chapter 10 You’re Awake The operation was successful

Klein abruptly opened his eyes, instinctively pushing himself backward as he saw Ashen One holding a black notebook and staring intently at him.

"You're awake?"

Ashen One glanced at Klein and nodded slightly.

"The operation was successful."

Klein instinctively imagined the next sentence, but Ashen One didn't say anything more, nor did he seem interested in continuing the conversation.

Klein looked at Ashen One and almost instinctively wanted to ask him some questions.

Questions about Ashen One's identity, about the origin of his name.

But before he could speak, he saw the Ashen one, acting as if no one else were there, about to open the black notebook right in front of him!

"You... don't!"

This made him cry out in alarm.

"Don't what?"

Ashen One turned his head, looking at Klein in confusion.

"That's the Antigonus family notebook."

Seeing Ashen One's puzzled expression, Klein tried to explain, "It might contain great dangers. It's best not to open it casually."

In truth, he didn't know exactly what dangers it held.

But he knew that he, or rather 'Klein,' had already died once because of this notebook!

"Oh, thank you."

Ashen One showed a thoughtful expression and politely thanked him.

Klein felt a bit relieved seeing that Ashen One had listened. He was about to say 'you're welcome,'

But then he saw Ashen One open the notebook.

"You..."

Klein hesitated, his words caught in his throat.

He even tightened his grip on his revolver, ready to shoot if Ashen One showed any signs of abnormality.

"What?"

Ashen One looked at him again, confused.

"No, it's nothing."

Klein took a deep breath, forcing himself to relax.

Maybe he was overreacting; perhaps the notebook wasn't as dangerous as he thought.

The previous 'Klein' had died because he was an ordinary person then.

Since Ashen One was a Beyonder, and could resist '2-049's influence, he should be fine.

"If you feel uneasy," Ashen One said, still looking confused, "you can try to wake the others, maybe by slapping them."

"I'll wait a bit..."

Klein smiled awkwardly.

Why was he uneasy?

It was because Ashen One was reading that notebook as if nothing was wrong.

And besides, slapping them? Who would he slap?

The three NightHawks from Backlund or Dunn?

Wait...

A glint flashed in Klein's eyes; there was one person he could slap.

Klein stood up and slowly walked towards Leonard, who was lying not far away, his eyes gleaming with a strange light.

He had wanted to do this for a while!

Klein quickly approached Leonard, raising his hand.

But before he could act, Leonard suddenly opened his eyes, startling Klein.

"What are you doing?"

Leonard asked irritably.

"Nothing."

Klein's movement froze, and he casually lowered his hand, "I just wanted to check on you."

"I'm fine, thanks."

Leonard sat up slowly, his tone still unfriendly, as if he knew what Klein was up to.

"That's good."

Klein laughed awkwardly and quickly changed the subject, "I'll check on the others."

Without waiting for Leonard's response, Klein turned and left.

In fact, it wasn't long before Dunn and the others also woke up.

After all, they were Beyonders; if he was awake, there was no reason they would remain unconscious.

As Klein thought about this, he glanced at Ashen One again.

Ashen One was still reading the notebook, seemingly unaffected.

Dunn and the others also noticed this.

After a brief hesitation, Dunn looked at Al.

The meaning was clear.

You brought him, you deal with this.

Well, 'deal with' might not be the best term.

Anyone with common sense could deduce that it was Ashen One who had dealt with Ray Bieber and treated their injuries while they were unconscious.

"This..."

Al hesitated, then smiled wryly and walked towards Ashen One. Seeing that Ashen One showed no abnormal signs, he gathered his thoughts and said, "Ashen One, that notebook is a very dangerous Sealed Artifact."

Ashen One looked up at Al, then casually closed the notebook.

"I was just curious about what it says."

He handed the notebook to Al.

He had encountered similar things before—

Like the four Holy Books.

But those were in Braille, which he couldn't read.

As for this one,

Thanks to the 'Eye of Wisdom,' he could temporarily understand its language.

"That's understandable; I'm curious too."

Al carefully took the notebook with gloved hands, visibly relieved.

Though it felt heavy, it didn't show any immediate abnormal signs.

Meanwhile, Dunn and the others began cleaning up the scene.

After confirming there were no loose ends, they boarded the carriage and headed to the Blackthorn Security Company on Zotland Street.

"Klein."

Dunn instructed, "Go notify the administrative staff to leave."

"Okay."

Klein nodded and got off the carriage.

He quickly returned, reporting that the staff had gone to the third floor to take shelter.

Afterward, they got off the carriage.

Fortunately, they didn't have to keep doing stretching exercises—

Since they were certain Ashen One wasn't affected, he naturally carried the box alone, leading them to the Chanis Gate.

"Go to the armory and get Old Neil; we need his ritual magic for healing."

Dunn ordered Klein while indicating that Cohen, the Sleepless guard, should open the Chanis Gate.

"Alright."

Klein nodded, though he was puzzled.

Ashen One's healing seemed very effective, so why was additional treatment necessary?

"We just drank the 'Goddess's Gaze.'"

Seeing Klein's confusion, Dunn explained, "It doesn't have strong healing properties. It mainly stimulates our spirits and physical potential, allowing us to stay in good condition for a short time. But we still need proper healing afterward."

Klein understood and went to find Old Neil.

"By the way."

Al asked curiously, "Does the 'Goddess's Gaze' have such a long-lasting effect? Ashen One, how much of the potion did you give us?"

"The 'Goddess's Gaze,' what's that?"

Al looked at Ashen One in surprise, seeing his puzzled expression.

He only had the 'Goddess's Blessing,' but he didn't use it casually, even for himself.

So how could he have used it on them?

"..."

Al's expression froze, and the atmosphere turned awkward.

"How did you 'heal' us earlier?"

Dunn hesitated and asked.

"Well..."

Ashen One thought for a moment and replied seriously, "Ritual magic."

"..."

Dunn's expression turned awkward as well.

"Should I call Klein back?"

Leonard asked lazily.

Dunn remained silent, still feeling awkward.

Because an old man with white hair and a classical black robe had appeared at the door.

"I heard someone needed healing?"

Old Neil said with a smile, "You all don't look like you're hurt."

(End of this chapter)

50 power stones = extra chapter 

If there's something Wrong with the spelling let me know I kinda made this one on my phone.