When the plot-skips players into the game world

"Sarastro..."

Sherlock pondered, "That's the name of the leader of the Land of Light in the opera 'Lulu's Magic Flute', right?"

"That's correct."

Aiwass nodded, "It's considered a divine artifact for the profession 'Flutist', and it can even be used after a flutist's ascension. It looks like a sword, but it's actually a baton. By wielding it, one can easily create the illusion of light, which provides an extremely powerful enhancement."

"... A flutist's ascension profession?"

Arsene felt awkward, yet curious, "But the flutist profession is supposed to be a higher level profession... It should operate at the Fifth Power Level."

"That's right."

Aiwass nodded, "I'm speaking of the Sixth Power Level."

With the death of the Fallen Celestial Marshal and the commencement of the Ring of Ouroboros ritual... he was now becoming increasingly overt.

"According to my information network, the flutist profession has the potential to ascend to the Sixth Power Level. Its sixth-level name is 'Queen of Night'..."

Here, Aiwass paused and added with words that probably no one would believe, "Just assume the Lord of Scalefeather told me."

... "Assume," huh?

"The Sixth Power Level..."

Arsene's eyes were full of longing, "I don't even hope for the Sixth Power Level... I'd be thrilled just to reach the Fifth Power Level."

Upon hearing this, Aiwass merely chuckled, "You will."

At present, achieving the Fifth Power Level can still be considered as becoming one of the elite.

It's now May—at most three months until the Ring of Ouroboros ceremony enters its second circle. At that time, the level cap will be raised to level 70, with the theoretical maximum reaching the Eighth Power Level, and a common maximum at the Seventh Power Level.

It's like owning a 2080 graphics card when 2080ti hasn't been released yet, clearly a flagship model. But after the 40 series comes out, it might not even beat a 4060.

"...Really?" Arsene was quite surprised by Aiwass's words.

"Of course."

Aiwass affirmed, "In no more than three months, you'll surely ascend to the Fifth Power Level."

This wasn't an exaggeration.

After all, Arsene had been stuck at the Fourth Level for a long time, and the problem of being stuck at a level is something that "Transcendence Tide" easily resolves. With some luck, he might break through by the end of the month.

Not only Arsene, but Sherlock too.

"Thank you for your good wishes..."

Arsene clasped his hands together, sincerely grateful, "My greatest dream in life is to ascend to the Fifth Power Level."

This seemingly stable and reliable rogue uncle now seemed like a dreamer, contemplating the future, "I basically gave up my work as a Phantom Thief after getting married... Mostly for the sake of reputation. Getting caught would be unfavourable for the family. But the biggest reason was that I felt my extraordinary power growth had stalled.

"No matter how I tried to create 'greater art', I was stuck at this stage. Since then, I've taken on a sideline job... The work involves designing stages for others, mainly magicians or orchestras.

"But I must say... the more I watch others' 'beauty', the more I yearn in my heart. Witnessing beautiful things, even the soul becomes lovelier. Like how a writer can gain nourishment from others' works, a musician will listen to others' music to enrich their soul... just as wisdom is replicated by sharing, beautiful things validate each other and become more, which is perhaps why the Pillar God of the Path of Beauty is called the Gemini Mirror."

Arsene sighed.

The car fell silent for a moment, everyone attentively listening to the Phantom Thief's rare show of sincerity.

Even Arsene himself felt a bit embarrassed seeing everyone listening so seriously.

He casually asked, "Where are we headed? Has the murderer been found?"

"Yes, found."

Aiwass nodded, "It's Count Halik—is that right?"

He stopped halfway, glancing at Sherlock for confirmation.

Sherlock also thought for a moment, nodding with certainty, "That's correct."

Although he was absolutely confident in his memory, feeling it unnecessary to check again...

For the sake of caution, he hesitated for a while, then opened his briefcase to carefully review the evidence and analysis he had written down.

Sherlock's face suddenly turned black, and he shouted, "Wrong, wrong! It's the Count of Orleans—"

He felt annoyed, "Turn around quickly! The car might be going the wrong way!"

Knowing the correct target, he was unable to reach the other person!

"The Count of Orleans? I'm afraid that's not going to work now."

Arsene lifted the curtain and glanced at the scenery outside, "We're already at the door."

"No worries."

Aiwass waved his hand, "I'm quite curious... No matter how many times we try to find the Count of Orleans, we are always diverted to Count Halik. Whether it's memory or speech, it gets twisted. If... Count Halik no longer exists, where would we be led then?

"—I'm looking forward to it."

"...What are you going to do?"

Arsene's face showed a look of horror.

"I indeed have something to do."

As Aiwass spoke, he pulled out a mirror from his bosom, "I didn't go looking for Lily, because involving her in this matter... might not be ideal."

The carriage gradually came to a stop, and a man dressed in white robes, with long white hair and blood-red eyes, exuding a gloomy and dangerous aura, slowly stepped down.

The servants, seeing the Duke's carriage stop at the entrance from afar, quickly gathered around without any delay. Even though it was already the latter half of the night, the castle was still bright.

Compared to other Counts of the Moon's Son, Count Halik was relatively low-key.

The size of his estate could not compare to the Duke Mansion. This castle, even when compared to the Hall of Silver and Tin, was several times smaller... yet, the number of servants was considerable.

Transforming into a Son of the Moon, Aiwass clearly sensed the "Charm Lock" scent.

It was the result of blood slaves converted through the Beguile Kiss.

These male and female servants, ranging from their teens to their thirties, all bore the marks of the Beguile Kiss on their necks without exception.

They did not appear as respectful and polite as the servants in Star Antimony's service, becoming immediately filled with fear upon recognizing the guest's eye color.

"I'm looking for Halik."

The Son of the Moon form of Aiwass spoke in a hoarse, low voice.

"Uh..."

The surrounding servants showed hesitance.

Aiwass then reached out and clamped one servant's neck, pulling her close, revealing his sinister fangs.

Yet, upon seeing this, the other servants were not surprised.

And the maid who was grabbed over appeared not even slightly alarmed.

This was not an act of flattery, but one of self-preservation.

To avoid being annoyed by the head-sucking Son of the Moon.

"What, he doesn't want to see me?"

"...No, my lord guest."

Another man, looking to be in his early thirties, wearing a monocle, sporting shoulder-length black hair, and wearing white gloves, replied, "No, my lord."

"Go inform him then—tell him Ibn wants to see him."

"What, you're not going yet?"

With that, Aiwass waved his hand, "I'm rather curious... No matter how many times we try to see Count of Orleans, we always get diverted to Count Halik here. When memory or words get twisted, what will happen if... Count Halik ceases to exist?

"—I'm looking forward to it."

"... What are you going to do?"

Arsene turned pale with fear.

"Go on a rampage."

Aiwass commanded.