Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic

[Outlander, you've entered the Hall of the Keeper of Secrets.]

After crossing the White Mist Gate, one steps into the thick white fog that is so familiar to Shard. The white fog is not empty; jade-like stone steps lead upwards.

Climbing thirteen steps, within the dense white fog, lies a splendid hall filled with rows of golden long tables and round stools.

Golden crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and the walls are painted with ever-changing frescoes. This hall seems to have no end, with rows of long tables extending endlessly into the distance.

Compared to the "Spatial Labyrinth" with only one path, the structurally undefined "Time Corridor", the "Dark Dungeon" with only floor trapdoors, the desolate cemetery-like "Soul Graveyard", and the ancient sacrificial site-like "Witch Council", the appearance of the "Hall of the Keeper of Secrets" indeed looks quite magnificent.

"Could the function here be to accelerate learning?"

Iluna asked curiously, to which Shard laughed and shook his head:

"This is not a place where one can stay for long; the concentration of the Miracle Element already poses a risk to people. Follow me."

He sat down at the table with the cat in his arms, Iluna and Luviya followed and sat down. As the view of the mist-shrouded hall vanished, they found themselves back on the second floor, in room number two of Shard Family's house illuminated by moonlight, and the White Mist Gate did not disappear despite no one touching it.

"In reality, we are still in the hall, but also in the real world."

Shard explained the knowledge he acquired from the Angel:

"When you sit in the Hall of the Keeper of Secrets, you return to the reality near the gate. This means, if someone is here now, they could suddenly see us appear. In this state, various buffs are added to oneself, learning, creation, invention, creativity, and similar activities can all benefit. Moreover, staying in the hall and engaging in similar activities offers a chance to hear the insights once sparked by past users. Of course, this depends quite a bit on luck. Oh, and there's an even smaller chance to gain a 24-hour 'Sage's Guidance' effect when entering and exiting the hall, keeping one's mind and reflexes in top condition."

He pointed to the White Mist Gate:

"The ability to see the White Mist Gate with the naked eye distinguishes whether one is in the 'Hall of the Keeper of Secrets.' To leave the hall, one method is to re-enter the White Mist Gate and then return the way came; another method is to leave the space near the door and go to the adjoining room, which will also automatically exit the state."

Iluna's eyes lit up:

"So, if I learn ancient languages in the hall, I could learn them quickly?"

"The hall only provides buffs; whether you can learn still depends on yourself."

Shard reminded with a smile:

"Moreover, the time a person can use here each day is limited, and your other self should be able to receive a hint."

Iluna was amazed by this, while Luviya suggested Shard buy some furniture and remodel the second-floor living room into a new study, or at least add tables and chairs. The 'Hall of the Keeper of Secrets' is quite useful to any Circle Sorcerer, and the three major academies have benefited greatly in the past thousand years.

Of course, the spaces left behind by the Ancient God usually possess hidden properties, and those properties are often only triggered by Shard.

[Outlander, sacrifice a drop of divinity or a Golden Crown of Wisdom to the Hall of the Keeper of Secrets, and you can enter the depths of the hall to meet any 'Keeper of Secrets' you know of in existence at the current time point. The Keeper will be more than willing to answer your questions in the hall of the Ancient God.]

Cherubs can also be considered Keepers of Secrets, besides, Shard even believed certain special Evil Gods could also be Keepers of Secrets. Naturally, using the hall requires caution and prudence, especially since he does not know what the so-called 'Golden Crown of Wisdom' is.

Fortunately, he currently had no pressing need to use the Hall of the Keeper of Secrets. Moreover, rather than using these special spaces indiscriminately, he preferred to use them on occasion when the opportunity was right.

Instinctively, the young Outlander felt the spaces left behind by the thirteen Ancient Gods were certainly not just for the convenience of mortals.

They discussed future use of the hall, once again stepping into the White Mist Gate, then returning to Shard's home.

Holding Mia, Shard looked at the wall restored to normal by the moonlight:

"This is the fourth door; the unusual places in my house are increasing."

"It was peculiar from the start."

Luviya laughed, and Iluna made a small joke:

"Shard, even you can be considered one of the anomalies existing here. Do you think you're more normal than the anomalies already discovered?"

Thinking carefully, she was quite right, like the deceased Detective Sparrow, he was a normal casualty attracted by this house.

It was already late, and Iluna would have to report to the Sun Cathedral and participate in Year-End Festival activities tomorrow, so she needed to return to her apartment tonight.

The seventeen-year-old girl lingered on the sofa, reluctant to leave, until Luviya spoke up:

"Shard, you sent Iluna back, it's so late, as a gentleman, you can't let her go home alone."

Saying this, she hugged Mia, who was sprawled on the sofa:

"Just don't take your cat with you, hurry back."

Iluna then stood up, showing a slightly grateful expression to Luviya, who winked at her with a smile.

"No problem, I'll get Iluna to the apartment, watch her go upstairs and then come back. Hold on, I'll get my coat."

Shard said as he walked into the bedroom, and Iluna, who had stood up, turned to Luviya, mouthing a few words without knowing what to say. Luviya softly encouraged:

"Be brave, tomorrow is my day, before the Year-End Festival, you have only this one chance."

The girl with brown long hair accepted her encouragement, clenched her fist tightly against her chest.

Just as Iluna mentioned when she came over, on the last night before the Year-End Festival, finding a four-wheeled carriage was indeed difficult. They walked through the snow to Silver Cross Avenue, where they finally encountered a carriage near the already dark Prophet's Society building that was preparing to return home for the night.

The driver was reluctant to pick up passengers anymore, but in the end agreed to take them since Shard was willing to pay extra and it was in the direction of his own home. The location of Blackstone Security Company is between North District and West District of Tobesk, and the apartment Iluna rented is very close to there.

The carriage quietly took them to their destination in the snow and then left without offering to take Shard back. In front of the apartment door, Iluna took out the key, opened the door, and invited Shard to come in for a while:

"Your Year-End Festival gift is upstairs."

The owner of 7 Charnham Street is a widow who not only is a devoted believer of the True God [Lantern Bearer], but also did some very secretive work for the Sun Cathedral when she was younger. This apartment was arranged by the church for her to rent to Iluna. Iluna lives in room 202 on the second floor, and her neighbors are also believers of [Lantern Bearer], so the neighborhood relationship is very harmonious.

It was already late at night, and everyone else in the house was sound asleep. Iluna led Shard upstairs carefully, reminding him not to step on the steps of the Seventh Level, otherwise it would make strange sounds.

Once they entered and turned on the gas lamp, Iluna breathed a sigh of relief and, seeing Shard inspecting the living room, blushed a little:

"Having just returned from traveling, the living room might be a bit messy."

The living room in the apartment wasn't large. Two suitcases were placed in front of the coffee table, one of them open displaying bottles and jars of magic potions and spellcasting materials. The other suitcase was partially open with a few pieces of clothing sticking out.

Though small, the living room was warmly furnished. Besides cheap oil paintings, commendation orders from Riddlevitch Field and the church were hanging on the wall, ones that were for ordinary people to see.

A green plant was placed on the windowsill, and the keys to the house were in a cookie tin on the entrance cabinet. The wind chime hung down from a nail on the window but became invisible when Iluna pulled the curtains.

"You sit down first, I'll go get your gift."

She said, somewhat blushing, and quickly walked into her bedroom. Shard continued to curiously survey the place, and soon Iluna returned with a red box tied with a ribbon bow:

"I had prepared it in advance thinking if I didn't make it back by the festival, Luviya would help me deliver it to you. You can open it now if you wish."

"No matter what it is, I'll love it."

Shard then opened the box, revealing a brown knitted scarf and a pair of deep blue knitted gloves. The scarf had a checkered pattern and its two ends featured an orange cat motif similar to Mia. The glove style was simpler, adorned only with a small sun pattern.

"Oh, this is lovely... Did you knit it yourself?"

Shard asked, intrigued, trying the scarf on, finding the size just right.

Iluna, a bit shy, sat on the short sofa:

"Yes, I learned from Mrs. Celia at our security company."

Mrs. Celia was the wig-wearing lady Shard saw every time he visited Blackstone Security Company, often seen knitting while waiting to attend visitors, and also the one responsible for caring for the company's cat.

"Did it take you a lot of time? You're definitely busier than me."

"Didn't take too much time..."

As she spoke, memories of nights spent solo at home, under the gas lamp, squinting at knitting patterns while counting needle stitches came to mind:

"It's nothing, this probably isn't the best gift you've received, but... Happy Year-End Festival, Shard."

Suppressing her embarrassment, she looked up at Shard.