

The incoming disaster in Backlund.

The inevitable future war.

The king's current Sequence.

The Black Emperor's ascension ceremony.

The apocalypse.

Indeed, George III should be preparing to become a god.

Not that it concerned him, though.

Then, silence fell above the gray fog, the two low-Sequence Beyonders' emotions in a turmoil.

The Fool swept his gaze toward The Hanged Man, then past Justice and declared, "If there is nothing else to share, then let's end today's gathering here."

"By your will." Audrey and Alger stood up together.

The Fool moved his finger and severed his connection with the dark red stars. He watched as the two figures vanished from the magnificent palace.

Not long after, 400 pounds and a pocket watch were sacrificed to him, as well as another newspaper.