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The Hindu
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Lord of Mysteries' explained: A beginner's guide to the complex power system
The latest donghua hit, Lord of Mysteries, is a dark fantasy set in a Victorian-era world filled with arcane secrets, shadowy organisations, and a surprisingly grounded system of magic. But for newcomers, its dense lore and layered power system can quickly feel overwhelming. If you're just getting into the story, whether through the original web novel or the new anime adaptation on Crunchyroll, this guide will help you understand how its complex power system works. Originally serialised on China's Qidian platform between 2018 and 2020, Lord of Mysteries — written by the pseudonymous Cuttlefish That Loves Diving — is widely regarded as one of the most ambitious and tightly structured web novels of its generation. A genre-blending epic that fuses steampunk aesthetics with Lovecraftian horror and esoteric mysticism, it has amassed tens of millions of readers, inspired passionate fan theories, and now finds itself adapted into a gorgeously animated series. Lord of Mysteries is primarily a story about knowledge and power — how to gain it, how to survive it, and how easily it can unravel the self. This guide is for newcomers curious about the world's strange but meticulously constructed framework of rituals, potions, Pathways, and personas that shape the fate of every character in the story. It goes without saying but, consider this your [SPOILER WARNING] in case you aren't caught up yet. What is a Beyonder? A Beyonder is someone who has consumed a potion tied to a specific supernatural Pathway, which is kind of like a magical career path. Each Pathway offers a unique theme and a ladder of powers called Sequences. Each Pathway in Lord of Mysteries is loosely inspired by a Major Arcanacard from the Tarot deck — much like in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders — with each title reflecting archetypal roles that shape a Beyonder's abilities, identity, and fate. Once you pick a Pathway, switching to another is extremely risky unless it's an adjacent one. Most people stick to one Pathway for their entire journey. Our main charcter Klein Moretti, for instance, begins on the Seer Pathway, where the focus is on intuition, foresight, and rituals. Leonard and Dunn Smith, two members of the Nighthawks, belong to the Sleepless Pathway, which centres around mental resilience and dream manipulation. Audrey is a Spectator, trained in observing and influencing human behaviour. Alger, a sailor-turned-occultist, is following the Sailor Pathway, which leans toward elemental and storm-based powers. Other characters like Daly Simone and Old Neil follow Pathways tied to death, spirits, and forbidden knowledge. There are 22 Pathways in total, and each one grants a different set of abilities as a person progresses through it. What are Sequences? Each Pathway is structured like a ladder of Sequences, counting down from Sequence 9 (the weakest) to Sequence 1 (on the edge of godhood). Klein starts at Sequence 9: Seer. His next step would be Sequence 8: Clown, which grants new powers but also greater risks. Here's how the power tiers generally break down: Lower Sequences (9–8): Beginner-level powers. Beyonders can perform basic supernatural feats but remain mostly human. Mid Sequences (7–5): Powers grow stronger and more dangerous. Mental strain increases. Klein's allies like Dunn (Sequence 7: Nightmare) and Daly (Sequence 7: Spirit Medium) operate at this level. High Sequences (4–1): Demigod-level abilities. Beyonders at this stage can manipulate reality on a large scale, but are constantly at risk of madness or losing control. To advance to the next Sequence, a Beyonder must consume the next potion in their Pathway. But it's not as simple as drinking and leveling up. How do you level up? The key to safely progressing through Sequences is called the Acting Method. This is a core part of the Lord of Mysteries power system and one of the reasons it feels so grounded and original. Here's how it works: Each Sequence is tied to a title — Seer, Clown, Spirit Medium, Nightmare, etc. — and that title isn't merely symbolic. A Beyonder must act like the title to digest the potion properly. In Klein's case, as a Seer, he needs to perform divination and engage in prophetic rituals. That's why he joins the local Divination Club. By acting in line with the nature of their Sequence, Beyonders gradually stabilise the chaotic elements within the potion. This process is called digestion. Only after fully digesting a potion can they safely move to the next one. Most Beyonders don't know about the Acting Method. When Klein shares it with other members of his Tarot Club — like Alger (Sequence 8: Folk of Rage) and Audrey (Sequence 9: Spectator) — they're stunned. Alger, a veteran sailor with his own secrets, immediately understands how valuable this information is. What happens if you fail? If a Beyonder fails to digest a potion or advances too quickly, they risk losing their sanity. This loss of control can turn them into violent, deformed monsters or inhuman beings consumed by the very power they tried to harness. Failed Beyonders are often dangerous and unstable, which is why official organisations like the Nighthawks try to regulate potion use and monitor their activity. Who regulates all this? The supernatural is largely hidden from the public. Instead, it's managed by major religious and military institutions. Each church holds dominion over a few Pathways. For instance, the Church of the Evernight Goddess oversees the Darkness and Death Pathways and runs the Nighthawks. Other official factions and rogue organizations compete over magical knowledge, potion ingredients, and ancient texts that help decode the rules of being a Beyonder. The Antigonus Family Notebook The Antigonus Family were once powerful nobles deeply entrenched in occult research. But like many who rose too quickly through the Beyonder ranks, they were destroyed by the very powers they sought to master. One of their surviving relics is a notebook containing handwritten records of their studies, rituals, and most dangerously, Beyonder potion formulas. This notebook plays a crucial role early in Klein's journey. It provides rare and secret knowledge — most notably about the Acting Method — and introduces Klein to the idea that climbing the Sequence ladder is possible without succumbing to madness, if one is disciplined and careful. It's also a cursed object, capable of triggering hallucinations and mental collapse if handled incorrectly. What are Sealed Artifacts? Beyonders often use powerful magical items called Sealed Artifacts. These are rare, dangerous, and unique. Think of them like cursed tools that can give you incredible power, but they come with side effects that vary from inconvenient to life-threatening. Artifacts are ranked from Grade 3 (least dangerous) to Grade 0 (most dangerous). Because of their power, Sealed Artifacts are heavily guarded and usually only handled by high-ranking Beyonders. A perfect example of a Sealed Artifact in the Lord of Mysteries anime is 2-049 (or the Antigonus Family Puppet), which is a Grade 2 Sealed Artifact. The creepy, jointed doll dressed in oil-stained brown cloth with a painted clown face and a wide grin is sent to Tingen City from the Backlund diocese to track Ray Bieber, a suspected descendant of the Antigonus Family. The puppet passively slows nearby individuals, both mentally and physically. Once caught in its influence, you'll need external help — usually a physical tap — to break free. If not rescued in time, you become paralysed and fall completely under its control. What's the Gray Fog? Klein gains access to a mysterious space above the spirit world, known as the Gray Fog. From here, he can communicate with others, conduct rituals, and even protect himself from divine interference. It also becomes the base of operations for the Tarot Club. What makes this Power System so unique? The power system in Lord of Mysteries is both strict and flexible. It runs on clear rules but allows for mystery, improvisation, and growth. The Acting Method turns every new power into a test of identity. Advancing through the Sequences can't be achieved by brute force, but requires self-understanding, discipline, and learning how to wear a mask without becoming it. It's not a system you can cheat. You have to earn every step, and if you're careless, you might not survive the climb. This creates a world that feels both magical and believable, with no shortcut to becoming powerful. You have to study, adapt, and survive. That's what keeps the world grounded, even as it grows more bizarre. If you're just starting the anime or the novel, take your time. The story doesn't rush its explanations, but once you start to see how the pieces fit, the world opens up in clever, satisfying ways. Lord of Mysteries is currently streaming on Crunchyroll
Buzz Feed
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Nine Weird And Wonderful Books That Are Hard To Put Down
Recently, u/Interesting_Win_2154 asked the good folks over at r/suggestmeabook for a book that's "too weird to explain and too good to put down," so we thought we'd share some of the suggestions. Sharkheart by Emily Habeck "Newlyweds navigate marriage and that the husband is turning into a great white shark."–seb2433"I'm reading Sharkheart right now. The premise sounds very strange but is somehow wholly believable in the pages of the book."–rivalsportsstats Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson "A woman becomes the caretaker of her friend's stepkids. The kids catch on fire when they're upset."–seb2433 Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer "200ish pages, though it's the first in a completed series. Weird, Lovecraftian, eerie, and confusing. It's told from the perspective of an unnamed biologist as she joins an expedition into an area that's been cordoned off from the rest of the world by the government due to the strange phenomena that occur within it's borders. She's a withholding narrator, often alluding to things but only providing details later, if at all, deeply introverted to the point of being misanthropic. It's heavily implied that her perception/mental state and that of the other characters around her are altered by the effects of the area they're exploring. Very vivid descriptions of nature and violence alike."–sivez97 The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins "Best possible answer to this request. Such a weird and wonderful book."–backcountry_knitterBrief description: This dark fantasy novel follows Carolyn, a seemingly normal human who was 'adopted', alongside a dozen other children, and raised by a mysterious powerful figure, who has abilities and knowledge beyond this world. The Vegetarian by Han Kang "Just finished this and wow! Very weird and thought provoking. On the shorter side too!"–Agreeable-Panda-8922Brief description: This haunting novel is centred around a woman who's decision to stop eating meat spirals into a nightmarish trial of subjugation and suffering at the hands and minds of those around her. The Hike by Drew Magery "It's about a man who goes on a hike and an existential journey."–Cerrida82"Coming here for this! It's an absolute roller coaster ride of a book that leaves you wondering what that hell did you just read."–mintbrownie Earthlings by Sayaka Murata "l read it all in one day and then all I could do was stare at the wall and ruminate on the very weird vibes it gave me, I will never read it again, but I am glad I read it."–SuspiciousSide8859Brief description: This unsettling but thought-provoking novel follows Natsuki, whose childhood was far from normal. When she is older, the 'regular' life that she lives is threatened by the secrets and dark memories of her past, and she must take actions to continue surviving. Geek Love "I'm here to beg OP to read this – I love to recommend this, but only when someone really is seeking the weird."–Foreign_End_3065Brief description: This is the bizarre tale of a family/travelling circus who've set out to breed their own exhibit of human oddities. As they travel around the U.S, they're met with varying attitudes and responses. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula le Guin "I would say The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula le Guin ticks all your boxes."–CurlsandCream"That book should tick everyone's boxes."–jtr99Brief description: This science fiction novel tells the story of a lone emissary who is sent to the alien world of Winter in order to aid the world's inclusion into the growing intergalactic civilisation. H/T to u/Interesting_Win_2154 and r/suggestmeabook for having the discussion! Any of your own recommendations fit the bill? Let us know in the comments below!
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Demon Slayer's most tragic villain didn't choose to be evil
Demon Slayer's most tragic villain didn't choose to be evil Credit-Fandom If you've only just joined the world of Demon Slayer , you may assume that the demons in this series are simply emotionless killing machines. The truth is, many of them have surprisingly tragic backstories—including one of the very first villains, the Hand Demon . As frightful as he was to behold, his background narrates a sad story of bereavement, treachery and metamorphosis. This initial arc in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba makes it clear that even the most terrifying antagonists weren't always so malicious—they used to be humans filled with emotions, families, and aspirations. Operation Sindoor After Pak dials India, both sides agree to stop firing; top military officials to talk on May 12 'Armed forces remain operationally ready': India after ceasefire announcement 'Any future act of terror will ...': India's big stand against Pak Who was the hand demon in Demon Slayer During his last examination to become a fully-fledged demon slayer, Tanjiro Kamado , the hero of the first season of Demon Slayer, fights the Hand Demon. It was unique among the show's various demons—not just for his Lovecraftian appearance, but for his icy hatred and especially for his heartbreaking origin story. The Hand Demon's body was hideously misshapen, with dozens of extra arms, giving him the ability to move and attack unnaturally viciously. Underneath that horror was a crushed soul. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Want Lower Bills Without Changing a Thing? elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More Undo Innocent child to wild beast When the Hand Demon was just an ordinary boy, he fell in love with his older brother, whom he served as a maid. As a kid, he was very anxious, and would keep asking his older brother to hold his hand whenever he was scared. Everything changed when the Demon King Muzan Kibutsuji forced him to become a demon during the Edo period. Like all highborn demons in the series, he was now required to consume humans to stay alive. His very first victim? His very own brother. In those years, the humanity of that boy was erased. His desire to consume human flesh increased and his physical form then transformed into a horrifying state. The recently transformed demon earned a reputation as perhaps the deadliest fiend on the slopes of Mount Fujikasane, the traditional stomping ground for young demon slayer trainees taking their last rite of passage. Toxic legacy trapped and forgotten for decades The first of these, the Hand Demon, was defeated by Sakonji Urokodaki, the last Water Hashira (one of the elite-ranked demon slayers). Rather than kill him, Sakonji imprisoned him atop the mountain surrounded by wisteria flowers—which demons cannot cross. The plan was to use him as a litmus test for potential demon slayer recruits, but that went horribly awry. Held captive for 47 years, the Hand Demon fostered a seething, escalating rage toward Sakonji. He eventually started hunting down and assassinating everyone he had trained—particularly those under Sakonji's tutelage who donned Sakonji's trademark fox masks. Before long, the demon had killed 13 of Sakonji's pupils, most notably the talented warrior Sabito, who attempted to save Tanjiro in spirit before his own death. A house of despair mortality A heartbreaking conclusion the final battle against Tanjiro When Tanjiro finally defeats the Hand Demon, it's one of the more nuanced, sympathetic demises in shonen history, as viewers learn just how broken and bitter the demon has become. He lashes out in anger, not only to stay alive but to destroy. Tanjiro, unlike most of his demon slaying contemporaries, can't fight with hatred. He cannot bear to look away when he sees the sadness in the demon's eyes. After a brutal struggle, Tanjiro is able to decapitate the Hand Demon. Rather than celebrating, he tenderly takes the demon's hand in his own as he dies—just like the charming brother he once loved. Now in her final moments, the Hand Demon recalls what life was like before, when her name was Kuniko. He remembers his brother's hand in the warmth of his palm, and the tears puddle as he turns to dust. Tanjiro prays for him, wishing that if he does get reincarnated then maybe he can be reincarnated as a kind human, instead of being burdened by the hell-ish fate of being a demon. Why this story resonates so deeply Demon Slayer is primarily about action and sword fighting, stories like the Hand Demon's help us remember that even villains have an emotional core and pain. Instead of portraying demons as uniformly evil creatures, the show dedicates time to how many were just victims themselves. When the Hand Demon's story plays out, it's a vivid reminder that even during the most horrific times, empathy and kindness still shine through, and that's what makes all of Demon Slayer so incredible. Where to watch Demon Slayer You can now stream Demon Slayer. Demon Slayer on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu (check local listings). The Hand Demon is featured early in Season 1 as part of Tanjiro's final selection arc. It is a must-watch episode filled with as much emotion as it is with action. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . And don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
GTA 6's preposterously gorgeous second trailer has me thinking 'no-one does it like Rockstar' isn't just a compliment, but an omen
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. As you might've noticed by the titanic, earthquake-causing footsteps of an industry giant rolling over in its year-long delay slumber, Grand Theft Auto 6 has dropped a new trailer. And while my rational mind wants to put 'it's a doozy', here, I feel like that's a colossal understatement. Far from just likely melting your computer, GTA 6 looks gorgeous in a way that defies the series' open world scale. The wrinkles on Jason's shirt, the hyper-realism of the evening light playing off the bars on a state prison, the little cracks and imperfections of a 'keep clear' sign that's been artificially made to endure the wear and tear of the dysfunctional society the game's parodying. Even the beer bottles are a new tier of impressive, because why not. I get the same feeling watching this trailer that an Arctic researcher might watching a Lovecraftian horror breach the briny waves. I'm a sailor torn out of the golden age of piracy, staring at a picture of a cruise liner and wondering how it floats. I'm an ant being introduced to the concept of a lawnmower. If I sound like I'm being up this game's fundament, I sort of am—but when some of my colleagues say "no-one does it like Rockstar", I can't help but think of that phrase as an omen of some kind, said in the way you might say: "In his house at R'lyeh dead Cthulhu waits dreaming". This 13-years-in-development creature just isn't something that exists in the normal constraints of the gaming industry. I mean—despite my uneasy feelings and paranoia, borne out of a job that has me able to recite a dozen crushing layoffs from memory, it's clear that big-budget games aren't dead just yet. Assassin's Creed Shadows did quite well for itself, and the big-names in Japan are doing alright. Well, they would be, if tariffs weren't happening. There are also plenty of heavyweight studios with irons in the fire—the next Witcher from CD Projekt Red'll likely shake the firmament, and Death Stranding 2 is looking similarly gorgeous and mystifying. But we're also in the twilight years of several industry giants. While Ubisoft clings on after an extended slump, Rocksteady wobbles after Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Bioware is unrecognisable, and probably won't be making a Dragon Age game again with how much institutional knowledge EA just shed. Bethesda kinda doesn't know how to make a Bethesda game anymore. Every mainline Final Fantasy title Square Enix makes is utterly gorgeous, and unfailingly behaving below expectations anyway. I don't think doom is coming for Rockstar, not in the slightest—it might not even be coming for big-budget games from traditional publishers. But still, there's something in the air. As far as Take-Two is concerned, GTA Online has a thick enough bankroll for the company to take its sweet time. Similarly, when GTA 6 does hit in 2026 (probably), it'll likely be one of the most successful videogames ever made. There's a reason anyone else making games is scrambling to get out from under its shadow. There's also the darker side of the Rockstar pedigree that allows it to do, well, this—Red Dead Redemption 2 had a similar level of proportionately boggling scope, and that game was built off the back of "death march" crunch. Rockstar's promised to be better, and it very well may have done so. Still, even if things've changed, the path Take-Two took to get here isn't a pleasant one. But I think we can agree it's a unique beast, right? Who else gets to comfortably sit on a pile of money while taking 13 entire years to make their next instalment? And who, gosh darnit, is doing it like Rockstar? I can name some studios that're getting close, but if this trailer's any indication, they'll be left two steps behind once more. We'll just have to see. I'm not entirely convinced that blockbusters are on their way out, but if GTA 6 delivers on even two-thirds of the sheer detail and scope it's promising in these trailers, it'll be an architectural marvel, non-Euclidian and impossible to craft for anyone but the big R. And if trends continue, it might be another 14 years before we get anything like it—and who knows where we'll be in 2040. GTA 6: Everything we knowGTA 5 mods: Revved upGTA 5 cheats: Phone it inGTA 6 cars: The lineupSan Andreas cheats: All the codes
Buzz Feed
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
16 Photos That SEEM Scary At First, But Don't Worry — It's A Trick
1. This murder scene is actually the aftermath of some strawberry smoothies spilling into the restaurant walk-in. 2. And don't worry — this cat isn't actually missing a leg. 3. This is not a scene out of The Shining — it's a computer server that someone (poorly) chose to wire with all red cables. 4. This is actually not some kind of Lovecraftian horror hiding in the bathtub. 5. And this bed is not a crime scene — the sheets just have a rose print on them. 6. TEETH — no, peppers. 7. This poor beheaded dog! 8. Oh no, the giant insects are attacking! 9. Breaking News: Local Couple Finds Mummified Hand In Garden (jk, it's a sweet potato). 10. Oh no, the Grim Reaper is on my lawn! Wait, no, that's a plant. 11. What is this alien creature lying in wait on the bed?! Ah. Never mind. 12. My god, they've stolen mummified remains! Oops, nvm. 13. Uhhh, this person should really get their infected heel checked out. Never mind. Delicious! 14. Imagine seeing a gorilla on your living room camera... ...and then finding this. 15. This person thought a man was waiting to jump them on the construction site... ...But nope. u/Low_Letter1739 / Via 16. And finally, this one-eyed alien sphere... u/Rorschach1944 / Via Is actually a lil' puppy! u/Rorschach1944 / Via
