The Secret Cult Chronicles of the Decaying Lake Manor

The first card depicts a winding path disappearing into a hazy mist.

【The Path of Dreams (Candlelight)】

[Nature and Appearance: Candle, Hazy Path]

On a night when candle wax dripped, I was able to see, through the light of dawn, the mysteries that still lingered beneath the surface of the world.

[(A feasible path to the first level of the spirit world—the Dream Realm; those who enter the Dream Realm for the first time through this path will become awakened to this principle.)]

Click the sex tag as usual.

[Candle: Change comes from the flame, irreversible. The spirit must be in the light, and there is a price to pay. [The candle is the standard of spirituality, illumination, and burning.]]

The second card is a twisted darkness.

【The Path of Dreams (Abyss Hidden)】

[Nature and Appearance: Abyss, Hazy Path]

[On a dark night, I stepped into the shadows, and everything changed. (The first level of the spirit world...)]

Both cards have tiny "use" markings appearing around their edges.

They seemed to be tempting him to touch them, to open the door to the unknown.

George's thoughts lingered on the "Dream Journey" for a long time.

Becoming an "Awakener" and gaining power may be the key step for him to deal with the Dean, his family, and even this strange world.

But the faces of those patients flashed through his mind—Leclerc's burning gaze, Mr. Burns's hollow murmurs, and Lieutenant Bates's weary expression…

Is it not an even greater act of madness to rashly step into such a field?

Dean Warren's image also appeared in his mind, his eyes flashing with shrewdness and greed.

If the Dean is also pursuing the power of the Dream Realm, will my advancement at this moment immediately attract his attention or even make him covet it?

After much hesitation, George finally suppressed the urge to try it immediately.

Based on the descriptions in the book and my previous experience using cards, once I have the knowledge, promotion shouldn't be too difficult.

There is too little information now, and the risks are unclear; it is not the time to take risks.

His thoughts drifted away from the cards, and the scene at the card table slowly faded away.

When I opened my eyes, the only light in the bedroom was the moonlight streaming in from outside the window.

George looked at "Night Wanderings" lying quietly beside his pillow, then turned over and went to sleep.

He knew the path existed, but decided not to set foot on it for the time being.

The most urgent task is to get out of the sanatorium as soon as possible and learn more about the truth beneath the surface of this world.

If he really does travel to a world with extraordinary powers, it would be very necessary for him to acquire more knowledge.

I hope the forces in this world are not as dark as the Cthulhu Mythos.

-----------------

On the morning of the fourth day after George received the letter, a telegram was delivered to his office desk at the St. Simeon Sanatorium.

After reading the telegram, George took it and headed straight for the dean's office.

Dean Warren was looking at a document when he saw George. He raised his eyelids and put on his usual smile.

"Oh, George, what's up? Any new findings regarding those medical records?"

"Dean, I just received a telegram from home." George placed the telegram on the table, his tone calm. "It concerns my father's concerning health."

Warren put down his pipe and quickly scanned the telegram.

The brief telegram confirmed the Viscount's serious illness and (again) urged George to return as soon as possible.

"This is really... I'm very sad to hear this news, George."

Warren put down the telegram, his tone quite somber.

"Your Excellency...may God bless him."

"Thank you, Dean."

George observed the dean's reaction.

"My father's condition seems rather serious. His letter mentioned that I need to return to handle inheritance matters. This surprised me greatly, considering he was still…"

"Life is unpredictable, my dear friend, life is unpredictable."

Warren interrupted him, in a tone of heartfelt sincerity.

"Especially for people our age, health is like London's weather, it can change in an instant."

He changed the subject, leaned forward, and his gaze sharpened:

"But are you really willing to give up on the research we are conducting?"

"We have accumulated sufficient data on the patients' delirium... We are very close to solving the mystery."

"I have submitted a report to the board, highly praising your work, and a senior physician position is almost a certainty."

The dean seemed to be trying to make his voice alluring:

"Stay here for a little while, George, and you'll gain far more than just a salary and social status."

"I know far more than you can imagine about the answers you've been searching for, about the root of their hallucinations. We can work together..."

George realized that if he let the dean continue, it would be difficult to say goodbye politely.

He feigned grief with impeccable posture, but his voice remained unwavering.

"Thank you for your appreciation and trust, Dean Warren."

"But my father is critically ill, and as the eldest son and heir, I have no choice."

Warren's eager expression was instantly replaced by one of realization and profound disappointment.

He leaned back heavily in his chair, the leather groaning softly.

"Uh...yes, I almost forgot about the surname De La Porte."

He pursed his lips, shook his head, picked up the pipe beside him, and took a deep drag.

The gray smoke blurred the other emotions that flashed across his eyes, and George seemed to hear a mutter in them.

"Things involving the High Court are always so bad."

After a moment, the dean put down his pipe, his tone returning to its usual calm and businesslike manner.

"Alright, family responsibilities are sacred and inviolable."

His tone carried a distinct hint of coldness.

"Your resignation will be approved within a week. I regret that St. Simeon has lost a very promising physician."

He pulled out a notepad from the side, quickly signed the resignation slip, as if George had suddenly become someone who needed to be kept at a distance.

"Take this to the finance department to settle your salary. I'll handle the resignation procedures. Have a safe trip, Mr. De La Porte."

George sneered inwardly.

The dean's attitude changed so quickly and so completely, which can only mean one thing.

Behind the name De La Pole and its title lies a power that would make people like Warren wary.

"I am extremely grateful, Dean."

George put away the approval slip, turned and left the office filled with the smell of smoke and unfinished business.

The last doubts dissipated.

The road ahead is bound to be fraught with danger, but he is not entirely without support.

That family is a force in itself, even though it may also be dangerous.

He certainly needs reliable allies.

After leaving the dean's office, George went directly to the single-patient ward area on the third floor.

Although it sounds a bit strange, there was his second ally there.

He soon arrived at a private hospital room.

Pushing open the door, George went straight to the point:

"Mr. Elliott, I think we need to talk about your dream again."