Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic

Although the usage rules of the "Northern City: Coldwater Harbor" card are not as strict as the two seen at Lakeside Manor, the effect of this card is actually more entertainment-oriented than practical. The Roder Card does contain special rule cards, but generally, the rules are fairly fair, allowing special cards to have the opportunity to play their part.

This is also an important reason for the enduring popularity of this kind of game.

Last time, under the grape trellis at Lakeside Manor, Shard had seen Baron Lavende holding a special card from the Northern City series as well, but that was Atak City, the City of Arts. It seems that these two cards are from the same set.

"This card is worth at least 50 pounds, how about using this as hush money?"

Judging by the professor's expression, if Shard did not agree, he would certainly not let it go, so Shard could only reluctantly accept it. Even so, Professor Manning still insisted that the three make an oath to never speak of today's events.

Compared to the Circle Sorcerers who were worried about their identities being exposed, the professor was more concerned about his own reputation.

Actually, Professor Manning was relatively lucky; ordinary people experiencing a Relic malfunction would have death as their best outcome. The fact that he received immediate treatment upon encountering the malfunctioning Relic, and that the Relic itself did not have a strong intention to harm him, is actually quite rare.

Of course, although Professor Manning had attempted to use the Joyful Dream Pen to write a cat, what he actually saw in his dreams was not a cat—that was too disgusting. It was only under Miss Luisa's persistent questioning that he reluctantly admitted it was a girl with cat-like features.

This caused the more experienced Outlander to marvel and disdain at Professor Manning's imagination and hobbies, which surpassed those of his era. As for the young Miss Luisa, the expression on her face when she heard the truth was undoubtedly one of disdain.

Of course, Shard was not particularly concerned with what the professor thought about cats. However, when the maid helped the professor say goodbye to the two of them, Shard still quietly hid Mia behind himself to prevent Professor Manning from having a chance to touch her.

"What do you mean by this?"

Since the maid was present, the professor being supported by her did not speak too clearly. Shard did not explain, merely shaking his head and holding the cat behind him with one hand. This action amused the blonde girl beside him, but she also understood Shard's wariness towards the professor:

"Professor, you should just stay in bed and rest for the time being. I'll come to check on you every three days to prevent any other conditions from arising. Recent symptoms of excessive sleepiness are very normal, especially since you've lost so much... If you experience strange dreams again, remember to find me immediately; I live nearby on Feather Quill Street."

Although there was some unexpectedness along the way, the Relic "Joyful Dream Pen" ultimately was still recovered by Miss Luisa. She obtained the Dream Pen, and Shard obtained the highly valuable Roder Card, both very satisfied with their respective gains.

Feeling good, and as a thank you to Shard for his help that afternoon, Miss Luisa invited Shard and Mia to dinner, as the setting sun already appeared on the distant horizon. Of course, as a single lady living alone, she did not bring Shard back to her rented apartment but treated them at a restaurant instead.

During the meal, they talked about many things. Shard had many questions in his heart but did not ask directly. So, he first talked about the afternoon's events, summarizing the experience when facing the Relic malfunction, and also discussed his Light Spell with Miss Luisa.

This was not the topic Shard wanted to engage in, but Miss Luisa had much to say about it:

"Silvermoon inherently conveys the meaning of 'Sanctity,' so it has a significant effect against Whisper and Desecration Elements, but your effect was very pronounced. Although that Nightmare was indeed weak since it had just been born... it's also a good thing.

At least if you encounter an unforeseen situation with a Relic malfunctioning, you can first try out this Glimmer; run away if it doesn't work."

"Could this effect be because I have some special quality?"

Shard asked, and Miss Luisa looked at him in surprise:n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Special quality? Shard, you should be asking yourself that question."

"No, I mean, is it possible for an ordinary First Ring Sorcerer to have such a powerful Arcane Technique?"

"Of course, it's possible. The power of an Arcane Technique is greatly related to the understanding of Spirit Runes. After experiencing the events at Lakeside Manor, you have gained a significant understanding of Silvermoon; naturally, that explains it."

[There's also the 'Divine Afterglow' status.]

The whispering voice reminded.

Shard nodded, and finally got to the question he genuinely wanted to ask:

"Speaking of which, Miss Luisa, the Arcane Technique you used this afternoon was... it seemed related to a fairy tale."

Miss Writer was a bit smug talking about her own Arcane Technique. She looked around to make sure no one was at the neighboring tables before skillfully manipulating her knife and fork and speaking:

"I specialize in Enlightenment Elements, drawing on the power of civilization from words and stories. I'm best at fairy tales--the power you saw this afternoon came from the fairy tale 'Matchstick Girl'--the Spellcasting Materials were the story of the Matchstick Girl written by myself.

By using the Core Rune [Scribe] to awaken the power in the story, or using the Core Rune [Role Playing] to temporarily gain the power of the text, I've built my Circle Sorcerer System."

That sounded impressive, and Miss Luisa's Core Runes seemed to really be a good match.

But what Shard cared about wasn't that; it was the Matchstick Girl.

He tried not to make a strange expression and clumsily used his knife and fork to cut his steak. Mia was placed in a small basket provided by the restaurant, set on a chair next to him, and now the cat was standing on her hind legs, paws clinging to the edge of the basket, her big eyes staring greedily at Shard's food.

Actually, since he first saw the card face of the [Ancient Fairy Tale: Matchstick Girl], Shard had his suspicions, and this afternoon, upon seeing the Arcane Technique summon the Matchstick Girl, he truly confirmed he wasn't thinking nonsense. Different worlds might have similar systems or even cultures, but for a fairy tale to be exactly the same, that was too far-fetched.

"Could you tell me in detail about the story of the Matchstick Girl?"

Shard asked this and did not forget to explain:

"I don't remember this content from my past, but it seems to be a very well-known story."

"Of course, only stories that are so well-known and become a part of civilization possess the power of [Enlightenment]. As for the Matchstick Girl's story, due to its great age, there are many versions, and it would take all night to tell in detail. But the gist of the story is the same—a poor girl selling matches, ignites four of them and then dies in a snowy night."

"Hmm..."

Shard's hand, holding the knife, suddenly tightened, fortunately, the restaurant's cutlery was of good quality.

"The Matchstick Girl, the Little Match Girl... almost an identical story; this is beyond explanation by coincidence alone."

He thought to himself, somewhat surprised.

Miss Luisa, her head bowed mixing the vegetable salad, didn't notice Shard's odd expression, but Mia did. She mewed at Shard as if to comfort him.

Those amber eyes observed Shard, but sadly, at least this time, Shard didn't notice.

After all, even if someone was planning to club him from behind, he would probably fail to notice:

"Has this world ever encountered other transmigrators?"