Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Lann's brain felt like mush, and he finally decided to stop torturing himself by trying to make sense of this confusing situation.

"Tell me in detail about the Gap of Dreams."

"Yes," hearing that Lann wasn't holding his previous report against him, a somewhat anxious Edmund breathed a sigh of relief and began to explain the Inspection Bureau's understanding of the Gap of Dreams.

The Gap of Dreams, simply put, is the rift between dreams and reality. No one knows when this space came into existence, but since the emergence of humankind, legends of the Gap of Dreams have persisted throughout history. Due to cultural differences, in various regions, it's referred to as the Ladder to Heaven or the Tower of Babel.

It wasn't until modern times that research into the Gap of Dreams deepened and the term was officially adopted within the Inspection Bureau.

After years of investigation by the Inspection Bureau, it's established that the Gap of Dreams consists of nine layers, or nine platforms and staircases. After ascending the first staircase, some gifted individuals awaken an ability known as 'Origin,' stepping beyond the realm of ordinary humans into the extraordinary.

Afterwards, reaching a new level and passing the test, previously acquired Origin abilities are enhanced, or a new ability related to the Origin awakens.

For instance, someone in the Bureau awakened an Origin called 'Teacher', whose ability is unique, enabling him to guide others to better develop their own Origins.

Five years later, after passing the second layer of the Dream Gap challenge, he awakened a new ability called 'Guiding Light', aiding exploration in the Dream Gap and allowing investigators to endure longer amidst the mists of confusion.

"Are most awakened Origins related to one's profession?" Lann asked curiously.

"Most of the time, yes, but there are exceptions," Edmund replied. "The training course also mentioned some unique Origins like 'Sinner' and 'Glutton'. The former gains the ability to automatically erase all traces of their crimes, while the latter can devour anomalies."

"However, the Glutton was killed by the Bureau ten years ago for unknown reasons, and his files are now top secret."

Lann pondered, realizing this was information he didn't know in his past life, no wonder the NPCs' growth rate was on par with the players.

Players don't have such abilities; instead, they have role-playing templates with attributes that increase over time. Especially after a certain trial mission in the later stages, where combat or shooting skills can break the human limit of 90 points, making even physical attacks as potent as magic, not to mention the opportunity to learn magic later.

"Accessing the Dream Gap is simple. At midnight, the junction of the old and new day, by meditating and clearing your mind of distractions, you can potentially reach the Dream Gap."

"Of course, it's said to have 9 levels, but to date, no one has reached the deepest 9th level. The Bureau of Investigation learned of this from an ancient text. The furthest humans have reached is the 7th level, achieved by a legendary investigator in the Bureau's history. Legend has it that reaching the 9th level allows entry into the realm of gods."

"The realm of gods?" Lann was momentarily stunned. "Are you referring to the 'Dream World'?"

Edmund, not surprised by Lann’s knowledge of this information, confirmed, "Yes, at least that's what the legend states. However, no one can confirm its truth. The only investigator who might have had a chance reportedly disappeared while breaking through the 7th level."

"It's well-known that legends generally hold truth." Lann tentatively stored this information in his mind and continued, "Did your combat strength increase last night because you broke through?"

"Indeed, thanks to your patronage, I overcame my inner fears and broke through the first barrier," Edmund said with excitement.

Lann chuckled dryly, "You achieved that on your own."

"No, without your guidance, I can't overcome my inner fears," Edmund shook his head, his gaze still fervent.

Lan did not argue with Edmund anymore, but let him continue describing the matters related to the Dream Rift. Edmund spoke candidly, detailing the platform of the Dream Rift and the swirling mist outside.

The more Lan listened, the more familiar it sounded. Wasn't this the content of his dream yesterday?

"There's a record in the Audit Bureau that the first level's challenge is fear. Once overcome, one can awaken the origin. As for the challenges of the subsequent levels... this is a secret within the bureau, known only to official investigators. I will strive to level up when I return."

"Good, thank you for your hard work."

Afterwards, Edmund reported some matters related to the Audit Bureau to Lan. Currently, as a trainee investigator, his knowledge was limited. However, Edmund assured him that he would infiltrate the investigator team and do his best, all for the revival of His Highness Lan.

Lan, feeling like a major villain for a moment: ...

"Hmm... Thank you for your trouble."

"It's no trouble! This is what I should do," Edmund's eyes sparkled, his large blue eyes and slightly shy expression made Lan momentarily envision an enthusiastic, wagging Corgi.

Lan, unable to help softening his expression, said, "Good boy."

He gave Edmund a few more instructions, and then it was almost time to send the guest off. Oger was still sent away by him, and he was eager to verify something.

Before Edmund left, Lan instructed him, "When you return to the police station, if you meet Archie, please send him my regards."

It had been a while since he had been to the police station and hadn't connected with Dr. Archie for a long time. This wouldn't do.

Dr. Archie was Lan's benchmark for measuring when the major plot of destroying the city would arrive.

Watching Edmund leave, the psychotherapy room finally became quiet. Lan absent-mindedly hung a 'Temporarily Closed' sign outside, preventing any player disturbances.

Today, he learned of far too many unexpected pieces of information, prompting a need for calm reflection.

Firstly, he had suddenly acquired a believer and, unexpectedly, a somewhat usable power base?

Suddenly breaking free from solitude, Lan couldn't help but reflect on what exactly he had done to end up in this situation.

Three minutes later, reflection complete, he concluded it wasn't his fault. The blame lay with those who indulged in wild speculations!

He remained uncertain about the identity of the person behind last night's events (Lan refused to admit it was Amos, fearing nightmares) and their motives against him. However, Lan was aware that he might get entangled in such scenarios in the future. With the enemy hidden and himself exposed, gaining more power seemed the safer option.

At this moment, Lan remembered the Dream Rift mentioned by Edmund.

Thinking about it now, the Dream Rift seemed like a growth template exclusive to NPCs. No wonder, despite leveling up and acquiring skills and spells, players still struggled against certain NPCs.

He had previously visited a similar place in a half-asleep state, but too drowsy to do anything.

Now, he had to wait until midnight...

Hm?

Suddenly sensing something, Lan quietly recalled the place he dreamt of last night.

In an instant, he opened his eyes to find himself in this strange space, standing on a platform surrounded by an unyielding mist.

It wasn't midnight yet, but he had easily arrived here...

Could it be that he had a remarkable talent?

Lan thought optimistically, seriously observing his surroundings. The place looked much like Edmund's description, but the mist wasn't as vision-obscuring as described, perhaps due to it being daytime.

There was just one thing: the platform was not small but vast, stretching beyond his line of sight.

A white light orb floated near him, and Lan curiously watched it, remembering Edmund's explanation that everyone who came here would have something to illuminate their way.

So, this light orb was meant to light his path? It seemed rather weak, and he didn't really need any illumination.

After a moment's thought, Lan curiously grabbed the light orb as it neared him, and instantly, an image flashed through his mind.

It was a scene of Edmund rushing back to the police station, where he even saw him shyly greeting the female officer at the front desk.

Lan was profoundly shocked. What was this? Why could he peek into Edmund's life?

Wait, this sensation, it felt somewhat like last night...

Recollecting carefully, Lan's consciousness plunged deeper. Edmund, walking in the police station, faltered in his steps. He turned into the men's restroom and saw familiar green eyes in the mirror.

"My Lord?"

Experiencing the feeling of possession, Lan simply told Edmund 'it's okay' and then exited the vision.

The white light orb zipped away as if silently rebuking him for his impropriety.

However, it quickly floated back, maintaining a certain distance, neither too far nor too close, seemingly guiding him towards a specific place.

Pushing down his confusion and shock, Lan followed the light orb up the stairs, having a vague answer in his mind.

Yes, the stairs here went upwards, not downwards.

There was indeed mist on the staircase, but unlike Edmund's description, Lan didn't feel much discomfort. There was a faint murmuring sound, but it was like a mosquito to him – uncomfortable, yet bearable.

The staircase wasn't long, and Lan quickly reached the first platform, which, as expected, looked just like the one he saw in his dream, with a stone table and nothing else.

Lan stood there for a while, neither encountering any 'test' nor seeing any other living entity.

Oh, except for the white light orb, which, forgetting its earlier retreat, floated back to his side. It moved up and down in front of him, as if urging him to proceed.

Doubts accumulated increasingly in his mind.

One or two anomalies could be explained away by Lan's exceptional talent, as if he were born to be an investigator.

But a series of peculiarities made him feel uneasy.

Eventually, urged by the light orb, Lan moved and, following its guidance, approached the stone table to examine the only two items on it.

Two ten-sided dice, which felt somewhat familiar to Lan, reminded him of those sometimes used in offline role-playing games.

A jester's mask, strangely resembling Edmund as he appeared at last night's banquet.

The light orb hovered over the jester's mask.

"Is this what you want me to see?" Lan asked, noticing the orb remained stationary above the mask. He reached for it, and the mask instantly liquefied and seeped into his palm.

Startled, Lan instantly became alert, recalling the dangers of this world. He stepped back, shaking his hand, trying to expel the substance that had just penetrated his skin. Of course, it was futile; Lan faintly felt it merging into his body, a jester pattern appearing on his wrist, and a continuous surge of power within.

This is...

Lan was puzzled for a few seconds, then remembered Edmund mentioning his ability to enhance physical functions and reflexes, making weapon handling more intuitive.

Could this be Edmund's ability??

Lan was stunned, staring at the jester pattern on his wrist, then at the light orb, now warmly clinging to him.

He thought, it's over, he might actually be a malevolent deity.

Based on Lan's previous life gaming experience, it's usually the malevolent deities who empower their followers. He had never heard of a deity using a follower's power. Moreover, there were no gaps in his memory; he was just an ordinary person in his previous life, whose only connection to this world was playing the game "Fate's Turn."

But there were millions of players who played that game; surely not all these millions were malevolent deities!

Lan never considered himself a malevolent deity; he had neither the power nor the mental corruption of one, just the blood of an ordinary person.

Yet, the series of events that had unfolded were too coincidentally familiar. He could spy on others at will, possess them, gain their powers, and nothing on this platform seemed out of the ordinary.

All of these anomalies made Lan unable to ignore the peculiarities surrounding him.

Wait a minute, since there's no test, can he just directly rush to the ninth level??

Temporarily setting aside his suspicions of being a malevolent deity, Lan excitedly searched for stairs, but no matter how hard he looked, he couldn’t find any leading to the second level. It was bizarre, as from every angle, there seemed to be bottomless abysses both above and below.

Lan returned to the stone table, puzzled, and this time hesitantly picked up the remaining dice.

Information about the dice suddenly appeared in his mind.

If it were to be described in a gaming context, the information would probably be as follows.

[Dice of Destiny Subversion]

[Effect: Change a predetermined destiny once (Cooldown: 24 hours)]

[Note: Haha, surely no one believes they are actually favored by fate, right?]

The effect gave Lan an intense sense of déjà vu; he stared dumbfounded at the object in his hand: "…Is this really a dice used for role-playing?"

He read the effect several times, eventually squatting on the ground, unable to suppress a rising smile, thinking foolishly:

Wow, if it really works as I think, then that's indeed a huge win!

Despite seeming commonplace, as each player has one, this dice could be seen as a causal weapon. A successful roll could bring the dead back to life even by a medical novice, or enable a weakling with a combat power of just 5 to single-handedly challenge a deity's clan.

Don't ask; it's a medical miracle, it's a warrior surviving against all odds.

Although there's a significant uncontrollable element, like rolling a catastrophic failure that could create a tragedy, Lan can choose to roll only in adverse situations. He’s not a player who relies solely on dice rolls for skills; he has the autonomy to use this dice.

Initially, he thought gaining the same power as Edmund was already great, but now he realized this dice was the real jackpot.

Lan toyed with the dice lovingly, wondering if it had somehow traveled through time with him.

In any case, his problem with power had finally been resolved. He was no longer utterly powerless.

Although he didn’t encounter any tests, it felt like a pie falling from the sky – joyous yet slightly unsettling.

But who would refuse power that's presented on a silver platter?

Lan opened his eyes contentedly, only to be startled by Oger's face suddenly close to his own.

"What's wrong?"

Without a word, Oger raised his hand to touch Lan's face: "Just now, you were unresponsive."

Knowing Oger was worried about him, Lan's expression softened: "Sorry, I was lost in thought. It won't happen again."

It seems there are risks to entering the Dream Rift during the day; the body completely fails to respond to the outside world. At least when others are around, he should avoid doing this.

"By the way, Oger..."

Oger tilted his head: "I'm here."

Lan was momentarily charmed: "Remember I mentioned wanting to move? If I want you to move out of this city with me..."

"Okay," Oger said without a moment's hesitation, "wherever you go, I'll follow."

"I haven't decided when or where to move yet." Lan was touched by Oger's trust, which eased his worries about the future.

He had almost saved enough money, and he was ready. If there were any unforeseeable dangers, he would definitely take Oger with him to leave the city.

Just then, his phone buzzed with a message. Lan looked down and saw it was from Albert, who had been absent for a long time.

[I'm back from my business trip.]

[How have you been lately? Sorry, I was tied up with a case and couldn't text.]

[Are you mad at me? (cautious.jpg)]

Lan found this somewhat amusing. They didn't have any special relationship; why would he be upset about Albert not messaging him? Besides, he hadn’t sent many messages either.

Still, to maintain good client relations, Lan replied: [No worries, are you busy with work?]

A flurry of responses came back immediately.

[I'm okay. Are you alright? I've heard Akam has been unsettled lately. It’s best if you don't go out too much.]

[People from Black Poker seem to be frequently around your neighborhood. They might be looking for you. Feel free to call me anytime if something's not right. I'll be in Akam City for a while. Don’t hesitate to bother me, okay?]

Lan fell into deep thought, typing and deleting a message repeatedly before finally sending a hesitant [Okay.]

"Wuwuwu, Oger..."

Oger, who was drawing nearby, looked over, puzzled.

Lan, lying on the table, murmured: "I feel like I'm trampling on someone's feelings."

Oger: ?

"No, it's nothing, just going a bit crazy," Lan said, rolling in agony on the table, his neatly styled hair becoming tousled again.

Mainly, Lan just wasn't adept at handling the original Lan's emotional entanglements. He wasn't blind; unsolicited attentiveness often hinted at ulterior motives, and even Lan, clueless about romance, could discern Albert's intentions.

Besides, it was likely the 'previous' Lan that Albert had fallen for.

This left Lan in a cruel dilemma, whether to accept or reject. Because, either way, Albert wasn't hearing from the person he wanted to reach.

Suddenly, Lan muttered in confusion, "Huh? Didn't he say he was away on a business trip? How does Albert know about Black Poker's recent visits here?"

……

Seeing the 'okay' reply from Lan, Albert didn't feel relieved; his brow remained furrowed.

This concern stemmed from the news he received during his trip. Akam City had undergone significant upheavals while he was away. He hadn't returned because his trip ended, but was recalled due to a severe manpower shortage at the police station.

The reason was the recent frenzy of Black Poker. They had executed a major operation, rounding up almost all underground organization leaders in Akam, disrupting the once stable underworld order. With the underworld in chaos and facing a reshuffle, nightly clashes and bloodshed were rampant, forcing the usually laid-back police to work round the clock. Hence, they recalled officers who were out of town.

But Albert was less concerned about these underworld rats; his primary concern was for Lan.

To prevent Black Poker from targeting Lan, Albert had asked the police to keep an extra eye on Lan’s clinic. The clinic seemed to be doing well, even thriving, as the psychotherapy sessions were bustling and no longer lacked clients.

However, a high-ranking member of Black Poker was frequently seen visiting this very psychotherapy clinic.

Albert looked down at his phone at a photo and file of Karen, his expression cold and detached.

Newly appointed as... the leader of Black Poker?

"Boss? What are you looking at?" A laid-back officer leaned in close. Albert dimmed his phone screen and said flatly, "Don't suddenly peer at my phone like that."

Unfazed by his cold demeanor, the officer teased, "Boss, you're not chatting with your girlfriend, are you?"

"Not a girlfriend," Albert clarified, "but indeed someone I'm pursuing."

Instantly, the entire office came alive with curiosity, pairs of gossip-hungry eyes turning towards Albert.

"Wow, our chief actually has someone he likes?"

"Who is it? Someone who can actually make you chase after them?"

"Boss, I'm an expert in this field. Let me teach you how to pursue someone!"

Albert was quickly surrounded by his colleagues, all eager to join the fun, except for one person. Archie stood apart, aloof, his gaze on the encircled Albert revealing a mix of complexity and unease.

Archie knew very well who Albert's object of affection was. If it were just an ordinary person, regardless of gender, he would have supported Albert's pursuit of love, but unfortunately... the person in question was far too dangerous.

Archie didn't dare reveal Lan's identity to Albert, fearing the anger of the malevolent deity and the unpredictable consequences that might follow. Yet, he also didn't want to see his friend stepping into an abyss.

He had hoped Albert's business trip would cool off these feelings, but it seemed to have the opposite effect, even intensifying them.

Disturbed and frustrated, Archie deliberately avoided looking at Albert, turning to leave the office.

He didn't notice the fleeting glance Albert cast towards his retreating figure.

As Archie stepped out of the office, he was about to head back to his apartment when he was suddenly called out to in a corridor.

"Dr. Archie! Please wait a moment!"

Archie looked up, surprised to see an unfamiliar face.

The team leader quickly produced a business card from his pocket and handed it over: "My name is Gervel, from the Audit Bureau's Mysterious Investigation Team. I recently arrived in Akam City for a business trip."

Archie's hand paused as he took the card, involuntarily raising his eyes to look at him.

The Bureau's Mysterious Investigation Unit?

He seemed to recall his superiors mentioning this organization, a secretive force under official jurisdiction, independent of the police structure, specifically tasked with investigating mysterious events within the country and even authorized to mobilize police forces when necessary.

Could they pose a threat to Lann?

Previously, Archy had considered seeking their assistance, but their elusiveness made finding a way to contact them nearly impossible.

And now, the Bureau was right before his eyes?