Dusk deepened, the sun set and the moon rose.
The full moon had not yet fully risen, its faint light hidden in the hazy night mist. Like a tear-filled eye, carrying a captivating, celestial beauty.
Gormouth's moon seemed no different from other places. Only its halo was more bluish-green and cold. If stared at for a long time... one would vaguely experience an indescribable sense of delusion.
At this moment, Detreka was leading Fran through the dark, obscure alleyways surrounding Foy City.
This was an unnamed slum district on the outer ring of the city. Though not exactly chaotic, its public order was indeed nearly non-existent.
As long as there were no large-scale riots or overly illicit trade of dangerous goods, the Stellar Abyss Society and law enforcement would not interfere here.
"Detreka, do I not need any disguise to join your gathering? Also, won't it be inappropriate for you to bring a stranger along?"
Fran had a strange enthusiasm for infiltrating other cults, so she asked about the precautions quite meticulously.
"Hmm... Our gatherings are attended anonymously. They provide masks and hooded robes to conceal identities. If Ms. Vivian has similar clothing with that function, you can wear your own."
Detreka explained as thoroughly as possible.
"As for the 'stranger' part... Frankly, nobody cares about that."
When saying this, she secretly glanced up at Fran. Catching the other's amber gaze, she withdrew somewhat flustered.
"My comrades will probably only care about whether you can afford to buy the proceeds of their 'work'. Of course, it doesn't necessarily have to be physical objects; it could also be things like information..."
"So the Six-Eyed Crows gatherings are like this."
Fran pinched her lower lip, her gaze showing understanding.
From their professional characteristics, the Six-Eyed Crows' Snatchers indeed needed a place to quickly offload the things they obtained in exchange for money or other goods. Of course, it could simply be summarized as "fencing stolen goods."
This differed from most secret cults. Other sects' gatherings either conducted internal discussions like the Secrets-Hunters or had the highest-ranking priest directly issue decrees like the Red Cup.
"As for preparing a disguise myself... Seems I don't have anything suitable prepared right now. Only one item that can barely be made to work."
Fran recalled the few garments in her medical kit and considered whether to change.
One was a Burial Attendant's standard-issue robe, one was a Stellar Abyss Society academic robe, and the Lamp Moth gauze robe obtained from the future Dorothy.
Let's not even think about the first two. A Secrets-Hunter joining such a gathering was like a hunting dog charging into a rat's nest. And the Stellar Abyss Society held a status similar to law enforcement in Foy, which would also alert the attendees.
"It seems the little gift I took along from Dorothy was indeed worth more than its price, seemingly usable anytime. Those of the Lamp and Moth... even if framed, they mostly disdain to step forward and clarify..."
Quickly, she made up her mind and took out the Lamp Moth gauze robe from her portable medical kit, draping it over her physician's coat.
"Ms. Vivian, this is..."
Looking at Fran now wearing mottled silk gauze, Detreka asked curiously.
"A little disguise."
Saying this, Fran put on the veil, simply covering her mouth and nose.
Dorothy's robe came from Attilan's capital, Ahanta. The fabric was expensive, and the veil was adorned with a hanging chain made of interwoven gold thread.
"Is this the attire of the Lamp Moth cult?"
Seeing Fran's completely different aura after changing clothes, Detreka was momentarily somewhat surprised.
"Yes, genuine Ahanta silk gauze. It comes from the Priestess of the 'Mirror of Enlightenment Club' in Norlington."
Fran nodded slightly, her tone even strangely taking on that ethereal, elusive, and intriguing feel of a fortune teller.
"This is indeed a wonderful disguise..."
Looking at Fran's disguised demeanor, entering the state almost instantly, Detreka couldn't help but marvel at her professionalism.
Disciples of the Lamp and Moth often prefer to act alone and are mostly indifferent about matters beyond self-elevation. Using this as an identity disguise was indeed very suitable... After all, the Veiled Assembly wouldn't interfere.
Though the alley was dark and winding, with Detreka leading the way, the two walked without much obstacle. They soon arrived outside an old, dilapidated courtyard.
This courtyard was not large in area but was indeed spacious enough. Other than a decaying old oak tree, there weren't any other eye-catching features.
Fran stood before the door, quietly waiting for Detreka to step forward and announce their visit.
This place had certain secret realm characteristics capable of concealing aura and avoiding detection. But it seemed unstable, liable to dissipate at any time. This effect shouldn't stem from a ritual array, but was caused by some relic.
This also explained what Detreka said earlier about "the meeting place not being fixed." After all, except for fanatics who carved ritual arrays on their own bodies, nobody could frequently relocate ritual positions.
By the way, what would the Six-Eyed Crows' cult cipher be like? Would the rhythm differ from that of the Sun Forgers or Red Cup?
Thinking this, Fran slowly stepped forward a couple of paces, wanting to hear the "whisper" between Detreka and the guard inside the door.
The thief lady first tapped lightly on the door as notification, then cleared her throat.
"Caw— Caw, caw—"
The cry of a crow emerged from her throat, carrying an odd vibrational rhythm.
At first listen, it wasn't much different from the crow Munin's cry, but there was a special cadence in the vibration and resonance.
Hearing Detreka's cipher, the old, dilapidated courtyard door subsequently opened. A somewhat sinister-looking old man let out a low chuckle, his cloudy gaze sizing up the visitor outside.
"Hey, coming so close to moonrise, I thought you'd been nabbed by the cops."
"Curse me again, Zarick. Can't you say something nice?"
Detreka waved her hand, responding quite familiarly.
Zarick didn't let her in directly as usual but pressed again.
"That's not a curse... just a guess. You just came back by ship from Norlington and bring a buyer. How do I know if she's really a patron or a 'tail' that's latched onto you?"
"Norlington is most famous for those paranoids. How can you prove you haven't brought danger to the cult?"
Hearing this, Detreka narrowed her eyes slightly, a trace of impatience appearing on her face.
"Do you really think if I were caught by hunters, I'd have the leisure to come here? Cut the nonsense."
Often, the more one explained in the face of skepticism, the more guilty one appeared. So, it was best to try to maintain a normal state, showing almost confident irritation.
Seeing her expression unchanged, Zarick didn't dwell too much on this point. Instead, he inquired about another issue.
"That's true too. As long as we don't commit crimes in Norlington, hunters don't have much interest in us... But, does the buyer behind you really hold sufficient funds?"
Detreka heard this and curled her lip disdainfully, then from the inner layer of her collar took out a golden ancient coin with a dazzling luster, swaying it as if showing off.
"This is the guide fee she gave me. Do you think she's qualified enough?"
"Oh..."
Upon seeing that tempting golden luster, Zarick's cloudy eyes lit up instantly.
"A Meredith family Wolf-Head Coin, out of circulation for fifty years. This fine texture, and this anti-counterfeiting engraving embedded in the coin face... So beautiful. Can I touch it?"
"No."
Detreka quite decisively refused his request.
Although this old miser probably just wanted to carefully observe it, not likely to pull the low trick of switching it on the spot.
But after experiencing Ms. Vivian's miraculous thieving skills... she now was unwilling to do anything risky.
"Tch, stingy..."
Zarick somewhat resentfully withdrew his calloused hand, then looked at Fran somewhat obsequiously.
"Madam, you are a sufficiently qualified patron. I wish you a pleasant participation in this gathering."
"'The Third Perch' welcomes you."
Fran did not speak, just indifferently glanced at him, considering it a response.
Zarick did not feel displeased at the cold attitude the other displayed. Rather, her willingness to give a response was already a friendly gesture.
Someone who could give a Wolf-Head coin as a tip—holding this degree of arrogance was all too normal.
"Since you have already concealed your face with a veil, I won't try to peddle those shoddy masks to you... But if you wish, you can register a codename."
"If you intend to attend 'The Third Perch' gatherings again in the future, you can receive more proper reception."
Zarick quite diligently led the way ahead, from time to time discreetly sizing up Fran's attire.
The wonderful color of Ahanta silk gauze—how many years since he'd seen it? And these ancient patterns of the Lamp and Moth... Is she a Priestess of the Veiled Assembly? But ordinary Lamp cult disciples couldn't use such material.
Either she held a High Priest rank, or she was of distinguished origin.
"A codename..."
Fran murmured, pondering this question. Her voice no longer held the reassuring smile of usual days, only appearing plain and cool, like an ancient well without a ripple.
"Just call me 'The Hermit.'"
Finally, she decided to continue using the title used previously at the Star Chart Research Society. After all, it was just a disguise; there was no need to invent another name.
"As you wish, Madam Hermit."
Zarick respectfully agreed, then recorded this name in the notebook in his hand.
"After this gathering ends, someone will provide you with a cult token. You can use it to enter gatherings thereafter."
"Hmm."
Fran succinctly ended this conversation.
As they gradually proceeded deeper into the corridor, the three arrived inside this old, dilapidated courtyard.
There were many marble-made chairs placed there, each spaced far apart with privacy screens in between. Some seats were already occupied. A priest wearing a crow-feather mask stood in the very center.
At the venue, seeing Zarick still standing by attentively, Detreka slightly furrowed her brows and snapped impatiently.
"Zarick, how long are you going to follow? Not guarding the door? Never seen you so kind as to escort someone here before."
"Hey, my apologies..."
Hearing this, Zarick didn't show anger or indignation, seemingly unwilling to leave a bad impression on the new patron. He just slowly turned his back, preparing to leave.
After turning around, he couldn't help but curl his lip, tutting softly.
Why does Detreka have such good luck, climbing onto such a high branch... With such a generous buyer, the referrer could rake in a sum just from the introduction fee.
After Fran took her seat, Detreka quietly moved close to her ear, relaying her discovery in an extremely small voice.
"Ms. Vivian, today's host is different from usual. Judging by the attire, it's a High Priest. Probably because it's the 'Plum Moon Ritual,' the cult arranged a higher-ranking disciple to lead the gathering."
She couldn't help but worry somewhat. Ms. Vivian's means of stealing things were indeed extremely skillful, but under the gaze of a High Priest-level Snatcher, could she still be as effortlessly capable as before?
If discovered, there was a possibility of violent conflict. Then, caught between both sides, she would have to face a difficult choice of allegiance.
Fran seemed not to care much about this; even the appearance of that crow High Priest made her feel somewhat excited. Being able to make contact with this rank of disciple from the start would save her a lot of unnecessary trouble...
"No matter. Perhaps it will even make the things for sale become more high-quality."
Her tone sounded as if she were truly a buyer seeking treasures.
As time gradually passed, more people took their seats one after another. The bright, clear full moon also shed its haze, completely revealing its form.
"The moon has risen."
The host slowly spoke, a middle-aged man's voice, coarse with a hint of gloom.
"At moonrise and dawn, whenever the celestial bodies appear, the shadow beneath your wings leaves dark scars upon the earth. Please partake of the meager offerings. Your pecking and sipping will open the ignorance within our minds."
Before the host stood a white plaster altar, upon which some vividly colored objects were presented.
Though seated, Fran couldn't see clearly what was on the altar, but she could feel overflowing spiritual energy from it. Probably some sort of spiritual material.
As the ritual array began to operate, the offerings in the altar vanished without a trace under the shroud of wing-shaped dark shadows, along with all scattered spiritual energy.
A moment later, the shadows dissipated. A jet-black, eye-shaped gemstone remained in the altar.
That was the "gift" left after the Six-Eyed Crows partook of the offerings.
"Crow's Eye Stone. It can provide the spirituality needed for our cult disciples' advancement, and can also assist some rituals and secret art models."
Detreka quietly explained to Fran about the gem in the altar, and midway, she unconsciously licked her lips, quite restrainedly looking away from it.
"Is it also for sale?"
Though not truly intending to pay, Fran was still somewhat curious about this.
"Yes. However, the cult internally also holds bidding each time, and other buyers are mostly not very interested in it. After all, it holds maximum value only in the hands of our sect's disciples."
"I see."
Fran gazed at the jet-black gemstone, strangely feeling a quiet surge of emotion stirring within her.
After having one eye dug out by the God-Hunting God, the Six-Eyed Crows seemed to have developed a strange fixation towards eyes... Oh, since He lost an eye, shouldn't it be renamed "Five-Eyed Crows"?
Ahem. Though this Crow's Eye Stone had some value, it wasn't sufficient to be her target.
After all, the talent advancement plan stated the requirement was "publicly announce your intentions in advance," and the stolen item must also possess Flawless or higher quality. Treasures reaching this rating were not common.
Actually, this attendance had more of a probing nature.
Therefore... today's Fran was indeed a pure "buyer."
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