Realizing the potential issue, Ebner chose not to keep silent or let Gaston embarrass himself. Instead, after some deliberation, he explained the findings of his "analysis."
Gaston had grown accustomed to Ebner's uncanny knack for "knowing" things, especially after witnessing him extract "demonic" auras during the chaotic "Night of Demonic Turmoil" in Damir. Thus, Gaston did not press Ebner on how he had come by this knowledge.
After pondering for a moment, Gaston asked, "Can you extract some of the aura? I'd like to 'examine' it and determine how it can be utilized."
Ebner considered the request and felt confident in his abilities, so he readily agreed.
For most Knowledge Keepers or Detective Beyonders, extracting the aura of a high-ranking entity would be exceedingly challenging due to two main obstacles:
Detection: High-ranking auras are shrouded in extreme mystery. Unless intentionally exposed, ordinary Knowledge Keepers wouldn't even notice their presence.
Pollution: The aura often carries contamination. Lower- and mid-sequence Beyonders exposed to it might face dire consequences unless purified through an official ritual led by a high-ranking clergy member.
However, these issues posed no challenge for Ebner. His Pure White Eye was sufficiently high-ranked to detect the hidden and suppress the corrupt.
Moreover, the Wind-blessed characteristic's "demonic aura" was purely residual without divinity. Its source couldn't materialize across dimensions, rendering it relatively harmless. Using his extraction ability, Ebner effortlessly pulled out a wisp of aura and displayed it to Gaston.
Gaston's eyes shimmered as if reflecting starlight. After about two minutes, his expression returned to normal. He contemplated for a while before retrieving an assortment of pre-prepared spiritual materials from the workshop and activating the steam power furnace. Evidently, he had a plan.
Gaston then immersed himself in crafting a beyonder artifact. He did not explain his process or detail the Beyonder abilities he employed, leaving Ebner to silently observe.
After all, Gaston had only promised a demonstration, not a full-fledged lesson.
Thanks to the Pure White Eye, Ebner barely managed to follow Gaston's intricate crafting process while simultaneously "decoding" the Beyonder abilities utilized.
However, as Ebner discerned the nature of the item Gaston was crafting, his expression grew increasingly peculiar.
Finally, when a short wand adorned with an ornate design and a blue gemstone at its tip emerged, with crescent-shaped golden wings extending from the gem's sides, Ebner couldn't hold back:
"Is this a 'Transformation Wand'?"
"Exactly! A 'Transformation Wand!' The design inspiration came from an exploration of the seventh level of the 'Dream Labyrinth Tower.' The scenario required me to find a way to seal a demon into a card before a little girl, and that girl happened to possess a wand that could facilitate 'transformation.'
"Heh, after identifying the aura's source as a 'succubus,' I knew what to do," Gaston said with a grin, inspecting the wand, which seemed utterly incongruous with his personality.
Your Majesty, you never fail to surprise… Does Dream Labyrinth Tower even feature magical girl scenarios? Please don't tell me future levels involve collecting Clow Cards, finding Jewel Seeds, or saving Madoka… Ebner pinched the bridge of his nose, mentally ridiculing the absurdity.
"Want to test it? This artifact's abilities are quite impressive," Gaston offered with a cheerful grin.
Ebner firmly shook his head. Thanks to his Pure White Eye, he had already fully analyzed the wand's capabilities:
Transformation Wand - Wind
Appearance: A short wand topped with a blue gemstone and golden crescent-shaped wings on either side.
Functions:
When activated with a preset incantation, the user transforms to resemble the "succubus" that inspired the wand, with demonic armor forming on their body. The armor's defense matches that of a demon, and its design can be customized.
The transformation grants innate "enchantment" abilities, inducing hallucinations in nearby targets and rapidly amplifying their desires, either planting seeds of chaos or catalyzing emotions to cause a critical loss of control. This may result in incapacitation or even death from overwhelming emotional strain.
Additionally, the user gains flight, wind blade, and gliding abilities, and the wand can transform into a weapon of their choice.
Drawbacks:
Prolonged use beyond three minutes risks allowing the succubus's essence to invade the user's mind.
Exceeding ten minutes may lead to complete possession, allowing the succubus to control the user's body or even manifest through them.
Deactivation: The transformation ends with a preset incantation.
Transformation Wand - Wind? Will there be more in the series?
Aware of the occasional "prophetic" nature of his Pure White Eye, Ebner felt his eye twitch before cautiously asking Gaston, "This Wind-blessed characteristic belonged to Nast, the 'King of Five Seas,' right?"
If you bought it, that's one thing. But if you're crafting this as a commission, won't Nast go berserk when he sees the result?
"Indeed… I may have kept my status as an Artisan hidden from most, but not from the King of Five Seas. Thankfully, he has no interest in forcing me to join the Black Emperor." Gaston sighed.
I didn't ask about that…
Oh well, judging purely by its abilities, this wand is quite powerful as an artifact. Perhaps Nast's subordinates will accept it… Who knows? If they keep commissioning Gaston, maybe the Black Emperor will form a full "Five-Color Squad." At that point, the Black Emperor's aesthetic will be indescribable.
Perhaps even the title 'King of Five Seas' will take on an entirely new meaning!
---
Back in Backlund, at 15 Minsk Street
Having just finished a meal of self-prepared flatbread and "gooey porridge," Klein found himself unexpectedly visited by Detective Isengard Stanton, who personally invited him to a detective meeting aimed at catching the recent serial killer.
While Klein respected this mentor figure to "Tower," he was reluctant to participate directly. After all, he already knew from the Tarot Club that the culprit was a demon—a foe even "Tower" had found troublesome.
Moreover, Isengard likely had ties to official Beyonder teams. Klein worried about encountering familiar Nighthawks if he accepted.
Just as he was about to decline, Isengard mentioned the police's bounty: 2,000 pounds.
With my beard, glasses, and new hairstyle, even acquaintances among the Nighthawks wouldn't recognize me… Besides, the longer this demon roams free, the more innocent women might fall victim.
After deliberating for a few seconds, Klein smiled and said, "I've recently taken on a very challenging case, so my time is limited."
Before Isengard could respond, he added, "I can contribute to discussions, review files, and analyze clues, but I likely won't participate in active investigations."
Isengard agreed readily, even praising Klein's deductive talents, "That's fine. I've gathered over a dozen detectives for this. There's plenty of manpower for groundwork.
"What I admire most about you is your ability to deduce and analyze, despite limited resources. You tracked down the docks and the Dockworkers' Union!
"In that regard, you're as good as my most famous student. He's also a brilliant analyst and deductive thinker. It's a pity he's not too interested in this case and isn't currently in Backlund."
Mr. Tower is genuinely brilliant. I'm just backtracking through divination…
Klein self-deprecatingly thought as he shook Isengard's hand and replied, "Looking forward to working together."
---
The two headed to Isengard's modestly worn residence. There, Klein met detectives like Caslana and Stuart, who had attended Ebner's "detective debut party."
As the discussion neared its end, Klein proposed a unique approach: reviewing case files of unsolved serial murders from the past twenty years to identify potential connections.
If this killer is performing rituals as a demon, they must have gone through a "serial killer" phase as part of their act.
Isengard endorsed this strategy, promising to liaise with the police to provide the necessary records before nightfall.
After the meeting, Klein checked his watch. It was nearing noon, and at 2 PM, Kay Shore—also known as "Wild Dog"—was scheduled to meet Mrs. Cosen. Klein hurriedly took the subway to Cherwood Borough and located the inconspicuous house at 33 Iron Gate Street.
Flipping a coin for divination, Klein confirmed there was no immediate danger. He stealthily entered the building through a second-floor window and began preparing with Amanda Pure Dew, Spirit Eye Potion, and other materials.
Kay Shore, aka "Wild Dog," was once police officer Shawke. With financial and alchemical support left by the "Witch" Lina, he had ascended to a "Instigator."
Now nursing some injuries, Shawke carefully finished penning a letter.
He stuffed two large cotton pads into his shirt, donned a wig, and pulled a hooded robe over his outfit, completing his disguise. After letting the ink on the letter dry, he sealed it in an envelope, planning to drop it off at the post office before meeting his "students."
Before sealing the letter, the final lines of text read faintly:
"… Lady Lina, a witch of unknown intent has appeared near the prince… Return swiftly…"
(End of Chapter)