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Chapter 12:
**Three Hours Later**
**Huaierte Street, Abandoned Warehouse**
Scarface and several of his accomplices arrived early at the meeting location. As boredom crept in, he nearly dozed off—until Klein finally appeared.
However, the person accompanying him was not Julius but someone else.
Scarface scrutinized the stranger beside Klein, finding no apparent threat. He pulled up his coat, revealing a black iron-colored revolver at his belt. "I brought the goods. Do you have the money?"
Klein nodded. "Of course."
He pulled out a bulging wallet from his pocket.
Scarface froze for a moment before breaking into a sinister grin. "Boy, are you kidding me? You think an Beyonder item at Sequence 8—an item meant for direct combat—can be bought with pocket change?"
"Don't get worked up; the price is negotiable," Klein said, smiling. "Business requires both sides to show some goodwill, don't you think?"
Scarface laughed. "Hahaha!"
In a flash, he drew his pistol and injected spiritual energy. The black iron-colored revolver turned bright silver, crackling with electric currents.
This was *Thunder*, an Beyonder item from the Tyrant Pathwayway, forged from the characteristics of a *Folk of Rage*. It could fire six charged bullets, each with a probability of inducing paralysis.
Of course, such simple, brutal, and easy-to-use equipment came with a downside: misfortune. Among its many curses, sudden lightning strikes were the most common.
Scarface had lost his hand in such an accident.
"Sir, please calm down. We're just here for a trade. We have no intention of resorting to violence," Klein said, backing away.
However, Scarface and his men, now emboldened, advanced menacingly.
At that moment, Leonard spoke in a deep voice. "Do you realize you've violated the kingdom's laws and the Goddess' canon?"
Scarface sneered. "An official Beyonder?"
Leonard nodded. "A believer in the Goddess."
Scarface scoffed. "Tsk. So what if you're with the officials? Two official Extraordinaries have already died at my hands. I'm not done yet, and you're about to be the third!"
Just as he finished speaking, his body went numb. An uncanny sensation took over—his mind remained alert, yet he had no control over his body.
It was as if he had fallen into… a dream.
"Captain, this guy spilled everything," Leonard called out.
From the shadows, a man in a long uniform and a top hat with slightly receding hair stepped forward. He surveyed Scarface and his trembling accomplices, then turned to Klein and Leonard with a smile. "I'll make sure your contributions are properly reported."
This was *The World of Dreams*.
And its master—Dunn Smith, the *Nightmare*.
Klein and Leonard were pleased. Capturing a wanted criminal was not just a personal accomplishment but a service to society.
A few more words were exchanged. The dream dissolved.
Back in reality, Scarface and his ordinary lackeys were successfully arrested. The Church classified him as a Criminal Path Sequence 9. Klein and Leonard added another achievement to their records.
*A perfect ending.*
*So satisfying.*
*Well… at least for some.*
---
**Hotel Suite**
Julius sat on the couch, frowning as he smiled at Klein. "Reporting to the Church of Evernight? Are you sure you're still a true believer in Mysticism?"
Klein felt guilty but refused to back down. "It's called strategy."
Just earlier, he had submitted a formal request to Dunn Smith, seeking an Beyonder item with fewer side effects for self-defense. Dunn had not given a definite answer but hinted that *Thunder* might be loaned to him.
After all, Klein had earned it.
His achievements in the operation against Ray Bieber and the capture of Scarface were undeniable.
And in the name of the Goddess, the Church of Evernight never mistreated its own.
Klein made the Sign of the crimson moon on his chest and solemnly intoned, "Praise the Goddess."
Julius: …
*I, Julius, have nothing to say.*
*But did you think this was over?*
Julius smirked. "Don't worry. You'll borrow money from me sooner or later."
Then, as if remembering something, Klein removed the citrine pendulum from his wrist and muttered softly, "I will not borrow money from Julius Astorio. I will not borrow money from Julius Astorio…"
Moments later, the pendulum began to spin wildly in a clockwise direction, almost slipping from his grasp.
The result was clear: not only would he borrow, but he would borrow *a lot*—far more than he imagined.
Klein's face darkened.
Yet, a realization dawned upon him, reinforcing a key principle of acting:
*I will respect fate, but I cannot rely entirely on divination. Divination is not omnipotent.*
---
Klein grabbed his coat and took the initiative to say goodbye. At the door, he ran into Leonard, who had come to take over.
"Anything unusual?" Leonard asked.
He was aware of the identity of the person inside. The old man had hinted at the meaning behind "Starry Sky Visitor."
Klein looked at Leonard, paused for a moment, then shook his head. "Nothing."
Then, as if suddenly recalling something, he asked, "Leonard, you seem like someone who knows where to shop. Any recommendations for accessories suitable for a young lady attending a dinner party?"
After a brief pause, Klein thought about his wallet and quickly added, "Something budget-friendly."
Originally, he had planned to craft amulets for Melissa and Benson using his newfound occult knowledge, but circumstances had prevented him. With Selena's birthday dinner approaching, he had no choice but to buy a small gift for his sister instead.
"A dinner party?" Leonard glanced at the sky and suggested, "It's not too late. You might find something at the department store."
"Department store? Alright, got it." Klein nodded.
---
**Meanwhile, at the Moretti Household**
"I'm so glad you're coming with us! Trissy, Selena, and the others will be thrilled," Melissa said, holding the hand of the young woman beside her with excitement.
Not far away, Benson observed the round-faced girl. His face, usually composed, flushed slightly.
A rare reaction from an upright and kind-hearted man.
As if… There was something magical about her presence—something that irresistibly drew attention.
Trissy, who had smoothly integrated into Melissa's circle through a 'small accident,' covered her mouth and chuckled. "Oh, Melissa, don't say that. It's my honor to attend."
Chapter 13:
With the 50 gold pounds, the Moretti family's life improved significantly.
At the very least, the two brothers no longer needed to scrimp on formal attire.
When Klein returned to their small, old home, he found it impeccably clean and warm. Benson and Melissa had already changed into formal clothes, sitting on their second-hand sofa, engrossed in newspapers and mechanical books.
Seeing this, a genuine smile emerged from the depths of Klein's heart. Only in these moments did he feel a sense of warmth and belonging in this cold and dangerous world…
"I hope I didn't come back too late," Klein said, placing an exquisite gift box on the coffee table.
Melissa looked up. "Klein, what did you buy?"
Then, as if realizing something, she frowned slightly. "I need to remind you, although we no longer have to count every penny, extravagance and waste are never good habits."
Benson nodded in agreement.
Klein tWitched the corner of his mouth. "Melissa, you're becoming more and more like our mother."
The saying "children of the poor grow up fast" was no exaggeration.
Seeing Melissa hesitate, Klein smiled, opened the box, and took out a sterling silver necklace inlaid with garnets.
"Don't worry, I'm not wasting money. I just think my sister should have some jewelry to match her clothes occasionally."
As expected, girls had little resistance to beautiful, shiny things. Even someone as practical as Melissa couldn't hide the admiration in her eyes.
Benson, noticing her reaction, smiled and said, "Klein is right."
Melissa, still captivated by the necklace, mumbled, "It's still a waste… We should plan reasonably…"
Klein waved his hand dismissively. "Relax. My part-time job is quite profitable. Recently, I landed a big gig. The employer is… ahem, let's just say he's a wealthy businessman from Backlund. He paid me a hefty consultation fee."
The image of Julius Astorio's smug face surfaced in his mind, making him feel like he'd been conned somehow. Nonetheless, he maintained the white lie for his family's peace of mind.
Melissa and Benson, aware of Klein's part-time job, were surprised at the mention of a "wealthy Backlund employer."
Klein didn't want to elaborate, so he took out a silver pocket watch from the box and handed it to Benson. "It'll be useful when a lady at the banquet asks you for the time."
Benson raised an eyebrow. "I'm involved too?"
Klein nodded solemnly. "What I mean to say is—you're at the age to get married."
Benson ran a hand over his slightly receding hairline and let out a bitter chuckle. However, he accepted the gift without protest, feeling a deep sense of happiness.
The younger brother he once protected had grown up.
To put it simply, the purpose of making money was to ensure a good life for himself and his family.
Just then, the sound of footsteps came from the direction of the bathroom. Immersed in the familial warmth, Klein was slightly startled. "Do we have guests?"
Melissa, still admiring the necklace, looked up absentmindedly. "Oh, I forgot to tell you. A friend I recently made will be attending Selena's birthday party with us."
"Friend?" Klein's temples throbbed.
His spirituality issued a warning. He instinctively sensed that Melissa's "friend" was no ordinary person.
With light, brisk steps, a round-faced, beautiful young woman entered his sight.
The moment Klein saw her, his hair stood on end.
*Demon… Witch!*
"Melissa, is this the Klein you mentioned?" Trissy asked shyly, as if meeting him for the first time. "Hello, I'm Trissy, the daughter of a watchmaker from East Street. We just moved here."
"Hello…" Klein replied smoothly, concealing his turmoil with impeccable acting.
Melissa glanced between Trissy and Klein, her expression growing more certain. She smirked and said teasingly, "Trissy, don't be fooled by Klein's aloof demeanor. He's actually very considerate and knows how to take care of girls."
As she spoke, she deliberately flaunted the garnet necklace. "Look, this is the gift he just gave me."
It wasn't a childish display of vanity, but rather an attempt to establish Klein's image as a good man.
Trissy, eager to get closer to Klein, played along seamlessly.
Little did Melissa know, Klein was internally screaming. *Sister, what are you doing?! That's a Sequence 7 Beyonder!*
*"I need to stay calm,"* Klein exhaled quietly, forcing himself to analyze the situation rationally.
Right now, his only option was to stabilize this Witch. Then… report her to the Church of Evernight?
No.
Even Captain Dunn Smith, the highest-ranked Nighthawk in Tingen, was only on par with this Witch. Engaging her was too risky.
That left only one choice—Julius Astorio.
His hand instinctively slipped into his pocket, where a "mobile phone" rested.
Unbeknownst to Trissy, Klein had already seen through her.
She had noticed Klein back at the café. After failing to make contact with Julius Astorio, she turned her sights on the "honest and straightforward" young man before her.
As an assassin, she needed to approach her target subtly, find their weakness, and strike when the time was right.
Trissy was already devising another "fated encounter" in her mind.
---
Four people sat comfortably in the public carriage.
Soon, they arrived at Selena's birthday party.
As he disembarked, Klein clutched his chest and said to Melissa and Benson, "I feel a little motion sick."
Melissa looked at him with concern. "Are you okay?"
"Just need some fresh air. You two go ahead; I'll be there shortly."
Melissa and Benson exchanged a glance but didn't press further. After some brief instructions, they entered Selena's house.
Halfway through, Benson seemed to recall something, but before he could speak, Melissa cut him off with a knowing smile.
"Benson, Klein's not a child anymore," she said in a motherly tone.
Benson followed her gaze back to Klein and Trissy.
*Hmm. They did look quite compatible.*
Meanwhile, Trissy, who had lingered outside, feigned concern. "I'm really sorry. If I hadn't insisted on riding together, you wouldn't have felt unwell. It's my fault."
She spoke deliberately, but it didn't matter—she was confident in her irresistible charm.
Klein, however, felt chills. The orchestrator of a past tragedy was now standing before him, acting all gentle and considerate.
"I'm fine…" Klein forced a smile. "Thank you for your concern, Miss Trissy. You should head in first. I'll catch up soon."
Trissy hadn't expected Klein to reject her. A trace of surprise flickered in her eyes.
Still, she wasn't in a rush. Flashing a polite smile, she turned and walked inside, leaving behind an alluring silhouette.
The moment she was gone, Klein's expression darkened.
He bolted to a secluded corner, pulled out his phone, and dialed the only number saved.
"Help, help! I'm being targeted by a Witch!"
Chapter 14:
Although Selena's house was also a row house, it stood in stark contrast to the Moretti residence.
A porch and a well-maintained lawn gave it an air of elegance, making it appear far more refined.
Klein and his party had barely arrived when they met the evening's protagonist—Selena Wood, a young girl with vibrant red hair, exuding enthusiasm and generosity.
The girls gathered together like a flock of chirping sparrows, exchanging compliments.
"Your dress looks amazing!"
"And your necklace! Simply stunning."
Their conversation revolved around frivolous topics, trivial yet essential in their social circles.
Meanwhile, the men had their own discussions.
Selena's father, Mr. Wood, a senior employee at the Tingen branch of Backlund Bank, moved among the guests, wine glass in hand. Upon spotting Klein and Benson, he approached with a warm smile.
"Welcome, my reliable brother," he greeted Benson before nodding toward Klein. "And of course, you are also welcome, young historian."
While Mr. Wood engaged in polite conversation with the Moretti brothers, the girls' attention inevitably shifted toward them.
"Melissa, your brothers are more handsome than I imagined."
"I'm so jealous. Your brother even gives you gifts. Mine only finds excuses to borrow money for cigarettes and alcohol."
"Tell me about it! My brother never sits still for a moment. He constantly disrupts my reading..."
At that moment, Klein, having concluded his greetings, strolled over with a wine glass in hand.
The whispering girls immediately straightened up, slipping into the poised demeanor expected of young ladies in high society.
Klein smiled. "Miss Selena, you are the shining star of the evening... Of course, all the ladies here are equally dazzling."
His words, smooth and charming, lifted the mood of the group.
Melissa's eyes gleamed with admiration. Her brother felt... different.
After the pleasantries, it was time to get down to business.
Without sparing a glance at Trissy, Klein turned to Selena. "Miss Selena, I have a friend from Backlund who happens to be in Tingen. He is a young and promising writer."
He lowered his voice slightly, as if sharing an exclusive secret. "Upon hearing that today is your birthday, he insisted on coming to personally extend his blessings to a lovely young lady. By the way, I just mentioned this to Mr. Wood."
Selena blinked in surprise. *A friend from Backlund? Here to personally celebrate her birthday?*
In the envious gaze of her friends, she barely suppressed her excitement and responded with reserved grace. "Of course, he is most welcome."
For a small-town girl, a connection to the capital was nothing short of a dream.
Among the crowd, Trissy felt a ripple of interest.
*A writer from Backlund.*
*Could it be... Julius Astorio?*
*As expected. Getting close to Klein Moretti had been the right decision.*
*No, this was an opportunity!*
---
Roughly fifteen minutes later, a young gentleman arrived at the Wood residence.
Dressed in a crisp suit and vest, he carried a gold-embedded cane, a top hat resting perfectly atop his head.
Klein, spotting him from across the room, finally felt a wave of relief. With subtle glances exchanged, he stepped forward to greet him, shaking his hand firmly.
"Julius, you're here."
Julius, having received the distress call, responded with an easy smile. "I hope my arrival isn't an inconvenience to our gracious host."
Klein tWitched his lips.
*You really know how to put on a show.*
Still, he swiftly pushed aside those thoughts—after all, this was his strongest ally right now.
"Let me introduce you to Mr. Wood," he said, seamlessly transitioning into formalities.
Polite greetings followed, as was customary for such occasions.
Though the young ladies remained composed, their eyes betrayed them—each one sparkling with fascination.
"So tall!"
"So handsome."
"Melissa, your brother actually knows someone like this?"
"Oh my God, I think he just smiled at me!"
In terms of status, height, and looks, Julius was a cut above the rest. His meticulously tailored suit and expensive cane only added to the allure.
Melissa's face was slightly flushed.
No girl was immune to the charm of a 'wealthy young man from the capital.'
Still, reason prevailed. Shaking her head, she muttered, "I have no idea what's going on."
Meanwhile, Klein and Julius approached their intended target.
Julius removed his hat, revealing neatly groomed black hair. "Miss Selena, it's a pleasure to meet you. I wish you a happy birthday and eternal youth."
Selena's face turned as red as her hair. She was momentarily stunned into silence.
Julius, unfazed, retrieved a small gift box from his pocket. "It's a last-minute gift. I didn't have much time to prepare, but I hope you'll accept it."
Klein, watching from the side, was dumbfounded.
*Good grief, you really know how to work a room. But come on, picking up girls isn't the priority here! The real issue is that Witch over there, smiling like it's all just a coincidence!*
At that moment, Julius turned slightly and feigned surprise. "Miss Trissy? Haha, what a small world."
Trissy's heart skipped a beat. "I didn't expect to meet Mr. Julius here," she said softly. "I'm truly sorry for disturbing you last time."
From the sidelines, Klein blinked.
*These two… One pretends to be an elegant gentleman, the other a bashful young lady.*
*It seems I still have a long way to go when it comes to deception.*
Chapter 15:
Hearing that Trissy had a connection with a young gentleman from Backlund, the girls couldn't help but turn their attention to her.
Trissy smiled slightly and said, "Mr. Julius is a travel writer. His novels are very famous. The 'JoJo's Bizarre Adventure' series is his masterpiece."
The girls let out an 'oh,' their eyes lighting up with newfound interest.
Melissa quietly pulled Klein aside and asked, "Klein, tell me the truth, is this gentleman the 'rich man' you once mentioned?"
Klein tWitched his lips. "As you might have guessed, Julius is here to collect information for an alternate history novel. I'm serving as his consultant."
Melissa blinked. "No wonder."
*No wonder? Sister, please don't fall into this trap.*
*Though I admit that guy's qualifications are quite impressive, he is essentially a favored one of an evil god…*
*In short, I don't approve of this marriage!*
With that thought, Klein's eyes sharpened. "Melissa, Benson just told me he wants to talk to you about something."
Melissa glanced at her elder brother, who was happily chatting with others. She frowned slightly and asked, "Klein, are you sure?"
Perhaps due to spending so much time with Julius, Klein had also mastered some of the essence of acting. He touched his nose and said helplessly, "You know Benson's temperament. I think he was a little concerned about what I mentioned earlier...
Look, there are so many young ladies here."
Melissa's heart stirred, and she hesitated. "You mean Benson wants me to introduce him to someone, but he's too embarrassed to ask?"
Klein nodded quickly. "Exactly."
After receiving his confirmation, Melissa's enthusiasm surged. *My introverted Onii-chan, leave your lifelong affairs to me!*
Lifting the hem of her skirt, Melissa hurried towards Benson in a very unladylike manner.
Klein finally exhaled in relief.
He turned around only to see that Julius had already 'mingled' effortlessly with the group of girls.
Noticing Klein's gaze, Julius gave a slight bow, made an excuse, and quietly slipped away.
Klein was puzzled but chose not to comment.
Once they reached a secluded corner, Klein voiced his confusion. "Why didn't you do something just now?"
Julius glanced at Klein and, in a teaching tone, said, "Remember, the core principle of your potion path is 'gou'—don't just think about fighting and killing."
He then elaborated, "There are too many ordinary people here. Do you want to see corpses everywhere?"
Klein was momentarily speechless.
Julius offered him a reassuring look. "Don't worry. From my perspective, the Witch approached your family to get close to you, and the reason for getting close to you is to get close to me."
A meaningful smile played on his lips as he continued, "I have done good deeds all my life, making sure to report them everywhere I go. I worried that the official Churches might cause trouble for me, yet somehow, I still ended up being targeted by assassins.
What do they want? Kidnap me and force me to reveal a monster potion formula?
Or use me as a stepping stone to infiltrate the Life School? Ha, how amusing."
Klein asked, "Do you need me to do anything?"
Julius pondered for a moment before replying, "You should be responsible for contacting the Church of the Evernight. After the banquet ends, go and deliver a message to Dunn Smith."
*So now I'm just a glorified messenger?* Klein's eye tWitched.
But he knew that as a mere Sequence 9, his contributions were limited.
Glancing at Melissa and Benson, who seemed deep in discussion, he took a deep breath.
*I must advance in Sequence.*
*Only then can I truly protect my family.*
Chapter 16:
Time passed little by little, and soon, it was late at night.
Klein had assumed that the birthday party would end peacefully with Julius's arrival. However, just as he was savoring the honey barbecue, his spirituality suddenly issued a warning!
"The Witch took action!?" Klein's eyes widened as he instinctively searched for Julius.
But in an instant, his intuition told him something was wrong.
That eerie black and green aura did not belong to the Witch.
"Did you notice it too?" A calm voice came from beside him. "Your perception is very keen. You deserve praise."
Julius had quietly appeared next to Klein, his gaze directed upward.
"No need to search. The problem is upstairs."
Klein's lips tightened. *Upstairs? That was where Melissa and the girls were having their private tea party!*
---
On the second floor, inside a dimly lit room, Trissy maintained a stiff smile, but her eyes flickered toward Selena Wood.
Half an hour ago, the lively conversation about love and marriage had taken a strange turn. The girls had begun discussing occultism and eerie rumors.
And then Selena Wood had proposed something thrilling:
They should try *Magic Mirror Divination.*
The game involved using a mirror to seek answers from unknown entities through a reversed channeling ritual.
Trissy had dismissed it at first.
*A group of ignorant girls dabbling in the supernatural? The ritual was bound to fail.*
But to her horror, Selena was not an ordinary person. This foolish woman had unknowingly uttered fragmented phrases in Ancient Hermes, successfully communicating with something unknown.
As a cultist herself, Trissy understood the gravity of such an act.
Everyone in the room—including herself—was in mortal danger.
Or worse. They might become indescribable monsters.
At that moment, a knock echoed through the room.
The ritual was interrupted.
A familiar voice came from outside. "Melissa, it's me. This is Klein. Are you in there?"
Melissa, who had found the whole thing ridiculous, sighed in relief and excused herself to answer the door.
Outside, Klein stood with a complicated expression.
"What's wrong?" Melissa asked, confused.
Klein forced a calm demeanor. "Nothing. You all seemed to be having fun, so I got curious about what you were doing."
"Oh, just a mirror game that's popular right now." Melissa looked relaxed, oblivious to the danger.
That was all Klein needed to hear.
"It's getting late," he said. "How about we head home?"
Melissa hesitated. "Klein, don't worry. I'm not a child. Besides, it would be rude to leave so suddenly."
Klein clenched his fist but let out a breath.
He had considered dragging her away by force. But doing so might alert the entity that had been channeled, triggering something even worse.
Watching Melissa return to the room, Klein sighed and turned to leave. But suddenly, a trembling hand grabbed his sleeve.
"Wait!" Elizabeth's voice was panicked. "Don't leave me."
Unlike Selena, Elizabeth wasn't just a casual occult enthusiast. She had dabbled in true supernatural circles.
She knew Klein was the same.
After all, they had seen each other before at the Beyonder Exchange in the 'Evil Dragon Bar.'
Klein's eyes narrowed. "Did you notice something?"
Elizabeth swallowed. "I wasn't sure at first... But then I saw it—"
She shuddered. "Selena's reflection smiled at me. And I realized something was wrong."
Klein remained calm and pressed for details. "Tell me everything about the 'prayer' used in the ritual. The more specific, the better."
Elizabeth tried to recall. "I've forgotten most of it, but I remember the Ancient Hermes words for 'affiliate,' 'wandering,' 'heroic spirit,' 'shadow,' and... 'creator.'"
Klein: ...
Everything made sense now. No wonder the aura felt so obscure and ominous.
Dear lord. They had called upon the True Creator.
Klein felt both furious and exasperated.
Of course, he knew that an incomplete ritual wouldn't directly summon the True Creator himself. But even a partial manifestation of His power was enough to turn the entire neighborhood into a twisted hellscape.
Taking a deep breath, he turned to Elizabeth. "Go back and keep Selena and the girls calm. I'll handle the rest."
---
*Handle it?*
*No. Find a higher power to handle it.*
Klein wasted no time. He rushed to a storage room on the second floor, where Julius had already been waiting.
Julius raised an eyebrow. "You heard, didn't you?"
"True Creator..." Klein exhaled. "How bad is it?"
Julius smacked his lips. "Bad. But not too bad."
Then, his tone shifted. "But let's be clear—this problem isn't mine. I won't charge you for saving you from the Witch before, but this one? You know my fees are quite expensive."
Klein tWitched. "We can talk about that later! My sister is in danger!"
Seeing Klein's urgency, Julius shrugged and retrieved several items out of thin air.
Klein didn't even ask.
In front of him, Julius Astorio began arranging platinum, diamonds, and gold in a precise formation. Then, he took a bowl of water and dropped a stone into it, creating an infinite ripple effect.
Finally, he recited.
*"Destiny, Dominion, Fraud."*
*"You are the ruler of time and space."*
*"You are the controller of all life's destiny."*
*"You are the master of reincarnation and restart."*
As Klein held his breath, a hazy mist filled the storage room.
Julius muttered:
*"I pray for the power of time and space."*
*"I pray for the power to change fate."*
*"I pray for your gaze upon Selena Wood, to free her from the chains of misfortune."*
He invoked the names of the materials:
*"Platinum, symbol of perseverance—grant me your power."*
*"Diamond, symbol of resilience—grant me your power."*
*"Gold, symbol of vitality—grant me your power."*
Klein felt it. Julius's aura soared, surpassing human limits.
And then all the black energy surged toward them.
Klein panicked. "Julius!"
Julius's eyes snapped open. Within them, Klein saw Möbius strips and ticking clock hands.
Then the darkness vanished.
Chapter 17:
"Alright, problem solved." Julius smiled as he wiped his hands clean and began gathering the platinum, gold, diamonds, and other ritual items. These materials had now transformed into Beyonder objects.
Beside him, Klein cautiously pinched the ball of black mucus. After a moment of hesitation, he stuffed it into his trouser pocket.
Julius, noticing this, couldn't help but remind him, "Even though the remnants of the True Creator's aura have no direct side effects, they instinctively influence the surrounding environment. Leaving it exposed like that could be disastrous."
"I don't have a suitable container," Klein admitted helplessly. He sighed. "When I get back, I'll pray to the Goddess and enchant something appropriate—"
Before he could finish, Julius tossed him a small, palm-sized stainless steel box. "A gift."
Klein, never one to refuse free things, took it without hesitation. But something occurred to him, and he hesitantly asked, "Just now, you mentioned an 'appearance fee'?"
"Oh, that's easy to settle." Julius's lips curled into a smile. "That'll be 2,000 gold pounds."
Staring into those dark eyes, Klein suppressed the urge to retort, 'Do I look like I have 2,000 gold pounds?' But given his current insignificant strength, he wisely kept the words to himself.
TWitching his lips, he asked, "Isn't that... a bit excessive?"
"For resolving an Beyonder disaster involving a True God? 2,000 gold pounds is a friendly price." Julius showed no intention of relenting. "Feel free to ask around. You'll find my rates are quite reasonable."
Klein was speechless. After a long pause, he finally admitted, "I don't have that kind of money."
"I know you don't—right now." Julius was in an excellent mood. "But that doesn't mean you won't in the future. Besides, I accept installment payments."
He was very satisfied. After pretending to be a god for so long, he had finally become the creditor of the 'poor god.'
On the surface, this was simply an amusement. But in truth, it was an anchor—a safeguard for the future "Lord of Mysteries" to keep his humanity.
Julius smiled slightly, concealing his intentions.
Klein, on the other hand, looked thoroughly defeated. But after thinking it through, he came to a conclusion:
More debts wouldn't make a difference.
He'd just owe it for now.
---
The birthday dinner concluded without further incident. Both the host and guests were satisfied, blissfully unaware of the near-disaster that had unfolded in the shadows.
Watching Julius's retreating figure, Klein's emotions were complicated. No matter how he looked at it, without that man's intervention tonight, he had little chance of dealing with a spiritual evil linked to the True Creator.
His gaze met Melissa's. She pinched the hem of her skirt and whispered to herself, "What a charming gentleman..."
Klein's expression turned extremely serious.
*Damn. One step closer and things would spiral out of control!*
Julius Astorio was definitely not a suitable romantic interest.
Benson, rubbing his nose as if sensing Klein's thoughts, half agreed and half teased, "Backlund is a nice place, but it's far from here."
Hearing this, Melissa blushed and quickly retorted, "Benson, what are you talking about? I... I don't have that kind of intention!"
But then, as if remembering something, she added with a smirk, "It's you who should be worried. Fan Lite mentioned your name several times today. She said she likes mature men."
Not far away, Trissy observed the Moretti family with an unreadable expression.
After much thought, she decided to strengthen her connection with them. Compared to Julius Astorio, Klein Moretti was more approachable.
Of course, there was another reason.
That terrifying presence she had sensed earlier had been effortlessly erased by Julius Astorio.
She didn't need to ask. Among all the people present, only Julius Astorio had the strength to do such a thing.
The night deepened. The anxious Witch disappeared silently into the shadows.
---
Dawn arrived swiftly.
At Blackthorn Security Company, headquarters of Tingen City's Nighthawks—
"Klein, well done." After reviewing the surveillance report, Dunn Smith gave Klein an approving nod.
On the opposite side, Klein felt a twinge of guilt.
There were many things he couldn't include in the official report. In reality, his so-called 'surveillance report' resembled nothing more than a hastily written school diary.
Fortunately, Dunn didn't pry further. Instead, he smiled and said, "After these past few weeks of evaluation, I can confirm that you're fit for duty. As of today, you're an official member of Tingen City's Nighthawk branch."
Official employment!
Klein was overjoyed. The difference in salary between an intern and a full-fledged Nighthawk was significant.
But then, Dunn remembered something. "By the way, regarding Old Neil—I want to personally thank you. Without you, we would have lost a good mentor."
Klein blinked and asked with concern, "Captain, how is Old Neil? Is he alright?"
Dunn sighed. "Losing control is a serious issue for any Beyonder. Old Neil's Sequence isn't high, but... he's old."
He hesitated before admitting, "To be honest, I don't know if he can make it."
Klein's excitement faded instantly, replaced by unease.
Despite being under the Church of the Evernight, he knew Old Neil's chances weren't great. The Church might keep his condition stable, but expecting them to completely cure him? That was wishful thinking.
---
After leaving Dunn Smith's office, Klein checked his pocket watch.
A quarter past two.
There was still time to prepare.
Today was Monday.
The day of the Tarot Club.
Chapter 18:
**Backlund, Queens.**
With a slight smile, Audrey walked briskly toward her bedroom. Not far behind, a large golden retriever followed with a calm expression.
After taking two steps, Audrey stopped, looked at the big golden retriever, and sighed helplessly. "Susie, I've told you many times—an 'Spectator' wouldn't behave this way."
The golden retriever tilted her head. *"Woof?"*
Audrey pressed her forehead in exasperation but quickly thought of an idea. Perhaps she could ask the 'omnipotent' Mr. Destiny how to properly raise Beyonder pets.
"That's it!" Audrey clenched her fists, looking forward to the upcoming Tarot meeting.
---
**Sonia Sea, Somewhere in the Ocean.**
Alger entered the captain's cabin early. Holding a glass of almost transparent, colorless liquor, he drank it down in one go, steeling himself for what was to come.
"Come on." Feeling the heat spreading through his body, Alger gritted his teeth. "I'm ready."
---
**Above the Gray Fog, in the Majestic Palace.**
Klein, now in his Fool persona, sat comfortably at the head of the long bronze table.
Audrey greeted him with a smile and sincerely praised, "Congratulations! The ritual magic was a great success."
Alger followed closely, adding, "You're even more powerful than we imagined."
A few days ago, Klein had performed a ritual belonging to 'The Fool,' using Justice and The Hanged Man as experimenters. This was made possible by the occult books he had obtained from Julius.
Across the table, Julius Astorio seemed momentarily stiff. He lowered his head slightly, as if deep in thought.
Klein, of course, noticed this unusual reaction. "It seems he isn't familiar with ritual magic..."
Despite the odd atmosphere, the Tarot Club proceeded in an orderly manner.
As usual, Audrey and Alger transcribed the excerpts of Emperor Roselle's diary they had memorized.
Klein read attentively, gleaning secrets about the 'Blasphemy Slate,' 'Zaratul,' and the 'Church of the God of Steam and Machinery.'
Meanwhile, Audrey, having become more accustomed to the role of an 'Spectator,' observed the only two members of the Tarot Club aside from Mr. Fool.
*"Mr. Hanged Man's attire is distinctive. He should be a sailor or a captain. His blue hair is also quite eye-catching. Such features typically indicate mixed heritage... No, it could also be the influence of his potion. I shouldn't jump to conclusions."*
*"Mr. Destiny is impeccably dressed with an air of nobility. He must come from an Beyonder family. Perhaps a noble from the Kingdom of Loen? But I don't recognize him... Wait, maybe he's deliberately wearing Loen-style clothing but is actually from somewhere else."*
Finally, Klein finished reading and smiled. "You may begin your discussions."
Almost immediately, Audrey spoke up. "Gentlemen, do you know how to properly raise Beyonder pets?"
The room fell silent.
Audrey, a little embarrassed, quickly added, "I was just asking..." after all, Susie had consumed a potion.
Both Klein and Alger had complicated expressions.
A precious potion had been consumed—by a dog. And worse, the dog had actually succeeded in advancing. How was that fair?
Klein, in particular, felt deeply unsettled knowing that he now shared a Sequence level with a dog.
At that moment, Julius smiled and said, "Actually, raising an Beyonder pet is quite simple. Just treat it as an intelligent human being. If loyalty can be ensured, an Beyonder pet can be a powerful ally. However, it's best not to be overly ambitious about their advancement—keeping them at Sequence 8 or 7 is ideal. Anything higher becomes difficult to control."
*Sequence 8 or 7...* Alger, who had just been promoted to 'Navigator,' felt a bitter sting.
What he had struggled to achieve with great effort was, in Julius's eyes, merely the level of an Beyonder pet.
However, a surge of determination reignited within him. He turned to Julius and said, "Mr. Destiny, I've compiled the information on the God of Knowledge and Wisdom that you requested. How should I deliver it to you?"
Hearing this, Audrey also spoke up. "I... I've also gathered some legends."
Julius smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Hanged Man and Miss Justice. Once I review your findings, I will adjust the payment accordingly, depending on the value of the information."
Pausing for a moment, he added, "Just give the information to my messenger. I believe I provided you with the summoning method last time."
*Messenger?*
Audrey looked puzzled. *A postman for delivering letters?*
She decided that once the meeting ended, she would definitely test it out.
Meanwhile, Alger's suspicions were confirmed. *Mr. Destiny is definitely a mid-to-high Sequence powerhouse!*
The discussion continued.
While Audrey and Alger had completed their task of collecting information on the God of Knowledge and Wisdom, there were no leads on another matter—tracking the heirs of the True Creator.
However, when the topic of the True Creator arose, Alger said indifferently, "I heard that a 'Listener' from the Aurora Order is searching for traces of the True Creator's existence—the sanctuary they preach."
He added, "The Aurora Order members are all madmen, without exception. Even those who seem normal are simply better at hiding it. Whether male or female, distortion is their nature."
Julius said, "But you can't really blame them. After all, the True Creator Himself is insane."
*The True Creator is... insane?!*
Both Alger and Audrey felt their hearts race.
Julius merely gave a subtle nod toward Klein and said, "Praise fate. Praise you, the great 'Lord of Sefirah Castle.'"
Klein: "..."
*I don't know what misunderstanding led to this, but I have nothing to do with greatness.*
Alger and Audrey exchanged glances.
"Lord of Sefirah Castle..." *Is this another name for Mr. Fool?*
It made sense—after all, every True God had multiple titles.
*Danger is also an opportunity.* Alger reminded himself.
Julius seemed to notice something, nodded slightly, and then spoke in an almost casual tone. "Mr. Hanged Man, Miss Justice, I happened to acquire some Beyonder items. They are single-use, but they provide the power of Sequence 6. Are you interested?"
*Sequence 6?!* Audrey and Alger immediately held their breath.
Even if they could only be used once, these were items imbued with the power of Sequence 6!
Klein's eyes narrowed slightly. *Could it be...*
Julius waved his hand, and several objects materialized on the long bronze table.
"I have 'Time Platinum,' 'Tracing Diamond,' and 'Vitality Gold.' Take a look—perhaps one of them suits your needs."
Chapter 19:
*Platinum! Diamond! Gold!*
Earthly treasures become even more Beyonder when blessed with mystery.
Julius introduced the items with a smile. "These three one-time Beyonder items have no side effects. You can think of them as specially shaped charms."
**Time Platinum** – An Beyonder item of the Error Pathwayway. By using spirituality to activate its power, you can briefly steal time for three seconds within a twenty-meter radius.
**Tracing Diamond** – An Beyonder item of the Arbiter pathway. By activating its power with spirituality, it can restore a target to its original state. Of course, this has limitations. For objects, the highest level it can affect is Sequence 7. For people, the highest level is Sequence 8.
**Vitality Gold** – An Beyonder item of the Cultivator pathway. Once activated, it instills the purest vitality into the target, making it an invaluable self-preservation treasure."
He looked at Audrey and Alger with a knowing smile. "Are you interested?"
Audrey and Alger's eyes nearly sparkled.
Three Beyonder items, each functioning as a disposable charm, and all with such powerful effects—these could serve as a family's trump card!
Audrey took a deep breath, made up her mind, and said, "Mr. Destiny, your collection is breathtaking. How much do they cost?"
Alger remained silent, but his gaze was fixed on Julius, not daring to breathe too loudly.
"Sequence 6 Beyonder items typically cost between 4,000 and 8,000 gold pounds, depending on their effects and negative conSequences. These are one-time-use items, so their price is slightly lower. However, because their abilities are excellent, they have no side effects, and they are crafted from precious metals and gemstones...
Well, since we are all members of the same gathering, each item is priced at 4,000 gold pounds."
*4,000 gold pounds?* Audrey pondered for a moment before nodding. "That's quite reasonable."
Alger, however, felt a bitter pang in his heart.
Though he was the captain of a ghost ship, he served the Church of the Lord of Storms, and a large portion of his earnings from each voyage had to be dedicated to the Lord of Storms. He had little spare money to afford Mr. Destiny's Beyonder items—despite his deep temptation.
The one who felt the same way was Klein.
Though his face was hidden behind the gray fog, the Poor God within him had already shed invisible tears of envy.
With 4,000 gold pounds, you could buy a dozen properties in Tingen—fully furnished.
High-Sequence Beyonders truly had an easy time making money…
Unconsciously, Klein had found yet another reason to desire strength.
At this moment, the little rich woman, Audrey, spoke again. "Mr. Destiny, I am very interested in Vitality Gold. How should I transfer the payment?"
"Through a messenger, Miss Justice. You can give me an address, and I'll send the item through the messenger, who will then return with the payment," Julius replied with a smile.
Audrey felt a surge of excitement.
She was genuinely curious about anything new in the Beyonder world.
Opposite her, Alger hesitated to speak.
Julius, as if reading his thoughts, casually said, "Under the witness of Mr. Fool, I will never do anything to harm our party members in the real world."
After a pause, he added, "In a sense, our relationship is closer than family."
Alger: *Why don't I believe that?*
He wasn't a naïve novice like Audrey. He had spent years at sea and was well-acquainted with the deceptions of sailors.
*But… in the presence of a suspected true god, any lie would inevitably be seen through.*
*Which meant—was this really Mr. Destiny's true belief?*
Alger remained silent for a moment.
Audrey, on the other hand, had no such doubts. She was moved and said sincerely, "I believe you, Mr. Destiny."
Julius nodded, then turned his gaze toward Alger. "Mr. Hanged Man, if you don't have the funds for now, you can keep an account first… I believe Time Platinum and Vitality Gold are both highly suitable for someone who lives at sea."
Alger's attire hadn't changed, and with a bit of observation, it was obvious that he dressed like a sailor. Taking a deep breath, he smiled bitterly. "Mr. Destiny, I admit your offer is very tempting. But what's the deadline?"
"There is no deadline. You can pay whenever you're able. I also accept installment payments." Julius said. "Under the witness of Mr. Fool, I trust that no one here would break an agreement, correct?"
Alger responded quickly. "Of course."
After a brief silence, he finally succumbed to the allure of an interest-free loan and said, "In that case, I'll buy Time Platinum."
In truth, what he wanted most was Vitality Gold—a life-saving treasure. One could never have too many. But Miss Justice, who lacked financial concerns, had already claimed it, leaving him to settle for Time Platinum, which could turn the tide in critical moments.
Julius responded. "No problem. Time Platinum is yours."
Klein: Tracing Diamond could perfectly resolve Old Neil's problem of losing control. But… 4,000 gold pounds… I need to think about this.
Klein, full of ambition yet lacking in funds, was deeply troubled.
After the trading session, Julius led the discussion, touching on the Beyonder organizations active around the world.
Eventually, the Tarot Gathering came to a close.
Chapter 20:
**Backlund, Queens**
Audrey found her housekeeper and said, "Please spend 4,000 pounds from my pocket money. I have something I want."
Though surprised, the housekeeper nodded. "Understood, Miss Audrey."
Audrey smiled sweetly. "Thank you for your hard work, Ms. Vertelli. Also, please prepare a carriage. I wish to go out."
"As you wish, Miss Audrey." The housekeeper bowed and left the boudoir with calm, graceful steps.
Audrey giggled at the thought of the 'adventure' awaiting her. Suddenly, she turned her head and noticed a dog's nose peeking out from behind the curtain.
Audrey sighed. "I've told you many times, Susie, the Spectator is watching openly. What you're doing is voyeurism."
"Woof?" the large golden retriever barked.
Audrey facepalmed and sighed again.
A thought from Mr. Destiny crossed her mind. She waved and called her pet, "Susie, I know you're different now. Come with me, and experience another world."
"Woof!" Susie barked in response.
Audrey smiled as she petted the dog's head. "Good girl."
The pair went downstairs and took a carriage to the Hall Villa in the suburbs.
Inside the bedroom, Susie looked at Audrey with curious eyes, full of doubts.
Audrey smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. The time is almost here."
Susie tilted her head. "Woof?"
After a few minutes, strange, rippling fluctuations began to manifest in the room. Susie yelped and quickly hid behind Audrey.
Audrey, though uneasy, maintained a calm smile. Miss Silly Baitian was certain that Mr. Destiny would never harm her.
From the ripples emerged a transparent, stunningly beautiful insect that seemed to contain the stars themselves. If one were knowledgeable, they would recognize this as the mythical Star Insect, a product of the Apprentice Pathway!
"Is this Mr. Destiny's messenger?" Audrey blinked in wonder.
She was slightly concerned about how she would hand over her 4,000 pounds to it.
The Star Insect twisted in the air and, without explanation, dropped a gold nugget in front of Audrey.
Her eyes lit up. "This money..." she began.
Before she could finish, the stack of banknotes vanished into thin air.
The Star Insect tWitched, as though bidding farewell, then dove into the spirit world and disappeared completely.
"That's amazing..." Audrey whispered, her eyes sparkling.
She longed for the day when she would have her own messenger.
---
**Sonia Sea**
*Click.* A piece of platinum fell before Alger.
His quick reflexes allowed him to catch it with ease.
The Star Insect twisted, forming the shape of a '6.'
Alger recognized the mark from Roselle's diary and felt a wave of nervousness.
But nothing alarming occurred. After delivering its message, the insect disappeared in an instant.
Alger breathed a sigh of relief, double-checking that everything was in order.
He then looked at the white-gold nugget in his hand, which glowed with an unusual light, and fell into deep thought.
---
**Tingen City**
Klein washed his face and walked out of the bathroom, appearing nonchalant.
After some thought, he decided to meet Julius Astorio.
Upon arriving at their usual meeting spot, he found Julius quietly writing in a booth.
Julius looked up and made eye contact with Klein.
Klein approached and sat across from him. "Where's Leonard? He should be nearby, keeping an eye on you."
"He was running an errand for me," Julius replied. "By the way, your colleagues are far more useful than you."
"Tell me," Julius continued, changing the subject, "what do you need from me? Are you here to repay me?"
Klein grimaced. "I have no money."
A statement that had evolved from "I have no money..." to "I really have no money..."
Julius shrugged. "Okay, so?"
Klein leaned in and lowered his voice. "You have something that can restore people or things to their original state. I want to buy that."
Julius pulled out a shining diamond from his pocket. "Chenghui, 4,000 pounds."
He then added with a thoughtful expression, "For you, 3,920 pounds."
"Can I pay the debt first?" Klein asked.
Julius smiled. "Of course."
Klein was now in full ruin. Having already owed 2,000 pounds, another 4,000... well, 3,920, wasn't much different.
It felt eerily similar to the plight of college students trapped by online loans.
After receiving the diamond, Klein was certain this Sequence 6 Beyonder item was worth the price. If sold to someone else, it would likely fetch 5,000 pounds.
However, he knew Julius was selling it to him at a low price because of his position as the "Lord of Mysteries."
If Klein were to truly resell it, his favorability would undoubtedly plummet.
Julius then said, "By the way, has your out-of-control colleague returned to normal since last time? If not, I can't help him, but it'll cost you to get involved. For Sequence 9, I'll charge 300 pounds."
Klein, secretly elated by the diamond, froze.
After a long pause, he asked, "Um... is it too late to return it now?"
Julius shook his head. "Sorry, once the transaction is made, there are no refunds."
Klein: ...
---
**The night grew darker.**
Fors Wall set her book aside and sighed deeply. "Bloodlines, grudges separated by centuries... Mr. Julius is truly a talented writer."
She gazed up at the sky, a bitter smile tugging at her lips.
Tonight was the full moon.
And with it, she knew, came another round of nonsensical ramblings.
However, in recent months, the cryptic mutterings had begun to make more sense.
At first, she couldn't understand a word, but now she could pick out certain phrases, such as "starry sky," "travel," and "don't be dangerous."
With a heavy heart, Fors lay down on her soft bed and quickly drifted to sleep.
Half-conscious, she thought she saw countless distorted symbols superimposed on the doors and a figure whose face remained unclear.
The figure said, "Tingen!"
The thunderous sound jolted Fors awake.
"Tingen... Tingen?" she frowned. "Could the answer to the moonlit night lie in Tingen City?"
Taking a deep breath, Fors felt a stirring of realization.
She turned over and fell back into a restless sleep.
Chapter 21:
Before embarking on her mysterious journey, Fors had one more crucial task to complete:
She needed to get her friend, Xio Derecha, out of prison.
Through special connections, Fors had become acquainted with Viscount Glaint. It wasn't difficult—after a small demonstration of her Beyonder abilities, she easily won his favor.
---
**At 3 o'clock in the afternoon, at Viscount Glaint's luxurious villa:**
"Miss Fors, you're here." Viscount Glaint greeted her with a smile.
Seeing that there were no others around, he lowered his tone, "The matter you entrusted to me will likely be resolved today. All you need to do is impress the apple of the Hall family's eye, and everything will fall into place."
Fors blinked.
The youngest daughter of Earl Hall, Audrey Hall, was a lover of occultism, always on the lookout for supernatural phenomena...
"I think Miss Audrey will see my sincerity," Fors replied with a reserved smile.
Viscount Glaint smiled back, then, not wanting to waste too much time, led Fors directly to the large study room on the second floor.
He had to go downstairs to greet other guests, leaving Fors alone to wait for the Beyonder Miss Audrey.
While waiting, Fors noticed her work, Stormwind Mountain Villa, on a bookshelf. She couldn't help but nod, "Viscount Glaint has good taste."
The wait was tedious, and Fors considered lying down for a rest or taking out a cigarette. However, given she was in someone else's private domain, she suppressed the urge.
Just then, Viscount Glaint knocked on the door. "Miss Fors, Miss Audrey is here."
A moment later, an aristocratic lady with golden hair and blue eyes, dressed in an elegant gown, entered with slow, graceful steps. For some reason, Fors felt a bit flustered. But she quickly composed herself, deciding to remain calm.
"Hello, Miss Audrey. Your beauty surpasses even the rumors," Fors greeted softly, her tone slightly lazy.
"I'm honored, Miss Fors... I've often read your works; they still sit on my bedside table," Audrey chuckled.
Of course, Audrey didn't mention that she'd only managed to read the first few pages of *Stormwind Mountain Villa* before putting it down.
As they spoke, Audrey discreetly sized up Fors with her perceptive ability.
*Early 20s, about 1.65 meters tall. Beige skirt with ruffles, warm tones complement her well.*
*Fingers have yellowing—she's a smoker. Calluses on her fingers, signs of a writer.*
*There's an air of expectation in her eyes. She must want something.*
*Viscount Glaint likely knows this, which is why he introduced her to me.*
In an instant, a flurry of thoughts raced through Audrey's mind, but her face remained neutral as she smiled.
"I've heard, Miss Fors, that you're quite Beyonder yourself."
Fors said nothing but subtly used her Beyonder ability to pass through the locked door.
Audrey, impressed, thought, *Mr. Destiny once said that this path may not be powerful in combat, but it can always avoid danger using its own unique advantages.*
Her eyes gleamed as she praised, "What a fascinating ability."
Fors chuckled. "Miss Audrey, I know your time is valuable, so I'll be brief. A good friend of mine has been imprisoned and is awaiting her initial trial. If you help me rescue her, I can introduce you and Viscount Glaint to the circle of Beyonder people, and help you obtain the potion formula to become Beyonder."
Audrey paused, considering. "With all due respect, Miss Fors, your ability seems well-suited for rescuing people. However, I don't think that, as an Beyonder, you can simply ignore the law."
Fors shook her head with a bitter smile. "Although Beyonder individuals are rare, they aren't impossible to find. It's too risky to attempt a rescue like this."
Audrey, sensing a hint of cowardice in Fors's words, looked to Viscount Glaint, who nodded, confirming Fors's story.
"I see," Audrey said. "Now, tell me, what exactly happened to your friend?"
Fors's expression was slightly odd, but she answered truthfully, "Miss Audrey, please rest assured that my friend isn't a criminal. She's impulsive, yes, and once she gets carried away, she doesn't consider the conSequences. She's an arbiter who works in the gray areas of Backlund. When dealing with a certain villain, she... went too far."
Audrey shot a glance at Viscount Glaint, who confirmed Fors's words.
Feeling relieved, Audrey smiled. "I understand. If that's the case, I'm happy to help. I'm sure you and your friend will reunite soon."
Fors beamed. "Thank you, Miss Audrey. A kind heart always gets what it deserves."
The deal was struck, and everyone left satisfied.
Chapter 22:
It didn't take long to prove the truth of Audrey Hall's power—or rather, the power of Earl Hall's influence.
Just an hour later, Fors found herself standing in front of her slightly embarrassed friend, Xio Derecha, at her home.
Xio had once been considered a noblewoman, but after her family's fall from grace, she lost her noble title.
Refusing to submit to fate, Xio had come to Backlund alone from Eastchester County once she came of age.
Her father had been an Beyonder on the path of the Arbiter, and Xio, born with some of his abilities, used her unique talents to thrive as a bounty Hunter, eventually gaining fame as a respected Arbiter in some of the more morally gray regions.
However, even the most careful of us sometimes slip. During a recent dispute, Xio had resorted to excessive violence, landing herself in jail.
Fortunately for her, there was Fors—lazy yet loyal, someone who always valued their bond.
---
"Home sweet home," Xio said, brushing dust and grass clippings from her clothes as she stood at the door. She smiled at Fors, who had come to greet her. "Thank you, Fors."
Fors smiled, her voice calm. "No need for thanks. We're friends, after all."
She glanced at Xio, noting that her appearance hadn't changed at all since their last meeting. "Just be more careful in the future, alright?"
Xio grinned. "Of course, I'll be quicker next time. Wouldn't want to get caught again!"
Fors, slightly exasperated, gave a quiet sigh. "That's not exactly what I meant..."
She reached out to smooth out the frizzy, shoulder-length blonde hair of her friend, a gesture that would have seemed sisterly to any outsider.
Xio swatted her hand away with a playful huff. "Alright, alright. Enough of that."
Fors smiled, unbothered by her friend's antics. "To celebrate your freedom, how about a trip?"
Xio froze for a moment, a wary look creeping into her eyes as her hand instinctively hovered over the hilt of the knife at her waist. "Wait. You're suggesting a trip? Who are you, and what have you done to the real Fors?"
Three black lines formed on Fors's forehead. "It's just a suggestion. Don't make it sound so dramatic."
After a moment of suspicion, Xio finally relaxed, asking a few more questions only they would know the answers to, just to make sure it was really Fors standing before her. Once satisfied, she nodded and let down her guard.
They packed quickly, and Fors, uncharacteristically efficient, handled all of Xio's preparations. When Xio finished showering and drying her hair, Fors led the way to Backlund Train Station.
---
On the train, Xio eyed the ticket in confusion. "Tingen City? Why are we going there?"
Fors replied. "To experience the rich academic atmosphere of Tingen."
In truth, Fors had no idea why she was headed to Tingen. Something inside her simply urged her to go.
Xio narrowed her eyes, a flicker of doubt crossing her face. But, being a seasoned Arbiter, she knew when to trust her instincts.
Fors's calm demeanor reassured her, and Xio silently vowed to ensure her safety no matter what.
---
The journey to Tingen was long, but by evening, the two of them finally arrived.
Stepping off the train, Xio glanced around, unimpressed. "This town's even more 'desolate' than I imagined."
But Fors, unfazed, took in the atmosphere with a sense of ease. "It's like a city dweller visiting a rural town. There's a freedom here, a relaxed energy."
Xio looked at her, still skeptical. "So, where to now?"
Fors, as if just remembering, pulled out a travel guide for the Loen Kingdom from her bag and flipped to the Tingen page. "Let me take a look. I think we should..."
Before she could finish, Xio interrupted. "We should get a hotel first."
Fors paused, then grinned. "Right. Good idea."
With little hesitation, the two made their way to Tingen's best and most luxurious hotel. After paying a generous deposit, they secured a deluxe double room.
---
On their way up to their room, they encountered two young men coming down the stairs.
The men politely asked, "May we help you?"
Xio, ever the direct one, answered immediately. "No need."
Fors, ready to thank them, found her words cut off as one of the men blinked and asked, "Are you Miss Fors Wall?"
Fors blinked in surprise, but before she could respond, Xio stepped in front of her protectively. "Who are you? Why do you know her name?"
The first young man chuckled, trying to calm the situation. "Relax. I'm not here to cause trouble. I'm a fan of Miss Fors's works. I've read *Stormwind Mountain Villa* many times."
Fors, relieved but still slightly amused, smiled and replied, "Ah, I see. You're a fan. Well, I haven't properly introduced myself yet. Have you?"
The young man smiled broadly. "My name is Julius Astorio. It's a pleasure to meet you. I believe we're peers in some ways."
Fors's eyes widened slightly. "Wait... Julius Astorio? The author of *JoJo's Bizarre Adventure*?"
Julius nodded modestly. "No talent, just luck. Fate, it seems, has brought me here to meet you."
Fors couldn't help but smile at the coincidence, secretly pleased.
---
At that moment, Fors's thoughts were interrupted by a sharp headache that came out of nowhere.
She glanced at Julius, then at Xio, and back again.
Julius took a step forward, breaking the awkward tension. "Let's not linger in the hallway. Miss Fors, let me help you with your luggage."
A little hesitant at first, Fors decided to let him carry her suitcase. Xio, still wary, watched closely.
---
**In the suite on the second floor, the two women settled in.**
Coincidentally, Julius's room was right next to theirs.
Xio remained on edge. She couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right, but she didn't press it further.
After a few pleasantries, Julius asked, "It's getting late. Would you care to join me for dinner?"
Fors paused for a second before nodding with a smile. "It would be our honor."