Chapter 25: No Monetary Transactions, No Improper Relationships Involved
"Currently, the only members of this joint group are you and a collaborator I trust absolutely who can handle matters at this level."
Nairn's voice was casual, but it sent waves through Klein's heart.
"I might recruit some subordinates under this framework later, but they should be peripheral members; even if they get close to the core, they won't know the full scope of my plan."
Listening to this, Klein couldn't help but grumble inwardly: Never mind them, as the so-called 'lead actor,' don't I also know nothing about the script?
This wasn't surprising—
Nairn didn't know the full scope of his plan either.
What was this? Taking it one step at a time? Or was there simply no plan at all?
In Nairn's own mind: It was impossible for him to play himself, right?
Clearing paths through mountains and building bridges over water; meeting soldiers with generals and blocking floods with earth.
He had plenty of ways.
"Why call it... The All-Old Association?" Klein asked, voicing his confusion. The name sounded... somewhat artistic, yet inexplicably strange.
It seemed to sound... a bit sad?
"Not satisfied?" Nairn thought for a moment and offered some alternatives. "Then how about [DATA EXPUNGED] or [DATA EXPUNGED]?"
Klein Zhou Mingrui's expression instantly became vivid.
What did he just hear?
Every one of those terms stepped precisely on his fragile nerve labeled "survival instinct."
Nairn didn't seem to notice his stiff face and continued enthusiastically: "Or maybe [DATA EXPUNGED], [DATA EXPUNGED], [DATA EXPUNGED]..."
A string of names—some chuunibyou, some professional and tongue-twisting, some extremely sensitive—popped out of Nairn's mouth, each making Klein's heart twitch.
Humans are always good at compromising.
When someone proposes tearing off the roof to let in air, if you then propose opening a window, everyone will feel that opening a window is a very mild and wise choice.
Or rather, under the human nature of risk aversion and weighing pros and cons, when you cleverly use an initial anchor and then throw out a win-win solution—
To save face.
Whether it's a complete information game or an incomplete information game, the result can be brought closer to that optimal equilibrium point.
This is the most basic psychological game, especially in cases of information asymmetry, where the other party simply cannot judge how much of your outrageous proposals are serious.
This is also a necessary awareness in the actual decision-making process, although in certain matters, holistic model thinking related to reaching cooperation and benefit distribution is more necessary.
There was no need to say more of this to Klein; he was still young.
He hadn't even learned the methods of coercing others.
And so, he was played by Nairn.
Klein was now experiencing this deeply.
Hearing these names, he felt that Nairn must have been a very eccentric character in his past life.
"Stop!" he blurted out, with a hint of pleading. "The first name is better! Senior, please don't say any more!"
Keep it pure; Klein felt a bit mentally exhausted.
Probably—
He had never thought he would come into contact with such topics.
He couldn't think of a better name either.
Then let it be Nairn's original name; it sounded a bit better.
Just as Klein felt he needed a sip of water to calm down, Nairn suddenly set down his teacup, looked at him, and curled his lips into a strange arc.
"Theory class is over, there has to be practice, right?"
Klein was stunned. "Practice?"
"Yeah." Nairn nodded as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Then, under Klein's confused gaze, Nairn reached out and slowly pulled something out of the pocket of his expensive-looking formal suit.
He casually tossed the item onto the table.
Clink—
The crisp sound of metal colliding rang out, and a brilliant golden light instantly dazzled Klein's eyes.
It was actually a large pile of glittering gold pounds!
At least a hundred pounds! Just piled haphazardly on the table like a heap of worthless metal scraps.
Klein's eyes widened instantly, and his breath hitched for a moment.
What did he see? Money! So much money!
At this moment, Nairn's gaze became incredibly interesting, radiating the unique charm of a Fun-seeker who just wants to see the world burn, without any concealment.
He gave the dumbfounded Klein a smile that could be described as wicked and issued an invitation:
"Since you've learned the Rituals for sacrifice and bestowal, why don't we try it now?"
"It just so happens I have some worthless trinkets here that I want to sacrifice to you, the great... 'Mr. The Fool'."
Nairn's tone was drawn out, each word like a feather scratching at Klein's tense nerves.
"By the way, some things are inconvenient to say down here."
He paused and pointed a finger at the ceiling, his smile growing even more brilliant.
"Shall we... go Above the Gray Fog to talk?"
Talk Above the Gray Fog?
Using the method of sacrifice?
Now?
A series of questions exploded in Klein's mind like bombs, leaving him completely dazed.
He stared blankly at the pile of glittering gold pounds on the table, then at Nairn, who was smiling "kindly" opposite him, feeling like the whole world had become surreal.
This... isn't this escalating a bit too fast?
I just finished the theory class!
I haven't even digested the notes yet! Why are we going straight to hands-on operation? And it's a high-end operation involving deities and the gray fog!
Klein felt his heart thumping wildly, half from nervousness and half from... an indescribable excitement.
Don't misunderstand; this was a pure psychological state.
Those who think otherwise must have a guilty conscience.
"N-now?" he stammered, his voice a bit dry.
"Yeah, right now." Nairn had a "do you have a problem" expression. "No matter how well you learn the theory, how will you know if it works without practicing? You're the Fool, the ruler Above the Gray Fog; you can't possibly fail to handle your own Ritual, can you?"
These words directly put Klein on the spot.
I can't handle it? Of course I can't handle it! I only know that tiny bit of information, and it's all what you just told me!
Klein grumbled frantically inside, but he didn't dare show it on his face.
He couldn't let down Nairn's expectations.
He took a deep breath, forced himself to calm down, and tried to recall the knowledge Nairn had just taught him.
true names, Incantations, rituals... "Wait, I..." Klein suddenly hesitated, "I'm not ready yet."
This wasn't an evil money transaction.
Nor was Mr. The Fool about to sell his backside.
Nairn saw through Klein's worries at a glance.
"Prepare for what? You don't need to prepare anything." Nairn interrupted him, pointing at the gold pounds on the table. "I'll provide the offerings, I'll perform the Ritual, you just need to sit in your seat and wait to 'receive'. Just think of it as... a simulation."
A simulation?
That sounded... not so scary anymore?
Klein's heart settled slightly.
Ultimately, he was just the receiver; the one actually operating was Nairn, this inscrutable fellow countryman.
Even if something went wrong, it shouldn't be blamed on him, the "deity," right?