Chapter 249: The Assassination
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Eileen clamped her mouth shut and angrily looked at the thin, smiling face of the ambassador, with a touch of terror.
Bakerland stretched out his right hand which was covered in a plume of orange flames that danced silently.
He took two steps forward, making a gesture as if he was pressing his palm against Eileen's skin.
This made Eileen think of the descriptions in many novels in which cruel interrogators would use red-hot iron to brand their target's body, bringing about an extremely painful experience.
"No, I can't be that brutal to such a beautiful lady." Bakerland suddenly stopped his outstretched right palm and chuckled softly.
He shook suddenly, turning the orange flame into a long red whip.
The long whip ignited the air around it which took on the form of thorns.
Pow!
Bakerland lashed his flaming whip at Eileen, burning her clothes and leaving a dark mark on her skin. Her face contorted as she screamed.
"Who sent you?" Bakerland asked again in a gentle voice.
Eileen's lips quivered a few times before she finally opened them.
"It was…"
As Bakerland subconsciously listened for the answer, his eyes suddenly turned bloodshot.
Oh no! Bakerland jerked back and rolled to the ground.
In the spot where he had been standing, a flame rose up and formed a wall of fire.
Splat! Splat! Splat! Rain-like blood and flesh splattered against the wall and produced sizzling sounds.
Some of them penetrated the flame, leaving a thin trail of blood on the ground.
At the end of this path was the Intis ambassador, Bakerland, who had stood up once again.
He saw that Eileen's abdomen had been torn open and two arms wrapped in viscous liquid were sticking out from inside.
With a sudden push of the two arms, a figure drilled its way out from the belly of the beautiful Eileen. "It" was covered in a thick, squirming blood-red liquid that continuously dripped down, and it was about the size of an adult male.
It was hard to imagine that a normal woman like Eileen, with no protrusion in her abdomen, would actually have such a thing hidden inside her body!
How was it stored in there!?
Boom!
The body below Eileen's head exploded completely, turning into pure flesh and blood, surging into the form of a humanoid figure, and mixing with the dripping liquid to turn into a strange red robe.
The figure revealed its true appearance. It was so beautiful that it looked like a woman. The blood-red robe it wore looked like a blossoming flower under the illumination of the flames.
"Rose Bishop!" As a veteran intelligence officer, Bakerland immediately identified the name of the corresponding Sequence before him.
Sequence 6 of the Secrets Suppliant pathway, Rose Bishop.
Every Rose Bishop was an expert when it came to flesh and blood magic!
Beyonders at this Sequence could hide inside the bodies of others, thereby avoiding all sorts of investigations.
But the moment they emerge, the hosts would lose their lives.
"For the Lord!" Eileen's remaining head let out a low cry and closed her eyes forever.
The Rose Bishop stretched out its right hand and tapped its chest four times in the order of bottom to top, right to left.
With the color of blood and the light from the flames reflecting in his eyes, he looked at Bakerland and took a sudden step forward with his right foot, passing through the wall of fire. He didn't receive any damage from the fire, with only dark red liquid that continuously dripped down.
Bakerland retreated once again as he suddenly raised his voice.
"Someone! Help me!"
Although his most capable assistant, Rosago, and several intelligence agents had been sent on a mission, there was still no lack of Beyonders in the embassy. They were military officials who had received permission from the Loen Kingdom. They were the defensive forces that were available!
One Sequence 5, one Sequence 6, three Sequence 7s, and a combination of nearly ten Sequence 8s and 9s.
Bakerland's voice echoed around the room, but it didn't exit the premises. The music outside didn't stop and the ball continued.
It was as though the room had become a completely isolated world!
"This…" Bakerland stopped his shouting, narrowed his eyes, and looked around.
The Rose Bishop was in no hurry to act. He said with a chuckle, "It was by your own will, the rules that were decided by yourself.
"You told the guards not to disturb you or come near, or let anyone close.
"Yes… I simply magnified your will and rules and made a slight distortion. If you want to escape this isolation, you have to defeat yourself."
Bakerland's expression changed slightly. What appeared to be the compliance of rules was, in fact, a distortion of them. The characteristic of using the power of authority to serve oneself made him think of another Sequence's name.
"Baron of Corruption!" Bakerland growled.
This was the Lawyer pathway, which was Sequence 6 of the Dark Emperor pathway.
Before he could finish his sentence, Bakerland's face suddenly turned extremely gloomy as he blurted out, "Shepherd! You're a Shepherd!
"Who are you from the Aurora Order? Mr. A?
"Why are you assassinating me?
The Rose Bishop, no—Shepherd chuckled.
"You don't need to know who I am.
"Accept the Lord's blessings…"
His body suddenly stiffened before he could finish his sentence. It was as though his joints were covered in rust, and he seemed to have turned into a puppet.
Bakerland laughed rapturously. The gloominess from before disappeared in an instant. He took out a white handkerchief from his left breast pocket and wiped the corner of his mouth.
"I'm glad that you were able to chat with me for so long. It gave me enough time."
After the white handkerchief was taken away, a thumb-sized head emerged from his left breast pocket. It was the head of a puppet with completely black eyes!
The Shepherd opened his mouth and was about to speak when he heard a hollow voice that seemed to come from afar.
"You…"
After pausing, his body suddenly burgeoned, and his skin turned dark. Two curved goat horns with strange, sinister patterns sprouted from his head, as well as wings behind his back that reeked of sulfur when they flapped.
The Shepherd instantly moved three meters forward, having transformed into a devil-like creature.
But even so, it was as if every one of his joints was firmly shackled. His movements were stiff and slow, and his thoughts were starting to blur.
"You still have the power of the Devil? As expected of a Shepherd, let me send you to your Lord." Without further ado, a flaming long spear with a blazing white tip materialized in the middle of Bakerland's right palm.
He bent his back, about to throw the spear to pin the Shepherd to the wall and burn him to ashes.
Sequence 7 Pyromaniac of the Conspiracist pathway had the ancient name, Fire Mage!
Cough! Cough! Cough! Cough!
At that moment, Bakerland began to cough violently, coughing so hard that he felt as if he was about to spit out his heart and lungs. His flaming spear lost control from his coughing and disappeared, inch by inch. His face flushed red and his forehead was scorching hot from his coughing fit.
His influence on his enemy, that he derived from a mystical item, was lifted. The Shepherd was freed from his sluggishness and returned to normal.
"Why do you think I was having such a long chat with you? How does severe pneumonia and an unstoppable cough feel like?" the devilish face asked with the corners of his mouth hooked.
Upon hearing these words, Bakerland suddenly recalled the enemy's beautiful and enchanting appearance when he first appeared, and regretfully said, "Cough! Cough. A disease!
"You… Cough! Cough! Killed a… Cough! Cough! Cough! A Demoness of Affliction!"
The Shepherd dispelled his devil-like form as his figure turned into a series of stacked afterimages.
He chuckled and said, "No, I only received a gift from Saint Tenebrous."
"I know Conspiracists have all sorts of means available to them, so, I'll be using my strongest ability now, so that you won't have any unnecessary hope."
A book appeared before him, a translucent and blurry book.
The ancient book flipped rapidly and with a soft chant, "I came, I saw, I record.
"As long as I have recorded it, I'll be able to use it once. This is an ability that Saint Tenebrous had deliberately demonstrated to me. Although I only have half of its original effect, it's still enough." The Shepherd's voice turned hollow, and his body was enveloped by the darkness that spewed out from the book.
He quickly turned into a small giant, about 2.3 to 2.4 meters tall. His entire body was covered in cold, black armor. At the space where his eyes should be, there were two glowing crimson red blobs.
The dark knight raised a broadsword in his hands, took a step forward, and delivered an unrelenting chop.
"No! Why?"
As Bakerland tragically screamed, the layers of flames that gushed out of his body were split apart. All sorts of lights exploded and were split open, and his body was split into two halves.
Thud! Bakerland fell to the ground. No blood came out of his massive wound. Even his soul seemed to be corroded and destroyed by the black sword that didn't seem to exist.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The plumes of fire that spewed out of Bakerland's body lost control, causing the blast that shook the room and sent the glass rattling. And at that moment, the isolation that had been created by his own will vanished with his death.
The Shepherd didn't stop, nor did he wait for the Beyonder characteristic to appear. He restored his inconspicuous appearance and seized the opportunity before the military officials of the embassy arrived, sprinting through the layers of walls and into the darkness outside.
…
At 15 Minsk Street, Klein paused with his right hand on the handle.
He decided to throw a coin before he opened the door.
Since Ian had already come, the revelation that he had seen in the dream had already happened. That meant that danger could come at any moment!
While muttering the words "the visitor outside will bring danger," Klein flicked up a quarter pence and watched it fall to his palm, its number side facing up.
Negative… Klein muttered to himself as he reached for the handle.
However, he didn't let his guard down. He knew that there was a Mid-Sequence Beyonder of the same pathway as him on the ambassador's side who could interfere with his divination.
If it was that person, it would be normal for him to get the wrong result!
It's a pity that I don't have the time or an opportunity to investigate it above the gray fog… Klein looked through the door for a moment with his Spirit Vision. Realizing that nothing was amiss, he opened the door and took two steps back.
Dressed in a black-and-white checkered uniform, Sergeant Faxine took off his hat and said with a serious expression, "I've been sent by the higher-ups to tell you that you must be careful tonight and tomorrow. Be careful of strangers."
Chapter 250: Rich Experience in Courting Death
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
"Alright." Klein nodded solemnly.
Sergeant Faxine touched his short hair and said, "There are other arrangements. I'll explain them to you in detail, and you can decide on your own."
He cast his gaze towards the living room.
Klein made a polite gesture of invitation, then watched as Sergeant Faxine closed the door behind him, walked over to the sofa, and sat down.
"What are your plans?" Klein kept his coat on, hands still in his pockets.
Faxine leaned forward slightly, clasped his hands, and said, "You should be well aware that you have offended that ambassador. Tonight or tomorrow will be the most dangerous period for you.
"The higher-ups have given you three choices. The first is to go to the Holy Wind Cathedral for two days. I know that you're a believer of the God of Steam and Machinery, but Saint Hierländ Cathedral is too far, and it's easy for trouble to arise on the way there."
Kleinn nodded indiscernibly and waited for the sergeant to give him the second choice.
Suddenly, his vision blurred and his head went numb. He felt as if there was a layer of thick glass around him.
He saw that Sergeant Faxine's opening and closing of his mouth was slowing down, and he noticed that his thoughts had become sluggish.
This feeling was very familiar. Klein suddenly thought of the puppet from the Antigonus family, Sealed Artifact 2-049!
Back then, he was repeatedly affected in a similar way, but he had been awakened by Captain Dunn Smith and the others. To ensure that the others could detect any abnormalities in a timely manner, they kept stretching and retracting their arms!
The Antigonus family holds the Seer pathway… This person's ability is similar to the Antigonus family's puppet… He is the Mid-Sequence Beyonder of the Seer pathway… As expected, it's him… Klein came to his senses, but there was no Dunn Smith to wake him.
The muscles on Officer Faxine's face started squirming. Soon, he turned into a gentleman with black hair and blue eyes. He had a handsome face and a tiny stubble.
He said with a smile, "Given time, this is one of the most difficult abilities to deal with for anyone that isn't a High-Sequence Beyonder."
As he spoke, Klein saw the image of the woman in the black regal dress appear in the glass of the oriel window.
She walked slowly and stiffly out of the glass; her blonde hair, her delicate face, and her pale face made her seem more like a doll than a living person.
"I never thought that you would be able to hire such a powerful bodyguard. If it wasn't for my divination ahead of time, I might have died here. What kind of compensation did you pay? By the way, my name is Rosago." Rosago didn't look back as he continued smiling at Klein, but he didn't expect a fluent answer from the man he controlled.
At that moment, he suddenly felt a cold breeze blow across his neck, causing his hair to stand on end as goosebumps appeared all over his body.
There seemed to be an invisible person at his back, breathing down his neck!
Rosago laughed, raised his left hand, and snapped his fingers.
Pow!
Flames suddenly soared up from his back, and a transparent shadow was set ablaze, quickly turning into ashes.
In Klein's vision, these motions were all broken down into a grid of images.
This wasn't because his opponent had turned slow, but was a result of his increasingly sluggish thoughts.
He already has me under control… Why isn't he directly… killing me… Do all villains like to engage in lengthy monologues… No, he's not stupid… He's trying to conceal something with this discussion… Klein tried to think, to figure out the problem, but his thoughts were moving at an irresistibly slow pace.
He looked intently at Rosago, taking in every detail of his.
Finally, he saw a figure in each of Rosago's eyes, a figure with blonde hair, blue eyes, a pale face, and a dark black Gothic regal dress!
And at this moment, the woman was still behind Rosago. She was still near the oriel window, walking towards him like a manipulated puppet.
He hasn't really controlled her yet… She's still trying to resist and struggle… They are tussling in the realm of mystery… I need to do something… I need to tip the scales of balance… Klein turned his attention to the Language of Foulness charm he was holding in his left hand. It was cold and slippery, filled with evil.
He was glad that he hadn't let down his guard and maintained a battle-ready state the entire time.
He could only injure himself to injure his opponent! Klein gathered his strength and struggled to speak.
His vocal cords seemed to have rotted, and his throat squirmed in difficulty.
He hoarsely said in ancient Hermes with a staccato rhythm, "Foulness!"
As his voice echoed in the air, Klein felt a corrosive pain in his left palm, and he heard illusory whispers that could drive a person mad.
This was a state that he was familiar with, and it didn't affect his subsequent attempts.
The attempt was to inject most of his spirituality into the Language of Foulness charm which didn't require the control of his body.
In three seconds, the voice of the True Creator would descend upon the physical world and burrow into the ears of the creature closest to him!
"3!"
The prelude, the din, the illusory, the evil whispers spread out in an instant. Klein felt his scalp tingle, his mind abuzz, his veins throbbing. He found it difficult to focus his mind.
A coffee table away from him, Rosago's expression had suddenly turned adrift. His face swelled up as the woman's figure in his eyes suddenly became clearer.
"2!"
The pale woman in the black regal dress behind him quickened her actions, but soon, she frowned in pain.
At this moment, Klein felt the weakening of the influence as he wished, regaining his smooth thought processes and felt as though his joints were once again filled with lubricant!
Having experienced ravings all this time, he endured the madness and pain, quickly pulling out and throwing the Language of Foulness charm from his left palm at Rosago.
"1!"
The iron-black charm, with its many symbols and sinister-looking patterns, melted. Rosago had just regained some of his composure and was trying to leap to the side when he saw a rich darkness and heard a murmur that contained immense knowledge and extreme madness.
No human being was able to describe such a sound. All the veins in Rosago's head protruded as if they were about to explode.
He tumbled to the ground, writhing and struggling as his skin ruptured, inch by inch, revealing the flesh underneath.
At the same time, Klein and the blonde woman with blue eyes also failed to resist the pain as they fell to the ground. Each of them let out tragic screams, the excruciating pain felt like someone had stabbed their temples with a drill rod.
Their eyes turned bloodshot as red liquid ran down their noses. They could neither see nor feel the outside world.
The experienced Klein was the first to recover. He staggered to his feet and saw that Rosago had torn off his clothes and stripped off his skin, exposing his flesh and veins.
He was like a legendary red monster that had been skinned. He constantly tumbled around the ground while groaning in pain, as if he was about to lose control.
Klein didn't wait for the result, because he couldn't afford the possibility of the other party gaining the benefits, as well as becoming a devotee of the True Creator.
He believed that the evil god was definitely infuriated as well.
Pulling out his revolver and adjusting the barrel to the firing position, Klein took two steps forward, circled around the coffee table, and put the muzzle of his gun against Rosago's head.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
Dressed in his black double-breasted suit, he stared at his enemy intently as he shot five rounds in a row, watching his enemy's head swell and explode into a mixture of red, white, and black that splattered all over the floor.
Captain, thank you for demonstrating this to me before… Klein panted while he lowered his revolver before he beamed brightly.
In front of him, Rosago's headless corpse faltered a little before collapsing to the side of the sofa.
Only then did the woman in the black Gothic regal dress stop her screams. Her struggles and rolling slowed down, but her skin seemed to turn a lot more translucent.
Seeing the flesh on Rosago's corpse squirm, Klein didn't hesitate to use his self-created Requiem Charm.
Under the calm and serene atmosphere, the corpse finally stopped moving.
Upon seeing this scene, Klein thought of something. He took out another charm and chanted in a low voice, "Crimson!"
Then, he injected some of his spirituality into it and threw this charm at his bodyguard—the woman with the pale golden hair and pale white face.
As the slumbering powers emanated, the woman who was still weakened under the effect of the lingering voices instantly quietened down as she fell into a deep slumber.
Just to be sure, Klein threw another Slumber Charm, afraid that he would be interrupted during what he was planning to do next.
15 Minsk Street once again had its peace. This time, nothing was broken; only the ground was contaminated, as the fight between the three parties was mystical and beyond the physical realm.
Looking at Rosago's corpse and then at his sleeping bodyguard, Klein mocked himself, "It's also good to court death often. At least I gained some immunity."
He didn't attempt the mediumship ritual immediately because Rosago was now tainted by the True Creator, and directly communicating with the spirit was tantamount to committing suicide.
But that didn't mean Klein had no choice. He planned on doing the mediumship above the gray fog by bringing Rosago with him!
With his current spirit body's level, even with the augmentation provided by Azik's copper whistle, he was unable to move a portable camera, much less a corpse that was several times heavier. However, mediumship wasn't done with a corpse, but the channeling of the remnant spirituality!
Klein took out a candle, quickly set up a ritual ceremony, summoned himself, and responded to himself, turning into a special spirit body.
After becoming a spirit, he saw the distinct remnants of Rosago's spirituality, and he realized that Miss Bodyguard's physical condition was a little strange. She was actually in quite a similar state as he was, but there were also great differences.
Without wasting any time thinking, Klein carried Azik's copper whistle, wrapped the remaining of Rosago's spirituality, and entered above the gray fog.
After conjuring the appropriate ritual items and setting up a simple altar, Klein quickly began the mediumship ritual.
During this process, he was shocked to discover that he no longer needed to pray to anyone to be able to directly communicate with the spirit. It was like he was a real spirit medium!
Phew… Is this some special power that I possess in the mysterious space above the gray fog? A thought flashed through Klein's mind as he began to recite the divination statement.
"The potion formulas for the Seer pathway."
Chapter 251: Gains
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
"The potion formulas for the Seer pathway."
…
Klein leaned back in his chair and tried to communicate with the spirit via dream divination.
In a gray illusory world that didn't seem surreal, a gas lamp suddenly lit up, illuminating the stone slabs on the ground and a desk with a goatskin scroll placed on top of it.
After the Seer and Clown formulas appeared one after the another, Rosago stood there with a fur shirt, listening to a voice of unknown origins.
"Before the advancement, I have to warn you that you've been too reliant on divination.
"Divination is a revelation, a result; it is unable to tell us the process. For example, you might decide to invest all your money because your divination says that a railway stock can make money. But in fact, what that revelation really means is that in the long run, in thirty years, the railway stock will make money, and before that, it will fall more than it rises. Fate isn't so easy to master, and there are many times when it's impossible to quantify it. Divination isn't all-powerful.
"In addition, divination can be interfered with and cause you to be misled. There are too many things in this world that cannot be understood. If you completely rely on divination, then you'll definitely die because of it.
"Divination is a revelation. It must be combined with one's own carefulness, caution, and self-control."
Rosago was unable to divine the corresponding danger because the Language of Foulness was involved with the mysterious space above the gray fog, and that led to him dying at my hands. Otherwise, with his mystical abilities, it would've been difficult for Miss Bodyguard and I to escape today… This is also a reminder for me. Even if I had the gray fog to isolate all interferences, I cannot afford to be careless. No matter how certain my actions are, I need to leave some leeway… From these words, it seems like they aren't aware of the "acting method." Otherwise, some of those words could be directly summed up as being respectful and fearful of fate… As his thoughts raced, Klein heard Rosago's reply as he unfurled the parchment.
"Sequence 7. Magician:
"Main ingredients: One true root of a Mist Treant, all the spinal fluid of a Dark Patterned Black Panther."
"Supplementary ingredients: 60 ml of purified water, 30 ml of Mist Treant's juice, 3 grams of Droplet Gem powder, 4 drops of Fantasy Grass essential oil."
Magician… This is also part of a circus. It can form the foundations of a circus with Seers and Clowns… Klein first lampooned before he recalled the suited clown that he had encountered before.
From the looks of it, he was a Magician. His abilities seemed to include firing air bullets, the ability to fire air bullets, flaming jumps, and drawing slips of paper as weapons… Not bad… Just being able to cast spells quickly can greatly increase my battle prowess…
As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Klein saw the scene before him change.
This time it was a splendid room, surrounded by golden statues and ornaments.
It was the same voice from before, but it reminded Rosago of the same thing.
"According to my experience, after you consume the Faceless potion, you have to remember this point—you can disguise yourself into anyone, but you are ultimately yourself.
Faceless? Sequence 6 of the Seer pathway is Faceless Man? This should be the Beyonder power that allowed Rosago to transform into Officer Faxine… From the looks of it, the fake Detective Zreal was also played by him…
Creeping Hunger allowed Qilangos to transform into a person with different looks. This matches this Beyonder power. From the looks of it, some Faceless died at his hand… Such a power cannot augment a person in a straight-up battle, but it's more useful than 90% of all Beyonder powers in many occasions… It's no wonder that Rosago dared to come and attempt to kill me, and wasn't afraid of falling into a trap… This power is of great significance to me!
At this thought, Klein's eyes widened as he saw Rosago pick up a thin gold page with words written in Hermes.
"Sequence 6, Faceless:
"Main ingredients: Mutated pituitary gland of a Thousand-faced Hunter, Characteristic of a Human-skinned Shadow.
"Supplementary ingredients: 80 ml of a Thousand-faced Hunter's blood, 5 drops of black Jimsonweed juice, 10 grams of Dragon Tooth Grass powder, 3 strands of hair from a Deep-sea Naga."
Thousand-faced Hunter? That seems to be a type of dragon, but not a particularly powerful kind… It shouldn't be a dragon of the spiritual system, but it's still extremely rare. It's almost extinct… Klein instantly recalled the corresponding mysticism knowledge.
At this point, the scene before him didn't change, but Rosago's attire and location did.
He wore a white wig, a dark tuxedo, and had a thick beard.
"This advancement is no longer as simple as before. The potions must be consumed in conjunction with a ritual. If you succeed, you'll obtain one of the most irresistible Beyonder powers beneath that of the High-Sequence Beyonders." The speaker's voice had changed, turning into one that sounded even older.
Having expected that, Rosago asked, "What's the ritual?"
"Go to the sea, find a mermaid, and drink the potion while she's singing." The speaking old man opened an ancient book that depicted countless mysterious symbols in it.
Suddenly, a ray of light flashed from the book's surface as lines of ancient Hermes appeared in midair.
"Sequence 5: Nimblewright Master."
When Klein saw this, he suddenly had a headache. It was a signal that his spirituality was closed to being drained.
In the previous battle, just the Language of Foulness charm, alone, had consumed most of his spirituality. Later on, not only did he use three more charms from the Evernight Goddess's domain, but he had also summoned himself and responded to himself. To hold out until now showed how much progress he had made compared to before, as well as the noticeable improvement in the digestion of the Clown potion.
The scene flickered and was on the brink of shattering. Klein held on and scanned the remaining content of the formula.
"Main ingredients: Dust of ancient wraiths, core crystal of a six-winged gargoyle.
"Supplementary ingredients: 80 ml of spring water from Sonia Island's Golden Spring, 10 grams of drago bark, remnant spirituality of ancient wraiths, 1 pair of eyes from a six-winged gargoyle.
"Advancement ritual: Consume potion in the midst of a singing mermaid's song."
Kacha. Klein stopped holding out any longer as he allowed the dream to shatter into countless illusory specks of light that disappeared.
He pinched his forehead, almost fainting. As the remnants of Rosago's spirituality and the hints of madness faded away, he was pushed back into the real world by an invisible force.
The ground, stained with blood, brains, hair, and all sorts of fragments, entered Klein's vision. He bent over and retched a little, clearing his head a little.
I'll be sent out of the mysterious space above the gray fog when I'm out of spirituality… Klein looked around and saw that Miss Bodyguard was still asleep.
He hurriedly extinguished the candle, tidied up the items related to the ritual, and then panted heavily. After a while, he finally regained some of his spirituality.
At that moment, a gust of cold wind blew at the back of his neck, causing him to shiver as his mind froze.
Klein turned his head abruptly and looked at the oriel window again. He saw that Miss Bodyguard in her black Gothic regal dress had woken up and was floating in the air.
Her pale blonde hair and pale face seemed to have diminished a little. Her entire person seemed less corporeal, to the point of her skin appearing somewhat transparent.
Klein quickly explained according to the explanation he had thought of.
"After I blew his head off, I discovered that his body was still squirming. Because I was afraid he would come back alive, I quickly used all the charms on me. I-I was very nervous and panicked at the time. It might have affected you."
This is probably the risk that the divination had revealed earlier… If she's not satisfied with the explanation and thinks that I attacked her, then I'm finished…Klein thought nervously.
His true feelings made his performance even more perfect.
Miss Bodyguard lowered her head and looked at herself, then asked with an unperturbed tone, "What charm was it at the beginning?"
"I bought a black ear at the gathering for 400 pounds. I was told that I could hear the voice of a great existence, and that if I was lucky enough, I would benefit greatly. If I was unlucky, I would die on the spot. Back then, I couldn't get a bodyguard, and since I was in such danger, I could only take the gamble. The result was pretty good," Klein replied absolutely truthfully. "When I heard the voice of the great existence, that black ear shattered by itself and turned into such a charm."
Miss Bodyguard's blue eyes swept over him slowly. The room was silent, as if it was frozen.
Finally, the lady in the black regal dress nodded.
"You'd better find a psychiatrist."
Do you mean that I've become a potential lunatic? Yes, she has guessed that it was a relic of a Listener, and she understands that Rosago's spirituality must've been tainted by the True Creator. She wouldn't suspect that I had deliberately made her sleep to take that opportunity to perform a mediumship… It would also explain why I had gotten rid of the effects of the ravings faster than she did. After all, I'm a potential lunatic created by the True Creator… Klein smirked.
"Let's hurry up and clean up the scene. MI9 might come over to take a look." He pointed at Rosago's headless body.
As he spoke, Klein put on a pair of gloves and squatted down to look for any relics.
He quickly found more than ten pounds in cash, some essential oils and herbal powder, two crudely cut paper figurines, and a strange piece of paper.
This piece of paper was orange in color, and on it were symbols corresponding to the sun. The magic emblem formed a blank rectangle, and just by holding it in his hand, he found it very warm and sedate.
"What is this?" Klein didn't hide his puzzlement.
Without him realizing it, Miss Bodyguard was already floating behind him. She answered simply, "A mystical object corresponding to a Notary."
"Notary?" Klein was surprised at first, but he soon remembered that Rosago was an intelligence officer in the Intis Republic. People there believed in the Eternal Blazing Sun and the God of Steam and Machinery. Similarly, the Eternal Blazing Sun was also the God of Deeds.
This is the Sequence 6 or Sequence 5 of the Bard pathway?
"If the notarization is valid, the Beyonder powers will be temporarily enhanced. If the notarization is fake, the Beyonder powers will be forcefully dispersed." Miss Bodyguard didn't explain any further and gave a rough description of its use.
Klein was about to say something when he saw an eerie glow emitting out of Rosago's headless body and bloody brain mush. They attracted each other to form a blob that transformed into a black, pupil-less eye.
"Then, what is this?" Klein asked again, feigning ignorance.
"Something worthless." Miss Bodyguard maintained her way of speaking.
"Worthless?" Klein asked with a frown.
He actually understood what Miss Bodyguard meant. Normally, if Rosago eventually lost control, he would leave behind a strange and terrifying Sealed Artifact. If he didn't, his Beyonder characteristic could be used as the main ingredient of a Nimblewright Master. In short, it would be of great value.
However, the problem was that he hadn't lost control but was also tainted by the True Creator. Hence, it had become a potion's main ingredient that was branded by an evil god. Using it to concoct a Nimblewright Master potion was equivalent to committing suicide by ingesting poison.
Miss Bodyguard looked at the entirely black eye and said in a low and ethereal voice.
"It has been contaminated by an evil god. It has no value anymore."
If it really is of value, and one that's very valuable, I would even worry that you'd finish me off in passing… Klein pointed at Rosago's remains and said, "These are our common spoils of war. We'll each pick a few. You first."
Miss Bodyguard shot him a glance. Without a word, she floated over and took the "notary document."
Just like I thought… In the future, I should find and learn the knowledge in mysticism to remove an evil god's contamination… Klein took out an iron cigarette case and bent down to pick up the black eye.
Chapter 252: Epilogue
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
As soon as Klein's fingers touched the black eye, he heard illusory sounds as a throbbing pain seared through his head.
But, at the same time, something strange appeared in his vision.
These were countless illusory black threads that spread out from Miss Bodyguard and his own body. They emanated from their bodies, out into the void towards some boundless distance.
This was a scene that would horrify people with trypophobia.
Klein suddenly gritted his teeth, unable to endure the corruptive feeling any longer as he placed the black eye into the iron cigarette case.
Everything restored to normal, and the negative side effects he suffered subsided.
Only then did Klein have the energy to make guesses.
Is that the essence of a Nimblewright Master's Beyonder powers?
It allows one to see and control certain threads connecting every person's body and spirit?
What a pity that it's contaminated. The side effects are too great, and it cannot be used as a mystical item…
For now, disregarding an attempt to purify it above the gray fog, this will be considered the second time that I'm provoking the True Creator, so it is very likely that "He" would prepare "Himself" and seek me out… If that happened, I probably wouldn't have a chance of reviving again… I should learn and master the relevant knowledge before making a decision…
Phew. He exhaled, and after Miss Bodyguard chose the crude paper figurines and the corresponding materials, he bent down again to pick up the 13 pounds 5 soli and 8 pence.
Then, looking at Rosago's headless body and the blood all over the floor, he said, with a slight headache, "Let's clean up the scene."
The pale blonde Miss Bodyguard floated to the side and calmly said, "Let me do it."
You? Klein stopped, puzzled and shocked, before turning his head.
Miss Bodyguard floated to Rosago's side, crouched down, and went to lie down over the body.
She slowly sank in and fused with the corpse!
The fingers of Rosago's body twitched twice, and the blood, brain matter, and fragments around it flowed backward, forming a new head at the neck.
However, the head was covered with countless cracks, just like a disgusting toy made from tiny fragments.
It was like glass that had been shattered but didn't crumble immediately. There was still blood and brain matter flowing inside it, as well as the reflection of the bullet from the revolver.
Klein couldn't help but take a step back, feeling that this was definitely one of the most terrifying forms in any ghost story.
Rosago's corpse climbed to its feet, picked up the police cap, and half covered its face. The murder scene had been cleaned, leaving zero traces.
Incomparable professionalism! Klein marveled in his heart.
He watched as Miss Bodyguard steered the corpse to lumber to the door. He subconsciously warned her, "Don't take a carriage or walk in brightly-lit places."
It would frighten the carriage driver and other passers-by!
Miss Bodyguard didn't stop, completely ignoring his words.
Suddenly, Klein thought of something. He realized what he had overlooked as he quickly added, "On the way back, go to the Rice police station, Sergeant Faxine's home, or search around Minsk Street for the clothes Rosago was originally wearing."
Rosago came wearing a police uniform, and the powers of a Faceless were obviously limited to himself, so where were his previous clothes? He couldn't have been wearing a police uniform all night! If MI9 and the police found Rosago's clothes nearby and realized that I'm not hurt, things would be a little tricky… Miss Bodyguard is an expert that's not considered a legal Beyonder. For a normal detective to pay 1000 pounds to hire a bodyguard is enough to arouse suspicion…Klein kept thinking, trying to seal all the loopholes ahead of time.
Just as he was about to use his divination ability to help Miss Bodyguard find Rosago's old clothes and return the missing uniform, Rosago's corpse paused and replied in a rusty voice, "I know."
Eh, she seems very confident… Oh right, Miss Bodyguard's state is between the physical body and the spirit body, and the principle behind divination is to travel the spirit world with an Astral Projection… Thus, she can rely on her instincts to divine…Having realized this, Klein didn't say another word. He handed the cartridge case to Rosago's corpse and watched it open the door, walk out, and close the door politely.
The spoil of war that I chose is a Beyonder characteristic contaminated by the True Creator. I believe that no one would be able to divine it. Even if they did, they would feel the danger ahead of time and wouldn't dare to proceed with the divination…While thinking over the matter, Klein walked back to the sofa and sat down, feeling a lingering sense of fear.
The battle had lasted no more than a minute, nor had it been fierce enough to destroy anything, but the ferocity and danger of it had been second only to what he had experienced when facing Megose and the baby in her womb.
Even with the powerful Miss Bodyguard and the Language of Foulness, he had almost fallen under Rosago's control and killed without being able to put up a resistance.
The ability of a Nimblewright Master is very odd and very powerful! According to the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Conservation, the Beyonder characteristic left behind by Rosago should include all of the main ingredients of the potions Sequences 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. If it wasn't contaminated by an evil god, if it was matched with the supplementary ingredients, an ordinary person could instantly become a Sequence 5 Beyonder. Of course, this kind of advancement method—one depending entirely on luck—has long been abandoned by history. It's the most primitive and most dangerous method…
Advancing step by step according to the Sequence is the best way that has been verified by the lives of countless predecessors… If I can get rid of the corruption of the True Creator in the future, then I can also use the Beyonder characteristic left behind by Rosago when advancing from Sequence 6 to Sequence 5. The additional characteristics will only make me stronger, like the Captain…
As Klein recalled the past, he raised his hand to pinch his forehead. He turned to think about something more important.
Rosago's appearance meant that the struggle for the manuscript had ended… Could his lack of charms have to do with him finishing all his charms in the battle? To come at such a critical juncture, it's likely he had the intention of diverting attention… Heh, MI9 probably didn't expect him to seek revenge so boldly under such circumstances. They didn't send anyone to monitor me and could only passively wait for Rosago to give them the "signal"…
Rosago was Bakerland's assistant, and his actions should be directed only by Bakerland. After his death, as long as Bakerland is dead, there would be no more latent dangers left… I wonder if the assassination has begun or if it succeeded…
Hmm… Tonight, because of the battle over Helmosuin's manuscript, the powers defending Bakerland would be at its weakest. If it were me, I'd definitely not miss this opportunity. I'm sure Bakerland didn't think that someone would assassinate him!
With nothing to do, Klein fished out a coin and, with recited with a suppressed tone, "Bakerland is already dead."
…
Ding!
The penny tumbled in the air and fell down into the palm of Klein's hand, head facing up.
It meant a positive result!
Bakerland is dead? The assassination was a success? Klein was overjoyed, his tensed up nerves immediately relaxed.
Without Rosago's interference, he believed that the result was correct!
This matter has finally ended… Klein took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.
He leaned back slowly on the sofa and looked out of the window at the faint crimson moon amid his fatigue and relief.
…
Inside the Intis Republic's embassy, two military officials were squatting beside Bakerland's body, examining the cause of his death.
Their partners and their superior had already gone out, chasing in a bid to capture the assassin. However, everyone knew that it was already too late. There was no hope left.
"There's severe lung damage, suspected to be the result of a disease… An extremely strong fatal blow, one much stronger than all the Sequence 5 Beyonder attacks I've ever seen…" one of the military officials said in a low voice.
"Disease? On the floor and on the bed, there are obvious marks of flesh and blood magic on the ground and on the bed, but none on the wall. Besides, the commotion of the fight wasn't transmitted outside. Finally, with the lethal blow having the characteristics of corruption and obliteration, there are at least four unconnected Beyonder powers…" Another military official stood up and began to describe the situation as if he was talking to himself.
He suddenly stopped and looked at the other military official. They said in unison, "Shepherd!"
After a few seconds of silence, the squatting military official frowned and said, "It might be a group with at least four different Beyonders…"
"Then, we'll wait to be judged! It's normal for us not to discover the infiltration of a single Rose Bishop, but how did the other three do it? It's impossible!" The standing military official denied the guess as he hesitantly said, "However, I have heard of another Sequence that can create similar effects. I-I think it's called Scribe. I don't know what pathway it is, nor do I know which organization it belongs."
The squatting military official nodded and said, "A Shepherd is the prime suspect. The Aurora Order are a bunch of lunatics. It's nothing odd for them to do anything! Let's begin investigating the identity of the woman that seduced the ambassador. Damn it. The Loen Kingdom definitely won't permit our investigations!"
"Those Aurora Order bastards are lunatics who deserve to be f*cked by donkeys!" The standing military official shook his head in frustration.
They were bound to be punished for the ambassador's assassination.
…
At 15 Minsk Street, Klein pretended as though nothing had happened. Putting up with his fatigue, he flipped through the papers.
After about twenty minutes, he suddenly saw Miss Bodyguard, in her black regal dress and long, pale blonde hair, appear in the oriel window.
"Is it done?" Klein subconsciously asked.
Miss Bodyguard nodded slightly without a word.
Phew… Klein thought for a moment before saying, "Thank you for your protection. This matter ends here.
"I'll pay you the remaining 900 pounds in two days. As you know, there's a withdrawal limit.
"Or should I hand it over to Maric?"
The pale-faced lady opened and closed her mouth, her voice seemingly ethereal as it echoed in the air.
"Just give it to me.
"I promised to protect you for three days, not just once."
Lady, you really abide by the contract… However, this would be very inconvenient for me… Are you going with me to catch the adulterers in bed tomorrow? Three days. Today is Thursday, and the protection would be over by Sunday afternoon. Yes, thankfully, it wouldn't affect the Tarot Gathering… Klein rubbed his forehead and said, "Alright. How should I address you?"
"You don't need to know." Miss Bodyguard lifted her gothic regal dress, bowed slightly, and disappeared from the oriel window.
Chapter 253: Night Thoughts
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
She really has… quite the character! Klein smiled in response to Miss Bodyguard's reply—a very obvious smile.
Yes, to be able to fend off Rosago, a Nimblewright Master, for a short period of time to the extent of having a seesaw battle; she's most likely a Sequence 5 Beyonder. I wonder what Sequence pathway she belongs to and what her potion name is. Her state is rather unique… If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have even had the chance to use the Language of Foulness… Klein picked up the newspaper beside him and pretended to read, but he was actually thinking.
However, he quickly turned his attention back to the issue of whether there were still loopholes on the matter. For example, the contaminated Beyonder characteristic left behind by Rosago had an intense luster of spirituality. It was very likely that it couldn't be concealed by the iron cigarette case alone, so it would be exposed under the prying eyes of others using Spirit Vision.
Klein secretly activated his Spirit Vision and looked down at his pocket. He could see faint colorful lusters emanating from within the iron cigarette case, but it wasn't obvious and was rather thin.
This was mixed with the color of his own aura, making it difficult to distinguish or detect it.
That's right. Only a High-Sequence Beyonder can identify it through two levels of interference… No wonder all kinds of materials like herbal powders and the corresponding essential oil extracts are kept in metal bottles and not wooden vessels. It's because they contain spirituality, and those with better Spirit Vision can see through wood and see the color of the auras… Klein suddenly understood some of the important details in mysticism.
In the past, he did things according to the rules without considering the reasons behind them, but now, he understood the underlying reason behind the rules.
After repeatedly checking and ensuring that everything was in order, Klein put down the newspapers and walked to the second floor.
He had originally planned to take off his clothes and take a bath to completely relax himself, but when he thought of how Miss Bodyguard could appear out of nowhere in his house, he felt a little uneasy. Therefore, he only washed his face, brushed his teeth, and soaked his feet in hot water.
Returning to his bedroom and taking off his coat, Klein hid his belongings before he collapsed onto the bed. As he was exhausted and had held on for quite a while, he ended up with tense nerves that prevented him from quickly falling asleep.
Opening his eyes to look at the crimson moonlight on the ceiling, Klein didn't attempt to sleep with the help of Cogitation. Instead, he aimlessly unfurled his thoughts, as if he were riding a horse without pulling at the reins.
As his thoughts wandered, he quickly noticed a problem having encountered too many coincidences in Tingen City and later learning how it was related to Sealed Artifact 0-08.
My second case after arriving at Backlund allowed me to get the next three potions formulas. Is that too much of a coincidence?
Although this is in line with the revelation from my divination—"Backlund contains the opportunities for me to become powerful." Isn't it too fast and simple?
Simple doesn't refer to the difficulty, but rather to the degree of twists and turns in the matter. This matter was very difficult and dangerous, but it wasn't complex and appeared simple.
According to my expectations, I would've gathered information regarding the Secret Order through Miss Justice, Mr. Hanged Man, and Miss Xio and her companion, and then I would catch the tail of this ancient organization. After numerous twists and turns, I would eventually obtain the formulas and that would have taken at least three months. Who knew that I would've succeeded in less than three weeks…
It can't be that it was arranged by someone again, right?
Yes… Let me think through the circumstances again. It's no coincidence that the Intis Republic is related to the Secret Order. Emperor Roselle's diary has confirmed this circumstantially.
The abilities of the Seer and Faceless are very suited for an intelligence organization. For a Mid-Sequence Beyonder of a similar pathway to become the assistant of an intelligence tsar like Bakerland is reasonable and normal. That's not a coincidence.
The reason that the ambassador sent someone to take revenge on me likely has to do with him wanting to divert attention. Then, sending Rosago, who can most easily succeed and escape, is a choice with reduced risk. That's not surprising at all.
It was quite normal for Ian to look for new detectives in the papers after none of the detectives he knew were willing to accept his mission of tracking down Zreal. There weren't many new detectives advertising on the papers at the time, and I was probably the only one. Well, I was the only one on the Backlund Bulletin…
Just like what I've concluded previously, the problem with Meursault was that he was too rash, and I was worried that it's not easy to disguise myself usually as it can end up attracting more attention. Therefore, I didn't try to disguise myself. Although these two possibilities, especially the former, has the probability of being influenced, it does match the corresponding person's personality, mentality, and origins.
And this isn't the main point. This doesn't explain the problem of how my second case ended up involving a Mid-Sequence Beyonder of the Seer pathway.
It was destined by fate? That doesn't feel right.
Thinking ahead, after I transmigrated, the first and second case I found myself embroiled in was related to the Seer pathway. Of course, it could be explained as an arrangement by 0-08.
Right, the Antigonus family's notebook even corrupted the Misfortune Cloth Puppet and showed me the complicated vertical eye symbol that involves the Antigonus family's treasure. The reason I came up with back then was that with the termination of the Antigonus family's bloodline, it viewed me, a Seer who had survived despite having interacted with it, as its inheritor.
Now that I think about it, this reason is extremely trifling. What if I'm a devout believer of the Evernight Goddess? However, I only made a guess at that time and didn't confirm it.
The Antigonus family's treasure is obviously related to the Seer pathway.
Thinking deeper, why did I transmigrate? Why did I happen to possess Klein's body, and not anyone else… Back then, Klein had just proceeded with dark divination and was made to commit suicide by the Antigonus family's notebook. And that notebook is clearly related to the Seer pathway.
In addition, the first time I saw Roselle's diary, it had content that involved his regret of not choosing Apprentice, Marauder, or Seer. That was very coincidental.
From beginning to end, except for those parts involving 0-08, everything appeared to be in a mess. It doesn't seem like a conscious arrangement, but more like a kind of passive attraction, a mutual attraction, an attraction that has breaks between them.
I attract things and items regarding the Seer pathway, and at the same time, I'm attracted to them?
It does seem odd thinking about it. This kind of attraction even directly influences fate, preventing even Mr. Azik from seeing through it?
Is there some strange characteristic to me?
And this characteristic allows me to resurrect a limited number of times?
With this in mind, Klein suddenly had the impulse to go above the gray fog to perform a divination and confirm his ideas.
But he quickly rejected this idea, not only because Miss Bodyguard might be watching in the mirror, but also because he believed that his greatest characteristic was the mysterious space above the gray fog!
Therefore, it was obviously impossible for him to have an answer if he were to use it to divine about it.
At least for now, there aren't any obvious signs of manipulation. It would be acceptable if it's just pure attraction… And I've already chosen a Beyonder pathway, that cannot be changed until Sequence 4, so I can only take things one step at a time… Right, I should be firm about not heading to the Hornacis mountain range to seek out the Antigonus family's treasure… Heh heh, I have a feeling that I would say how nice it is in the future when I actually do it… Klein silently made a self-deprecating remark as he felt his exhaustion gradually wash over him. His eyelids couldn't help but close.
The last thought before he fell asleep was:
I should participate in more Beyonder gatherings and gather the corresponding Beyonder ingredients for Magician through Miss Justice, Mr. Hanged Man, and The Sun. I wouldn't reject anything for Faceless if they were available. In addition, I should obtain mystical items that have less severe negative effects. Before my digestion and increase in strength, it's best to have more life-preservation abilities… Apart from this, investing, taking on jobs, saving up money, and attempts to look for Lanevus to use him as the starting point for my revenge, can also be considered a form of practice…
Those were Klein's future plans.
At seven in the morning, he woke up as usual. It was still gloomy and hazy outside.
Klein got up and walked to the door. As he passed by the full-length mirror, he saw that Miss Bodyguard had suddenly appeared.
She wore the same black bonnet, her face was as pale as ever. Her voice pierced through the glass and slipped into Klein's ear in an ethereal fashion.
"Someone from MI9 came last night."
Eh… I should say as expected, the "police" came late, but I still have to thank them for being late… Klein smiled and asked, "They didn't find anything, right?"
In regards to the answer, he was very certain that if MI9 had discovered something, he wouldn't have been able to sleep undisturbed.
"No." Miss Bodyguard's figure faded and disappeared into the mirror.
This ability of hers is very powerful… Even Spirit Vision can't detect her… Perhaps, she can be seen with Rosago's Beyonder characteristic? Find Miss Bodyguard through those hidden threads? Klein's mind stirred as he returned to the bed and took out the iron cigarette case from under his pillow.
Just as he touched it, before he could even open it, a bone-piercing cold rushed at his neck. He felt his hairs stand on end, and his entire body trembled.
Pow!
His hand loosened and the iron cigarette case fell to the ground.
This is a warning from Miss Bodyguard… Klein laughed dryly, pretending as though nothing had happened as he stuffed the iron cigarette case into his pocket.
After washing up and putting on his clothes, he arrived at the first floor and took out the newspapers that he had subscribed to from his letterbox.
Flipping open the Tussock Times, Klein saw the headline:
"Intis Ambassador to Backlund murdered! Terrorist organization, the Aurora Order, claims responsibility!"
The result is out so quickly? Besides, the Aurora Order had only accepted a job, so why would they claim responsibility? Yes… A terrorist organization needs to show off their stature and build up their image. Only then would they be able to attract enough fresh blood. This complements their secret preachings… Mr. A is very good. He should be a Shepherd. Klein stood in the hallway, reading the news.
According to the news, there was evidence of the Aurora Order's assault on Ambassador Bakerland. In the follow-up investigation, they found a letter deliberately left behind by the Aurora Order which claimed responsibility for it.
At the end of the news, the reporter briefly introduced the Aurora Order and listed some of the illegal crimes that they had committed. Their fame instantly surpassed most of the secret organizations.
Regardless, this matter had come to an end… Klein exhaled, turned his head to look out the window, and he saw a thin mist filling the air as a drizzle began pattering down.
Shouldn't there be bright sunshine and sunny weather during such moments? Klein gave a self-deprecating laugh.
And now, he had to go out to catch some adulterers.
Chapter 254: Various Parties
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
In Empress Borough, the opulent villa of Count Hall.
Audrey, with a white napkin covering her, watched as the dining maidservant cut her a piece of bacon, laid out two fully-fried eggs, spread fruit jam on a piece of soft bread, and added sauce to some grilled mushrooms.
In a true noble family, maidservants were divided into many categories. Apart from personal maids, there were maids for the different bedrooms, study room maids, activity room maids, guest room maids, dressing maids, shoe maids, jewelry maids, dining maids, laundry maids, and kitchen maids. They were strictly assigned to their own tasks, with one task handled by one maid.
Although this was a great waste of manpower, for nobles, propriety was everything. Unless there was a large amount of debt, they would never reduce their requirements in such matters.
Audrey took a sip of the brownish-red tea, allowing the faint scent of malt and rose slush in her mouth.
At this moment, she heard her father, a Member of Parliament of the House of Lords, the powerful banker, Count Hall, mumbling as he held a newspaper in his hands.
"The Aurora Order is really crazy."
Aurora Order? Audrey blinked and asked curiously, "What did they do?"
"Oh, baby, you don't want to know. They assassinated the Intis Ambassador, Bakerland. It does them no good." Count Hall shook his head as he flipped through the newspaper.
Audrey's elder brother, the count's eldest son, Hibbert Hall swallowed the grilled mushrooms in his mouth and expressed his opinion.
"Perhaps they want to destroy the relationship between the kingdom and Intis and let the war spread from the colonies to the Northern Continent."
This child of noble birth had a handsome face and bright golden hair. He looked like a classical sculpture, regardless of which angle one viewed him from.
"No, if that was the case, then they wouldn't leave behind so much obvious evidence. Moreover, recently, the kingdom has too many new policies that will be implemented and will need some time to stabilize the environment, so we won't rashly start a war. What happened last night was already reported in the newspaper this morning, and the details of the events and the murderer are enough to explain the thoughts of His Majesty and the ministers." Count Hall directed his son.
Audrey listened to her father and brother discuss the matter in a daze before realizing what had happened.
Bakerland has been assassinated?
Mr. A succeeded?
He really is from the Aurora Order?
The reason why he intentionally exposed that it was the Aurora Order who did it was to prove that he was the one who completed the task and that he hadn't cheated me out of my money?
This is too fast and efficient. I only paid the first sum yesterday afternoon, and I'm hearing the result this morning. A good result!
Audrey was astonished and delighted. It was an uncontrollable joy, but also an instinctive fear.
It was definitely something to be happy about since the mission entrusted by Mr. Fool's adorer had been accomplished so easily. However, the power and actions displayed by Mr. A and the Aurora Order who was backing him left Audrey subconsciously scared.
Thankfully, I talked with Glaint yesterday and reached a loan agreement. As a viscount, he should've successfully raised the money without drawing attention to himself… I'll give Mr. A the remaining funds in the coming two days through Xio and Fors. I can't afford to show my face… I won't be attending Mr. A's gathering for the next month or two. It's good that I already have other circles… Audrey took a reserved bite of the soft bread which was slathered with jam.
As breakfast drew to a close, small cakes of cream, cherries, and strawberries were served to her plate, and she suddenly felt a little smug as she calmed down.
Mr. Hanged Man wanted to take part in the mission, but he might've only just now completed his initial assignment… but it's already over. Serves him right to be at sea~ Audrey was in a good mood, and she was smiling as she savored the dessert.
…
At Hillston Borough, Xio and Fors looked at the newspaper in front of them and made no further movements for a long time.
"… This was done by Mr. A, wasn't it?" Xio looked at her friend with a shocked and puzzled look.
Fors turned the stone bracelet on her wrist and shook her head in a daze.
"Perhaps."
"I know about the Aurora Order, but I don't know if Mr. A is a member of the Aurora Order."
"He should be. After all, we only gave him 2,000 pounds yesterday. I doubt anyone else would also want to assassinate Ambassador Bakerland…" Xio said with uncertainty.
Fors was silent for a few seconds before she suddenly sighed and said, "Whether it was Mr. A or not, we still have to give him the remaining 8000 pounds. At the moment, no one can prove that he didn't do it. If we want to stay in this circle, we can't renege on the debt!"
"Anyway, we're not the ones paying… And we'll still get 500 pounds for the work!" With that, Xio became happy.
"The thing is, I always have a feeling that finding Mr. A again would be dangerous…" Fors pondered and said, "I'll go by myself to make the last payment. It'll be better for the both of us."
"But…" Xio was a little worried.
"If you follow me, it'll affect my escape," Fors shook the bracelet on her wrist and said in a disdainful tone.
"Alright then," Xio scratched her short, rough blond hair as she helplessly replied.
While the two of them were fretting about this, a new message from Mr. A came to them from a private communication channel. He told them not to look for him, but to deposit the rest of the money in separate anonymous accounts at different banks.
Phew… Xio and Fors breathed a sigh of relief in unison.
…
In a basement that was as wide as a temple, Mr. A, wearing a hooded black robe, was kneeling in the darkness, murmuring something reverently.
In front of him was a three-meter statue of a man hanging upside down with his legs chained up.
This hanged man had a giant's unique single vertical eye, and his arms were stretched out horizontally, forming a cross.
At this moment, a man with a black robe came in and humbly reported, "Mr. A, I've already sent the news."
"Well done," Mr. A said, without turning his head.
The man in the black robe asked curiously, "Why don't you let us investigate who commissioned this mission?"
Mr. A lowered his head and said with an indifferent tone, "There's no need.
"You must remember that this is a critical moment.
"We will cause chaos throughout the continent, try our best to attract the attention of others, and use these to welcome the return of our Lord!
"Hahaha. Cough! Cough! Cough…"
Mr. A suddenly laughed before he started having a fit of coughing. It was so serious that he fell to the ground.
"Cough! Cough!"
He coughed out blood-colored fragments which continued squirming after falling to the ground as if they were alive.
The man in the black robe immediately lowered his head, pretending as though he had seen nothing.
After quite some time, Mr. A finally calmed down.
He crawled forward, his mouth pressed against the ground as he licked all the blood-colored fragments that he had coughed out back into his mouth.
…
126 New Year's Street, Hillston Borough.
The relaxed Klein didn't tail Doragu Gale this time. Instead, he chose his mistress, Erica Taylor. After all, adultery needed two to clap.
The pretty blonde, with the intricate makeup, arrived early at the Quelaag Club via a rental carriage. Klein, who carried a suitcase containing a portable camera and all sorts of disguises, followed her in.
"Are there any more rooms to rest in?" Wearing the club's Frost badge on his chest, he asked the elegant maid responsible for receiving guests today.
The maid wearing a black-and-white dress politely smiled.
"Yes, please follow the attendant upstairs."
Klein nodded slightly. He followed the red-vested attendant up the stairs and arrived at the second floor, just in time to see Erica Taylor enter a lounge that faced the streets.
"Do you want to see the passers-by on the street or the tennis court out back?" The red-vested attendant asked politely.
"Let's do the street," Klein answered casually in a deliberate manner.
Under the arrangements of the red-vested attendant, he and Erica Taylor's room was separated by two rooms, and he could also see the street outside the club.
How do I take a picture later? Should I find a chance to sneak in and hide in the room, or climb out of the window and travel across the pipes? Neither of these methods can conceal that exaggerated flash, but the latter can be disguised as a vogue shot from the outside. That wouldn't bring suspicion to me and I wouldn't be kicked out… However, this will be easily noticed by Doragu and Erica… Use a charm to put them to sleep? No, it wouldn't be convincing enough; it has to be a picture of them doing the deed…
There's only one chance, and I have to take it well enough… This isn't my field of expertise, as I'm not some artistic master. If it was Old Neil, he would definitely attempt to conjure a new ritualistic magic to hide the camera flash. Of course, the Goddess might not respond to his request…
As Klein considered his next move, he saw the image of Miss Bodyguard appear in a silver mirror in the room.
She was still wearing her black Gothic regal dress and her matching soft hat. Her hair was pale blonde in color with delicate features across her pale face.
"Do you have any way of hiding the flash of the camera?" Klein asked casually.
Before he could finish his sentence, he saw ripples on the surface of the silver mirror as a slightly transparent palm suddenly extended.
Miss Bodyguard came out of the silver mirror like a ghost, walked in front of Klein, and said with a nod, "Yes."
She lowered her body and leaned over, slowly fusing into the camera's lens!
Klein's mouth slightly opened as he watched this horrifying scene, taking quite a while to recover from his shock. He picked up his portable camera and tried a test shot in his lounge.
The effect was beyond his expectations. The flash was limited to the vicinity of the camera, and the resulting image was also quite good.
Perhaps it should now be called a Spectral Camera… Klein lampooned. He took the camera, went to the window, and patiently waited.
Not long after, he saw Doragu Gale arrive via carriage.
In the other room, Erica Taylor saw her lover and hastily left the lounge to meet him on the first floor.
Klein seized the opportunity to use a tarot card to open her room, carefully hiding in the cupboard where the extra sheets and quilts were kept.
The darkness around him reminded him of the previous night, of that creepy and terrifying Numblewright Master, Rosago.
Last night was filled with danger, yet today, here I am catching adulterers in the act. Life sure is marvelous… While Klein was making fun of himself, he heard the door open.
Chapter 255: Photography Expert
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Huddled in the cupboard, Klein secretly activated his Spirit Vision and saw two interfering auras enter.
"Erica, I brought you a present," A deep voice sounded as the door closed.
As expected, he's a gentleman of the Loen Kingdom. Even in an affair, he seems a little old-fashioned. If it was a man from Intis, he would definitely be shouting "sweetheart,""baby,""angel," and the like… Klein couldn't help but lampoon.
Of course, this was based on the stereotypes from newspapers, magazines, and novels.
Erica Taylor asked in surprise, "Let me guess… Is it Fassman Eye Cream, Face Cream, or Essence? Or Leshini's?"
What the heck are all those… Klein was stunned by what he heard.
It was clear that Doragu Gale wasn't able to react in time either. It took him about eight seconds before he said, "… No, stockings."
In this world, since oil hasn't been discovered, there were no corresponding cheap chemical products; therefore, silk stockings were considered high-class items.
"Not bad, let me take a look." Erica's joy didn't diminish.
"I bought them yesterday at Phillip's. One pair for thirty soli, a total of five pairs," Doragu said in a flaunting tone.
"How expensive."
That's expensive!
Erica and Klein both said the same thing, one exclaiming, the other secretly sighing.
Benson has worked for so many years, earning only 1 pound 10 soli a week, which is 30 soli. That's just equivalent to a pair of stockings, and with that salary, he was able to provide his brother and sister with an education, feed them fairly well, and even provided them with a place to sleep… An average worker with a bit of skill would only be paid around 20 soli a week… Klein's clicked his tongue.
"No, it's not expensive. Silk stockings are worth that much. I even gave an extra tip of five soli." As he spoke, the color of his aura turned more vivid, and Klein guessed that he had taken off his coat.
"Then I'll give it a try," Erica Taylor softly said in a suggestive manner.
I feel like I'm watching a porno again… And it's even a live broadcast… Besides, Miss Bodyguard is also here… The corner of Klein's mouth twitched as he watched red colors flowing across red colors, signifying the passion between the two was igniting like fire.
The purple color is almost red and isn't stopping… Red wrapped around green, orange… While listening to the wheezing and the low laughter, Klein judged the movements and positions of the couple outside by the change in the color of their auras.
Feeling that this was enough, Klein silently pushed open the cupboard door and looked in the direction of the bed.
Doragu and Erica were already entangled, their clothes half undone, their movements intense.
Klein lifted the Spectral Camera and aimed it at the passionate couple, waiting to see their faces at the same time.
As Doragu and Erica fell back onto the bed, Klein finally captured the most appropriate frame and pressed the shutter button.
The click of the camera wasn't distinct, and the intense flash and other abnormalities were limited to a very small area, so the couple wasn't alarmed.
With no confidence in his photography skills, Klein added a few more shots, intending to have options to choose from later.
He was only planning on handing his employer a single picture because too many photos would make the lawyer suspect why the couple didn't notice him taking the picture.
A piece of underwear landed lightly on the floor, and the sound of breathing intensified as Klein grabbed his portable camera and adeptly rolled out of the cupboard, closing the door behind him.
He rolled on the floor until he reached the lounge's door. Then, he quietly pulled it open and returned to the corridor.
Done! With a sigh of relief, Klein politely closed the door in silence, pressed his hand to his chest, and bowed in the direction of the bed.
Without further ado, he returned to his lounge.
The last 7 pounds will soon be obtained… And I also earned an additional Quelaag Club membership worth 50 pounds. It covers board, lodging, and entertainment… That's worth even more than 50 pounds. Without any connections or contacts, I wouldn't have been able to join this — even with a hundred pounds… This mission isn't bad at all. It's simple, safe, and profitable… Klein put down his portable camera and sighed with emotion in his heart.
At that moment, a hand suddenly stretched out from the camera lens.
Miss Bodyguard in her black regal dress slowly came out and floated in midair again, but her face remained pale.
Thinking of how he had led her to watch some porno, Klein tried to change the topic, in embarrassment.
"I plan on heading to the cafeteria to eat something. Do you want to come with me?"
Each member could bring one guest.
As for how to explain the sudden appearance of the guest, Klein's plan was to go out for a while and then come back.
Miss Bodyguard replied in a neutral tone, "I can go without eating for two weeks."
As she spoke, she turned her back to Klein and floated toward the mirror, disappearing in an instant.
What exactly is her Sequence… Klein thought curiously, putting the portable camera back in its case.
After doing all of this, he went to the bathroom and relieved himself.
After washing his hands and wiping his face, Klein looked into the mirror and examined his appearance.
As he hadn't shaved this morning, he had quite a stubble. His hair was parted to the sides in a three-to-seven ratio, and a pair of gold-rimmed glasses hung on his face. He looked refined and scholarly, with a tinge of maturity.
There's a definite difference from the past. I can still be recognized if scrutinized. Once my beard grows to a certain extent, I wouldn't have to worry that much… I wouldn't need to be afraid of anything when I advance to Sequence 6 Faceless…Klein took out his golden pocket watch, opened it, and walked out of the bathroom. He took his suitcase and went to the cafeteria on the first floor.
It was just after nine, so breakfast was still served. Klein chose a double-sided, half-cooked fried egg, a loaf of white bread, a cake of butter, a Desi pie, a serving of bacon, and a cup of Marquis Black Tea with a piece of lemon floating on its surface.
While looking for a seat, he suddenly saw a familiar face. It was the surgeon who had recommended him to the club, Aaron Ceres.
The tall, thin gentleman was sitting alone in the corner, having finished his breakfast and was sipping his coffee as he leafed through the newspaper.
"Good morning, Dr. Ceres." Klein walked over and greeted the slightly cold Aaron.
The surgeon nudged the frame over his nose and said, "Just call me Aaron, Detective Moriarty."
"According to the principle of reciprocity, you have to call me Sherlock." Klein sat down. "Any news today? I came out in such a hurry that I haven't read the newspapers."
"The Intis ambassador was assassinated. A terrorist organization by the name of the Aurora Order declared responsibility for it. Sigh, this world is becoming more and more chaotic. Sooner or later, there will be an all-out war in the Southern and Northern Continent," Aaron expressed his feelings.
"The war has never stopped, Sir; it's just that we've been able to enjoy peace," Klein finished his fried egg and replied with a smile. "What a pity that such an important case wouldn't seek the help of private detectives like us."
Aaron flipped through the newspaper.
"This news doesn't have much to do with us. What's really important is that the House of Lords and the House of Commons will pass a motion either today or tomorrow after a long debate. First, it's the Civil Servant Unified Examination Bill, as well as the relevant guidance and actual plans. Second, is the establishment of the Atmospheric Pollution Council; and third, the establishment of the independent alkaline industry inspector. The latter two involve pollution. God, they're finally paying attention to this problem. The patients in the hospital with pulmonary attacks have been rising constantly.
Has it finally been passed? I wonder how Benson's preparations are… Will it be affected by my death… Klein's smile suddenly beamed.
"That's good news."
"To Mary, this is extremely good news. She wishes to make herself or her husband, Doragu, become one of the members of the National Atmospheric Pollution Council. She has a higher chance since she doesn't hold any positions in a commercial company and is a devotee of the Goddess. Besides, in any organization, there's ultimately a need for balance." Aaron mentioned Klein's employer. "I suggested to her that she should frequent the club since we have quite a number of House of Commons Members of Parliament as club members."
In the Loen Kingdom, the Members of Parliament of the House of Commons were mainly composed of wealthy people and the representatives of certain nobles. However, there were also many professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, priests, teachers, scientists, and accountants.
The Quelaag Club targeted a variety of professionals in the middle class, without distinguishing between them by their political inclinations.
Klein didn't know much about such things, so he just said a few words in response before changing the subject.
"Aaron, it's Friday today. Don't you need to head back to the hospital?"
"No, I'm on leave. It's been terrible lately." Aaron suddenly frowned.
"What happened?" Klein drank a mouthful of black tea.
Since Bakerland had just been assassinated, and Rosago's body had been thrown into a sewer far away, he didn't know when it would be found. Klein was concerned about the aftereffects and the imperfection of his disguise, so he didn't plan on taking missions that were too difficult or easily exposed his identity; therefore, he was interested in simple matters which held potential and handsome rewards.
Aaron put down the newspaper and sighed.
"I've been very unlucky recently. I've had a few consecutive failed surgeries. Fortunately, there were no serious consequences. Otherwise, my license would've been revoked."
Although it wasn't big news for surgeons to cause deaths in the present era since it was common, the penalties were still quite severe if a serious accident occurred due to a surgeon's negligence.
Well, I can't help much… Well, actually, I know of a luck enhancement ritual, but its effect is to send you above a gray fog… Klein lowered his head and began to nibble at his bread.
After breakfast, he said goodbye to Aaron, went to withdraw 500 pounds in cash, and gave 300 pounds to Miss Bodyguard before returning home. While waiting for the photos to develop, he hoped for a simple job to be entrusted to him. Unfortunately, none of them came to him.
In the evening, Klein prepared to head out again, his target—Bravehearts Bar.
Taking the opportunity of having Miss Bodyguard around, he hoped to get in touch with more Beyonder circles.
Chapter 256: Meeting the Apothecary Again
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Before leaving the house, Klein tossed a coin to inquire if it was beneficial for him to visit the Bravehearts Bar that day.
After receiving a negative result, he looked around before whispering into the air, "Is someone monitoring me today?"
After a few seconds of silence, Miss Bodyguard's ethereal voice suddenly sounded from behind him.
"No."
Klein subconsciously looked back, but he failed to find Miss Bodyguard.
His attention quickly returned to the answer he received as he couldn't help but let out a snicker in his heart.
MI9 isn't even putting me on their suspect list at all!
After confirming that Rosago hadn't sought me out, they completely put me aside.
Should I feel honored or insulted?
It's true that a detective that busies himself looking for cats has no way of being associated with the assassination of an ambassador or getting rid of a Sequence 5 expert…
Furthermore, MI9 has been monitoring me for quite some time. My panic, my helplessness, and my struggle for self-preservation were laid out for them to see. It's obvious that I can't inflict any substantial harm to the ambassador…
With that in mind, Klein put on his half top hat, carried his black silver-inlaid cane, and walked out of 15 Minsk Street. He spent 2 soli for a rental carriage that brought him to Bravehearts Bar on Iron Gate Street in the Backlund Bridge area.
He entered like a regular, walked past the cheering drunkards around the boxing ring, and rapped the countertop when he came to the bar counter.
"One glass of Southville beer."
The bartender looked up at him and mumbled, "Kaspars is in Card Room 3."
Klein smiled and pushed five one-penny copper coins to the man.
Then, carrying the wooden cup and sipping a white, smooth, frothy Southville beer, he walked around two of the rowdiest, liveliest stages that stank the most and knocked on the door of Card Room 3.
Kaspars was playing Texas poker with unlimited stakes. Stacks of cash were piled high in front of him, as well as yellow coins that piled up in a dazzling heap.
Noticing Klein's gaze, the black-market arms dealer with the huge scar on his face twitched his big red nose and casually said, "I don't like using chips as they don't feel real to me. It's still the texture of cash and the weight of the coins that leaves me intoxicated. It the same as f**king women!"
After finishing that sentence, Kaspars frowned slightly.
"What are you doing here again?"
Klein didn't answer directly, but he gestured with his mouth to speak outside.
"Damn it! I was going to clean them up with this hand! Bullshit, I'm folding!" Kaspars tossed the two cards in front of him into the middle of the table, then he limped to the door and said to Klein, "You'd better have a good reason!"
After leaving the card room and coming to the corner, Klein said in a suppressed voice, "I want to know when the most recent gathering will be, just like the last one."
Kaspars looked at him suspiciously. "Haven't you struck a deal with Maric?"
"It's not about hiring bodyguards. Regarding that, heh heh, you know… I've become very interested in it." Klein was telling the truth.
Kaspars hesitated and then said, "There will be a gathering tonight. The organizer is the same person as last time, but you'll have to wait for more than half an hour. I'll inform them first. You showed your reputation last time, so I don't think there'll be too much of a problem."
"No problem, I'll pay you." Klein touched the bills in his pocket.
"You just need to pay 1 pound this time." Kaspars acted like he was very generous.
"It's worth it," Klein said as the corners of his lips curled up.
After paying Kaspars, he found a seat and sat down, drinking the rich malt-scented Southville beer and enjoying the competition on the ring.
"I can beat and take them down at the same time…" Klein quickly came to this conclusion.
After about ten minutes, Kaspars returned to the bar, looked around, and said in a low voice, "They agreed."
"We'll head there after half an hour. Holy Lord of Storms, I hope you haven't forgotten that mask."
Klein gave a positive answer.
He slowed down his drinking as he began sipping, and he took half an hour to finish the 500 ml of Southville beer.
It was the same path they took as the previous time, and it was the same house without any light. Klein put on the iron mask that only covered half of his face, and he watched as Kaspars knocked on the door rhythmically.
The rhythm is different from last time. The knocking changes all the time… Klein listened carefully for a moment, then saw the small plank of the door open and a pair of eyes peer out.
After the indistinguishable process like before, he put on the hooded robe and hid his entire face in the shadows.
It was still the same living room, with a candle flickering in the dim light. Klein randomly found a seat and quietly sat down.
But unlike before, he no longer felt suppressed or tensed; instead, he leisurely looked around.
The cold wind that blew across the back of his neck made him certain that Miss Bodyguard had followed him in without anyone noticing.
As expected, there are no Sequence 5 experts in this gathering. There might not even be a Sequence 6… Klein thought.
After listening in on the conversation for a while, he saw the round-faced Apothecary change his posture as if he wanted to speak.
As expected, the Apothecary who had half his chubby face exposed quickly raised his hand and said, "Black Snake has apparently died in the sewers…
"Those beasts are still rampant."
Black Snake died? Klein was surprised to hear the news.
Black Snake was the man who had sold him the remains of a Listener, allowing him to "successfully" create the Language of Foulness. It was suspected that he was from the Aurora Order.
His strength wasn't low at all; yet, he actually died performing the simple mission of clearing the beasts in the sewers… Klein frowned suspiciously. He suddenly thought of something—
When he discovered Zreal's corpse, he had heard thumping sounds deep in the sewers.
By the time he led Ian there, parts of Zreal's body had been eaten by strange beasts.
That was at the bottom of Iron Carbon Street in the East Borough, quite far from the Backlund Bridge area, and I wonder if there's a connection… Klein had no impulse to verify this.
News of Black Snake's death quickly spread through the dark room, attracting the murmurs of many. A sense of fear spread through them, as though they had experienced it themselves.
The Apothecary clapped his hands and said, "So, what should I do?"
The whispers suddenly disappeared, and a frozen silence filled the room.
As the Apothecary had advised him without being afraid of offending him, Klein thought for a moment and said, "If I were you, I would give up on the rest of the herbs and never go there again."
"Why? They'll mature very soon, and those beasts that hide in the depths of the sewers usually won't come out," the Apothecary asked hesitantly.
Klein deliberately said in a hoarse voice, "Black Snake likely has an organization backing him. His death definitely would've caused an investigation. I believe you don't want to interact with them, right?"
Having the remains of a Listener didn't imply that Black Snake was an Aurora Order member, by referring to the True Creator as a "great being", this was confirmed.
Moreover, he would rather believe that this was the case rather than hope for a fluke.
"Yeah." The Apothecary nodded slightly, seemingly having made up his mind.
Klein added, "If I were you, I would even anonymously report this matter to the police."
"What?" Many gathering members exclaimed.
Klein explained without a change in tone, "Since the beasts in the sewers can kill Black Snake, it means that they're very dangerous. And since everyone lives in Backlund, if it really causes a major catastrophe, it's hard to guarantee that we won't be implicated.
"That's why the best option is to attract the attention of the police and let the officials handle this matter.
"We can enjoy a good outcome without any risks. Isn't that nice?"
Just as he finished his sentence, the old gentleman, Eye of Wisdom applauded.
"Such a great idea! We're afraid of the official Beyonders, but similarly, we can make use of them. We don't have to handle everything on our own."
That's because I was an official Beyonder, so my train of thought would definitely be different from pure savages like you… Klein smiled as he lampooned.
After speaking, he became a bystander again, listening to people peddling or requesting for items. As he watched the deals which succeeded or failed, he found nothing of interest.
He temporarily didn't announce the Beyonder ingredients he needed, planning to observe the circle of Beyonders a few more times.
Seconds turned to minutes and finally, Eye of Wisdom arranged for people to leave every three minutes.
Klein was the first to leave the previous time, so he didn't know what happened next. Now, he noticed that there were at least five exits. The attendants of the Eye of Wisdom would lead different people to different passages, trying their best to space them out and drag out time.
After more than half an hour, there were only three members of the gathering left. Apart from Eye of Wisdom, the other two were Klein and the suspected Apothecary.
Eye of Wisdom looked at Klein and laughed with his aged voice.
"Looks like you're quite lucky."
He recognized me as the man who had bought the ominous item from Black Snake… Klein smiled. "Yes, my bet paid off."
Hearing their conversation, the Apothecary widened his eyes as he examined Klein. After a long time, he finally said, "Do you have another mystical charm that affects luck? I already regarded you as a dead person."
You're so direct… Klein tactfully answered, "Maybe I'm lucky enough myself."
Actually, he did want such an item.
Eye of Wisdom sighed and said, "Young lad, don't always bet on your luck, especially on matters such as this. Even if you've won many times in the past, just one loss would doom you for eternity."
"I know. That's why I've come to this gathering to see if I can buy any useful items. Heh, I can be considered the same as all of you now," Klein said, seemingly casual.
"Same?" The Apothecary gave an exaggerated sigh. "I should've listened to my teacher!"
Teacher… He seems to be a suspected Apothecary… The Apothecary pathway is controlled by the Church of Mother Earth and the Life School of Thought… The Life School of Thought passes down their teachings through mentoring… Klein's heart skipped a beat and asked curiously, "Why do you say that?"
The Apothecary sighed and said, "My teacher told me to choose a path that would make one sufficiently lucky, but in the end, I still became a medicine concocter. As a result, I haven't been able to find the next batch of potion ingredients for this Sequence for a whole two years. I'm envious of your luck."
Make one sufficiently lucky… This is very similar to the Sequence pathway for Monster… He really is from the Life School of Thought… Klein smiled and said, "What's your reason for choosing it?"
The Apothecary suddenly straightened his back and said, "This is a man's choice!
"After knowing that I can concoct medicine to enhance my ability in that field, I chose this path without hesitation!"