Chapter 256 – Meeting the Apothecary Again
Klein, feeling relieved and content after his successful mission, tosses a coin to inquire about visiting the Bravehearts Bar, and upon receiving a negative result, he suspects someone might be monitoring him. However, Miss Bodyguard’s ethereal voice assures him he’s not on MI9’s suspect list, which leaves him both relieved and insulted. He decides to visit the Bravehearts Bar anyway, carrying his black silver-inlaid cane and donning his half top hat.
At the bar, Klein meets Kaspars, a black-market arms dealer, who’s engaged in a high-stakes poker game. Klein asks Kaspars about the gathering, and after paying him 1 pound, Kaspars agrees to inform the organizer. Klein spends the next half hour enjoying the bar’s atmosphere and waiting for the signal. When Kaspars returns, they proceed to the gathering, following the same path as before, and Klein puts on the iron mask to conceal his identity.
As Klein sits down in the dimly lit living room, he feels more at ease than before, confident that Miss Bodyguard has followed him without being detected. He observes the gathering, noticing the absence of Sequence 5 experts, and listens in on the conversation, waiting for the round-faced Apothecary to speak up.
Chapter 257 – 2-081
Klein’s expression falters as the Apothecary describes the prostitutes in Backlund, but he quickly recovers and steers the conversation towards the Spring of the Elves marrow crystals. The Apothecary reveals that he’s willing to pay for the crystals, and Klein agrees, hoping to exchange them for the Apothecary potion formula. However, the Apothecary refuses, citing a rule of the Life School of Thought that only allows him to teach his students.
The Apothecary does offer to reveal where to obtain the formula in Backlund, which sparks Klein’s interest. He also asks about medication for mental disorders, posing as a concerned friend for Miss Bodyguard’s benefit. The Apothecary offers a sedative, and Klein agrees to purchase it at a steep price. Eye of Wisdom then invites Klein to the next gathering, providing cryptic instructions on how to identify the meeting invitation in the Backlund Morning Post.
As the gathering concludes, Eye of Wisdom reflects on the struggles of Beyonders, who must balance secrecy, caution, and madness while searching for rare ingredients and knowledge. Klein nods sympathetically, hiding his own plans to exploit his connections with Mr. Hanged Man and The Sun to acquire Beyonder ingredients. He inquires about mystical items, hoping to find something that catches his eye, and Eye of Wisdom offers to show him his wares, but only if Klein can specify what he’s looking for.
Chapter 258 – Murder Case
Klein rides in a rental carriage through the rainy streets of Backlund, accompanied by Miss Bodyguard, who appears unexpectedly and senses the presence of Eye of Wisdom. They discuss the Apothecary’s collection of mystical items and Klein’s suspicions about Eye of Wisdom’s organization and possible affiliation with the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery or the Church of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom. As they pass by a secluded alley, they witness a gruesome murder scene, where a woman’s internal organs have been hollowed out, and Klein recognizes the hallmark of devil worship and the Blood Sanctify Sect.
Miss Bodyguard vanishes after whispering her conclusion, leaving Klein to continue his daily routine, forgetting about the murder case and knowing it will be handled by Beyonder squads. He attends to his errands, including picking up photographs, reclaiming his bail money, and paying Miss Bodyguard her due. As he enjoys his lunch, Klein is left with 146 pounds 8 soli, and 5 pence, free from debts except for Miss Justice.
The murder case and the Blood Sanctify Sect linger in the background, foreshadowing potential dangers and mysteries waiting to be unraveled. Meanwhile, Klein navigates his life as a Beyonder, balancing his secrets and connections with powerful figures like Mr. Hanged Man and The Sun, all while searching for rare ingredients and knowledge. The stage is set for further intrigue and adventure in the world of Tingen and Beyonders.
Chapter 259 – Underground Structure
Klein receives an advance payment of ten pounds from Millet Carter, securing a deal to explore the mysterious structure. Before heading to Williams Street, he takes care of his daily routine, including meeting Mrs. Mary, who is impressed by his detective work and introduces him to the Quelaag Club. Stelyn Sammer accompanies her, and Klein notices Mary’s unusual behavior, stumbling and almost falling as she departs.
After a short nap, Klein prepares to visit Millet Carter’s mansion on Williams Street, a grand property with a garden and lawn. He’s greeted by a manservant and Millet himself, who apologizes for the mess due to ongoing renovations. Klein offers some advice on ventilating the newly renovated house, and Millet leads him to the basement, where a secret door awaits discovery.
As Klein begins his exploration, he confidently assures Millet that he’ll proceed with caution, downplaying any potential dangers. With his “professional” bluff, he gains Millet’s trust, and the stage is set for Klein to unravel the mysteries hidden behind the secret door.
Chapter 260 – Strange Statues
Klein, lantern in hand, ventures deeper into the mysterious underground structure, and his historian background kicks in. He recognizes the architectural style as typical of the Fourth Epoch, with its asymmetrical, disorderly design and frequent use of black, including the distinctive candlesticks and chopped floral pattern marks on the walls. His trained eyes count the candlesticks, revealing a level of aristocracy beyond ordinary citizens, reminiscent of powerful Beyonder families like the Antigonus and Zaratul clans.
As he explores further, Klein reaches a platform with two iron-black seats, symbolizing a leader of extraordinary authority. However, the presence of two seats puzzles him, contradicting the strict hierarchy of the three empires. Miss Bodyguard’s sudden appearance and cryptic response only add to the enigma. Klein’s historical knowledge is put to the test as he scrutinizes the seats, noting the emblem on the back of one chair, a black crown, and on the other, a hand holding a scepter – the Tudor family’s emblem.
With Miss Bodyguard’s input, Klein begins to unravel the secrets of the structure, sensing connections between the Tudor and Trunsoest families and the mysterious Emperor. He ponders the significance of the architectural style and the strange dichotomy of the two seats, hinting at hidden, unchanging connections between the three empires. As the atmosphere remains tense and foreboding, Klein and Miss Bodyguard press onward, beckoning the reader to follow them into the heart of the enigmatic structure.
Chapter 261 – The Innermost Room
Klein and Miss Bodyguard venture deeper into the enigmatic underground structure, uncovering more secrets and mysteries. They stumble upon a room with an emblem of Mother Earth, a symbol Klein recognizes as a former Nighthawk. The room contains a stunning white stone sculpture of a plump lady with ears of wheat, surrounded by spring water, herbs, and flowers. Klein’s instincts tell him this might be the statue of Mother Earth.
As they explore further, they discover four doors with sacred emblems of different gods, leading to a grand hall with six humanoid statues of the orthodox gods. This is an unimaginable sight, as the Church of the Six True Gods would never allow their gods to be housed together. Klein is baffled by the presence of these statues, which seem to evoke an otherworldly aura.
Miss Bodyguard leads Klein to a central stone door, where she senses a subdued yet ominous danger. With caution, they step into the darkness, their lantern light struggling to dispel the shadows. As they move forward, Klein’s hand remains in his pocket, ready to retrieve his charms and whistle at a moment’s notice. Suddenly, Miss Bodyguard halts, leaving Klein wondering what unseen threat lies ahead.
Chapter 262 – Dream
Klein and Miss Bodyguard cautiously explore the mysterious underground structure, sensing an ominous presence in the darkness. Azik’s copper whistle warns Klein of a terrifying evil spirit, likely a High-Sequence Beyonder that has been confined for centuries. Recognizing his own limitations, Klein decides to retreat, aware that even Miss Bodyguard, a powerful Sequence 5, wouldn’t be able to defeat the evil spirit.
As they exit the ancient hall, Klein shares his plan with Miss Bodyguard, considering options such as gathering information, seeking explosives to destroy the door, or sending an anonymous letter to the police. He rules out exorcising the evil spirit, deeming the risk too high. Meanwhile, Miss Bodyguard quietly listens, her pale face almost translucent, before disappearing into thin air.
Back in Millet Carter’s basement, Klein concocts a tale of venomous snakes to dissuade Millet from sending anyone into the underground structure. He inquires about the original owner of the house, Viscount Pound, and learns about the family’s history, including their involvement in the Battle of the Violated Oath, a religious war that occurred six centuries ago. With this new information, Klein prepares to gather more knowledge before making his next move, sensing that he has only scratched the surface of the mysterious underground world.
Chapter 263 – Spiritual Perception and Attempt
Klein awakens from a disturbing dream, only to be reassured by Miss Bodyguard that the evil spirit’s influence will eventually fade. As he begins his day, he reads the newspaper, learning about the passing of the Civil Servant Unified Examination Bill, which could benefit Benson’s chances of success. The timing seems rushed, but Benson’s preparation will give him an edge over others.
Meanwhile, Benson and Melissa discuss the news, and Benson encourages Melissa to consider applying to the newly restructured Backlund Polytechnic University, which will focus on technical aspects and offer scholarships. Melissa is hesitant, but Benson sees this as an opportunity for her to explore her interests and for them to start anew. He reassures her that they can find a new job for Bella, their maid, before they leave.
As Klein and Benson navigate their respective situations, the atmosphere is filled with a sense of anticipation and uncertainty. Will Benson succeed in the examination? What implications will the university restructuring have on Melissa’s future? The threads of their lives begin to intersect, setting the stage for a complex web of events to unfold.
Chapter 264 – A Five-Person Gathering
Klein breathes a sigh of relief as he creates a smurf, “The World,” to act as an intermediary and reduce the risk of his Mr. Fool persona being exposed. With his new alt, Klein plans to discreetly ask Miss Justice about the Pound family, as he believes she has extensive knowledge about the aristocracy. Meanwhile, he continues to research the nobility on his own, collecting information that will aid him in his divination.
As the Tarot Club gathering approaches, Klein enters the gray fog ahead of schedule, familiarizing himself with operating The World. When the other members arrive, he introduces his new smurf, sparking curiosity and puzzlement among the group. Audrey, in particular, is intrigued by the new member’s enigmatic nature and mysterious background.
The gathering proceeds with Klein tasking Justice to entrust a mission to her nominated candidates, which she accepts with a sense of pride and responsibility. As the chapter concludes, the Tarot Club members are left with an air of anticipation, eager to delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Pound family and the world of the aristocracy.
Chapter 265 – Cards of Blasphemy
Klein delves deeper into the diary of Emperor Roselle, uncovering shocking revelations about the Sauron family’s history, which exceeds two thousand years, surviving through the Fourth Epoch and witnessing the rise and fall of powerful families. He suspects that the Sauron family must be hiding many secrets, including terrifying Sealed Artifacts, and is intrigued by Floren’s claim that making Roselle his subordinate is a gift, given the family’s glorified past. Klein wonders what struggles Roselle must have faced to overthrow the Sauron family’s rule and ponderes the possibility of the family’s decline before the Intis revolution.
As Klein continues reading the diary, he discovers Roselle’s early days as Consul of the Intis Republic, where he developed and promulgated a new Civil Code, encouraging inventions and trade, which led to a thawing relationship with the Church of the Eternal Blazing Sun. This newfound understanding sparks questions in Klein’s mind about Roselle’s eventual assassination. He also stumbles upon Floren’s boastful claims about becoming a High-Sequence Beyonder due to his resemblance to his great-great-grandfather, which Klein, with his current knowledge, recognizes as a hint at the connection between Beyonder characteristics and spirit marks.
Klein becomes increasingly enthralled by the diary, which provides a glimpse into Roselle’s personality, his ambitions, and his struggles. As he reads on, Klein is left pondering the mysteries surrounding the Sauron family, Roselle’s rise to power, and the secrets hidden within the diary, his curiosity propelling him forward to uncover more.
Chapter 266 – The Worlds Commission
Klein’s mind reels as he uncovers more secrets in Emperor Roselle’s diary, including the existence of Sequence 0, equivalent to a True God, and the twenty-two paths of the divine corresponding to twenty-two Sequence 0s. He learns that some pathways have yet to appear, and Roselle’s regret over not choosing certain pathways suggests a deeper plot. The diary also reveals the Cards of Blasphemy, which hold the keys to godhood, and Klein becomes determined to obtain one.
In the midst of his discovery, Justice and The Hanged Man interrupt, and Klein is forced to compose himself. Justice reports her success in eliminating Bakerland, and Klein learns that the total bounty for Rear Admiral Qilangos reaches 30,000 pounds. As Justice negotiates the payment, Klein struggles internally over what to do with the 5,000 pounds he’s owed.
As the negotiation concludes, Klein makes a mental promise to use the money to enhance himself, intending to repay his debt to Mr. Azik in the future. With the diary’s secrets still swirling in his mind, Klein agrees to Justice’s payment terms, his curiosity driving him to continue uncovering the mysteries hidden within the diary.
Chapter 267 – Singing to the Same Tune
The World commissions Audrey to gather information about abject nobles in the Loen Kingdom, promising payment in the form of secret history, Beyonder pathway knowledge, or formulas. Audrey agrees to provide the information within three to four days, pending The World’s fulfillment of her request for knowledge about other Beyonder pathways. As The World begins to share information about the Demoness Sect, Audrey’s curiosity grows, and she learns about the Assassin pathway’s Sequence 7, Witch, which can change a person’s sex or enhance their charms.
Meanwhile, Klein, still reeling from the revelations in Emperor Roselle’s diary, observes The World’s expertise in controlling his body language, suspecting that his Sequence might be the nemesis of a Spectator or Telepathist. As the conversation unfolds, Klein subtly intervenes to ensure that Justice and The Hanged Man remain oblivious to The World’s true identity.
Audrey’s fascination with the Witch potion’s miraculous capabilities is tempered by The World’s revelation of its dark requirements, sparking a flurry of questions in her mind. With the exchange of information and promises, the stage is set for a deeper exploration of the Beyonder world’s mysteries and secrets.
Chapter 268 – The Cemetery and the Hospital
Klein sets out to experiment with Azik’s copper whistle in the Aston Cemetery, attempting to summon the dead. Under the eerie atmosphere of dusk, he carefully observes the cemetery, taking precautions not to arouse suspicion. He selects a tomb with a coffin and corpse, but after using the whistle, he detects no signs of the dead coming back to life.
As Klein continues his experiment, he realizes the importance of categorizing the corpses, deciding to target recently buried bodies to arrive at a more accurate conclusion. He searches for a freshly buried grave and waits for half an hour, but still, there’s no unusual reaction. Convinced that the copper whistle is ineffective on corpses that have undergone a ritual, Klein shifts his focus to recently deceased bodies that haven’t been laid to rest via a ritual, aiming to test the whistle at a hospital’s morgue.
In the dead of night, Klein makes his way to St. Estin’s Hospital, donning a worker’s uniform and cap to blend in. He heads to the underground morgue, where numerous corpses await cremation or embalming, his next experiment already in motion.
Chapter 269 – Clues to the Psychology Alchemists
Audrey Hall, accompanied by her loyal golden retriever Susie, meets with Viscount Glaint and her disguised servants, Xio and Fors, at a horse track on the outskirts of Empress Borough. Amidst the aristocratic atmosphere, Audrey reveals her latest request: tracking down a former swindler named Lanevus, who has a bounty of 100 pounds. Xio, who has a prior connection to Lanevus, recognizes the target and agrees to take on the mission, eager to claim the reward.
As Audrey provides the pair with multiple portraits of Lanevus, recounting his various disguises, Xio and Fors become more invested in the task. Audrey’s enigmatic smile and evasive answers only pique their interest, leaving them wondering why their employer is so invested in capturing this swindler. The mission’s simplicity belies its potential complexity, and Xio’s past experiences with Lanevus hint at a deeper connection.
With the deal sealed, Xio and Fors set their sights on Backlund, where Lanevus is rumoured to be hiding. As they begin their hunt, the stakes rise, and the whispers of a larger game unfolding beyond the aristocratic circles loom large. Will Xio and Fors be able to track down Lanevus, or will they become entangled in a web of intrigue and deceit?
Chapter 270 – Reporter
Klein showcases his impressive marksmanship at the Quelaag Club, hitting bullseyes with ease. He then engages in a fight with Talim Dumont, a skilled equestrian teacher, and emerges victorious without exerting himself. Talim is impressed, acknowledging Klein’s exceptional skills. The conversation turns to Talim’s friend, Mike Joseph, a reporter at the Daily Observer who needs protection.
Klein spends the morning practicing with various firearms, preparing for potential future encounters. After a satisfying lunch at the buffet cafeteria, Talim introduces him to Mike Joseph, a rugged-looking man with a charming smile. The two exchange pleasantries, and Klein offers Mike a taste of the club’s renowned cream cheese lobster.
As Mike devours his food, Klein’s curiosity grows about the nature of Mike’s request. With Talim’s hints about Mike’s need for short-term protection, Klein’s detective instincts are piqued, and he awaits Mike’s explanation. The stage is set for a intriguing encounter, with Klein’s exceptional skills and Mike’s mysterious request promising a thrilling adventure ahead.