Chapter 312 — A Matter of Digging Pits

"Take your time learning what's in here. If you don't understand something, I can teach you. I want you to spread this knowledge in your own name throughout the psychic network, among the Long Slumber cultists. In the process, you will inevitably have countless opportunities to rise in rank within the order. You may regard this 'promotion' as your second reward. As for the specific methods of dissemination and the extent of it, I will tell you in detail."

Daniel's eyes went wide, and he stared blankly at Gao Yang.

But Gao Yang did not explain on the spot; instead he gestured for the other to keep reading.

The second book also bore a line of large characters on its cover:

Weave Technology — Typhon Special Edition

"You must study what is written here carefully as well. That said, I believe that as an archmage, you will find this somewhat easier to learn than that volume on information security. I will tell you how to apply the knowledge within, bit by bit, to the real world—but for now you must keep it from spreading, and only when I give the word may you make it public."

Daniel's eyes grew wider still.

Gao Yang straightened up and looked at the old mage before him. "You are curious about my purpose?"

Daniel swallowed. He was no fool. Had some nobody produced these things, he might have criticized them and dismissed them with contempt—but they had come from the "Vagrant Beyond the World," so he regarded the contents of the two books at once with the utmost seriousness and vigilance, and he saw immediately the immense value and power contained in this knowledge.

He believed that if the opening passages of these two books were not exaggerated, they would suffice to transform the entire Order of the Long Twilight—and all of Typhon as well!

But they had come from the "Vagrant Beyond the World"...

And so... the Order of the Long Twilight and Typhon might likewise be consigned to utter ruin because of them...

Yet for now he could not discern what the fatal "poison" in these two bodies of knowledge might be; he could see only how sweet and alluring they were.

Daniel could not help but recall the material he had seen on the mental network concerning "Gao Yang Cecil."

After that ancient hero was resurrected, he did not contend for power and profit with the nobles of present-day Anseth, nor did he stir up any turmoil at court. Instead he led a group of people to the southern reaches of Anseth and began building towns and developing his domain... It was said that on that newly founded land, all manner of new things appeared every day.

New things meant new knowledge.

The Vagrant Beyond the World would "leap" from world to world, and each time It descended upon a world, what It did was never the same—sometimes It brought destruction, sometimes salvation, sometimes change... It had already personally kindled the "spark" in Anseth, and now through his own hands It would bring knowledge to the Order of Eternal Sleep and to Typhon...

So the purpose—or rather the mission—of the "Vagrant Beyond the World" in this descent was to spread knowledge?

Halfway through the thought, Daniel at once sounded a warning in his heart: he must not jump to conclusions so quickly. The Vagrant Beyond the World was an inhuman being; heaven only knew what logic governed Their actions, what principles They followed!

Gao Yang could guess what Daniel was thinking without even trying, so he did not let the other go on filling in the blanks in his mind. Instead he said bluntly, "This knowledge is a precious treasure; it is enough to benefit its recipients beyond measure. But I can tell you plainly—I have left a 'key' within it.

"At a certain time, I will use that 'key' to collect the price of this knowledge. Whatever benefit it brings, I will exact a price of equal magnitude.

"As I said at the beginning, I adhere strictly to equivalent exchange."

Gao Yang paused, then looked into Daniel's eyes. "Do you remember the question I asked you at the start? If a greater salvation were placed before you, would you betray the Eternal Sleepers? Now add another: what is your loyalty to Typhon worth?"