"You can break free from the control of '2-049' on your own. Are you a Mid-Sequence Beyonder? Sequence 6 or Sequence 5?"
The cold man with the scar reacted faster than the others and asked in a deep voice.
In his opinion, even someone like Aiur Hanson, a Sequence 7, couldn't resist the influence of '2-049'.
So, someone who could break free from its control had to be at least Sequence 6!
"Neither."
Ash shook his head lightly. He had some impression of the Sequences in his mind and knew what the other party was referring to.
But he had never consumed a potion—wasn't even a Beyonder—let alone a Mid-Sequence one.
"…That's true."
The scarred man nodded silently, believing Ash's words.
Because if he truly were Sequence 6, how could he be part of their team?
He should have been scouted by the Red Gloves long ago.
So, it had to be something else—
"A Sealed Artifact's influence?"
Aiur Hanson also reached that conclusion, he thought of that possibility and his gaze toward Ash became increasingly complex.
He'd thought Ash was just some noble scion freeloading on a mission… but now it didn't seem that simple.
A Sealed Artifact that could resist the influence of '2-049' must at least be of equal or even greater level.
And the fact that Ash could carry it for long periods implied the side effects were minimal.
Someone with access to a high-grade Sealed Artifact like that couldn't have low status.
"Let's reintroduce ourselves."
The black-haired lady with a striking face smiled and extended a hand toward Ash. "Lorotta, a Sequence 8, Gravekeeper."
Ash hesitated for a second before reaching out and shaking her hand.
Though she was beautiful, her clothes were completely androgynous—black jacket, white shirt, tight black trousers, and leather boots.
If she wore a hat and tucked her long black hair under it, she could easily pass as a handsome youth.
"Aiur Hanson."
The man in the gray double-breasted trench coat looked as grumpy as ever. "Sequence 7, Nightmare."
"Borgia."
The cold voice of the scarred driver came from outside the carriage. "Sequence 8, Midnight Poet."
"Beowulf. All of you can call me Ash"
Ash glanced at them and answered simply.
"Tch."
Aiur Hanson glared at him in irritation.
Everyone else was being upfront, open and honest even sharing their Sequence, and you just tossed out a name that doesn't even match your personnel file?
You think we didn't see it? Your real name is Ashen Black!
Ash glanced at Aiur and could clearly sense the hostility.
He didn't particularly care, but he did consider that easing tensions might be useful. He felt contemplative.
What would he do in the world of Dark Souls?
Hmm…
His usual method of building rapport was by… helping others kill their enemies—Sirris's grandfather, Yorshka's brother…
But even with incomplete memories, Ash knew that approach wouldn't fly here.
So—
The simplest and most direct method.....
Gift-giving was the next best thing.
In Dark Souls, he would give souls, weapons, rings...
None of that worked here.
"Information?"
Ash's gaze flickered. His memory of "Lord of the Mysteries" was fragmented, but certain key concepts were still vivid.
That knowledge… might be worth something.
"Have you heard of the Acting Method?"
Inside the silent carriage, Ash suddenly spoke.
"Do you all know about Roleplay ? "
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN ?"
Lorotta blushed and shrieked flustered.
"Uh ....I mean the Acting Method?"
Lorotta, Aiur, and Borgia exchanged puzzled glances.
"Yes," Ash nodded. "The key to digesting potions isn't mastery—but acting. Not exploration—but roleplaying. The name of the potion is not just a label, but a performance. An identity."
He paused and watched their reactions.
"Digestion…Absorption.... Acting…"
The three seemed stunned, repeating the words in low voices like they had been struck by lightning.
Even as the puppet sealed inside the iron box stirred and resumed pounding against it, none of them reacted.
Ash saw Aiur Hanson freeze, his limbs stiffening, his speech slowing—almost like…
Towards infinity ... a gaze....
SLAP!
Ash shoved him hard, snapping him out of it.
The moment Aiur regained consciousness, his face paled in horror.
If Ash hadn't pushed him, he might have turned into a puppet of '2-049' just now!
"…Thank you."
Aiur looked at Ash, voice hoarse and filled with emotion.
And not just because he had been saved.
They had been too careless just now.
But because Ash had given him a path forward—the legendary Acting Method!
First, because Yu Jin had broken free from the restraint on his own, they momentarily forgot to take over for Borgia.
Without this, Aiur would have continued down the wrong path—meditating every day, mastering power the hard way, and likely never breaking through Sequence 7.
Then, because of the news about the Acting Method, they simply forgot about the existence of '2-049'.
If Ash hadn't pushed him just now, he would have probably become a puppet of '2-049' by now.
Now?
He had a chance.
A real chance to ascend to Sequence 6, maybe even higher.
The favor was immense. Aiur's complex feelings were understandable.
"No need," Ash said quietly. "Just don't spread it."
He could only be like everyone else—
Practicing control over spirituality and power through meditation every day to truly master the power of the potion, excavate its symbolic meaning and more mysteries.
From what he recalled, the Acting Method should eventually become public knowledge.
But judging by their reaction, that time hadn't come yet.
"Don't worry!"
Lorotta swore fervently. "Even if you kill me, I won't say a word!"
Borgia silently nodded. This favor would not be forgotten.
Aiur looked embarrassed, smiled bitterly, and awkwardly climbed out of the carriage to take Borgia's place as the driver.
"How embarrassing ."
Ash, the newcomer, had shared the invaluable Acting Method, while he, the old-timer, had been petty and suspicious.
He'd lost all his face and reputation.
"…Where are we going?" Ash asked, breaking the awkward silence.
"To the station," Aiur replied. "Our mission is to escort '2-049' by train to Tingen and assist the Night Watchers there."
The atmosphere in the carriage relaxed as they took turns driving.
When they arrived at the station, it was empty. A long train had been waiting for some time.
Only after the four of them entered a vacant carriage did it finally start moving—delayed by nearly half an hour for them
....................................................................................................................
🔥🔥 BOOM! The Acting Method has been dropped! 🔥🔥
Ash (formerly Beowulf) just casually dropped end-game knowledge like it was spare change, and everyone's minds? Officially blown. Even Mr. Cold-face Aiur is feeling awkward now! 😂
This chapter marks Ash's first real step from "mysterious baggage" to "walking cheat code." He might not be a Beyonder (yet)... but tell me—isn't this man more dangerous than half the Sequences already?!
💥 Secret knowledge?
💥 Mysterious background?
💥 Possible connection to the Outer Gods?
We're just getting started.
💎 If you're enjoying this story, POWERSTONE ME, BABY! 💎Every vote helps boost Ash's rise through the fog, one Sequence at a time!
Don't be like Hanson or Hansen ....Whatever!—don't underestimate our boy. 😉Comment, vote, and stay tuned—because next chapter? The train ride to Tingen might just derail more than expected…
Let me know if you want a next-chapter teaser or a title preview too!
"
When I woke up and walked into human society again, on the streets, it suddenly reminded me of the life I had when I was in Tingen.
„— Klein's letter, to Azik Eggers
on Lord of Mysteries, Chapter 1359
(T/N - INFO STRAIGHT FROM FANDOM
Tingen is known as the City of Universities. There are two universities, Tingen and Khoy, as well as technical schools, law colleges, and business colleges. The number of universities was second only to Backlund, the capital. Since it is not a coastal city, the Church of the Evernight Goddess is much more powerful than the Church of the Lord of Storms there.
This is the city that Klein Moretti used to live in. It has a division of Nighthawks operating under disguise for the Blackthorn Security Company, as well as teams of the Mandated Punishers and the Machinery Hivemind. The City has a Divination Club where Klein used to divise the Acting Method for Seer. The City was almost destroyed by the True Creator after he attempted to descend
)
THIS IS A HINT!!