The world controlled by dice [Western Fantasy]

This question stunned Sirius for a moment.

He pondered for a while, and then said a little troubled: "Teacher, so, what do the senior leaders of the Historical Society think?"

At the recognition ceremony at the beginning of the year, he once had a confrontation with Jonathan Bryant.It can be said that they broke up unhappy, and that meeting must have fallen into the eyes of those who care.

Siles was quite curious about what the top management of the Historical Society thought after this incident and Jonathan's conspiracy.

Grenfell sneered.He said: "Many things in the Historical Society are closely related to the high-level officials of the Principality of Constance. After the collapse of the Bryant family, some people who were originally vacillating naturally fell to the Grand Duke.

"As for what the Grand Duke thinks, I'm afraid you are quite clear. He may recognize the majesty and status of the old gods, but he also believes that the old gods should withdraw from the stage of history at this moment.

"It should be said that many people have different ideas about this matter. The same is true for the Historical Society. Some people still knelt before the fallen old god uncontrollably, while some people are eager to overthrow the old god. glory."

Siles listened silently.Of course he knew these things.

For ordinary people, the old gods and the followers of the old gods are concepts that have already withdrawn from their daily lives.They may be fretting about their day's work, their morning newspaper and milk being delivered ten minutes late, but they can't be bothered about whether the old gods will be revived.

For those who understand the nature of the world better, the Old Gods are not the problem - "Shadows" are the problem.

It is precisely those who are caught between these two groups of people who are the most vacillating and restless.

Siles thought for a moment, and suddenly realized a problem, he said: "However, on this issue, a group of people seem to be absent."

Grenfell cast a meaningful look, and then said, "The Church of the Past, and Antinam."

The only god in the world.Obviously, He and His believers have the most say in this matter, but now it is the nobles and enlighteners of the secular world who are fighting to the death on this matter.

Didn't the church of the past have any idea about this matter?

Siles thought carefully about the intersection of his past and the church of the past, and realized with surprise that the church of the past really had a rather "independent" attitude.They don't seem to be bothered to get involved in this dispute of interests.

But from another perspective, they are more deeply involved in matters related to the old gods than anyone else.

...This is obviously an instruction from Antinam, just as Grosvenor secretly helped Sires based on Antinam's revelation.

It was Antinam who decided the neutral, low-key and silent attitude of the church in the past.

Grenfell said: "In fact, the church has always been like that in the past. Anyway, Antinam has always been there, and it is impossible to completely ignore them for anything."

Sirius nodded slowly.

Indeed, he thought.For people who don't know the existence of "Shadow", the silence of the church in the past does not mean "no fight", but that they don't have to fight at all, because Antinam is their greatest confidence.

...And the senior leaders of the church in the past didn't seem to understand the "shadow" that well.Siles thought.

When Knight Commander Benyan planned to investigate the Sea of ​​Foley, he only thought that there were followers of the old gods there, and they were opposed to Anti-Nam, so he wanted to investigate.

In the end, he gave up the radical investigation, which can also prove that the Church of the past did not have such an urgent need for this matter.

Siles thought about it for a while, and couldn't help but feel that the Church of the Past and Antinam didn't seem to be that close, at least Antinam didn't see the Church of the Past as a way to defeat the "shadow".

... Then again, what is the enmity between Antinam and "Shadow"?Why did this god who was born at the turn of the Silence Era and the Mist Era have enmity with the god who had appeared in Fisher's world since the Shadow Era?

Siles was distracted for a moment.

When he recovered, he heard Grenfell say, "What a mess!"

Siles nodded rather earnestly.

Grenfell turned to say: "No matter what, that old Jonathan is dead. Those old men in the Presbyterian Church who always talk about the old gods will also calm down a little. You can also carry out the relationship more smoothly. researched.

"I remember you didn't research anything on the sealed item?"

Siles nodded.

It should be said that he actually discovered something... But it seems that it is not very public.

However, facing his teacher on the path of the Enlightenment, Siles still felt the need to be honest.So he hesitated for a moment, and then said: "However, it cannot be said that there is no discovery at all."

Grenfell was taken aback for a moment, and looked at Sirius in surprise for a while.He said, "Is it a discovery similar to the three elements and the recurring self?"

Siles shook his head, and he said: "I'm not sure what this phenomenon is all about... In short, from the perspective of the three elements, a sealed object is like a person with a body and spirit, but without The existence of the will. It seems that part of its soul is missing.

"So, if there is...something to fill this missing part of the soul, I think the sealed item will become some kind of...'creature'. Of course, I just encountered it once during the experiment, and I also Not sure how to reproduce this phenomenon."

Grenfell: "..."

He looked at the ceiling.

Siles paused for a moment, then said, "What's the matter, Glenn?"

"That's not a big discovery?!" Grenfell said angrily, "It's a kind...according to your words, 'creatures'!"

Siles added cautiously: "But I can't yet confirm the origin of this phenomenon."

He does know that the dice can use those sealed items as their bodies, but if other "things" occupy those sealed items, the result may not be good.

So Siles has been reluctant to try to judge again and let other "things" appear in the real world.He thought that might have a not-so-nice result.

Grenfell began to look at Siles with a new eye.

After a while he said, "I remember, Sirius, you were there when Jonathan's accident happened?"

Siles was taken aback, not understanding why Grenfell mentioned Jonathan.he said yes."

"So you must know what Jonathan wants to do." Grenfell said, "If a person's will enters the sealed item, can it be regarded as a sense of eternal life?"

Siles suddenly realized this possibility with astonishment.

He preconceivedly believed that only those "things" in the dark can use sealed objects as their bodies; but in fact, humans certainly have this "will", and at the same time, spiritual pollution is also a good proof that human will It is also transferable.

In fact, it was precisely based on this that Jonathan wanted to resurrect himself on those young children.

"And the sealed item is much better than the living, at least the sealed item will not resist." Grenfell said meaningfully, "Siles, when Jonathan stood on the opposite side of you, I didn't expect that you would hit him by mistake. Hitting the ground solved his problem."

Siles was silent for a moment, feeling deeply the wonder of the world.

He didn't even think of this himself, but was awakened by Grenfell.And when he realized this, he was surprised to find that it was not impossible.

When it comes to matters related to the revelator, Siles feels that his thinking is not enough... not enough "revelator".

Grenfell propped his chin, pondered, and then said: "However, most of the sealed items are cold and dead. This is indeed a problem. It would be great if they could be as flexible as machines... Robots?"

He said something jokingly.

But Siles was stunned, and it took a lot of effort to keep himself from showing a surprised expression.

He means... the world can already start thinking about the artificial intelligence crisis?This is really amazing.

This feeling is similar to the feeling when I heard Grenfell mention the "parallel universe" before.He felt in a trance as if he had returned to the earth, or he had come to a planet where the earth and Fisher's world were combined.

Grenfell didn't pay attention to Sirius' expression, he just thought for a moment, then smiled and shook his head: "Very interesting idea, Sirius. I am amazed at your thinking.

"However, it's really not easy for others to know. Who knows how far some crazy guys like Jonathan will toss this concept.

"In short, other people may discover this later, but you don't need to publish this discovery, so as not to cause trouble."

Siles nodded.

He did think so too.

However, the "disaster" in his imagination and the "disaster" in Grenfell's imagination seem to be different...

Grenfell sighed again: "I'm starting to think that it's a good thing for you to return to Ramifa City. At least it allows me to imagine these new things. Unheard of ideas."

Siles thought to himself, teacher, your idea of ​​turning people into robots is quite unheard of.

...and there is still a little possibility of realization.

They quickly changed the subject.

Grenfell said: "So, is there any new topic you want to study? Is it still related to mental pollution?"

Siles thought for a moment, shook his head, and said honestly, "I don't have any ideas yet."

"There's no rush." ​​Grenfell said, "I'm just reminding you of this matter. Speaking of it..."

He looked at Sirius.

Siles looked at him in bewilderment.

Grenfell propped his chin and said, "Recently, the Historical Society is holding a... group arena? It seems that it will start in a week or two. If you are interested, you can also go to watch the battle. It is in the salon. The third corridor The revelators are eager to try it.

"This may bring some ideas to your research... to observe the actual combat of the revelators. I know you have always been biased towards research, and I also think you can go down this path. Every revelator have their own path.

"However, research also needs to learn from others' strengths. It is also a good thing to expand your thinking."

Siles was a little surprised to hear this, and he said: "I see. Why would the Historical Society suddenly want to hold this kind of competition?"

Overall, for Siles, he doesn't think the power of the Revelator...is very suitable for combat.The aggressiveness is not that strong, but there are quite a lot of various auxiliary rituals.

Of course, this may also be because he himself didn't use the power of the revelator to fight.Most of the time, his will is his strongest weapon.

But he was indeed surprised by this sudden group arena match.

"A lot of things have happened in the past one or two months." Grenfell said, "Perhaps, some old men also want to see how much power the Revelator can have."

Siles couldn't help but frown.He said, "From what angle?"

"It's all possible." Grenfell shrugged, "You know, exploring the Everlands requires the power of a revelator, and protecting oneself also requires power. Who knows what those old men are thinking. In short, the arena That’s how the game started.”

In other words, both sides need such a match to test the power of the revelation?Siles thought about it.

He nodded: "I understand. If I have time, I will go and have a look."

After talking about the business, Grenfell asked about Siles' experience in Middleton with great interest.Siles had a hunch that he would say related things countless times in the future, so he had already prepared specific remarks.

There are many things that cannot be said, and he knows it well.But most things can also be said, such as Maltz's fireside chat, Biddle City's founding fountain, Kingsley's storm, Bethune University, and Middleton's cultural traditions.

Grenfell was very surprised. He said: "I have never been to such a distant country. However, now that the fog is gradually dissipating, maybe before I die, I can also visit the scenery of the whole world."

"You're young enough to go on a journey," said Siles.

Grenfell laughed and said, "I hope so."

Soon, Siles said goodbye to Grenfell.It's Wednesday morning.On Saturday afternoon, he chatted with another group about his experience in Middleton.

Angela's eyes widened, and she asked rather curiously: "So, the storm in Kingsley made you stay there for an extra day?"

"Yes," said Siles. "The weather is always unpredictable."

"That's true." Mrs. Fuller said graciously. "For example, the weather in Ramifa City recently is quite good, which is very unexpected. However, after a while, we may have another period of rainy weather. "

This is the life experience of an elderly man.

Young Darrell Hobbs let out a moan.

"However, the good news is that a number of renovation projects have recently started in Ramifa City, and we don't have to worry about flooding the sewers during the long rainy season," said Eric Colens.

Speaking of this, Angela immediately remembered something.She said, "I heard that a subway is already being built in the city?"

Eric nodded: "It seems to start from the west side, because there used to be an underground passage there. I've heard some rumors that construction will start."

"Oh, start from the west side." Darrell said, "I don't know how long it will take to build to the east side."

"At least there is hope." Angela shrugged.

Now that some changes in Lamifa City were mentioned, Siles took the opportunity to ask: "I have been away for a month. During this month, is there anything interesting in Lamifa City?"

"Uh... the group arena?" Darrell from the third corridor immediately mentioned this matter, "It is said that this matter was proposed by the elders."

They all looked at Angela.

Angela nodded, with a little joy of sharing the secret, said: "That's true. Some old men seem to have suddenly realized the power of young people, so they plan to promote some young enlighteners, so this competition is held match."

This is not the same as what Grenfell said.Siles thought.

…Maybe it is to use this statement to mobilize more revelators to participate?

Darrell tilted his head a little surprised.He said bluntly: "I'm afraid I want to find a few bodyguards that don't cost money!"

The young boy's unexpected sharpness made them all laugh.

Angela laughed and nodded repeatedly: "Indeed, indeed. Those old guys do have a... how to say, condescending attitude. They may not use rituals for a long time, just relying on their own The position can guarantee safety.

"And recently... Lamifa City has not been peaceful recently."

She winked at Siles instead, as if to say, Professor, I've mentioned this to you before.

Siles asked: "Is it possible that the struggle of interests will have such a big impact?"

"It is indeed possible." Mrs. Fuller continued, "Recently, there are quite a few revelators who have joined the Historical Society recently. I doubt whether anyone is promoting this matter... That is, let more people master the power of revelators.

"Besides, my family's business, as well as the business dealings of some acquainted businessmen and nobles, all show one thing: the competition in the market has been quite fierce recently.

"Not only within the Principality of Const, but also between Const and Kansas, as well as a few more distant countries. The development plan of the withered wasteland is a... a once-in-a-century opportunity."

They were all in a daze, feeling as if they were looking back at the past at a turning point in history, and looking into the future.

But this topic is also a bit far away from them.It should be said that everything seems to be getting closer and closer before the big change really comes, but no one knows when the final decision will be made.

So they changed the subject quite tacitly.

Darrell thanked Sirius suddenly and earnestly.

Siles was taken aback and asked, "What's wrong?"

Darrell scratched his cheek and said, "It's helping my brother. Professor, he said that you helped him say some good things in front of Captain Benyan, so that he can be promoted. He just arrived home not long ago, so let me convey his thanks .”

Only then did Siles suddenly realize, and he said, "It's easy to do. Besides, Bunyan seems to be very optimistic about your brother."

Darrell just smiled and shrugged again: "Come on, I still have to thank you."

They all looked at Darrell in a little surprise.It should be said that since Darrell went to school and then honed himself in the third corridor, he is quite mature now.

Can't say sophisticated.He still has the childishness of a young child, but he has grown a lot after all.

Facing their gazes, Darrell became angry for a moment, he patted the table angrily on purpose, and said, "What's the matter, is it strange for me to say this?"

Angela coughed, and then said, “It’s nothing, Darrell, we’re just complimenting you.”

Darrell looked at her suspiciously.

Angela said, "I'm glad you've grown up."

Darrell: "..."

He glared at Angela viciously.

They laughed a few words.

Siles thought to himself, indeed, other companions who went to Middleton have also returned to Ramifa City, including members of the past church.He has also begun to look forward to whether he can find some information about the "Woman Knight" from Ms. Catherine Kinsey.

Of course, he didn't intend to mention this matter to his companions now.He wasn't sure if that would actually pay off.

Eric also remembered something that he needed to mention to Sirius.He said, "Professor, do you remember Mr. Cinder's purchase of Ernestine's Tavern?"

Siles was startled, and recalled it before he remembered it.Of course, Qin Duo only mentioned it to him when he bought the tavern, and didn't mention it again after that.

After the Underground Arch incident ended, many properties belonging to Jonathan in West City were also split up.Cendo bought an inconspicuous but important part of it.

Ernestine's Tavern used to be the ostensible business of the underground gang in West City, and it was also the information distribution center of West City.There are quite a few shady deals going on.

Siles nodded and asked, "What happened to Ernestine?"

"It's the end of March now." Eric said, "It's not long before the underground fair in early August. Some businessmen have come to our side to inquire. However, Mr. Cindo seems to have always been concerned about this matter. There was no response.

"You know, many residents of West City are used to buying some items for the winter at Ernestine's trade fair, but the fair is quiet now.

"So, if you are free..."

Siles suddenly realized.

When Qin Duo bought Ernestine's Tavern, he probably thought it was a tavern, and with the information distribution channels, it was a bit similar to the tavern in Everland.

However, Ernestine was actually responsible for some underground transactions in the West City, especially the trade fair after the rainy holiday, which was something that many businessmen and residents in the West City were looking forward to.

Qin Duo was not in Lamifa City for some time in the past, even if he is back now, he has not had much time to deal with those business affairs recently, no wonder Ernestine is so anxious.

After all, the fair is held once a year, and preparations need to start long in advance.

Eric knew about the relationship between Siles and Cindo, and they would have talked about their respective gains at the meeting at 18 Houseville Street, so he mentioned it to Siles .

After thinking about it for a while, Siles said, "However, it's hard to hold fairs underground now, right?"

"Yes." In this regard, Eric also sighed, "Now the underground passage has been completely cleaned up."

Siles said: "I'll talk to Cinder about it. But, have all the underground gangs been dealt with?"

Others also cast curious eyes on this question.They don't know much about it, but Eric is quite familiar with West City.Eric said, "That's true.

"...It should be said that after Jonathan's accident, many members of the underground gang fled secretly. The rest of the people who were arrested were just some big figures who had no use in escaping, and the little ones who didn't know what happened. hello."

"It's so miserable." Angela couldn't help saying, "Although I deserve it."

Eric nodded, and he said: "The west city has been a little turbulent for the past month, but it has basically calmed down now. Just after a spring break, the west city has become much calmer and can welcome the arrival of spring."

"So those properties that belonged to underground gangs, who now belong to them?" Mrs. Fuller asked quite sharply.

"Some nobles, some merchants, some locals from West City." Eric was not sure about this question, so he answered rather vaguely, "However, some industries have also become... How should I describe it, more open and aboveboard? "

"Like Dawson Street?" Sirius asked.

"Yes." Eric nodded, "I heard people say in a tavern a few days ago that Dawson Street is likely to be transformed into a regular commercial street."

"Dawson Street..." Angela thought for a while, then suddenly recalled, "By the way, Professor, is your store on Dawson Street?"

"Yes, it was originally an underground black market." Siles said, "It's a good thing to transform it into a commercial street now."

"Indeed." Angela nodded, "I remember... Geisha Grocery Store, right? I also ordered some toys, which are quite interesting. However, the variety is a bit small. Professor, you should release more."

Siles was dumbfounded when he received the urging from the students.

Darrell counted with his fingers earnestly, and then exclaimed: "Professor, how many things do you need to do? Ramifa University, novels, grocery stores, enlighteners, these things have to be done by yourself !"

Siles: "..."

He glanced silently at the young boy.

Angela smiled without image, she said: "Just know, why say it!"

Siles glanced at her again, and said in a quite plain tone: "The birth and fall of gods and the evolution of beliefs have influenced the literature of the Silence Period."

Angela: "..."

Eric looked at Angela's expression, thought for a while, and said, "This is... the name of the course?"

This time it was Darrell who laughed, and the young boy said, "Just know, why say it!"

…Angela clenched her fists.

Mrs. Fuller couldn't help laughing, and then couldn't help it anymore, and laughed too.

Siles thought, this is the... fun of hurting each other?

He also couldn't help laughing.

They talked about their past lives in a lighter tone.

Darrell said he signed up for the group arena, but juggling his studies gave him a bit of a headache.Eric said he was promoted at the Ernestine's Tavern, and he no longer had to work as a waiter, which made it easier and allowed him to spend more time with his family.

Mrs. Fuller said that she has been busy with the business of Never Ember recently, but she also encountered some interesting business affairs, and at the same time watched some struggles in the city of Ramifa.She said that she hoped that those nobles would have a moral bottom line.

And Angela said in a rather depressed tone that her father began to urge the marriage overtly and secretly.Fortunately, her stepmother helped her out, otherwise she might have gone on a blind date, or simply got engaged to a noble young man she didn't know.

These words made them look at Angela in surprise.

Mrs. Fuller comforted her, and at the same time gave an example of the current situation in Ramifa City.She smiled and said, "Tell your father not to worry, Angela. After this round of struggle is over, it is unknown whether the nobleman he wants you to be engaged to is a nobleman or not."

Angela: "..."

For some reason, Angela felt a subtle mood swing.

And Darrell asked more bluntly: "You and your stepmother have a better relationship?"

Angela rolled her eyes, and said slowly: "That's a good question." She thought about it carefully, and then her tone suddenly became low, and she said, "Maybe I have realized that my stepmother is only my father's wife after all. , not my mother."

Darrell tilted his head, and then said, "But she helped you block your father's urging marriage."

Angela thought about it again, and then said firmly: "Yes. If she can continue to succeed, then I can sincerely call her 'Mom'."

They all couldn't help laughing.

Later in the day, Siles learned the whole picture of this matter from another angle from another person involved in this matter.

"My husband is a little worried about whether he can survive this change in Lamifa City." The lady sighed, "After all, he is on the side of the Grand Duke, but he is still an old nobleman.

"So he kind of wants his daughter to marry and find a more suitable and safe environment to stay in. But I always feel that this is something to worry about, and my stepdaughter is not at all willing."

The newsboy put it rather harshly: "A self-righteous father."

The noble lady laughed and said: "That's true. But anyway, I persuaded him. With our current assets, it is enough for my stepdaughter An An to live a life, no matter whether she finds a husband or not. "

The knight couldn't help but sighed and said, "The situation is turbulent."

This has become their consensus.Even if Jonathan Bryant died, the turmoil in Ramifa City would not disappear.Instead, that could intensify.One death may be just the beginning of another, more grand death.

The croupier didn't take much part in their conversation, but they were used to the croupier's silence.The croupier arrived a bit late today, so after a while, the lady and the newsboy left one after another.

But the dealer and the knight are still here.The knight took off his helmet, revealing his true face.

Carol Housman said, "Long time no see, Sirius."

"Long time no see." Siles said, "I went to Middleton."

"Oh, that country in the far north?" Carol said a little surprised, "Recently, people have also begun to know these countries that they have never heard of before from newspapers. It is said that Const will slowly establish stable contacts with these countries. "

"The Blight Wasteland Development Plan." Siles whispered, "Actually, it is also a development for the entire Fischer world."

"That's true." Carol nodded, "So, even some stubborn old men of the Historical Society have to admit that this should be considered a good thing. Of course, if they can get some benefits from it, That would be great."

Siles couldn't help laughing at this.

Carol also showed a slight smile, and he turned to say: "Since Jonathan is dead...Professor, I am looking forward to your new research."

Siles was startled, then shook his head helplessly: "I don't have any inspiration yet."

Carol patted Siles on the shoulder with a smile, and said, "It's an important moment, though. This year."

Siles nodded in agreement and whispered, "Indeed."

If you look back on this year or two in the future, what will people remember?

Withered wasteland development plan?Ramifa City Renovation Plan?Ritual promotion of self-reincarnation?Dissipation of the fog?

And for Siles, perhaps, everything will come down to the ultimate secret of this world.

When he left the Historical Society, it was almost evening.He went to Finn's for dinner.He had already greeted the Finn family before, and they also entertained Siles with quite exquisite dishes.

Irene Finn and Siles mentioned the proceeds of the Geisha General Store, and gave Siles a money order.Including the income from the recent period, this money order just made up a thousand duke coins.This is already the final profit after deducting operating expenses, wages, etc.

Erin said a little excitedly: "You don't know... our toys are very popular!"

"That's good," said Siles, who also mentioned the Dawson Street renovation. "Maybe we can have more guests later on."

Erin was surprised to learn this.

Bertram Winn said on the side: "This is indeed a good thing. The west city should also be transformed and become more prosperous. Now the east and west cities of La Mifa are completely separated."

Siles nodded approvingly.

After the meal, he chatted with Anthony about the situation of the waifs in the West City.

After the Xicheng underground gang was completely disbanded, these children were also driven out of the underground passage.Fortunately, the duke coins given to them by Siles had not been spent, so they rented a cheap house as a shelter.

As the leader of the group of children, Jimmy had the foresight to save the money and use it at such moments.

Anthony said very seriously: "Jimmy, and those other friends of mine, and those girls, they all want me to convey my thanks to you. In the chaotic moment of the West Side, no one thought whether they would survive. It was you in advance There is a way out for them."

Anthony's expression looked quite mature.It should be said that when the underground gangs in Xicheng collapsed suddenly, he suddenly understood the cruelty of the world—not only the cruelty of life, but also... the cruelty that everyone can only be responsible for their own lives.

They have no time to look around.

Anthony was a child himself.When his friends had problems, he was powerless.He could only be thankful that Siles had given his friends some money to survive the turmoil of the past month.

As for the future, they can also take their time.

Sirius was taken aback, then smiled slightly."You're welcome. They deserve it," he said.

The information that Jimmy brought him before was enough to deserve the money Siles paid.That's what those kids deserve.

Siles may have pointed out the direction of survival for them, but only if these children really go in that direction, that is "survival" in the true sense.

In any case, Sirius thought, he could never live for them.

Anthony shook his head, not seeming to agree with Sirius.But he didn't refute, after all, he probably knew what kind of person Siles was.

He added, "So, if you need anything in the future, you can come to us." He said seriously, "You deserve it too-I mean, our thanks. Although I'm not sure if we can Help."

Siles laughed. He said, "Of course. Did you hear what Jimmy said about the subterranean arches?"

Anthony nodded, and he said, "But Jimmy won't go into the details with me. It's annoying.

Siles said, "That's dangerous, so you don't need to get into it."

Anthony was a little unconvinced.

Siles said instead, "I mean, you've done me a great favor."

Anthony froze for a moment, then touched his nose a little embarrassedly.He couldn't help showing a little pride after being praised, and then said: "We will work harder."

Siles smiled a little too.