The Cycle of Fate

Chapter 191: The Chimes

At the end of the disaster in Kordu Village, Lumián, influenced by the sealed power within him and the surrounding fate energy, became trapped in an endless cycle. Moreover, he had a true dream, which also caused official investigators Ryan, Leah, and others to uncontrollably fall asleep upon entering a certain area, becoming part of his dream.

At that time, Lumián, still a novice in mysticism, didn't see anything wrong with this. It was only later, when he consulted the Poet to interpret the symbolic meanings of the dream's elements, that he learned the dream wasn't caused by Termiporos' power nor by the Fool's seal. Its source lay elsewhere, symbolizing protection and comfort.

Since then, Lumián had been pondering the origin of the true dream but couldn't find an answer. There were too many possibilities. Now, with Franka's further explanation of the Night pathway and his experiences during the gathering, a sudden inspiration struck him:

The Night pathway not only causes nightmares, embodying the power of the Nightmare, but it can also create true dreams!

Could it be that Ms. Hela, upon realizing something had happened to Aurore, hurried to Kordu Village but arrived too late? She might have used the power of a Sealed Artifact to put me in a true dream, calming my mind and spirit?

No, there's no reason for her to hide this from me or act as if she didn't know. What would she have to conceal?

Besides, if it were her doing, there wouldn't have been such clear signs of the sleep-inducing power lingering afterward...

Could it be that Aurore, after long-term use of that incantation involving secret power to attend gatherings, became tainted or marked by the Sealed Artifact? When her body collapsed, the Sealed Artifact sensed the change and instinctively reacted. While it couldn't save Aurore, it gave me a true dream?

Leah and Valentine were forced into sleep near the Blood-Red Peak, the ritual site, and that area was near the giant with three heads and six arms. This fits my earlier speculation—the source of the dream power is closely linked to Aurore...

Franka noticed Lumián had been silent for a while, deep in thought. She didn't interrupt him, waiting until his gaze shifted and he emerged from his inner world before asking:

"What are you thinking?"

"Do you remember the disaster in Kordu Village that I told you about? Around the ritual site, which became the Blood-Red Peak, there was an area ruled by a night-like force. It caused anyone who entered to uncontrollably fall asleep and experience a true dream," Lumián briefly explained.

The more Franka listened, the more shocked and fearful she became.

"Could it be that Ms. Hela also has a problem?"

"I don't think so," Lumián shook his head and shared his deductions.

Franka let out a long, unrestrained breath.

"That definitely fits the situation better.

"Haven't you noticed? The incantation's first part follows the standard three-segment honorific format, which means that the Sealed Artifact either has a living trait or once was a living entity. For something like that, it's normal for it to instinctively affect those who pray to it and respond in some way."

Lumián thought carefully and realized she was right.

After discussing for a while, they agreed that Lumián would visit the "Alone" bar for a quick look when he had the time.

Returning to the Golden Rooster Inn, Lumián pulled the curtains shut and sat at the desk. In the light of the carbide lamp, he began writing a letter to Ms. Magician.