TN: Add it to your library so we can get into the Collection Rankings.
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"Maybe I'm just not destined for school?" Lynn thought to himself as he led Klein across most of the campus and into a teaching building.
Because of an appointment made in advance and the generous payment, Lynn easily met his target: a renowned teacher from the school. After a brief self-introduction, Lynn earnestly began inquiring about the secrets of teaching students.
The teacher had obviously done their homework beforehand, and the two exchanged questions and answers smoothly.
Klein, who was taking notes, thought to himself, "Is Lynn planning to become a teacher? Or does his client want to be one?"
Although puzzled, Klein dutifully fulfilled his role as an assistant, jotting down all the teaching experiences shared by the teacher. As he wrote, Klein felt he was gaining valuable insights.
"So that's how teachers should teach students? If I ever have the chance to take on students, maybe I can use these methods..." Klein mused, continuing to record the conversation.
Just as the conversation with the first teacher was nearing its end, Klein heard a commotion at the door.
"That's enough, Kapusky! I don't mind you studying those mystical things, but please don't corrupt the students!"
"I didn't corrupt anyone. I just taught them some folklore, which the school allows."
"Hah! You know very well what you're teaching. Don't force me to report you to the authorities."
The argument ended there, and a stern-looking staff member entered the office, followed by a plainly dressed man who seemed to be wearing a wig and had high cheekbones and a slight chest protrusion.
Based on the argument, Klein deduced that the man with the wig was called Kapusky, and he seemed to be an enthusiast of mysticism who also involved students in his activities, which upset the other staff member.
"An ordinary mysticism enthusiast or a wild Beyonder?" Klein wondered, continuing to take notes.
Lynn had also noticed the argument and recognized a familiar name.
Kapusky, a minor character from the original story whom Lynn had almost forgotten, provided Klein with an important item related to the Artificial Death's—Second copper whistle.
It was this copper whistle that allowed Klein to bring in external help during a critical moment in the original story, buying precious time and playing a key role in his escape.
"Wow, is this fate or what?" Lynn thought, glancing at Klein, feeling that his decision was spot on.
Considering he hadn't specifically chosen this school, yet the first one they visited led to a plot character, Lynn couldn't help but look forward to the rest of their journey even more.
"So, the first encounter is with the copper whistle related to the Artificial Death?" Lynn pondered, thinking about his second persona traveling towards the Balam Empire and growing interested in seeing the whistle.
Even though the original plan for the Artificial Death wasn't entirely successful, it wasn't without some effect.
"Maybe I can study the copper whistle and learn something new. At the very least, it might inspire me in creating the Chess of Blasphemy."
"Moreover, through this copper whistle, I could rightfully ask Klein to introduce me to Mr. Azik. That would allow me to meet both versions of Mr. Azik!"
Lynn's eyes sparkled with excitement, but he continued with the task at hand. After extracting all the valuable teaching experience from the first teacher, he and Klein left the office. Lynn then whispered to Klein, "That guy named Kapusky might be problematic."
Klein paused and whispered back, "What's the problem with him?"
"I can't be certain, but he's probably carrying something very unusual—likely an item related to the Death pathway..." Lynn said in a low voice, his expression a mix of confusion and seriousness. "Whatever it is, it doesn't give me a good feeling."
Hearing this, Klein took it seriously. Even though he hadn't sensed anything himself, he trusted Lynn wouldn't lie about such matters. It was likely due to Lynn's special abilities that he could sense something Klein couldn't.
"What do you suggest we do?" Klein asked. "Should we report him to the Evernight Church?"
This suggestion might seem abrupt to others, but considering Lynn's usual conduct and his role as an informant for the Evernight Church, it made sense.
"Let's not rush. The problem seems to be with the item, not Kapusky himself. He doesn't seem to be a powerful Beyonder..." Lynn shook his head and suggested, "We can first gather more information about Kapusky from other teachers, then try to probe him at night. If it's something we can't handle, then we can report it to the Church."
"Besides..." Lynn hesitated and said vaguely, "The Evernight Church might not be suitable to involve in this matter."
"Huh? Why not? What do you mean?" Klein was puzzled. He knew Lynn must have more information that he wasn't sharing.
'Is it because it's related to the Death pathway? Is Kapusky carrying a high-level item from the Death pathway? But even so, why wouldn't the Evernight Church be suitable?'
Klein's mind raced with these thoughts, but he couldn't make sense of it with the limited information he had.
The two then proceeded to meet with other teachers. This time, besides inquiring about teaching methods, they also gathered information about Kapusky. After speaking to several teachers, they had a rough understanding of who Kapusky was.
According to the teachers, Kapusky, who taught Ancient Feysac, had always been interested in mysticism, especially matters related to death. However, until six months ago, his interest was within normal limits. Then, suddenly, he became obsessed and fanatical, establishing a related club at the school and involving students in his pursuits.
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(End of the Chapter)