I leaned against the building's wall, breathing heavily. Even if they didn't witness my supernatural abilities, I'm sure they figured out that I'm a Beyonder. At the very least, they have no idea what I'm capable of.
'Knave, what artifact do you think they possess?'
'I don't believe they have that many, My Lord.'
'How come? They're all Beyonders, aren't they?'
'Ordinary Beyonders, on the other hand, do not rely on artifacts. It was as though they were born with unique powers or had second nature.'
'Actually, you'd be a Beyonder even if I weren't here anyway. You are already different. You hadn't realized it yet.'
''Really? So, how do ordinary Beyonders level up?'
'It is just the same as you, My Lord.'
"You mean, like how the knowledge flashes through my mind?"
'Yes, My Lord.'
'Why did I suddenly feel weak?'
'My Lord, you have been hypnotized.'
'Huh? Is that correct? But how come I'm able to get away from them?'
'My Lord, I was likewise confused. That Beyonder is probably just messing with your head.'
When I think about it, I'm not sure why Desmond suddenly became interested in me. What is the reason of his suspicion of me?
'Knave, is it possible for a Beyonder to read someone else's mind?'
'Yes, it is possible.'
'Uh-oh, are you sure? If that's the case, perhaps he went into my thoughts and that's why he wants to talk to me.'
'What do you think he is, Knave? '
'I believe he is a mentalist, My Lord.'
'Ho, alright.'
I rise up shakily and pat my coat. Fortunately, I thought of throwing a card ahead of time so that I could escape from them.
The issue is figuring out how to deal with them when we meet again. I can't just run away again since it won't work the second time.
I'd like to level up so that I'm not affected by mind control. I was fortunate. Desmond didn't think I'd be able to escape because he had underestimated me at the time.
Though I'm still confused as to why they're after me. Knave sensed that they were using their powers when I arrived at Amelie's residence. It doesn't seem like they're manipulating or controlling Amelie's parent, does it?
'Ugh, I'm not sure. Everything is confusing me.'
For the time being, I'll just work and then think about everything when I get home. Then, I went straight home after assisting Mr. Arlo.
I was resting down on my bed, holding a card in my hand, staring at the ceiling, trying to figure out how to respond when I meet them again.
Should I just confront them? No. I can't let down my defenses next to them. Desmond, in particular, has the power to exert control on me. Given that, I have no idea what the other is capable of.
'Knave, do you know how I can avoid being affected by Desmond's mind control?'
'My Lord, yes. In fact, I have two ideas.'
'What exactly is it? Mind telling me.'
I should take some precautions before facing them.
'One is for you to advance in your level. I feel that once you've evolved into an 'intermediate entity,' you'll be capable to withstand him for a while.'
'Endure? Isn't it possible for me to be unaffected by his power?'
'I don't believe that's possible. Perhaps if you can break his mind control. Moreover, I don't think mind control is his only skill.'
'Ah, yeah. You're right.'
'So, what's the other option?'
'There was another artifact I was with before I met you. Getting that artifact is your best option, My Lord.'
'Is there another one? Is an artifact a common occurrence? Why are there so many of you? '
'No, My Lord. It just so happens that we are together.'
'So, where is it?'
'I do not know, My lord.'
'Huh? You don't know? So, what's the point of telling me?'
'because I believe it will find its way to you'
'Really? Then I guess I'll just have to wait for it.'
'Do you know what it's capable of?'
'I'm sorry, but I don't. It is an Unranked artifact.'
'Unranked? What does it mean?'
'It's an artifact with abilities that haven't been revealed or seen.'
"Huh? Then it would be somewhat dangerous, isn't it?"
'That is something I cannot deny.'
"What's the danger? Where? Who are you speaking with?"
'Oh, no. I didn't realize I'd said it aloud.'
I look at my brother, who looks confused and panicked.
"No, uhm, ehem. Just disregard it. Erm, I just fell asleep and had a nasty dream that woke me up. That's it, that's everything."
"Alright?"
My brother's brow furrowed, and the look of bewilderment on his face remained as he turned around and returned to his bed.
I closed my eyes, trying not to laugh at our situation.
I lay in bed, contemplating my circumstances. Now that I think about it. My family is in danger. The best thing to do is to negotiate with Sir Desmond so that this problem does not damage my family. But it's hard since I can't trust them now that I know what they're capable of.
I assumed they were regular police officers, but I was mistaken. I understand, though, because I'm still new to the Beyonders thing, and I won't know who to trust. The officers, however, are far more capable than the average individual. Why couldn't they find a lead when they had the power to quickly find a clue concerning this case? They are suspicious.
What if they are the true perpetrators of these occurrences? Perhaps I was right to be wary of them. I really need to be strong. If they are truly behind this crime and are after me, my family would be in danger.
I get up and decide to walk outside when I can't sleep with all these things racing through my mind. I noticed father sitting alone in the living room as I was about to exit our apartment.
"Father, are you okay?"
I walked over to talk to him out of worry. I'm concerned that he's been experiencing difficulties at work. Sitting alone and with the lights turned out, he appears to be deep in thought.
"Father, Is everything alright?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm just deep in thought."
"Want to talk about it?"
"No, It's fine son. I'm okay."
I let it go since he assures me that everything is fine. Perhaps he is simply thinking about his work. I look around and don't see mother. I'm assuming she's already in their room.
"Alright, I'll just go outside to get some fresh air."
"Okay, son."
I smiled at him and proceeded outside.
When I got out of the building, I watched the stars shining in the sky. I take a deep breath and close my eyes, taking in the tranquility of my surroundings.
'The surroundings are peaceful and quiet.'
Someone spokes to me, disturbing the silence. When I turned to look at the person speaking, I was surprised to realize it was my father.
"Jack, what are you doing out here? It's freezing out here."
"Huh? Father?"
"Hmm? Why do you look as though you've seen a ghost? Come on, let's go inside."
I'm utterly confused by what's going on right now. I didn't see Father leave the apartment from when he was inside, and I told him I was going outside.
"How come I didn't see you leave the apartment, Father?"
"What are you talking about?"
Father turns around and asks me a question. Then he continues his way inside the apartment.
"Of course, you wouldn't see me come out because I just got here. We have an overtime because things are so busy at work."
He stated this with his back to me.
'No way?! Is it possible that I had a sudden hallucination?'
'Knave, is it only my imagination that I've been talking to my father in the living room?'
'No, it wasn't a figment of your imagination. My lord'
'Then? Who the hell is this person?'
As I observe my father's back as he enters the apartment.
"What in the world is going on?"