6
Chapter 28:
Although he managed to enjoy a sumptuous dinner and saved at least five pounds on the meal, Klein still couldn't feel happy.
George III, the Evernight Goddess, the God of War, Emperor Roselle, Amon...
One name after another echoed in his mind.
He thought deeply.
But in the end, he dismissed each idea one by one.
Too weak...
Sequence 7 was still too weak.
"I had the same feeling when I was at Sequence 9 and Sequence 8." After leaving Astorio Manor, Klein looked up at the crimson moon and couldn't help but smile bitterly.
Under the dim moonlight, he examined the gold-gilded business card in his hand.
It belonged to Julius.
But that wasn't the important part. What mattered was the small line of text on the back—an introduction that allowed him to contact the youngest son of Baron Syndras, indirectly connecting him with the conservative nobles.
"No matter what, I need to understand the people I'm about to face in advance." Klein applied slight pressure to the card. "After all, the 'Magician' never fears difficult challenges, nor does he perform unprepared."
...
Plans are always disrupted by the unexpected.
Klein originally intended to expand his network through Derek Syndras and establish himself as the detective 'Sherlock Moriarty.' Unexpectedly, before he could take action, a shocking event swept through Backlund—
The leader of the Conservative Party, Duke Negan, was assassinated in the early morning!
In an instant, the Conservative Party fell into chaos, and even Baron Syndras and his two sons were too preoccupied to worry about anything else.
Under such circumstances, how could they have time to deal with a little-known detective like Sherlock Moriarty?
"Who could have done this? The New Loen Party, the Orthodox Church, or a secret organization?" Klein, frustrated by the dead-end, returned to the detective agency, frowning.
He keenly sensed that Duke Negan's assassination was likely connected to George III's imminent godhood.
Weakening the Conservative Party would intensify the power struggle within Loen, create conditions for political upheaval, and use war to redirect internal conflicts—shifting the focus toward Fusac.
Moreover, through certain channels, Klein learned that Duke Negan had been a loyal believer of the Church of the Lord of Storms. His death would undoubtedly escalate tensions between the Church of the Lord of Storms and the Loen aristocracy and royal family, leading to far-reaching conSequences.
"Maybe I should talk to Miss Justice..." The thought crossed Klein's mind.
But he quickly dismissed the idea.
After some contemplation, he picked up his coat and hat, assuming the identity of 'Sherlock Moriarty,' and made his way to the villa where Mr. A resided.
Mr. A happened to be home.
—Ever since the last meeting with Julius Astorio, the Aurora Order had been keeping a low profile. Every believer, from top to bottom, was remarkably well-behaved.
"Sherlock." Mr. A greeted him warmly. "I'm so glad to see you. Have you finished digesting the 'Listener' potion? I've prepared the 'Hermit' potion and the necessary Beyonder materials for you."
Hearing this, Klein was slightly startled.
It had only been a few days since 'Sherlock Moriarty' advanced to Sequence 8, yet Mr. A seemed unusually eager. Was he truly afraid of Klein losing control?
But on second thought, the method of playing the 'Listener' required constantly hearing the ravings of the "True Creator." The more one listened, the faster the potion was digested. Being able to remain outwardly composed meant that 'Sherlock Moriarty' had made smooth progress in digestion, without any immediate risk of losing control.
Klein nodded. "In a few days, I think I'll be ready to attempt an advancement to Sequence 7."
Extraordinaries of the 'Secrets Suppliant' pathway required more luck than those of the 'Monster' pathway. Those who didn't lose control were simply cubs favored by the 'True Creator.'
The Sequence 7 potion formula and Beyonder materials would be provided free of charge.
After all, the Black Iron Cross was perhaps the most potent and prestigious Beyonder item in his possession, second only to the Sefirah Castle.
"Very good." Mr. A smiled brightly.
Sherlock Moriarty wasn't just a pillar of the Aurora Order—he also had strong ties with another angel. If nurtured properly, he would prove to be an invaluable asset.
Thinking this, Mr. A spoke gently, "Sherlock, you came to me. Are you facing trouble?"
Klein sat down opposite Mr. A and replied honestly, "No, I just wanted to know—was Duke Negan's assassination this morning related to us?"
To prevent misunderstanding, he quickly added, "You see, I had planned to establish connections with the Conservative Party, but this incident disrupted everything. After considering it, only you, Mr. A, seem to have the strength to eliminate such an infidel so cleanly."
The excuse was weak, and the flattery was perfunctory.
But Mr. A didn't mind. He smiled and said, "Sherlock, there's no need for pretense between us. We are both servants of the Lord."
Crossing his legs, he continued, "To tell you the truth—we had nothing to do with this."
For the first time, the Aurora Order wouldn't be taking the blame!
Klein felt his heart skip a beat. "Then who did it?"
"I'm not certain. It could be the Witch Sect, the Twilight Hermits, the Loen Royal Family... any number of factions." Mr. A sneered. "Despicable heretics. Even their methods are laughable."
Klein nodded repeatedly, his expression appropriately respectful.
Mr. A observed 'Sherlock Moriarty' with satisfaction. After a moment of thought, he decided to reveal some key information: "The Loen Royal Family contacted me yesterday. Soon, a grand sacrifice will be held in Backlund, and those Witches will take action as well."
Sacrifice?
A godhood ceremony!
Klein instantly made the connection.
"I agreed to it," Mr. A said casually, gently twisting the ring on his index finger. "It aligns with our interests."
After a brief pause, he added, "Of course, there are deeper reasons, but I won't explain those to you."
Klein: ...
If you're not going to explain, why even mention it?
Riddlers must die!
"Thank you for clarifying my doubts." Taking a deep breath, Klein stood and respectfully saluted Mr. A.
Mr. A maintained his gentle tone. "There's still some time before the sacrifice—enough for you to advance to Sequence 7. When the time comes, I'll have important tasks for you, so don't slack off."
Klein's heart stirred slightly, and he quickly nodded in agreement.
...
After leaving the Aurora Order's station, Klein had a clearer understanding of the 'future.'
First, the joint sacrifice between the Loen royal family, the Aurora Order, and the Witch Sect.
Second, George III's godhood ceremony.
Finally, the imminent national and divine wars.
Like a grand drama, the events were intricately linked.
"So, what role will I play in all this?" Klein looked up at the sky.
Even though it was nearly noon, the sky above Backlund remained shrouded in thick fog.
Suddenly, he recalled Julius Astorio's words: "The fog has been getting thicker and thicker lately" and "Numbliss is the breeding ground of death."
If even an outsider like him had gradually grown accustomed to Backlund's haze, how much more so the residents who had lived here all their lives?
Could the 'sacrifice' be connected to this thick fog?
Beyonder individuals of the 'Seer' pathway often possessed sharp intuition. The moment this thought surfaced, Klein hurried back to his detective office, locked himself in the bathroom, walked four steps backward to the top of the gray fog, and used his citrine pendulum for divination.
The pendulum rotated clockwise, confirming Klein's suspicion.
Act One: The sacrifice was indeed tied to the intensifying smog.
Drawing upon "Roselle's Diary" and the 'popular science' lesson Julius Astorio had given him regarding the characteristics and advancement requirements of the 'Assassin' pathway, Klein couldn't suppress a shudder.
"Using the haze as a medium, the Witches will spread pain and despair to complete their advancement ceremony."
"The Aurora Order will take advantage of the despair to recruit followers and spread belief in the 'True Creator.'"
"The Loen royal family will use the crisis as justification for sweeping reforms, dismantling the last vestiges of Conservative Party power and paving the way for George III's godhood ceremony."
Although he was not of high Sequence, Klein was sharp enough to see the bigger picture.
With all the known conditions aligning perfectly, he truly grasped the intentions of all factions.
And he couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine.
"Believe in the power of the gods; don't believe in their kindness..."
Klein sat quietly in "The Fool's" chair, his expression dark and brooding.
A sense of powerlessness settled over him.
Like something was stuck in his chest.
Yes.
His thoughts did not belong to this era.
So even though the people of Backlund had nothing to do with him, knowing of the impending catastrophe left him feeling suffocated.
Those gods…
How indifferent they were!
He was Zhou Mingrui.
He was Klein Moretti.
He was the 'Fool' above the gray fog.
But, at the end of the day, he was still a "person."
A "person" with a clear sense of right and wrong, who knew what was good and what was evil.
At least for now, he still retained much of his humanity.
"I have to do something." Klein tapped his fingers lightly on the long bronze table.
He muttered to himself, his gaze turning resolute. "I have to do something!"
If he did nothing, he would be unhappy.
And therein lay the problem.
How to stir up trouble?
With the power of a Sequence 7?
As a 'Magician'?
No!
That was too insignificant.
If he was going to act, he had to make it count!
And the greatest card in his hand was undoubtedly 'that guy'!
His mind made up, Klein reached out spiritually to a certain crimson star.
Before long, a figure materialized in the armchair of the Wheel of Fortune.
"The great 'Lord of Sefirah Castle.'" Julius looked mildly surprised at being pulled into the gray mist but remained remarkably calm. "What do you need from me?"
"Mr. Destiny," Klein said with a smile, "I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you this time."
"Whatever you say, 'fate' has placed me by your side. It is my duty." Julius smiled. "So, what can I do for you?"
Klein pondered for a moment before speaking. "I don't want to see a new god born."
Julius fell silent.
After a long pause, he said quietly, "Every gift from 'Fate' comes with a price."
Mr. Ke, this job requires extra payment.
Of course, Klein understood the deeper implication behind Julius's words.
While Audrey and the others—and even the survivors of Silver City—believed Julius Astorio to be an angel serving "The Fool," in truth, he was merely a diplomatic envoy sent by the "Master of Destiny" to befriend the "Lord of Sefirah Castle."
"That's fair." Klein had anticipated this and nodded lightly.
No choice.
If you wanted something, you had to offer something in return.
And it wasn't like the "Master of Destiny" could come after him anytime soon.
Just put it on the tab.
"As you wish." With the deal struck, Julius gave a slight bow.
'Preventing a Sequence 1 from ascending in a game of multi-party intrigue'—if converted into gold pounds, even a million wouldn't be an excessive price.
Not to mention, there was still that 92% discount to factor in.
Mr. Astorio did some quick mental math. With this, Klein's debt had already climbed to 997,200 pounds.
At this rate, even if Klein ended up sacrificing himself to prevent the resurrection of the Celestial Worthy's will, Julius would have to leave a clone by his side to constantly remind him to repay his debts...
Of course, Klein had no idea what wicked schemes were brewing in Julius's mind.
He simply said solemnly, "This time, my favored one might be able to lend a hand."
Julius was momentarily taken aback before feigning sudden realization. "Oh, you taught that kind of writing to Klein? I see. That will indeed be helpful."
Klein: ...Meow?
I have no idea what's going on, but I'll just play along.
...
After a brief exchange, the two concluded their discussion.
Returning to reality, Klein waited.
Sure enough, by evening, he saw that all-too-handsome face once again.
"Klein, my friend, we have work to do."
Julius grinned, settling into the chair opposite Klein. He glanced around the detective office's décor and couldn't help but chuckle. "You didn't waste a single penny of the Aurora Order's funding. Not bad, very efficient."
Klein said nothing, silently pouring Julius a cup of coffee… cold.
Julius glanced at the cup with disdain and chose to leave it untouched on the table.
Then, he asked, "How familiar are you with Roselle's writing? Can you recognize it all? Read and write it?"
Klein answered truthfully, "I can manage."
"He really favors you as a chosen one," Julius mused, standing up. "To accomplish our goal, besides the two of us, we should find one more helper."
A helper?
Who?
Klein's first thought was the Church of the Evernight.
After all, he was a civil servant. Despite knowing the true nature of the Evernight Goddess, he still held some sentiment for the Church.
But Julius instead mentioned a name both unfamiliar and vaguely recognizable: "The Queen of Mysteries."
'Queen of Mysteries'?
Who was that?
Seeing Klein's confusion, Julius smiled. "Perhaps I should say, Bernadette Gustav."
Gustav...
Gustav!
Klein often read "Roselle's Diary." How could he not know that the emperor's name in this world was Roselle Gustav?
Bernadette must be Roselle's daughter!
"Since you know who she is, this will be much easier. After all, this involves the 'Black Emperor,' so she should be willing to contribute."
Julius patted Klein on the shoulder. "I'll leave it to you, then."
Klein forced a smile. "I'll do my best."
Chapter 28:
In a secret room filled with various occult instruments and books, Klein lowered his head and meditated silently within the smoke-filled magic circle.
"The Holy Spirit who pursues knowledge, the beacon of the mysterious world, the eyes that peer into destiny, the king above the sea, the holy Bernadette Gustave.
I, Klein Moretti, ask for your attention."
As soon as the words fell, a sudden breeze rose, dispersing the smoke of burning vanilla.
Julius, standing to the side, said, "Continue; she's already paying attention."
Hearing this, Klein took a deep breath and began to sing in Chinese a familiar children's song from his past life: "Sleep, sleep, my dear baby..."
Whoosh—
The wind intensified!
In the blink of an eye, a figure materialized before Klein.
"You!" The person's voice trembled with excitement. "You know that language!?"
Klein looked up.
Before him stood a tall, long-legged woman with waist-length hair, well-proportioned features, and a heroic air about her. She wore a vintage yellow cake dress, an old-fashioned black soft hat, and a fine gauze veil that concealed her face...
"Unique taste," Klein thought to himself.
Meeting her gaze, he nodded. "Yes, I do."
The 'Daughter of Emperor Roselle,' Bernadette Gustave, visibly trembled.
Yet, instead of pressing further, she scanned the surroundings.
Her gaze settled on Julius, and her brows furrowed slightly. "And who might you be?"
"Julius Astorio." Julius nodded. "An angel in service to Destiny."
Bernadette's confusion deepened.
The 'Monster' pathway lacked a Sequence 0; she knew that much.
So, who did this Sequence 1 before her truly serve?
Still, she wasn't overly concerned—this was merely a projection formed by her magic.
"Your Excellency Julius, I know of you," Bernadette said calmly. "I've read many of your works."
After a pause, she added, "I quite like them."
In fact, Bernadette had derived numerous new spells from those novels. They proved remarkably useful in both Beyonder battles and daily life.
"Ha, I'm honored." Julius chuckled.
At this moment, Klein seized the opportunity to interject, "Ms. Bernadette—"
Julius suddenly interrupted, "Call her sister."
Klein: ? ? ?
Bernadette: …
Seriously, do you know how many years apart we are?
'Ms.' was a carefully considered title!
If we're being accurate, I should be calling this lady 'Mrs. Mrs. Tachibana'!
"Sister Bernadette," Klein coughed and shamelessly complied.
Though Bernadette resisted inwardly, the presence of a Sequence 1 angel made her suppress her emotions. She accepted the title by default.
Klein continued, "First, let me introduce myself. My name is Klein Moretti. I serve 'The Fool,' a being who does not exist in this era. He taught me this language so that I could understand Emperor Roselle's diaries."
The word 'diaries' made Bernadette's heart tremble.
Yet, she concealed her emotions well. "What exactly are you trying to say?"
Klein rubbed his brow. "Uh... Based on clues in the diary, I suspect Emperor Roselle isn't truly dead. He may be hiding somewhere difficult to find."
"What did you say? Say it again!" Bernadette's composure shattered instantly.
It wasn't that she lacked self-control.
But finding her father had long since become an obsession.
Now, hearing that Roselle might still be alive, the Queen of Mysteries couldn't remain calm.
"I can't explain everything right now." Julius smiled. "It's better if we meet in person. Haha, besides, your illusion magic is about to expire."
Bernadette fell silent.
After four or five seconds, she asked, "Time and place?"
Julius thought for a moment. "Tomorrow at noon. Fanaste Restaurant in the West End. The steak there is good."
Bernadette gave a slight nod. "Alright."
As soon as she spoke, her projection dissipated.
Klein was slightly puzzled. "We could have explained everything today. Why wait until tomorrow?"
Julius answered matter-of-factly, "If you were Bernadette, wouldn't you worry about being ambushed? Giving her time allows her to make proper preparations."
A knowing smile played at the corner of his lips. "As far as I know, Bernadette Gustave possesses several extremely powerful Beyonder items. After all, before Roselle figured out how to 'jump' across pathways, he was a high-Sequence powerhouse of the Knowledge Path. If she truly disregards the cost, even Sequence 1 beings wouldn't be able to defeat her."
Klein said sincerely, "She has a good father."
Then, he silently added in his mind, "Though not a very reliable one."
---
Time passed quickly.
Soon, it was noon the next day.
Klein and Julius arrived at Fanaste Restaurant twenty minutes early.
Taking in the luxurious décor, Klein felt a bit uncomfortable.
"How much does a meal here even cost? Back in Tingen..." Mr. Moretti, a common citizen at heart, mused inwardly.
Meanwhile, Young Master Qiao was perfectly at ease.
Smiling, he said, "When your family comes to Backlund, we'll dine here again. My treat."
"Then I'll thank you in advance." Klein accepted without hesitation.
He was already planning—when the time came, he'd let Melissa and Benson pick the most expensive dishes and make sure to bleed this 'big dog' dry!
Suddenly, Julius lowered his voice. "By the way, I forgot to tell you—I'm planning to accommodate another pathway in a few days."
Klein responded with a casual 'Oh.'
Then, he processed the words properly. "Huh?"
Brother, you're already an anomaly—unpolluted and not out of control. Why would you do something so reckless?!
Julius explained, "Don't worry. Absorbing a single Sequence's Beyonder characteristics is the safest way to advance, but that doesn't mean multiple Sequences can't be combined. At worst, it just increases the risk of losing control."
'Increases the risk of losing control'?
No, it guarantees it!
Klein thought of the chaotic and deranged ancient gods.
"Which pathways do you intend to accommodate?" he asked warily.
Julius drawled, "'Criminal' and 'Prisoner.'"
Klein: ...
What a professional at courting death.
Just like the 'Secret Supplicant' pathway, can these two even be combined?!
This will definitely go horribly wrong!
And you're trying to take on two at once?!
Klein had no words to describe Julius Astorio's recklessness.
All he could say was that, as the favored one of the 'Starry Sky Evil God,' Julius really didn't walk the conventional path.
"Even though you've already made your decision, I still want to advise you as a friend." Klein's tone was grave.
Julius waved his hand dismissively. "Trust me, I'll be fine."
Seeing this, Klein had nothing left to say.
However, he resolved that after their meeting with Bernadette, he would return above the gray fog and divine whether Julius Astorio's recklessness would result in catastrophic conSequences...
...
As they conversed, a striking figure stepped into the restaurant.
She wore a white shirt adorned with lace ribbons and floral patterns, a simple dark blue jacket, beige trousers, and black leather boots.
Hm. As mismatched as ever.
Strangely, despite her conspicuous appearance, none of the other guests paid her any attention. Clearly, some subtle magic shrouded Bernadette, diminishing her presence.
With long strides, Bernadette approached Julius and Klein's table and sat down gracefully, not even giving Klein a chance to pull out a chair for her.
"We finally meet officially," Julius said with a smile.
"I should have realized earlier that someone capable of writing such fantastic works couldn't be an ordinary person." Bernadette placed a bronze dagger on the table, her expression calm.
Julius remained unbothered.
He waved down a waiter and began ordering food in an unhurried manner, while Klein, for a moment, was unsure what to say.
Bernadette broke the silence. "I brought something for you."
She reached into her coat and, as if performing magic, produced a thick diary.
Klein hadn't caught how she did it.
"More convenient magic..." he muttered to himself before turning his attention to the relatively intact "Roselle Diary."
"May I read it?" he asked.
"That's what it's for," Bernadette replied. "But in return, I want you to teach me this language."
"Well... I'm sorry, I can't make that decision." Klein promptly pushed the matter onto "The Fool."
Bernadette's disappointment was evident, but her reverence and fear toward the enigmatic Fool kept her from pressing further. Instead, she adjusted her request. "Then, at least relay to me what is recorded in the diary."
Paraphrase it?
Were *The Emperor's Romance* and *A Taste of a Witch* really worth sharing?
If I really told her, Lao Huang would probably bury himself in the 'Black Emperor's' tomb out of sheer embarrassment…
Klein's expression turned slightly awkward.
Still, he nodded. "I'll do my best."
With that, he opened the diary and began reading through its pages.
Some entries were familiar; others were completely new.
Before him, scenes unfolded like a grand stage play.
A transmigrator who wielded modern knowledge to reshape history—an emperor whose name was inscribed into the annals of time, crafting an epic of reform and revolution...
Klein didn't want to admit it, but compared to Lao Huang, Roselle was far more like the protagonist of a classic power fantasy.
"But I'm not bad either," he mused. "Let's not forget Sefirah Castle. At least I have an 'old grandpa' by my side, even if his appearance fee is sky-high."
The diary seemed thick, yet contained little truly valuable content.
And it was clear Bernadette had deliberately compiled these specific pages.
Coincidentally, some entries detailed how Emperor Roselle had been tainted after his journey to the moon, leading him to embrace the path of the "Black Emperor."
Klein understood the implications.
But a new question arose—
Why did the moon require such caution?
What kind of corruption existed there?
Was it tied to a starry sky evil god, like the "Master of Destiny," or was it something even more obscure?
Sensing Klein's sudden seriousness, Bernadette asked, "What is it? What did you see?"
Snapping back to the present, Klein folded his hands on the table and spoke solemnly. "First, one thing is certain: Emperor Roselle didn't die. He had to change his path for some reason.
If the diary's contents are accurate, I believe he forcefully sWitched from the 'Knowledge Emperor' path to the Lawyer path and became its Sequence 0—The Black Emperor."
Black Emperor!
Due to her unique Beyonder path, Bernadette had access to secrets that few others knew.
She was well aware of what the 'Black Emperor' entailed.
An immortal king who resurrected in strange ways, no matter how many times he was slain.
So the question remained—
If her father had successfully ascended to the Black Emperor, why had he remained absent for so many years?
And what exactly were these "reasons" that forced his transformation?
Bernadette locked eyes with Klein, her gaze burning with intensity.
Under the pressure, Klein hesitated but ultimately revealed a little more: "Before his path changed, Roselle was already heavily contaminated and on the brink of losing control."
One sentence shattered everything.
Bernadette felt as if she had been struck by lightning.
Suddenly, her father's later years—the erratic proclamations, the reckless reforms, the bizarre decisions—clicked into place.
Everything had been done to ascend, to rid himself of corruption.
Two silent tears traced down her cheeks.
Guilt weighed down on her like a mountain.
For years, she had searched for the truth, questioning whether she had wronged her father. And now, she had her answer.
She had.
Klein remained quiet, watching her with a rare softness in his usually guarded eyes.
Julius, on the other hand...
Was casually flicking his fork, still eating appetizers at a ridiculous speed.
"Alright, that's the truth we wanted to share." Julius wiped his mouth with a napkin, speaking at an unhurried pace. "Roselle isn't dead. He's still hiding in a secret mausoleum, waiting for the right moment to return."
Then he smiled. "But here's the bad news: a new 'Black Emperor' is about to be born. In case you weren't aware, let me enlighten you—
As long as the secret mausoleum remains intact, the 'Black Emperor' will always resurrect. But there's one condition: there cannot be two Black Emperors at the same time."
Bernadette stiffened.
Her father's situation had just turned from grim to desperate.
Seeing her grave expression, Julius smoothly continued, "Now, as it happens, a certain great being isn't too keen on allowing another god to be born. So, we—"
He gestured at himself and Klein. "—plan to sabotage the god-making ceremony."
Then, Julius's gaze locked onto Bernadette.
"What about you? Any interest in joining us?"
"Me?" Bernadette hesitated.
The truth had arrived too suddenly.
And even this 'truth' needed to be verified further.
Julius didn't press her. "I understand, Miss Bernadette. You need time—to investigate, to think."
He tapped his fingers against the table. "But be warned: you don't have much time."
Bernadette fell into silence.
She feared stepping into a trap.
But even more than that, she feared losing her father forever—
All because of a moment's hesitation.
Chapter 28:
---
**'Prisoner'** — The mind is a prisoner of the body, and the body is a prisoner of the world, representing bound madness and repressed desires. This term not only refers to people in physical prisons but also symbolizes those whose spirituality and desires are restrained by reason, the body, and the world.
**'Criminals'** — These individuals never suppress themselves and never feel restrained. Their body and mind are constantly ruled by evil desires, longing for crime and chaos.
These two paths represent **'restraint and indulgence'** and **'flagrant viciousness'**. Among the twenty-two paths to God, they are among the most dangerous.
Klein stared at Julius, worried. He observed as Julius first drank a potion from Sequence 5 of the 'Monster' pathway, then quickly swallowed two potions from Sequence 9—one gray, one black. Klein couldn't help but flinch.
This doesn't follow the basic principles of mysticism at all and even defies common sense!
But...
It seems like there's no problem?
"Huh—" Julius let out a long breath. "It tastes awful."
Klein swallowed nervously and asked, "How do you feel?"
"What else can I do? That's it." Julius explained, "Although my strength has always been at Sequence 6, due to my ability to summon God at any time, I possess the special qualities of Sequence 1. My spirit is much tougher than that of an ordinary Beyonder, so there's almost no risk of losing control."
In short, not only can I cheat at any time, but I don't have to worry about being restricted.
Klein seemed to understand.
However, a sudden thought crossed his mind. "Forget the new potion for now. When did you take on the role of the 'Disaster Priest'?"
Julius raised an eyebrow. "How do you know I didn't bring disaster to others?"
(Amon, An Banyu, Mr. Door, and the others who were impacted would rather not comment.)
Klein couldn't help but feel speechless.
At least, it's good news that Julius Astorio hasn't turned into a monster. Those who follow the path of evil gods should abandon orthodox occultism... It's not even a coherent system...
Once the matter was concluded, Klein turned the conversation back to Bernadette. "Tell me, will she agree?"
"I don't know, maybe." Julius scratched his eyebrows. "As long as she investigates thoroughly, she should realize we're speaking the truth. As for Roselle Gustave, this mysterious queen will never allow George III to become a god."
Julius patted Klein on the shoulder. "Don't worry; even if Bernadette doesn't help, it won't matter. There are many other potential allies; she's just the most intuitive and easiest to win over."
"And we still have time. If all goes well, the Lord's will will be carried out."
Klein nodded.
He had faith in Julius's ability.
Because, in his experience, there seemed to be nothing Julius couldn't accomplish...
Suddenly, Klein seemed to remember something. "By the way, will the sacrificial ceremony be dangerous? What if my family gets involved?"
"There won't be any sacrificial rituals," Julius replied calmly. "When the time comes, I'll capture all those Witches in one fell swoop. Staying in Backlund will be safer than Tingen. If I go further, I might even use it to deal with a certain pervert... Tear off a big chunk of meat."
"A pervert?" Klein blinked.
Julius smiled. "A man who transforms into a woman in order to become a god and doesn't want to suffer alone, so he forces all men in the future to do the same. What would you call that, if not twisted perversion?"
Klein shuddered.
Could it be that Julius Astorio was referring to the "Original Witch"?
…
…
It was strange.
The Church of Evernight, which had been overseeing Klein, suddenly issued a strange mission to him—a 'low-profile' member: to go to the Harvest Church on Rose Street in Dananqiao District and meet with Bishop Utravsky.
Klein felt an unexplainable, profound meaning behind the task.
The Evernight Goddess and the Mother Goddess of Earth, who was destined to betray the God of War in the "revelation of destiny"... If there wasn't something off about this, he might have already swallowed the 'black iron cross.'
That was his initial thought, but Klein didn't dare to defy his superior's orders.
After all, he was still receiving his official pay, and St. Samuel's Cathedral had never missed his weekly salary.
He felt it was time to do something for the Church.
To be cautious, he had turned a piece of paper with Julius Astorio's honorable name written on it into a one-time charm. If it were lit during a critical moment, it would be like praying to Julius.
"That guy has really become my grandfather, but the cost for each appearance is too high..." Klein thought to himself as he knocked on the door of the Harvest Church.
Since the Kingdom of Loen wasn't the main parish of the Earth Mother, this Harvest Church looked much more modest compared to St. Samuel's Cathedral.
But Klein didn't dare to show any contempt.
He glanced at the burly priest in front of him, standing over two meters tall, looking more like a hill than a person. The corners of his eyes tWitched.
What's going on here?
My god, are all farmers this intimidating?
"Welcome, messenger of the night," Bishop Utravsky greeted with a gentle smile, resembling an amiable uncle next door. "Welcome to the Harvest Church."
"Hello, Mr. Father." Klein carefully chose his words. "Captain Sost sent me here. He said I could help with something."
"Haha, you're too kind," Bishop Utravsky chuckled. "As you can see, the number of believers of the Mother Goddess here is limited, so we can only ask for help from the outside."
Klein saw through the unspoken meaning without needing to be told.
There was something shady going on—some kind of deal between the Goddess and the Earth Mother Goddess that outsiders weren't privy to.
A sudden chill ran down Klein's spine, and he quickly reined in his impure thoughts.
—Spending too much time with Julius has led him astray.
"Please forgive me for being so forward, Mr. Father, but your name clearly suggests you're from Fusac. How is it that you follow the Earth Mother Goddess?" Klein casually broached the subject.
Father Utravsky smiled, his gaze distant. "Haha, I was born in Indo, by the Sea of Jian. Like many from Fusac, I was once consumed by the love of fighting and killing. I committed many crimes and even became a pirate."
He paused before continuing, "But before my soul fell entirely into hell, I was fortunate enough to meet a missionary from the Mother Goddess."
"After that day, I understood the value of life, the beauty of nature's growth, and found joy in life itself."
"I swore before her statue to spread her faith to other lands and wash away my past sins."
As he spoke, he made the gesture of holding a baby, a signature movement of the Earth Mother Goddess' Church—similar to the four dots of the Evernight Goddess and the inverted cross of the True Creator.
After listening to Father Utravsky's tale, Klein blinked.
Confirmed.
From the worship of the God of War to the belief in the Earth Goddess... This must involve the gods' arrangements.
Which means the Utravsky before him is likely favored by the Earth Mother Goddess.
In that case, Captain Sost's request for him to come here carries deeper implications.
Klein gathered his thoughts and asked, "I'm not sure yet. How can I help?"
Bishop Utravsky smiled slightly. "It's not a big deal; I just need you to kill me."
Klein: ? ? ?
---
---
"Kill me."
The "I" here is not the original self but a projection of spiritual consciousness.
To be precise, it was Bishop Utravsky's inner demons, caused by past killings—commonly known as the "second personality."
Klein was a little confused and said truthfully, "This may be more suited for Beyonders of the 'Spectator' path. I'm afraid there's nothing I can do to help."
Bishop Utravsky smiled slightly. "Don't worry, I've found a solution. I just need a strong executor."
After a pause, the giant priest explained, "Under the protection of the Mother Goddess, after many years of effort, I finally found a magical item. It's said to be the relic of an ancient dragon…"
"Dragon?" Klein thought, still coming to terms with the idea. "In the end, it still seems to rely on the capabilities of the 'Spectator.'"
Klein asked calmly, "So, what do I need to do?"
"That Beyonder item will allow the holder to enter the depths of the target's mind and materialize everything. That way, you can see me in the past, kill him, and my problems will be solved."
Bishop Utravsky didn't hide anything. "But the side effect is that you only have five minutes. If you don't solve the past me within that time, you will be completely lost and become an unconscious vegetable."
He added, "And if you die within my mind, you will also lose your vitality in the real world."
Sounds like... it's very dangerous.
Klein was a little scared. He looked at the giant priest, whose arms were thicker than his thighs, and asked cautiously, "Father Utravsky, how strong were you in the past? I'm not refusing, but my ability is limited. This…"
The giant priest smiled. "God guided you here, and God said you are qualified."
"As for how strong I was in the past? Probably Sequence 6. I was a 'Dawn Knight.'"
No wonder the tall and powerful priest was an Beyonder of the 'Warrior' path.
Klein thought for a moment.
Although he was only Sequence 7, he wasn't necessarily afraid of a Sequence 6 as long as he was prepared. As long as he knew the abilities and characteristics of the 'Dawn Knight' in advance, there was plenty of room for maneuver.
Moreover, "God guided you here; God said you are qualified." These words were not empty.
The Evernight Goddess is his boss after all, so he gave up his job. He was afraid that, the moment he stepped out of the Harvest Church, he'd be struck by lightning.
"The goddess doesn't seem to have the power of thunder and lightning. Divine punishment should be something different from what I imagined…" Klein's thoughts went astray.
But under the friendly gaze of Bishop Utravsky, he quickly came to his senses and said, "Okay, I'll do my best."
The giant priest suddenly flashed a smile—ferocious, yet kind.
---
The 'Dawn Knight' not only possessed the strength of a giant but could also fill his body with morning light. This light could drive away evil spirits and break spells, such as illusions. Additionally, condensing weapons and armor, as well as creating 'storms of light,' were his signature methods.
All in all, these were practical and effective abilities.
In comparison, the abilities Klein mastered seemed a bit more elaborate.
What about flame jumps, air bombs, damage transfer, paper man substitutes…?
It sounded rather vain.
He made adequate preparations and formulated a simple tactic.
Klein entered Bishop Utravsky's inner world via the 'Heart Nightmare Candle' and encountered the ferocious 'Dawn Knight' as soon as he arrived.
After a hard fight, the giant priest collapsed.
But there was no joy on Klein's face.
He knew it was all an illusion.
With the Sefirah Castle in hand, no matter if it was a dream, an environment, or even a dream within a dream, or an illusion within an illusion, it would all be ineffective against him.
As expected, the 'Dawn Knight' stood up again, bloodied, glaring fiercely. "You've got some skills. No wonder you dared take this job."
In the past, Bishop Utravsky had no kindness, resembling a desperate gangster.
Klein didn't waste words. He moved his jaw to simulate the sound of a bullet being ejected.
Boom—
The 'Dawn Knight' tilted his body.
But the next moment, a set of silver armor appeared on him.
Not only that, a giant sword as wide and thick as a door slashed directly at Klein.
Klein raised his right hand.
A twisted light flashed above the 'Wriggling Hunger.'
Madness!
The 'Dawn Knight's' attack failed.
Then, the light surged.
Using the 'Glow of Morning,' Klein forcibly lifted the state of madness.
At this moment, his attack arrived.
He pulled out the 'Thunder' revolver using a magician's technique and hit the 'Dawn Knight' six times in quick succession.
However, Sequence 8-level Beyonder items didn't have much effect. Even the accompanying paralysis was nullified by the 'Dawn Knight's' resilience.
The 'Dawn Knight' grinned ferociously, picked up his sword, and swiped it suddenly.
Uh-huh!
Klein was cleaved into two pieces.
Two torn pieces of paper fluttered down.
"So, the recklessness of the Warrior path is its greatest weakness," Klein, who had appeared behind the 'Dawn Knight' at some point, thought to himself.
At the same time, he raised the 'Iron Cross' high above his head.
"Come on, please listen to a RAP."
The 'Dawn Knight' froze in place.
Although the 'Black Iron Cross' was still a Sequence 8 item, its status was indisputable. Even the abnormal status immunity of the 'Dawn Knight' couldn't shield him from this kind of mental damage.
Seeing the opponent's breath suddenly falter, strange tumors appearing on his body like bulges, Klein's eyes sharpened.
He muttered one word.
"Boom!"
In an instant, the air bullet shot through the 'Dawn Knight's' forehead.
The giant man fell to the ground.
But Klein didn't act rashly. He calmly took off the pendulum.
Citrine rotated counterclockwise…
"Playing dead? Naive!" He snapped his fingers with his right hand.
Whoosh!
Flames ignited.
The matches left all over the Church in the real world burned together, engulfing the 'Dawn Knight's' form.
"I'll kill you!"
Seeing the fake death fail, the still-burning 'Dawn Knight' grabbed the giant sword and leapt up.
Klein didn't dodge. His expression remained calm.
When the sword was three inches from his head, the 'Dawn Knight's' movements stopped strangely.
He looked down at the sword in his hand, which had become rusty without his notice, and said bitterly, "Dream?"
Unknowingly, he had been pulled into a dream by the boy before him.
This meant that Klein's true body was like a fish on the chopping block—ready to be slaughtered.
A slight smile appeared on Klein's lips. He bowed. "Then, today's performance ends here."
Click—
The mental world began to disintegrate, piece by piece.
---
---
Staring at the giant priest, who wore a kind smile, Klein didn't let his guard down, quietly plotting his next move.
After confirming that he had truly returned to the real world, he relaxed slightly and spoke in a deep voice, "Fortunately, I didn't disgrace my life."
"I'm not surprised by this," Bishop Utravsky replied calmly. "Because all of this is God's arrangement."
Klein remained silent.
Bishop Utravsky then invited Klein into the depths of the Harvest Church, offering to reward him for completing the mission.
Klein hesitated. *What if it's a trap?* He calmly responded, "I'll wait here."
Bishop Utravsky didn't insist and left with a quiet stride.
A while later, the giant priest returned, holding something in his hand. "Take it. You deserve it."
Klein looked closely at the object in Utravsky's hand. It was a smooth, white mask, as new as if it had never been worn.
"I don't know its name," the priest explained, "but I do know its ability. Wearing this mask allows you to alter your appearance, height, and even your body shape at will. However, the longer you wear it, the easier it becomes to forget who you are. A new personality gradually takes over, and in the end, your original self will be erased."
Klein's heart skipped a beat. *This sounds just like a 'faceless man'...*
A chill ran down his spine.
In the darkness, he couldn't shake the feeling of a gaze on him, like something was watching.
"I..." Klein's voice was hoarse. After hesitating for a long moment, he finally accepted the mask, unable to refuse the reward.
"Praise the Mother Goddess," Bishop Utravsky said with a gesture as if holding an invisible child in his arms.
Klein instinctively nodded four times on his chest, whispering, "Praise the goddess."
As he left the Harvest Church, Klein felt uneasy. *No one except Julius Astorio knows that I've been promoted to Sequence 7.*
Now, under the Church's arrangement, he was receiving what seemed like a Sequence 6 Beyonder item, perfectly aligned with his path.
*Coincidence?* Klein didn't believe in coincidences.
He was certain that this was either the work of the Evernight Goddess or Mother Earth.
Taking a deep breath, Klein glanced up at the sky. The mist was thick, and the sunlight had a faint orange hue. *There doesn't seem to be any thunder...*
Anxious, Klein performed several divinations, each one reassuring him that there was no immediate danger. Reluctantly, he accepted the situation and returned to St. Samuel's Church to resume his mission.
Captain Sost of the 'Red Gloves' gave no explanation but instructed Klein to remain on standby until further notice.
Klein breathed a sigh of relief. *It seems the goddess has no intentions of imposing divine punishment on me—for now.*
---
Later, when Klein met with Julius Astorio:
"You got an Beyonder item with the traits of a 'faceless man'?" Julius mused, tapping his chin. "Doesn't that mean you don't need to buy Beyonder traits from me anymore?"
For some reason, Klein felt a sense of regret toward Julius. *How much more will I owe him?*
After a moment, he composed himself and asked in a low voice, "What do you mean?"
Julius grinned, his tone playful. "What I mean is goodwill and support. There's also a hint of a reminder. No danger involved, I assure you." He patted Klein's shoulder. "But remember, you should never accept such kindness. Forget about it."
He winked and added, "After all, it's *mother's love*."
Klein blinked and reflexively tapped his chest four times. "Praise the goddess."
Julius smiled, looking like a teacher guiding a student.
He then extended his hand, "Give me the mask. I'll extract the Beyonder trait for you. You'll need to gather some materials on your own, but once you do, we can use the mask to promote your abilities."
Klein, without hesitation, handed over the 'Nameless Mask.'
Julius took it, a smug smile spreading across his face. "The service costs 300 pounds; with a 92% discount, you'll only owe me 294 pounds."
Klein was taken aback. *What?*
"Only 294 pounds? That's a bargain compared to what others might charge for this kind of Beyonder trait," Julius continued, as if it were the most ordinary thing.
Though this might be true, Klein couldn't shake the feeling he was falling into some kind of unscrupulous business trap.
He didn't ask about his debt—he already knew it was astronomical, far beyond his means.
*Well,* Klein thought. *I'll just owe it for now.*
---
As the conversation shifted, Julius casually mentioned a new development.
"Did you hear about the serial killer in Backlund?" he asked.
Klein nodded. As a fake detective, he had built a small network of information, aided by members of the Aurora Order. He was well-informed.
"Seems like these killings are connected to devil worship. It could be part of a criminal's advancement ceremony through the Beyonder," Klein speculated.
Julius raised an eyebrow. "Don't look at me. I'll be heading to a place closer to the abyss. I don't need to kill mortals for fun."
The conversation took a turn. "Spreading panic will only strengthen certain entities, which is detrimental to our plans. I've been busy lately, so if you could investigate and stop the real culprit behind these murders, that would help. It'll also solidify your reputation as 'Sherlock Moriarty,' which could be very beneficial for your future role."
Klein thought for a moment, then nodded. "Leave it to me."
He was determined. *I can't just rely on Julius. I'll have to work hard, too.*
Julius smiled, sensing Klein's resolve. "By the way, be cautious. Beyonders of the 'criminal' path are dangerous. You might face serious risks... Let me introduce you to someone. If necessary, you can have her assist you."
Klein blinked. "She?"
Julius nodded. "Go to the Brave Bar and find Kaspars, a local gangster. Ask him to take you to the private room. Tell him Julius sent you."
He handed Klein a book. "Also, deliver this to the person in the private room."
Klein glanced at the book, its title plainly written on the cover: *Spirit in the Mirror*.
---
---
Maric stared at Klein, his cold expression betraying the violence and madness simmering in his eyes.
Klein sat upright and handed over the book calmly. "Julius Astorio asked me to do it."
At this, Maric's momentum faltered, and he took the book from Klein with a slight hesitation.
He glanced at the title before placing the novel—one that had never been publicly circulated—on the card table in front of him. "What do you want?"
"I need an assistant or a bodyguard." Klein tried not to focus on the eerie, ghostly-eyed Zombies that lingered in the private room. "I'm investigating the recent serial murders."
"Is that all?" Maric replied, his tone noncommittal.
At that moment, a girl in a black palace gauze dress, with pale gold hair and a doll-like, expressionless face, floated out of an inconspicuous mirror in the room.
Klein froze for a moment.
Then, realization dawned.
'Miss Temperance?'
The helper Julius had mentioned was actually *Miss Temperance*—the new member who had joined the club only last week!
Sharron assumed her usual role as a 'ghost,' remaining silent as she summoned the novel in front of Maric, flipping through its pages.
Upon reaching the title page, a brief flicker of doubt crossed the eyes of the mouthless girl.
Klein didn't notice. He steadied himself and spoke with a serious tone. "Julius Astorio said you could assist me."
Sharron closed the book and nodded.
After a moment of silence, she added, "I need payment."
Klein winced slightly. *Why does everyone care so much about money?*
Of course, he had no way of knowing that Julius had used a special method to write on the title page of *The Spirit in the Mirror,* saying, "Don't mind me; just ask for payment from the person in front of you."
"How much do you want?" Klein asked, his voice laced with uncertainty.
Sharron paused, thinking for a moment. "500 pounds. If I can't guarantee my safety, I'll leave at the appropriate time on my terms."
To be fair, hiring a high-Sequence Beyonder as a bodyguard for 500 pounds wasn't expensive—it was downright cheap.
It was clear that, despite Julius's instructions, Sharron still adhered to the concept of 'enough is enough,' maintaining her integrity and bottom line.
This aligned with her philosophy of moderation.
Directly across from him, Klein couldn't help but worry.
First of all, he had no doubt that he was poor.
His living expenses mostly came from the Church and the Aurora Order, and he could make a decent amount from his work, but the real question was... did he have money?
The answer? Yes.
And there was quite a bit.
But that money had already been allocated for specific purposes...
Klein pretended to be calm and said, "I'll give you a deposit first, then pay the balance once the matter is resolved."
Sharron had no objection. "That's reasonable."
Klein breathed a sigh of relief. "Then, we can leave at any time."
Sharron's gaze was unwavering. "Do you have anything on you that's easy to carry, unobtrusive, like a mirror, where I can live and protect you?"
Klein thought for a moment and took out a shiny silver pocket watch from his breast pocket. "Will this work?"
Sharron nodded slightly.
*It's a bit small...* she thought, but it would suffice—just barely.
---
The eleventh serial murder had been committed. Ordinary police were not qualified to intervene, so the official Beyonder teams had begun their formal investigation.
As 'Sherlock Moriarty,' Klein easily obtained detailed information from the various religious factions within the Aurora Order. He discovered that the victims were all women—well-dressed and involved in special industries.
Impurity, blasphemy, depravity...
Klein remained composed and headed to one of the places where a victim had worked—the 'Golden Rose.'
After paying a few pounds, he managed to have a conversation with the pimp, Daxter.
"Tsk, speaking of Lida, what a waste," Daxter muttered.
"Seriously, she was only sixteen, so fresh," he continued.
"What? A regular customer?"
"She just entered the business recently... Wait, no, I think I know..."
Daxter continued his rambling after a few more pounds were handed his way.
"A guy with slicked-back hair seems really fond of her."
"Though I didn't mention his name, I think he's been eyeing her for a while. My eyes are sharp."
"As for the name? Who knows? All I know is he has high cheekbones and blue-gray eyes."
"Slicked-back hair, high cheekbones, blue-gray eyes..."
At least Klein had gathered some useful clues.
He ignored the lecherous comments from the old man and quickly exited the place, the air thick with discomfort.
Coincidentally, as he stepped outside, he bumped into a group of 'Machine Hearts.'
The 'Heart of Machinery' was an Beyonder faction of the Mechanical Church—a group skilled in weaponry and Beyonder items.
Klein's heart stirred, but he kept walking, bypassing the group.
*I'm heading in the right direction,* he thought.
Back at the detective agency, Klein left his pocket watch and coat on the desk. "Wait here; I have some personal matters to attend to."
With that, he grabbed a newspaper and went to the bathroom.
No one responded.
Meanwhile, Klein entered the reassuring space of the bathroom, where he backed up four steps, his consciousness lifting to the gray mist above.
He began his divination using the information he had gathered.
But, unexpectedly, the invincible divination failed this time.
"Twisted fate, clouded perception?" Klein frowned.
He pushed forward, leveraging the power of the gray mist.
The next moment, his vision blurred.
Klein found himself face-to-face with a middle-aged man. The man was meticulously groomed, dressed in a suit and vest, and carrying a suitcase. His expression was cold, but the malice in his eyes was nearly palpable.
From just that look, Klein knew—he had found the right person.
"This environment... the sewer? No, more like a factory," Klein murmured to himself.
Suddenly, the illusion vanished.
Klein snapped back to reality, leaving the mysterious space behind.
After washing his hands and adjusting his appearance, he had a clear direction in mind.
Meanwhile, Sharron, who had been waiting for Sherlock Moriarty's return, thought absentmindedly, *This Beyonder-looking detective seems to have some digestive issues...*
---
Elsewhere, in Backlund's South Bridge District, a cannery.
Hearing footsteps, a large black dog opened its blood-red eyes and eagerly bared its sharp fangs, stained with dark red blood.
Beside it lay half a human leg bone, chewed clean...
---
---
Backlund's regional divisions, the Queens District and the West District, are home only to nobles and wealthy businessmen.
For instance, the 'Astorio Manor' Klein often visits is located in the West End.
Meanwhile, the Bridge District and the East District are where the impoverished reside, surrounded by rows of shabby, narrow buildings. Factories of all sizes have consumed every inch of space, leaving no room for greenery or leisure activities.
Klein took a public carriage to the East District. As soon as he disembarked, he couldn't help but frown.
*The air here is unbearable...*
He didn't show any signs of discomfort, however, and instead walked deeper into the area with a composed expression.
After a while, a group of barefoot children hurried toward him.
"Sir! Want a guide? Just give me a few pennies and a good meal, and I'll show you around!"
"Don't listen to him, sir; everyone knows little Yorkie knows everything about the West End!"
"Please, just give me a chance!"
Having encountered so many well-dressed gentlemen and ladies, and having frequented countless splendid restaurants and clubs, Klein almost forgot that not long ago, he and his family had been struggling just to survive.
His face darkened as he looked at the children, their ill-fitting clothes a stark contrast to the vibrant memories he now had. With a cold, disdainful look, he reached into his pocket, pulled out some change, and tossed it at their feet. "Go away and don't bother me."
The tactic worked like a charm.
At the sight of the money, the children scattered like birds, disappearing from Klein's side.
Klein's expression remained unchanged.
At that moment, a hoarse voice called from behind him, "You shouldn't give those little bastards too much; they're not worth it."
Turning around, he saw an old man with a single eye, rubbing his hands and eyeing him with a sycophantic grin.
"Is there something you want?" Klein asked, feigning ignorance.
"Ah, you must be a big shot from the West, here for business," the old man said, licking his chapped lips. "People call me Old Peter. I've lived here for nearly sixty years. There's nothing I don't know. If you need anything, just ask old Peter."
Despite the old man's pleasant demeanor, Klein caught the flicker of greed in his eye.
It was a familiar sight. The first person to report Klein to the Church of Evernight had been a one-eyed man as well...
Regaining his composure, Klein replied coolly, "What's the price?"
Old Peter, sensing an opportunity, raised his hand and held up five fingers. "Five soreas," he said, but quickly backpedaled, "No, no, no, just three Solis, or let me have a good meal instead."
Klein opened his wallet, counted out three Solis, and handed them to the old man.
Old Peter took the money and tucked it solemnly into his pocket, doing his best not to glance at the soft leather wallet Klein still held. "So, what do you need, sir?"
"Help me find a place. It has thick steel pipes, about the size of an arm, connected to semicircular machines." Klein recalled the image from his vision above the gray mist. "The ground is cement, with hints of dark red, and the walls are dark gray."
Old Peter thought for a moment. "Concrete floor, dark red? That sounds like the Hendry Cannery in the Bridge District."
He paused, then added, "The owner went bankrupt and can't pay wages. It's been a while since it last operated."
No construction had resumed, which meant the area would likely be deserted—a perfect place to hide.
Klein nodded. "Take me there."
Old Peter grinned and led the way, moving with purpose.
Klein followed, his expression stoic.
The entire journey was silent.
When they arrived at the back door of the semi-abandoned Hendry Cannery, Old Peter respectfully said, "We're here, sir."
Klein looked up and shuddered involuntarily.
His spiritual intuition screamed that something dangerous lurked within.
"Good. Your job is done." Klein said coolly.
Old Peter seemed eager to leave, but before turning away, a flicker of fear crossed his face. "Be careful!"
Klein didn't fall for the old man's trap. With a light snap of his fingers, Old Peter's expression froze as he lunged toward him with a knife.
In the blink of an eye, the old man's body twisted unnaturally into an S-shape. All his bones and internal organs shattered, and he died instantly, his final emotion one of pure terror.
"You really overestimated yourself," Klein sneered.
The persona of *Sherlock Moriarty* was that of an outwardly calm, yet inwardly twisted individual.
On ordinary days, he wandered the docks to satisfy his 'creeping hunger,' often looking for trouble with gangsters and human traffickers.
Now, with a fresh source of blood right before him, Klein couldn't resist.
Crouching down, he swiped his right hand, and Old Peter's body was absorbed by the human leather glove Klein wore.
Of course, he also took the scoundrel's belongings, including the three Solis he had just paid, with a calm expression.
Even the smallest of gains was worth taking.
After finishing up, he entered the factory with a tranquil demeanor.
The factory was large and empty.
Because of the bankruptcy, most valuables had already been moved or stolen.
Klein touched his 'black iron cross' and closed his eyes, as though listening to some unseen revelation.
—*Listeners* could acquire all kinds of incredible abilities through strange whispers from unknown sources. Understanding the power of divination and seeking answers made perfect sense.
Hidden in the silver pocket watch, Sharron's heart moved with understanding.
She had learned about Julius Astorio's temporary takeover of the Aurora Order from the last meeting, and Sherlock Moriarty's behavior indicated he was a member of that same group.
So now she was cooperating with the Aurora Order on behalf of... the Tarot Club?
No wonder Julius Astorio had written on the title page of *In the Mirror,* "Ask for your reward."
After all, the Tarot Club was a secret organization with different gods, and it made perfect sense to seize the opportunity to eliminate someone.
Sharron couldn't help but regret not asking for more money.
---
---
After a whirlwind of thoughts, Klein finally found the factory he had seen in his vision.
Coincidentally, his target—a man with high cheekbones and slicked-back hair—was feeding a dog, a strange smile on his face.
The moment their eyes met, the man froze in confusion.
Klein was equally perplexed.
The man had not anticipated being discovered, so his 'malicious perception' had not been activated.
Klein was confused because he hadn't expected a confrontation here—he had come looking for clues.
Moreover, besides the man, there was an Beyonder pet, similar to Susie, next to Audrey. Judging by its spirit body and aura, it was at least a Sequence 6 entity.
So—was the real culprit behind the serial murders actually a person and a dog?
Klein's eyes flickered, and with no time to think, he activated his 'Creeping Hunger' ability.
"Purify!"
'Creeping Hunger' corresponded to Sequence 5 of the Hanged Man pathway, a powerful Beyonder item with the 'Shepherd' characteristic. It had already herded five souls, including Sequence 7 'Psychiatrist,' Sequence 6 'Faceless Man,' Sequence 7 'Judgment,' Sequence 7 'Nightmare,' and Sequence 5 'Priest of Light.'
Among these, the power of the 'Priest of Light' was the most potent, and it was especially effective against "devils."
The man with the bald spot sensed something was wrong and his eyes instantly turned scarlet. He glared at Klein and roared angrily, "Degenerate!"
This ability was part of Sequence 6 from the Criminal pathway, called "Filthy Words." It unleashed power through blasphemous words.
In an instant, blinding light and thick black liquid enveloped both the bald-headed man and Klein.
The man with the bald head turned into a black liquid made up of various emotions and desires, trying to evade divine harm as much as possible.
But…
The effect was minimal.
Don't ask why; the sun's power defeats the devil.
Klein remained unfazed by the black liquid soaking him. He immediately used a light spell to resolve the abnormal state.
Of course, while feigning weakness, he also pretended to be comprehensive.
After all, 'Sherlock Moriarty' was part of the Hanged Man pathway, which was vulnerable to the sun's power.
"Roar!"
Suddenly, the demon dog beside the man with the bald spot moved.
The already enormous demon dog expanded further, exuding sulfur and blood. It opened its massive mouth, full of sharp teeth, and lunged at Klein.
"Purify!" Klein urged 'Creeping Hunger.'
At this moment, the man with the bald head, severely burned, clutched his face in desperation.
He was conveying the emotion of 'anger.'
A fiery rage surged within him, and Klein felt as though the entire world turned scarlet.
His emotions seemed to split.
The part belonging to 'Sherlock Moriarty' fell into rage and frenzy, while the part belonging to 'Klein Moriarty' remained calm.
'Magicians' never perform without preparation.
Miss Temperance, it's your turn!
"Ah!"
The piercing scream shocked everyone.
Sharron, wearing a black bonnet and a palace dress, emerged from the silver pocket watch.
Taking advantage of the moment when the 'Apostle of Desire' was distracted, she waved her hand, freezing the surrounding space. This restricted the movement of both the man and the dog.
It wasn't that Sharron hadn't considered possessing him directly, but the risk was too great. If she failed, the conSequences would be unimaginable.
Thus, she used her ice control through the 'Resentful Soul' to block all escape routes.
"The resentful soul..." The man with the bald spot, coming to his senses, looked horrified.
Extraordinaries of the 'Prisoner' pathway were usually easier to control because most indulged in their desires. However, this frosty-faced doll seemed different. In her, the man with the bald head couldn't sense any emotion or desire.
With Sharron's help, Klein quickly shook off the control and said solemnly, "I'll handle the dogs, you deal with the man. We need to finish this quickly!"
This was a sound plan.
Sharron didn't argue.
In fact, being a member of the temperance sect, she shared traits with Extraordinaries of the 'Bards' pathway—born with the ability to control desires.
The battlefield was divided:
**Klein VS Demon Dog**
**Sharron VS Desire Apostle**
Staring at the demon dog before him, Klein focused on using the abilities of the 'Priest of Light,' supplemented by the powers of the 'Psychiatrist' and 'Judge.'
Having experienced numerous battles, and with the Beyonder item 'Creeping Hunger'—which could be called a low-Sequence artifact—Klein was able to overpower the Sequence 6 Demon Dog in a direct confrontation.
"Frenzy!" "Shock!" "Purify!"
All kinds of Beyonder abilities flowed through him, and 'Creeping Hunger' morphed into various colors and materials.
There was a brief one-second lag between abilities, but that small delay barely mattered.
The demon dog was beaten savagely, and soon even its sharp bones were exposed.
Meanwhile, the 'Apostle of Desire' fighting Sharron was secretly anxious.
To be honest, he had no way to deal with the woman before him and was beginning to think about escaping.
But, having spent countless resources to elevate the Demon Dog to Sequence 6, he was reluctant to give up.
The Apostle of Desire could control others' emotions and desires, and his own would be amplified countless times—anger, greed, bloodlust...
His eyes grew redder, reaching a critical point. The man with the bald spot suddenly grew taller, tearing through the human skin that encased him.
Klein, who was beating the demon dog fiercely, was startled.
He hadn't expected the man with the bald spot to be just an 'Apostle of Desire' in disguise.
A good disguise indeed.
His resolve solidified, and his eyes grew colder.
Though the feeling of unlimited power was pleasant, the price was a rapid depletion of spirituality. Without the exclusive 'Black Iron Cross,' Klein would not have been able to withstand such immense consumption.
Thinking of this, Klein casually cast 'Purification' and followed with his most familiar combo.
While the demon dog struggled on the ground, Klein approached his opponent.
The demon dog, furious, raised its head and spat a fireball with a strong sulfur smell.
Klein clenched his fists, using the majesty of the 'Judge' pathway to intimidate the creature and interrupt its attack.
He then raised the 'Black Iron Cross' high.
Sorry, you've already entered the "True Creator's" range.
Once, the 'Dawn Knight' in the mental world could not bear the ravings of the 'True Creator,' let alone a Sequence 6 Demon Dog.
In an instant, distorted, chaotic murmurs filled the demon dog's mind, and its massive body was covered with writhing bulges.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The bulges burst open one by one, and black blood poured out across the floor.
Despite its tough life, the demon dog died in agony, its soul polluted by the "True Creator."
The 'Apostle of Desire' screamed like a madman.
The 'Listener' dares to kill my dog!
At the cost of losing an arm, he tore himself free from Sharron's control and charged toward Klein in a frenzy.
Klein, still recovering his spirituality, was caught off guard when he saw a monster, covered in black mucus, like a mass of pure malice. His heart sank.
"Purify!" "Purify!" "Purify!"
In that moment, he couldn't care less about the backlash from spiritual exhaustion. Klein gritted his teeth and used the purification technique desperately.
But the 'Apostle of Desire' seemed to have completely lost his mind, and the two demonic horns on his head blazed with fire.
Then, that sensation of division reappeared.
'Klein Moriarty' and 'Sherlock Moriarty' were producing two distinct emotions in the same body.