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Hobert smiled and said, "Miss Justice is quite clever. If one day you defeat a Beyonder opponent, and there's no danger, don't rush to leave, because the Beyonder characteristic that their body exudes will be your spoils of war."
"So, Beyonder characteristics can also serve as the main ingredient for potions?" As she said this, Audrey suddenly covered her mouth, taking a while to regain her composure.
Only then did Hobert continue, "Exactly. Due to the existence of the 'Law of Indestructibility of Beyonder Characteristics,' all easily accessible Beyonder materials are already Beyonder characteristics and now reside within the bodies of the Church's higher-ups.
"If the 'acting method' were made public and potions were digested too quickly, it would certainly lead to fierce competition within the Church, especially between superiors and subordinates, who could become as hostile as enemies.
"Of course, this also involves knowledge of two other laws.
"Miss Justice, although this knowledge is extremely important in the Beyonder world, you won't need it for now. When you do, we can trade for it."
Audrey responded with an "Oh," thinking that the 'Law of Indestructibility of Beyonder Characteristics' sounded rather advanced—at least more so than the information The Hanged Man had previously shared. Back then, I gave him 1000 pounds so easily. In comparison, The Emperor is far more generous.
What she didn't know was that the 1000 pounds The Hanged Man received would be used to buy the silver ring traded with The Emperor, ultimately ending up back in The Emperor's pocket.
After hearing The Emperor's words, Alger was momentarily stunned before asking, "So, there are three laws regarding Beyonder characteristics?"
Audrey felt secretly pleased: So this vital knowledge, you only know a third of it.
"Yes," Hobert smiled and asked, "Mr. Hanged Man, do you want to initiate a new trade?"
Klein almost facepalmed: How much does the Emperor actually know about Beyonder knowledge? How can he sell new information at every meeting?
Alger hesitated for a few seconds before dejectedly saying, "Forget it, maybe next time."
He didn't have enough money right now to pay the Emperor.
Audrey asked, "Mr. Emperor, how should I send the money to you?"
Hobert thought for a moment and said, "Send it to 388 Empress Avenue. Write 'Private' on the outside of the package."
"Alright."
Hobert continued sharing free information, "There are many members of the Aurora Order in Backlund. If anyone present is in Backlund, please be cautious when attending Beyonder gatherings, as there could very well be Aurora Order lunatics there."
Behind the gray fog, Klein's expression turned serious. He had just killed a member of the Aurora Order, so when he heard the mention of the Aurora Order, he immediately paid close attention.
Audrey was also highly attentive, considering that she was in Backlund and had just attended a Beyonder gathering a few days ago.
However, Hobert didn't continue further, as mentioning Heyman or Hillman could potentially expose himself, especially since Audrey knew Xio.
After the exchange session ended, the gathering officially concluded.
Back in reality, Hobert stared at the ceiling in a daze for a while before getting up from bed.
He took a hired carriage to the mercenary club, first instructing the attendant to collect packages for 'Private,' and then collected some bullets to practice shooting at the range.
…
Audrey took a carriage to Empress Avenue, instructing the driver to slow down when passing by No. 388.
Inside the carriage, Audrey carefully observed the situation at No. 388: The lawn was well-maintained, suggesting that the owner of this residence was in a good financial state.
Wait, why were there so many people in military uniforms coming and going?
Oh, that explains why Mr. Emperor knew that Loen wouldn't retaliate against the Feysac Empire—he was born into a military family!
Once I know the general background, things will be easier.
Audrey instructed, "Head to Viscount Learson's residence."
The Learson family had long served the military, and they were on good terms with the Hall family. Audrey was quite close with Viscount Learson's youngest son, Konse, so she could ask him about No. 388.
Fortunately, Konse was at home and warmly received Audrey. However, after learning of Audrey's intentions, he smiled helplessly, "Audrey, the place you're referring to is the Mercenary Club. You'd best not dig too deeply, as that could cause you some trouble."
Audrey asked, "What kind of people typically participate in this club?"
"Retired officers, children of military families, nobles with military experience, and of course, some merchants to handle the sale of spoils."
Audrey recalled Mr. Emperor's attire and quickly ruled out retired officers and merchants. He must be a noble with military experience or a child from a military family.
A strong, energetic, and sunny image formed in Audrey's mind.
"As far as I know," Konse hesitated slightly before saying, "There are many royal members in the club as well. The military uses the club to issue tasks unsuitable for official channels, including some secret missions. So, you'd better not inquire too much about it."
"I won't dig around," Audrey replied. "So this club is quite high-end!"
"Yes, it's one of the most exclusive clubs in the country."
Audrey thought: Mr. Emperor is even more impressive than I imagined!
She decided to stop probing further, as Konse's words suggested that it could indeed lead to trouble. "Konse, I have a package to deliver to the Mercenary Club. Could you ask a servant to help me send it?"
Audrey believed her approach was quite clever. Even if Mr. Emperor tracked the servant, all he'd find was Viscount Learson's family.
And Viscount Learson only had two sons, no daughters. It would surely leave Mr. Emperor surprised!
…
Above the gray fog, after the gathering ended, Klein didn't leave immediately.
He pulled out the yellow crystal pendant on his wrist and silently chanted, "Old Neil's condition has a problem.
"Old Neil's condition has a problem.
"…"
After chanting seven times, the pendant rotated clockwise, but the movement was small.
There really is a problem!
But it doesn't seem too serious.
At this moment, Klein suddenly remembered that the first time he opened his Spirit Vision after consuming the potion, he had seen a strange eye behind Old Neil.
After a bit of thought, Klein decided: I'll tell Captain about this. He's experienced and will know what to do.
Klein then silently chanted, "The Creator is evil.
"The Creator is evil.
…
After chanting seven times, the pendant remained completely still.
There are too few conditions to divine, or perhaps the 'Creator' is at too high a level for effective divination, even in the gray fog.
Klein suspected both reasons, so he tried another divination: "Reciting the Creator's honorific name in the real world is dangerous for me.
"Reciting the Creator's honorific name in the real world is dangerous for me."
…
After chanting seven times, the pendant began to rotate counterclockwise, indicating that there was no danger.
Klein smiled to himself and said, "Just as Roselle once remarked, this is an astounding secret. If any of my colleagues show signs of losing control and there's no other solution, I can try reciting the Creator's honorific name."
With that, Klein left the gray fog and immediately took a carriage to 36 Zouteland Street. As usual, he chatted with Rozanne briefly, learning that Old Neil was currently on guard duty in the weapons room.
Entering the captain's office, Dunn Smith, with his prominent nose, gray eyes, and slightly receding hairline, asked, "Is something the matter again?"
Klein twitched his lips slightly. Captain? Why did you have to add the word 'again'?
After carefully closing the door, Klein said, "Captain, something's wrong with Old Neil."