8
---
Monday at 3 pm.
The tarot session began on time.
Audrey's consciousness continued to rise as she arrived at the mysterious palace, greeting all the members politely.
Everyone returned the gesture in turn.
But today's gathering felt a bit different.
For one, the great Mr. Fool no longer required them to collect "Roselle's Diary," which made Audrey, Alger, and the others, who had already prepared everything, feel quite regretful.
——One less opportunity to exchange contributions.
Since the last tarot meeting ended somewhat awkwardly, no one knew what to say when it resumed.
Finally, Mr. Destiny, the most dependable member of the group, spoke up. "Mr. Fool, the plan is proceeding in an orderly manner. Please rest assured."
At the top, 'Mr. Fool,' whose face was obscured, nodded slightly. "I'm looking forward to it."
What? What?
Plan!
Upon hearing a certain keyword, nearly everyone perked up.
Klein knew he couldn't escape this, so he directly threw out the "commissar" and signaled Julius to explain.
Julius cleared his throat. "Last week, I mentioned that something significant would happen in Backlund soon. However, Mr. Fool told me that he didn't want to witness the birth of new gods, so George III will not become the 'Black Emperor.'"
A word of caution.
Plain and calm.
As if it were nothing.
At that moment, 'Mr. Fool' and 'Mr. Destiny' seemed towering in the eyes of Audrey and the others.
Excitement, fear, awe...
Many emotions swirled together.
They all lowered their heads in unison.
Klein was very satisfied.
Julius Astorio, that's great!
Ahem.
Klein straightened up, pretending to be indifferent, and said, "I don't like that person."
Just because you don't like him, does that mean you want to participate in the game tacitly approved by the Seven Gods?
If a display bar were above Klein's head, it would show that his reputation in the eyes of Audrey and the others was skyrocketing at a rate of +100,000 per second.
Julius's eyes flickered.
In the future, this scene would be mentioned separately. It would also be great material for stabilizing human nature.
With a slight cough, Julius drew everyone's attention back to him. "So far, many gods and angels have stood with us in unity. Next, each of you will have your own tasks."
The moment they had been waiting for!
Audrey and the others leaned in, attentive.
Unexpectedly, Julius suddenly laughed. "Don't be so nervous; I already have someone to handle the hard work. All I'm leaving for you are easy, enjoyable tasks."
What did Intis say?
By the way, my family won't embarrass my family."
The mood shifted effectively. Even Sharron, whose expression was as icy as an iceberg, managed to tWitch the corner of her mouth.
Though it was only her second time at the gathering, she had already noticed the difference between the Tarot Club and other Beyonder groups.
The relationships here were incredibly harmonious, so much so that it felt unreal to her…
But, it was a good thing.
At this moment, Julius spoke up again. "Miss Temperance, you must keep an eye on the movements in the dock area over the next few days. Soon, many from the 'Rose School' will be heading to Backlund. When that time comes, you'll know what to do."
Sharron: ? ? ?
Give me a moment.
What does George III becoming a god have to do with the 'Rose School'?
You must know, she and Maric were former traitors of the Rose School. To avoid pursuit, they came to Backlund, which was hard to reach from the Rose School.
So, what's happening now?
Delivering food?
Julius smiled. "Soon, I'll personally pray to the 'Bound God' at the right moment, and the 'Rose School of Thought' will take notice."
"In short, I'll discuss the specifics with you in the real world. Just be prepared."
Sharron nodded numbly.
Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing?
Ah well—
Life isn't easy, the resentful soul sighs.
Alger, still shocked by the generosity of 'Mr. Destiny,' received his own mission. "Mr. Hanged Man."
Snapping back to reality, Alger's expression became serious. "Please tell me."
No one was confused by Alger's use of honorifics.
Almost all the members knew Julius's identity—he was the first angel under the Fool, a real mythical being.
A 'you' well deserved.
"Mr. Hanged Man, you're not in Backlund, but you can spread the word that George III is about to launch a war and make it as public as possible," Julius said calmly.
When Alger heard this, his scalp went numb. If he really did this, would he survive?
After all, it would be like leaking secrets.
Even if the Lord of Storms tolerates him, Loen officials would try to kill him.
Until then, a ghost ship wouldn't be a safe haven.
Julius seemed to see through Alger's thoughts and reassured him, "Don't worry. Let me tell you this: the 'Lord of Storms' is our staunch ally. If you ever face a situation you can't solve, I'll teach you a way to ensure your safety."
Alger hesitated, feeling uncertain.
Thunder cleanses the ground, specializing in dealing with all discontent!
The Lord of Storms may have a bad temper, but he's not foolish. When the moment comes, he will definitely choose a side and avoid provoking the mysterious, moody Starry Sky Evil God.
In other words, Alger's situation was safer than he imagined.
"Okay..." Alger agreed with a bitter tone.
One is the current boss, and the other is the former boss.
When gods clash, he, a mere mortal, can only run errands and wave flags.
What?
You say no?
No way.
No one truly believes that Mr. Fool, who always wears a kind face, is genuinely a kind god.
Alger always remembers one thing: Believe in the power of the gods, not their kindness.
Audrey felt uneasy.
Not far from her, Salted Fish Foles shared the same feeling.
Derrick was calm, as always.
No matter how noisy the outside world was, it wouldn't affect Silver City.
Instead of worrying about whether George III would succeed in becoming a god, Derrick preferred to think about the crops he had planted after returning to the real world.
——The seeds had been sent specially by Mr. Destiny. Now, Silver City had officially entered the stage of large-scale farming, focusing solely on agriculture and ignoring worldly matters.
"Mr. Sun," Julius suddenly called.
Little Sun, who had been thinking about how to cultivate crops, was startled. "Huh?"
Julius wasn't surprised. "I have a simple task for you."
Though Derrick was confused, he agreed cheerfully, "Mr. Destiny, please tell me."
"When this meeting is over, organize everyone in Silver City to shout one sentence." Julius smiled brightly. "That is, Amon, someone is going to become a god, and your chance has come!"
Everyone? ? ?
Klein: ! ! !
What are you doing?
Are you helping me or Amon?
If possible, Klein would really like to clarify this in person.
But he couldn't.
Because, at that moment, he was the mysterious Fool.
Julius looked up and asked, "What do you mean?"
What else could Klein say? He smiled and nodded. "Okay."
"When the meeting is over, we'll use Klein's identity to clarify," Klein thought to himself, still somewhat confused.
"Miss Justice." Julius continued, naming her.
Audrey looked at him anxiously, waiting for more information.
Julius continued, "What you need to do is after the 'initial turmoil' has settled, I hope you'll use your influence to raise money for those involved as much as possible."
Sounds simple.
And…
Like an act of kindness.
Audrey didn't refuse and simply agreed.
Now, Fors was the only one left.
Miss Xianyu sat up straight, even slowing her breathing.
Julius paused for a moment. "Miss Magician, your mission is to protect yourself and avoid wandering if you don't have to."
Fors quickly nodded.
But then, she stared at Julius with questioning eyes, almost as if saying 'no?'
Julius blinked and met her gaze.
Your little Sequence 9 could be destroyed in an instant. So what else do you want to do?
Fors:...
I feel like I've been looked down upon.
No.
I definitely have been looked down upon.
But…
Never mind.
So be it.
Fors chose to relax.
Fighting and killing had nothing to do with Buddha.
With everyone receiving their tasks, the atmosphere became more lively.
Audrey and the others wanted more details about the plan, and Julius selectively shared a few.
He only mentioned that the righteous gods, including the "Lord of the Storm," were ready to die, and that people from the Aurora Order, the Rose School, and the Witch Sect would also be involved.
But who would be involved, and in what way?
Sorry, for safety reasons, it was best not to ask.
Not only that, but Audrey and the others could clearly feel it.
This time, 'Mr. Destiny,' under the direction of 'Mr. Fool,' was about to launch a major battle.
"Everyone, this is the first time we're all working together as a team," Julius glanced at everyone. "Please be careful."
Thanks to the good atmosphere at the gathering, almost everyone nodded solemnly.
Including Fors.
The meaningful things are those that let you live well. And living well is the most meaningful thing.
During this period, she was determined not to venture out again.
---
---
The ending had been rushed last time, but this time, there seemed to be endless things to discuss among the members—exchanging information, trading Beyonder items and materials, and sharing their experiences.
In the end, Klein was mentally exhausted and unable to maintain his composure, so he had to interrupt the gathering.
...
The abandoned land of the gods—Silver City.
Derrick awoke in the spacious and bright Church of the Fool and sat up. After a moment of thought, he shouted, "Come here!"
Not long after, two tall and powerful guards entered, kneeling on one knee. "What are your orders, the Envoy of the Gods?"
Derrick's expression remained unchanged as he commanded, "Summon the elders. I have something important to discuss."
The young man now held great status in Silver City—above even the six council elders—and the guards followed him everywhere.
In just three or four minutes, the elders, including Colin Iliad, hurried in, all with solemn faces.
As they saw Derrick, the six elders lowered their heads in unison. "Your Majesty, the Envoy of God."
Derrick felt a slight discomfort but maintained the authority of the God's Chosen, speaking solemnly, "Mr. Fool does not wish to witness the birth of a new god. Mr. Destiny is preparing for it. We, the people of Silver City, also have our tasks."
Upon hearing this, the six elders were struck with shock.
"A new god..."
They took a deep breath, lowering their heads in reverence. "Please, Lord Envoy, speak the oracle!"
...
On the other side, in the endless wilderness.
Amon, surrounded by the crackling light of thunder, lowered his head to study a dark plant.
Suddenly, he tWitched his ears.
His expression shifted as he listened more intently.
Amon was initially speechless, then pinched his monocle, murmuring, "Opportunity? Ha, if I can find that old man, I'd like to give it a try..."
Halfway through his words, Amon fell silent.
After a long pause, a meaningful smile crept across his face. "Forget it. Let's give it a shot. There's no harm in trying."
Seeking death comes naturally.
It can't be changed.
...
Meanwhile, in the Suniya Sea, inside the Orchid Avenger's captain's room.
Alger fiddled with a pure white leather glove, his expression uncertain under the candlelight.
After pondering for a long moment, he slipped the glove onto his right hand, pressed a device, and walked out of the captain's cabin with a grim expression.
On deck, the crew members were in a state of panic due to an emergency assembly.
"Captain! What's going on?" one of them asked.
"We've got new orders!"
"But... what about the Church..."
Their chatter filled the air, and Alger frowned. He drew his knife, coldly saying, "Quiet!"
At once, the entire deck fell into silence.
The pirates—who were technically members of the Church of the Lord of Storms—didn't expect Alger's authority to be so assertive. Though Alger was their nominal captain, his leadership had always been challenged by the Church's influence.
"Captain, you summoned us at this hour and said nothing, just showing off your power?" a tall, thin pirate with a scarf sneered.
He was the first mate, a spy embedded by the Church of the Lord of Storms to keep an eye on Alger.
Normally, Alger would have been polite to him, fearing the mate's potential to report back. But today was different.
Alger's eyes narrowed.
Before the first mate could react, Alger lunged forward, slashing his sword with lethal precision.
In an instant, the Sequence 7 navigator was cleaved in half. Blood rained down.
Alger's white glove glimmered, and in a blink, he regained his composure.
The pirates stood frozen in shock.
For a long time, they stared at Alger, their gazes moving from his bloody sword to his unyielding face and unique blue hair. Fear rippled through them.
Alger's expression remained impassive.
As a "Wind-blessed One," he could now harness the power of wind to enhance his speed. Combined with his warrior's Sequence 5 path and the "Knight's Grip" of his Guardian feature, killing an unsuspecting Sequence 7 was effortless.
As his thoughts drifted, Alger mentally scolded himself. *Should've known better than to pick up that 'Creeping Hunger' after I killed Qilangos. Waiting for the opponent's Beyonder characteristics to be released would've saved me a lot of money...*
He shook his head, focusing back on the situation at hand.
Though the first mate was dead, the Church of the Lord of Storms had more spies among the crew. A sinister smile crept across his lips. "Anyone else want to talk?"
If a person is not ruthless, they won't survive in this world.
Alger had grown up under the harsh tutelage of a grumpy old pigeon and become a pirate by adulthood. Did they really think he had a soft temper?
Faced with the hungry, fearful eyes of the pirates, all of them lowered their heads.
Alger was satisfied.
The "Lord of Storms" already knew he was a young man and had tacitly agreed to his allegiance to Mr. Fool. So, what was left to say?
With his knife in hand, he would cut down anyone who stood in his way.
The *Blue Avenger* was officially leaving the Church of the Lord of Storms and joining the Church of Fools!
Any objections?
None.
The pirates begrudgingly accepted Alger's betrayal.
Of course, this was only temporary. Once they docked, they would likely inform the Church of the Lord of Storms. But Alger wasn't worried.
Let them report.
Let's see if divine punishment comes.
Now, with a powerful entity above him, Alger no longer felt like a lost child, abandoned by both parents.
With that thought, he straightened his posture.
Mr. Fool would continue to guide him.
He scanned the pirates and said loudly, "Abandon the original course. Head to the nearest island."
After a pause, he added, "By the way, I've heard news that King Loen intends to go to war. When the situation becomes chaotic, it will be the perfect time for me to make my mark. By then, a new Pirate King may rise."
Pirates?
You're mad.
But power is not mine yet.
They look at me, I look at them.
In the end, everyone shouted, "Long live Captain Alger!"
---
---
**Backlund, 'The Brave Man's Bar.'**
After much thought, Sharron decided to reveal some information about the 'Rose School' to Maric.
Upon hearing this, Maric's eyes widened, and he could hardly suppress the malice seeping from his heart.
He looked at Sharron and said solemnly, "Let's run as far as possible."
Sharron didn't respond; she simply looked at him with her light blue eyes, as if to say, *Are you serious?*
Maric gritted his teeth and yanked open the first button of his white shirt with great irritation.
Yes, they were being watched by a god and a living angel. Even if they ran, where could they go?
But he knew how dangerous it was to offend the 'Rose School' lunatics.
If they fell into their hands, death would be the most merciful outcome.
Sharron understood Maric's mood.
In fact, she had originally considered the same plan.
However, after careful thought, Miss Temperance felt that this might not be an opportunity to escape the 'Rose School's' pursuit entirely.
"Julius..." Sharron spoke calmly. Halfway through, she corrected herself, "His Majesty Julius said that after a while, he will personally summon the 'Bound God,' which is our path, Sequence 0."
Maric tWitched the corner of his mouth, his expression stiff.
He was just a 'Zombie'; why would he hear such secrets?
An angel praying to the gods would almost certainly attract divine attention.
Did the 'Bound God' want a god to descend?
No, something was fishy here!
Sharron, having been friends with Maric for many years, knew exactly what he was thinking. She considered her words, trying to express the facts she heard at the tarot meeting in a gentler way.
But in the end, she gave up and said almost word for word, "His Majesty Julius said there is no need for secret organizations like the 'Rose School' or the 'Blood Worship Cult' to exist.
If given the chance, he would personally erase them.
And this time, it's the opportunity."
Maric opened his mouth but said nothing in the end, just staring at Sharron seriously.
After a deep breath, he spoke in a hoarse voice, "When the time comes, I'll act with you, and we'll advance and retreat together."
Sharron nodded. "Okay."
---
**Backlund, Queens.**
**Earl Hall's House.**
Knowing that a disaster was about to happen but only being able to do the aftermath work, Audrey felt very conflicted.
She wondered if she were higher in rank, like Mr. Hanged Man or Miss Temperance, whether she could actually participate in the major event that would shake the entire world...
"Audrey, you look a little uneasy. What happened?" At this moment, the golden retriever who had been lying at Audrey's feet reading, suddenly raised its head and spoke softly.
Of course, Audrey wouldn't tell her pet what she had seen and heard at the tarot meeting. She simply petted Susie's furry head and said, "You must be promoted quickly and help me with things. We'll work together. There's a lot to be done."
Susie replied helplessly, "Audrey, I'm just a dog."
"You're a special dog," Audrey corrected seriously. "Other dogs can't talk."
"Then I'm a dog too," Susie replied, her face showing anthropomorphic helplessness.
Shaking her head, she stopped insisting and turned a page of the book in front of her with her paw.
Indeed, the mind-reading dog was reading Julius's recently released novel, *The War Between Cats and Dogs.*
By the way, Susie is a loyal dog Pie!
Audrey couldn't help but feel envious and thought to herself, "Susie is in such a relaxed mood. According to Mr. Julius's theory, the probability of this golden retriever losing control is much lower than mine. Alas, I can't even control a dog... I can't compare."
Audrey puffed up her face slightly. "Susie!"
"What's wrong?" Susie reluctantly put down her wonderful novel and looked up again.
Audrey asked, "You said if I wanted to raise as much money as possible to help those in need, what should I do?"
"A charity banquet? Founding a foundation?" Susie tilted her head. "Audrey, I thought you knew these better than me."
Audrey did know these methods too.
But since she failed to get any serious action and had to deal with the aftermath, she knew she had to do something great to impress the other members!
The eldest lady, whose worries were increasing day by day, sat at the table and gently pinched her brows. "Let me think, let me think."
---
**Backlund, Joe Wood District.**
"Xio, let me tell you, it's best not to go out these days," Foles said seriously, half-leaning on the sofa.
Xio touched her nose. "What's wrong?"
Of course, Foles wouldn't tell anyone about the Tarot Club, so he just made up an excuse: "I received reliable information that something big will happen in Backlund soon. If you're out, you might encounter mishaps!"
When Xio, who had been perfectly fine, heard this, a look of interest flashed across her face. But then she was a bit confused. Foles never left the house. Apart from the bedroom, there was the sofa; apart from the sofa, there was the bedroom. Where did this lazy person get such information?
Xio was a little embarrassed by her good sister. As a last resort, Foles mentioned a certain important person and said, "This is the news Mr. Julius told me."
"Mr. Julius... huh? Mr. Julius!" Upon hearing the name, Xio's hair stood on end like a poodle's.
Okay, since there had been no movement for so long, she thought Julius had forgotten about Foles, but she didn't expect that the two had secretly connected.
Xio mistakenly thought that Julius liked Foles, so to protect her good sister, she tried to prevent Foles from meeting Julius.
But unexpectedly, despite all the precautions, the plan fell short.
Xio slumped next to Foles and asked in a low voice, "Did you give it?"
Foles: ? ? ?
---
**Backlund West District, Astorio Manor.**
"You want to ask what you can do?" Julius said thoughtfully when Klein asked.
After a moment, he asked, "Can you defeat the Witch and summon the gods?"
Klein opened his mouth, then shook his head. "No."
Julius asked again, "Can you drive away thunder and lightning and disperse fog with wind?"
The embarrassment on Klein's face became more evident. "No."
Julius asked again, "Can you pull people into sleep and hide them in the earth?"
Klein grew anxious. "I can't! Can't you pick something I can do?"
Julius smiled, "You're in a hurry, you're in a hurry!"
Klein: (—)
If I ascend to the throne of God in this year, I will definitely repay the humiliation I suffered today!
Unknowingly, Mr. Fool has a tendency to become a visionary...
"Okay, I won't tease you anymore." Julius patted Klein on the shoulder. "You are His favored one; how could I forget you? Then, Klein Moretti, I want to give you ten important missions."
Klein was shocked. "What mission?"
Julius made a gesture as if to wipe his neck. "Regicide! When the time is right, I plan to send you to kill..."
---
---
Klein is reckless and cowardly.
He dared to kill the emperor, but he did not dare to kill a Sequence 1 emperor recklessly.
After listening to Julius's words, he stood up, put on his hat, and said seriously, "I have something else to do..."
"Don't worry, I'm not finished yet." Julius also stood up and placed his hand on Klein's shoulder. "Besides, I'm not asking you to die, so what are you afraid of?"
Klein smiled. "Mr. Astorio, we've known each other for a while, and I know you quite well. Every time you wear that smile, it means I'm either increasing my debt or putting myself in danger."
"Please forgive me for refusing."
People need to be self-aware.
Klein still wanted to live a little longer.
Julius immediately wiped the expression off his face and said coldly, "Klein, my friend, I think you have some misunderstandings about me."
*Misunderstandings?*
Correct!
Klein remained unmoved.
Julius couldn't hold it any longer. "Okay, okay, I do have some selfish motives."
He changed the subject. "But you also know how many people will be involved in that ceremony. Those gods are not really on our side, so we have to unite all the helpers we can."
"I heard that you've been in contact with Mr. Azik Eggers through letters..."
After working on it for a while, Mr. Azik was asked to kill George III.
Klein frowned slightly.
Since Tingen, he'd had a very good relationship with the history teacher at the university. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Mr. Azik was both a teacher and a friend.
To be honest, Klein didn't want Mr. Azik to fall into this mess.
"Klein, you have to understand that sometimes running away can't solve everything." Julius seemed to see through Klein's thoughts. "Sooner or later, Azik Eggers will face his 'true self.' When that time comes, what will you do?"
Hearing this, Klein gave Julius a deep look and asked, "Do you know Mr. Azik's true identity?"
Julius smiled confidently. "Of course, there is someone above me."
Klein tWitched his lips.
Alright, I know you're the one favored by the evil god; what's there to show off?
After a moment of thought, Klein decided to write a letter first and think about it later.
---
It was night, and the red moon hung high.
Klein wrote:
"Dear Mr. Azik,
How have you been lately? I wonder if the food in Intis suits your taste."
The tip of the pen paused slightly, and Klein thought for a moment before continuing:
"I was fortunate enough to meet a merciful angel, His Majesty. He said that He knows you and understands your past."
When he wrote the word *'merciful,'* Klein's expression became quite strange, but he continued without stopping.
"And from His mouth, I learned that a major event, one that will change the world, will happen in Backlund soon. I'm uneasy about the many gods and hidden beings involved..."
"Anyway, I wish you all the best and look forward to hearing from you."
——Your student, Klein Moretti."
After finishing, he blew on the bronze whistle of the token.
---
Not long after, a tall, skeletal messenger appeared at Klein's rented house.
After swallowing the sealed letter, the Bone Messenger didn't even greet him, but instead escaped directly into the spirit world and vanished in an instant.
Klein thought it would take some time.
Unexpectedly, he received a reply from Mr. Azik the next day.
The letter was very short, just one sentence: *'Wait until I get there.'*
As expected, Mr. Azik was very eager.
Klein felt mixed emotions.
And he had a bad feeling.
He always felt that if Mr. Azik really confronted his past, something bad would definitely happen...
You must know that a *Seer's* premonitions are very accurate!
But things were already set in motion, and worrying wouldn't change anything.
Instead of thinking about those things, it was better to focus on his own situation.
The 'Magician' potion had almost been fully digested. Klein thought that this must have been due to his direct confrontation with the 'Desire Apostle' and the devil dog, or because he had been active as a fool in the middle (Miss Temperance) and high (Julius) Sequences of Extraordinaries.
Of course, he couldn't forget the Church of the Fool in Silver City.
Every praise from the believers was like applause for the 'Magician.'
This was a good thing.
Chaos was about to break out, and the stronger the strength, the better.
But he wasn't in a hurry to take the 'Faceless Man' potion. Instead, following Julius's suggestion, he came to St. Mussel Cathedral in Backlund.
After sitting alone in the confessional for half an hour, he was personally summoned by the archbishop and received an Beyonder item associated with the 'Sleepless One' path (Sequence 6) and the 'Requiem Master' path.
By the way, the 'Requiem' ability possessed by the 'Soul Master' can soothe the soul, calm the opponent's desires and emotions, or put the natural spirit in a relatively peaceful state, which can be very effective against the temptation or misdirection of the 'Witch' path...
"Praise the goddess." Klein tapped his chest four times with the hand wearing a black ring.
The archbishop did the same, smiling as he said, "Praise the goddess!"
---
---
Mr. Azik came anyway.
It was the second night after Klein was promoted to 'Faceless Man.'
However, despite having the ability to change his height and appearance, Klein did not return the 'Krum Disk' to Julius, instead choosing to keep it.
——This item is extremely dangerous. Not only does it have no side effects, but it also doesn't consume any spiritual energy. It is incredibly easy to use.
Mr. Azik was still the same, with black hair, brown eyes, soft features, and no beard.
Seeing Klein, he smiled gently and placed the gift on the coffee table in front of him. "Some gadgets from Intis."
Klein was happy to see his old friend again and selectively talked about everything that had happened since leaving Tingen.
The two talked cordially.
It wasn't until Julius arrived that the atmosphere shifted.
"Azik Eggers." Julius did not act as casually as usual. Instead, he perfectly demonstrated what an angel on earth truly is. He stared at Azik indifferently and said calmly, "Your destiny is clear."
Azik suppressed the smile on his lips and looked at the person opposite him cautiously.
After thinking for a moment, he lowered his head and asked, "So, what is my fate?"
He knew he couldn't defeat a genuine Sequence 1.
And there was no hostility or danger.
Julius continued to pretend, "Death."
As soon as Azik heard this, Klein couldn't stay still.
*Die?*
Good grief, Tuqiongdagger has been encountered, right?
I knew someone like you, with such thick-headedness, could have no good intentions.
Azik was deep in thought.
*Die.*
Familiar yet unfamiliar vocabulary.
He wasn't afraid.
On the contrary, he felt a genuine sense of peace.
"Your Majesty, Julius." Klein suddenly interrupted, "Fate can be changed!"
Both a teacher and a friend?
Adoptive father and son!
Back in Tingen, Klein couldn't even begin to count how much help Mr. Azik had given him. Even when he came to Backlund, unable to ask Julius about certain secret knowledge, he still sought answers from Mr. Azik by writing letters.
Klein didn't want to see this outcome.
"Ha." Julius suddenly smiled and said to Azik, "Serve the great master above the spiritual world, serve the 'Fool' who does not belong to this era, and you will escape the fate of death."
Azik hesitated.
Which evil god is the 'great master of the spiritual world'?
This is too difficult.
He had no intention of serving any gods.
Seeing this, Klein quickly tried to smooth things over. "Your Majesty Julius..."
Before he could finish, Julius used the 'portal' to teleport to a villa on the outskirts of Backlund and forcibly evicted him from his home.
"That little guy has a pure heart," Azik smiled knowingly. "But sometimes, his way of thinking is too subjective and emotional."
Julius stopped pretending and leaned back on the sofa in Klein's rented apartment. "Serve the Fool and the Secret, and you won't suffer any loss."
At this point, Mr. Azik seemed surprised.
Does this person still maintain his humanity so well?
Though he hadn't fully recovered all his memories, Azik often dreamed of a man with an indifferent expression, who considered the death of all living beings inconsequential.
——That man is Julius.
"Tell me about my past. I've been searching for this answer." Azik sat down opposite Julius, his expression indifferent.
Julius nodded. "You are Azik Eggers, the descendant of God, the son of Salinger Eggers, the 'Eternal Sleeper,' and the 'Death Consul' of the Balam Empire in the Fourth Age."
As Julius spoke, countless images that had never appeared before flashed in Azik's mind.
His memory was being restored bit by bit.
His temperament changed drastically.
Mildness turned to coldness.
Kindness turned to indifference.
The real Azik Eggers was returning to life!
Julius took the initiative to stop this process.
But then, Azik saw countless transparent filaments piercing his body, connecting to a bird-shaped gold ornament.
Azik's eyes flashed, and he stared at Julius with a twisted expression.
Both grateful and resentful.
Julius said, "Human or god? You choose."
Azik was silent for a long time.
In the end, gratitude outweighed resentment, and he spoke with difficulty: "I haven't eaten at any restaurants in East Balam, nor have I skied or fished for seals..."
He sided with fragile, fleeting humanity.
"Wise choice." Julius snapped his fingers, pulling the bird-shaped gold ornament from Azik's soul.
Azik's face turned pale, and he fell to the ground in a daze.
But just before he hit the ground, many souls followed Julius's guidance, penetrating Azik's body.
The previously broken soul was miraculously restored.
Of course, this kind of repair is like filling a half-empty bottle with water—seemingly full but still incomplete. Unless something unexpected happens, Azik's strength will never grow again.
"This is..." Azik tried to clench his fists.
"Well, it should be considered some kind of soul completion technique." Julius touched his nose.
For this moment, he had deliberately 'borrowed' this ability from a certain "spiritual king" who had used himself to stabilize the three realms.
Azik didn't speak, silently feeling his new self.
Julius played with the bird-shaped gold ornament and wandered into a long, lightless river.
——This item is like a key that can communicate with the "River of Eternal Darkness."
"In short, Mr. Azik Eggers, now that you have recovered your memory and freed yourself from your shackles, from now on, serve the Fool and the Secret with all your heart." Julius stood up. "By the way, Klein and I are the same. We are both favored by secrets."
Azik's expression shifted slightly, and he murmured, "I see..."
After gathering his thoughts, he spoke softly, without hesitation, "Praise the Fool."
---
…
After letting Azik stay temporarily with Huang Beibei at his manor, Julius teleported directly to a secret room in St. Samuel's Cathedral.
Without alerting anyone, a woman with a vague face met him.
"Here." Julius handed the bird-shaped gold ornament to the woman. "You should be very interested in this."
The woman didn't refuse but solemnly took it.
After a moment's hesitation, she asked, "What do you want?"
"I don't want anything. Besides, you can't give me what I want." Julius stared at the woman's face and, through her hidden cover, clearly saw her beautiful features.
For some reason, he suddenly grew playful and said, "If you really feel sorry for yourself, ahem, I'd like to be with you..."
Before she could finish the remaining words, the woman quietly disappeared.
Julius curled his lips. "Boring."
Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly stopped and said loudly, "Manman, I'll come and chat with you when I have time."
The true name of the Evernight Goddess is Amanisis.
Whether it was an illusion or not, the Archbishop of the Night, kneeling before the statue of the goddess in prayer, suddenly opened his eyes and lowered his head in fear.
As a true favored one by God, he felt the wrath of God.
---
…
Some people tease the goddess, while others are teased by the Witch.
Klein was suddenly teleported by Julius, and his destination was the Temporary Station of the Witch Cult. Terrified, he quickly transformed into Sherlock Moriarty.
After thinking for a long time, he sighed and walked bravely into the villa.
"Fortunately, Sherlock Moriarty's outfit is similar to Klein Moretti's." Klein thought to himself as he lowered his head, turning into a cold-faced, handsome man.
Mathilda, who had just returned from hanging out with Prince Edsac and had taken a shower, couldn't help but be a little surprised when she saw Klein.
But in a blink of an eye, that surprise turned into delight.
Working with the prince was just a matter of business, but being with the handsome, crazy guy was true love.
She wrapped herself around him like a snake. "Why are you so free today? Willing to come see me?"
Klein's expression remained unchanged. He didn't even consider pushing her away. He simply said calmly, "Passing by."
*Passing by?*
What a liar!
Mathilda was overjoyed, thinking her charm had finally conquered him.
Thinking this, she stood on tiptoe and blew into Klein's ear. "Let me tell you, Prince Edsac looks strong, but in reality, he's weak to the bone. Haha, I wonder how you measure up?"
Klein felt fed up.
He thought Julius had sent him here because something was wrong with the Witch Sect.
Just as he was about to find an excuse to leave, a black lady named Nao Nagasaki, about 27 years old, appeared at the railing on the second floor. She looked down at them with disgust on her face.
Klein raised his head and happened to make eye contact with Sister Kuronaga Naomi.
But he didn't pay attention to her alluring face; instead, his gaze froze on the hand she rested on the railing. Specifically, the unique ring set with a sapphire on her index finger...
---
---
**Who is she?**
Such a question arose in Klein's mind.
Mathilda, who had been clinging to Klein, noticed his distraction and turned to meet his gaze.
"Ha," she smirked provocatively upon recognizing the person. She moved even closer to Klein, her hands lingering, "What are you staring at? Want to join in?"
Upon hearing this, Sister Hei Changzhi snorted coldly, turned, and left.
Klein pondered for a moment.
He casually asked, "Who is that person?"
"How should I know? She didn't even want to give her name," Mathilda responded, seemingly criticizing Sister Kuronaga Naomi. "That adult didn't say a word and just let her stay here. I have no idea why."
It was very mysterious.
Klein's curiosity grew. He suspected that Julius had teleported him here to draw his attention to the woman with the ring.
Ultimately, Klein resisted the temptation of the Witch's charms.
Thanks to his unshakeable will and the influence of the 'Soul Master' ring, he kept his resolve intact.
---
**The Next Day:**
In the morning, with his 'Sherlock Moriarty' guise in place, Klein boarded the first public carriage to the detective office.
To his surprise, someone was already waiting for him.
"Mr. Sherlock." The visitor's face was pale, veins bulging on his skin. "Mr. A sent me to wait for your orders."
Klein raised an eyebrow. Having dealt with the Aurora Order's fanatics before, he greeted the man with a slight nod. "Understood. Please come inside."
Zan Ke, still not well-known within the Church of Evernight, had become a middle-ranking member of the Aurora Order.
Once inside the office, Zan Ke sat across from Klein and immediately asked, "Did Mr. A say anything? Is everything alright?"
"Mr. A is fine, but he's been under surveillance by heretics lately," the hermit monk replied respectfully. "He said the transport ship will dock soon, and we can take action whenever we're ready."
Klein had already heard about the transport ships, human trafficking, and the secret construction of George III's tomb around the world.
But what did Mr. A mean by this?
Was it time to sever ties with the Loen royal family?
Klein narrowed his eyes, his mind whirring. "That doesn't feel right. It's not yet time to break away... Perhaps Mr. A wants to give me a chance to prove myself. Or maybe, with the royal family's surveillance, he can't act freely, so he's relying on me."
"I understand. Don't make a move just yet. Lurk nearby and wait for my instructions," Klein said coldly.
The Aurora Order seemed to operate on the principle that the calmer they appeared, the more they admired Klein.
The nameless hermit bowed silently and vanished into the shadows.
Once alone, Klein used divination to ensure no one else was nearby. After confirming the area was clear, he relaxed and slumped into the sofa.
A busy night indeed.
---
**Later That Day:**
If it weren't for the letter from his family, Klein might have remained caught up between the Aurora Order and the Witch Sect for much longer.
This task was simply one he couldn't afford to fail.
But today was different. He couldn't focus on anything else.
By the time he arrived at Backlund's train station early in the morning, it was 10 o'clock before the dark steam train finally pulled in. Klein ate a quick donut, left a tip, and made his way to the platform, adjusting his hat.
Being Beyonder meant Klein had sharp eyes. He quickly spotted his brother and sister among the crowd, lugging heavy suitcases as though they were bringing everything they owned.
"Really..." Klein smiled brightly and waved, "Benson, Melissa, over here!"
---
**Settling In:**
Benson and Melissa were taken aback by Klein's transformation. Although his scholarly demeanor and gentle nature remained, something had clearly changed in his mental state.
"I'll be staying in a rented place for now," Klein said. "In a few days, we'll go to Jowood to look for a permanent home."
"Money? Don't worry. I have enough savings to support us comfortably," he continued, ignoring their surprised expressions. "Also, I've been working with Mr. Julius, remember? He was the gentleman at Selena's birthday party. We're good friends, and he lent me some capital to invest."
The truth was, Klein's primary source of income still came from the Church of Evernight and the Aurora Order, along with the occasional job in the docks and gang-controlled areas to feed his 'creeping hunger.'
Melissa and Benson seemed stunned by Klein's words.
---
**New Beginnings:**
As they arrived at the new two-story building Klein had chosen for them, Melissa's eyes flickered. But soon, her practical side took over as she started calculating the living expenses for the family, complaining that they couldn't afford to live extravagantly.
Klein smiled and agreed, though he knew he had seen both the slums and the extravagant royal parties. His perspective had broadened considerably.
Benson, on the other hand, was considering joining a government department. He felt it was time he contributed, rather than relying on Klein to support the family.
It took the whole day to move in, and just as Melissa was planning to go out and buy food for their housewarming, Klein suddenly suggested taking them out to eat at a restaurant.
Melissa initially refused, but after a bit of persuasion, she agreed.
Benson also hesitated but eventually followed along, leaving their concerns behind for a time.
Klein smiled and assured them, "It's on me."
---
---
The Farnest restaurant in the West End had an elegant ambiance.
In the private room on the top floor, Benson and Melissa felt somewhat uncomfortable. Their voices lowered significantly as they spoke.
"We meet again." Julius smiled warmly, handing the menu to Melissa. "Order whatever you like, and don't worry about the cost."
Melissa glanced over the appetizers and immediately began calculating in her mind how much she could save if she bought the ingredients and cooked them herself.
Klein knew that his sister had fallen into her usual habit of being overly thrifty, so he coughed lightly and said, "Mr. Julius is very generous."
Sister, if you find a good man, don't hesitate!
However, Melissa's frugality won out, and she ordered only some simple, modest dishes.
Benson did the same, even more restrained than Melissa.
When it was Klein's turn, the 'Lord of Debt' had no such concerns.
He ordered only the most expensive dishes without hesitation.
A wealthy man has many assets, and everything ends in extravagance.
Julius remained unfazed. He took it upon himself to order several of the restaurant's signature dishes for Melissa and Benson.
This made the siblings feel quite embarrassed.
"It's fine. If you can't finish it, we can take the leftovers," Julius said casually. "You're Klein's family. No need to worry about appearances."
Benson and Melissa thought in unison, *The relationship between Klein and Mr. Julius is really strong…*
Though it was an upscale restaurant, Julius and Klein acted far more casually than the usual upper-class patrons.
They were relaxed, almost like they were dining at home, unconcerned with the typical formalities of Loen's elite.
With no outsiders watching, Benson and Melissa slowly began to relax and enjoy the exquisite dishes the chef had prepared.
---
**Later:**
As the meal concluded, the leftovers were packed away.
Julius insisted on doing it himself.
The waiter, visibly surprised, watched as Julius carried the lunchboxes and led the Moretti family to his carriage.
"Don't worry too much about appearances," Julius said nonchalantly. "Whether your life is good or not is the most important thing. Only those who are insecure worry too much about status."
These words earned Melissa's approval.
She had always been a diligent, practical person.
Klein and Benson exchanged a glance, both silently worrying.
*If she keeps getting so entangled in the small things, who would dare marry her?*
The carriage slowly made its way to the North District and stopped outside St. Mussel Cathedral.
Klein sensed something was off. As he peered out the window, his expression shifted.
Julius, sensing his discomfort, reassured him, "After dinner, isn't it appropriate to pay homage to the goddess?"
*Appropriate?* Klein thought. *It's hardly the right time to pay homage after a leisurely meal!*
Benson and Melissa also felt the unease.
Benson didn't hold any particular faith, but Melissa was a devoted follower of the Evernight Goddess.
Her thoughts were conflicted—she was a time traveler with progressive ideas, unlike the more traditional, macho Mr. Leodero, who led the 'Female Durban' faction.
"It doesn't matter. God doesn't mind," Julius waved dismissively.
To add weight to his words, he took out a holy emblem of the Evernight Goddess from his pocket. "I'm an officially certified, outstanding believer. Trust me, this is the right thing to do."
The Moretti family exchanged puzzled glances, unsure what to make of it.
Klein, however, couldn't hide his disbelief.
---
**Inside the Cathedral:**
When they entered, Benson and Melissa remained reserved, but the priests in black robes paid them no mind, offering no attention or acknowledgment.
Klein blinked, confused.
*Secret?* he wondered.
He glanced at Julius, who nodded in confirmation.
Klein's tension eased. It seemed Julius hadn't come here on a whim, but rather had a specific plan in mind.
Benson and Melissa, unaware of the underlying situation, assumed that the Church's high-ranking figures simply couldn't be bothered to acknowledge them, and therefore, they didn't question it.
Once inside the prayer hall, Julius instructed Klein to stay with his family while he took a familiar route toward the underground chamber of St. Mussel Cathedral.
Before long, a woman in a black dress appeared in the secret chamber, her face obscured.
"You must protect his family," Julius said seriously. "They are his anchor point."
The woman paused, then nodded. "Understood."
But she added, "Excessive protection can hinder growth."
"Without deep hatred, they can't grow?" Julius asked, intrigued.
The woman fell silent.
Julius smiled. "Once this matter is over, I will leave him and head to the Abyss to take and digest the potion."
Upon hearing this, the woman shuddered slightly.
*The Abyss*, a place of corruption, demons, and the dark side of the universe. Even angels could fall into madness there; its influence could eventually corrupt even the gods themselves.
Julius reassured her, "Don't worry. The power of your world cannot affect me, for I come from beyond the stars."
The woman remained silent.
After a long pause, she finally spoke. "I will give my blessing. But it's time for his family to understand the truth of this world so that he can grow faster."
Julius seemed indifferent. "I have no objections."
After a brief moment, he rubbed his hands together. "Now that the business is done, Manman, I want to…"
With that, the woman disappeared silently.
Meanwhile, the Archbishop of the Night felt a surge of divine wrath from above.
---
**Elsewhere:**
Bernadette was on a video call with her elderly father.
After paying a hefty sum, she had managed to ask Julius to transform the Blasphemy Card into a video phone.
In the secret mausoleum, Roselle, draped in black robes and holding a crown and scepter, smiled bitterly. "It's not that I don't want you to come, but with your strength, there's little you can do here."
Bernadette, unfazed, replied calmly, "When the storm subsides, I can ask Mr. Fool for help."
"Don't!" Roselle was alarmed.
Through their communication, he had learned that the corruption affecting him seemed to stem from the "Fallen Mother Goddess," an extremely dangerous entity. He feared Bernadette's younger siblings might also fall victim to it.
Roselle knew his daughter's stubborn nature all too well. He could only sigh and offer a wry smile. "Maybe it's best to wait until that god-becoming ceremony fails, then you can come back. If he succeeds, I'll be lying in the grave—nothing more to worry about."
As they spoke, Roselle's humanity occasionally shone through, giving him a rare moment of relaxation in the mausoleum.
Bernadette's words were resolute: "I will do my best."
Roselle could only tWitch the corner of his mouth.
Compared to his daughter, he preferred Julius Astorio—the angel of the 'destiny' path.
*Well, those destined emperors don't go wrong, do they?*
It's always wise to make the right connections.
---
---
Every day felt the same.
Time seemed to slip by unnoticed.
Klein watched as the fog above Backlund thickened, his heart sinking with it.
One day, Maldida from the Witch Sect informed him that it was time to take action.
Klein lowered the brim of his hat, concealing the handsome face of 'Sherlock Moriarty' within the thick fog, and vanished in the blink of an eye.
…
…
Earl Hall's Mansion, Queens.
Audrey, absorbed in her writing at her desk, was startled when the gray fog suddenly engulfed her vision.
Within the fog, a blurred figure knelt in an alley, praying: "Great Mr. Fool, the Witches have begun to act. Please warn all the members in Backlund to stay inside and be cautious."
Let's get started!
Audrey sat up straight, her focus sharpened.
After a moment's thought, she clenched her teeth and summoned someone's messenger.
The messenger hurriedly left, returning just as quickly.
"Follow your heart."
Reading Julius's reply, Audrey felt a sense of certainty and decided it was time to reveal her true self to her parents.
No more pretending. I am Beyonder.
In the living room, Mrs. Caitlin sat gracefully on the sofa, calmly directing the chief and deputy housekeepers, along with several assistants, on the details of tomorrow's dinner.
"Mom, I need to talk to you," Audrey said abruptly, her voice serious and uncharacteristically blunt.
Mrs. Caitlin raised an eyebrow and dismissed the others. "You may leave for now."
Soon, only mother and daughter remained in the room.
Audrey took a deep breath. "Mom, I have something to confess."
Mrs. Caitlin's expression remained neutral. "Go ahead, I'm listening."
Audrey looked her mother in the eyes, mirroring the green gaze she had inherited. "I am not just a regular person. I have magical powers."
She braced herself for her mother's surprise or disbelief.
But Mrs. Caitlin remained unfazed, calmly responding, "I know."
Audrey blinked in confusion. "You... what?"
Mrs. Caitlin continued, unbothered. "Your father and I have known for some time."
Audrey: ? ? ?
It shouldn't be.
I thought I hid it so well.
She tried again, "Susie is actually..."
Before she could continue, Mrs. Caitlin sighed and pinched her forehead. "I know."
After a brief pause, she smiled knowingly. "Do you think your father and I didn't notice when we brought all those strange things home? There have always been Beyonder individuals around us. I didn't tell you earlier because the time hadn't come, but I suppose you've decided to tell me first."
Mrs. Caitlin's tone softened as she patted Audrey's head. "And as for your connection with Julius Astorio…"
Okay, enough!
Audrey blushed fiercely. "Mom, Mr. Julius and I aren't like that!"
Suddenly serious, she added, "But that's not the only thing. I've joined a secret, academic organization that doesn't worship evil gods."
"Mr. Fool is not an evil god," she added silently in her heart.
Seeing the surprise in Mrs. Caitlin's eyes, Audrey continued, "I've received word that the Witch Cult is planning a disaster in Backlund, and many people will likely lose their lives."
"Witch?" Mrs. Caitlin frowned at the mention of the word.
She wasn't well-versed in the Beyonder world but could instinctively sense its dangers.
"Yes, a Witch. And behind this disaster, there's an evil god involved," Audrey said, hoping to impress upon her mother the gravity of the situation. "I had to tell you."
At the mention of 'evil god,' Mrs. Caitlin's demeanor shifted. She knew exactly what that meant.
Audrey exhaled in relief.
Even a little help would be enough. The power of the nobility could rival even the royal family.
The Kingdom of Loen belongs to its people, not just to Augustus!
…
…
A dark haze, a mix of iron-black and light yellow, began to descend upon the East District, enveloping the docks and factories, steadily creeping westward.
In the midst of the plague's fog, a beautiful woman in white robes and a veil walked through the dirtied streets.
She was the original will, the messenger of despair.
Suddenly, 'Ms. Desperate' paused, her gaze fixed on a homeless man who was coughing violently.
He appeared to be caught in some sort of hallucination, tears and snot streaking his face as he confessed his sins.
'Ms. Desperate' smiled serenely, her expression calm and gentle.
She murmured, "The history of the Kingdom of Loen will remember this day."
Just as she was about to leave, something felt off.
She stopped and surveyed her surroundings, suspicion creeping into her thoughts.
The fog remained thick.
But it didn't continue to spread.
At that moment, a masked figure appeared before 'Ms. Desperate.'
It was clear from the silhouette that it was a woman, dressed in an odd combination of a windbreaker and a long skirt.
"Who are you?" asked 'Ms. Desperate.'
The visitor didn't respond, simply waving a hand and saying, "A brave young soul, unafraid of danger."
In an instant, a giant swordsman with short black hair materialized, aiming a sword at 'Ms. Desperate.'
Her expression shifted slightly.
Extraordinaries on the 'Sage' path possessed various tricky abilities, and they were formidable opponents.
Soon, 'Ms. Desperate' used a mirror to narrowly avoid the fatal strike.
Bernadette, tasked with intercepting the Witch Sect, remained calm as she recast her spell. "The Spear of Longinus."
The core ability of an Beyonder being on the 'Sage' path is their mysterious reappearance—an advanced form of knowledge that grants powerful skills.
Bernadette was well-versed in many rare books (fairy tales) that only she had read, and her combat skills were unmatched.
The ancient-style dark red spear, burning from the tip to the handle, pierced 'Ms. Desperate's' body in an instant, blood pouring from the wound.
Severely wounded, 'Ms. Desperate' gasped, "Who are you?"
Who is this?
Who leaked today's operation?
Could this have been a trap all along?
"No," she muttered to herself, "I need to leave quickly."
Despite the brief clash, 'Ms. Desperate' knew she was outmatched by Bernadette. Using Witchcraft's secret abilities, she barely escaped.
But just as she fled, she realized something.
She was back at the enemy's side again.
A sinking feeling overwhelmed her, and with bitter resignation, she muttered, "The cycle of fate."
This was an ancient technique, learned from a forbidden book.
The angels of the 'Destiny' path had the power to force time into a loop, keeping events in balance within a specific range, repeating in cycles.
"Angel…" 'Ms. Desperate' whispered in despair.
She had just crossed the threshold into demigod status. Was she already targeted?
As it turned out, there was no targeting.
It was something far worse.
A man wearing a mask and exuding a suffocating aura of death entered the battlefield.
The despair in 'Ms. Desperate's' heart deepened to an unbearable level.
---
---
Somewhere in the West End.
Julius floated in the air, watching helplessly as the secret power enveloped the western half of Backlund.
Then came deep sleep and tranquility.
This place had become a proper battlefield!
"Thank you, Manman." He smiled casually, his voice soft.
No one responded, but Julius didn't mind. He locked his hands behind his shoulders and muttered, "The Chained God will roar forever, the god who lost his heart."
In an instant, an evil gaze fell upon Julius.
Unfazed, Julius continued reciting the divine name of the "Chained God": "The Chained God will roar forever, the heartless god!"
Buzz—
Space rippled.
A profoundly oppressive force descended on Backlund.
In Julius's vision, a massive rag doll wrapped in sinister vines, its bright red eyes gleaming, plummeted from the sky with a chilling aura.
This was the incarnation of the will of the "Chained God."
It could also be said to be the incarnation of the will of the "Mother Tree of Desire."
The "Mother Tree of Desire" had secretly corrupted the "Chained God," stripped away the corresponding authority, and torn off a copy of the Sequence 1 Beyonder traits to forge a new "god."
Julius wasn't surprised—he was delighted.
"Leodero!" he shouted.
"Lord of Storms, fight me."
Boom!
Thunder rained down in countless strikes, violently tearing through everything in its path.
The "Mother Tree of Desire" hadn't anticipated that the angels of the "Destiny" path could summon the "Lord of the Storm," and something flickered in the eyes of the massive rag doll.
But now that it had broken through the protective barrier and entered the real world, it wouldn't waste such a perfect opportunity.
A silent scream emerged from its mouth, and in an instant, twisted curses spread everywhere.
Julius smirked.
Curses, huh?
"Lord of all creation, Lord behind the curtain of shadow, the fallen nature of all beings, I ask for your gaze, I ask for your strength!"
Evil needs to be punished by the wicked.
The "Mother Tree of Desire" had been duped by the "True Creator," and suffered severe damage, even the projection of the giant rag doll weakening.
The thunder ceased.
A grumpy old pigeon hastily withdrew its strength, retreating to its divine realm with a guilty conscience.
The "True Creator," having been summoned, paid no heed. He had no love for these starry sky evil gods, and his insane rants poured into the body of the giant rag doll without restraint.
Julius couldn't help but picture the scene.
A woman covering her ears, desperately trying to block out the noise of a relentless trumpet player.
Amidst the chaos, Julius distinctly heard the insult "Sukabule" more than once.
Julius found it amusing.
Perhaps he was simply tired of being forced by the "True Creator."
The "Mother Tree of Desire" grew more enraged.
It kept pouring power into the giant rag doll, attempting to bring it into the real world in its true form rather than as a mere projection of will.
Julius silently nodded.
"You won't make it."
Within three or four breaths, Julius noticed something strange.
His status as a true god in the multiverse was absurdly high. Any other Sequence 1, or even a half-step true god like Mr. Door, would have been utterly overwhelmed by the "Mother Tree of Desire."
"You're here; don't leave." A smile crept across Julius's face.
When the "Mother Tree of Desire" had grown so powerful that even the hidden realm of the Evernight Goddess couldn't suppress it, Julius finally dropped the disguise of Sequence 1 and logged into his true form.
But a faceless puppet appeared, unexpectedly behind the giant rag doll, and countless transparent threads instantly pierced its body!
The "True Creator" flinched, quickly retreating.
He feared that if he hesitated even a moment longer, the repercussions would be disastrous.
Sensing the power leaving him, the "Mother Tree of Desire" struggled fiercely.
But all was in vain.
There was nothing Julius couldn't claim.
Soon, the connection between the "Mother Tree of Desire" and the giant rag doll was severed.
A portion of the Beyonder traits of Sequence 1 and the uniqueness of the 'Chained God' path now lay in Julius's hands.
"Heh." Julius smiled, stowing his spoils.
He looked up at a furious starry sky evil god, gazing through the protective barrier.
After a moment of thought, he placed a finger to his lips and blew a kiss. "Thank you this time. As for having a baby, next time. Definitely next time."
"Mother Tree of Desire": △*A Nitama 231.01 (Evil God Roar)
…
…
Klein slowly regained consciousness in an alley.
The haze lingered.
Its color had changed—it was no longer black.
He breathed a sigh of relief but remained cautious. Quietly, he removed the pendulum and began his divination.
After confirming that everything was on track, he relaxed, lowered the brim of his hat, and walked into the West End with the members of the Aurora Order behind him, unaware of the disturbance.
Along the way, most pedestrians appeared pale.
Klein raised the 'Black Iron Cross' and began directing the Aurora Order members to distribute masks and emergency medical kits for free and assist the poor.
By the way, most of the medicines in the emergency kits were secretly supplied by Harvest Church…
The workers and homeless were astonished.
Yet, no one turned away the help.
The name of the "True Creator" began to spread among the poor.
One told ten, and ten told a hundred.
"The Lord bore the sufferings of the world."
"The Lord sacrificed himself for the world."
"Praise my Lord!"
Klein embraced his role as an Aurora missionary.
The potion of the 'Faceless Man' was slowly being digested.
Just then, Maldida, who had been with Prince Edsac at the Red Rose Manor, suddenly arrived in a hurry. Upon seeing Klein and his group, her face darkened.
She pulled Klein aside and demanded, "This is not what was planned. Where is Ms. Panatia?"
Panatia was the Witch beaten by Bernadette and Azik.
Klein pretended confusion. "I don't know what you mean."
Maldida, flustered, said, "Without enough disaster and despair, Yuanchu will not be satisfied!"
At this, Klein remained unnervingly calm. "I serve the omniscient and almighty Lord."
Maldida fell silent for a moment.
It seemed she wanted to say something else.
But the next moment, her beautiful face turned ashen. "The original has arrived..."
---