The world controlled by dice [Western Fantasy]

After some hilarious chaos of talking to ducks, they can finally enter a normal conversation.

It's one o'clock in the afternoon.Ernestine's Tavern was empty.

This is no coincidence.After Jonathan Bryant's accident, the tavern was purchased by Cinder.Therefore, when they made an appointment to meet with Jon, Qin Duo made a greeting in advance and asked the tavern to close for a day on Friday.

So, they have plenty of time to have this conversation.

Originally, Siles also considered going to a more secluded place, but considering that they were all used to the Ernestine Tavern, he finally chose this place.

The reason why the tavern is closed is to purchase some ingredients, and other staff members are also on vacation.Eric Collens knew some inside information, so he waited here in the tavern for a while in advance, and after Jon came over, he left.

So this conversation is clearly one of those important conversations that can't be noticed by anyone.

They sat in the corner of the tavern, where they would not be glimpsed by passers-by through the glass windows.However, they could indeed vaguely see the bright sunshine outside the tavern, as well as the residents of West City coming and going.

This place was chosen by Jon, so he clearly understands the importance of this conversation.

"...It looks like it will be a very long conversation." Jon said, "Since you have appeared in this capacity. Is it very dangerous?"

Mr. Detective's sharpness is always comforting.No, it should be said that Professor Siles Noel's friends are actually more or less astute, because they know what kind of trouble this professor is in.

Siles paused before replying, "You can say that. But just in case." His gaze shifted, glanced at the time, and he said, "At least you don't have to be so nervous now. "

Jon reacted almost immediately: "So, when do you need it?"

"What date is today?" Qin Duo said slowly, as if he had forgotten the day, "By the way, August 8nd, Friday. In three days, Lamifah University will start school .”

"That day?" Jon was a little surprised, "Why is it that day?"

"Because a guest chose that day as the time for him to return to Lamifah City." Qin Duo shrugged, showing some kind of dissatisfaction, "So, of course we have to be proud of his Get ready... at least mentally."

Siles duly added: "Ebenezer Const."

Jon thought about it: "What happened 14 years ago?"

"...It seems that you also know." Siles said without any surprise.

Jon spread his hands, and he said: "... Well, considering that you already know... In short, I quit the Historical Society 14 years ago. Of course, at that time I was just a humble enlightener. "

This incident took Sirius a bit by surprise.

Cinder looked at the detective, who still looked very young, and said, "So, you're a little older than we thought."

Jon seemed to understand what Qin Duo meant, but he seemed too lazy to understand.He rolled his eyes: "Maybe... In short, he returned to Lamifa City?"

"Yes, August 8th..." Siles looked at Qindo.

Qin Duo followed up and said, "The train arrives at ten o'clock in the morning."

Jon touched his chin: "I see...do you need me to go?"

"Yes." Siles said a little apologetically, "At that time, Qindo and I had to be busy with the start of school, and besides... I suspect that this is the information they deliberately revealed."

Therefore, if Siles or Qindo went there, it was very likely that they would fall into someone's trap.But it is impossible for them to completely ignore this matter.

Although Siles could use the puppet to go there, after all, he had to focus on two things.It may be a better choice to let Jon go. This detective has the ability to disguise himself, and he knows the existence of "shadow".

Siles said: "If nothing else, Ebenezer Const is a believer in 'Shadow'."

Jon blinked, and he said, "This is a bit of a surprise." After pondering for a moment, he showed a subtle expression, "So, they plan to attack Lamifa City."

"That's right. Ebenezer is just the first, or the first group of people; after him, there will be many followers of the old gods coming to Lamifa City." Siles said calmly, "I I hope we can unite, not just me, Jindo and you, but more people, all involved."

"That's a big deal." Jon murmured in a low voice, and then he laughed. "Of course, no problem, Professor. I'm more than happy to participate."

Siles also smiled slightly, and he handed the eight-petal rose brooch to Jon.

"...a token?" Jon glanced at the brooch.

"Yes." Siles said, "Considering security issues, I can't let everyone meet, that would be a bit grand. Therefore, such tokens become a way to confirm each other's identities."

Jon nodded, looking at the brooch with interest, he said, "But...how many 'us' are there?"

"Twenty or thirty, maybe." Siles said, "I haven't been able to confirm the intentions of some people, and some people may not be suitable to participate."

Jon understood, he put the brooch into his pocket, and after a moment of silence, he sighed and said, "There are so many questions, I don't even know where to start talking."

Celes smiled.

Qin Duo said, "Why don't we come and talk about you?"

"Me?" Jon was taken aback, and he said, "What can I talk about?"

"When I wrote you that letter, Jon, I thought we should have been a little more frank," said Siles, "so, pardon my bluntness—should I call you Detective Jon, or , Bourne the Tramp?"

Jon's pupils froze almost instantly, but that couldn't be said to be anger or fear, it was just unexpected surprise.

After a while, he said, "This is a bit surprising...how did you find out?"

...Relying on the team script?Siles thought.But this answer can't be said, it sounds a bit like cheating.

He thought for a moment, then said, "Because I value logic."

Jon was speechless for a moment, and then he said jokingly: "Well...Professor, are you taking revenge on me for breaking your disguise at the first glance?"

Siles paused for a moment, only to belatedly realize that his words were exactly the same as Jon's explanation just now "because I pay attention to details".

Qin Duo laughed sullenly at the side, and then he couldn't hold back the smile, and laughed out loud.Siles couldn't help but smile.Jon looked at them unhappily for a moment, then laughed himself.

The originally tense atmosphere suddenly turned into a strange scene where everyone laughed.

It wasn't long before they restrained their smiles.

Siles said: "I heard about the existence of the bum Bourne from the waifs on the West Side. I was investigating the Grayson Foods Company at the time."

Jon thought for a moment, and then said, "That's really quite a long time ago."

Siles nodded in the same way: "A year has passed. At that time, the kid told me that the homeless Bourne finally disappeared on Dawson Street."

Jon recalled it for a while, as if he couldn't remember it.He said, "But... what does that have to do with me?"

"I saw you once on Dawson Street," said Siles.

Jon froze for a moment, then said strangely: "Just because of this?"

Siles shook his head, and did not answer the question immediately, he continued: "The child also saw the homeless Bourne, near the Canla River.

"He said Byrne buried his upper body in the river, and Byrne was keenly aware of the kid's new clothes. I was looking into the Jonathan Bryant thing.

"Perhaps you don't know, it was from this boy that I ran into you on Dawson Street in the West Side, after hearing the news of the homeless Bourne."

Jon was a little surprised and said, "That's really a coincidence."

"The kid said that Bourne, the homeless man, was a man in his 30s with a hunchback, squinting eyes, and a mole on the tip of his nose." Siles said, "When you bury your upper body in the water of the Canla River Are you trying to wash off the camouflage on your face?"

"...Why do you assume that the homeless man is me?" Jon laughed, "...Yes, it is indeed to wash your face."

The implication is that he admitted his identity.

Siles couldn't help being stunned for a moment, and didn't know whether he should breathe a sigh of relief or what.

Jon thought for a moment, but still couldn't understand: "Well, you just finished talking about Bourne's existence with a kid who had seen me, and then I appeared... It's really a coincidence, but how could you What about linking my two identities?"

"Because I've never met a second person who pays more attention to details than you," said Siles.

Jon: "..."

He felt that Professor Noel was making fun of him.

"Beside a pitch-black river, I noticed at a glance that a vagrant who met by chance had changed into a new suit." Silles paused, and then said, "The first second I saw me, because of the clothes on my body Taste and discover my identity problem.”

Mr. Detective first protested: "Please don't describe me as a pervert! This is just a detective's vigilance!" Then he shrugged and said playfully, "It seems that I have to hide this advantage of myself, so that I don't worry about it. One day I exposed myself."

He accepted his own loopholes, but he suddenly became thoughtful.

After a while, he said with some surprise, "So, if I hadn't mentioned the magnifying glass to you, you wouldn't have noticed my question at all?"

Sirius hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

Qin Duo laughed mercilessly again.

Jon opened his mouth, not knowing what to say.Obviously, he is a very good detective who claims to be very good, but he is clever but is mistaken by cleverness, like a rabbit bumping into a tree stump.

Finally he couldn't help sighing, and said in a low voice, "It made me reflect."

They were all silent for a moment, Jon lost in thought.

Then he whispered: "Okay... Bourne. First of all, to answer your previous question, I hope you will continue to call me Jon, which is the name I am used to."

"...It's not a real name either?" Sirius asked keenly.

Jon spread his hands.

"I'm beginning to suspect that you yourself have forgotten your real name," Cindo said.

Jon was speechless for a moment, and then said, "No, that's not the case. It's just that it's a name on the official wanted list, so I think it's better for you not to know."

Both Siles and Cendo looked at him in surprise.Rather than saying that there was vigilance in that expression, it was better to say that it was suspicious - what could this Mr. Detective do to be wanted by the authorities?

Jon sighed lowly. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Where do we start...Let's start with the appearance of the homeless Bourne."

More than ten years ago, Bourne, the homeless man, appeared in Lamifaxi City, just like any ordinary homeless man with nothing to do.He seemed like a drop of water had merged into the sea, without being abrupt or strange at all.

"...Let me first say that I decided to be a homeless man for the time being just to hide my identity. But the identity is indeed quite useful, no one would care about a homeless man, so this identity has been maintained for a long time." Jon emphasized.

Siles nodded, and he asked, "So, why did you choose to become a homeless man?" He paused, "Because of that official wanted?"

"You can say that." Jon said in a subtle, indifferent tone.

"...So what did you do?" Qin Duo asked suspiciously.

"...Probably, when Ebenezer Const was deprived of his heir status 14 years ago, I secretly spread some bad rumors?" Jon's tone was still quite subtle.

"What rumor?"

"This is a conspiracy promoted by Antinam and the Church of the Past...something like this?" Jon said in an uncertain tone, "...It's been too long, and I can't remember clearly gone."

There was a more complex, indescribable emotion in his tone.

Siles was taken aback for a moment before whispering, "You really don't like Antinam."

"...It can be said that." Jon's tone was quite low. "I told you once, I am on the side of humans, but not on the side of Anti-Nam."

Siles nodded, he did remember that.

...Of course, at this point in time, when he already knew Antinam's true identity and past stories, hearing Jon say that again did bring more sighs.

He couldn't blame Jon, and Jon didn't know the stories behind those historical curtains.However, this situation inevitably caused Siles to have complicated emotions.

Beside him, Qin Duo also lowered his eyes.He gave a low sigh.

Of course, Jon would not know the meaning of Qindo's sigh.He still insisted on his position: "My idea is... I always believe that in the era when the old gods have fallen, the god Anti-Nam does not need to exist.

"...I'm not saying that I deny Antinam's achievements in protecting human civilization in the late Silent Era. I respect this god, but on the other hand, the existence of this god means that the name of God still oppresses human beings. exist.

"This makes me sick—it's not Antinam that makes me sick, but the effect, the result, makes me sick.

"Even though He himself may not have this intention, His human believers did. Perhaps overall, the Church of the Past is a good organization, but...it is a large organization after all."

Siles said gravely, "There are always shadows."

Jon thought about it, and unexpectedly felt that this statement was not wrong. He agreed, "There are always shadows."

"But your attitude has changed now." Qindo said, "...if I understand correctly?"

It's a fairly obvious transition from Tramp Bourne to Detective Jon.

Jon fell into silence for a while.After a while, he showed a wry smile that could almost be called self-deprecating.He said: "It is true. I am not denying my past position, but the weight of my position has changed."

A guess arose in Siles' mind, and he said, "Because of 'shadow'?"

"Because of 'Shadow'." Jon said so, but shook his head again, "It's not just because of 'Shadow'."

After another period of silence, Jon finally sighed, and he said: "For a while, I even thought, 'Shadow'... I have to explain that I didn't fully understand what this god was doing at the time. for.

"At that time, I only thought that He was a god hidden in history, a living god other than Anti-Nam. So, I thought at the time that 'Shadow' could be our helper against Anti-Nam."

Siles didn't understand the meaning behind the words almost immediately.He was stunned for a moment, and began to look at the detective in front of him with a new look.

From this perspective, if it weren't for the appearance of "Shadow", then Jon could almost be said to be their enemy.

"Did you ever plan to fight Antinam?" Qin Duo said in surprise.

"Yes." Jon said very calmly.

It should be said that after exposing the identity of the homeless Bourne, Jon began to be completely honest.

Siles and Cendo looked at each other.

"...well, friends," said Jon, "you have too many questions, let me explain my past life at my own pace. It may disappoint you, it may disappoint you If you find it funny, that might make you feel ridiculous...

"But anyway, today's weather is nice and sunny. It's a good time to talk about your past. If you mention the past in a rainy weather, it's like your life will be soaked in mud."

He spoke aimlessly, then paused.

"...So, things should start when I was born. I am from Xicheng. When I was born, my mother had dystocia. My father and my other elders took my mother to the Church of the Past, Count on them to save my mother.

"In the end, I survived, but my mother died. I don't understand why they have to turn to the church of the past instead of the hospital. I have wanted to ask this question countless times, but I couldn't open my mouth.

"...I have to admit that to a certain extent, I am angry with the Church of the Past and Anti-Nam because of this matter. But it is not so...angry.

"At the end of the day, I feel sad that people can't believe in the progress and development of their own civilization, and still want to turn to the gods, to their pathetic and uninteresting beliefs.

"They think that their gods can save everything, that as long as they have enough faith and piousness, then everything can be solved smoothly. This belief itself makes me sick, like my birth, stained with my mother's blood. "

Having said that, Jon paused, and he said: "It's been too long, so you don't have to worry too much. Of course, occasionally I do feel trapped by this matter... I can't avoid it." Apart from this, it seems to be a sin of my birth."

Even for himself, Jon still has a surprisingly keen.

He went on to say: "So, when I found out that I actually had the aptitude of a revelator, it was really a strange feeling. I have to say, at that time, I unilaterally regarded Anti-Nam and the Church of the Past as me. enemy, and what am I?

"It's just that with a young, sad, and irresistible mentality, I devoted myself to opposing Anti-Nam, thinking that the world should proceed according to my own ideas...

"...But, of course, it's not that simple. I was a pretty extreme person back then, I have to say.

"In short, I found a group of like-minded people in the Historical Society - it feels weird to use this word to describe this matter. But, indeed, within the Historical Society, there are quite a few people who don't like Anti-Nam.

"The reason why I chose the Historical Society instead of the Church of the Past was probably because of some guilty conscience... At that time, I was so young that it was ridiculous. However, it was only because I was old enough that I could justifiably laugh at that Me at the time.

"The next step is to cooperate with this group of people, secret organizations, some underground activities, and know more people... Countless. At that time, no one would pay attention to me. After all, I was just a young enlightener who had just joined the Historical Society.

"And then there was... 14 years ago. Of course, as I said, I was just joining the Historical Society at the time, so I wasn't very clear about the whole thing.

"But as far as the secular society is concerned, I did know about Ebenezer Const. So I suggested that I could take this opportunity to pour dirty water on the church of the past and say that this matter is Antinam's plot.

"Of course, they thought it was a good idea. I was very happy that I could help, so I went back and forth - you may know what happened after that, I was officially wanted, and I was listed in a group that looked very in the middle of the sinister name.

"As for those other people, of course they pushed me to take the blame... To be honest, when I think about it now, it still makes me feel quite ridiculous, including me, including them, making me feel ridiculous.

"That was probably the first blow I received, but it also made me more restless...It allowed me to get in touch with people that I couldn't get in touch with before. On the way to escape, I met some people, They taught me how to change my face and escape from it.

"For the Principality of Constance at that time, I was not a serious criminal, and I was not the focus of their arrest. I just added a name by the way, as if to make the wanted list fuller, and they would get more The credit is the same.

"To be honest, after I became a detective, I became acquainted with people in the police station - friendly -, but they probably couldn't imagine that I was the one they wanted, although this happened after the current Grand Duke took office. Let it go.

"...In short, I became Bourne the Tramp."

Having said that, Jon thought about it carefully, then nodded: "Yes. That's it."

Siles looked at Jon with a little suspicion, thinking that the detective who was always vague might still be hiding something.However, he has already told what he wanted...

...Speaking of which, is he really wanted?

The man sitting across from them—the detective—has always been shrouded in mist and gloom, and he himself has always avoided talking about it.Of course, this is not a big problem, but at this juncture, they need some more honest dialogue.

Tramp Byrne's position is always a delicate issue.And now, Jon is also aware of this, so he is trying to explain his past and the change in his attitude as clearly as possible.

However, Siles was also convinced that Jon must have some parts that he didn't explain clearly.

For example, in the process of his escape, did he really just learn some disguise techniques?For another example, is he really the wanted young enlightener he said?

After thinking for a while, Siles didn't continue to think about it.In any case, when facing the "shadow", their positions are unified-and, from Jon's hint, it seems that he will change his position precisely because of the appearance of the "shadow".

Jon paused for a while, confirming that neither Siles nor Cinder wanted to ask any questions, and sighed inexplicably.

He said: "After I became Bourne the Bum, someone found me."

These words immediately caught Sirius' attention.Obviously, the person Jon mentioned at this time must be very important.

"...I'm not sure if you know it, but inside Lamifa City, there are some... humans who hate Anti-Nam more than I do." Jon shrugged, "I don't like those old gods. , exactly, I don't like any gods.

"However, this group of people just miss that old time. I really can't understand their thinking.

"...For what it's worth, I'm not sure how many 'Shadow' believers there are in this group. It's a pretty hard thing to pinpoint, as to what people really believe.

"Back to the situation at the time. I was the one who proposed to pour dirty water on the Church of the Past, and I don't deny that. Then, after I became Bourne the Bum, this group of people found me somehow. They wanted to Incorporate me into their organization.

"I have to say... because of the betrayal before, I don't trust this group of people very much. But anyway, at that time, I needed some companions, at least so that I could live a good life in West City.

"So I accepted their invitation and participated in some of their actions. Compared with the group of people I met in the Historical Society, the actions of this group of people can be said to put malice on the surface.

"It should be said that what they intend to do is to resurrect the old gods and defeat the new gods. They want to go back to older ages, such as the Faith Period and the Empire Period. They don't mention much about what happened in the Shadow Period and the Silence Period. Just miss the past glory.

"I think this kind of old, old-fashioned atmosphere is out of tune with today's era and today's world."

Jon described this group of people with a more critical and disgusting mood.

Soon, he said again: "Because of this, in addition to participating in the activities of this organization, I have also established my own...team? Perhaps it should be said that way. As Detective Jon.

"Actually, I already wanted to give up my identity as a vagabond Bourne and focus on my identity as a detective. However, last year, this group of people started an operation...directly targeting the Church of the Past.

"It should be said that they have been preparing for this matter for decades, and they think that last year will be a suitable opportunity to do it. It just so happened that last year the Grand Duke proposed a development plan for the withered wasteland. As you know, the hearts of the people in Lamifa City are fluctuating."

Siles said thoughtfully, "The apostate."

Jon showed a surprised expression, and he couldn't help but say, "How did you think of it?"

"Because it was I who reported the whereabouts of this apostate to the Church of the Past." Siles said flatly.

Jon was speechless for a moment.

After a while, he couldn't help laughing: "This is really a wonderful coincidence...it's so wonderful." He paused, and then said, "Then, you also know what they plan to do?"

"Have a certain understanding." Siles said.

In the running group script, this group of people stole the list of pastors from the church in the past, and they planned to use it to do something—maybe it would be a large-scale assassination?But in any case, they ultimately failed to do so.

From Jon's description, Siles could realize that this group of people was probably a mixed bag, and it was a rather loose organization.The only thing that people who join this organization have in common is that they oppose Antinam and the Church of the Past.

In this group of people, there are people like Jon who hate all gods equally, and there are also followers of the old gods. Naturally, there must be "shadow" believers.

...That's why Jon was able to use this to find the organization that knew about the existence of "Shadow" and that Professor Kabell once joined?

No, is this really an organization?

Maybe it was a small group that existed among the crowd.Siles thought.There is some overlap in the functionality of the two organizations.

Jon nodded and said, "It's best if you understand, so I won't explain much. Anyway, they asked me to be the contact person for this apostate. To be honest, I don't know much about it." How interested.

"But maybe, they just saw my lack of interest, so they decided to test me. I joined this organization about 11 years ago, and they probably expected a lot from me at that time, but I didn't do anything. The result..."

"Wait a moment." Siles said suddenly, "Mr. Detective, you said, you joined this organization 11 years ago?"

"Uh...yes. Is there a problem?" Jon said a little surprised.

Siles thought for a moment - recalled, to be precise.

Then Siles said: "If I remember correctly, in the first half of the year, when we were investigating the Darrow family extermination case, in a letter you wrote to me, you mentioned that the 'Shadow' related organize.

"You said that there was an enlightener who joined this organization 11 years ago and told you something about this organization, and he said that this organization is also investigating the May serial murder case, but most of the information is held at the top of the organization hands.

"You also mentioned Forrest, a member of the Historical Society. He seems to have warned you not to go into this matter.

"...So, are these two organizations the same? Is this the enlightener who joined the organization '11 years ago', yourself?

"I guess you pretended to be a third-party perspective, and from his standpoint, told me the information you know... Is it such a process?"

Jon remained silent, but stared blankly at Sirius.

His performance has made the result of Siles' guess self-evident.

Qin Duo looked at Sirius, then at Jon, and exclaimed in a low voice, "How can you connect the two things?"

Siles said calmly: "Because, I don't think there are so many different secret organizations in the city of La Mifa. Besides, Jon, I always have certain doubts about the process of you finding this organization that understands 'Shadow'." doubts."

If the existence of the "Shadow" and its followers is so easy to discover, then it is impossible for people to know nothing about it since the Silent Age... no, since the Shadow Age.

And when they were at Jon's home, after hearing Jon mention that he picked up a painting in the trash can and was polluted by "shadows", Jon described the process of how he looked for clues related to this pollution. , understatement.

But is it really that easy?

Those Middletonians who were polluted by the "Shadow", they were so close to the "Shadow", but never realized that they were not polluted by Temiafa or other old gods, but by an Outer God .

For example, Foster Langhe and Lalpete Francisco, they were contaminated by the "shadow", and they are still half dead in bed until now.

Another example is the group of people in the oasis in the mist, almost all of them can be said to be inhuman.It can indeed be said that they were too close to the corpse of the "shadow", but this terrifying scene of being trapped in the mud is enough to prove the horror of the pollution of the outer gods.

However, this Mr. Detective in Lamifa City can directly find a solution to the pollution and even discover the existence of the "shadow" in a short period of time?

You must know that the extermination of the Darrow family took place in early August last year, and Jon was naturally contaminated at that time.And in October, when Siles met Jon because of the Marquis of Austin's family, the latter seemed quite normal.

Indeed, at that time, Siles had already proposed the ritual of "returning himself" within the Historical Society, and Jon also had some channel to obtain news from within the Historical Society.

But before that?How did Jon stay sane and sober before he learned about the "self-reincarnation" ritual?Besides, in just two months, can Jon completely get rid of the pollution of "shadow"?

This is a strange thing.In fact, Siles is planning to ask Jon how to completely get rid of the pollution of "shadow" in today's conversation.

Therefore, Siles's more inclined answer is that maybe Jon has heard about the existence of "Shadow" long before that, that is, joined that organization, so he can be prepared-he may do everything possible to delay the pollution. Invasion, but still hopeless.

At this time, the emergence of the "self-reappearance" ceremony gave Jon a glimmer of hope.That's why he was so grateful to Sirius.

...how did Jon know about the "Reincarnation" ritual?

When he first met Siles, he had already called Siles "Professor".Siles can be sure that Jon already knew the existence of the "self-returning" ritual at that time.

But at that point in time, this ritual was only an experiment within the Historical Society, and Bello, the director at the time, was going to carry out a large-scale promotion, but because of the issue of the three elements of Siles, this project was frozen; therefore, Jon was How do you know?

...Forrest.Siles thought.

The former elder, who participated in the experiment of "reappearing the power of the gods" 14 years ago, obviously has extensive contacts within the Historical Society, so he can naturally hear about the existence of the "reappearing the self" ritual.

Therefore, a logical process is that Forrest, as a member of the Historical Society at the same time, has a relationship with the God