If it hadn't been for the "Moon Reading" Hypnosis he had cast on himself earlier to prevent any criticism, he would definitely have had a few words to say about this sycophantic Holy Chalice.
Shiayar narrowed his eyes slightly.
With a thought, the Crimson power was transmitted to him through the 3rd Soul Pact, gathering at his fingertips into a thin blade.
Shiayar's finger twitched, and a fine cut opened on the palm of his hand.
But then, the cut quickly healed.
"From whence does my self-healing ability originate?"
"Master, the mysterious power contained within the core of your Spirituality is too profound for me to see through." The text on the body of the sycophantic Chalice paused, hesitating for a moment before appearing again.
"But... if I'm not mistaken, this self-healing power seems to carry a trace of the Abyss."
"It's somewhat similar to the Crimson Red Moon, yet different."
As it inscribed these words, the Knowledge Holy Chalice couldn't help but tremble.
Could it be that his master was also an ancient god from the Abyss?
Shiayar pondered for a moment, then spoke again, "Next question."
"Master, that..."
The Knowledge Holy Chalice now showed an inexplicable touch of coyness and shyness.
"Speak frankly."
"According to the rules set in my Sage Core at the beginning of my creation, I must follow the principle of equivalent exchange."
"The forbidden knowledge you bestowed upon me earlier can be counted as the stake for the first question, but now this is the third question..."
"Humble as I am, may I request that you, my master, answer a question for me?"
Shiayar nodded, "Ask."
"What was the last dish of your most recent meal?"
Shiayar recalled, "Goji berry soup with grilled lamb kidneys."
He remembered consulting a Divination Master in the Empire Capital long ago and the prediction made for him. The prophecy given at the time was "drink more goji berry, eat more kidneys."
As it turned out, the Divination Master lived up to his reputation.
"A perfect answer!"
Bright white light burst forth around the Knowledge Holy Chalice.
"Master, you may continue asking questions."
"Then, the last question," Shiayar said, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"Tell me all that you know about Golden Dawn, and the purpose of the letter they sent me."
...
About ten minutes later, Shiayar's spiritual power stirred, and he exited his 6th Soul Pact Space.
The chilly breeze on the balcony whistled past, brushing against Shiayar's cheeks, clearing his mind considerably.
He had to admit, while the Knowledge Holy Chalice might be chatty and a bit prone to dramatization, its Authority to uncover secrets was undeniably powerful. His decision to spend one hundred and seventy points to exchange for it had indeed been the right choice.
In this world of the extraordinary and mystic, he who controls information has the advantage.
Shiayar extended his hand and opened it slightly.
In the next moment, the letter bearing the starlight and the half-eroded brand of the World Tree quietly manifested from his Spatial Pocket.
With his index finger moving rhythmically, the seals applied by Silvia were gradually undone.
Then, Shiayar opened the envelope to reveal the contents within.
Distinguished "Star Chaser" Shiayar Egutt,
Your struggle in the Ancient Dukedom Azure Garden in the Holy Calendar Year 346 became one of the turning points in human history.
Star Chaser is an honor granted to one who has become a turning point in human history, laid the foundations for human principles, and accomplished the "Opening Stellar Frontiers."
This, too, is an invitation from Golden Dawn.
Perhaps you have heard of us, or perhaps not, but none of that is important...
We are witnesses to human history, Ye Yi Watchers of human principles. We maintain the correct historical course.
We have witnessed the birth of eras, Ye Yi listened to their end.
You may not have heard our name, but you must have heard of King of Gold Lai Yin—one of our past leaders.
If you wish to join Golden Dawn, please follow the spiritual guidance within the invitation and join our assembly at daybreak on the first of next month.
As Shiayar finished reading the letter, it dispersed into specks of starlight, its traces becoming impossible to find again.
It sure has an air of grandeur, Shiayar murmured internally as he watched the letter vanish into starlight. Just look at the way they describe themselves. "Witnesses to history," "Watchers of human principles"... They're boasting to the high heavens. And the most crucial part is, they seem to have the capital to boast. King of Gold Lai Yin, after all, was a significant figure who initiated the Holy Calendar and whose likeness was minted on every Gold Coin across the continent. Back when Shiayar hadn't yet found strong backers in Silvia and Isadella, he used to gaze longingly at every Gold Coin bearing King Lai Yin's profile, hoping he could somehow split one into two to spend. And such a figure of grandeur was merely one of Golden Dawn's past leaders. According to the information supplemented by the Knowledge Holy Chalice, the entry threshold for this ancient organization, Golden Dawn, was at least Legendary. The only exception is the so-called "Star Chaser." Only one who has accomplished the "Opening Stellar Frontiers" can be termed a Star Chaser... What is "Opening Stellar Frontiers"? For instance, ancient academic pursuits, pioneering routes to new continents, or being an enlightener of magictech technology and Arcane Arts.