1
Chapter 1:
Another world, Tingen City.
As an inconspicuous city in the Loen Kingdom, Tingen's population is only one-tenth of Backlund's, but the number of universities ranks second only to the capital. As a result, Tingen has gained the reputation of a "University City."
In a certain café, Julius put down the cup in his hand and looked at the man sitting opposite him.
"Mr. Smith, if you have any questions, just ask. After all, as a wild Beyonder, this isn't the first time I've been questioned by an official organization. Haha, in other words, I've long been accustomed to this kind of 'welcome ceremony.'"
Hearing this, Dunn Smith touched his nose awkwardly. He was a handsome gentleman with a high nose and gray eyes. The only drawback was that his hairline appeared to be slightly receding...
Taking out the gold pocket watch hanging on his chest, Dunn checked the time before getting straight to the point: "Name, age, identity, and your Sequence."
"Julius Astorio."
"I'm 25 years old."
"My current identity is that of a travel writer. I've published several best-selling novels."
"As for my Sequence... haha, the Wheel of Fortune Pathway, Sequence 6: Calamity Priest."
**Sequence 6, Calamity Priest!**
Dunn Smith tensed up immediately. Only then did he realize that the man before him had been deliberately drawn into his dream.
Julius smiled. "Don't be nervous, Mr. Smith. I have no ties to any secret organizations, nor am I a believer in any evil god. I just happened to obtain a few Beyonder characteristics from the Wheel of Fortune Pathway. You know how it is—whether we can advance in this Sequence depends entirely on luck. Obviously, I'm quite fortunate."
His tone was mild. However, that was no reason to let one's guard down.
**Sequence 6 already stands at the pinnacle of ordinary Beyonders.**
Not to mention that a Wheel of Fortune Pathway Beyonder inevitably brings misfortune to those around them, whether they intend to or not. Calling him a "walking disaster" was no exaggeration.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Astorio. On behalf of the Church of the Evernight, I must ask you to leave the city," Dunn said seriously.
Julius responded without hesitation, "No."
Dunn was momentarily stunned, then realized what Julius meant. He repeated his statement in an even sterner tone. "Mr. Astorio, this is not a negotiation."
Although he was only a Sequence 7 of the Darkness Pathway, he could exert the strength of a Sequence 6 with the help of special means. More importantly, as the captain of Tingen City's Nighthawks, he had the backing of the Church of the Evernight—the goddess herself!
Julius chuckled. "Though I am what you call a wild Beyonder, I've registered with all major Churches and am classified as 'non-threatening.' If you don't believe me, you can apply to verify my records."
Dunn fell silent. He didn't want to turn hostile without absolute certainty. After a moment's thought, he said, "Mr. Astorio, since you refuse to leave, we won't force you. However, we will assign someone to monitor you."
With that, the dreamscape collapsed.
---
**Reality.**
Julius awoke in the café and swept his gaze around. It didn't take him long to spot Dunn Smith.
The Nighthawk captain's expression was grim. After exchanging glances with Julius, he seemed unwilling to continue the conversation. He simply picked up his top hat, placed it on his head, nodded in greeting, and quickly left the café.
Julius remained in his seat, idly stirring his coffee.
Suddenly, the surrounding spirituality fluctuated slightly, as though it had been affected by some unseen force.
---
**At the same time, in a hidden chamber...**
A quill moved swiftly across parchment.
*"A best-selling author has unexpectedly arrived in Tingen City. Of course, that is merely his superficial identity. In truth, he is a Calamity Priest, a Beyonder of the Wheel of Fortune Pathway."*
*"Destiny... such a fascinating word."*
*"Perhaps this young man named Julius Astorio will grace the stage of fate."*
*"But something must be noted—there seems to be a secret within him. Yes, numerous noisy and tangled threads of fate are entwined around his existence."*
Suddenly, an aged hand seized the quill and continued writing.
*"No secret can escape the eyes of Ince Zangwill. By chance, Julius Astorio and the existence behind him have entered the sight of the Church of the Evernight, drawing their keen interest."*
*"As a Calamity Priest, he inevitably spreads misfortune wherever he goes. Thus, it is only natural that he has drawn the attention of all official Beyonders."*
---
**Meanwhile, at Blackthorn Security Company...**
Upon returning, Dunn wasted no time and immediately applied to review all available information on Julius Astorio.
Soon, a dossier was placed on his desk. Opening it, he murmured, "Young and promising... talented... *JoJo's Bizarre Adventure*? I recall someone mentioning that before."
Dunn tapped his forehead with his fingertips. Due to the influence of the Darkness Pathway, his memory was never particularly strong. If he didn't understand something, it was best not to dwell on it.
However, the contents of the report weren't particularly insightful. Julius Astorio was simply too forthright. No matter which city he visited, he always took the initiative to report his presence to the local orthodox Churches. At the end of the Church of the Evernight's report, there was even a note stating that, if an opportunity arose, they should consider bringing him into the goddess's embrace.
Dunn was conflicted. On the surface, Julius didn't seem dangerous. But a Sequence 6 Beyonder was more than capable of wreaking havoc in a city. In the end, he stuck to the original plan—assigning someone to monitor Julius Astorio.
And for that... He stepped out of his office and called a name. "Klein, I have a task for you."
Klein Moretti, who had just joined the Nighthawks and was engrossed in studying mysticism, looked up. "Captain, you called me?"
Dunn smiled slightly and motioned for him to enter. Once seated face-to-face, he got straight to the point. "Klein, I have a mission for you. It might be somewhat dangerous. Recently, a man arrived in Tingen City—a Calamity Priest from the Wheel of Fortune Pathway."
Klein blinked. "Captain, what rank is a Calamity Priest?"
"Sequence 6."
*...Oh, Sequence 6.*
*Wait! Sequence 6!?*
Klein, who had only just advanced to Sequence 9 as a Seer, suddenly felt faint.
A Sequence 6 was a *boss-level* figure in his eyes.
*But why did such a big boss have anything to do with him, a lowly rookie!?*
"Klein, don't be nervous. This person has never had any criminal record and has always maintained respect toward the orthodox Churches." Dunn tried to reassure him.
If possible, he would've preferred to handle this himself. But with the *Notebook* incident unresolved, he simply lacked the energy to personally monitor a seemingly harmless wild Beyonder.
Since a weak and a strong observer would yield the same results, he figured it would be good exposure for Klein. After all, encountering a Sequence 6 was a rare opportunity.
"Of course, this mission carries substantial rewards," Dunn added.
Klein swallowed nervously.
He was about to refuse, but thoughts of his struggling family—his sister splitting a single coin—flashed through his mind.
Thus, against his better judgment, he said, "Captain, I'll take the mission."
Chapter 2:
"Very well, Klein. This is your first field mission—I hope you return safely."
Dunn took an envelope from the drawer. "These are the mission funds, specially approved for you. The Church will reimburse all expenses during these days. Once the mission is over, you may keep whatever remains."
*The captain is such a good person!* Klein couldn't help but feel moved.
With a complete dossier on Julius Astorio, he left Dunn Smith's office, the envelope securely in hand.
Upon stepping outside Blackthorn Security Company, his previously agitated thoughts suddenly settled.
*"What have I done? I actually agreed to monitor a Sequence 6 powerhouse?!"*
*"No... why would the captain send a rookie like me to approach such a person?"*
Something felt off. The entire situation seemed orchestrated, as if manipulated by invisible hands, an eerie sense of deliberation permeating every detail. But at this point, Klein had no way out. He could only bite the bullet and proceed to a lavishly decorated hotel.
Hesitating at the entrance, he debated whether to step inside. Unexpectedly, the very target of his mission appeared before him—Julius Astorio, a Sequence 6 of the Wheel of Fortune Pathwayway, known as the Calamity Priest.
"Klein Moretti?" Julius removed his top hat and greeted him with a smile.
Klein: 〣(Δ)〣
*No... how does he know my name?!*
Before he could react, Julius casually added, "Or should I call you Zhou Mingrui?"
*Numb.* Everything before Klein's eyes felt like an illusion. Frozen in place, Klein stood motionless, like a clay puppet.
Julius, however, remained unbothered. "No need to be so tense. In a sense, I'm on your side."
Klein snapped out of his stupor, his mind racing. He wanted to speak, but the words wouldn't come.
Julius studied him briefly before extending an invitation. "It's almost dark, and it's dinner time. If you have no other plans, would you care to join me for a meal?"
Klein's legs felt rooted to the ground. In the span of a few minutes, a hundred conflicting thoughts warred within his mind. In the end, he couldn't resist the temptation and stiffly nodded. "Okay."
Thanks to Julius, Klein stepped into the grandest and most luxurious restaurant in Tingen City—the Golden Ray Restaurant.
He had often heard his sister say that one day, if they could have a home of their own, then celebrating the New Year with a grand meal at Golden Ray would be a dream come true.
Now, he was living out half of Melissa's dream. Yet, despite the exquisite dishes before him, everything tasted like nothing in his mouth.
Julius, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy himself immensely. Between bites, he casually commented, "The steak here is quite good. The chicken's decent too. Not many salads, though, but that's understandable—fresh produce is scarce this season..."
"Mr. Astorio!" Klein finally snapped, raising his voice slightly. But realizing his rudeness, he quickly restrained himself, suppressing his impatience. "How do you know that name?"
Loenese and Chinese were vastly different. There was no way he had misheard those three words!
Julius chuckled. "I know you're eager for answers, but don't be too hasty. With your current strength, you wouldn't be able to bear the 'truth.' Just know that I mean you no harm and am willing to help you grow stronger."
Having played the Riddler many times, Julius was well-versed in this game. He wiped his mouth with a napkin and introduced himself: "My name is Julius Astorio, a registered wild Beyonder and author of the *JoJo's Bizarre Adventure* series."
Then, he smirked. "But these are merely the identities I hold in this world..."
"In truth, I am a god—one far beyond the Evernight Goddess you serve."
Klein: ...
Did he hear that right? The man before him actually called himself a *god*?!
Julius smiled knowingly. "I figured you wouldn't believe me."
With that, he snapped his fingers. In an instant, countless images flashed before Klein's eyes.
Julius, clad in strange attire.
Julius, aloof and imposing.
Julius, revered as a hero.
Julius, battling countless undead, rampaging through evil…
Klein was left speechless. *Was this all an illusion?*
"I have countless avatars," Julius continued, his voice steady. "I traverse endless worlds simultaneously. The one speaking to you now is merely one of them. If you doubt me, you may pray to my true form, following the rules of this world." He handed Klein a prepared note.
Klein hesitated before unfolding it. As if possessed, he solemnly recited the three-part honorific in his heart.
**"The Ruler of Endless Time and Space."**
**"The Controller of All Life's Destiny."**
**"The Lord of Reincarnation and Restart!"**
The moment the words formed in his mind, Klein instinctively sensed it—this was no ordinary being.
*Time and space, destiny, reincarnation, restart...*
*Could it be that my transmigration was connected to this man?!*
---
In a certain room, the quill scratched the parchment with a rustling sound.
*"It's really strange,"* the quill wrote. *"Although it was the first time Klein Moretti and Julius Astorio met, they conversed so easily, as if they were long-lost friends."*
*"For some unknown reason, Julius Astorio revealed his true identity. He is actually █████."*
*"Oh my god, there must be a shocking secret in Julius Astorio's past. This secret is so powerful that it can't even be written down. If you think about it deeply, it could possibly overturn the entire world!"*
*"Poor Ince Zangwill. He still doesn't know what kind of existence is targeting him. What awaits him will be an incredibly miserable fate."*
Suddenly, an old hand grabbed the quill, halting its movement.
Ince Zangwill blacked out the last line and wrote instead:
*"Although Julius Astorio has a shocking secret, luck is always on Ince Zangwill's side, and he wisely decided not to provoke him."*
*"Then, this affable and wise gentleman will get what he wants."*
As the final word was written, Ince Zangwill couldn't help but wipe the cold sweat from his forehead. He had never encountered a situation like this—unable to be written by Sealed Artifact 008—the Quill of Alzuhod!
Fortunately, he was alert enough to sense the danger before it was too late.
*Julius Astorio... A character like this is difficult to incorporate into the 'story' I compiled...*
*Forget it.*
Just as he was thinking, the quill, which had been still for a moment, suddenly sprang back into action, drawing a few strokes on the parchment to create an expression.
"(–)"
"I mean, Ince Zangwill, you read my name in your mind, right...?"
The old man, wearing a soft hat, almost slipped off his chair in fright.
*What's the situation?!*
The quill quickly scrawled more words as if possessed:
*"You are very brave to plant your idea in my mind."*
*"But have you ever wondered whether these thoughts were instilled in you by someone else?"*
*"Is what you did truly what you thought?"*
*"What makes you think that a Sequence 4 like you can steal 008 under the watchful eye of the Evernight Goddess?"*
*"Think about it. You've been watched by the 'Spectator' for a long time..."*
*"Good luck."*
*"——Love you, Julius~"*
Every word felt like thunder. Each sentence struck like a knife.
Ince Zangwill's priestly robes became soaked with sweat in an instant.
*Spectator... Could it be that... He had been written as a character by someone else, placed on a "stage" that he hadn't even realized?*
*No, I have to escape!* Ince Zangwill's mind was in turmoil as he quickly understood the gravity of the situation.
Suddenly, ripples filled the room. A man wearing a crown of thorns, a simple white robe, and a pale golden beard appeared.
He stared calmly at Ince Zangwill, saying nothing and simply waved his hand, taking Sealed Artifact 008 into his possession.
Then, his body began to disappear, bit by bit, until he was gone.
Ince Zangwill's remaining eye widened in shock. His thoughts were a chaotic mess, and he instinctively realized that he had been arranged all along.
In the darkness, a sense of spiritual warning flared within him.
Ince Zangwill's expression changed suddenly. "Please, have mercy... forgive me... Goddess..."
Before he could finish his plea, his body seemed to be erased, as if by an invisible eraser, he vanished completely from this world.
Chapter 3:
---
On the other side, at the 'Golden Ray' restaurant, Klein sat across from Julius Astorio. He had a thousand words swirling in his mind, but for a moment, he didn't know how to express them.
Instead, Julius smiled and said, "Klein, move aside and make room for others."
Klein blinked, confused. "Huh?"
There was no one around.
As if he could see through Klein's thoughts, Julius explained, "Don't look. If he doesn't want you to see it, you won't even catch a glimpse, no matter how hard you try."
Klein furrowed his brow and, after a moment of suspicion, moved aside.
Adam, who had appeared at some point, nodded calmly at Julius.
After sitting down, a glimmer of light flashed in Adam's light blue eyes, and he spoke warmly, "Your appearance makes me feel like I am a bad 'Author.'"
Spectator approach, Sequence 1, Author.
It could control the minds of every creature, making them act according to its will. And it was incredibly difficult for these creatures to realize they weren't acting of their own accord—they believed it was their true thought.
Obviously, Ince Zangwill, who was skilled at arranging scripts for others, had also been orchestrated by Adam. If Julius hadn't appeared, the one-eyed old man would have lived out his life without ever realizing that he was nothing more than a puppet.
Julius smiled and said, "I'm really sorry for delaying your ascension to godhood."
Though his words seemed apologetic, his face betrayed no real regret.
Adam remained unfazed and asked again, "Why are you here, and what is your purpose?"
As the backup for the resurrection of the Ancient Sun God, Adam knew nearly all the world's secrets. He could easily guess Julius's identity—the old one from the stars!
"Don't worry, there's another lady I invited as a guest," Julius said, raising a hand to calm Adam down.
Klein was utterly bewildered. *No, who exactly are you talking to?*
Adam turned his gaze to the confused Klein, then back at Julius, and guessed, "Are you here for him?"
"Yes and no." Julius donned a playful grin. "Because of an accident, I became aware of this world.".
At this moment, the environment seemed to slow down.
A tall woman draped in a black robe entered the door. Her footsteps were completely silent, and except for Julius and Adam, the others seemed invisible to her—unnoticed as they dined and drank.
Klein, sensing something, glanced around suspiciously but found no clue.
Julius said, "Move in and let this lady sit on your right."
Klein: =_=
He stood up carefully and shifted slightly to make space.
Under Klein's unaware gaze, an unusual lineup was formed: Adam, Klein, and the Evernight Goddess.
Of course, Adam was psychologically invisible, while the Evernight Goddess actively concealed herself.
Julius rubbed his hands together with a glint of mischief. He pulled out a phone—one that could take pictures.
Klein blinked, suddenly excited. "What's that in your hand?!"
Julius clicked the camera and smiled. "A mobile phone. Want one?"
The word "mobile phone" was both familiar and unfamiliar to Klein.
His expression became complicated.
Now, he somewhat believed that Julius had an Beyonder origin...
It wasn't just Klein who noticed; even the Evernight Goddess's calm, ancient eyes shimmered with interest.
But Adam showed no surprise and warned in a low voice, "Don't be deceived."
It was all just a boring trick of the outer gods.
Klein, still oblivious to the significance of his companions, asked excitedly, "Are we from the same world?"
Julius's expression remained unchanged. "That question is prohibited."
Klein: ???
After a pause, he tried again, "Does my time travel have something to do with you?"
Julius replied as before, "That question is prohibited."
Julius said lightly, "The reason you met me is due to a Sealed Artifact. But without that Sealed Artifact, we would have crossed paths anyway. Since I arrived in this world, my destiny has been rewritten."
Klein was thoroughly confused. He couldn't understand "destiny"—he was still a mere Seer, after all.
Frowning, he asked, "What do you want from me? Why did you come?"
Though he didn't voice it, he couldn't help but wonder if Julius was eyeing his seemingly useless "golden finger"—the mysterious power he could access.
Laughing, Julius said, "My purpose is simple. Ever played a training game? You're the cub I like. But you're not the only one. If you don't live up to expectations, I'll choose someone else."
*Perhaps Amon, as the Lord of Mysteries, would be more interesting.*
But the fun of cultivating Amon was nothing compared to teasing him.
Adam and the Evernight Goddess listened silently, each thinking their own thoughts.
What a headache.
Klein's expression soured. He wasn't used to dealing with people like this.
Unlucky, he thought, *I can't fight, and I can't run away either.*
"Don't think so much," Julius said casually. "Just focus on getting stronger. Your current strength is too weak to even make it worthwhile to indulge you. Secrets involving gods are not for someone like you to bear right now."
As he spoke, Julius handed Klein the phone he'd used to take a picture earlier. "There's only one number on it. No one below god-level can even see it, except for you. It's my gift to you. Call me if you need anything. But just so you know, there's a service fee, and it's quite expensive."
Klein held the phone awkwardly, unsure what to do with it. After hesitating, he decided not to throw it away but simply tucked it away, feeling a sense of reluctant acceptance.
Seeing Klein's aggrieved expression, Julius said. "Don't say I'm not taking care of you. Go home and check it out. I'll give you some living expenses. Buy some nice clothes. See you tomorrow."
Klein suddenly stood up, panicked. "Melissa, Benson…" he mumbled, already overthinking.
Once Klein left, the Evernight Goddess didn't linger.
Julius took the lead, saying, "Don't do anything unnecessary."
The Goddess paused, then nodded slightly.
The Evernight Goddess's descent ended, and her figure gradually faded from view.
Julius and Adam sat across from each other.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Finally, Julius asked, "Do you accept this arrangement?"
Adam: …
*I suspect someone is tricking me, and I already have ample evidence!*
However, his power was greater than that of most. Even if his predecessor had been the omniscient and omnipotent Ancient Sun God, Adam could only hide temporarily.
Spectators like to observe others, but that doesn't mean they enjoy being observed.
"Don't look so bitter," he said. "Although you can't become a Visionary because of my involvement, I can make it up to you." He spread his hands.
In the next moment, endless images flooded Adam's mind.
The overwhelming flow of information nearly wiped out his consciousness.
"You can read these at your own pace. When you understand them fully, absorb and digest them, even if the times don't unfold as you expected, you can still break the rules and become a half-Visionary. When that happens, I'll help you become a Visionary. Becoming a god won't be a big problem."
Adam knew he would need at least seven or eight months to regain his senses.
——The suppression of a single universe by the multiverse was unmistakable.
During this time, he could focus on other matters—perhaps strengthening his relationship with Klein or seeking out the "Dragon Emperor" information.
---
Chapter 4:
**On the possibility that the God of Knowledge and Wisdom is the "Dragon Emperor" who traveled through time:**
It is known that the predecessor of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom was once a Cherub, a servant of the Ancient Sun God. Before assuming this role, he was the Dragon of Wisdom, a subordinate to the ancient god, the Dragon of Imagination. His origins remain a mystery.
He is also cautious and scheming…
Julius scratched his eyebrows as he glanced at the peculiar title scrawled on the parchment. He sighed, and the matter quickly slipped from his mind.
*Well, no deadline requirement anyway,* he thought, not in a rush to complete his 'commission.'
---
**At Moretti's House**
"We're so lucky. With this money, we can finally move out!" Benson Moretti exclaimed.
"I never expected something so good to happen! Thank the goddess, and thank the gentleman," Melissa added.
Benson and Melissa Moretti were deep in discussion, planning how best to spend their unexpected windfall.
*Unexpected?*
Benson had met an aristocratic gentleman from Backlund after work, who claimed his luggage was lost and needed a little help. Benson, feeling a sense of duty, had given him 5 pence for an emergency. To their astonishment, within half an hour, the gentleman found his luggage and insisted on rewarding Benson with 50 gold pounds.
**5 pence for 50 gold pounds.** It felt like something straight out of a fantasy novel.
But it was true.
The Moretti family was now wealthy.
Klein, who was observing from the sidelines, felt a mix of relief and unease. *At least no one in the family is missing any limbs,* he thought. *But the unsettling truth remains… That 'guy' really can control destiny.*
He glanced at the pocket of his coat, where a square mobile phone sat.
---
"By the way, Klein hasn't bought clothes in ages. Let's take him shopping tomorrow," Melissa suggested.
"Yes, since you work at a university now, you must maintain your dignity," Benson added. "In the past, we couldn't afford it, but now we have the means."
Klein blinked, unsure how to respond.
"Just use the money for important things. I'm fine with it," he said, forcing a smile. After that, he retreated into the kitchen, carrying his plate.
When Klein returned to his room, he sat down anxiously. His hand automatically reached for his phone.
A year ago, Klein would have been overjoyed at the thought of holding such an item.
But now… it felt like a hot potato.
*Sigh…* He couldn't even count how many times he sighed today. *This is getting ridiculous.*
---
**The Morning After**
It was a sunny Monday morning, but Klein's spirits were far from bright. He could still clearly remember what 'that guy' had said the previous day.
Reluctantly, he had dragged his feet to the hotel, but today was different.
"Is that you?" Julius greeted, looking at Klein with an amused expression.
"So, what do I need to do?" Klein asked, hoping for some clarity.
Julius tilted his head. "Nothing specific. Just be yourself."
"But, there are many twisted threads of fate around you. Even if you don't try, trouble will find you."
Klein blinked. *Can't you say something nice about me for once?*
At least one thing was clear. With the power of a Sequence 6 Calamity Priest, Klein couldn't afford to offend Julius, no matter how absurd this conversation seemed.
*I need to grow stronger,* Klein thought resolutely.
"I need the formula for the Seer's potion," he said bluntly.
Julius raised an eyebrow. "I have a few copies of the formula, but the price is…"
"More money?" Klein couldn't help but exclaim. "You said you'd help me!"
Julius shrugged. "That's my position, but I don't owe you anything. Why should I give you the formula for free?"
He raised his hands in mock defeat. "But I'll give you a 92% discount."
Klein rolled his eyes. "Thanks."
Julius grinned. "You're welcome. It's the least I can do."
Changing the subject, Klein's guest added, "Also you are a favored person of mystery, closely connected with the mysterious master above the gray mist."
Klein's eyes narrowed.
*It's about the gray fog, just as I suspected.*
Chapter 5:
It was 5:55 p.m.
In the bathroom, boundless gray fog appeared before Klein's eyes. His body felt weightless, his mind lighter, and everything around him seemed to float.
Above the gray mist stood a majestic palace, as grand as the residence of giants. Klein's heart stirred, and in the blink of an eye, his figure vanished, reappearing at the top of a long bronze table.
Not long after, a prayer echoed, and a crimson star blazed brightly.
"A fool who does not belong to this era."
"The mysterious master above the gray fog."
"The King of Yellow and Black who controls good luck."
"I, Julius Astorio, beg your attention."
Klein pinched the bridge of his nose, murmuring to himself, "I really don't want to drag this guy into this."
But Klein suppressed his discomfort and used his spirituality to pull Julius Astorio into the space.
The red star's light surged, and the next moment, Julius Astorio appeared beside the long bronze table.
Klein quickly assumed a focused state, his gaze sharp as he studied Julius.
Julius, appearing curious, glanced around before his eyes fell on the being at the top of the table.
"Quite skilled at pretending," Julius thought, "Second only to me."
He offered a slight bow. "First meeting, the great Lord of Sefirah Castle."
*Sefirah Castle...* Klein's heart skipped a beat.
However, his face remained calm, and he responded, "Greetings, blessed one of fate."
Not knowing the true name of the god, Klein cleverly referred to the entity by its power.
Julius silently judged Klein's level of mystery power. "Only the ninth level of mystery, still far behind my own mastery of the art…"
Seeing the conversation cooling, Klein decided to break the silence. "I understand your purpose for coming. Choose a card. This will be your symbol here."
Julius seemed relieved, as if a difficult task had been completed. After a moment, he respectfully drew a tarot card from a stack that appeared out of thin air on the long table.
Turning it over, the card revealed a rotating golden wheel — the Wheel of Fortune.
"Destiny…" Klein thought, feeling a flicker of unease.
Klein pushed the doubts aside and said, "Besides you, there are two others in my party."
Julius paused, then nodded, "I see, you've thought this through carefully… Please rest assured, I will cooperate fully!"
Klein's forehead tWitched with annoyance. What exactly does he think he knows?
The time was almost up, so Klein clicked on two remaining crimson stars. In an instant, two figures appeared seated at the table.
One was a woman, elegant in a flowing gown, giving her the appearance of a noble lady.
The other, a man with dark blue hair, wore a captain's uniform with a striped sailor's shirt, his expression resolute.
Klein quickly knocked on the table to grab their attention before they could speak, ensuring the newcomers didn't say something inappropriate.
"Miss Justice, Mr. Hanged Man, this is Mr. Destiny, who is new to the party."
"Mr. Destiny?!" Audrey Hall and Alger Wilson both turned to Julius, who sat at the spot symbolizing the Wheel of Fortune.
Julius nodded and greeted, "Hello."
Audrey Hall studied Julius thoughtfully. *"A young man with black hair, well-dressed, and calm... Either he's extraordinarily powerful, or he's privy to secrets others don't know and understands the truth about this party."*
Alger Wilson, on the other hand, was more discerning, already forming judgments in his mind.
Klein, sensing the awkwardness, quickly lightened the mood. "Miss Justice, congratulations on becoming an Beyonder."
Audrey blinked, then smiled, "Can you tell that already? Thank you, Mr. Fool."
She turned to Alger, adding, "And congratulations to you as well, Mr. Hanged Man."
"It's nothing. Your speed surpassed my expectations," Alger remarked, though his mind was on Julius.
He studied him closely, noticing how the man showed no sign of surprise, as if this encounter had been expected. A thought crossed his mind: *Destiny and the Fool must have known each other.*
Julius, seeming pleased with the atmosphere, casually stated, "Spectator, powerful ability, and relatively safe."
Audrey asked, "Mr. Destiny, what do you mean by that?"
Julius didn't answer directly but glanced at Klein, as though waiting for confirmation.
Klein, feeling slightly confused but trying not to show it, nodded slightly, seemingly agreeing.
Julius then leaned back in his chair, casually sharing a piece of news that left both Audrey and Alger stunned.
"Because of Sequence 1 in the Spectator pathway, the natural Author cannot return his attention to reality for a time. As for the Psychology Alchemists, there's nothing to fear.
If all goes well, Miss Justice, with the help of Mr. Fool, you'll rise smoothly to Sequence 6 or even Sequence 5, without losing control."
*Sequence 6? Sequence 5?* Audrey was taken by surprise. She's only just become Beyonder!
Alger's eyes flickered, deep in thought, while Klein… well, Klein was just a Sequence 9 Seer and didn't know anything.
Chapter 6:
For a time, everyone had different thoughts.
**Audrey Hall:** "Sequence 1 of the Spectator path is actually an Author? Also, what is Psychology Alchemists? Mr. Destiny is so understated. How strong is he in Sequence? With the help of Mr. Fool, I can really upgrade to Sequence 5?"
**Alger Wilson:** "What kind of secret society did I join? A born Author! Why would he know that level of secrets? Could it be that... wait, maybe he is just backed by a certain organization and is relatively well-informed, even about fake news. However, the mysterious Mr. Fool did not refute, which means that the Author may really be unable to return his attention to the real world? Looking at it this way, the identity of the newly added Destiny is not simple. I must be cautious!"
**Klein:** "Author? Could it be the existence I couldn't see at the Golden Ray Restaurant yesterday? He seems to know me very well and also knows my past. He knows I am Zhou Mingrui, and he also said he wants to play a 'development game,' hoping I'll reach 'that position' and then combine it with the 'Lord of the Sefirah Castle.' From the words 'Mysterious Favorite,' it can be inferred that the 'Master of Destiny' seems to want to show favor to the 'Lord of Sefirah Castle' by helping me grow. But he didn't know that there was no 'Lord of Sefirah Castle' from the beginning; it was just a Sequence 9 Seer pretending to be a magician... I must keep this secret; otherwise, disaster will strike!"
Julius came back from his thoughts. "Let's start the next topic. Madam, Sir, have you found the new Roselle's diary?"
This was directed at Audrey Hall and Alger Wilson.
After hearing this, the two quickly and respectfully presented the diary contents they had collected.
Julius showed just the right amount of confusion and shock, lowering his head and acting innocently.
Upon seeing this, the three of them had the same thought: Destiny doesn't know anything about Roselle and that the messy graffiti left behind was actually diary handwriting!
Suppressing his emotions, Klein scanned the diary pages.
The first few pages only record the various discomforts Roselle felt when he first traveled to this world, as well as the endless aristocratic balls and affairs.
Klein continued reading.
"The Enlightenment... the Secret Seekers... the Moses Ascetic Order... the Impersonator... the Secret Order... Zaratul..."
As each beautiful or twisted character came into view, Klein learned more and more.
After a while, he put down the diaries and said with a smile, "You can discuss it freely."
Audrey said impatiently, "Mr. Fool, regarding the 'acting method' you mentioned last time, I found that the residue of the potion has very little impact on me. Could it be because I've been playing the role of the Spectator carefully for a while?"
Julius did not hide anything and said directly: "acting is the key to absorbing and digesting potions. Through acting, you can get closer to the essence of the Sequence. Miss Justice, since you are in the Spectator Sequence, it might be best to immerse yourself in activities related to that identity and summarize the acting rules. This will be very beneficial for your subsequent advancement."
He sounded like someone who had been through it before.
Hearing this, Audrey Hall's eyes sparkled. The aristocratic lady, who had no clear understanding of the Beyonder world, just felt incredibly lucky. As soon as she entered the world, there were people like Mr. Fool and Mr. Destiny to guide her.
Alger Wilson thought, *Closer to the essence of the potion... Does this mean the potion's name is the key to acting?*
After a brief moment of joy, Audrey Hall came back to her senses and said, "Mr. Destiny, I cannot accept this kind of secret knowledge with peace of mind. Whatever you need, I can pay you a certain amount."
Upon hearing this, Julius waved his hand dismissively. "No need."
Julius leaned forward slightly, "Miss Justice, if you insist on paying me, please help me collect some information about the God of Knowledge and Wisdom."
Why did the topic suddenly become so high-level?
The God of Knowledge and Wisdom is one of the most majestic gods. If the Church of Knowledge and Wisdom knew about it, they would definitely treat it as an enemy and try to eliminate it.
As if he also knew that a little cannon fodder like Audrey, who had just become a Beyonder, wasn't capable of collecting real secrets, Julius deliberately added, "Any information will do—legends, scriptures, believers' habits... In short, almost anything will suffice."
After saying these words, the three's moods calmed down somewhat, but their thoughts were still vivid.
Audrey Hall was thinking, *"Mr. Destiny is such a good person. He actually lowered his requirements for fear that I would be embarrassed."*
Alger Wilson was thinking, *"Why is Destiny collecting information on the God of Knowledge and Wisdom? And why did he make such a request with Mr. Fool's approval? Does that mean Mr. Fool's position opposes the God of Knowledge and Wisdom? Hiss, it's scary to think about."*
But Klein was thinking, *"Are there any disputes between the 'Lord of Sefirah Castle' and the God of Knowledge and Wisdom? Or is this the common goal of both suspected gods?"*
"I understand, Mr. Destiny; I will pay attention to this matter." Audrey Hall smiled sweetly.
Not wanting to waste the opportunity, she asked a second question, "Gentlemen, how should I find the subsequent potion formulas for the Spectator path? Also, what are their names?"
As fate intervened, Alger Wilson was careful not to show off his knowledge but remained silent.
Julius said, "You should be able to find the follow-up potion formulas for the Spectator path at the Psychology Alchemists. As for me, I also have two less important ones: Sequence 8 and Sequence 7. If you need them, Miss Justice, I can sell them to you at a discount."
He smiled and added, "How about 99% off?"
*Destiny actually has the follow-up potion formulas for the Spectator path!?* Audrey Hall was overjoyed.
As for the 1% discount, she regarded it as a gentleman's joke.
Meanwhile, Klein secretly tWitched his lips. *"Miss Justice gets a 99% discount, and I get 98%. It seems Julius Astorio's claim about taking special care of me isn't a lie."*
The naive noble lady didn't care much. She blinked her big emerald eyes and said gratefully, "Thank you, Mr. Destiny."
"It's nothing. We are all members of Mr. Fool's party. We should help each other," Julius smiled.
Although they couldn't see each other's faces clearly due to the gray fog, this kind attitude still made Audrey Hall feel very good.
Taking this opportunity, Julius introduced everyone to the names of the Spectator path potions: "Spectator, Telepathist, Psychiatrist, Hypnotist, Dreamwalker, Manipulator, Dream Weaver, Clairvoyant, Author, Visionary."
At first, the three of them listened with interest. But by the end, their eyes widened.
*What the hell is a Visionary?*
*Sequence 1 can continue to advance!?*
As if he had read through their thoughts, Julius smiled and said, "The Visionary is Sequence 0 of the Spectator path, and Sequence 0 is also called 'God' by the world."
**God!**
A simple word, yet it shocked Audrey Hall and Alger Wilson speechless.
One of them is a believer of the Goddess of Night, and the other is a priest of the Lord of Storms. Their awe for the gods is far greater than others.
After a long pause, Audrey Hall came back to her senses and said hurriedly, "Mr. Destiny, this knowledge is too precious; I..."
Before she could finish speaking, Julius interrupted with a chuckle, "It doesn't have to be like this, Miss Justice. As I said, we are all members of Mr. Fool's party—exchanging intelligence, trading items, and sharing knowledge. Isn't that the point of the party?"
*What a generous and noble gentleman~* If you could see their faces clearly, you'd find that the silly noble lady already had stars in her eyes.
This generous attitude also rubbed off on Alger Wilson. He understood caution was wise, but sometimes, if you miss the opportunity, it may never come again!
So, before Audrey Hall could ask what would happen if animals drank the Sequence potion, he suddenly said to Julius, "Mr. Destiny, do you have the Tyrant Pathway potion recipe?"
"Tyrant Pathway?" Julius smiled. "Of course."
*There's also a Tyrant Pathway!?* Alger Wilson's pupils trembled.
The Tyrant Pathway potion formula is kept only in the hands of senior leaders of the Church of the Lord of Storms.
Destiny holds the formula—there are only two possibilities:
1. He is a senior member of the Church of the Lord of Storms.
2. He has powerful backing, rich knowledge, and countless resources. A solid foundation!
Thinking of this, Alger no longer hesitated and asked, "What is the Sequence of the potion? What should I pay?"
"From Sequence 9 to Sequence 6. Of course, if you're patient enough, you can get the subsequent formulas. Just like Miss Justice, I'll offer you a 99% discount."
Julius threw out the bait. Sure enough, Alger Wilson took it. Working hard, acting as a pirate, and doing dirty work for the Church of the Lord of Storms—it's all about becoming stronger, right? Now, a brand new road lay ahead, and it would be a lie to say he wasn't tempted!
Alger took a deep breath and said, "Mr. Destiny, I would like to know the names of the potions in the Tyrant Pathway."
Julius said, "That's easy to say... Sailor, Folk of Rage, Navigator, Wind-blessed, Ocean Songster, Cataclysmic Interrer, Sea King, Thunder God, Tyrant."
*Tyrant…* Alger Wilson murmured to himself, *"The Lord of Storms, the only Tyrant!"*
Seeing that he'd established an all-powerful persona in the Tarot Club, Julius cleared his throat to attract everyone's attention.
"Miss Justice, Mr. Hanged Man, I'd like to issue a commission. If you can provide me with useful information, I'll offer you a discount on the potion formula."
*Commission? Discount?* Audrey and Alger clearly had different concerns.
Klein quietly pricked up his ears.
Julius said calmly, "According to reliable information, the True Creator's heir is about to be born. To prevent the True Creator's arrival, finding the carrier is crucial.
My commission is to keep an eye on any strange pregnant women around you and contact me immediately if there's a spiritual warning. Of course, I'll also teach you how to summon my exclusive messenger."
Julius glanced at Klein slightly flatteringly.
Klein: (ω)
*True Creator? Hmm... It seems like strange evil gods have been on the rise.*
Chapter 7:
Klein returned to the real world and walked out of the bathroom with a relaxed demeanor. He greeted Julius Astorio in the suite as if nothing had happened and asked, "How do you feel?"
Julius nodded, "A magical experience... but since it's His Kingdom of God... well, you know what I mean."
Pulling up a chair, Klein sat across from Julius and decided to probe him. He coughed lightly and asked, "Mr. Astorio, will you be staying in Tingen for a while?"
Julius glanced at him and said, "Theoretically, yes. But in reality, I'm a writer who loves to travel and seek inspiration everywhere."
*In other words, this guy won't stay in Tingen long.* Klein couldn't help but feel a bit pleased internally, though he kept his face neutral.
Julius said, "During this time, I will teach you some basic occult knowledge and entry-level secrets. You'll need to prepare yourself for some hardships. Of course, this is all to pave the way for your growth."
Klein blinked, sensing a deeper meaning in Julius's words. Although Old Neil from the Nighthawks team was also a decent teacher, Sequence 9 paled in comparison to Sequence 6. Given the previous Tarot Club, Klein was almost certain that Julius Astorio was harmless until the truth about the "Lord of Sefirah Castle" came to light.
He didn't refuse and nodded slightly.
Julius smiled, walked over to a nearby bookshelf, and pulled out a thick book. "In the next three days, you must memorize this book inside out."
Klein's eyes widened. *This begins now?*
Julius looked at him as if asking, 'What did you expect?'
Sighing, Klein reluctantly took the "Introductory Guide to Occultism" and began reading it from the start.
After his arduous study session, Klein dragged his exhausted body back to the Blackthorn Security Company. Inside, he found his captain, Dunn Smith.
Dunn immediately asked, "What happened?"
Klein shook his head with a bitter smile. "Nothing, just... Captain, could you find me a partner for a rotation? I'm afraid I can't handle it alone."
With Julius Astorio, Klein was forced to memorize obscure occult knowledge while also staying alert to Julius's every move for the Nighthawks' mission. He was simply too busy. Daytime wasn't so bad, but at night... it was a struggle.
Julius Astorio wasn't in immediate danger, so Klein decided it was better to ask for help from the Church.
Dunn thought for a moment and sighed. "It's too difficult for me to have you monitor a mid-level strongman."
He hadn't considered the true impact of Sealed Artifact 008 on Klein. What had seemed like a temporary lapse in judgment had now solidified into a task he wasn't ready to change.
After counting the few remaining team members, Dunn tentatively suggested, "Maybe Old Neil or Leonard could join you?"
Klein considered Old Neil but dismissed the idea—he was older and might not handle the task of monitoring Julius Astorio well. Leonard Mitchell, however, was full of energy and perfect for handling the task of mission reports. Thus, Leonard was recruited to join Klein.
But instead of going home after leaving Blackthorn, Klein went directly to the Divination Club. He was determined to play the part of the "Seer."
This real-world experience proved to be quite effective, and Klein could feel the potion slowly digesting in his body. Although the process was slow, it was undeniably working.
Life gradually fell into a more predictable routine for Klein: Julius Astorio's hotel, Blackthorn Security Company, the Divination Club, home. At the same time, Klein's knowledge base and control over his Beyonder abilities grew steadily.
Using his newfound knowledge, Klein began creating ritual magic specific to the Fool. He sensed Julius Astorio was in a particularly good mood after he completed these rituals.
"Are you happy that the 'Lord of Sefirah Castle' has recovered?" Klein wondered.
Meanwhile, Leonard Mitchell's mood was quite the opposite. Every task, big or small, served the Church of Evernight, but Leonard had a natural disdain for Julius Astorio. Every time he saw Julius, his teeth would gnash in frustration.
For example, this time...
Leonard shot Julius a rare serious look. "Mr. Julius, please respect yourself. You must understand that I represent the Church of Evernight and the goddess."
Julius shook his head and smiled. "I just said I wanted to have an 'in-depth communication' with you. What did you misinterpret? Really impure." He gestured at the stack of scribbled manuscript papers on the coffee table. "Forget it if you don't want to... Do you want to read my new novel instead? It's really interesting."
Julius Astorio, well-known as a fantasy writer, piqued Leonard's curiosity, though Leonard wasn't keen on novels—he viewed reading as a mere pastime. Still, Leonard reluctantly picked up the manuscript.
Initially, he read indifferently, but as the plot unfolded, his expression grew more serious.
"A good boy should not bully a young man into poverty..." Leonard found himself immersed in the protagonist's struggles, identifying with Frame Shaw's defiance against the noble lady.
However, his face soured soon after. Leonard recognized the danger the boy was facing—a parasite associated with the Error Pathway.
"What do you mean by this?" Leonard threw the manuscript down and stared intently at Julius.
Julius shrugged. "It's just a novel. Of course, the more exciting the plot, the better."
Leonard, agitated, retorted, "That's not what I'm asking about!"
Julius leaned back, smiling. "If not that, then what? Why can't I understand what you're saying?"
The tension thickened.
Suddenly, Leonard heard a voice, ancient and weary, emanating from the depths of his mind. "Forget it, no need to cover up anymore. Looks like I've been exposed."
The voice belonged to Pallez Zoroast, a former Sequence 1 of the Error Pathway.
Pallez, now weak and hiding within Leonard, had been avoiding detection for years. But Julius Astorio had figured him out. The old thief sighed inwardly, sensing danger from Julius. Despite his past, Pallez wasn't unaware of the power that Julius wielded.
As Julius casually revealed a god's name on the manuscript, both Leonard and Pallez were stunned. The name was incomprehensible, evoking fear in Pallez as well.
Julius smiled and leaned in. "Mr. Pallez, I know your situation. But we're aligned on one thing—we both want to survive."
Pallez, though reluctant, had little choice. With a sigh, he relayed, "Why should I trust you? You're just a Sequence 6."
Julius's smile didn't falter. "Trust me—do you want a stable life?"
For Pallez, who was being hunted by Amon, the choice was clear. Survival came first. However, the presence of an evil god was still a risky proposition.
Julius's casual demeanor only further unnerved Leonard. He was torn between his loyalty to the Church and his growing fear of Julius's influence.
As the situation escalated, Julius played his part, calling on a higher power with a monocle in hand. The tension in the room grew palpable, as if an apex predator were about to strike.
Just as Leonard began to feel the full weight of the danger, a knock came at the door. The moment was tense, but Julius only smiled, telling Leonard to stay still and calm.
When the door opened, a man stood outside, wearing a pointed hat, black curly hair, and a monocle. He looked at Julius, slightly startled, then smiled. "Hello, I'm here to get beaten."
Julius followed suit with a smile of his own. "You're here to get beaten too?"
The interaction was strange, and Amon, confused, felt something was off. "Are you Amon? Why don't I sense Amon's presence in you?"
Julius chuckled. "Don't get me wrong, I'm just playing."
Amon: ...
Chapter 8:
What appeared was not Amon's true form, but a Sequence 4 clone.
**Sequence 4 – Demigod.**
When Leonard Mitchell, hidden by the goddess, realized this, he froze, unable to even breathe.
Grandpa Pallez, comforting him in his mind, reassured: "Don't worry, you've been protected by the Evernight Goddess..." His tone became slightly complicated. "The Evernight Blessed One, you're quite lucky."
Upon hearing that he was under the goddess's protection, Leonard straightened his back, but then, doubt crept in. He whispered to himself, "Why don't I feel anything? Old man, are you lying to me?"
"I might have lied before, but not this time." Grandpa Pallez's voice carried a quiet intensity. "The power of the Mother of Concealment will make you invisible to him. Besides, I'm just a Sequence 4 demigod. If I weren't concerned about being exposed, I could destroy him myself."
Such an understatement shocked Leonard. He'd suspected the old man was a high-Sequence powerhouse, but this revealed just how much stronger Grandpa Pallez truly was.
Meanwhile, Julius and Amon, seemingly unconcerned, engaged in conversation as if they were long-time friends catching up.
"You are fascinating," Amon said, pinching his monocle as if he'd found an intriguing toy.
Julius smiled, "You're too cautious, coming here with only a demigod clone."
"Steady?" Amon chuckled. "That's a first for me."
Suddenly, Julius stretched out his hand, pinching it as a transparent worm, composed of 12 links, appeared between his fingers.
"It's rude to do something while talking," Julius said, holding the insect in his palm. The tiny creature floated away as though controlled by invisible threads.
Amon squeezed his monocle harder, but kept his calm. "A harmless joke," he said, though his eyes twinkled with curiosity.
Julius responded by digging into his ear and pulling out another similar transparent worm. "Is this a joke too?"
Amon, still calm, nodded. "Yes, a joke."
Julius said nothing and casually stuffed the bugs into his pocket.
Something shifted on Amon's face—his expression dulled. After several seconds, he pulled out some transparent silk threads from his body and, with a puzzled look, studied them through his monocle.
"Spirit Thread? No... What is this?"
Amon's interest deepened, but his black eyes, hidden under the monocle, betrayed a slight tremor. It was an instinctive reaction to something unexpected.
"Alright, now that the jokes are over, come in and sit," Julius invited with a smile.
Amon complied, slipping the threads into his robe pocket as he walked into the room, his gaze sweeping over every corner. He lingered a moment longer in one spot but didn't notice Leonard Mitchell, who remained hidden by the Evernight Goddess—a protection only the Mother of Concealment could ensure.
Once seated on the sofa, Amon removed his pointed hat, revealing shiny, curly hair. He smiled, "You are Amon, right? I don't sense Amon's presence from you, but somehow, you don't feel like a stranger."
Amon's eyes narrowed slightly, suspicion creeping in. "You couldn't be another Amon, pretending to be like this for amusement?"
Julius didn't confirm nor deny and said, half-truthfully, "I am a traveler from the stars."
The mention of the "starry sky" caused Amon's expression to shift—he understood the weight of those words, his face calming as he considered their meaning. After a pause, he asked, "Why come to me?"
Julius, without hesitation, responded, "I heard the only wrong way is with you." He adjusted the monocle perched on his eye.
Amon's interest piqued, a smile playing on his lips. "You're a curious one." His gaze flickered to Julius, but his mind was calculating.
Suddenly, Amon's demeanor shifted, and he wanted to leave, no, to escape. His senses were on high alert; something was wrong. The Sequence 6 disguise was unraveling. As he sensed deeper, his spirituality began to crack, a sign that his form was crumbling.
"If you're after 'that thing,' you should seek my true form," Amon said sincerely, his tone oddly calm.
Julius, unfazed, grinned. "How do you know I haven't already gone after it?"
Amon froze. His body trembled, an instinctive warning lighting up his senses. Everything, it seemed, was being stripped from him.
Julius continued, "I will take your body, Amon." He remained seated, effortlessly asserting control.
Despite his outward calm, Amon felt a surge of terror. Leonard Mitchell and Grandpa Pallez, watching from the sidelines, felt an unbearable weight in the air. Nothing was being stolen—it was a quiet robbery.
Julius raised a hand toward Leonard, "Now, do you see my sincerity?" He spoke with a smile that carried an unsettling edge.
Leonard, still reeling from the pressure, reluctantly revealed himself. "Okay, I see it..." he muttered under his breath, secretly terrified.
Grandpa Pallez sighed, recognizing the situation. "Bring it over, Leonard."
Leonard hesitated, a shudder passing through him. "Old man, are you certain you want to risk this?"
"Do you think there are any other choices?" Grandpa Pallez's words were sharp.
With a grim realization, Leonard walked forward, his movements stiff, and collected the transparent worms.
"Alright," Julius said with a slight smile, "today was just for introductions. We'll be working together for a long time."
Leonard didn't respond verbally but thought grimly to himself, *The devil wants to work with you.*
But he maintained a calm exterior, reminding himself of an old saying he had read: *On the west of the river thirty years ago, and on the east thirty years later, never bully the poor and weak.*
---
The night stretched on.
The following morning, when it came time for Leonard's handover, Klein found him in an unsettling state—haggard and bloodshot-eyed.
"What's wrong?" Klein asked, concerned.
Leonard met his gaze, his lips tight. "No, nothing. Just... insomnia."
Klein raised an eyebrow. "You sure that's all? I thought... it might have been Julius Astorio."
Leonard paused before dismissing it with a grin. "Nothing to worry about. Just enjoy the quiet days."
However, deep inside, Leonard was troubled by the thought that he was carrying the burden of a god's secret.
Later, Klein arrived at Julius Astorio's suite, puzzled by the odd exchange. He found Julius eating breakfast.
"Have you eaten?" Julius asked, offering a plate.
Klein's throat tightened as he glanced at the food but nodded. "I'll have some."
As they ate, Julius suddenly warned, "Be careful. Your colleague has a secret."
Klein paused, looking at him warily. "Leonard? He's hiding something?"
Julius smiled mischievously. "Don't worry, just something to keep an eye on."
Klein tried to focus on the business at hand, mentioning the Assassin Path's Sequence 8 Instigator. But before he could continue, Julius cut him off, "You want me to find the Instigator for you?"
Klein shook his head. "No. My task is to monitor you."
Julius smirked. "I knew you'd want to know about the Assassin Path. Don't worry, I have everything ready."
"What?" Klein asked, confused.
Julius's grin deepened. "Potion recipes for the Assassin Path."
Klein's excitement quickly turned to suspicion. "What do you want in exchange?"
Julius's tone lightened. "Just a little potion recipe for the Seer path. I can offer you a 92% discount."
Klein was skeptical. "That sounds too good to be true."
Julius said, "The Assassin Path is special. The male-to-female transition starts at Sequence 7. I'm sure you're curious."
Klein's eyes widened. "Sequence 7? Does that mean the Instigator is—"
Meanwhile, far from the city, a figure in a dark apartment met with a mysterious woman wearing a hood. She handed him a book—**Assassin Path Sequence 7 Potion Recipe**—and whispered, "You'll need to find Julius Astorio. He holds the secret to something Beyonder."
Tris, the Instigator, frowned. "What Sequence is he?"
"Sequence 6," the woman answered, "But that doesn't mean he's weak. With my help, you'll be able to approach him."
Her eyes gleamed with hidden meaning.
Chapter 9:
**XC Area, Duke Cafe**
The soft rustling of a pen on manuscript paper filled the air. Klein watched the person across from him writing with a serious expression and couldn't help but ask, "Does writing books make money?"
Julius didn't even look up. "Some people make money, some don't... For me, it's just for fun, a way to kill time."
Klein responded with an "Oh," then turned his focus to the fragrant and silky special coffee before him.
Time passed in silence.
Perhaps out of boredom, Klein seemed to recall something. He greeted Julius, picked up a piece of paper and a pen, and started writing.
Julius glanced at him. "What are you writing?"
Klein replied matter-of-factly, "A letter to one of my mentors."
**A Mentor?**
Julius immediately understood—Klein was talking about Azik Eggers.
Azik Eggers: the Sequence 2 "Death Consul" of the Death Pathway, the key to Death's resurrection, a man searching for his lost memories. Also, a cat lover, a biological father, and an all-powerful backer...
Julius smiled. "If I get the chance, will you introduce us?"
Klein tWitched the corner of his mouth, offering no clear response. Instead, as if wanting to shift the topic, he asked, "Do you think the descendants of the evil god will come to Tingen?"
Julius was momentarily stunned. "Where did you hear that?"
Klein panicked. *Crap! I slipped up.*
In Julius's eyes, Klein Moretti was the "Lord of Mysteries," not the "Lord of Sefirah Castle." He shouldn't have known about the Tarot Club's revelations. But it wasn't too late to recover.
With a composed expression, Klein slightly lowered his head and feigned piety. "Through divine revelation, of course."
Julius raised an eyebrow, amused at Klein's quick reaction. He decided not to press further and simply nodded. "I see."
Klein had only just stepped into the Beyonder world. His mind was still relatively simple, not yet grasping the true art of maintaining a disguise. Otherwise, such a slip would never have happened.
Since the conversation had already taken this turn, Julius chose to disclose some additional information. "I don't know much about the descendant of the evil god. I only know he hasn't been born yet.'"
Klein sighed. "Tingen isn't peaceful lately."
"Indeed. For a city known only for its academics, Tingen has seen more than its fair share of trouble."
As he spoke, Klein suddenly turned to Julius. "You're a Sequence 6 of the Monster Pathway, a Disaster Priest, right?"
The chaos in this town—no matter how you looked at it—was definitely his fault!
Julius spread his hands. "You can't just blame everything on me. Besides, I'm already a 'Winner.'"
Klein blinked. **Wait. Sudden advancement? Who would believe that?**
**Unless… Julius Astorio was a Winner from the very beginning and had just been pretending to be Sequence 6…**
Yes! That must be it!
But since Julius was willing to share this, it meant he didn't care who knew.
**Hey… Doesn't this make for a perfect mission report?**
Just as Klein secretly rejoiced, the door of the cafe was gently pushed open.
A beautiful woman entered, wearing a beige dress and a wide-brimmed sun hat. She had a round face, slender eyes, and glossy black hair. Her individual features weren't striking, but together, they exuded a gentle, comfortable charm.
Klein's eyes were unconsciously drawn to her, but deep within, an instinct screamed at him.
He forced himself to look away—only to see Julius Astorio's gaze locked onto the woman as well.
Julius shifted his gaze and said, "Witch."
*Witch?!* Klein's heart skipped a beat.
Could this gentle-looking woman be the Instigator the Nighthawks had been searching for?
Julius, sensing Klein's tension, casually patted the back of his hand under the guise of picking up a sugar cube. "Relax. You're being too obvious."
Klein took a deep breath, calming himself. *There's nothing to fear. If she was promoted, she'd be at most Sequence 7. And on our side? We have a Sequence 5.*
*Strength-wise, the outcome is obvious.*
Trissy—no, she should now be called Trissyy—had no idea her past identity had already been exposed.
She chose a seat near Julius and Klein, ordered coffee, and stirred it leisurely. This seemingly melancholic action immediately drew the attention of many men in the cafe.
Julius, recalling his memories, found that she was not originally part of his fate. Blinking, he turned to Klein. "There are only two Beyonders here. So if she's looking for someone, it's either you or me."
"Go back to the Nighthawk headquarters and report this. I'll keep her occupied."
Klein didn't hesitate. He nodded and casually stood up, hat and coat in hand.
From the corner of his eye, he observed that Trissy showed no particular reaction.
*Confirmed. Her target is Julius Astorio.* Klein left the cafe at a normal pace. Once outside, he quickened his steps, heading straight for the Blackthorn Security Company.
Meanwhile, inside the cafe, Trissy watched Klein leave and felt a sense of relief.
She looked around, feigning surprise, before approaching Julius with a coffee cup in hand. "Excuse me, are you Mr. Astorio?"
Julius looked up. "Yes. And you are?"
Trissy suppressed her revulsion and put on an expression of admiration. "I'm a fan of your books!"
A reserved smile appeared on Julius's face. "I didn't expect to meet a fan here. Tingen truly is a charming city. What's your name?"
"Me? My name is Trissy." She sat down naturally, occupying Klein's former seat.
One party had a motive, and the other was playing along. They chatted, with Trissy playing the role of an innocent merchant's daughter. With the Witch potion's power, she effortlessly demonstrated how captivating a Witch could be.
But Julius wasn't taken in.
He had his own ways of dealing with such tricks.
He expected reinforcements to arrive soon, yet… Even after Trissy stood up to leave, the Nighthawks had yet to appear.
Julius frowned. *Something's not right.*
Watching Trissy walk away, he realized that this encounter was only the beginning.
Chapter 10:
When Julius saw Klein again, it was already the next day.
Noticing the scratches on Klein's face, Julius asked curiously, "What happened? I told you to find the official Beyonder yesterday, but why was there no news afterward?"
Klein smiled bitterly. "Bad timing… The Church of Evernight was in the middle of a combat mission, and I got temporarily detained as a 'young man.' I almost didn't make it back."
He shuddered slightly, his expression filled with lingering fear. "I never knew a battle between Beyonders could be so dangerous."
Julius blinked, calculating the timeline. The mission Klein mentioned should have been about Ray Bieber, right? The Antigonus family's notebook…
Poor guy, this is just the beginning of his suffering.
Setting that thought aside, Julius said, "Though I'm not entirely sure, I think the Witch is targeting me—or rather, the Life School of Thought behind me."
Klein frowned. "But you're not from the Life School of Thought, so why—"
Mid-sentence, he stopped, realizing the answer.
Of course. Julius Astorio's potion was directly granted by an evil god. The Witch must have made a miscalculation.
*What rotten luck. She couldn't find the right target and just happened to pick this guy…*
Shaking his head regretfully, Klein said, "Anyway, I've already reported the intelligence to Captain Dunn. Whether or how they decide to arrest her isn't up to me, a civilian employee."
He looked at Julius seriously. "After yesterday's events, I realized that my Sequence is more support-oriented. I have no abilities suited for direct combat. Do you have any suggestions?"
Julius raised two fingers. "Either you advance quickly, work hard to improve your Sequence, and unlock new abilities…
Or you use external objects."
He then asked, "Do you know about the existence of Beyonder items?"
Not only did Klein know about them—he had almost fallen into the hands of Sealed Artifact 2-409 just the day before!
He forced a bitter smile and nodded.
Julius continued, "You should look for Beyonder items with minimal side effects for self-defense."
Klein blinked. "I trained in shooting specifically."
Julius didn't hesitate. "Then get a pistol you can carry around."
So straightforward…
Klein looked hesitant. "But those kinds of Beyonder items are usually expensive, right?"
"It depends. Generally, they range from 100 to 500. Sometimes they can be much more expensive—that's normal." Julius's tone remained casual.
Hearing this, Klein's scalp tingled. Still, he clung to a last bit of hope. "Are you talking about Soli?"
Julius mercilessly crushed his illusion. "Gold pounds."
Gold pounds!
Klein felt his soul leaving his body.
Not long ago, a mere fifty gold pounds had been enough to lift his family out of financial hardship. Yet the cost of an Beyonder item…
No matter the world, money was still king.
Klein's eyes dulled with despair.
Sensing an opportunity, Julius smiled. "Don't be discouraged. Money? For a true Beyonder, it's nothing but worthless paper!"
Klein glared at him. "I'm sorry, but I desperately need that 'worthless paper' right now."
"I can lend it to you." Julius exuded generosity. "Just pay me interest."
Klein winced. *Other people took out loans to buy houses. He? He was taking out a loan to fight for his life!*
But considering his current situation, Klein took a deep breath and asked, "How much can you lend me?"
Julius casually flicked his fingers. "About 10,000 gold pounds in cash."
10,000?!
Klein's eyes practically glowed. Julius wasn't a man—he was a walking golden eagle!
"Don't be so starry-eyed. It's just 10,000 gold pounds—not even a fraction of what the high nobility possess." Julius patted his shoulder. "If you want a better life for yourself and your family, climb the ranks quickly. The higher the Sequence, the faster the money comes."
Poverty was suffocating.
Two hours later, they arrived at the docks in Tingen City.
Navigating through winding paths, they eventually reached the entrance of the 'Evil Dragon Bar.'
"There's a secret passage here that leads to the underground market," Klein explained to Julius. "My colleague, Mr. Neil, brought me here before."
"The Beyonder world does require guidance; otherwise, it's easy to run into trouble." Julius nodded, making no further comment.
Coincidentally, as he finished speaking, an elderly man with white hair and a beard stepped out of the 'Evil Dragon Bar.'
It was none other than Old Neil—the very colleague Klein had just mentioned.
Chapter 11:
"Klein, what a coincidence; I didn't expect to see you here." Seeing the familiar face, Old Neil offered a sincere smile.
Klein, respectful and appreciative of the leader of mysticism, returned the greeting with a smile.
Julius, on the other hand, blinked as if he had something to say but hesitated.
Old Neil's gaze shifted to Julius. "And this is?"
Klein cleared his throat and introduced him. "This gentleman is Mr. Astorio, from Backlund."
As he spoke, he subtly signaled Old Neil with a wink. Old Neil understood, tipping his hat in a polite but distant manner. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they went their separate ways.
Julius watched Old Neil's retreating figure before turning to Klein. "Don't say I didn't warn you, but your colleague is about to lose control."
Klein's smile froze. "Lose control?"
Now well aware of the dangers of losing control, Klein took a deep breath. "Let's discuss the purchase of Beyonder items another day. I need to return to the Nighthawks headquarters immediately and report this to Captain Dunn."
"I know you're in a hurry, but don't panic just yet." Julius patted Klein's shoulder in a reassuring manner.
Klein: ...
"Based on my judgment, your colleague can last at least a month. Losing control at Sequence 9 is like a gas explosion—destructive but manageable." Julius shrugged, as if dealing with such matters was trivial.
Hearing this, Klein exhaled in relief. As long as the situation could be contained...
Despite his false identities as "Lord of Sefirah Castle" and "favored by Mystery," he truly was "favored by Destiny." A Sequence 5 Beyonder was only one step away from sainthood. Surely, resolving Old Neil's problem wouldn't be impossible.
After this unexpected interlude, Klein and Julius finally entered the 'Evil Dragon Bar.'
Swain, the bar owner, momentarily studied Klein before recognition dawned. He recalled Klein's association with Old Neil but said nothing, returning to his business.
Lowering his voice, Klein murmured, "That guy is the former captain of the Punisher Squad—a Sequence 8 Folk of Rage."
"Grumpy old pigeon. Got it." Julius smirked.
Navigating through the bar's hidden passage, they arrived at the true underground exchange.
Just as they stepped in, a young man in linen overalls stumbled forward, mumbling incoherently.
Upon seeing Julius, his face contorted in horror. "No... monster!"
The next second, his eyeballs burst, and twin streams of blood trickled down his face.
Alarmed, Klein grabbed Julius and swiftly pulled him away before they attracted any further attention.
In a quiet corner, Julius casually smoothed his hair and chuckled. "Monster Sequence... Sometimes, too much inspiration is a curse. But that kid has potential. If he's lucky, he might still progress."
"Alright, let's find you a weapon. I have a strong feeling you'll get exactly what you need today." Julius's tone was confident.
Blinking, Klein pushed aside his thoughts and browsed the various stalls.
Despite its name, the underground exchange lacked high-quality goods. Under the watchful eyes of the official Churches, vendors dared not deal in truly dangerous items, instead peddling common spiritual materials and dubious amulets.
After a long and fruitless search, Klein sighed in disappointment. Julius, however, pointed toward a corner. "Ask that guy—the one with the scar on his face."
Klein followed his gaze and saw a one-armed man sitting cross-legged behind a small stall, a linen cloth spread before him, covered in what appeared to be scraps and junk.
Suspicion flickered in Klein's eyes.
Julius merely smiled. "This is the guidance of fate."
Resigned, Klein approached the man.
"Hello," he greeted softly.
Scarface glanced up. "Pick whatever you like. My prices are fair."
Klein scanned the items and struggled to suppress a grimace. *What the hell would he need these for?*
Clearing his throat, he said, "I'm looking for a reliable weapon."
Scarface's expression shifted to surprise.
He studied Klein before grinning ominously. "Boy, you're well-informed."
Before Klein could respond, Scarface leaned in slightly. "You want my gun? You've got guts."
*So it's real.* Klein's heart stirred.
Regaining his composure, Klein feigned indifference. "It's just business. You can take the deal or leave it."
Scarface's gaze flickered between Klein and the enigmatic Julius in the distance. Without further words, he asked, "How much money do you have? My old buddy isn't cheap."
"How much do you want?" Klein countered. He wasn't foolish enough to show his hand first.
After a pause, Scarface gave Klein an address. "This isn't the place for serious deals. If you really want it, meet me at the abandoned warehouse on Huaert Street in three hours."
Without another word, he shut his eyes, signaling the conversation was over.
Klein had no choice but to return to Julius and relay the situation.
Julius smirked. "A perfect chance to test yourself."
Then, his tone shifted. "Of course, if you don't want to waste money, there's always another way—kill him and take it. I'll be blunt: that guy isn't a good person. He has at least five lives on his hands but covers his tracks well enough that the Church never found proof."
Klein scowled. "How do you know all this?"
Julius's expression remained unchanged. "Because I just do."
Klein: ...
*If the information was accurate... this could be done.*
A small smirk played on Klein's lips, a glimmer of thought flickering in his eyes.