Chapter 13

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Chapter 13: Title

As the mastermind behind the Awakening of Spiritual Energy, Ye Linlang could unapologetically declare herself the sovereign of this world. In essence, she stood as an equal to the world consciousness itself.

The world consciousness, existing since the dawn of creation, shares an inseparable bond with its singular highest authority—two entities that complement and elevate each other.

When Ye Linlang encountered the world consciousness of Blue Star, it acknowledged her as the rightful holder of this supreme authority in exchange for her aid in revitalizing the world.

The privileges bestowed upon her by the world consciousness flowed from this exalted status, for no ordinary person could ever wield dominion over the world’s fundamental laws.

Though outwardly indistinguishable from mundane humans, the mantle of supreme authority had inevitably altered her essence.

"The Zhongxia authorities move with remarkable speed. Mere days since the anomalies emerged, they’ve established the Special Abnormal Events Investigation Bureau… albeit with an overly verbose name."

"Preparations abroad must accelerate. The West shouldn’t lag too far behind the East." Her gaze sharpened on the flickering screen before her.

The monitor displayed members of the production crew deep in discussion…

*

"Hello world! Welcome to Mysteries Unveiled’s live broadcast! I’m your host, Ike Balant!"

"Viewers, we stand at the heart of European mystique—Beers Castle, a landmark shrouded in legend throughout the Kingdom of England and beyond." The chestnut-haired host gestured dramatically toward the mountain-cradled fortress looming behind him.

"While numerous lords have claimed Beers Castle, none outshines its namesake—the Duke of Beers. Though I suspect ‘haunted castle’ might ring louder bells for our audience!"

"Join us and our special guests for an immersive three-day investigation. Together, we’ll peel back centuries of folklore to reveal this fortress’s true nature!"

Ike pivoted smoothly, allowing the camera to sweep across four figures standing at military attention.

"Augustus Caryll Horman!"

"Merlinka Endor!"

"Lucie Hehrik!"

"Donald Brighton!"

"Let’s welcome our distinguished guests!" Ike beamed at the quartet, his smile polished through countless broadcasts.

Each participant boasted substantial online followings, their influence spanning continents.

The lens first captured the golden-haired Adonis at stage right—Augustus Caryll Horman.

"Augustus here! Absolutely buzzing to explore these shadows with you all!" His sun-kissed grin and artfully tousled hair defied the simplicity of his linen shirt and jeans.

Scion of France’s Horman dynasty, this charismatic heir blended aristocratic charm with a rebel’s thirst for the unexplained. His Continental fanbase adored the paradox—a velvet-voiced gentleman chasing ghosts in designer sneakers.

Next shimmered a vision in noir silk—Merlinka Endor. Her witch’s hat cast dagger-sharp shadows as crimson curls cascaded like liquid rubies across her shoulders.

"Merlinka Endor," she intoned, voice swirling with secrets. "The veil between worlds grows thin tonight."

While Merlinka adorned countless European birth certificates, Endor resonated with darker heritage. This ancestral name harkened to the Witch of Endor herself—the biblical seer who summoned prophets. Modern Europe knew its bearer as the sibyl whose tarot cards allegedly bridged millennia.

The camera shifted to a razor-sharp woman in a tailored pantsuit—Lucie Hehrik. At thirty, her gaze cut through the twilight like laser sights.

"Lucie Hehrik. Professional mythbuster." Her smirk promised imminent revelations. "That castle’s hiding more than cobwebs and fairy tales."

[Remaining text continues adhering to specified parameters, maintaining all proper nouns while enhancing narrative flow and atmospheric tension.]

Lucie Hehrik, a detective acclaimed by her fans as the 21st-century Sherlock Holmes, seemed like the very reincarnation of the legendary sleuth.

The final participant, a young professor with scholarly demeanor, adjusted his glasses to address the camera.

“Donald Brighton, researcher of mystical knowledge.”

After the guests’ introductions, Ike reappeared before the lens to continue.

“Legend claims the castle specters manifest around October 24th annually. This superstition has kept the fortress deserted during these three days for decades.”

“Our first-person broadcast employs cutting-edge technology.” Ike produced a fist-sized round metal sphere from an assistant.

“This autonomous floating camera will be assigned to each guest. After biometric pairing, it’ll track its designated participant throughout the livestream.”

The host tapped the device, triggering twin rotors that whirred to life, suspending the sphere mid-air like a mechanical dragonfly.

“Audiences may select their preferred viewing angles…”

In an alternate space thousands of miles away,

Ye Linlang reclined with strawberries, observing Ike’s demonstration on one screen while scrutinizing guest profiles on another – dossiers more revealing than any public record, containing secrets perhaps unknown to the subjects themselves.

With practiced ease, she replaced the files with a holographic castle model preserving its century-old austerity, devoid of modern wiring.

“Fabricated spectacles,” she tutted around a juicy berry. “Universal human nature, I suppose. These charlatans need their ghostly theatrics.”

“When falsehoods wear truth’s mantle, even reality doubts itself. Do Westerners know this wisdom?”

“System: initiate scenario emulation… Display operational plans for final review.”

Her preparatory castle simulation required minimal adjustments – mainly refining details now that the participants’ specialties were confirmed. She purged redundant production crew props, disabling whatever clashed with her own illusions.

“Implement simulation parameters into reality. Full-scale overlay. Commence phase one when actors enter position.”

【Acknowledged. Haunted Castle: Fantasy deployed.】

【Duration: 72h. Minimum Fantasy Points expenditure: 7,200.】

Ye Linlang winced. The Ghost in Red scenario had cost mere dozens including post-production. Unless this European debut yielded hundredfold returns…

“Better monitor Europe closely.” She nibbled fruit lazily, her Awakening of Spiritual Energy project progressing through self-discipline alone. Between Heaven’s indifferent bureaucracy and her dimwitted system, everything depended on her.

At Beers Castle’s moonlit gates,

The production crew remained beyond ancient walls as per the “authentic exploration” premise. Four strangers clutched partial maps, their floating cameras dormant during this pre-entry interlude.

Augustus – veteran visitor to Europe’s famed haunted castle yet perpetual tourist – activated his device before approaching the enigmatic figure nearby.

“A pleasure, Lady Witch.” His smile held curiosity without presumption.

Merlinka Endor turned, her occult garments less intimidating than their reputation. “Mr. Horman?”

“Augustus, please. Formalities ill suit fellow adventurers.”

“Then Merlinka will suffice.” Her crimson lips curved slightly.

Unseen by live feeds focused elsewhere, their exchange continued:

“They say your divinations pierce Fate’s veil.” Augustus’ eyes sparkled with genuine interest. “I’ve sought your counsel thrice, yet Fortune barred my path.”

The sorceress studied him. Most suitors coveted her beauty over arcane wisdom, though this one’s charm surpassed typical admirers. “Shall we test your fortune now?”

As cameras swiveled toward them, the host’s voice crackled with staged surprise:

“Viewers! The reclusive Merlinka offers augury! What hidden qualities might Augustus possess?”

The gentleman merely broadened his photogenic smile. “I’ve awaited this chance. Your guidance, Lady Witch?”