The Secret Cult Chronicles of the Decaying Lake Manor

George stood in the empty room for a moment, and when no further arrangements were made, he began to look around at the things in the room.

Since the Viscount said that the items in the room were specially selected low-risk items, he could always gain something by touching and poking around with his golden finger.

For example, the equipment used to draw mandala diagrams.

【Mandala Mirror/Heart Light Pen】

[Sexual characteristics: candle, mirror, utensils]

This is a mirror that allows for self-reflection at any time, crafted based on the esoteric teachings of Bharataṃsaka. The maker referenced mirror-making techniques from Julius the North and incorporated a piece of extremely rare and pure crystal.

[Note: Consuming one unit of Knowledge allows you to use Rational Analysis to interpret one of the alchemy techniques/crafting processes/secret knowledge contained within.]

George was pleasantly surprised to find that the "Knowledgeable" card, whose purpose he had never known, was being used here.

However, firstly, he can only use one aspect of the knowledge; secondly, if he analyzes this "tool" now, he will have no rational option left for emergencies.

After a moment's thought, he withdrew from his mind and decided to explore the room further.

After a brief search, he found neither any useful tools for Elliott nor any of his cheap viscount father's little secrets.

Following the mysterious revelation of the card table, they found two sealed bottles of medicine on the table.

[Revitalizing Agent]

[Sexual Aspects: Candle, Star, Potion]

This potion is inspired by Sulis, the goddess of the Baths Hot Springs in the Kingdom of Britta. Simply pouring it over one's head will restore one's spirituality through the power of refined spring water.

The other one is even more powerful.

Blood of King Arthur

[Sexual attributes: candle, wine, medicine]

Legend has it that when King Arthur was nearing his death, he asked his remaining followers to throw the sword of kings into the lake. Afterwards, three mysterious women carried him in a small black boat to the Glass Island. This potion, containing the blood of warriors, is said to be highly effective in healing both the mind and the body.

Both of these potions have the label: "[Consuming one unit of Knowledge, you can use Rational Analysis to decipher one of the alchemy techniques/crafting processes contained within.]"

But George thought about more.

First, the presence of these two medicines here suggests that the Viscount anticipated the risks of his trip, or perhaps it was simply a precaution.

If it's the latter, then this cheap father is quite considerate; if it's the former, he just feels a little scared.

In addition, The Blood of King Arthur includes clues about the "Glass Island," and it seems that this legend is quite famous in the kingdom, with traces of it found everywhere.

So, which tool is more suitable for analysis?

George was caught in a dilemma.

Of course, his dilemma didn't last long before he was interrupted by footsteps coming from the corridor.

He turned around abruptly from his thoughts and saw a figure dressed in a black servant's uniform open the door.

The newcomer, whose temples were already gray, moved with strength and remained expressionless—it was Thomas, the Viscount's personal servant.

He got straight to the point: "Young Master, after the Master's recent relapse, he has been taking medication and resting under the doctor's care. He asked me to inform you."

George looked surprised: "Father... is he alright?"

"The master's condition has stabilized, and he asked me to convey the follow-up arrangements to you."

Thomas came in and immediately took two books from a drawer in the cabinet next to him and handed them to George.

One book has a plain blue cardboard cover and is titled "Summary of Provisional Regulations and Common Knowledge for the Management of Extraordinary Affairs in the Kingdom," while the other has a dark green cloth cover and is titled "The Art of Alchemy: An Outline of Basic Techniques and Principles."

He pointed to the blue booklet.

"This is an official booklet, which every registered superhuman receives. It contains the rules that must be followed and the basic rights and obligations. You can take a look at it when you have time, but the part about the privileges of the High Court nobility needs to be explained to you by the Master himself."

He then pointed to the green book.

"This book contains some practical basic knowledge and operating techniques of alchemy. Your father instructed you to familiarize yourself with the equipment and basic theories first."

Thomas then picked up the two bottles of medicine that George had found and explained them to him, instructing him to use them himself if he felt unwell.

After he finished speaking, he was about to put away the mandala mirror.

George tried to stall, but Thomas remained unmoved: "Young master, alchemy tools are extremely dangerous. Please use them under the master's supervision."

He had no choice but to stand still and directly access his mind, picking up the [Mandala Mirror] that had begun to flicker and become blurred, and affixing the Knowledge and Reason cards to it.

The card table efficiently completed the analysis instantly, and George only had time for a quick glance at the newly generated cards before leaving the table.

The Root Meaning of the Crystal Mandala

[Sexual Characteristics: Candle 6, Mirror 2, Secret Transmission]

[While many mainstream religions in the Bharata Empire worshipped the Night Watch, thus merging with the Anglican Church, the Vajrayana tradition uniquely venerated the divinely discerning god who illuminates the source of light. From the image of this deity in the "Crystal Palace," a secret method was obtained, allowing insight into the inner world and the construction of a harmonious and orderly mandala. This knowledge is a core tenet of the tradition.]

Thomas quickly put the set of alchemical tools into the cabinet, then stared straight at George.

The implication that they do not approve of him staying any longer is quite clear.

George had no choice but to return to his room with the medicine and the two new books he had acquired.

After thinking for a moment, he rang the bell to summon Elliott and then invited Lieutenant Bates over.

They spent the entire afternoon having an insightful discussion about the "Regulations for the Management of Extraordinary Affairs," so much so that afternoon tea was conducted in the room.

Shortly after a still-suppressive dinner, George, who was sitting alone in front of the fireplace in his room reading the book "Introduction to Alchemy," heard a knock at the door.

George opened the door and found Carson, the butler, standing outside.

"Young master, the master requests that you go to the alchemy room now."

They returned to the makeshift alchemy room, and Carson opened the door and invited George in.

Inside the room, Viscount Edward stood beside the long table in the center, a stark contrast to his weak and emotionally unstable appearance in the afternoon.

He stood ramrod straight, his complexion seemed to have regained its color, and the light in his eyes even revealed a renewed spirit.

On the table in front of the Viscount was a huge glass flask filled with a clear liquid that shimmered with a subtle silvery light.

"George, you've arrived. Come here quickly." The viscount's voice showed no sign of illness.

"Father, are you feeling any better?" George's gaze swept quickly across the room before settling on the flask.

The Viscount reached out and gently stroked the cold glass wall: "I'm much better now after taking the alchemical potion—but let's deal with the blood disaster first."

He patted the flask: "Although the root of the blood disaster lies in the dream realm, its power to manifest in reality also needs to be eliminated."

"This is the medicine I prepared; it's enough to purify the current pollution."

He turned to George: "Now all you need to do is take it with you, accompanied by old Hanmo, to the lake shores on the east, south, and north sides of the island, and pour the potion evenly into the lake."

Remember, it must be where the lake meets the shoreline.

George noticed that the Viscount had not mentioned the west side, which led to the grove and the family cemetery.

Before he could speak, the viscount pulled out a glittering golden object from his pocket.

"Keep this amulet with you. If you encounter any danger, simply activate it spiritually—in any case, it will be enough to sustain you until I arrive."