Chapter 106 – Artist Klein
Klein enjoys a satisfying dinner with his siblings, Benson and Melissa, and shares his plans to become a part-time history consultant for the police department, which will provide an additional income to support their future adventures. He also recommends trying authentic Intis cuisine and southern delicacies, sparking Melissa’s yearning for exotic foods. Benson, inspired by Klein’s thirst for knowledge, decides to pursue learning and asks for grammar books and classic literature textbooks.
As Klein heads to the duty room for a routine meeting, he meets Captain Dunn and the other Nighthawks, including the newly promoted Kenley, who briefs the team on the investigation of Sirius Arapis. The team discovers Sirius’s secret hideout, revealing his involvement with the Aurora Order, a secret organization that worships the True Creator. They also find evidence of Sirius and Hanass selling the Antigonus family notebook to Welch, and uncover three Sequence potion formulas, including the Clown potion that Klein previously discovered.
The team’s next task is to track down other Aurora Order members, focusing on the heretic who has infiltrated the police department, and reinvestigate those who were in contact with Hanass. With this new information, Klein is drawn deeper into the mysteries of the Aurora Order and its connections to the Antigonus family, the Zaratul family, and the Seer Sequence.
Chapter 107 – Fors
Audrey attends a salon hosted by Viscount Glaint, where she meets Miss Fors Wall, the author of Stormwind Mountain Villa. Audrey is intrigued by Fors’s calm and intellectual demeanor, reminiscent of Lady Sissi from her novel. As they exchange pleasantries, Audrey observes Fors’s subtle details, such as yellow stains on her fingers and calluses on her hands, revealing her Beyonder status.
Audrey’s keen senses detect Fors’s confidence and poise, suggesting she has an ulterior motive for attending the salon. As they mingle with other esteemed guests, Audrey maintains her elegant facade while secretly analyzing Fors’s behavior. She wonders if Fors needs financial support or assistance with a mysterious task, fueling her curiosity about the author’s true intentions.
As the evening unfolds, Audrey continues to observe and engage with Fors, carefully navigating their conversation to uncover more about the enigmatic author. With each exchange, Audrey becomes increasingly invested in uncovering Fors’s secrets, setting the stage for a captivating game of wit and intrigue.
Chapter 108 – Deep Into The Night
Klein, still adjusting to his new life in this world, sits in the dimly lit duty room, flipping through newspapers and magazines to pass the time. He’s tired, but the rich aroma of coffee keeps him going. As he browses through a fashion magazine, he can’t help but appreciate the beautiful models, but his thoughts are soon interrupted by the mention of “Stormwind Mountain Villa”, a novel written by Fors Wall, the same enigmatic author Audrey met at Viscount Glaint’s salon.
As Klein reads the novel, he’s drawn into the mysterious world of Lady Sissi, a detective embroiled in a romance filled with twists and turns. The tranquility of the night is shattered, however, when a sudden, intense knocking echoes through the corridor, originating from beyond the Chanis Gate. Klein’s instincts kick in, and he readies his revolver, his heart racing with anticipation.
The knocking grows more ferocious, and Klein senses the massive impact it’s having on the gate. He can’t believe he’s encountering something on his first day on duty, and his right hand begins to sweat as he grips his revolver tightly, bracing for what’s to come.
Chapter 109 – Deduction
Klein stands at the entrance of the guard room, revolver at the ready, as the intense knocking at Chanis Gate subsides. Leonard, Kenley, and Royale arrive, surrounding him with a mixture of suspicion and caution. Klein recounts the events, describing the Misfortune Cloth Puppet, 3-0625, that briefly emerged from the gate. Leonard’s flippant attitude gives way to a solemn recitation of a holy prayer, which seems to purify the atmosphere, and Royale takes guard duty alongside Klein.
As they deliberate on the mysterious events, Leonard’s deductive skills shine through, and he suspects the Antigonus family’s notebook, stored behind Chanis Gate, as the cause of the anomaly. Royale and Klein exchange information, with Klein revealing his observations of the puppet, and Royale sharing the recent storage of the notebook and Sealed Artifact 2-049 behind the gate.
As they try to make sense of the strange occurrence, the group decides to wait for dawn and the Captain’s arrival, passing the time with a game of Fighting Evil. Leonard’s poetic side is revealed, and Royale explains that his detective skills have been honed through reading novels. The chapter ends with the group waiting in tense anticipation, unsure of what lies ahead.
Chapter 110 – Confirmation
Klein returns home, deciding to investigate the Misfortune Cloth Puppet’s mysterious picture on his own. He brews tea, eats wheat bread, and heads to his room, careful not to wake his siblings. His sister Melissa mentions that she and Benson will be attending Mass at Saint Selena Cathedral in the morning, which reminds Klein of his own connection to the Evernight Goddess as a Nighthawk. He comforts himself, thinking of Old Neil and the Goddess’s forgiveness towards Nighthawks.
In his room, Klein creates a sealed spirituality wall and enters the gray fog, sitting on the seat of honor at the bronze table. He conjures a goatskin parchment and writes a divination incantation, seeking to reproduce the mysterious picture. As a Seer, he can recall and reproduce what he’s seen, and through mysticism theory, he believes his spirituality can remember everything. He falls asleep through Cogitation, entering a dream-like state where he sees the puppet and the vertical eye symbol.
Klein exits the dream, recalling the symbol, and writes it on the parchment. He uses his topaz pendulum to verify the symbol’s significance, and it affirms that the vertical eye is key to the treasure left behind by the Antigonus family. Klein ponders the implications, considering the notebook’s possible inheritance and the mysterious events surrounding Chanis Gate. His investigation has only just begun, and the threads of fate are slowly unraveling.
Chapter 111 – Letting Slip
Melissa attends a seminar on managing family expenses, led by lecturer Xaviera Hedda, who wears a Windstorm badge, symbolizing her faith in the Lord of Storms. The lecture takes an uncomfortable turn when Xaviera quotes philosopher Leumi, stating that women are innately flawed in intelligence and logic. Melissa, Selena, and Elizabeth exchange uneasy glances and decide to leave, relieved to escape the hall.
As they exit, Melissa reveals her plan to study and tend to household chores, including buying groceries for Klein, who works on Sundays. Meanwhile, Klein takes a public carriage to Howes Street, attempting to suppress his thoughts about the Antigonus family’s treasure and focus on his Seer persona. He contemplates visiting the Divination Club, unsure if it’s beneficial, and reflects on the importance of improving his acting skills.
The ladies part ways, with Selena and Elizabeth heading to Harrods for some window shopping. Melissa returns home, looking forward to her textbooks and household responsibilities, while Klein continues to navigate the complexities of his Seer identity.
Chapter 112 – Aziks Explanation
Audrey Hall sits in a windy corner, contemplating Fors Wall’s request to help Xio Derecha, a young girl accused of grievous assault and imprisoned in a temporary prison. According to Viscount Glaint’s investigation, Xio Derecha’s actions were a result of trying to protect a borrower from an usurer, but now faces a severe sentence. Audrey decides to tell Glaint to follow the lawyer’s suggestion and pursue a lighter sentence.
As Audrey ponders the situation, she recalls her experience with the Tarot Club and how it changed her perspective. She then notices her golden retriever, Susie, exhibiting strange behavior, and to her astonishment, Susie begins to talk. Audrey is shocked and struggles to compose herself, trying to understand how her dog has acquired the ability to speak.
Meanwhile, Klein attends to his plan to consolidate his mysticism knowledge and visits Khoy University to interact with Mr. Azik, seeking to uncover what he knows. He chats with his teacher, Cohen Quentin, about the historical ruins on the Hornacis mountain range and later meets with Azik, who agrees to chat with him by the Khoy’s banks.
Chapter 113 – Request
Klein meets with Mr. Azik at Khoy University, where Azik reveals he can sense that Klein is a Beyonder. Azik shares his own extraordinary powers and his desire to uncover the truth about his origins, fearing death and seeking Klein’s help in finding clues. Klein sympathizes with Azik’s plight, recalling his own struggles as a Beyonders, and promises to keep an eye out for any leads.
As they part ways, Klein returns home to study charms and amulets, hoping to create objects that can aid him in battle. Meanwhile, Audrey Hall is still reeling from Susie’s sudden ability to speak, her emotions in turmoil as she tries to process this shocking turn of events.
In the Tarot Club, Klein observes Justice, aka Audrey, struggling to maintain her composure, her emotions a mix of worry, unease, and disorientation. The club’s atmosphere is tense, with Klein aware of the many secrets and mysteries surrounding its members.
Chapter 114 – The Standards of a Member
Klein’s reading of Emperor Roselle’s diary reveals a shocking discovery: there is no crude oil in this world, crippling the potential for industrialization. His plans for accumulating wealth and establishing a charity foundation are now uncertain. However, Klein decides to focus on investing in electricity and magnetism, which do exist in this world. He also learns about the Emperor’s plans for a “Patriotic Health Campaign” and a mysterious organization that influences the world from the shadows.
In the Tarot Club, Audrey struggles to maintain her composure, still reeling from Susie’s sudden ability to speak. Klein keeps a close eye on her as the club’s atmosphere remains tense with secrets and mysteries. Meanwhile, Audrey asks about Sequence potions named Tribunal and Beyonders who can bypass locks, but The Hanged Man demands an investigation in exchange for the answer.
Alger requests Audrey’s help in uncovering the King’s intentions regarding a potential war with the Feysac Empire, leveraging her connections as a Loen noble. Audrey agrees, but needs time to gather information. The deal is sealed with The Fool as a witness, and Audrey exchanges a knowing glance with him, hinting at a deeper understanding between them. The chapter ends with a sense of intrigue, as the characters’ individual motivations and alliances begin to unfold.
Chapter 115 – Cheat
Audrey and Alger are still reeling from The Fool’s stern warning, submitting to his wishes sincerely as they recall the unusual tone from the usually relaxed and calm Mr. Fool. Meanwhile, Klein is enjoying a rare break, lying on his bed and daydreaming after a week of packed schedules. However, he knows he can’t waste time and heads to the Divination Club, deciding to fully digest the Seer potion.
At the club, Klein meets Glacis and a blue-dressed lady, Christina, who are anxious and flustered due to their dealings with Lanevus’s steel company. Klein had previously warned Glacis about investing in the company, but it seems he didn’t heed the advice. As Klein observes their emotions through his Spirit Vision, he makes associations and judgments, showcasing his exceptional abilities as a fortune-teller.
As Klein prepares to delve deeper into the issues with Lanevus, the scene sets the stage for further intrigue and mystery. With his unique abilities and calm demeanor, Klein is about to unravel the threads of deception and uncover the truth, leaving readers wondering what lies ahead for the characters in this world of mysticism and secrets.
Chapter 116 – Lanevuss Child
Christina introduces her niece Megose, who has been swindled by Lanevus, a cunning fraudster. Megose is pregnant with Lanevus’s child, and her family wants Klein’s help to track him down. Klein agrees to help but realizes that Lanevus’s disappearance will make it difficult to find him. He suggests waiting a few months until the child is born, which could aid in the divination process.
Christina is frustrated, knowing that even if they find Lanevus, they might not be able to recover their lost money. She asks Megose if she has any personal items Lanevus carried, but Megose doesn’t have anything. As the conversation unfolds, Klein senses that Megose might be hiding something, and her words seem to hint at a deeper mystery.
Klein is taken aback when Megose walks away, leaving him and Christina to discuss their plan. He later visits Blackthorn Security Company, where Rozanne shows him the newspaper with Lanevus’s wanted ad. Both Klein and Rozanne are infuriated by Lanevus’s crimes, and Klein’s determination to uncover the truth grows stronger.
Chapter 117 – Contact
Klein is determined to uncover the truth about Lanevus, but he knows he needs to be cautious. He’s aware that interacting with Daxter Guderian, a doctor at the Greenhill Mental Asylum and suspected Spectator, could be risky. To minimize the danger, Klein decides to hide the truth within the truth, using his expression and body language to convey limited information. He draws inspiration from a detective film and practices his approach before meeting with Detective Henry to discuss the ongoing investigation into the red chimney.
Klein visits Daxter Guderian at the asylum, introducing himself as Probationary Inspector Klein Moretti of the Awwa Police Department. Daxter, sensing something amiss, scrutinizes Klein’s identification documents and badge. Klein reveals his true motive, introducing himself as a member of the Nighthawks Squad, dealing with supernatural incidents. Daxter’s pupils constrict, and he becomes flustered, but Klein reassures him, explaining that he came seeking information, not to arrest him.
Daxter relaxes, and Klein reveals that their paths crossed before at the underground market at Evil Dragon Bar, where Daxter purchased supplementary ingredients for a potion. Klein’s familiarity with the formula caught Daxter’s attention, and Daxter realizes he underestimated Klein’s abilities. The two engage in a cat-and-mouse game, with Klein probing for information and Daxter trying to maintain his composure, wondering what Klein’s true motive is.
Chapter 118 – August
Klein’s life has become relatively stable, with no supernatural incidents bothering him for two weeks. He’s been focusing on his training, researching mysticism, and developing new cooking recipes. However, he’s still haunted by the red chimney and the Misfortune Cloth Puppet’s picture in his dreams. The Tarot Club Gatherings have been convened thrice, but Klein hasn’t received any new pages of Roselle’s diary. Justice has been making progress, getting to know two Beyonders who might join the Gathering, but Klein is more concerned about acquiring the Telepathist formula from Daxter Guderian, a doctor at the Greenhill Mental Asylum.
Klein’s progress with the Seer potion has been faster than expected, and he’s optimistic about digesting it entirely by next week. He’s also thinking about ways to get the formula for the Clown potion, but he’s hesitant to draw attention from higher-ups. Meanwhile, Henry is close to completing the red chimney task, and Klein’s private stash of money has increased. He’s considering investigating recent tenants in the red chimney houses, but time is a constraint.
As Klein finishes his combat training with Gawain, he reflects on his schedule and priorities. He needs to accelerate his plans, especially with Justice’s progress in becoming a Spectator. The stakes are rising, and Klein must navigate his relationships with Daxter, Justice, and other key players to uncover the truth about the red chimney and Lanevus.
Chapter 119 – The True Lower Street
Klein meets Leonard Mitchell, who’s waiting for him, and they discuss their investigation of the mysterious deaths. Leonard reveals his experience with evil gods and devils, hinting at a mysterious past. Klein senses that Leonard is hiding something and makes a rough deduction about Leonard’s possible “fortuitous encounter.” Leonard laughs it off, but Klein remains suspicious.
As they walk towards Iron Cross Street, Leonard shares information about the Holy Cathedral’s records of supernatural encounters, which Klein can access by submitting an application to Captain. This sparks Klein’s curiosity, and he realizes the Captain’s forgetfulness might be a unique symptom of being a Nightmare. Leonard’s ominous tone raises questions about the Captain’s control and memories.
The trio meets Corpse Collector Frye and heads to Lower Street, where they’ll investigate the latest death. The streets are bustling with peddlers and thieves, but Leonard’s revolver keeps them at bay. As they navigate the crowded streets, Klein reminds the group to be cautious, especially since he’s familiar with the area and wants to avoid being recognized.
Chapter 120 – Workhouse
Klein, Leonard, and Frye investigate the latest death on Lower Street, with Klein attempting a mediumship ritual and dream divination to uncover the cause of Mrs. Lauwis’s death. As he enters the dreamland, he witnesses scenes from the victim’s life, including a mysterious encounter where she was patted on the back by a slender-handed woman, potentially hinting at a supernatural factor.
Despite the ritual, Klein fails to uncover any direct symptoms of supernatural involvement, and Frye’s examination confirms that Mrs. Lauwis died of a natural heart disease. Leonard, however, remains intrigued by the mysterious pat on the back, suspecting that it might be connected to the supernatural factor they’re searching for.
As they prepare to leave, Klein advises Lauwis to delay the burial, hoping for further examination, and is shocked to learn that the family plans to keep the corpse in the room for a few days due to financial constraints. With more questions than answers, the trio sets off to investigate the workhouse in West Borough, searching for a potential link between the incidents.