Lord of The Mysterious Realms Chapter 982

Speaking of Pompey's knowledge of sensing danger, Mr. Hood sighed and addressed the group in the tone of someone sharing a fresh bit of news:

"Pompey left Shire for Nolan last autumn. He believed that at his workplace—um, a small cemetery, I think—he sensed the presence of a god and was then targeted by a terrible disaster. That was one of the main reasons he came to Nolan. Hah! Who does he think he is, sensing the presence of a great one?"

Jenkins and his cat, Chocolate, both froze. According to their investigation in Shire City last month, Skryu Pompey's workplace last autumn was indeed that cemetery on the outskirts. So the presence he felt...

The man and his cat both turned their heads to feign interest in the night view outside, not wanting the others to know that the writer and his cat bore some responsibility for Pompey's arrival in Nolan.

The night had grown late, and the street outside the window was completely deserted. The apartment building wasn't on a main road, and the city's streetlights had not yet been installed in this area. Peering out, one could only see a thin mist and the dark street below. Spring nights were just this tranquil. Google seaʀᴄh NoveI~Fire.net

Mr. Hood had provided the culprit behind Pompey's death as his piece of information. Following the clockwise order, it was now Jenkins's turn. He cleared his throat, put away the bead containing Pompey's ability, and signaled for the group's attention as he prepared to speak:

"Since our last gathering, Nolan has been anything but peaceful for over a month. I've gathered a lot of interesting information, but what you probably need is related to safety. A friend of mine in the black market told me that Nolan City is hiding a large number of exotic creatures. Even the Orthodox Church only discovered this recently. I imagine you've all heard of Balrogs—word is the Nightwatch Squad ran into one in the farmlands outside Nolan."

The news about exotic creatures lurking in Nolan had clearly not been made public by the Church. Since he couldn't see anyone's face, Jenkins had no idea how many of them already knew, but it was valuable information nonetheless. Unfortunately, when Hathaway pressed for more details, Jenkins could only say with regret that he didn't know anything else.

Next up was Mr. White Cat. He pulled a cigarette from his pocket and placed it on the coffee table. It was hand-rolled, with straight-ribbed paper and no filter. The fine texture indicated a hefty price tag.

He unwrapped the paper, revealing the tobacco inside. Under the gaslight, the tobacco had an alluring golden hue. Jenkins had no experience with smoking, so he didn't know what that implied.

"It costs one pound for three silks—extremely expensive. It's been sold within Nolan for the last three years, but you'll never find this tobacco on the open market. It can only be purchased through special channels."

"A pound for three silks? Damnation, that's daylight robbery, isn't it?"

The term 'silk' here is a unit of measurement exclusive to the tobacco industry of this era, not a literal thread. It takes about three to four silks to roll a single cigarette, which means one cigarette costs about a pound. An absolutely astronomical price.

"Is it... laced with something?"

Hathaway asked, and everyone knew what she meant.

"No, but it's more troublesome than that. This tobacco isn't highly addictive, but with long-term use, it amplifies all the negative traits in a person's soul. The change is irreversible and very difficult to detect. I only learned of this by accident. There's definitely a conspiracy at play here."

Mr. White Cat explained, then invited everyone to examine the cigarette.

Jenkins's eyes couldn't normally see auras, but at an extremely close distance, almost touching his eyebrows, he could perceive a faint, dark aura. This was truly something extraordinary. He seemed to recall seeing quite a few people smoking this stuff.

"Smoking a small amount isn't a major issue. But while the tobacco isn't very addictive, its quality is excellent. For a wealthy person with a smoking habit, it's hard to resist trying it a second time. I don't know if this stuff exists outside Nolan, but if any of you see it, do not try it rashly. Who knows what purpose it serves being on the market."

Because of its exorbitant price, this tobacco was never going to become widespread. But for the wealthy individuals who could afford to use it regularly and be affected by it, once their negative psychological traits were amplified, the consequences would be far more severe.

"Perhaps the Orthodox Church should be informed about this."

Miss Silver Flute suggested, then added as if to avoid suspicion, "For the peace and security of the city we live in."

"A fine idea. I think so too. But I'm not going to be the one to tell them."

Mr. White Cat shrugged, though the gesture was barely noticeable under his black robe.

The discussion about the tobacco went on for quite some time, as everyone realized they had all encountered two or three people who smoked it. Next was Magic Miss, and as expected, she brought news concerning the pirate king, Femishue.

"Femishue is still in Nolan. In fact, he hasn't left the city since we ran into him last year."

"Then where is he hiding? To not slip up all winter... that's truly impressive."

Jenkins asked, though he already knew the answer.

"Hiding beneath the frozen river, feeding on children who fall into the water. He's still in the water even now, and the Church has likely discovered this already."

Magic Miss's tone held a hint of delight, suggesting her plan was proceeding smoothly. She and Miss Silver Flute had been plotting to get Femishue's "Heart of the Ocean," even daring to venture into a Mysterious Realm. He wondered how far along their plan had progressed.

He wanted to ask for more details, but to his surprise, Magic Miss continued with a complaint:

"I was planning to lure Femishue out to claim the bounty, but then those followers of the New God had to go and bomb the river mouth in the middle of the night. Now the Orthodox Church is searching the city's waterways, trying to figure out why. Dammit all! I bet Femishue has escaped by now..."

Jenkins no longer had any desire to ask about the pirate king.

The news Miss Silver Flute brought wasn't about the supernatural world. She told the group that Her Majesty, the Queen of the Fidektri Kingdom, was failing. It was uncertain if she would even make it through the summer.

"Are you certain? This is no laughing matter."

Mr. Hood sounded astonished. In fact, everyone there, except for Jenkins, was taken aback, including Hathaway.