Anderson vaguely remembered having taken a liking to a certain kid, planning to test him a bit before selling him a "Hunter" potion and recruiting him for his adventure team.
Who could have guessed the kid was already a Beyonder of another Sequence? So he had to drop it.
"Why haven't you left yet?" Anderson asked with a bit of confusion. He was sure he'd asked the guy to leave earlier.
Seeing the drastic shift in attitude from the "Strongest Hunter," Ebner wasn't the least bit surprised. Once a tool has served its purpose, why wouldn't it be wiped clean?
Not sure if it was a memory wipe or some kind of pre-emptive hypnosis. Given that the one doing it was probably a demigod of the White Tower Pathway, it could easily involve a composite skill… Mysticism Magisters tend to develop all kinds of strange spells, Ebner mused as he left Anderson's cabin without lingering.
Stepping out, he spotted Aetris smoking in the hallway, clearly there in case of any emergencies. The sight warmed Ebner's heart; for all his sharp tongue, this "cop's kid" genuinely thought of him as a friend.
Of course, Aetris probably didn't realize how terrifying Anderson actually was. Had something gone wrong, his presence would likely only hinder Ebner's escape. Xio, on the other hand, knew Ebner had the "Sea Breeze Hat" and would actually have an easier time fleeing alone at sea, which is why she didn't follow.
Seeing Ebner exit the room safely, Aetris relaxed, taking his hand off his gun and offering Ebner a cigarette.
The original Ebner had been a smoker, but after transmigrating, he'd quit, so he accepted it without lighting up. He then said, "It seems you've really learned a lot during your time at sea."
"Had a few close calls… Nearly lost my life! Out on the ocean, without strength, all you can do is tread carefully," Aetris said with a wry smile after a pause.
"Even with strength, caution is key," Ebner replied, shaking his head as he thought of Gwyn, the girl who'd also left home to seek adventure. Clever and capable, with a solid battle trio of a Warrior, Hunter, and Sailor, she'd still lost two reliable companions from insufficient preparation, and the Hunter characteristics had ended up in his own hands.
Aetris took a deep drag on his cigarette, seeming to make up his mind about something before looking at Ebner. "Ebner… You're a Beyonder, aren't you?"
"What makes you say that?" Ebner wasn't surprised Aetris knew about the supernatural. After all, at sea, the Beyonders weren't as restrained as they were on the Continent, and the odds of an ordinary person witnessing something out of the ordinary were much higher.
"I was clueless before… But after everything I've seen on my travels, it's all adding up. Your teacher, Detective Isengard, can always find clues the police can't even come close to. And your heavy-as-lead cane... I'm sure now that it's not ordinary," Aetris listed all the things he'd once dismissed but now saw in a new light. He then added, "I want to become a Beyonder myself. Can you help me with that?"
Ebner studied him, then asked seriously, "Are you sure you're prepared for that? I've heard it said, 'Beyonders are cursed souls constantly fighting madness and danger.' Are you willing to embrace that?"
"I know… I've seen a Beyonder lose control! One of my earliest companions died at the hands of that monster!" Aetris said, his voice growing intense, only to fall silent for a moment as he composed himself. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to lash out. But… they left their dreams in my hands. No matter what, I have to see them through. I want to be the most famous adventurer on the Five Seas and discover those legendary treasures. I need power to get there."
"So it's power you want? You really think you need to be a Beyonder?" Ebner muttered, then asked, "Aren't you weighed down by the burden of carrying other people's dreams?"
"That was my own dream to begin with! And besides, Kyle gave me food and shelter when I'd just left home with nothing. Sam saved me when I was in danger. And Dana… well, she showed me what it means to be a man…" His voice softened, lost in thought.
Hearing this, Ebner realized Aetris was determined. Whatever his reasons, his resolve was firm.
"I've got something that could make you a Beyonder right away. It's worth 400 pounds," Ebner said. "Of course, I can't just give it to you for free."
Aetris hesitated briefly before asking, "Will it let me become a Beyonder who can fight?"
"Absolutely. It'll make you a Hunter, with physical abilities far superior to an ordinary human," Ebner explained.
"Then save it for me until we reach Enmat Harbor. I'll figure out a way to get the money." Aetris clenched his teeth, agreeing without attempting to negotiate, aware that the price was already fair.
400 pounds isn't a small amount for someone who's run away from home… Looks like Aetris has some connections in Enmat, Ebner thought, but he didn't press him for details. He only needed the money, after all.
After chatting for a bit, Ebner left for his own cabin, while Aetris, on his way back to his employer, was intercepted by Anderson, who appeared out of nowhere. Flashing a grin, Anderson said, "Hey, buddy, let's chat. I think you've got a 'Hunter' streak in you!"
---
Back in his cabin, Ebner took a few minutes to center himself, setting up a spiritual wall to seal off the room. He then unpacked his materials and pre-prepared ingredients.
Having anticipated his potion might fully digest during the trip, he'd bought all the necessary supplies ahead of time. Following the proper sequence, he placed the auxiliary ingredients into a beaker. Then, carefully, he added the Dragon-Eyed Python's eyes and the golden leaves from the Tree of Wisdom that his teacher had provided.
Sss! A faint blue mist rose in a soft hiss before being sucked back into the beaker by an invisible force.
Once everything settled, Ebner stirred the mixture until it reached an oddly distinct state.
From any angle… it feels like there's an 'eye' staring right back at me.
This was the Knowledge Keeper (Detective) potion!
Activating the Pure White Eye, Ebner briefly analyzed the potion, confirming its purity. Then, he began meditating to calm his mind, clearing away all emotion.
Finally, he picked up the glass and drank the potion in one long gulp.
Gulp, gulp!
The cold liquid slid down his throat, sending bursts of tiny bubbles exploding all the way down.
As Ebner adjusted to the sensation, a torrent of information suddenly flooded his mind, crashing through like wave upon wave in a mighty flood.
His temples throbbed painfully, and his skull felt on the verge of bursting.
But he'd experienced something similar when analyzing the gray fog with the Pure White Eye, so this felt less intense by comparison. Soon, he regained his composure and started to focus, controlling his thoughts, clearing his mind, and easing into a meditative state.
After what felt like an eternity, his vision cleared, though a strange itch crept over his body.
Rolling up his sleeves, he saw his arms covered in countless fine, thin slits. As the effects of the potion stabilized, the slits slowly faded and disappeared.
Those lines... they almost look like eye slits! If I had lost control, would I have been covered head-to-toe in eyes?
And to think I chose to advance only after completely digesting the Sequence 8 potion. This physical reaction shows just how intense the transformation is. Those who advance simply by waiting out the potion's effects must have an even harder time.
No wonder it took Teacher ten years to advance without the Acting Method…
Sighing quietly, Ebner flexed his now stronger arm and smiled, feeling a surge of confidence. I'm finally a Knowledge Keeper (Detective)!
In the current age, Sequence 7 is considered the entry-level of the mid-Sequences.
I've left behind the realm of merely being "superior to ordinary people in a few ways." Now I have a far richer set of supernatural abilities.
And with the Pure White Eye, I'll be even stronger!