The world controlled by dice [Western Fantasy]

"In the past month, Fuliouhai has been very lively."

Garrett Gielgud took a deep breath, calmed himself down slowly, and started from the beginning.

In fact, Mr. Ghost already knew about this matter.In fact, from the Booth Mountains in the south of the Never Emberlands to the Folio Sea in the north, there are many explorers who are enthusiastically throwing themselves into the brand-new exploration enterprise.

They may be because of the emergence of the "self-reappearance" ritual, or because the sea chart of the Sea of ​​Follio has been greatly updated, or because the fog dissipates and they are ready to move, or it may just be because of the emotions of other explorers around led them.

All in all, this frenzy of exploration has been going on for quite some time.

After the ritual of "self-reappearance" in May became familiar to explorers, Mr. Phantom has heard countless related things in the past three months.

When he met Alfonso Carlisle not long ago, he heard that they were going to venture south to the Booth Mountains, and this was one of them.

And Garrett Gielgud is also one of them.The man who completely solved the mystery of his father's death also put aside the long-standing haze and gloom in the past, and decided to devote himself to this new cause.

... yet they encountered an unheard of situation.

They are trapped in the ocean they are familiar with, as if shrouded in a shadow, they can only move in this shadow, and cannot leave at all.

"Is it blocked by something?" Mr. Phantom couldn't help asking.

"No, it's not like that." Garrett thought for a moment, as if he was thinking about how to explain this situation, "You know the shape of a spider web, right? We seem to be trapped in the spider web, and the only area we can move about is this Big, we can't jump out of this big net.

"So, when we get close to the edge of the web, we just involuntarily, inexplicably, go around in a circle, and then start walking back, or around the edge. That's the only choice we have.

"...That's why I feel that we are like... prey on a spider's web."

Mr. Phantom's eyebrows were heavy, and he felt that ominous premonition was becoming reality step by step.He was silent for a moment, then exhaled.

He still asked calmly, "How did you get into this area?"

"It's just a normal voyage," Garrett said. "We followed that chart... Of course, we didn't completely follow the route on it... We wanted to find something new, you know."

He shrugged, but he didn't regret this risky behavior.Naturally, they embarked on this voyage to take risks, and even if such a thing happened, it was only surprise and anxiety, not chagrin.

"So where did you go?"

"Northeast." Garrett said with certainty, "there is still fog over there, and there are fewer boats going there, so we plan to go there and have a look. In fact, we have already gained something in the west.

"When returning to the voyage, one of the crew members suggested whether to go to the northeast. We were all a little curious, so we decided to go. There were a few boats following us, probably wanting to make a fortune, but they were also trapped Here it is.

"The good news is that our supplies can last for a while; the bad news is that we can't find a way to leave. We lost our way on the most familiar sea..."

Garrett shook his head with a sarcastic smile.

Mr. Ghost frowned slightly.He asked: "Before you entered that area, did you find anything unusual?"

This is exactly what he is very concerned about.

Even if this special area is related to "shadow", it is impossible for human beings to come into contact with the power of gods casually-in fact, gods are not willing to contact human beings casually.

Therefore, there must be some opportunity, factor, or concept that made these ships accidentally touch this kind of power—this kind of shadow, luck or misfortune.

Garrett frowned and thought for a moment, then shook his head, and said, "We're also aware of this problem... To be honest, we all know that there might be some problems on this journey...Damn it! But This situation is really weird!

"We can't figure out why, and this is what happened to us. There are dangers on the Foliou Sea, and we all know some of the rumors that the sailors are talking about...but, damn it!"

He couldn't help cursing under his breath.

Obviously, he didn't take this matter seriously at first, but as time passed and they still failed to find a way to break the situation, he naturally became anxious.

This emotion had been accumulated in his heart for a while, and finally he decided to ask Mr. Ghost to see if the mysterious ghost in the dream could help him.

Mr. Phantom's eyes moved slightly, and he did notice a certain subtlety in Garrett's words.

He suddenly asked: "'Some rumors from sailors'?"

Garrett was startled, looked at Mr. Phantom strangely, and said, "You also know... the legends about whales, shadows in the deep sea, ancient stories of the aborigines on the island, strange creatures... In short, these are all messy things. thing.

"Didn't you hear about it when you came to Middleton?"

Shadows in the deep sea.thought Mr. Ghost.He did.

At that time, he thought, isn't that just another way of saying "the stars are reflected in the sea"?Not "shadows in the deep sea", but "shadows reflected in the deep sea".

...In short, this incident made him suddenly realize a problem.

He said, "Does everyone on your ship know these legends?"

"Of course." Garrett said without hesitation, "If you want to go to sea, you must understand these dangers. Even if you are a new sailor, if you don't know it at first, you will learn it from the old sailor after boarding the ship... and so on."

He suddenly reacted and looked at Mr. Ghost in disbelief.

Mr. Ghost just looked back at him calmly.

"...You mean, just this 'knowing' itself is fatal?" Garrett said in astonishment.

"Knowledge is indeed a curse sometimes." Mr. Phantom said ambiguously. "Of course, this curse will only happen when you happen to encounter a real 'relevant' factor."

Sometimes, not knowing that well can make you get away with it.

For example, Alfonso Carlyle and his companions entered the tribal ruins - the "shadow".

Although it was not exactly the same situation as what Garrett encountered now, it was precisely because Alfonso and Emanuel didn't know the nature of the shadow at that time that they were able to escape.

Although the place was dangerous enough that many people died in it, after all, two people escaped.They have only touched the danger on the surface by accident, never really dabbling at its core.

Another example that is closer to what happened to Garrett and his party at this time comes from a secret he heard.

When he and the rest of the Ramifa University went to Middleton this spring break, they had a fireside chat with some strangers.

At that time, a businessman or traveler named Fred Dudley told them that an old man who wanted to die went to Middleton, but was finally scared by the shadow in the sea and gave up death.

Although the old man named Edwin did not live long afterwards, when he encountered that strange "shadow" at sea, he was frightened out of his wits, left the range of the shadow inexplicably, and fled back to the shore.

... He managed to escape, which is quite a miracle.

From a certain point of view, it is precisely because of his ignorance, his timidity, and his ignorance that he was able to leave the shadow.Of course, that also had an indelible impact on his life.

And what happened to Garrett and the others at this moment, according to Mr. Phantom's understanding, may be that "Shadow" inadvertently left some traces on the northeast side of the Folio Sea when it was out of trouble, like the remnants of its power.

It could be a shadow, a grain of ash... a subtle "concept-related" thing.

When the power develops to the level of "shadow", any tiny thing may point to its own power.Perhaps it was just a speck of ashes on the body of "Shadow", which trapped these ships there and could not move.

The good news is that Garrett and the others have been trapped for a few days, but nothing major happened.This shows that all this may really be just the "shadow" doing it unintentionally.

...Mr. Phantom doesn't think that "Shadow" will deliberately torture these human beings who are so small in his eyes. "Shadow" is very arrogant and indifferent, and that kind of indifference regards human life as insignificant.

Since it doesn't matter, then "Shadow" doesn't care what kind of trouble a speck of dust falling on his body will bring them.But he probably wouldn't deliberately pat the dust off his body.

This is Mr. Ghost's speculation, based on Antinam's description of "Shadow".

"...So, what should we do?" Garrett said a little dazedly, "Erase our memories?"

"This is a practice. In addition... the ritual of 'self-reappearance' may also help." Mr. Ghost said, "Use an earlier self to pollute the current self... Remember to keep the time of the current self Track, and then after everything is settled, go back to yourself.”

"The risk is that you might actually lose 'yourself,'" Garrett said.

"Yes." Mr. Ghost said in a low voice.

This is a side effect of the ritual of "reincarnation" - the confusion of fetishism and self-knowledge.

…It is true that the ritual of "self-reappearance" is to strengthen self-cognition and prevent oneself from being polluted by external objects, but this ritual may also lead to confusion in self-cognition.

Because that makes them have to find an "anchor".

This anchor becomes the solid core of the soul they inhabit, like a child holding a balloon - do you think you are that child?What if you were that balloon?

This ritual is convenient, powerful, and must-have for everyone, but because of this, its side effects are subtle and difficult to detect.

And, if such side effects do appear, then even continue to rely on this ritual to alleviate them.This is almost an act of drinking poison to quench thirst.

As the inventor of the ritual, Mr. Ghost is aware of this.He hoped that this group of enlighteners could find more anchor points and not put their souls entirely on one object.

...However, for Garrett and his party at this time, unless they really have a ritual to temporarily block or erase memory, then they may only resort to the ritual of "self-reappearance".

Or... uh, bang a stick on someone's head?Physical memory erasure is also a good way.

Mr. Phantom said: "You can try it first, this is just my speculation. I think you probably broke into a special place by accident. Maybe you talked about some related topics at that time, or your behavior conformed to under certain conditions...

"So, you are trapped. When you find that you are trapped, the very realization itself will trap you."

It's like in some group running games, some players may inadvertently discover an important but dangerous clue.He may encounter a judgment at this time, knowledge judgment, spirituality judgment or other judgments.

Take the knowledge judgment as an example, if the result of the judgment is a big success, then he may have a flash of inspiration, successfully discover the true meaning of this clue, and then face the danger behind it-so just like Garrett and the others, the danger and trapped them.

And if the result of the judgment is a failure or a big failure, then he can't remember a certain detail he encountered, and even ignore or ignore this clue.He may miss a good opportunity to discover the truth, but he will also pass by dangerous side "ignorantly".

... What is success and what is failure?

As a keeper of secrets, it is actually difficult for him to answer this question.

The most important thing is that what he is facing now is no longer a simple and fictional game, but a complex and real world.

Even if it is a running game, when the player's character dies, it also means that this character will bid farewell to the finale of the game, and is just a "passerby" who is offline, unfortunate or lucky.

This is a mysterious, cloud-shrouded, complex and huge world.People may encounter unforeseen disasters, encounter tricks of fate, or become the darling of the world.

...But, in the final analysis, all choices may also belong to human beings themselves.After all, they are "weak" enough.

Mr. Phantom said meaningfully: "So, you have to try to jump out of this cognition... Sometimes, things that you 'think' don't exist may really not exist."

This is the real world, and this is the "water" that mixes things outside those worlds.

Therefore, if the creatures living in this real world are "ignorant" enough, then the "water" will be "clear" enough - at least it seems that way to people.

As Mr. Ghost has always believed, power is both a pillar and a curse.

Garrett looked somewhat confused.Mr. Ghost's statement was also unheard of for him.

Rather, what Mr. Ghost said has already touched the root of this world, and it is the only solution for ordinary people when they face this huge, terrifying and crazy power.

...Of course, there is another solution: turning to the favor of the dice of fate.

Mr. Phantom told himself a cold joke in his heart—perhaps the kind that only people on Earth can understand—to relieve his depressed emotions a little.

Garrett thought for a while, then said suspiciously: "You mean, we trapped ourselves?"

"Perhaps it can be said," said Mr. Phantom, "if none of you 'perceived' the danger, then the danger might not exist at all, and would never happen."

Garrett said in amazement, "So idealistic?"

Mr. Ghost: "..."

Who really comes from the world of idealism?

He couldn't help but slander secretly, the expression on his face was still very flat.He just said, "The realm of the gods' power, isn't it?"

Garrett couldn't help but sneer.He was one of those people who did recognize the power of the gods, but disdained to respect it.But he still asked: "So you know this shadow is from...forget it."

He stopped suddenly, and said rather disinterestedly: "It's better that I don't know."

"It's not necessary to remain ignorant," said Mr. Ghost, "it's just..."

He was interrupted by Garrett before he could finish his sentence.Garrett said, "It just has to be matched with power, isn't it?"

"indeed."

"And we have unfortunately stepped into the trap of the gods." Garrett murmured.

They were all silent for a moment.

"...Are you a god?" Garrett asked suddenly.He didn't use honorifics.

"Not yet," said Mr. Ghost objectively.

"So you will become a god, ghost." Garrett narrowed his eyes. "Then, will you be like this unknown god, throwing a shadow at random and trapping us in it?"

"I don't think there's much point in that," said Mr. Phantom, equally objectively. "Besides, I don't wish I had."

In fact, it is difficult for him to determine whether his soul and essence will change if his will truly breaks through to 100.Sometimes, he feels that gods and humans are more like two different species.

He doesn't think there is any distinction between high and low—if you say it arrogantly, gods and humans stand on equal footing in front of fate, at least that's his mentality—but the two sides are indeed different.

He didn't intend to abandon his human identity, and Antinam seemed to be tolerantly preparing for him, even though the preparation only lasted for one year (that is, until the beginning of next year).

The effect of the commendation ceremony of the Historical Society is to temporarily increase the will attribute a little bit, and it is held once a year, so the duration may be one year.However, now that Antinam has fallen asleep, he doesn't think that next year's commendation ceremony will have such a powerful effect.

So, he only has so much time left.Only during this time can he face the "shadow" with confidence.

"...Also, about the god you met." Mr. Phantom smiled slightly, "He is my enemy."

Garrett was a little stunned when he heard this, and he immediately realized that what Mr. Ghost did in the past was probably aimed at dealing with this enemy.

He couldn't help asking: "But, we have never encountered such a thing in Fuliou Sea before?"

They have gone to sea countless times, and they have already heard about those "legends" and know the information... Why haven't they encountered similar situations before?

"Things have changed," said Mr. Ghost succinctly.

Garrett nodded slowly and didn't ask any more questions.Instead, he said, "Well, we'll try the method you're proposing...try to get out of this damned place first."

"Good luck," said Mr. Ghost.

"By the way, I have to thank you." Garrett said, with a slow smile, "If it weren't for your card game and the ritual you invented, then the sailors on the ship would have collapsed long ago.

"Now, almost with a sense of venting their anger, they are attacking those old gods who they think may be behind the current incident. The atmosphere on the ship is even quite happy."

Mr. Phantom was speechless for a while, he had to admit that this matter made him feel a little bit dumbfounded—sometimes, Liu Chengyin is possible only by unintentionally inserting willows?

This is already the beginning of the fifth century of the Mist Age, and the humans in Fisher's world are gradually getting rid of the influence of the old gods, especially in their lives.But psychologically, it is difficult to completely get rid of this influence, especially when there are still supernatural powers left in this world.

However, the amazing thing is that Fate Card seems to have done this, as if it really changed people's "destiny" just like its name.

One day in the future, when people mention the old gods, young children may be familiar with all the information and data on the old gods cards of the fate card, but they will be at a loss for the old gods who once ruled the world in history.

Mr. Ghost really does not want people to forget Anti-Nam, but, from another perspective, he also hopes that the world will take on a new look.

... The world of Fisher will eventually be the world of Fisher, the world named after the civilization of Fisher.

He said goodbye to Garrett and returned to Deep Sea Dreamland.

After the initial pondering and consideration, that solemnity finally slowly surfaced in his heart.

Is "Shadow" out of trouble?Is Amois completely lost?

He does lean toward that possibility.After all, as Garrett said, they have sailed countless times on the Folio Sea in the past, but they have never encountered such a situation... Why did they encounter it this time?Is it really that unlucky?

... Well, it is indeed possible that it is because of bad luck.

However, it is also possible that the "Shadow" got out of trouble.He left Fuliouhai, and before he left, he may have inadvertently left a trace of his own power or trace.

And Garrett and the others ran into it unluckily.

... This shadow must belong to the "shadow", and the only question that needs to be considered is when exactly this shadow appeared.

Garrett and the others encountered this fog on the northeast side of the Folio Sea. When Qin Duo explored the Folio Sea and drew a chart, of course he also passed through that place.Qin Duo didn't notice anything unusual.This deepens the possibility of the "shadow" getting out of trouble.

...and that's bad enough news.

For a long time, "Shadow" has been trapped in the Sea of ​​Foley by the dead soul of Amoys, and its scope of influence is largely limited to the Sea of ​​Foley.

This is an example of the origin of all the news related to "Shadow" coming from the north.

Once the "Shadow" is out of trouble, within a short period of time, the number of people who believe in the "Shadow" like crazy in Fisher's world may increase exponentially.

And this is not even the "Shadow" taking the initiative to do so, but just because the power and personality of the "Shadow" are overwhelmingly terrifying to ordinary humans.

Now they just need to deal with the group of shadow believers in Lamifa City, and solving all of them can almost eradicate this belief.But if the "shadow" casually caused more pollution and created more believers, then the situation would be completely different.

...He couldn't help sighing secretly.

Amoys has persisted for long enough, so long that they even forgot that the soul of this god will eventually dissipate and fall.

...However, He has bought enough time for them.

"Leave the rest to us, Amoys." He looked at the boundless ocean of dreams not far away, and murmured in a low voice.

He remained as calm as possible.

On the bright side, for the gods, the perception of time is probably different from that of humans.What may be a fleeting moment in the eyes of the "shadows" may be weeks or even months to them.

And that actually left them plenty of time to prepare.

...This year's God's Birthday.He inadvertently thought.Perhaps, that is the time to meet.

He thought about it for a while, then touched Jindo's dream bubble.

He went to Tau's cemetery and told Qindo the news.

Qin Duo couldn't help showing a shocked expression, and he couldn't help muttering: "I thought we could take a break." He said a little annoyed, "Damn 'Shadow' and damn Shadow believers."

Mr. Ghost reached out and touched Qindo's cheek. He pulled Qindo into his arms, perhaps to appease him, or perhaps to calm his emotions. He whispered: "Calm down. We still have time."

A very important problem is that "Shadow" still doesn't know where "Fate" is.This is good news for them.

However, the bad news is that it is also difficult for them to analyze the movements and thoughts of "Shadow".

The reason Antinam is so human to the other Old Gods is that they were born out of human civilization.The "shadow" is "outside civilization".

He is the opposite of civilization, so Mr. Phantom is a little bit out of hand.

"I need to collect as much relevant information as possible to confirm that 'Shadow' has indeed escaped... If possible, we'd better confirm his whereabouts." Mr. Ghost said in a low voice.

"...I'll bring the Playa family to the attention." Cindo said, "They're a good fit for this."

Mr. Phantom also nodded, and he said, "Other than that, let's proceed at our original pace for things in Lamifa City."

To fight against "Shadow", I'm afraid it can only be done by him and Qin Duo.

Qin Duo rubbed Mr. Ghost's shoulder, as if nodding.He suddenly said: "Do you think 'Shadow' will notice the movement of Shadow believers?"

For a long time, many people, including Qin Duo, have actually had a subtle confusion.

Shadow believers...or other followers of the old gods, they made such a big noise, but the gods they believe in seem to be unaware.Needless to say, the old gods, and "Shadow" never gave some response.

... The sacrifice in the deep sea is not a response.Aren't the inhabitants of those isolated islands still crazy or lingering?

However, "Shadow" was originally trapped in the Fuliou Sea, and He may not be able to respond to the calls of believers in more distant locations.Now that he might be out of the woods, would he do a favor on a whim?

...For example, the actions of these shadow believers in Lamifa City?

"There is indeed such a possibility." Mr. Phantom said, "...But, don't worry too much. After all, we already have a lot of information."

He has always maintained a calm tone, which also made Qin Duo calm down slowly.

"I believe in you." Qin Duo whispered reverently.His emerald green eyes almost flashed a hint of madness and coldness at a certain moment, but in the end they returned to a gentle and silent emotion, and he murmured, "I'm ready for everything."

Mr. Ghost observed his expression, and then smiled helplessly: "If you believe me, then..." He kissed his lips, "Don't make all the preparations. Forget about those terrible possibilities .”

Qin Duo widened his eyes in a little astonishment, and then his expression and gaze softened completely.He whispered very meekly, "I'll forget."

Mr. Ghost just nodded, deepening the kiss to make his partner less worried.

"...You may be busy in the future." After a while, he said again, "I may need you to personally confirm the traces of the 'shadow'."

This kind of thing can only be done by him and Qindo, but he cannot come and go freely like Qindo, so he can only entrust this task to Qindo.

"I'll have the doll go with you," added Mr. Ghost.

"Okay." Qin Duo replied briskly, "I'm glad I can help you."

Mr. Ghost smiled.He was about to leave Jindor's dreamland, go to the Mirror of Fisher and talk to those two glass balls—especially about "Shadow"—but he stopped suddenly.

He stared at Qin Duo, thoughtful.

"What's wrong?" Qin Duo was a little confused by the deep thought on Mr. Ghost's face.

"I suddenly realized..." said Mr. Ghost, "the similarities and differences."

Qin Duo was even more confused.

Mr. Phantom did not explain Qin Duo's doubts for the time being, but fell into deep thought.

He thought of the question he had noticed not long ago: why this time, the dream bubble at 1 Erskine Street seemed to make some people realize that it seemed to be a dream?

The deep-sea dream is a dream bubble "outside the world"; in the real world, similar dream bubbles have appeared three times: the Salon Space of the Historical Society, the Lancelot Theater, and 1 Erskine Street.

Only the dream bubble at No. 1 Erskine Street seems unreal.

……"reality".Herein lies the problem.

And isn't "truth" standing in front of him?

The deep sea dream contains Qindo's dream, in other words, it also contains Tau's cemetery; the salon space was created by Antinam himself, which is a little more "real" than Lygardia.

And in that attempt at the Lancelot Theatre, Cindo happened to be among the dreamers.

But precisely at No. 1 Erskine Street, the dream was just a dream--that was the power of sheer illusion.

... For a long time, Qin Duo was not very interested in dreams.

He came here, either for Tau Cemetery, or to accompany his beloved god.His dream was the old mansion of the Playa family that he didn't like very much. Although he was used to this place now, he never thought of changing it.

Among all the dreams that Mr. Ghost entered, after learning that he had the ability to change the dream at will, Qin Duo was the only one who didn't make any changes to the dream.

…uh, maybe except for… certain things…

In short, to Qin Duo, the dream is like a pure and independent space.He never seemed to actually "use" the power of the dream.

He is someone who has been thoroughly imbued with the power of "truth".Unlike Mr. Ghost, Gindo simply has "real" power, which is in his blood, something he was born with.

...he is "truth".

Mr. Ghost suddenly laughed, and he said, "Qindo, I have solved a puzzle."

Qin Duo tilted his head, although he didn't understand very well, he still said tentatively: "Congratulations?"

"Because of your existence," said Mr. Ghost.

Qin Duo held back, and finally said: "Can you stop playing charades?"

Mr. Phantom smiled and explained his thoughts to Qindo, and he finally said, "It's you who made the dream come true."

When he entered the deep sea dream, he never thought about why the dream was so real and close to reality.

The dreams in his impression always have a sense of trance that seems real or fake, which is a trace of luck left by the brain when it deceives itself.But in the deep sea dream, in the salon space, and in the dream bubble of reality, the dream is no different from the reality.

This is probably the role of Qin Duo.

Qin Duo was taken aback, but said with some surprise: "But I didn't do anything."

"It's just your own existence." Mr. Phantom said with a slight smile, "That's enough. You've added a layer of 'reality' to the 'illusion'."

Qin Duo was silent for a moment, and then said honestly: "I thought I had figured it out, but now I don't seem to understand it very well."

Mr. Ghost laughed. He said, "As long as you stay in the dream, people won't notice the difference. They'll think it's real."

Qin Duo thought for a while, and then he seemed to suddenly think of something crucial, and his face changed suddenly.He said quickly, "But that means..."

"Yes, Ginto." Mr. Ghost said softly, "At that possible moment, I need you to do it."

Qin Duo stared at him blankly, he was obviously very unhappy, quite unhappy...he could probably guess what Mr. Ghost wanted to do.

If the "Shadow" does strike, then his beloved god will make a very noble decision-he will let people take refuge in the dream bubble.

He also doesn't want people to be aware of all this, so he will let Jindo also go to the dreamland to make that dream bubble real enough... Let everything be resolved with the help of the dreamland, so that people will be ignorant of everything that happened I don't know.

...That means, in the end, he may have to face the "shadow" alone.

"No...no, it's not good." Qin Duo rarely objected to Mr. Ghost's thoughts, "I'm not happy...I'm not happy to let you do this..."

His tone was rather low and anxious.He knew that Mister Ghost might confront The Shadow, but he'd rather face it with him than have him do it alone.

...Of course, Qin Duo also knows that maybe at that moment, he may not be able to help, or even delay.He certainly prepared himself similarly, knowing that he might leave at some point.

but……

It was difficult for him to describe what was in his mind.

He can accept that because he is weak and has never become a god, he cannot face the "shadow" directly... He can accept it.Just as he once protected his beloved god in the Everlands, his beloved god will protect him at some point in the future.

He is willing to accept this situation.

But...but such speculation is different now.He didn't want to see such... "noble".

His beloved god guards this world and its people, and those damn shadow worshipers have betrayed this race.At that time in the future, will this group of shadow believers be included in the dream bubble?

...I'm afraid it will.His beloved god is always so noble.

Of course, Qin Duo also knows that there are enough rational factors to support this approach - it is impossible to leave shadow believers alone in the real world and let them go