The Old Pick Laundry on the coastal street was bustling like a tavern.

"I'm Michael Tesla, you can call me Mike or Tesla. Old Pique has told us about you..." In a corner of the laundry, Tesla, wearing a top hat and having set down his cane, introduced himself to Lu Li opposite him.

Lu Li across the round table handed over the token given to him by the figure in the Crow Mask.

Lu Li's consciousness drifted in a dreamscape composed of memories, observing the past — something he could do after becoming familiar with the power of the Dreamwalker.

"What is the name of the person who gave it to you?"

"We had little communication; I only know they wore a Bird Beak Mask."

"Is it her... I heard she was recently in the Shadow Swamp evaluating an Apprentice Investigator. Did you meet her there?"

"Yes."

Their conversation would continue for some time before discussing the segment Lu Li needed, so he focused on his surroundings. The guests beside the wine tables emitted indistinct noises, appearing like a thickly painted oil painting, while the outlines of those walking along the street transformed into simple moving blocks of color.

Concluding the topic of the figure in the Crow Mask, the discussion returned to "Lu Li." Tesla took out a branch from the Soul Tree to check Lu Li's Sanity Value.

Lu Li observed the branch; a Soul Tree branch that could manifest a Sanity Value was a good thing, unfortunately, it disappeared along with the Exorcist. Perhaps it still stood in the Unknown Lands, or its body was long lost in the endless night.

After concluding a topic that greatly benefited Lu Li at the time, Tesla officially began the simulation event of the "Investigator's Rookie Trial": "You are a newly appointed Apprentice Investigator..."

…

Like a terrifying eyeball peering at the devastasted land from the mouth of a bottle.

Even though people knew it was a "false sky," they still spent the night in anxiety and wakefulness. Lu Li handled many nightmares, most related to eyes or surveillance.

In the morning, the residents woke up under an irritating scarlet glow, maintaining hope from sweet dreams that kept them from being subdued by horrific sights.

Crash —

In the school office, a maid drew the curtains under the Mother of the Marsh's instructions.

The heavy curtains blocked much of the light, and once the fireplace in the office was lit, that streak of crimson completely dissolved.

At 9 AM, the first resident scheduled to prefix Exorcist with Apprentice and Reserve came to the office on time.

"Mr. Luli... why is it you?"

Porter stood dumbfounded at the door, ready to close it.

"The 'Exorcist Induction Trial' originates from the 'Investigator's Rookie Trial', designed to test those preparing to join the Exorcists. Only I know the procedure. How you answer next will determine if you are suited to join the Exorcists."

"Understood."

Porter nodded nervously, sitting on the sofa as the maid gestured.

The Mother of the Marsh and the Twisted Figure knew of the "Investigator's Rookie Trial," but they only understood the story, not the sequence.

Besides, it was not appropriate for the camp's only two deities to handle such matters.

After a brief silence, Lu Li began narrating: "You are an Apprentice Exorcist, sent to a mysterious and dangerous ruin, with the task of investigating what resides within. You have nothing on you; the camp can provide support in three forms, of which you may choose one: Aura Concealment Equipment; Damage-anomalous Equipment; Exploration Equipment."

"May I know the contents of the equipment?" Porter hesitated to decide.

"They are all corresponding Sequence Potions."

The Spirit-Calling Gun, nearly becoming a symbol of Exorcists, was not included by Lu Li, as it only holds symbolic meaning — until the rose on its barrel blooms.

"I choose Aura Concealment Equipment."

Knowledge played its part then, as Porter understood that part of the Sequence Potions for Aura Concealment had detection effects, whereas the detection Sequence Potions did not.

"You have chosen Aura Concealment Equipment. The route from the camp to the target is ensured safe. You have three days to prepare, what will you do next?"

"I'll first... explore around the ruins."

"You spend half a day reaching the ruins and discover human footprints in the surrounding area."

"Follow the human tracks!" Porter said excitedly, quickly adding, "Carefully, though."

"Cautious as you are, you find a village on the edge of the ruins and arrive in the evening. You are very tired; even though the villagers welcome you, the strange environment makes it difficult to sleep, acquiring 'Minor Fatigue.'

Porter, more cautious when forced, said, "Ask the villagers about the ruins."

"They avoid talking about the ruins, not daring to discuss them."

"Is there any villager willing to speak?"

"You continue questioning the villagers. A villager deemed mad tells you some things about the ruins, acquiring 'Minor Information,' and it's already afternoon."

"Question more villagers, then rest for a day."

Approaching the ruins, Porter's choices didn't significantly differ from those Lu Li once made: leaving the village at dawn, cautiously venturing into the ruins, and choosing to approach upon hearing cries for help.

The divergence arose when a chaotic Jimmy pursued Porter during the distress call.

Porter used the Sequence Potion to hide, missing the encounter with Jimmy, and the lack of information made him think it was a monster, ultimately failing to receive the quest for Jimmy to save his sister Raimy.

Even though saving the Jimmy Siblings wasn't necessary for Porter, his goal was to investigate what was in the ruins.

After discovering the Dark Relics deep within and many anomalies similar to those chasing him, he asked Lu Li, "Does this count as a successful investigation?"

"That depends on you."

Porter hesitated to try approaching the Dark Relics but similarly, without contacting Jimmy, no one distracted the anomalies guarding the entrance, forcing him to end the simulation event.

"Did I... pass?"

Porter clutched his sweaty palms. He felt quite pessimistic about his performance and could only hope the test wasn't too strict.

"I'll tell you the result tomorrow."

Porter was destined to endure a day of torment.

"Did he fail?"

The Mother of the Marsh accepted the coffee brewed by the maid.

"No."

"But he didn't interact with the Jimmy Siblings."

"The Jimmy Siblings aren't the main line," Lu Li said, glancing at the next name on the list: "Prandt."

…

As afternoon approached, the last trialist, Vatare Ellison, left the office.

The Mother of the Marsh sat straight elegantly, as if stretching, evaluating the performance of the ten trialists: "Their choices differ greatly from yours."

The "People of the Dark Ages" had entrenched habits difficult to change. For them, anomalies were everywhere, and there was no need to delve into their roots․

Even Desa Rothschild Langer was no exception. He was the only trialist pursued by Jimmy who nonetheless chose to communicate. Unfortunately, he considered Jimmy's quest to save his sister a ruse, and after verbally agreeing, he withdrew from the ruins.

It was evident that the possibility of their simulation event summoning the real Jimmy Siblings was slim.

"Who will you let pass?"

Lu Li's gaze swept over the ten names on the list.

"All of them."

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