Lord of The Mysterious Realms Chapter 947

"The value-added service I'm offering is a way out of the Mirror Realm."

The insurance salesman wasted no more time on pleasantries and got straight to the point. He extended his business card once more. Jenkins froze for a moment, and only after a long pause did he hurry forward to take it.

Truth be told, he had never heard of B-04-4-5611, the "Funny Insurance Merchant." It was likely a designation that had been erased from the records, so he was naturally unaware of the Extraordinary item's corresponding traits. But he desperately needed a way out of this mysterious realm, and so far, his Lie Godhood had remained silent, offering no warning.

Of course, the writer wouldn't let his guard down. After all, his own specialty was telling "truthful lies."

"A way out of the Mirror Realm?"

Jenkins repeated the words.

"That's right. Purchase my insurance, and I'll tell you how to leave the Mirror Realm."

"With no hidden clauses?"

"Correct. None at all."

"You're not going to hide some incomprehensible clauses in ancient script within the filigree of the document, are you?"

The insurance salesman's mouth twitched.

"Sir, I am a respectable insurance salesman, not a soul-bartering demon. Kindly get that straight."

As he spoke, he pulled a stack of papers from his briefcase and handed them to Jenkins. This time, the documents pulsed with a spiritual radiance no less intense than that of the salesman himself.

"You see, this is the insurance contract. You are free to review it thoroughly before signing. There's no issue with that at all."

Although the salesman seemed thoroughly unreliable—that sloppy, handwritten business card had certainly soured Jenkins's opinion of him—the contract itself was a perfectly formal, standard agreement, clearly stipulating the rights and obligations of both parties.

From the contract, Jenkins was able to discern the traits of B-04-4-5611. The first, naturally, was the premium. It wasn't paid in worldly currency or even Extraordinary items, but in the lifespan of the policyholder's relatives and friends.

The amount of life taken was drawn at random. A cousin might lose thirty years while one's parents lost a single second. It was even possible for every relative to drop dead, while the wife sleeping beside you remained completely untouched.

The second was the payout method. The payout would be triggered, of course, if the insured item was damaged. The compensation, however, was not a replacement but a repair, paid for by drawing an equivalent value from the lifespans of the policyholder's relatives or friends.

In other words, the insurance salesman was simply brokering lifespans. He didn't need to expend any of his own wealth or power for the payout.

"So, it's a no-lose situation for you?"

At this, the salesman proudly puffed out his chest.

"I was once the top salesman at the Funny Insurance Company! The total lifespan I've brokered in my policies exceeds the age of the oldest living dragon!"

"Does anyone actually buy insurance that's so obviously a bad deal?"

"Sir, you must understand... not everyone can clearly read what's written in the contract."

He said with a grin, giving Jenkins a polite bow before the writer could even process the implication.

"You see, it's an honor to meet you. And you needn't wonder if I know who you are. Let's just agree to leave that topic unspoken."

Jenkins took a breath. The acrid smell in the air stung his senses, jolting his mind into sharp focus.

He eyed the man opposite him with suspicion. Compared to all the other humanoid Extraordinary beings he'd encountered, this one seemed far, far too normal.

"So, what exactly do you want from me? It can't be just to sell insurance, right?"

"I need someone to lead me out."

Still, his Lie Godhood remained silent.

"But you should be able to leave whenever you want. While the Mirror Realm might be a puzzle to humans, for a being like you, coming and going shouldn't be difficult."

Chocolate rested quietly on Jenkins's shoulder, his black-and-white fur ruffling almost imperceptibly in the afternoon breeze. The cat peered curiously down from the bridge, then let out a wide yawn. He wanted to stretch, but seemed worried his hind paws might kick Jenkins. The rıghtful source is novel•fire.net

He missed home. This Mirror Realm was nowhere near as interesting as the blanket on the counter at Pops Antique Shop.

"I entered this Mirror Realm during the 13th Epoch, the age of humanity's great decline..."

The salesman didn't directly answer Jenkins's question, instead beginning to calmly recount his own story.

He turned to gaze at the river. The surface, now thawed in the early spring, was a sheet of endless ripples that brought to mind the vast expanse of time and the turning wheel of fate.

"After that era, the concept of insurance vanished, and with it, my reason for being. But now, human civilization has reached that point once more. I believe it's time for me to leave... personally led out by the very being who heralded the age of 'insurance'..."

The emergence of Series A, B, and C items was always a reflection of the times; artifacts from any given era inevitably mirrored that era's development. This was a conclusion Jenkins had reached while researching information on Mysterious Objects. At the time, he had speculated whether this was some kind of rule or restriction.

In an age without firearms, no Mysterious Objects related to firearms ever appeared; in an age without steam machinery, no related Extraordinary items ever surfaced...

The appearance of these things always catered to the era, rather than driving its development. Seeing the insurance salesman today, Jenkins understood this point with even greater clarity.

"For me to 'lead' you out."

A phantom sense of epiphany struck him. Jenkins felt he was on the verge of understanding something monumentally important, yet he couldn't grasp what that something was. The frustrating sensation made him want to scream, but for now, he managed to keep his composure.

"'The herald leads... special items and their era...'"

The answer was on the tip of his tongue, but the final connection wouldn't click into place. A wave of frustration washed over him, and Jenkins took a deep breath to force it down.

He stroked his cat, only to have his hand batted away with a look of pure feline disdain. The simple act managed to calm his frayed nerves.

"So, care to buy my insurance? It's quite the bargain."

The salesman asked again with renewed enthusiasm, though he already knew the answer.

"I'll report this to the Orthodox Church. Even if you get out, you'll be watched closely."

Jenkins stated seriously.

"Sir, beings like me are always closely monitored. But... can they truly stop me?"

The insurance salesman chuckled, took a pen from his bag, and handed it to Jenkins, indicating that he could now make his decision.