Sorcerer’s Handbook

Chapter 200: Ashes Weakness

As everyone gathered around the dining table, the young Banjeet cleared his throat and said, Now that were all here, does anyone have questions for me? Perhaps about the Gospel?

Yes! Harvey raised his hand and asked, Does checking the Ranking List require Points?

Even for those first encountering the Gospel, the lists within immediately caught their attention. Sorcerers by nature pursue fame, honor, and power. Who wouldnt want to know which sorcerer ranks first in the nation, which faction has the most learners, or which miracle is the strongest?

Ranking Lists like the Necromancy Miracle Rankings and Mind Miracle Rankings were precisely in Harvey and Igors fields of interest. How could they not be tempted?

Even if they couldnt learn from them, it was tantalizing to just take a look!

However, when they opened the Gospel, hoping to see the Quadruple Wings Sorcerer Comprehensive Strength Rankings, Magical Factions Popularity Rankings, Miracle Rankings, and Spirit Rankings, they all received a disheartening message: Insufficient Points to purchase.

It does require them.

Banjeet nodded, but didnt continue. Instead, he pulled out a metal cigarette case that seemed at odds with his appearance. Do you mind if I smoke?

Pass one here, Harvey signaled with his hand. Will it pack a punch?

Ha, Im not that young anymore. This is a more health-conscious smoke, Ive just gotten into the habit of smoking during conversations.

Smoking can be health-conscious? Eating sweets is pretty healthy for me too.

As the two seasoned smokers began to puff away, Ashe made a disgusted noise and, taking Lise by the hand, moved to the other end of the table. He activated his Wind Barrier Spirit, forming an air shield.

Igor remained seated but casually flicked his finger, altering the direction of the wind in the living room so that Banjeet and Harveys smoke blew toward the balcony.

Ashe looked surprised. Bewitcher, you can also manipulate Wind Magic Spirits?

Meh, Igor replied calmly. They can be handy for aiding in the dispersion of love potions or poisons.

You really have a way of casually mentioning the most terrifying things.

After skillfully flicking the ash from his cigarette into his palm, Banjeet got down to business. Ill give you a copy of the latest edition of the Gospel Ranking List Directory shortly, he said. It contains the more stable, high-interest lists, like the Magical Factions Popularity Rankings, for example. Take your time and browse if youre interested.

As for the frequently changing lists, youll have to spend Points to access them. Its not expensiveone Point gets you a 24-hour observation right to a list. Check out the Gospel; the Points Miss gave you should have been credited by now.

Ashe quickly opened the Gospel, his expression souring almost instantly: Just 100 Points?

Banjeet, may I formally complain about Ashes grumbling?

Igor, you traitor!

Harvey had been watching Banjeet all the while but noticed that Banjeet wasnt bothered by the commotion; instead, he signaled Harvey with his cigarette, understanding that this young Butler was not to be underestimatedwhether Banjeet appreciated Igors defection or disliked Ashes complaints, it revealed aspects of his character.

In the Funeral Firm, Banjeet was the only local they could interact with besides Annan. If he showed enough of his likes and dislikes, that would naturally create opportunities for Igor to maneuver.

When Banjeet took out his cigarette case, the three migrant workers quickly exchanged glances, coordinating their roles: Harvey as the observer, Ashe and Igor to alternately support and undermine each other. If even one of them could get closer to Banjeet, it would be considered a win.

I wouldnt recommend using those 100 Points to look up the Ranking Lists, Banjeet commented. 100 Points is neither a lot nor a little, but its enough for the Gospel to answer one valuable question. Miss gave you the 100 Points hoping youd get a feel for the glory of the Gospel.

For new Sorcerers first encountering the Gospel, there are several types of questions with a great cost-benefit ratio, such as Which Magical Faction am I most Talented in?, What Spirit should I summon next?, or How can I optimize my existing Spirit System?

Of course, since its only 100 Points, the Gospel will likely provide a brief answer, but you can use the response as a starting point to ask more in-depth questions.

However, Banjeet took a drag of his cigarette, I guess you might have more personal questions you want to ask.

He had hit the nail on the head.

Power is important, but after all, humans are social creatures. Very few Sorcerers live solely for the pursuit of power. Its merely effective capital they use to acquire other resources Although many Sorcerers eventually become personifications of power, it was clear that these Trespassers still had their own share of lifes joys and sorrows.

Even Harvey, who claimed to have nothing left to care about, flinched. He hadnt even noticed that he was smoking his cigarette backwards, burning his lips in the process, his eyes fixated on the Gospel, wondering what to ask.

Igor hesitated for a moment, flipped to the Ask page in the Gospel, and used his thoughts to write: Has Emma Lexus suffered any negative effects because of my escape?

The Gospel quickly listed the fees: Deep relationship with you, -80% fee; in contact within three days, -65% fee; target is a Two Wings Sorcerer, +50% fee; target outside the Kingdom of the Gospel, +1000% fee.

Your Points are insufficient.

As expected, asking about matters in other Kingdoms was extremely expensive because its not about mobilizing collected intelligence, but about using a Miracle for a real Prophecy But on the flip side, asking about matters within the Kingdom of the Gospel was much cheaper.

Igors eyes flickered as he entered: Information on Annan Dolan.

Costs 3 Points.

Annan Dolan: Ranked 3rd on the Azura Beauty Ranking, 8th on the overall Beauty Ranking, 10th on the Two Wings Sorcerer Comprehensive Power Ranking, 9th on Azuras Quest Ranking, and former head of the Funeral Firm (now off the list).

Annan Dolans family situation.

You do not have the rights to inquire about a citizens privacy.

Indeed, if one wanted to use the Gospel to investigate someone, they could only access the most superficial level of information. To go any deeper would be refused by the Gospel. However, Igor also noticed that the Gospel didnt outright prohibit it, but stated no rights to inquire, which meant that as long as one had the rights, they could obtain all information about someone through the Gospel, including but not limited to privacy, geographical location, Magical Factions, and more.

It seems the authority of the Red Cap security forces might be much greater than that of a Blood Mad Hunter

Wait a minute!

No rights to inquire about a citizens privacy But can these Trespassers really be considered citizens?

Definitely not. How could an invasive species possibly receive the legal protection of the Omniscient Weaver? Moreover, they have the countdown of the Omniscient Weavers restraint behind their ears. Theoretically, their current status in the Kingdom of the Gospel is equivalent to that of red-named monsters. Even if they want to clear their names, they would have to wait for the countdown of the restraint to end

This means that before the countdown ends, information on Ashe and Harvey is unrestricted!

With less than two days left until the countdown finishes, the only chance to dig up their past is now!

Igor suddenly recalled the Revelation received today: Do not ask any questions about Ashe Heath.

Experience has proven that whenever Igor acted against a Revelation, the outcomes were hardly favorable. Such as being pulled into an escape from prison gang by Ashe, being implicated by him, being conned by him

But now, the only hope of getting the upper hand on Ashe is right before my eyes, and I must consider if this might be the only chance Ill ever get.

To restore the glory of a Con Artist is an undeniable duty!

What are Ashe Heaths vulnerabilities that could be exploited?