Lord of the Mysteries Chapter 1430 (END) - In Modern Day (28)

It seems decent enough, just the sort of light entertainment I enjoy...

I scan my surroundings, quickly formulating a plan before whipping out my phone to check the movie review site for ratings and comments.

“The visual style is rather shallow...”

“The narrative is simplistic and unpolished...”

“Aside from the fancy aesthetics and a handful of actresses, there’s truly nothing to offer...”

“The lead performs only with an arrogant attitude and lacks actual acting ability...”

“Utterly devoid of depth.”

“It’s a mediocre blockbuster, at best, just barely passable.”

After reading through the reviews, I realize it isn't completely terrible, giving me a general sense of what to expect.

The towering middle-schooler standing by the poster beside me has already moved off to purchase his ticket.

“One ticket for The Pirate 3, earliest screening.” I approach the counter only after the kid leaves for another part of the mall; I prefer to avoid the stark height comparison, as it only serves to damage my ego.

“The next showtime is still fifteen minutes away,” the clerk notifies me.

“That works.” I have no interest in shopping, so I decide to locate a seat and wait. It won't be long before doors open anyway.

Naturally, before settling down, I pick up a medium-sized iced Coke and a bucket of buttered popcorn.

Obviously, a popcorn flick requires the mandatory popcorn treatment!

Without it, can you even call it a proper leisure experience?

In the past, I rarely visited cinemas, strictly to prevent myself from overindulging!

Now, however, my physique has returned to the peak condition of my university days, well-defined and muscular.

This is truly the beauty of life!

Shortly after, I follow the signs into the auditorium to find my seat.

Despite it being typical business hours, the theater is quite packed, largely populated by students.

I take a sip of my iced Coke and secure my 3D glasses.

Suddenly, the two-meter-tall middle-schooler marches down the aisle toward me.

Usually, there is enough room between my seat and the row in front to pass through, but the figure approaching is simply too massive; drawing in my legs isn't nearly enough to let him squeeze by.

I have no choice but to stand up, leaning back to make space.

The student passes successfully. He turns toward me, offering a sincere smile.

“Thank you, Uncle.”

“...Don't mention it.” I still see myself as a young man.

This brief interruption doesn't stop me from enjoying my popcorn and soda while watching the trailers play on the giant screen.

Before long, The Pirate 3 officially gets underway. My amused smile lasts only a short five minutes before it begins to stiffen.

The movie wasn't worse than I’d anticipated; rather, I was struck by how the protagonist gains his power—by consuming a potion.

That potion resonated with me, reminding me deeply of the Assassin beverage I had once ingested!

I am immediately drawn into the narrative, though no further mention of potions appears thereafter. Instead, the film focuses on the harrowing side effects such substances carry.

My heart grows heavy as I watch. I start to feel as though I am the one playing the protagonist.

Once the credits roll, I can't help but curse under my breath.

After viewing the post-credits scene, I gather my empty cup and bucket, heading toward the aisle.

Suddenly, a small girl, appearing to be well under 1.6 meters, approaches, lowering her voice as she speaks.

“You are being watched.”

I reflexively glance around, but the suspect is nowhere to be seen.

The woman who provided the warning has already vanished into the crowd, heading toward the exits.

After a momentary thought, I resolve to make it out of the cinema before trying to confirm the situation.

Simultaneously, a train rolls to a halt at a high-speed rail terminal in the city.

The door of one carriage slides open; only four or five individuals occupy it, creating a jarring contrast with the bustling passengers elsewhere on the train.

These few individuals are dressed as if they are attending a comic convention. After exchanging meaningful glances, they disembark with heavy, deliberate strides.

What they encounter is a sleek, modern platform teeming with common folks.

—End of the first installment of the Lord of the Mysteries trilogy—