The eccentric doctor never makes a misdiagnosis!

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This is the core territory of the Star Abyss Society; if an intrusion is discovered, they will be surrounded and annihilated almost instantly. Furthermore, both she and Sister Haida are Hunters of Mysteries, possessing special identities that could potentially incite conflict between the cults…

If not handled properly, this could even become the trigger for a covert war.

Fran raised his hand to cover his mouth, yawned, and then gave his answer.

"Hmm... After some simple mental intervention, those peripheral Star Suckers now believe that we are 'Tide Listeners' from the Star Abyss Society's higher-ups."

"Based on the effect of the oscillating mind clock, simple logical interference can last for about a month without external influence. If someone points out the discrepancy in their thinking, they will quickly realize the problem."

"Conversely, if the people around them are reinforcing their flawed logic to the point of forming a closed loop, then this state can be maintained indefinitely."

Her tone carried a hint of languidness.

Although Fran rarely felt truly tired or sleepy, because all the secrets of Gormouth were related to "night," "shadow," and "moon," she had been operating at night during this period... to the point that the dark circles under her eyes had deepened considerably.

"It can last for a month without external influences..."

Upon hearing this, Vivian was somewhat surprised by the idea that such relics could interfere with thought.

To the doctor before her, the human spirit seemed like something that could be arbitrarily altered and fabricated. She only needed to lift her pocket watch and shake it gently, and people would readily believe in blatantly baseless and absurd arguments.

"These are just some low-level tricks, and they have little effect on high-ranking esoteric Buddhist disciples. At most, they can subtly make them lose their ability to ignore certain situations."

Fran said rather modestly.

Although she is a very dedicated psychologist, she is not particularly interested in manipulating people's minds. She only uses such skills occasionally to maintain her skills; becoming overly involved in them would be putting the cart before the horse.

"So... does that mean those who complain about the stars will realize a month later that strangers have broken into the Sleeping Sand Bell Tower?"

After carefully considering what Fran had just said, Haida speculated.

As if he had anticipated Haida's concerns, Fran went on to explain in more detail.

"In addition to the interference logic I just mentioned, we can also leave 'triggers' in the mind of the hypnotized person. When they reach a certain trigger point, they will completely forget everything that happened when they met."

She is known for her meticulousness and would not overlook such solvable details.

That being said, the doctor actually didn't mind leaving behind some urban legends as long as it didn't affect him personally, which would also add some interesting anecdotes to the places he visited.

Looking at the empty and deep corridor, Fran suddenly asked another question.

"Speaking of which, Haida, doesn't the internal structure of the Sleeping Sand Bell Tower look somewhat familiar?"

"It does feel somewhat familiar..."

Haida's chestnut-grey eyes narrowed slightly, and after a moment's hesitation, she revealed the source of that sense of familiarity.

"From the outside, the entire Sleeping Sand Bell Tower exudes a strong sense of a lost era. Asymmetrical ornaments, strange and intricate patterns, and a towering, sharp shape... But the interior follows the regulations of the Dust Order era, with more than one partition separating the core level from other areas."

"It's like... Suki no Son's library."

Hearing the nun's words, Vivian suddenly understood what the "familiarity" the two had just been talking about was.

Indeed, the internal structure of the Sleeping Sand Bell Tower is remarkably similar to that of the Library ruins. However, to glimpse this vague and abstract feeling requires an extremely keen sense of space.

"Could it be that the Listeners of the Star Abyss Society have also hidden mythical creatures inside the tower?" she asked nervously.

Vivian still felt a lingering fear about the Time Aphid she had encountered in the ruins of the library. Its eerie spirituality, capable of restoring a person to their original state after being torn into pieces, was truly terrifying.

Furthermore, she witnessed Zero's first type of ritual, "Return," about to be activated at the core layer. In a daze, she glimpsed layers upon layers of insect shadows that were about to break through the veil of time and revive again, which left her with some psychological trauma.

Fran pursed his lips upon hearing this, without directly answering Vivian's question.

"Surely this won't happen every time, right?"

In fact, she herself was very inclined to believe this possibility... because these wedge-shaped, nail-like clock towers were originally used by the ancient people of the Dust Order era to contain or even imprison mythical creatures.

Looking into Fran's slightly shifting amber eyes, Haida couldn't help but glance at him, realizing that Vivian's guess might be the truth.

As the three were talking, a tall figure in an academic gown slowly walked down the corridor. Behind him followed an entire squad of Starcallers from the patrol tower. Judging from the significantly more elaborate accessories on his clothing, he must be a Tide Listener.

"Fellow soldiers, please stop in your tracks. I have not received any transfer orders from headquarters, and there have been no special personnel changes tonight. Why are you here?"

After carefully examining the people before him, the Tide Listener Walteren realized that the three people ahead were unfamiliar faces. Moreover, their route of movement deviated from tonight's patrol plan, which made him somewhat wary.

He had just completed a special mission to guard the Moonlit Full Moon at Foy's Sleeping Sand Clock Tower a few days prior and had only recently returned to Mordway. However, he remained in a state of heightened tension and sensitivity, without the slightest sign of relaxation.

The sight of the three ant-scale prisoners being torn apart outside the Sleeping Sand Bell Tower on the day of the full moon was so horrifying, like a dark cloud hanging over his thoughts. He had always suspected that some terrifying, high-level evil creature lurked near the coast, but he had been unable to find any trace of it.

But honestly, if he could, he would never want to encounter that thing in his entire life.

"Good evening, Mr. Valentin. The stars and moon are as beautiful and bright as ever tonight. It's a great honor to meet you, and please forgive our uninvited visit."

Faced with his cold and harsh questioning, Fran did not flinch. Instead, he stepped forward, bowed, and greeted him.

The Marquis of Jude's library also contains a large number of lists of members of the Star Abyss Society and intelligence files. As a large cult based in Gormouth, the Star Abyss Society's spying and infiltration efforts with the Moon Familiar have never ceased.

Therefore, she was not worried about revealing any flaws to Walter.

After all, Jude's information was extremely detailed, even including some unspeakable secrets of the Gormouth court... VII

Heda noticed that Fran's tone had changed at that moment.

She used a plethora of embellishments, which were less elegant and more flamboyantly sophisticated. Her demeanor, however, was entirely contrary to the humility of her words, instead revealing a hint of arrogant, sinister coldness. (Six)

It was like a venomous snake spitting out its long tongue from the shadows.

"It's the 'Royal Court' again... Since when are you even willing to wait for a full moon?"

Hearing the familiar contempt in Fran's words, Walter's gaze darkened, and his brows furrowed deeply. He tried his best not to show his disgust.

Fran ignored the underlying displeasure in his question, as if he disdained to offer an explanation.

A moment later, she revealed whose orders she had given.

“His Majesty Gunther Don Gallonson has sent me here, and I hope you will grant me passage.”

Upon hearing the name, Walter's expression grew even more solemn. After a moment of contemplation, he asked for the relevant documents.

"Where is the token?"

Faced with his questioning, Fran simply met his gaze calmly for a long time before speaking in a slow and deliberate manner.

“This is a personal matter, not a business one. Mr. Gunther doesn’t want to create unnecessary trouble, which wouldn’t be good for either of us. However, I don’t mind showing it to you…”

As she spoke, she revealed a standard holy emblem of the Tide Listeners from her sleeve.

Sensing that familiar spiritual energy, Voltien snorted coldly and then turned his head away.

"If you don't want to cause trouble, then don't take it out. I haven't seen you tonight."

With that, he led his squadron of Star Speakers away, their steps quick and heavy, as if they were fleeing something repulsive.

"call……"

Only after Walter was completely out of sight did Vivian finally dare to breathe loudly.

Although Fran answered the Tide Listener's questions fluently, she was still not entirely confident. And... she was somewhat confused. It was one thing for this doctor to know the secrets of the Sleeping Sand Bell Tower, but how could he even produce the Tide Listener's token?

"Um, Dr. Fran, why do you possess the sacred emblem of the Tide Listeners?"

After holding back for a while, Vivian finally mustered up the courage to ask.

Fran blinked his amber eyes, then took out a well-shaped holy emblem of the Star Abyss Society from his sleeve and gently rubbed it between his fingertips.

"Norlington also had a Tide Listener, didn't it? The Mandala Tavern, the Star Chart Society, and the deceased host Nicholas... Does that ring a bell?"

Vivian's lips parted slightly, and she suddenly realized what was happening.

In other words, is the token that Dr. Franju currently possesses the landmass possessed by the host, Nicholas?

Oh, I should have realized it sooner... Nicholas was completely naked when the evidence was searched at the Mandala Tavern, and now I think Dr. Fran must have taken it.

Heda, on the other hand, was quite interested in the name Fran had just mentioned.

“Gunther Don Gallonson…the powerful prince of Golmouth. Does he have such a deep connection with the Star Abyss Society that he could make a Tide Listener abandon his investigation just because of his name?”

Fran was just about to present the emblem of Nicholas, not a token of the Gallonson royal court. If Voltien were to investigate diligently according to the commandments, as a hunter would, he might very well uncover the truth.

But upon hearing that it was a messenger sent by Gunther, he immediately showed a desire to avoid it at all costs, and was unwilling to get involved in the matter.

Upon hearing this, Fran looked at Haida, who was deep in thought, and began to speak in a slightly mysterious tone.

"The Moon Familia have been able to stand strong for a thousand years in Mordway, and they possess quite a few secrets. Although the Secret Court is highly capable, it is, after all, far away in the Abyss, making it difficult for them to obtain in-depth, first-hand intelligence."

"In fact, the Star Abyss Society's expansion to this extent in Gormouth in recent years has also largely depended on Prince Gunther's political assistance."

As she spoke, she began to recount another secret with a slight smile.

"By the way, according to information from the Moon Familia, Gunther also has a peculiar quirk."

Upon hearing this little-known royal secret, Vivian immediately asked questions out of curiosity.

"What is it?"

“He doesn’t like women,” Fran said succinctly.

Upon hearing the doctor's revelation, Haida and Vivian simultaneously narrowed their eyes, unsure how to react.

"So... he's gay like that engineering officer from the Meredith family who was purged by Black Banyan?"

Vivian's expression was slightly strange.

She had heard before that some ancient nobles had a penchant for keeping male prostitutes, but she never imagined that there would still be members of the royal family maintaining this "tradition" today...

Fran slightly shook his slender index finger, indicating his denial.

"A better way to put it is that he was 'uninterested in women.' In fact, Gunther remained celibate for decades and there are no substantiated rumors of him having affairs. He didn't even have a wife."

Haida said she could understand.

"He probably cares more about worldly power or the power of rituals."

"The underlying motivation for living beings to find mates is 'reproduction,' to ensure the continuation of their own lives through offspring. But if they could obtain a longer lifespan through other means, they probably wouldn't care so much about having offspring."

As for pure "love"... it is a luxury that is difficult to reach for esoteric Buddhist disciples who are seeking to climb to higher levels.

"Good insight."

Fran expressed his approval of Haida's words, and then changed the subject, broadening the scope of their thinking.

There is actually another explanation for Prince Gunther's predilection.

"According to some of Yuejuan's descriptions, he may not be completely averse to women, but he simply doesn't like women 'humans'. In other words... the object of his affection is not human."

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Tickets...

Chapter Ninety-Four: Ruins at the Bottom of the Abyss

Prince Gunther didn't dislike women, but rather he disliked humanity?

It has to be said that this idea was indeed quite unconventional. Even Haida, who was already quite familiar with Fran, couldn't help but lower her eyes and sigh inwardly.

Dr. Fran II always seemed to enjoy speculating about things from this absurd and bizarre perspective, which made it somewhat difficult for San to keep up with her strange way of thinking.

But in hindsight, her strangest guesses were often the truth... It just goes to show that sometimes reality is much more surreal than imagination.

After discussing this secret, the three of them did not continue their conversation and silently walked through the spiral corridor of the Sleeping Sand Bell Tower.

As hunters, Haida was used to keeping silent when on missions or hunting, and so was Vivian. The deeper they went into the clock tower, the quieter the surroundings became; even a drop of water falling to the ground would echo loudly.

In such an environment, casual conversations are too easily overheard.

During the process, they encountered patrolling Star Patrol members more than once.

However, most of the guards seemed to have received instructions from Voltien, knowing that the visitors were envoys from the court of Geronsen, and did not conduct a thorough investigation.

Rather, even the routine questioning was skipped, and the Star Seekers would even bow respectfully to Fran.

One more thing needs to be explained.

The upper level of the Sleeping Sand Bell Tower is narrow and cramped, with few functional rooms. There is only one cable staircase leading to the top bell tower…

Its main building is actually located underground, so Fran and his group's route is a spiral downwards.

The steps twist and turn, revealing only a vast, dark, and empty expanse illuminated by the lamplight. It's as if one is stepping into the bottom of an abyss.

Finally, the three of them reached the deepest part of the tower.

Surprisingly, there were no guards stationed here, only a massive sea stone gate engraved with ceremonial arrays. The gate was covered with traces of weathering and seawater erosion, suggesting that it had stood here for a very long time.

Fran examined the ceremonial array on the door with great interest and quickly named it.

"A large-scale, second-class ritual, the Ridge Prison, with modifications to the prayer and a rather sophisticated technique. This door is essentially a trigger trap; attempting to open it without a special key... will turn the entire base of the tower into a sealed space filled with seawater."