The world controlled by dice [Western Fantasy]

The sudden appearance of this old man surprised both Siles and Qindo.

Qin Duo frowned, his eyes sank a bit, but he still looked at Sirius, waiting for Sires' handling and response.

Siles looked at the old man in a little surprise, and he replied: "Sir, do you think the mechanical structure is unreliable?"

The old man stood there with his hands behind his back, looking at the painting, and after a while, he nodded.

"But mechanical structures are also human inventions," said Siles, "and if you mean power..."

"...The Revelator. The Protector." The old man's tone was very gentle, with an old slowness and calmness, "Isn't that a more certain power in the hands of humans?"

"But that depends on the gods instead." Siles also looked at the painting, and said, "The gods also have their own will; but the mechanical structure is cold and rigid, and it operates completely according to human wishes."

The old man looked at him in surprise, and after a while, he smiled: "I can't say how much I agree with your idea, young sir. But, this is indeed the idea of ​​young people nowadays."

He sighed.

Siles was very clear that what the old man was referring to was not as simple as the superficial topic of their conversation at the moment.

After a moment, the old man said, "Alden Bridges."

Siles was startled, and then realized that it was the old man's name, and he said, "Siles Noel."

Qin Duo also said his name at the right time.

Siles thought for a moment at this moment, because the name Alden Bridges sounded familiar to him.Then he suddenly remembered: "Mr. Bridges, do you know Professor Calverley and Mr. Adolphus Grant?"

Siles had heard the name "Alden Bridges" from Professor Calverley.

At that time, Professor Calverley gave him the collection of strange stories "Little Cynthia's World". The creator of the exlibris on the title page of the book was Alden Bridges.

Alden looked at Sirius in great surprise, and said, "Of course! Those are two old friends of mine. Sirius, please forgive my presumptuousness. How do you know my relationship with them?"

Siles then introduced his meeting with Professor Calverley.

Alden suddenly realized: "Denton once mentioned you to me, but he didn't mention your name. What a coincidence, Sirius. We didn't see each other until Denton passed away."

Mentioning the death of Professor Calverley, Siles could not help but sigh.

Alden said gently: "It seems that you are a young man with a bright future. Denton should donate some books to you? There are many such gifts in his will, all of which are young people or younger generations he is optimistic about. .

"Perhaps, he just wants to pass on his legacy. Perhaps, death is just one of his choices."

Siles nodded, understanding.I am afraid that Professor Calverley's large collection of books should eventually go to the hands of those who deserve them.

He exchanged a few more words with Alden, and then bid farewell to each other politely.None of them mentioned the topic of the previous "god" and "power".

After Alden left, Qin Duo, who hadn't spoken much, said: "It seems that he is an old man who looks gentle on the outside, but is actually very obsessed with the power of the gods."

"Perhaps so." Siles said, "However, he can respect other people's objections after all, which is a valuable enough quality."

Qin Duo laughed disapprovingly: "I don't think so. You always think that human beings are good, but I think that you use yourself as a standard to compare others too much. And people who can really have your qualities , and how many more?"

Siles was silent for a moment, not because Qindo's words contradicted his thoughts, but because...Qindo's words were too nasty.He didn't think he was "good" to the extent that Cendo said.

He couldn't help shaking his head and said, "Well, Qindo, maybe you're right. But, I'm just a human being."

"You are my god." Qindo whispered in Siles' ear.

Siles asked with some doubts: "I've always been a little curious... Qindo, have I been so important to you in the past month?"

"You were special from the very beginning. At that time I felt that we were of the same kind. I had the power of Lygardia, and you had the power of Akamala... that was strange. It seemed that so many years had passed before I finally found A companion."

Qin Duo whispered.

Siles nodded.He can understand that.Pretty much the same for him.Qin Duo saw his decisive action by accident.

All in all, they shared each other's secrets.

But...he thought again, a big success and a big failure.

Qin Duo added: "And I gradually realized that you are different. You are different from this world and the human beings in this world. You are unique, outstanding, extraordinary. I am very honored to meet you. It is not just me. Talk about it."

Siles thought to himself, he really didn't understand how Qin Duo could say such nasty words so casually.Is this also a characteristic of human beings in this world?

They browsed and talked slowly in the museum.Occasionally there are people passing by, but most of the time they just enjoy their time with each other in the empty room filled with exhibits.

Cinder said: "You may think that our relationship is moving too fast. However, I just have never met someone like you in this long life, as if the past long and boring time is just to teach me patience , waiting patiently for your appearance."

"...In any case, your past life is also meaningful." Siles said tactfully, "It's not just because of me."

Qin Duo stared at him with emerald green eyes, and then he smiled softly: "You saved me. Whether it is in a physical sense or a psychological sense. Of course, I hope that you can... save me more deeply .”

Siles: "..."

He can probably understand that the rescue that Qin Duo said was the "big success".But... go deeper?

Siles thought for a moment very rationally, and then said: "I am also very grateful that you saved me by using the 'soul lighthouse'."

Qin Duo: "..."

He said angrily, "You're such a disappointment."

Siles said calmly, "Look where we are now."

"museum."

"So what should be done in the museum?"

Qin Duo said angrily: "Look at the exhibits!" He said, "Do you regard me as your student? Or a child who doesn't understand anything? We are all adults, and adults have what adults should do!"

Siles laughed sullenly: "Sometimes I feel that you are too childish to be an adult."

Qin Duo narrowed his eyes, and then muttered: "Sooner or later, I will let you know that my desire for you has been fermented for a long time-that is enough to prove that I am a grown man."

Siles was noncommittal.

They spent most of the afternoon in the museum.Generally speaking, the exhibits of the La Mifa Museum are more inclined to the works of art in the middle of the fog, and there are not many antiques.

Siles expected that he could see the collections from the Silence Period or even earlier, but the reality disappointed him a bit.

"The things you want to see are most likely kept in the hands of private collectors." Qin Duo said, "Besides, even in the Mist Age, there are some...not very safe things, and they will definitely not appear here .”

Siles was startled, and then suddenly realized: "That's true. Since it is a museum open to ordinary people, the safety of the collection must be guaranteed."

Qin Duo nodded in agreement.

Siles couldn't help thinking, so, where will those collections that are not very "safe", especially those before the Mist Age, appear?

He just thought about it.

They left the museum and walked for a while along the boulevard.In the evening, the weather is getting colder.They had dinner nearby and chatted about art.

As he passed by Atherton Square, Siles also mentioned the painter he had met.

The presence of the artist and his paintings are indistinctly related to Brewer Darrow's death.Siles has always been quite concerned about this matter, but he has never been able to find the painter.

"So he's a revelator?" Cindo asked with interest.

"Yes, I met him at the Historical Society." Siles said, "However, several months have passed, and he has never appeared again. Maybe he is no longer in Ramifa City."

Qin Duo nodded: "There is also this possibility. Since he is the enlightener, he might go to the land of no ember."

The painter... going to the Never Embers?

This possibility is indeed possible, but Siles felt a little uncoordinated.

He meant, the painter, who seemed out of place in the Land of Never Embers.

After thinking for a moment, Siles put the matter behind him.After all, he hadn't seen the painter in the past few months.Perhaps, as Cendor said, he has gone to the Land of Never Embers.

After dinner, Siles and Cinder went back to 32 Lowell Street.

They waited for a while, and the employees of Baker Bank appeared, and they delivered the books.Siles generally confirmed the condition of the book and signed for it.

The empty study room on the second floor was half filled almost instantly.

While helping him organize the books, Qin Duo said, "It's really a very generous gift."

"Indeed," said Siles. "I never thought that Professor Calverley would gift me these books."

"Perhaps the relationship between people is so abrupt." Qin Duo shrugged, "It was hard for me to imagine when I was young, but now I am here to tidy up the study with you.

"You may not know that when I was young, I had a more...difficult temper."

"It's rare to see you use words like that to describe yourself," said Siles.

"I know myself very well!" Cindo said dissatisfiedly, "You can't deny that. It's just that I'm too lazy to deal with other people. I used to always feel that my life was very boring.

"Gods, power, blood... everything happened in the past, but my life and identity have been determined by what happened in the past. Although I am not that dissatisfied and disgusted, but..."

He thought for a moment, but suddenly he didn't know how to describe this feeling.

Instead, Siles made an annotation for him: "However, you feel that you are born to be imprisoned in a label."

Qin Duo thought for a moment, and then sighed a rare sigh: "Yes. 'Old God's blood'. The only old god's blood in the world. Before I met you, I felt that the world was empty and full of people. people, but only me.”

Siles looked at him in surprise.

Qin Duo also looked at him.After a while of silence, he said a little uncomfortably, "Why don't you speak?"

"Because I feel a little rare that you would say such a very literary expression, Qindo. This surprised me." Siles laughed, and he walked to Qindo's side, hugged him, and bowed Said softly, "Now you have me."

Qin Duo raised his hand, hugged him tightly, and said softly: "At this time, I feel that your gentleness is like the blessing given to believers by the gods."

Siles said, "No. You are my lover. It is not a gift, you deserve such affection."

Ginto rubbed his shoulder and said, "I appreciate that you think so."

...The implication is that he doesn't think so?Siles felt a little helpless.

After tidying up the study, Siles bid farewell to Qindo.

"Will I be your teaching assistant tomorrow?" Qin Duo asked.

"It should be." Siles said, "I can go to confirm. However, it is the beginning of the semester, and there are not many things. You don't need to worry."

"...I'm in a hurry." Qin Duo whispered, "Of course, I'll wait for your confirmation. See you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow," Sirius said.

He returned to No. 6 Hayward Street, sorted out the items in his backpack, and then took a shower and washed his clothes.He was a little regretful, because if he had known that the weather was so good today, he would have chosen to hang his clothes out today.

Hope tomorrow is still a good day.he thinks.

...wish the world had a weather satellite or something.Siles sighed inwardly.Having said that, the god of stars and light... Can Luthmi's power be used to predict the weather?

He thought about it very seriously.

After finishing the daily chores, Siles put on his pajamas, and in the constant warmth of the stove, turned on the wall lamp beside the desk.He opened the letter from Professor Calverley.

"...

"Zhan Xinjia, Siles. I'm afraid you will have to watch an old man's nagging before he dies. I'm really sorry.

"It's been a pleasure to be with you, Sirius, you have to admit. Especially when we have interests in common, especially when my life is in its twilight and yours is just beginning.

"I don't mean to say this to make you feel guilty or upset. Young people and old people, the world always needs to be replaced like this. I knew my death well and was not surprised.

"My only concern, as you may have guessed, is my collection of books. I have given these little treasures to different people, including you, some other old friends, and some other young people. I believe that you will keep and collect them well.

"When this problem is solved, I feel that I have no regrets in this life. I once talked with you about related topics, and mentioned whether it is worthwhile to spend my whole life doing this.

"And now, I can unrepentantly -- literally 'unrepentantly' -- and tell you, yes, I think it's worth it. There's nothing more worthwhile than that.

"Death cannot stop my love of books.

"The reason why I mentioned your youth is because you still have enough time to do what you love. And I, it took me a lifetime to understand that if I can spend my whole life doing what I love, then I life is already very valuable.

"It's a cold winter, and I'm afraid I won't be able to survive this winter. Siles. Death is approaching me step by step. Sometimes I dream in the middle of the night, and I can see Thaddeus's cloak floating around me. .He is about to receive my soul.

"...So, it's time too. Sirius, it's time, it's time for me to meet my death.

"The last thing I need to mention to you is that although I have included 130 five books in my will, in fact, the number should be 130 six. It's just that you need to pick up the last one yourself.

"The safe in the Baker Bank is numbered 99 and the password is 'Silence 555'.

"About what this mysterious book is... I once talked about you with some friends, Sirius, including Professor Bright. He mentioned to me your previous graduation thesis.

"So . . . "The Life of a Man Named Conan Freemont." Complete. Here's my last surprise for you, Siles.

"I originally wanted to mention it to you inadvertently when I read a book with you in the warm spring season after this winter is over, and then see your unexpected and pleasant appearance... Forgive the old man's bad taste Well, young people always need some training.

"But time is too late. So it can only be mentioned in this farewell letter.

"The reason why this book cannot be included in the will is because it is not a very safe book. You should also pay attention when reading it. However, considering your relationship with the church in the past, you should also understand what I mean what is it.

"...It's time to say goodbye! Siles. Please don't be sad. Every book I have ever collected will record a certain moment in my life. They make up my life, so my life will always be exist.

"May the joy of reading last forever; may the brilliance of words shine in your heart forever.

"...

"Denton Calverley. A happy bibliophile. (What's the word for 'bibliophile'? Happy is always the best word for me.)"

Siles stared blankly at the farewell letter.

After a while, he couldn't help but sigh.In the night, he turned off the wall lamp, and then looked out the window silently.There was a very indescribable emotion rising in his heart.

Is that the shock and sorrow of death?No, it's not just that.

That is something other than death.

Life and death may always be talked about by people, but there are countless time and years between a person's life and death.

...Professor Denton Calverley, perhaps he did die without regret.Even death is such a regrettable thing.

Siles pinched the bridge of his nose involuntarily.After calming down slowly, he solemnly put the letter in the drawer.Now, his drawers are full of letters from different people.

This is probably the feeling of exchanging letters that can only be experienced in this era.

He wondered if he should tidy it up sometime, but felt it was unnecessary.

Soon his thoughts turned to the book mentioned in Professor Calverley's letter. "The Life of a Man Named Conan Freemont".

Due to various reasons, at least on the surface, there are only the preface, the first volume, the fifth volume and the No.12 volume.

Because of its incompleteness, there are not many scholars who study this book.Siles didn't know how the original body chose this topic... It seems that it was only because he saw the existing relevant records in the library?

Siles had wondered whether, as a bibliophile, Professor Calverley would collect the rest of the book.

But he never expected that Calverley not only collected them, but also collected them all!

This was indeed a pleasant surprise.

However, judging from the careful wording of this letter, Siles realized that this set of books is not as simple as it seems—I am afraid that many secrets and related records related to gods are hidden in it.

Conan Fremont used to be a believer, but after the god he believed in fell, this devout believer did not give up on himself, but turned to devote himself to literature, and spent the last ten years of his life to complete this novel tome.

... The god he believed in was the god of death and calamity, the curtain at the end of death, Thaddeus.

In fact, among the extant fragments, there are not many words about Conan Fremont's beliefs.Most of the time, Fremont is just recording the daily life of himself, his relatives, friends, and descendants, and recalling his own past.

The part that mentions Thaddeus the most is the "Preface" instead, which says that the reason why Fremont believed in Thaddeus was because he attended a funeral when he was very young and was Shocked by the solemn and quiet atmosphere, he became a devout believer.

Siles couldn't help but wonder, would there be any content related to Thaddeus in most of the lost text?

He was quite curious about it.In addition, he was also a little curious as to why Professor Calverley was able to collect the entire set of books.This sounds unbelievable.

After thinking for a while, Siles looked at the time and found that it was nearly nine o'clock.

It took him a while to sort out the thesis, and he planned to find the school's scribe to help transcribe it tomorrow afternoon.Subsequently, he wrote a letter to the publisher Benton, inquiring about the relevant journal submission channels.

He himself knows about this, after all, he has contributed to some journals when he was an academic; however, asking the publisher may also be a good choice.

In the end, he briefly reviewed the content of the class for the next period of time, then quickly ended these affairs and fell into sleep.

The next morning, he first went to Professor Aitley's office and asked about the teaching assistant.Professor Aitley said in a businesslike manner that the teaching assistant application form was stuck with Professor Mantel.

Siles couldn't help frowning, and he asked in a low voice: "So, the reason why Professor Mantel didn't pass the application?"

Professor Aitley hesitated for a moment, and then said in a low voice: "He said... since you have time to write novels, I'm afraid you don't need the help of a teaching assistant."

Siles: "..."

He and Professor Aitley looked at each other for a moment.

In fact, Siles found Professor Mantell's reasoning nothing short of ridiculous.Even if he said that Qin Duo was a foreigner of unknown origin, it would be better to reject his teaching assistant application than the current almost unreasonable reason.

Just look at Professor Aitley's embarrassed expression.This old professor has dealt with administrative work all his life, and I am afraid that he has never encountered such an embarrassing scene.

Siles couldn't help pinching the bridge of his nose, and he said calmly, "Maybe I should talk to Professor Mantel. Is he at school today?"

"He's here. But," said Professor Aitley, "I don't suggest you to communicate with him, Professor Noel. He's a stubborn old professor who can't understand some of the younger professors..."

Professor Aitley weighed his words.

"...Concept." Professor Aitley said, "I can help you send the teaching assistant application form to Dean Hurst. If he approves your application, that's fine."

Siles thought, wouldn't that raise the internal contradictions of the major to the department?

The novelist from Earth realized with a headache that there might be a lot more to this story.

Of course, he didn't mean to back down.Professor Mantel inexplicably canceled the positions of his two teaching assistants, which is already a very blatant suppression.

Since Professor Aitley planned to do this, Siles thanked him and agreed with his idea.

He turned to ask: "So, do you think that Professor Mantel did this because he can't understand my ideas? Sorry, I just want to understand the whole picture of the matter more clearly."

According to Dorothea Grant, it was because his novel was involved in the Grayson incident that Professor Mantel didn't like the sideline job of writing novels, so he made such a fuss on purpose.

According to Professor Bright, Professor Mantel wanted to use his power for personal gain to allow his relatives to enter Ramifa University, but was occupied by Siles, so he regarded Siles as a thorn in his side.

Just now, Professor Aitley mentioned the problem of concepts.The various statements are not completely consistent, which also makes Siles doubtful.

Professor Aitley hesitated for a moment, finally sighed, and said, "Professor Noel, I know it may be difficult for you to understand this situation. But... as time passed, the older professor gradually realized that, At least in the academic field, they have to give way to young people."

Siles couldn't help but startled.

"You are an appreciated professor. Dean Hurst appreciates your teaching methods very much, and the feedback from the students is also good. I vaguely heard that your academic papers this year are also very exciting.

"...For the vast majority of old professors, they are of course happy to see their achievements. After all, knowledge and academic achievements are always passed down from generation to generation. The elderly always need to step down slowly.

"Most of the old professors have this awareness. But...Professor Noel, not everyone, thinks so. Professor Mantel's... harshness to you may just be based on strictness and staidness. It's just a character that doesn't know how to adapt.

"I'm not sure how much selfishness there is in this, and I don't know if Professor Mantel is afraid of losing the position of professional director... Anyway, you are young. You still have a lot of time."

Professor Aitley seemed to mean something, but Sirius couldn't help but frowned slightly.

He doesn't like the subtext of... "still young" "still has a lot of time" "can kill old people".

Still, he thanked Professor Aitley and left the latter's office.

When the morning class ended, Qindo was already waiting for Siles outside the classroom.As they walked out, Siles told Qindo about the teaching assistant.

Qin Duo frowned, and said rather gloomyly: "You don't know how to live or die."

Siles said: "This matter seems a bit strange... However, it depends on how Professor Aitley handles it. They don't seem to want me to communicate directly with Professor Mantel."

"Of course you don't need to come forward!" Qin Duo said, "It's not your fault."

Cindo's blatant defense made Siles smile a little.He added: "But maybe I should write under a pseudonym in the future. Using my real name is indeed a problem, and I didn't pay much attention to it at the time."

Qin Duo nodded, agreeing to his approach.

"It's safer," Cinder said.

They first went to the scribe near the library, and Siles handed him the paper, and then paid the money—five duke coins.Gyndo looked like he wanted to say something, but he held back.

After leaving, Qin Duo said, "Is it so expensive to hire a scribe?"

Siles looked at him in surprise, and then said, "The scribe's job bears a part of the risk. My thesis is indeed fine, but the archives provided by others may not be."

"That shouldn't be your responsibility to pay the money, after all, there is nothing wrong with the written materials you provided." Qin Duo said, "The risks are not shared equally."

Siles nodded, but then shook his head and said, "Take it as a matter of paying for safety. The high employment fee will make those malicious people retreat."

Qin Duo was startled, and then said: "You are right. I haven't thought about it in this direction."

After leaving the library, Siles went to the carriage house outside the school to post the letter.He estimated the time in his mind, thinking that his thesis should be published in time, so he was relieved.

Qin Duo held his hand and muttered, "Your hands are a bit cold."

"We're outside, that's normal," Siles said.

Cinder didn't seem to agree, but he said anyway, "Okay then. We should go to dinner. What are you going to do this afternoon?"

Siles thought for a moment, then said, "The library. I have to check out a few books, and that's been a long time coming."

He was referring to the list of books on "Gods of the Shadow Age" that Kellogg had given him.It just so happens that they need to discuss issues related to this at the club this Friday.

Qin Duo hesitated to speak, and finally shrugged and said, "Okay, I'd be happy to read books with you."

Of course, it was Celes who read, and he read Celes.This scene is so familiar that it is confusing, as if some scenes from the past have been reproduced.

...the power of the Revelator.indeed so.

Siles has been looking forward to the books on this list, and this afternoon's reading has indeed given him a good harvest.He talked about these gains with his students at a Friday club event.

"The Age of Shadows is an era that seems to be shrouded in shadows. Many things happen in the dark, unknown, and seem to be hidden by people with a heart."

At the club event, Siles started the whole tea party with these words.

"Do you know anything about the Shadow Age?" Siles sat in front of the classroom and asked.

Although Kellogg is obviously the student who knows the most about Shadow Ji in the classroom, she blinked and remained silent, obviously not intending to end the topic at the beginning.

So the student from the seminary was the first to speak. He said: "In the seminary class, we will mention the Shadow Age. As far as I know, many gods have disappeared during the Shadow Age, such as Lygardia and Ruth M.

"However, there are still many deeds of gods that have been preserved by word of mouth. For example, Thaddeus. There is a rumor that the reason why the Fourth Era is called the 'Shadow' Era is because he died at that time. Many people have become the shadows in the hearts of mankind."

Siles nodded.

In some of the books he read, the "massive death" of humans in the Shadow Age was also mentioned.

This statement is not uncommon in various classics.Historians' understanding of the Shadow Period first comes from the administrative data of many cities or countries that have lasted for a long time, including population statistics.

In the Shadow Period, the "excess death" of human beings, that is, the number of abnormal deaths, has a linear increase.Compared with ordinary times, during the thousand years of the Shadow Era, human beings seemed to have been attacked by some disaster inexplicably.

Although the overall human population is still growing, the rate is much slower than in previous epochs.But theoretically speaking, the level of human civilization in the Shadow Period has not developed to the stage of affecting fertility.

After all, it is more than a thousand years.It is not surprising if the number of human beings has decreased due to diseases, wars, etc. in just one or two years, or during a certain period of time.But it was a "shadow" that lasted for more than a thousand years.

Therefore, some scholars have suggested that it may have been influenced by "Thaddeus".

This god of death and calamity may have done something in the Shadow Era, which caused a rapid decline in the human population.

But this is just a guess.In fact, this guess is not very popular in today's academic circles.After all, the era of the old gods has passed, and even though the existence of the Shadow Age is worrying, it cannot be related to the old gods in everything.

The more dominant view in the history circle is that a huge disaster occurred during the Shadow Era, most likely it was a natural disaster or some kind of disease.

This disaster led to the decline of human civilization, a large reduction in population, and even the collapse of some countries, thus causing a historical fault.

And this disaster even affected the old gods, indirectly causing the fall of the old gods during the Silent Era.

The old gods and catastrophe have attracted much attention in the historical circles; but in addition to these two conjectures, there is a third conjecture that has attracted more attention, that is, the old gods caused the disaster, and at the same time this disaster also caused the disaster. In turn, the power of the old gods was affected.

Should it be called "backlash theory"?

In addition to these three theories, there are also some theories that have no market, such as the theory of war, the theory of God's war, the theory of disease, the theory of climate, and so on.

In any case, regarding the historical faults of the Shadow Period, scholars think nothing more than: caused by humans, caused by the old gods, caused by natural disasters, and a random combination of the above three.

The speculation mentioned by the theological student has a very "theological" meaning.

After him, several students also chatted about the Shadow Chronicles they knew.The atmosphere during the chat was very relaxed, and sometimes students even interrupted or talked about other topics.

Siles would occasionally stop them when they got off topic, but most of the time he was just happy to see it happen.

From the information they mentioned, Siles found that the students' understanding of the Shadow Era was limited to: this era existed; as we all know, the history of this era is broken; Oh right, everyone still doesn't understand it now. Know why history is broken.

This is a very shallow understanding.And these students are already college students of this era, and most of them are even students of the Academy of Literature and History, so they should have a basic grasp of history and literature.

... this weirdness