Chapter Text
Down on the metallic surface, Leonard and Audrey walked around meticulously. Trying to find anything remotely useful. Audrey was the first one to notice the blue orb in the center of the platform.
" should we go and check it out?" Audrey asked, looking up at Leonard. Audrey was still young and inexperienced. She was glad she had two amazing people with her. If she had come here alone. She wouldn't know what she would do.
During their time together she started to see Leonard and Klein more as her older brothers. She loved them as much as she loved her own brothers.
She looked up to all of them and in their current situation, she's put all her faith in Leonard. Staring up at the red glove captain expectantly.
Leonard in turn, scrutinized the blue orb and said. " we can go look. But don't get too close and be cautious. We don't know if it's dangerous."
With that the two walked closer cautiously. As they got closer to the center, Leonard stepped on a glass pane. He glanced down and saw a 'II'. He blinked and thought of something. He looked beside them and quickly ran to the next glass pane. Audrey followed him confused.
When he reached the glass pane, he looked down and saw a 'III'. He looked at Audrey and said. " I think we're on a clock. "
"a clock? Really?" She looked down with surprise.
"something metallic and uses glass to cover the numbers, like a cover. Closest I can think of is a clock.. Or maybe a pocket watch?" he stared down at the glass in deep thought. Crouching down, he tried to look under the metal pieces.
Unfortunately it looked like the cover was extremely close to the glass, he could just barely stick his fingers under it.
" a pocket watch." Audrey mumbled. She then looked up at the blue orb in the distance. She tilted her head a bit and noticed a sheen come from around the orb.
She quickly glanced down at the preoccupied Red glove and decided to walk closer to the orb.
Taking Leonard's warning to heart, she walked slowly and watched out for anything abnormal. She stopped right in front of what she believed to be a transparent barrier.
"Leonard. Check this out. " she called out to him, making him look up curiously and stride over.
He quickly noticed the barrier. Being cautious, he took out his gun and held the barrel to the barrier. They watched as it passed through.
" if it's normal.. Why is there a barrier?"
Sometimes. The best answers only appear when you risk your life for it. Thus Leonard decided he'd stick his hand through it.
As he did so, a burning pain gathered through his hand. It was bearable though. It wasn't until he noticed tufts of fur coming out from under his glove was when he pulled back quickly.
He took off his glove and stared at his hand.. No 'claw'.. His hand had grown long claws and was covered in black tufts of fur. The burning sensation was still there.
"Does.. Does it make us lose control?" Audrey asked. Scanning Leonard up and down with caution, even taking a step back.
Leonard himself was also checking himself over for signs of losing control. ' No auditory or visual hallucinations, no emotional fluctuation, no other body parts changing. '
" I.. Guess?" he didn't feel like he was losing control. But the beastly claw as a hand said otherwise.
" It might be a sudden transformation. I can't imagine what could have happened if we just walked right in. " Leonard spoke with genuine fear.
The thought of rampaging without knowing scared him. He took a step back from the barrier.
" Let's stay away from this for the time being. " he stated. Audrey nodded, still looking at Leonard's hand with trepidation.
It wasn't until she noticed the fur was starting to recede back into his skin, that she was able to calm down a little.
While they continued walking around a little. Leonard had his glove in his pocket, checking up on his condition every couple of seconds. While examining his hand, Audrey exclaimed from beside him with a pointed finger.
" Look at that! It's a machine!"
Leonard looked up from his hand. It took a while to notice the small machine-like structure.
They cautiously made their way over and looked at it.
Its lower body resembles a sphere with intricate designs imprinted into its copper plates.
Its upper body resembled a cartoonish-humanoid figure with a clock in its chest. Its arms looked like ball joints and its hands only had 3 extremely long and sharp claws.
Its head was smooth and was wearing a copper pschent. Its face was covered with a mask and a mouth piece that resembled a speaker.
The machine seemed to be out of commission. Leonard and Audrey looked at eachother. They had no idea what a robot was. Nor how to fix one…
After flying for a while, dodging different degrees of scrap metal, rubble, and odd creatures that resembled sprites from European mythology.
He landed on a giant gear that he noticed had a similar orb to the one they arrived on. What he noticed, which was different, was the orb had a beam of light going upwards towards a planet.
Looking up, Klein regarded the planet's appearance.
The planet has a diluted green color and has thousands of rings surrounding it in all directions.
' This beam is coming from the orb in the center. Could it be that the orb in the center of the pocket watch platform is supposed to act like this?'
Gather the star… 'Star.' A planet is a star, so this beam is gathering this 'star.' ' Klein, having finally understood the assignment. He had one more issue.
' How do we make the orb gather the star?' he mused.
Looking at the orb he noted a robotic figure standing in front of it. ' guess that's my best option right now.' he started walking towards the orb and the figure.
When he got to a certain distance, he felt a premonition and stopped. He looked carefully and found a transparent barrier.
He immediately took off his glove and stuck his hand in. Watching as a burning sensation came from his hand. His skin squirmed like there were thousands of maggots underneath the skin.
He pulled back his hand and looked at it. " So passing this barrier will make someone rampage." he murmured.
He covered his hand with his glove and loudly coughed into his hand. Catching the robot's attention.
Having seen his presence the robot hovered over.
A cone-shaped lower body that's hovering off the ground, a semi-skirt made of metal, a cartoonish torso, noodle-like arms made of wire, an iron head that surprisingly looked humanoid, and a copper half mask and a crown.
" Who are you?" it asked in a soft and feminine voice. Its voice coming from a speaker in its neck.
In response, Klein answered with, " Gehrman Sparrow. "
"No you're not.."
"...."
Klein had no idea how he should respond to that. Luckily he didn't need to, as the robot decided to introduce itself instead.
" My name is too long… But do call me Archos-0G ." it said in a monotonous tone as it bowed politely to Klein.
Klein immediately noticed the name. ' Archos.. So this is the Archos. The task is to fix the Archos guardian. I hope Leonard and Audrey found the Archos Guardian. '
Klein looked at the orb and tilted his chin towards it and asked. " What is that device?"
Like an owl, the robot turned its head and looked behind it making a 180° turn to look down at Klein. "S pirit orb... Are you not familiar with Familiars?" it asked.
Klein remembered the term thanks to being on just about every corner of the web. A familiar spirit was commonly associated with witches and warlocks.
A mythical creature which took appearances as animals and acted as mystical guides towards the witches and warlocks. Though he knew this he decided to ask.
"A bit. Do tell me more though."
The robot seemed to scrutinize him before explaining. " Astral Guides; known as Familiars, are aids to assist witches and other magical beings who attempt to summon them from the Astral world.
Though they commonly appear as animals, objects, or other mythical beings, some take on humanoid appearances as well. Especially the stronger ones."
The robot then tilted its head back to regard the planet above them.
" Familiar souls are these very planets/these very stars. These stars were fragile and easily destroyed by monsters of the Abyss."
She then opened her human-like hand towards the turning gears below them and the orb.
" The Light of Stars created these machines to help protect these stars. Also known as Spirit orbs, they gather around the star. Each star has a Spirit orb, as well as an Archos guardian to work and protect the Spirit orb."
'I see. So these stars are like someone's life source. Like a heart. ' Klein mused.
Remembering their task, Klein asked the Guardian. "what happens when a Spirit orb stops working?"
" The Star would become as it was before: Fragile, it will drift into the unknown. Depending on the familiar it resides with. It could be disastrous or an easily forgotten death and when the star truly dies."
She then opened her hand to an open part of the 'abyss' that had a bunch of rubble and scrap.
He didn't need an explanation. He could tell just from the imagery the outcome of these planets.
Though he knew he was on a time limit, he really had a lot of questions. Curious about everything. ' What's the astral world? Who's Familiar does this star belong to? Who's the Light of Stars?'
Sensing his curiosity, Archos-0G looked down at him and simply said. " You're a curious fellow. I also am one. Why did you ask about the Spirit orb not working?"
'Should I tell her? ' he thought.
Obviously he would tell her. Why wouldn't he? If the Archos Guardians all have a similar purpose. This Guardian could help him figure out what to do to complete the trial.
Thus Klein briefly explained the situation as Archos-0G nodded along in understanding.
" So that explains why he came by." The Guardian said before she spun away, unfortunately; past the barrier. He was left alone in anticipation, waiting for the robot to return. He couldn't help but feel like he was left on a cliffhanger. The worst feeling in the world. 'Who was 'he'?'
After some time Klein watched as Archos-0G twirled back with 3 giant clock hands and a small brass sundial. She dropped them in front of Klein who gawked at her.
" The greater familiar of this star arrived a few years ago. Proclaimed that there would be humans who'd need these pieces. Apparently he was asked by the Light of Stars and Light of Reflections to gather them."
"just who the hell is this familiar…" Klein mumbled absentmindedly. Is it because the trial was set as a 'E' rank scenario? This was too easy. No.. Too coincidental.
Klein felt a chill up his spine. 'Was 0-08 involved? How? Why?'
" Whatever you're thinking, is improbable... To answer your question. This star is the soul of the Great King of the Air Element: Griffin Eurodys. Friend to the Lights of the Abyss, a comrade who killed those greater than gods.
He also told me to say this. Ahem." The robot's voice then switched to an male voice. An apathetic yet dulcet voice.
" Be lucky, my friends asked me to help you. You'd have never found these items before the time limit. Seriously, why did 'He' ask THEM to guard these things? Especially HER." clear irritation was heard in the voice.
"....." Klein, yet again, didn't know how to react. Should he be angry or grateful? ' wait… did she just say ' comrade who killed those greater than gods?' He looked at the gaseous planet with a grim expression.
He mentally thanked Griffin for getting the pieces for him, while also praying that they never meet. Looking back at the giant pieces, he thought. ' Now how do I get this stuff back?'
He side eyed Archos-0G before asking. " You don't happen to have anything that can help me carry these to their own Spirit orb, do you?"
The robot creaked a bit. " No. But I can ask the star to summon a couple familiars over."
She then twirled herself over to the orb and touched it gently. A beautiful melody came from it as a couple beams came down from the planet.
10 small, fluffy, yet feathered creatures flew out of the beams.
"Kyu!"
Their feathered ears were bigger than their body and their paws were so tiny they seemed none existent. The creatures landed by Klein's feet and looked up at him with beady eyes.
Klein's clown abilities nearly cracked at how cute these little creatures were.
" seems like he's sent Winnows to help you." Archos-0G said.
' Winnows?' Klein stared at them for a moment, not knowing what to do. He pointed to one of the clock hands. " Can you carry this?"
The Winnows nodded ferociously before 3 of them floated over to one of the clock hands. Their tiny paws barely held onto it, but it worked. As they picked up the clock hand and lifted it off the ground with ease.
Two more groups of 3's made their way to the other clock hands and picked them up. In the end, Klein held the brass sundial in his hand.
" I hope you fare well in the future." The robot said, surprisingly showing emotion behind it.
" Thank you."
' I hope so as well..' he bemused before he hopped off the ground and started flying back to where Leonard and Audrey were. The Winnows followed behind him effortlessly.
Audrey was standing behind a crouched down Leonard. Leaning over him while watching him work.
Leonard had opened up the robot and using his nearly non-existent knowledge of machines, tried to find a way to fix it.
Unfortunately, his only experience with fixing things was watching Klein's sister; Melissa fix stuff like a music box or a watch.
He tried forcefully turning some gears but even with them turning properly, it still didn't work.
frustrated; he cried out, " this is impossible!"
" You got this Leonard! I believe in you." Audrey cheered him on from behind.
' Unfortunately I don't believe in myself here.' Leonard thought to himself dubiously.
"What are you doing?"
Leonard turned his head around quickly. Seeing a familiar face, he smiled. " Klein."
Hearing Audrey squeak he looked at her with confusion as she gripped his shoulder. She was jumping up and down in excitement.
"Leonard. Look. Look! They are so cute!!"
'What's so cute? ' He looked back at Klein for a moment before looking behind him. They saw little creatures carrying some giant items across space towards them.
Klein was the first to land on the ground and then the Winnows dropped the 3 clock hands. Audrey was the first to wrap her arms around one of them and give it a tight hug.
"oh my goddess, it's so adorable!! Look at how fluffy it is! Its eyes are so big they remind me of Susie!"
"kyu!"
Audrey squealed as she twirled herself and the winnow around. "So cute!!!"
The Winnows seemed to like her as more came over and landed on her head and shoulders.
A Winnow floated over to Leonard who held out his palms and watched as it landed in them, making a cooing sound. Leonard smiled and scratched it behind the ear and it seemed to melt in his hand.
" Where did you get these little guys?" He asked, looking up at Klein.
In return Klein looked at the robot in front of Leonard and absentmindedly said, "long story."
He walked over to Leonard and took a look at the robot. " I see you've found the Archos."
"Archos? This is the Archos we need to fix?" receiving a nod from Klein, Leonard groaned.
"It's impossible. I've looked at everything, can't find a fault anywhere. I've even turned the gears, pressed the buttons, flipped some switches and nothing happened. "
"Let me see." Klein said as he crouched down beside Leonard. Who scooted to the side and watched.
Like Leonard, Klein couldn't find any faults either. Thus abruptly, he went with the next course of action most computer owners know.
Smack!
"Klein!" Startled, Leonard cried out. He just watched as Klein smacked the robot. Before he could even stop him, he heard the sound of gears turning.
They looked at the Archos and watched as the gears inside turned as they creaked and grinded. The robot started moving which caused Leonard and Klein to scramble away.
" m-mahhnnn that was a good nap! Wait.. I shouldn't have been asleep?" The Archos Guardian said in an energetic voice. Its head turned around like an owl and spotted the trio. Shocked, it pointed at them and gasped.
" humans!" it cried out. It then spotted the Winnows around Audrey and gasped(again).
" Winnows!"
He opened his arms as if wanting a hug. " Come here babies! I missed you."
The winnows stared at him before flying away.
Audrey waved them off. " goodbye little ones!"
Feeling dejected, the Archos Guardian slouched down and began.. Sobbing?
"...." as much as they wanted to wait and let the robot 'cry' they didn't have time. As last Klein checked through the system. They had half an hour left.
" you're the Archos Guardian of the Spirit orb correct?" Klein asked. The robot turned his head up as if to stare at him. " Yes I am ?"
" don't you have a job to do right now?" Klein pointed to the clock hands. The Archos guardian began processing the parts' existence.
It turned its head to Klein and pointed at the clock hands. " Did you get these?"
Technically, he didn't get them. They were handed to him by someone else. Having a feeling that if he said ' I got them myself' he'd have gotten the same response as the other Archos guardians.
'No you didn't. ' Instead of lying he said; matter of factly, " I had some help."
The Archos guardian groaned. " judging by how the Winnows got here. I can assume it's Griffin. " He made a 'tsk' sound as he looked away. His arms crossed, clearly annoyed.
" It was supposed to be a fun game of hide n seek. Simple, easy, and fun." The guardian then turned around to mumble to himself.
" He wouldn't need to intervene unless.. " his voice changed to static.
Leonard looked between Klein and the Archos guardian. He had no idea who he was talking about. But from the casual look on Klein's face, Klein knew who he was talking about. He leaned closer to Klein and asked in a hushed voice, " who is he talking about?"
Klein simply shrugged. There was no need to mention the helper. Besides, Klein had something else on his mind.
The archos mentioned it being a game of hide n seek. A 'simple, easy, and fun' game. But from what he heard from that voice message from Griffin. It wasn't 'easy' and it sure didn't seem ' fun' either.
Also it seemed like all this was planned. Which brings him to his next question. ' Why was this spirit orb not working? Its purpose was to protect the star that's connected to the familiar. Why was it destroyed purposefully?'
He felt like there was more to the story. Driven by this curiosity, he asked the guardian. " Why was the Spirit orb dismantled?"
The Archos Guardian abruptly stopped. The sound of static disappears completely. He turned his head to Klein like an owl. He stared at Klein for a bit before murmuring. " I see… "
The Archos guardian then decided to answer Klein, " can't tell you."
' and why not?' He didn't voice his question out loud. But it seemed like the Archos guardian knew what he was thinking.
" It's forbidden knowledge. Those who hold tremendous knowledge are forced into a binding pact to never speak of their knowledge.
The star I protect is one of those who have tremendous knowledge. What comes with great knowledge, comes greater responsibility. "
The beyonders felt like they knew what it was saying. Just like in their world, knowing too much could make you wind up either dead, corrupted, or brought to madness.
Whatever story lies behind this trial. It is beyond their reason.
Ceasing his thirst for knowledge, he decided to get back on track.
" Anyways. Shouldn't you start fixing the spirit orb? We unfortunately don't have a lot of time." he spoke in a demanding tone.
The archos guardian hissed in annoyance. " Leave me alone, why don't you? "
Klein shrugged his shoulders. " can't go through the barrier. "
This made the Archos guardian grumble as he picked up the 3 clock hands effortlessly in one hand. He held out his other hand to Klein, asking for the sundial.
Klein hesitantly gave it to the guardian and the trio watched as he went to work.
The trio stood on a glass pane as they watched the lid of the giant pocket watch open around them. The ground shook around them. The guardian then went under the glass and began putting the pieces back into place.
While they watched, Audrey decided to bring up something she had noticed. " The trial was called the trial of stars and the gateway had creaking sounds. Could it be that the effects and the trial name give us clues to the trial?"
Klein was surprised that he hadn't noticed that detail earlier. He crossed his arms and looked down in thought.
" then in that case.. For example, The Trial of Isolation. It's cold to the touch. So if we go off by that, the trial would most likely be extremely cold. Maybe a cold location like the winter season?"
" The Trial of Reflections must have something to do with mirrors!" Audrey exclaimed.
"then.. What about the Trial of Duality?" Leonard pitched in with curiosity.
"The Trial of Duality… Duality means the difference of composition between two aspects… "Klein frowned. He couldn't think of a possible clue for the trial. Judging from the sounds that come from that trial's gateway. 'Maybe madness?' he couldn't be sure.
While the team continued to discuss clues about the gateways. A bright beam erupted from the blue orb in front of them.
They looked up at the beam in awe. In the distance, they could see the beam draw in what seemed to a giant planet that had countless trinkets littered across its surface. Clocks, pocket watches, pens, music box's, old school televisions, jewelry like necklaces and earrings, etc.
The archos guardian rolled over, beaming brightly. " mission complete! Thank you so much for returning the pieces. Even though it wasn't as fun as it could have been... "
He then brought his finger to his metallic face and tapped it. " As per the request of the Star, I'll give you rewards. Can be a new tool or I can upgrade one of your equipment."
"upgrade?" Leonard mumbled. He pulled out the gun he's just recently got and rubbed his thumb over the side of it. He held it out to the robot. " then.. Can you do something with this?"
The guardian looked at the gun and picked it up with the tip of his claw like fingers. " hmmm.. I can. But it will be randomized. Does that bother you?"
Leonard shook his head. The guardian then hummed happily as he held out the gun and a beam from the planet above them shined around it. It disappears from sight.
After a couple seconds the beam came back down in front of Leonard. Who hesitantly put his hand through the beam and pulled out the gun. It looked the same, aside from an engraving on the side with a language unfamiliar to him. A familiar screen then popped up in front of him.
[A top-rated item has appeared!]
[Item Information]
Name: Gat of the Void
Rating: Star Relic
Description: A revolver that was fused with another relic. Crafted by this world's God of alchemy with the help of 'His' friend. This revolver has been granted infinite supply of bullets as well as a unique ability.
Each shot has a 50% chance of releasing a bullet infused with void magic. In return, the wielder will be hit as well due to the void magics natural property to recoil.
( Due to the interference of a significantly stronger deity of this universe, The percentage has been reduced to 10% as well as reduced the received damage by 75%.)
Additionally, the wielder's agility level is increased by 2 and magic power by 1.
'A stronger deity reduced the percentage and its recoil damage?'
Leonard heard a whistle come from the robot and he looked up at him. " lucky man. Or should I say unlucky?"
Curious, he asked. "what's void magic?"
" Void magic in this universe is a rare and extremely powerful magic. Nothing can break it, physically, magical, or emotional. It can destroy everything in its path. Even though everyone has void magic inside them. Once it's used it has a recoil effect.
Causing the user to suffer grievous damage. Luckily for you. Someone reduced the recoil and it's not through your body, but through the weapon. So it shouldn't be life threatening. "
Leonard sighed in relief.
" though- do expect to experience excruciating pain and a heart attack." The archos' tone of voice sounded cheerful, for some stupid reason.
Leonard froze. He didn't like that, not at all. Though it sounded like he was saved from an even worse fate. For apparently a random chance for a destructive ability naturally there would be drawbacks on equal terms. Something that destructive should kill him after being used. He's just lucky it wasn't going to kill him anymore. But it made him curious.
' if it was a type of magic that had this much drawback. Just how many people died- no.. Survived using it at full power?'
As if reading his mind, the Archos said, " one ."
"one?" his eyes widened in shock. The Archos guardian nodded before moving on to Audrey. Leaving Leonard to ruminate over his answer.
What no one noticed but Leonard, a small speck of black matter hovered towards Leonard. He didn't feel anything malevolent from it, so he opened his hand. It morphs into a folded up piece of paper.
Curious, Leonard opened it and began reading its contents.
The Archos Guardian looked at Audrey and leaned down to her level.
Audrey shifted around nervously. She wondered what she should do. Should she try to upgrade lie? Should she ask for another artifact?
" Do you happen to have a pet, by chance?" The Guardian asked.
Audrey nodded. " She's my best friend. Her name is Susie!" she smiled solemnly. She really missed Susie.
He nodded and asked, " instead of an artifact, how about a temporary Familiar?"
Confused, Audrey asked, "Familiar?"
" Think of it as a magical companion. To me, you seem to have everything you need to protect yourself. But you also don't seem like a fighter, so you'd need someone to protect against people who you can't handle. Especially when those two aren't around. " he tilted his head towards Klein and Leonard.
Audrey agreed with him. She knew she could handle herself. But you never know what could happen. What if someone came around and was immune to her abilities? What if at that time Leonard and Klein aren't there to help her? What would she do then?
After some thought she smiled and said, "alright! I'll take a familiar."
" fantastic! The star will find you a familiar. Though it may take a while. So when you come back next time you might have that familiar waiting for you."
' next time. So maybe when we get brought back to the gateway. I wonder what it will be.' She couldn't help but try to play a guessing game with herself. Making up random creatures in her head and using her imagination to think of what a familiar would be.
Meanwhile the robot looked at Klein expectantly. Klein at first wanted to upgrade one of his sealed artifacts. But he didn't know what that would cause, since they were pretty good on their own.
He was also curious about what an artifact from another world would give him. Thus without being asked, he said " I'll take an artifact."
At that moment, as if expecting this outcome. A beam came down from the planet and Klein grabbed what was inside.
A silver pocket watch with a long chain. There were unique engravings on the rim of the lid. A language he was unfamiliar with. A screen with the item's information appeared in front of him.
[Item Information]
Name: Divines Limit
Rating: S
Description: a normal pocket watch that was experimented on by 'Tandemonium'. An experiment dedicated to fixing time related issues on her world-line. A failed experiment none the less.
By turning the clock hands, one can rewind, pause, and fast forward time of a person, object, or creature.
Due to its nature, when in use it will drain the user's energy. Causing symptoms such as: exhaustion, nausea, soreness, and decreased heart rate.
Additionally, it increases magic power by 4.
It didn't seem like a bad item. With it he could make for example his bullets faster. He could heal wounds by simply reversing time, while stopping people in their tracks by pausing them. The side effects didn't seem too bad either.
But what he wondered. ' what if I use up all my energy? Would it find a new source to take off or will it refuse to work?' genuinely, Klein didn't want to try out that theory. The item wasn't one of his best, but it could have its use at some point.
He gratefully accepted it and put it in his pocket.
After everyone received or were promised their gift. A reflectionless black portal appeared behind them. Exactly where they had come in from.
" seems like your trial is complete."
[Trial completed]
Indeed, they had finished their trial on time. Unsurprisingly by 15 minutes. "Guess it's time to leave. " Audrey said solemnly. Though she was happy to go back to her new friends. She couldn't deny, being in an apocalyptic world wasn't her idea of comfort.
The guardian roughly patted their backs, pushing them towards the portal. " better get going before it leaves you behind!"
He was right. They don't know if the portal will close, thus they begin walking across the metallic platform. Just before they reached the portal, Klein felt a tap on his shoulder.
Turning back, he regarded Leonard who had a nervous look on his face. Concerned, he asked " everything all right?"
"hunh? Oh uh yeah.. Klein. Read this.. " Leonard then held out a piece of paper. Curious, Klein gently grabbed it and opened it. The ink was smudged as it shifted. Whatever was previously written there before was changed into a whole new sentence.
' be warned, the pocket watch will kill you if used too much. Don't underestimate its consumption either. It will take a lot more energy than you think.
Be safe.
From an anonymous helper.
"
'A warning? ' he scanned over the letter, trying to find any malevolent purpose behind it or any hidden meaning. But he couldn't find any, at least nothing on the surface level. He frowned and looked at Leonard who was peeking over his shoulder to read as well.
"Where did you get this letter?" Klein asked.
" right after I read the description of the revolver. The paper came to me. It told me to be cautious and not to worry about the side effects of my revolver. " He said nonchalantly.
Klein squinted his eyes at Leonard who looked back at him nervously. Leonard didn't say everything..
Leonard then scratched the back of his head and said directly, " and to light a candle when we get back… "
"a candle?"
"I'm just as confused as you are."
Klein then glanced down at the paper, fiddling it with his fingers. "I can try and divine the purpose and the being behind it later. "
"about that. The letter also said to leave it behind in this world. "
Klein raised his brow. ' How unfortunate. Would have been a good way to learn some things.' he folded the letter and left it on the ground.
"You guys coming?" Audrey shouted at them. She was currently right in front of the portal.
" we're coming!" Leonard called out and started running towards her. Klein however continued walking.
The trio looked back and saw the Archos guardian waving farewell at them. They waved back and entered the portal.
Right as Klein entered the portal, he took one last look back. In that split second of entering the portal. We saw the Archos Guardian, spirit orb, and the planet/star break in half with a woosh.
In the distance stood a figure floating in the air with a holographic blade directed at the portal's location. The portal closed right behind Klein and disappeared.
[ Congratulations! You have completed the sub-scenario: Trial of Stars. ]
[You have earned 400 coins as a reward.]
[ You have earned ' Shattered Gate Key Piece' as a reward.]
[ Error: it seems gifts have already been handed out.]
The Beyonders opened their eyes and appeared right back where they had left, in the center of the station platform. It seemed like the scenario's wave was finished.
Audrey and Leonard smiled. " we're back!"
Audrey then looked around and frowned. " Where is everyone?"
"I don't know. They should still be in the station. " Leonard answered.
"then we should probably go find Kim Dokja and the others." Audrey then looked back at Klein. Noticing a distant look in his gaze, she asked with concern. " Are you okay Klein?"
Almost instantly, he replied. " Of course. I was just trying to organize everything we know about the Trials."
"Speaking of.. When's the next trial? Do we even know?" Leonard glanced between the two.
They weren't told if the gateway was scheduled or just appeared randomly… Klein pinched his nose and sighed. " Guess we have no choice but to wait. "
He then started walking off in a random direction. Trying to find exactly where Kim Dokja and the others went. Audrey and Leonard followed shortly behind.
What the duo didn't know. Was that instead of the Trials. Klein's mind flashed with images of that last second. He couldn't wrap his mind around it. ' Why was it attacked right as we left? Why wait till the star was protected by the spirit orb? What exactly happened..'
Klein felt like what was previously supposed to be normal trials. Ended up being something bigger. The help from that King named Griffin, the letter, that dangerous attack. Was it all related?
Klein couldn't help but to be worried for their future. He decided he will try and divine the pocket watch later.
Instead he dug into his pocket and pulled out a small semi circle. He believed it to be the shattered piece of the gateway key. But it was so small he's bound to lose it. ' I should keep it above the gray fog for the time being.'
[Pov:????]
He watched as the planet and Spirit orb in front of him was cut, diced, and turned to dust by his own hands. He retracted the holographic turquoise blade back into his arm.
A blue shard of the orb flew into his hand. He looked at it with an unreadable expression.
" one down.. 3 more to go." He said to himself. His dulcet voice was low with mourning. 10 small Winnows flew up to him and cooed sadly, nudging him with their faces.
He smiled solemnly and held one in his hands, petting it softly. He stared back at the portal that had existed only a second ago.
" Are you going to stand here looking pitiful?" a harsh yet feminine voice spoke from behind him.
He didn't need to turn his head to recognize the creator of monsters.
"even though it was a request. It still doesn't change the fact we're using pitiful humans as bait."
The lady huffed. " It doesn't matter. They made our job easier bringing her star back. Plus they got into their own problems themselves. We're only letting them get home while also helping us out. Exactly as he said." she paused. As if expecting the man before her to react.
After getting no reaction from him, she continued. "The Light of Stars is dead.. I'm going to wait for the right time to kill the Light of Lunar. Nodisy is ready to act against the Light of Aurora."
He frowned before looking back at the lady covered in black skin and serpent like tendrils. He stared directly into her crimson gaze.
" What about the Light of Galaxy?"
She shrugged and smirked. "Leave it to the mortals of Briar to take care of that disgrace. The brat will be watching him."
"you're overestimating their capabilities."
"tsk. Like hell. Briar alone has 5 powerful individuals. Besides that, if 'that' chick joins, they won't even need that many people to begin with. At best they'd only need 'Her' and that Fourth Dimensional bitch. "
She paused before briefly mumbling, " hell, only one of them alone could kill him."
She then turned around and waved. " I'm leaving now. Enjoy being depressed without me." she then disappeared into black mass and flew away into the unknown.
He groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"kyu?"
He looked down at the Winnows who were staring at him. He smiled. "Our job is done. You did well in aiding them."
In that moment, in the corner of his eye. He saw a piece of paper fly towards him. He stared at it as the paper changed form into a human lady wearing a gorgeous white dress and a cloak that hung off her left shoulder. Her raven hair: long and elegant. A crown made of pitch black thorns.
He was surprised to have seen this lady again. In turn, they both bowed to each other in respect. He raised his upper body and looked her up and down. He asked, " You look different than usual. "
" I have to change outfits eventually, you know. "
'it's not that at all… ' giving up, he said. " Why are you here? This isn't exactly your fight."
"it isn't-" a calm and solemn tone resounded from the lady. "- but even so. Things can go wrong. You know that more than anyone else. Don't you? " she turned her head to him. Hollowed out eye sockets stared back at him.
Feelings slightly uncomfortable at the sight, he shifted. "I do. " he looked back at where the portal previously was and asked. " So you're helping them?"
She nodded her head. " without some help they were bound to die… I pity them. I helped one, who helped me pass a warning to the other."
Hearing her answer, he smiled. " you're as caring as when I first met you. ". ' That's probably why I can tolerate you more than anyone else aside from my people.' he bemused.
They hovered there in the Abyss in silence before the lady erupted in a sudden laughter.
He looked at her with confusion, which she had quickly noticed and calmed herself down. Wiping a black tear from her cheek.
" It's nothing. The one I gave a warning to tried to do something funny. He looked so stunned." she then chuckled.
He shook his head with a fond smile. Some days he can never understand this crazy woman.
The lady then swiped her hand and a reflectionless portal appeared in front of her. She looked back at him and said, " do come visit some time. My daughter admires your tales. "
"another time. As you know, it's not the best time for visits." he chuckled, receiving a nod from the lady before she left through the portal. Which evaporated behind her.
As if remembering something, he looked back at the ruins and hummed. " She was going to give that girl a Familiar. Now that she's dead, she can't do that anymore. "
"krryu."
"yes. I suppose I should take responsibility and find a familiar for the girl… I think I have the perfect candidate. But for the meantime, we shall head homeward. The rest will handle things."
He then flew off, the Winnows trailing behind him. They landed on a floating ship made of marble; his own ship. He took a deep breath before being tackled by his crew.
Chapter Text
After a bit of walking, the trio spotted the group against a wall. The first to notice them was Jung Heewon, as the others were fast asleep. They silently walked up to them.
" Hey. Glad to see you guys are alright. " Jung Heewon said with relief. The beyonders greeted her and Audrey yawned as well, it seemed like the time had finally caught up to her.
"I'm going to sleep now, that was a nice adventure. '' Audrey said drowsily with a smile. She sat down right beside Yoo Sangah against the wall and used her as a pillow.
Leonard frowned while watching this. ' I should have brought those blankets with us. It feels wrong seeing a noble lady sleep like this.'
Leonard took his chance to rest and sat down on the floor. He looked up at Jung Heewon and asked, " So what happened?"
She chuckled and spoke acerbically, " depends. The scenario or what ever the fuck happened too you guys?"
"both if possible." Klein responded with a monotonous tone. Jung Heewon shrugged her shoulders and crossed her arms before explaining.
" First. With you guys. A giant portal opened up behind you. Pitch black, then some hands came out of the portal and dragged you guys through. "
She looked at Klein with concern, " when the hands touched you it sounded like a campfire. Everyone got worried for you. "
' a campfire?' Klein remembers the burns he had received earlier. ' could it be the touch of that person or being that caused the burns?'
He asked her for a description of the hands. Or at least as good of a description she could give them. Nothing detailed but the descriptions all concluded to: claws, feathers, and medieval gauntlets.
" What about the scenario?"
" Right where the monsters appeared were hidden rooms. We all got into them. Well, everyone except Kim Dokja. Luckily he survived, no idea what he did though. After that he woke up briefly before well.. "
She then glanced down towards the sleeping Kim Dokja, who was laying uncomfortably against Lee Hyunsung's thigh. " he's going to feel that when he wakes up… " Leonard commented, earning a hearty laugh from Jung Heewon.
" His neck is going to hurt a lot." She seemed to find amusement in wanting to see the poor man suffer a sore neck.
It was at this moment, when Kim Dokja began to stir awake. Leonard leaned back in a relaxed manner, looked towards Kim Dokja and said, " how long are you going to sleep hm?"
Jung Heewon leaned over Kim Dokja with a grin as he finally opened his eyes. " Rise and shine Princess. Had a good sleep?" Kim Dokja immediately frowned. Wanting to go back to sleep.
" Yoo Sangah-ssi took a break. We didn't sleep well last night."
He turned his head slightly and saw Yoo Sangah and Audrey sleeping against the wall. ' I guess the beyonders are back.' he felt relieved to know that nothing terrible actually happened to them. Though he will definitely be asking for details later.
"By the way, is Lee Hyunsung's thigh comfortable?"
' Lee Hyunsung's thigh ?' Kim dokja then looked up and noticed the drooling Lee Hyunsung.
"Today in the morning… the on-call officer will conduct the duties…"
"..."
No wonder he felt his pillow was uncomfortable..
"Dokja hyung…"
Kim dokja gently raised his body off the ground. Feeling the terrible pressure and groaning of his neck. He looked down and noticed Lee Gilyoung sleeping on his chest.
He looked to the side and slightly waved at Leonard and Klein. He then suddenly heard a very familiar and loud voice.
[Haha, you are awake? Then take this.]
Messages popped up right beside him.
[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is sad about your trauma.]
[The constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' is interested in your past.]
[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' is wondering about your mother.]
[Constellations have sponsored you 1,800 coins.]
'…Sons of a bitches. They were trying to steal a peek at my past. ' He wanted to try and smack the pests away from his memories.
[You have endured Chungmuro's night without the green zone.]
[You have accomplished the 'Never-ending Dawn' achievement at Chungmuro Station!]
[You have earned 1,000 coins as an achievement reward.]
' sweet. Seems like that hard night wasn't for not.' He smiled to himself.
Leonard was the first to ask, " so. What's the next move Dokja-ssi?"
"yeah. Do we do the same like yesterday.. " Jung Heewon said.
Kim dokja shook his head. "No, not today. That only works for one day."
'Of course, if we were lucky then we might be able to find the randomly generated green zone.'
Jung Heewon's expression became dark for a second. Fearing for the worst.
"Then…"
"Today we will completely end the third scenario."
"Huh?" Jung heewon looked at him, confused.
The two beyonders perked up at this, both interested.
"I will bring down the landlord alliance," he declared.
"…How?"
He raised his eyebrows and pointed at Klein/Gehrman and Leonard. Like it was an obvious thing. Jung Heewon's gaze followed his finger.
"oh.. "
Leonard smiled, Klein looked away as if he didn't care. But he could feel the slight tug of a restrained grin on his face. ' things were going to get interesting.'
The ones awake had decided to let the others sleep a little bit more before waking them up. At this moment Leonard decided to take a quick nap.
Jung Heewon couldn't sleep, thus she stayed up with Kim Dokja and Klein. Klein took this chance to excuse himself to the restroom.
After locking himself in the bathroom, he took 4 steps and appeared in the palace above the gray fog.
He immediately pulled out the pocket watch and the shattered key from his pockets. With his fingers entwined with each other, he eyed them down. Trying to figure out the best course of action. He had so many things to divine but not enough time to divine them all.
The pocket watch didn't have a consciousness, so it's not like he can simply threaten it or make a deal with it like his mystical items.
He wanted to figure out who the person who dragged him through the portal was as well. But something deep inside told him he shouldn't. Following his instincts, he decided against that.
Which made him think of two things. 1: since his intuition was telling him not to. This person must be powerful. Possibly on the level of angels.
2: Simply looking at them would cause him to either lose control or flat out die. Which would be me instead of an angel, it could be a god. A god of what? Judging by how they burned him, perhaps a sun god? Seeing how the Eternal blazing sun had also caught him on fire the last time he divined 'Him'.
He decided to leave these theories for another day, as there were other things to do.
After some contemplation, he smirked and opened his hand. He briefly stirred the powers of the Sefirah castle to make a historical projection of that letter he had read in the Trial of Stars.
Sure. He couldn't bring it back with him physically. But who said he can't remember it and bring it back later as a projection?
The paper formed in his hand and he unfolded it. Ready to reread the letter again just to make sure he got everything correct.
What he didn't expect was that the letter had changed without his will. The letter simply said.
["Bad"]
And right below that was a drawing of a little birdie flipping him off.
"....."
Dumbfounded, he didn't react in time as the letter burned into a black mass and disappeared.
He sat there, stunned into silence.
A normal person would become terrified. After all, something he didn't cause happened. Meaning someone else had easily come in, messed with him, and left. One would be terrified at having a place which not even gods could enter, be invaded so easily.
But noooo. To Klein, the only thing on his mind was.
' why the fuck did a bird give him the middle finger?!'
His face unceremoniously fell into his palms as he exhaled till he stopped breathing all together.
After finally calming down, the fear finally kicked in for a moment. The knowledge someone had just invaded the Sefirah Castle unsettled him. As it had never happened before.
( Author: about that.. )
Fortunately, it seemed like whoever it was didn't care about the Sefirah castle and just wanted to mess with him.
He dragged his hands down to cover his mouth as he stared into nothing. ' How powerful is this anonymous helper? Actually. How did it even get here? Wasn't this on a different plane of existence?'
He looked down at the table in deep thought. His first thought was that this person must have the power to not only travel through their own worlds. But possibly dimensions and alternate universes as well.
Which would explain how someone that shouldn't exist here, somehow followed him to his own domain.
Or it could be that when he conjured the letter, he had brought the person here himself? ' i nteresting .'
He wondered if he could use this knowledge. 'Maybe if I do something in return, I could get some help from this person. Didn't Leonard say something about lighting a candle?'
He tried to think up possibilities as to why someone that powerful would need a lit candle. Unfortunately, he couldn't think of a reason aside from a Ritual.
' Why don't I try and summon them back?'
As per his thoughts, he stirs the power of the gray fog again to make the paper. As soon as it formed completely it burned to black dust.
".... " he repeated the process over and over again, gradually getting frustrated. Until finally, when he got it formed completely he shouted. " STOP!!"
The paper didn't burn away, allowing him to open the page to see a string of words.
[" What do you want? I'm a busy person."]
When he finally got what he wanted, he didn't know how to respond. Everything he wanted to say seemed to have just vanished. While he tried to figure out what to say, The paper started to burn again impatiently. "wait! I want to ask you something. "
It halted and a word formed around the burned bits of the page.
["yes?"]
"What do you know about the Divines Limit?" he asked. He genuinely didn't want to ask that, as he could divine it later. But he needed an excuse to keep the helper there while he thought about his actual questions.
[" a lot. I used it once."]
"is.. That so.. " he suddenly remembered something. If this anonymous helper could talk through the paper. Does that mean they had witnessed the attack when we left?
" were you there when that person attacked the star?"
[" of course."]
"Do you know who it is?"
[" His name is Griffin Eurodys, an acquaintance of mine."]
' That was Griffin? Why would he destroy the Spirit orb and the Planet thought? He helped get the pieces, why did he destroy it and why didn't he do the trial himself?'
If he remembered correctly, Archos-0G had stated he came a few years back with the clock hands and the sundial. Why didn't he just fix the Archos himself back then? Why wait till they arrive?
He wanted to ask the helper but also wanted to know something else..
" why.. Did you help us?" he stared at the page, he fixed the paper of all its burned holes and waited.
The text didn't change for what seemed like minutes before they shifted. [" because I know what it's like to be lost in a different world and thrown into the middle of a war."]
"... What-"
[" I need to leave. Farewell. "]
" I.. Thank you. " he was stunned. He couldn't properly register what it-she said earlier.
The paper burned and disappeared as if it wasn't even there.
He furrowed his brows. ' lost in a different world… warzone.. ' he felt like he was given really important information. In a sense, the anonymous helper was right.
They were sucked into a wall and brought to a world during an apocalypse which can cause war. Not only that, it seems like they are also in the middle of one while doing the trials. ' was she also put through the same situation as we are?'
Klein wished he could have asked more, but judging by how hastily the being left. He believed it wasn't the best choice to try to contact her again.
He then slammed his face against the stone table. ' I forgot to ask how she got in here!'
Rubbing his poor abused forehead, he began to change his train of thought.
For example, things that might help them figure out what or who brought them to this world.
He knew he should be careful about what he divines.
Because unlike his world where he knew what shouldn't be seen and his own limits. It was hard to tell with others. As both the world where the star stream resides, and this other world where the Trials and the anonymous helper are. Both have their own separate systems.
Which makes divining a bit more difficult then he'd hoped.
He could try and divine the star stream, but he felt that would be a terrible decision… Maybe he could try and get more details on Kim Dokja? Like the being behind him.
The one blocking Audrey's abilities from reaching him. He decided he'd try a dream divination. Thinking up his question so it would work best, he leaned back in his seat and spoke.
" The omnipotent being protecting Kim Dokja."
He then repeated it and closed his eyes.
Inside this dream he saw a pitch black space. In front of him, was a giant wall. The wall seemed to notice him as well as it started to shift. The dream hastily ended with his confusion.
" a wall?"
Klein was curious about this wall. ' Why was it a wall to begin with? What sort of being is this? Is it a skill?' He was suspicious. It could be that this wall is related to Kim Dokja being a reader of a book. But why? How are they related?
Klein sat there contemplating his harsh thoughts. Unfortunately, his brain was thinking about a lot of dangerous things. For example: the origin on this wall.
If he remembered correctly, it possibly showed up around the time the scenarios began. Back on the train station. The only person who has this skill is the reader of the apocalypse. So far, Kim Dokja is the only one who's read the book. Or.. At Least the entirety of it.
'Now that I think about it.. The Author of Ways of survival.. They are oddly suspicious. How did they know the apocalypse was going to happen? They must have been familiar with Yoo Junghyuk to base the book off him.
'Not only that, there's also the possibility that it's something equivalent to a sequence 1: Author. Someone who can make people act according to their will without them knowing.' He pondered for a moment.
'The book: Ways To Survival acts as a prophecy of sorts. A prophecy that kick started the apocalypse and none of the 'characters' know they are being manipulated.
Naturally there are also characters who live outside of the story. Like Yoo Sangah, Lee Gilyoung, Kim Dokja, and us.'
His finger tapped on the stone table a couple times. He came to a decision;he was going to try and divine the Author.
He grabbed a piece of paper and wrote numerous iterations of what his question would be.
Unlike with the Wall, he was sure he must be divining a god. He's had experiences divining gods and they almost killed him. Fortunately his intuition didn't scream at him. So maybe it wasn't a god but someone at the level of a King of Angels?
Thus he was going to be more cautious with this. Or well.. As cautious as he can be…
He leaned back and murmured, " the Author of Three Ways to Survival in a Ruined World. "
He closed his eyes. Hi s vision immediately darkened. Though vague, all he saw was a lady with short hair and a white windbreaker. Unfortunately she had her back to him. So he couldn't see her face. Before he could see more, his divination ended.
Unlike what he expected… he didn't get hurt.. Not even struck by lightning or set on fire, didn't lose control. Which made him suspicious. 'Was the author just a normal person?'
He pinched the bridge of his nose. He had no idea what to think of a normal person being the author to the apocalypse. He then flinched as he realized something.
' Now that I'm on this topic.. Can't I try divining what brought us here? ' Klein knew for a fact a wall brought them to this world. But why? How? He might as well find out now.
But how was he supposed to word it? If he said anything about the mural, it would probably just show the mural instead. But he didn't know anything else aside from a wall. He could try and divine the pictures on the mural. But yet again, he didn't know any of them.
He didn't even know if there was anything beyond the wall that caused it.
If he had a name for one of the figures in the mural. He could have used that as an anchor point. But he won't know unless Kim Dokja remembers.
Klein groaned in frustration. He looked at the items in front of him. ' well.. No use being upset about it. We will have a chance to figure it out later.' he thought.
He reached out and picked up the shattered key and examined it. The only thing he can try and divine with the piece, was the last gate. Klein didn't know if he should do it now or wait till he learns more.
Going off his gut, he feels like he should wait until after the second trial. Which he was certain would be the Trial of Reflections.
He decided to try and see if he can divine the trial of reflection. It was the least dangerous gate. He pulled forth the spirit pendulum and murmured if the trial was dangerous.
It only spun counterclockwise slightly. Meaning it was a little dangerous, but nothing he can't handle. Thinking up his question he finally spoke his question before repeating the notion of sleep. " What is inside the Gateways Trial of Reflection."
Within the dream, most of it was blurry. As if something was trying to stop him from looking at the trial properly. He could see a giant mirror that covered an entire wall.
Klein frowned when he realized he wouldn't be able to see anything properly. He then spotted something in the mirror.
His eyes slowly moved towards the figure, surprised that it was the only thing in the entire dream that was clear as day.
Inside the mirror, stood a person in a white robe with a veil covering his bed of hair. His face was nonexistent as there seemed to be a reflective mask covering it.
The figure turned away from Klein and disappeared. His dream ended and he had more questions.
' Who was that?' he thought.
'Judging by the difficulty of the trial. That person must be peaceful. Assuming the same as the last trial, maybe this person is supposed to give us our rewards at the end of that trial.' Unfortunately that was the best theory he could think up with at the moment.
He then stared at Divines Limit and picked it up. He ran his thumb over the odd language. Curious about this 'Tandemonium' person.
He hummed. ' The description of the item didn't emphasize her. It's possible that 'tandemonium' is just a normal person. Hopefully it shouldn't be dangerous.'
For safekeeping, he divined if it was safe to do so. Oddly enough it spun clockwise. Meaning it wasn't dangerous.
" I wish to see the creator of this artifact, 'Tandemonium'." he said and leaned back, closing his eyes.
Within the dream he felt like he was in a familiar location. Oddly enough, he could recognize the surroundings. Instantly ' It's the gateway!' he thought with widened eyes.
He looked at the gateways, all of the trial gateways crumbled. All except one. He looked up at the giant gateway. He was close enough to hear the chaotic sounds from it. He looked at the plaque and saw the shattered pieces.
' This is… the Trial of Corruption. Why is it showing me this?' He was so confused. He had divined to see who 'Tandemonium' was.
He then got an idea. ' could it be that it got confused since tandemonium is a word? Or could it be that this 'Tandemonium' person is in the Trial of Corruption. '
The dream ended and he looked back down at Divines Limit. "Guess I won't be getting any information on you till that trial. Hmm? In the meantime. What do I do with you?"
He knew he could probably divine the trial of corruption. But he didn't see a reason to. He knew they were going to do that trial last. There was no need to divine it so early when they haven't even done the second and third trials.
He held the artifact in his hand. He could keep it on him, but then he'd have too many artifacts on him at once.
Plus, the anonymous helper had warned him about using it. If it was more dangerous than he expected, then it would be bad to have on him. In case he accidentally activates it.
"Guess you're staying up here till I need you." He then threw the artifact into his junk pile.
As for the shattered key, he decided to leave it on the table alongside the tarot cards he currently had. " I should get going. We have a landlord alliance to overthrow."
He smiled as he left the Sefirah castle.
Klein came back to everyone gathered. ' seems like everyone's awake.' He strides over to the group. Some of them noticed him and greeted him.
He noticed Lee Hyunsung whipping his shield. Though he looked normal, Klein subtly saw a difference in his posture. 'He seemed to feel a heavy weight on his shoulders. Just what happened while I was away? '
He watched as Yoo Sangah walked up to Lee Hyunsung. Possibly to try and comfort him.
Klein then looked towards Kim Dokja, who was currently talking to Jung Heewon. He decided to eavesdrop for a bit. With crossed arms, Klein leaned on a nearby wall.
"Dokja-ssi's sponsor isn't something like 'One-Eyed Fortuneteller', right?" Jung Heewon asked.
"…What do you mean?"
"You don't know?"
Kim dokja seemed to understand what she was getting at. Thus he explained apprehensively.
"It isn't that. I have a special skill. It is a skill that understands people well."
"…I don't know if I want to ask, so I won't."
"Thank you."
"But have you ever used it on me?"
Klein almost laughed at the slight shift in Kim Dokja's posture. He didn't know what was going on in Kim Dokja's mind. But knowing the guy, Klein believed he was going to lie about not having used it on her. Probably use the 'i don't use it on women' to make it more vague and allow Jung Heewon to believe he was a gentleman.
"I only use it on men."
'binggo' he flashed a smile. Audrey and Leonard made their way over to him. " Morning Klein." They greeted him in Hermes.
"morning." he greeted back. He regarded Audrey who looked tired. Which is reasonable, seeing how the group barely got any sleep in general.
Leonard on the other hand was stretching with a refreshed smile on his face. Of course the spirit warlock was refreshed after a couple hours of sleep…
Leonard turned back to the ground with an ambivalent expression. " what are they doing?"
The group was currently surrounding Lee Hyunsung, giving words of encouragement and compliments.
"I think they are buttering him up." Audrey said, perplexed.
" hah. I'd say it's more like Kim Dokja scheming. " Klein sighed mentally.
" What is he scheming about?"
Klein shrugged at this question. Even though he couldn't tell what Kim Dokja was thinking. But being familiar with human personality due to his acting, Klein knew Lee Hyunsung was simple minded.
He looked at Kim Dokja who was smiling at nothing, probably a screen. ' he's probably trying to make Lee Hyunsung feel responsible for the team.'
At that moment, Kim dokja looked up and locked eyes with Klein. He gave him a smile that reminded Klein of a charlatan.
"....."
He watched as Kim Dokja started walking off, alone of all things. The beyonders looked amongst each other and agreed on one thing, 'follow him.'
Thus they followed him. Audrey used her psychological invisibility to make them invisible to everyone.
They walked with ease as they overheard Kim Dokjas little (however one sided) conversation with the landlord alliance. When the landlord Alliance members mentioned bringing the woman, Leonard and Klein glared at them.
Klein now has a target for the next person to be eaten by Creeping hunger. As if sensing his thoughts, creeping hunger trembled in anticipation. ' wait a little bit. There will be plenty to feed off later.' he thought in a consoling manner.
Though creeping hunger couldn't read his thoughts. He felt like it knew, as it returned to normal. They saw as the alliance members drew closer to Kim Dokja, threateningly.
"Hey, are you ignoring me now?"
"I'm listening. Tell him I'm thinking about it." Kim dokja answered back absentmindedly.
The alliance members looked at each other and chuckled at Kim Dokja words.
The beyonders sighed concomitantly. They knew for a fact Kim Dokja wasn't thinking about it. But it's not like everyone knew that, as when they reached the escalator. At the top of it, a blade came out from the corner and stopped right at Kim Dokja's neck.
Klein and Leonard raised their guns, just in case. They can't afford to lose this bastard already.
"I'm disappointed, ahjussi."
'Lee Jiyhe ?' Audrey recognized that voice instantly. She turned around and made a gesture to put their guns down, they did and put them back in their holster.
"Ahjussi, don't you know what will happen to those women if you make a deal with them?"
"I know."
"Do you really know? Yesterday, wouldn't you rather die?"
Kim Dokja shrugged.
"Put away the sword. Let's talk."
"Talk? You came to find me on purpose."
"Yes."
Lee Jiyhe then sheathed her sword and walked away, Kim Dokja following right behind her, and the beyonders right behind him.
They walked from B1 to the ticket entrance, to where Lee Jiyhe halted in her tracks. Turning around, she regarded Kim Dokja.
"What did you want to talk about?"
"But, why are you standing here?" Kim Dokja asked.
"Master told me to defend this place."
"…Defend?" Kim dokja seemed confused. 'Why defend this place?'
"That's why I can't let you pass."
Lee Jihye touched the ticket gate and drew her hand across her neck. At that moment it seemed like something beyond Lee Jiyhe drew their attention. There were exit numbers leading to the ground. But not all numbers led to the ground. Kim dokja shifted his body ever so slightly, feeling a little nervous.
'…That Yoo Joonghyuk, surely he wasn't trying that route?' Kim Dokja thought. He had a terrible feeling. ' I better finish this quickly.'
"I need your help."
"My help?"
"Today, I will shatter Gong Pildu's party."
"…Are you serious?"
Kim dokja just looked at her. Startling her with how serious he actually was.
"Ahjussi isn't strong enough. You won't be able to get rid of them."
' genuinely, I have Leonard, Audrey, and Klein. So I probably don't need you at all. But still, they are temporary. I need to get Lee Jiyhe on my side for the long term.'
"Even if you help me?"
Lee Jihye's head jerked like her pride was damaged. She had confronted the Landlord Alliance on her first day. If yoo Junghyuk wasn't there to rescue her, she would have died.
"I have a way. I can do it if you help me."
"…Master told me to stay here."
"If you don't help, most of the people here will die."
"People will die anyway." Lee Jiyhe retorted.
"Did Yoo Joonghyuk say that?"
Lee Jihye's eyes shook. Her gaze casted downwards. She pursed her lips together before answering him. "The boy we talked to yesterday is missing… We presumed he died. Did you know that?"
Audrey perked up at the mention of the boy. ' right! I completely forgot about him! I also forgot to mention him to Klein. Ahh. But if he's dead then I guess it's not worth mentioning anymore.' she looked down solemnly. Her eyes widened when she realized something. How did she forget about something so easily?
She had an ominous feeling. The voices of Kim Dokja and Lee Jihye were drowned out as she turned around and stood on her tiptoes. The two taller men looked down at her in confusion and leaned down a bit.
Their heads are almost touching due to the trio's proximity. With a very soft whisper, she asked. " You guys remember that boy, right?" they nodded.
" Well, I forgot to mention something. Klein, while you were distracted. He seemed to have taken a very uncanny interest in you. Normally I wouldn't care for such things. But when Lee Jiyhe mentioned him again. I realized that I had forgotten about it. " she stopped talking. Hoping the more experienced beyonders could catch on to her hint.
And they did as both their brows either furrowed or twitched. ' for a pathway that revolved around memorizing every detail. To simply forget about something like that.' It was at this moment Klein suddenly remembered that smile he had gotten from the boy.
The more he thought about that smile the more he started to get nervous until he ultimately realized who he saw had a similar smile.
A smile that felt like 'He' knew what you were thinking, a smile that covered 'His' intentions. A smile that showed 'He' was a few steps ahead.
He felt a shiver run up his spine. " it couldn't be.. Could it?. " He murmured absentmindedly. Hearing this, Leonard also began thinking. Who did he know that could alter memories of others?
'… Pallaz.. But Pallaz isn't here. I would have known. If it's someone similar who can make Klein act like this. Then.. ' He pondered, while the very little information was sinking in. He looked at Klein with a hint of fear. He had a feeling just who it might be.
Audrey glanced between the two. She didn't know what they were thinking. But whatever they were thinking about, was traumatic enough that even the usually composed Klein was starting to show hints of nervousness and fear.
Klein then abruptly spoke. " we don't know for sure… the boy was presumed dead, plus we have no idea how he could have gotten here anyways. So let's not jump to conclusions. "
They had no actual evidence it was 'Him'. But still, they better be careful. If it was 'Him', they feel like this world would be far more dangerous now than it was previously.
Left in suspension, Audrey asked, " who?". Klein looked at her with a serious expression. The next word that came out of his mouth. Made Audrey lose her composure.
"Amon."