Chapter 226 – The Terrified Xio
Klein lounges in his Cherwood Borough home, scanning newspapers for potential investment opportunities. He circled an ad for a new transportation vehicle and plans to investigate further. Suddenly, he receives an illusory prayer, which he responds to by entering the world above the gray fog. There, he encounters the bright brilliance emanating from a new figure, Xio, a petite woman in a knight’s trainee uniform, who’s reading a piece of paper with his honorary name.
Xio, unaware of Klein’s presence, had been researching the mysterious sentence and inadvertently attracted the attention of a hidden existence. She’s horrified, realizing the potential consequences of her actions. Though she comforts herself that the ceremony was incomplete, she remains on high alert, waiting for any signs of response. Meanwhile, Klein opts to observe her from the shadows, deciding to test her personality and abilities later that night.
As Xio tries to calm down, she’s startled by her friend Fors, who entered the bathroom through the window. In the ensuing chaos, Xio attacks Fors, thinking she’s an intruder. The misunderstanding clears, but Xio’s still shaken by her earlier mistake, and Klein continues to watch her, curious about this new development.
Chapter 227 – Inventor Leppard
As Klein enjoys his specially prepared breakfast, he thinks about his plans for the day, including doing a divination and potentially investing in a new transportation vehicle. However, his morning is disrupted by a loud knock on the door, and he’s surprised to find Meursault, an “executioner” from the Zmanger gang, standing in front of him. Meursault is looking for Ian, a young thief who allegedly stole an important item from him, and he offers Klein a substantial reward to find him.
Klein, however, denies knowing Ian and rejects the request, despite Meursault’s increasing offers. After Meursault leaves, Klein is impressed by the gang’s intelligence and feels a sense of relief, recalling his own past encounters with more formidable foes. Shrugging off the encounter, Klein decides to proceed with his original plan and heads out to visit Mr. Leppard, the inventor of the new transportation vehicle.
At St. George Borough’s Sird Street, Klein finds Mr. Leppard’s residence and is warmly received by the inventor himself. As Klein enters the house, he’s eager to learn more about the transportation vehicle and see if it’s worth investing in. The meeting with Mr. Leppard sparks Klein’s curiosity, and he’s now more driven than ever to uncover the truth about this innovative invention.
Chapter 228 – The Mastermind
Klein’s morning takes a drastic turn as he’s ambushed by a mysterious attacker in his bathroom, narrowly escaping a deadly arrow shot. The assailant reveals himself to be Meursault, the “executioner” from the Zmanger gang, who had visited Klein earlier. Despite being outmatched in strength, Klein utilizes his agility and premonitory senses to evade Meursault’s relentless assault.
As the battle rages on, Klein finds himself on the defensive, dodging and rolling to avoid Meursault’s powerful blows. However, he soon realizes he can’t keep this up and must find a way to turn the tables. With his situation growing increasingly dire, Klein’s eyes scan his surroundings, searching for an opportunity to gain the upper hand.
In a burst of inspiration, Klein spots a contract template on the coffee table and makes a daring move to grab it. As Meursault closes in for the kill, Klein shakenly holds up the template, recalling a vivid mental image of Meursault’s twisted neck. With his life on the line, Klein must rely on his wits and cunning to survive this brutal encounter.
Chapter 229 – Lesser of Two Evils
Klein stands amidst the carnage, Meursault’s lifeless body lying before him, the air thick with the stench of death. With three options to choose from, Klein deliberates on how to proceed: clean up the scene and report to the police, dispose of the body and lay low, or abandon his current identity and flee. However, each option comes with its own set of risks, and Klein knows he must tread carefully to avoid being pursued by the Zmanger gang and potential high-ranking Deacons.
As he weighs his options, Klein turns to divination for guidance, using his spirit pendulum to discern the best course of action. The pendulum’s response indicates that reporting to the police is the lesser of two evils, allowing him to take the initiative and potentially attract the attention of official factions.
With his decision made, Klein sets about tidying up the scene, carefully disposing of evidence and covering his tracks. He summons himself as a special spirit, carrying Azik’s copper whistle, and returns to the world above the gray fog, where he stores the incriminating items behind The Fool’s high back chair.
Chapter 230 – Interrogation
Xio and Fors attend a mysterious meeting in Empress Borough, where they examine a written formula for a Sheriff potion on a blackboard. Xio has been searching for this formula and is relieved to find it, realizing she has a chance to make a fortune. She purchases the recipe and begins to worry about the main ingredients, Beyonder items she has never seen being sold. After the deal, she requests help from friends who specialize in exorcism, fearing a haunting evil spirit.
A man wearing a white mask arrives, introducing himself as a believer of the Sun, a rare occurrence in the Loen Kingdom. He is a professional in exorcism and purification, putting Xio and Fors at ease. The man begins the ritual, chanting prayers to the Eternal Sun, seeking its cleansing glow to repel evil spirits. As the ceremony unfolds, Xio and Fors are left wondering about the outcome, their fate hanging in the balance.
Meanwhile, the chapter weaves an intricate web of intrigue, hinting at the complexities of the Arbiter pathway, the mysterious Mr. A, and the secrets hidden behind the gray fog. The characters’ interactions and the immersive world-building continue to unfold, drawing readers deeper into the mystifying realm of Beyonders.
Chapter 231 – Losses
Klein, freshly bailed out of the Rice Police Station, meets with Jurgen Cooper, a peculiar yet refined solicitor. Jurgen’s professionalism and words of future collaborations leave Klein wondering if he’s being cursed. As they part ways, Klein takes advantage of the opportunity to request Jurgen’s assistance in drafting an investment contract, striking a deal for two pounds.
As Klein returns home, he’s greeted by the messy aftermath of the previous night’s events. Just as he begins cleaning, Julianne, the maid from next door, arrives with an invitation from the Sammers to discuss compensation for the damaged furniture and tea sets. Klein puts on a fresh coat and heads next door, where he’s met with a mixture of cordiality and unease from Luke and Stelyn Sammer.
Meanwhile, the chapter weaves in hints of the gray fog, corrupt police, and the mysterious Mr. A, all while Klein navigates his newfound detective business, struggling to balance his finances and reputation.
Chapter 232 – The Bravehearts Bar
Xio, still reeling from her encounter with Mr. A, meets a mysterious, masked individual who claims to possess the ingredients for the Sheriff potion. The enigmatic figure proposes a deal, offering Xio missions in exchange for rewards, including the potion materials she desperately needs. As they negotiate, Xio senses an air of danger but remains cautious, eventually agreeing to the proposal.
Meanwhile, Klein is busy rebuilding his life, repairing his damaged home and replenishing his wardrobe. Despite his financial struggles, he’s made a fortune from Meursault’s Beyonder characteristic and is now focused on accessing the circle of Beyonders. In the evening, he visits Bravehearts Bar, a bustling hotspot for Beyonders, where he orders a glass of Southville beer and inquires about Kaspars Kalinin’s whereabouts.
As Klein mingles with the patrons, the atmosphere is thick with tension, and the air is filled with the aroma of malt beer and sweat. The stage is set for a night of intrigue, with the promise of new alliances, opportunities, and dangers lurking in the shadows.
Chapter 233 – A Man Cannot Be Judged By His Looks
Klein, still seeking a bodyguard, meets Maric, a pale-faced man with malicious brown eyes, in a dimly lit room filled with zombies playing cards. Maric’s strangeness sparks both fear and relief in Klein, who hopes to find a powerful protector. As they negotiate, Klein reveals his predicament with the mysterious ambassador, but Maric deems the mission too difficult and abruptly ends the deal.
Klein exits the Bravehearts Bar, slightly melancholic, and begins to question his own honesty. He wonders if he should have downplayed the danger to secure Maric’s help. As he ponders, he acknowledges his Beyonder principles, refusing to deceive others to save himself. Instead, he’ll focus on resolving the ambassador’s interest in Ian Wright, realizing the ambassador’s primary goal is to obtain clues to find Ian.
Back in his bedroom, Klein isolates himself, thinking deeply about the situation. He discovers that the ambassador’s primary purpose is to find Ian, and that his own life isn’t in immediate danger. With this newfound understanding, Klein prepares to face the unknown, determined to find Ian Wright and outsmart the mysterious ambassador.
Chapter 234 – The Night of the Full Moon.
Klein delves deeper into the mystery of Ian Wright through his dream divination, uncovering more clues about Ian’s activities and connections. He sees Ian in a sewer, a busy street, and a telegraph office, hinting at an organization behind them. Klein realizes that Ian and Zreal are more than just a detective duo and that the ambassador’s goal is to find Ian.
As Klein continues his divination, he discovers the name of the potion that Meursault consumed, revealing his identity as a Hunter. Klein understands the essence of being a Hunter, which Meursault lacks, and deduces the ambassador’s identity as a high-ranking diplomat of the Intis Republic. Klein becomes more confident in his ability to uncover the truth and convene the Tarot Club members on time.
With his new revelations, Klein narrows down the possible locations of Ian’s whereabouts to three telegraph offices in Backlund. He prepares for his next move, leaving behind a trail of cryptic clues and hints, as the crimson moon shines brightly outside, foreshadowing an ominous presence watching from the shadows.
Chapter 235 – The Busy Monday
Klein continues to play a cat-and-mouse game with the ambassador and the military’s special department, deliberately leaving behind cryptic clues to divert their attention towards Ian Wright. Meanwhile, he prepares for his next move, spreading out his investigation trail like a web to entangle his pursuers. As he navigates the complex game of espionage, Klein arranges a meeting with Lawyer Jurgen to finalize the contract for his mysterious client, Leppard.
At Jurgen’s residence, Klein is introduced to the lawyer’s grandmother, Doris, and her peculiar yet surprisingly palatable bean turnip soup. Amidst the warm atmosphere, Klein and Jurgen discuss the contract, ensuring that all necessary clauses are included. Klein’s initial skepticism is alleviated as he samples the soup, finding it to be a delightful surprise.
With the contract settled, Klein makes his way to Sird Street in St. George Borough, formally agreeing to the terms and paying Leppard the first installment of fifty pounds. As he disappears into the fog-shrouded streets, the stakes are raised, and Klein’s next moves remain shrouded in mystery, leaving readers wondering what lies ahead in this intricate web of intrigue.
Chapter 236 – Internal Commission
Klein, now more confident in his understanding of mysticism and Beyonders, continues to shape his enigmatic persona within the Tarot Club, deliberately displaying vulnerabilities to avoid arousing suspicion. At the recent gathering, he takes a notable step by issuing a mission to the members, a first for Mr. Fool. Audrey’s antennae twitch with surprise, while The Hanged Man and The Sun react with interest, albeit with varying levels of tension.
The mission itself is a bold one: the assassination of the Intis Republic ambassador to the Loen Kingdom, Bakerland Jean Madan. Audrey’s aristocratic upbringing triggers concerns about international repercussions, while Alger ponders the limitations of Mr. Fool’s influence in the real world. Derrick, meanwhile, is lost in the unfamiliar terminology.
As the Tarot Club members digest the mission, Klein’s true intentions remain shrouded in mystery. Will they accept the task, and what consequences will it bring? The stakes are raised, and the intricate web of intrigue continues to thicken.
Chapter 237 – Sequence 2
Klein receives a visit from Zaratul, the leader of the Secret Order, who casually chats with him, discussing his own Sequence number without provocation. Zaratul reveals himself to be a Sequence 2, Miracle Invoker, a position akin to an angel, evoking Klein’s curiosity. Zaratul then clarifies that the Seer pathway is not solely focused on fate, but rather the Monster pathway is the true representative of fate, mentioning sequences like The Lucky and Soothsayer.
As Klein digests this new information, he reflects on his own Sequence chain, considering the implications of the Seer pathway not being centered around fate. He realizes that this changes his understanding of his own Beyonder identity and how he should approach his “acting” to avoid being pigeonholed into a specific role. Klein is intrigued by the Life School of Thought, which worships the moon and seeks to balance nature and human minds.
With this newfound knowledge, Klein gains a deeper understanding of the Beyonder world, including the differences between the Seer and Monster pathways. He is now more aware of the complexities of the Sequences and the various schools of thought, leading him to question his own place within the grand scheme.
Chapter 238 – Dragon of Imagination
As Audrey deliberates on The Sun’s request, she reveals her own technique of not expressing her stance immediately to avoid raising the price. She agrees to try her best to find the Sequence 8 potion formula corresponding to the Bard pathway, but not today, and Klein offers to provide the Light Suppliant formula in exchange for her help in the future. Audrey is thrilled and promises to do her best to assist Klein’s adorers.
Klein hands over the formula, written on a yellowish-brown goatskin parchment, detailing the main ingredients and supplementary materials needed. Derrick memorizes the formula, and Audrey asks to speak with him alone. Klein isolates The Hanged Man, allowing them to converse privately. Derrick begins to describe the dragons, mortal enemies of the Giant King, with their various abilities and characteristics.
The conversation takes an intriguing turn as Derrick mentions the Dragon King Ankewelt, also known as the Dragon of Imagination, who can manifest his imagination into reality. This sparks Klein’s interest, reminding him of Sealed Artifact 0-08, which shares similar characteristics. As Audrey listens intently, Klein leans back in his chair, his focused demeanor belying his relaxed appearance.
Chapter 239 – Each Having Their Own Gathering
Audrey decides to attend Countess Jaria’s ball, where she’ll gather information on the Intis ambassador, Bakerland Jean Madan, to aid in her mission to assassinate him. She’s determined to complete the task to repay her debt to Mr. Fool and gain further rewards. Meanwhile, Alger Wilson, donning a white mask, secretly meets with a mysterious figure, hinting at his involvement in the Intis Republic and the Secret Order.
Klein, back in his own world, ponders the clues from The Hanged Man and the Secret Order, suspecting a connection between the Antigonus family and the Intis Republic. He theorizes that the Beyonder who infiltrated his room might be a member of the Secret Order or someone leveraging the connection to obtain formulas and potions. Klein’s deductions lead him to assume the threadworm’s master is a higher Sequence Beyonder from the Seer pathway, possibly a Beast Tamer.
As Klein contemplates his next move, he entrusts Audrey with the mission to eliminate the Intis ambassador, aiming to avoid suspicion and focus on finding the crucial item mentioned earlier. The stakes are rising, and the paths of these characters are about to intersect in unpredictable ways.
Chapter 240 – Trying Your Luck?
In the underground gathering, Klein observes a suspected Apothecary offering a deal to clean up a beast in the sewers in exchange for four bottles of medicine with unique properties. The Apothecary’s awkward promotion of his products amuses Klein, who remains silent until a hooded woman offers two weapons for sale: an inscribed steel sword with purifying effects and a mechanical Meat Cleaver. The atmosphere is filled with cautious transactions, and Klein takes note of the vastly different prices between Beyonder-imbued items and ordinary ones.
As the deals unfold, Klein becomes interested in a “Fortune Accessory” that can enhance a person’s luck for three months, but decides against it, mindful of his primary goal. Seizing the opportunity, he takes out an iron cigarette case containing a crimson Beyonder characteristic and presents it to the gathering, feigning ignorance about its purpose. This mysterious item sparks curiosity among the attendees, and Klein’s motives remain unclear.
With his introduction, the room falls silent once more, and the other attendees begin to scrutinize Klein, each with their own intentions. The undercurrents of this gathering are palpable, and the paths of these characters are about to intersect in unpredictable ways.