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“Master Merlin, I apologize for coming uninvited.”

The masked man in the black cloak stepped into the laboratory.

He met Master Merlin’s gaze and corrected himself,”Rather than the misguided title ‘Thirteen Masked Knights’ ascribed by the world, I prefer ‘Illumination Secret Society’, an ancient name.”

Upon hearing this name, Master Merlin revealed an unexpected look on his face.

Obviously, he understood the meaning of this ancient name.

He casually asked, “So, what is your purpose for this visit?”

The man in the cloak responded directly, “To sincerely invite Master Merlin to join the Illumination Society.”

Master Merlin seemed not surprised, he chucked and replied, “I think the ideals of your organization are quite good, but I’m just an eccentric old man cooped up in his laboratory, I don’t have much interest in fights and conspiracies.”

Having said that, he glanced again at the guest, leaving things somewhat open- ended: “Ten years ago, your predecessor, the ‘Light Chaser’, visited me. But he couldn’t persuade me. Now, what reasons do you have to convince me to join?”

The cloaked man seemed to have already prepared his argument, “The situation is different from ten years ago. We, the Illumination Society, have an ancient prophecy ‘The long night has come to an end, dawn will eventually arrive’… From the time when the Old Continent was discovered, some prophecies have begun to be fulfilled.”

He continued, “Oh, humanity has been in the dark for countless years, already forgetting what light is. I have unraveled some ancient documents, discovered some truths about the time before the Great Catastrophe, and deciphered some truths about the world… I thinkyou, Master, would be quite interested.”

Upon hearing these words, Master Merlin’s wise eyes gradually deepened.

The cloaked man continued: “The Old Continent has been discovered now, this could be a turning point for civilization. Regardless of whether we choose to face it or not, the ancient gods buried in the dust of history will inevitably awaken, and the terrifying entities coveting humanity will eventually turn their gaze upon us… We don’t have much time left. This world is larger, more dangerous than what we see. The Card Master Civilization is like a candle in the wind, fragile and weak.”

Master Merlin listened without denying anything. He asked with interest, “Why can’t humanity hide in the darkness forever. Although they can’t see the light… at least they can survive. Isn’t it?”

The cloaked man laughed, “So, Master, what do you think is the nature of the ‘Alternate Dimension’?”

Upon hearing these words, Master Merlin’s eyes slightly contracted.

The two seemingly unrelated questions, in reality, answered his question.

The alternate dimension that encourages murder and strength was a constant reminder of the cruelty of the world.

This was the rule set by the gods.

It was also an enlightenment for humanity.

Legendary card masters always represent wisdom, the cloaked man didn’t elaborate but continued, “The wheels of fate have never stopped by human will. The curse card masters have survived up to now not because of a few nobles enjoying peace, but because of countless ancestors who struggled in the dark, gained powerful strength, and preserved the seeds of civilization. Master, you understand extraordinary powers better than I do. You must be clearer on the laws buried in the dust of history… With card masters currently controlling extraordinary powers, can’t even cross into the legendary realm, do you think they’re strong enough?”

The words are not spoken clearly, but Master Merlin understood.

This was a world with gods and demons.

The collapse of an inferior civilization may be more sudden than anyone thinks.

As the cloaked man spoke, his tone was calm, but his words revealed caution and responsibility, “Every new age needs pioneers. If the light points to me, I must carry on without hesitation.”

Upon hearing these words, Master Merlin fell into deep thought for a long time.

After a while, he looked at the man in the cloak, didn’t refuse or agree, “Your words are more convincing than the previous ‘Light Chaser’. I will consider them seriously.”

The cloaked man didn’t seem rushed and replied, “Hmm.”

Master Merlin took a glance and realized the man before him still had an agenda.

Both of them were silent and looked at each other again.

The cloaked man then said, “Before this, lowly me would like to borrow something from Master Merlin.”

Master Merlin realized that the thing in question was not ordinary, he raised his eyebrows and said, “Oh? Let’s hear it.”

After hesitating for a moment, the cloaked man finally said, “I’d like to borrow the ‘King’s Key’ that Master Merlin has been keeping.”

Upon hearing this, Master Merlin’s expression changed subtly,”! don’t know how you came to know that I have a key in my possession. But do you understand… what your request implies?”

The cloaked man said, “Of course.”

Master Merlin replied, “Since you know. So why do you think I have a reason to give you the crucial key that controls the passage to the Old Continent?”

The cloaked man corrected with a laugh, “Not given to me. But someone will come to steal it later. I hope Master will leave a gap for the thief to have a reasonable chance.”

Upon hearing this, Master Merlin laughed lightly, “Hehe…This style is an age- old tradition of your Illumination Society. You have participated in all historical changes, but you have left no trace.”

After a pause, he asked again, “So, who do you want to get that key?”

The cloaked man calmly responded, “Augustus.”

“???”

Hearing this, Master Merlin seemed quite surprised.

After a moment of thought, he asked, “If I remember correctly, two hundred years ago during the blood-mist coup that caused the downfall of the Orlan Dynasty, the Illumination Society directly participated in it. Because of it, most of the Thirteen Knights died in battle. And now you guys want to help the remnants of the Old Era who dreamt of restoration?”