Captain Dunn, intent on retrieving the Antigonus family notebook, wearing a cloth to protect his hands from the yellowish-brown blood stains.
At Klein's side, Irina, who had been silent until now, suddenly screamed, "DON'T TOUCH THAT!"
Everyone's eyes turned to her, halting Dunn in his tracks as silence gripped the area. Irina refused to elaborate, hastily striding forward and ungracefully snatching the cloth from Dunn's hands before picking up the notebook herself.
Aiur Harson broke the silence, asking, "Why shouldn't Dunn touch that? Lorotta already has."
That she did. Frankly, I couldn't care less about her fate, she's just a side character after all.
Irina sighed, her eyes fixed on the notebook's cover. "I'm uncertain whether the issue lies in touching, reading, or simply opening it."
My head doesn't feel exactly clear right now... but the story must go on.
She continued, "But… there's something... I believe the right word would be corruption."
It was Borgia who asked the next question, "Are you suggesting it corrupts people?"
The history teacher simply nodded, focusing on the effects of her protection. It seemed to envelop her in a cozy yet cold blanket while faint whispers echoed in her mind, slowly draining her spirituality.
Lorotta shifted uncomfortably. "I don't feel anything out of the ordinary though."
Irina finally turned toward the group, adding, "Neither did Klein nor his friends, may they rest in peace. It wasn't obvious to me either. I had to truly focus to realize something was 'wrong' with it."
Aiur wore a perplexed expression. "Was it thanks to your spirit vision or protection?"
It was me reading a novel in another world. Does that count as an answer?
She kept her gaze on the notebook's cover. "I'm not sure... perhaps both? I sensed something, and that's why I stopped the Captain. I then examined it with my spirit vision. I'm not 'accustomed' to those reactions; my missions are usually more on the quiet side, so I've never felt my protection flaring up like today."
Dunn regarded her with a look Irina couldn't quite decipher. "Can you feel how long this protection will last?"
Irina shook her head. "Not sure. Or at least not for now. If I feel it fading, I'll alert you all."
The captain nodded. "Let's keep moving then. We'll finish discussing this once we're back at the security company."
Having said that, Aiur Harson, Borgia, and Lorotta turned and arrived beside Sealed Artifact 2-049. While constantly waking each other up, they stuffed the puppet, which had resumed moving, into the black chest, monitoring it strictly.
Aiur sounded a little more relaxed, "Everything is back to normal."
Dunn, Leonard, and Klein, who had mustered his courage, began searching the suited clown's corpse. They found paper flowers, handkerchiefs, poker cards, glass pieces, and all sorts of strange items. However, apart from that, he didn't seem to carry anything of worth or potential clues.
Irina watched from the side, clutching the notebook, catching Klein's eyes as they fell downward to inspect himself. His face seemed to droop.
She followed his gaze and realized his suit was covered in dust and dirt stains. Out of reflex, she examined her own clothes, noticing the same problem. She also didn't miss the graze on her now-exposed arm. The bullet had torn her sleeve, but her wound had stopped bleeding.
After this whole charade, I better get paid at least something to fix my outfit. Tailored clothes are not exactly cheap.
Irina overheard Dunn reassuring Klein, "Losses during a mission can be reimbursed."
A tired smile tugged at her lips. Nice.
The captain touched the suited clown's face paint with his gloves. "Let Frye take care of the body. We'll see if he can figure out what the man originally looked like or find any relevant clues."
The group of three, with Irina in tow, searched the innermost warehouse, where they found splotches of bloody flesh everywhere, as though boulders had smashed them. White bones were strewn haphazardly across the floor, one after another, painting a gruesome picture.
Irina stared at the bloody mess before her, but something inside her had shifted. The fear, the panic—it had all drained away, leaving behind a cold, detached calmness. She was just a character in some twisted horror story, playing her part in a novel that couldn't possibly be real. The carnage, the blood, the grotesque scene—none of it mattered. It wasn't real. Just a stage, just another chapter in a novel she had already read.
There's nothing to worry about. As if a thick glass had been lowered between her and everything else, she moved through the scene, part of it yet distanced. The blood, the chaos—they were all just props. She was still there, still playing her part, but it was just a role in a story. The others moved around her, frantic and real, but to her, they were fictional characters in a play, caught in a tale she had already read the end of.
Dunn guessed at the possibilities after inspecting the warehouse. "Ray Bieber was absorbing the power in the notebook via an ancient ritual, much like how we'd consume a higher-level Sequence potion. Such a ritual is full of danger. It must be performed in an isolated environment, and he'd have needed to enter a deep sleep for some time. That's probably why he hadn't left Tingen."
Upon hearing this, Lorotta laughed, her black hair contrasting sharply with her pale face. "Such a pity. We awakened him too early. His anger at being disturbed left quite the impression on us."
Irina snickered, enjoying her freedom and acting as she pleased. "That's an understatement if I've ever heard one."
Dunn looked toward Klein, giving both an explanation and a lecture. "This is a form of losing control."
A perplexed Klein asked, "Why didn't he just leave Tingen and try to absorb it somewhere else?"
Aiur laughed and pointed to his head. "People influenced by ancient or sinister powers are often lacking in this department."
This guy is funny. Why does he have to annoy the living shit out of me?
At that moment, Dunn inhaled deeply, hiding his pain. "Leonard, you're still in good condition. Stay here and don't allow ordinary people to come close. The rest of us will immediately search for items among Ray Bieber's remains. We'll return with them, the Sealed Artifact, and the Antigonus family notebook. Then we'll get Frye, Royale, and the police."
Irina didn't miss the way her shoulder had slowly started to throb. That potion's effect must be gradually wearing off.
Leonard answered with a relaxed expression. "Alright."
Following that, everyone walked out of the warehouse and approached the area where Monster Bieber had 'self-destructed.' Starting from the origin, they began searching outward in a radial pattern.
Klein looked at the rotting flesh and blood scattered everywhere, holding back the urge to retch. He glanced at Dunn beside him and asked, "Captain, what exactly are we looking for?"
Dunn didn't look up, his deep gray eyes sweeping the ground. "Awakening too early, losing control, and becoming a monster... it means Ray Bieber didn't fully absorb the Beyonder powers from the notebook. A part of his body remains extraordinary. That makes it valuable material. If you ever come across a similar situation, don't miss the chance to search. You might find something important."
Of course it's important. They sell for a good price on the black market.
Suddenly, Borgia, with his sharp eagle-like eyes, shouted, "Found it... ahem."
Dunn and the others quickly closed in, spotting the item before Borgia. It was a grayish-white blob, about the size of a fist, its surface marked with gullies. It looked soft but pliable, resembling a brain freshly extracted from a living being.
The captain crouched down, observing it carefully. He extended his right arm and, with his black-gloved left hand, gently picked up the grayish-white item. As soon as he touched it, the blob immediately spread out into an extremely sticky liquid.
Nice effects, but ew.
At that moment, Aiur Harson pulled out a tin-colored square case, removed the cigarettes, and slipped them into his pocket. He handed the case to Dunn with a smile. "I know, you only like pipes."
Dunn chuckled as he accepted the case and poured the grayish-white liquid into it.
Is this where Klein got the idea of using those cases?
After confirming they hadn't missed anything, they left. When they stepped outside, they saw the horses pawing nervously at the ground, spooked and almost escaping their reins.
Borgia covered his mouth with a soft cough. "I'll drive."
Aiur smiled and nodded. "I know you're good at calming animals."
The emo guy is actually sentimental and good with animals? This novel has clichés I didn't even notice while reading!
After boarding the carriage, Irina, Dunn, Lorotta, Aiur, and Klein, who resumed their arm exercises, fell into a comfortable silence.
The sound of trotting horses filled the air as the carriage set off. Dunn glanced at the seer, weighing his words before speaking. "I know you're curious about the Antigonus Notebook. You want to understand what happened."
Before Klein could respond, the Captain continued, "But I have to report this to the Holy Cathedral first. Only after they determine the notebook's confidentiality can we consider showing it to you. There's also the issue Irina raised. We'll need to see just how 'deep' this corruption runs."
DEEP. Very deep, Captain. But I'm not supposed to know that.
Klein gave a short reply, "No problem."
Dunn continued his arm exercises as he mulled over his thoughts. "I promised you could become a formal member of the Nighthawks if we confirmed Ray Bieber was a descendant of the Antigonus family. Now, not only have we confirmed his identity, but we've also eliminated the monster and foiled the Secret Order's conspiracy..."
Ugh. Boooring! Irina's thoughts began to drift away.
By the time Dunn finished listing the conditions and benefits, Klein had easily agreed.
All according to the novel and blah blah... Why would he refuse a salary increase? We're talking about Klein Moretti here—future Gehrman Sparrow.
Aiur, who had been listening in, suddenly interjected, "Klein, if you don't mind me calling you Klein, your performance today was excellent. You managed to kill a Beyonder from the Secret Order. I even suspect he had reached Sequence 7. How did you do it? I find it hard to believe."
Lying skill activated. He's definitely prepared for this.
Klein answered, pretending to be deep in thought. "It was pure luck. The clown in the tuxedo made a fatal mistake..."
I'm not listening to all that bullsh*t. Today has been way too tiring.
The seer went into a detailed recounting of the situation, explaining the theories he had developed. He even mentioned how he believed the clown had divined that taking the notebook would be dangerous, which led to his change of plans.
I want to throw myself into bed. When is this long explanation going to end? No one warned me about how boring summaries can be!
The conversation between Klein and the others dragged on interminably, at least from Irina's perspective.
Dunn sighed suddenly. "The subsequent Sequence for Seer is Clown... how strange..."
Irina couldn't help but snicker. "Yeah..."
Want to hear the next one? It's Magician, then Faceless. Not much better if you ask me.
Aiur added, "Exactly. It's hard to imagine Seer leading to Clown. By normal logic, no one would connect them."
What was mine again? She tried to remember her conversation with Nefieref on that first day. Custodian was the seventh, while the sixth was Forgotten Mage... I should start acting as a Custodian. At least I won't be starting from scratch when I break through. I should be thankful that 'His' seal makes it easier to advance.
The conversation continued, and at some point, Klein chuckled. "No, there's still a common thread."
Oh, I know where this is going.
Aiur asked, curious, "What?"
Even Dunn's arm exercises slowed.
Klein grinned. "Both Seers and Clowns can be found at the circus."
Aiur, Dunn, and Lorotta were stunned for a moment.
Irina barely suppressed a laugh, but Lorotta was the first to recover, bursting out, "Pfft... that's a good one! I like young men like you!"
You'd be surprised how many women like his personality... yet he still ascended before losing his virginity.
Aiur smiled, shaking his head. "These days, fewer gentlemen appreciate self-deprecating humor. It's refreshing to meet one."
Klein replied with a wry smile, "I just wish the names in the Sequence pathway weren't things like Beast Tamer, Acrobat, or Magician. It really feels like a circus."
Oh boy, you're in for a ride.
Dunn and the others were thoroughly amused, filling the carriage with laughter.
That last line of yours didn't age well, like at all.
The carriage continued straight toward Zouteland Street. Klein, who wasn't injured, and Irina, still holding the notebook in the remnants of her jacket, were the first to enter the Blackthorn Security Company.
Rozanne gasped when she saw them. "Goddess! What happened to you two? Why do you look like that?"
Klein glanced down at his dirty, torn suit and replied with a heavy heart, "There are always all kinds of accidents during a mission. Thankfully, the Goddess blessed us, and it ended well."
Irina remained calm, barely reacting. "Honestly, it could have ended much worse. So yes, I'm thankful."
Dunn is saved, all according to plan. Kenley's next if I remember correctly... now, the real problem is figuring out how to stop Old Neil from messing up and trying to resurrect his wife.
Rozanne devoutly drew the crimson moon across her chest. "Praise the Lady!"
Uhm... I just realized I never praised 'Her' and no one noticed. Or... maybe they did but haven't said anything? I'm not sure, but I'm definitely not going to ask.
Before waiting for any of them to continue, Rozanne asked, "Do you need us to hide on the third floor again? Is the Sealed Artifact really that dangerous?"
Klein replied with lingering fear, "Trust me. It's far more dangerous than you can imagine."
Rozanne's lips quivered as though she had a million things to say or ask, but considering how the Captain was waiting downstairs, she held back her compulsion. "Goddess..."
She informed Mrs. Orianna and the company to head upstairs to the third floor. The neighbors of Blackthorn Security Company were either estates of the Church or devout clergymen who vaguely knew of the situation. When all the civilian staff dispersed, Irina went to the lounge to inform the other Nighthawks. Klein, on the other hand, immediately returned and helped the Captain and the rest escort Sealed Artifact 2-049 and Monster Bieber's remnants to the second floor.
Frye and Royale crossed paths with the group while going down the stairs. Dunn asked if they were headed to the harbor's Tyrell Warehouse to aid Leonard in dealing with the aftermath, and they replied affirmatively. "Irina has already informed us about it. She's waiting in the reception hall."
The two started heading down when Dunn suddenly shouted, "Wait."
Irina, who had just stepped out of the reception hall, hid her amused smile behind her fan while leaning on the doorframe.
Here we go again.
Sleepless Royale turned her head back, expressionless. "What else is there?"
Dunn smacked his forehead. "Remember to inform the police. Let them seal off the road. Prevent anyone from coming close until you've moved the corpse back."
Royale took two steps before pausing again. "Alright." She blinked, then coldly asked, "Captain, is there nothing else?"
A quiet laugh escaped Irina's lips as she calmly observed the exchange.
This novel is so funny.
Dunn answered flatly, "No."
Just once, huh? The captain's getting better. Or Madam Daly is doing splendid work. Hey… it's been a while since I last spoke with her.
Royale gave a barely noticeable nod and headed towards the entrance. Corpse Collector Frye, exuding coldness and darkness, maintained his steady pace.
Irina made way for the group, then followed them underground, straight to Chanis Gate. As Dunn gestured for Sleepless Kenley to open the gate, he instructed Klein, "Go to the armory and get Old Neil here. We need his ritualistic magic to heal ourselves."
The seer replied quickly, "Alright," but before Dunn could continue, he added, "I'll watch the armory in Old Neil's place. I'll also request at least twenty demon-hunting bullets and curb my curiosity about the Antigonus family's notebook while waiting for the Holy Cathedral's approval."
WOW.
Dunn was momentarily speechless. "..."
Critical hit!
Irina whistled, "Damn, man!"
Klein smiled mischievously, asking, "Captain, anything else?"
Look at him! Just rubbing salt in the wound!
Dunn shook his head, still at a loss for words. Irina glanced at the Captain before turning to Klein. "You just broke our favorite cap~"
The seer tried to stifle his smile as he pulled out his cane and turned to leave.
The group remained in silence as they waited for Old Neil. Irina's arm throbbed, but the bleeding had stopped. She found it hard to focus, with her limbs feeling heavy and a headache growing worse by the minute.
I'm so tired...
Soon after, Old Neil arrived and began his work.
It wasn't long before Irina found herself resting on a chair in the Keeper's room. The no-longer frail-looking Captain Dunn and the other Nighthawks quietly discussed mission details and plans to rest at Saint Selena Cathedral. Irina nodded occasionally, pretending to follow the conversation while barely staying awake.
I wanna go home... just dismiss me already, Cap...
On the verge of dozing off, she felt a gentle tap on her shoulder and heard a muffled question. "Huh? What?"
Opening her eyes, she saw Captain Dunn. "Are you sure you're alright with it then? You'll be leaving soon."
Leaving? I can go home?! Bed, my beloved, here I come!
Standing up and brushing imaginary dirt from her skirt, she replied, "Absolutely. I'm going home in that case."
The Captain's expression was somber, almost sad.
Huh? Sad? Why? Are my eyes playing tricks on me? I need sleep.
Dunn's voice was firm. "I understand. It's your choice, and we'll support you. We'll miss you, even though it hasn't been long."
Miss me? Bro, I'm going to sleep and take an extra day off. Why is he being so sentimental now?
She tilted her head in confusion. "Cap, I'll be back to work in two days. I'm just tired."
Dunn nodded solemnly. "Of course. You should say goodbye to all of us. We can host a farewell dinner. Working with you has been a pleasant experience."
Wha—what's going on here? What is he talking about? This never happened in the novel...
Aiur Harson reentered the room, catching her attention. Wait... what's happening?
The Nightmare spoke calmly, "Just as I mentioned before the mission, there are more opportunities in Backlund. I briefed your Captain earlier and have already sent a message to the Backlund Diocese informing them of your transfer."
What?! He sent WHAT?! TO WHO?! SAYING WHAT?!
Irina's drowsiness evaporated in an instant, replaced by a surge of disbelief and frustration. Those are NOT my plans! You can't just RUIN them, you minor side character! Her eyes snapped to Aiur, narrowing with irritation, as if daring him to continue.
This ASSHOL—
He continued, unfazed. "The church has been searching for someone with your pathway for a long time. You'll be welcomed with open arms. Prepare your luggage—you're departing with us in two days."
Lorotta smiled warmly. "I'll be delighted to have you as my colleague in Backlund. I'm sure we'll become close friends in no time!"
YOU FUCK—