Chapter 271 – Golden Rose
Klein follows Mike Joseph, a rugged-looking reporter, to the Golden Rose, a high-end brothel in Cherwood Borough, where Mike is investigating a lead on a 16-year-old victim named Siber. As they enter the brothel, Klein is struck by the opulent decor and the variety of ladies present, some as young as 15 or 16. Mike approaches one of the young girls, and Klein watches with a mix of fascination and discomfort as Mike tries to extract information about Siber.
Mike’s attempts are rebuffed by the brothel’s owner, Ma’am Lopez, who seems to be hiding something. As Mike presses for answers, Lopez becomes increasingly hostile, eventually summoning her bouncers to eject them. Klein stands firm, ready to defend Mike if necessary, but for now, they’re forced to leave empty-handed.
The investigation is far from over, and Klein can sense that Mike is getting close to uncovering a dark secret. With Mike’s determination and Klein’s sharp instincts, they’re unlikely to back down, but the danger lurking in the shadows is palpable.
Chapter 272 – Observing Each Other
Klein boards a rented carriage with Isengard Stanton, a private detective, who reveals his assistant and begins questioning Klein about his investigation with Mike Joseph at the Golden Rose brothel. Klein hesitates, citing confidentiality, but Isengard’s offer of two pounds persuades him to share the little they uncovered, including a cryptic message from Ma’am Lopez to Capim. Isengard’s interest in Capim is piqued, and he shares rumors about the magnate’s involvement in human trafficking and connections to influential people.
As their conversation concludes, Klein exits the carriage, and Isengard instructs his assistant to depart for Hillston Borough. Observing Isengard’s unusual behavior, Klein senses that the detective might be a Beyonder, with an extraordinary talent for observation and reasoning. Meanwhile, Isengard scrutinizes Klein, noting the contradiction between his cultured glasses and rugged appearance, suspecting he might be hiding something.
As Klein rides a public carriage back to the Backlund Bridge area, he can’t help but wonder about Isengard’s true nature and the dark secrets they might uncover in the city’s underbelly.
Chapter 273 – Handing Out A Formula
Klein, disguised in a grayish-blue worker’s uniform, beard, and a metal mask, knocks on the door of the Bravehearts Bar’s secret gathering with a peculiar rhythm, trying to conceal his true identity. He’s well-prepared, having modified his uniform with hidden pockets containing herbs and extracts. After a brief examination, Eye of Wisdom’s attendant hands him a black robe, and Klein takes a seat in the center of the dimly lit room, deliberately adopting a new persona to avoid recognition.
With an air of confidence, Klein announces his intention to sell two potion formulas: Sequence 9 Bard and Sequence 8 Light Suppliant from the Church of the Eternal Blazing Sun. He’s chosen these formulas carefully, aware that revealing his own characteristics or producing potions related to the Psychology Alchemists could attract unwanted attention. As he waits for a response, Klein’s thoughts wander to the intricacies of Beyonder powers, realizing that weaknesses can be exploited, and strengths can be used to overcome stronger opponents.
Tension builds as Klein’s nerves are put to the test, maintaining an expressionless face as he awaits a buyer for his precious formulas. Will his gamble pay off, or will he be forced to consider alternative options, like selling Spectator and Telepathist potions? The outcome remains uncertain, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, wondering what dangers or opportunities lie ahead for Klein in this treacherous world of Beyonders.
Chapter 274 – Beyonder Weapon
Klein’s carefully crafted persona is put to the test as he engages with the mysterious woman, haggling over two peculiar weapons: the Whip of Slowness and the Axe of Hurricane. The Whip, a replica of a mystical item, can create formless restraints, slowing down opponents over time, but it’s limited to physical targets. Meanwhile, the Axe boosts agility and speed, with a chance to inflict numbing effects and summon lightning bolts, especially in thunderstorm conditions.
As Klein deliberates, the woman’s introduction sparks a mental calculation of the Axe’s potential in the hands of Little Sun, a Sequence 9 Bard. He envisions the weapon’s possibilities, weighing its strengths against its limited one-year duration. With his mind made up, Klein enters a bidding war with a mysterious man, steadily increasing the price to 560 pounds.
Victorious, Klein secures the Axe of Hurricane, navigating the hidden pockets of his modified uniform to produce the necessary funds. As the transactions continue, the room witnesses more failed deals than successful ones, leaving Klein to ponder his next move, from confirming Leppard’s progress to unlocking the secrets of his Magician potion.
Chapter 275 – Pound Family
Klein, content with his successful purchase of the Axe of Hurricane, returns to the real world, leaving the mysterious woman and the Black Palm Street market behind. He changes his clothes and heads to a lively pub on Dharavi Street in East Borough, where he’s not the main focus. Instead, the spotlight shifts to Xio Derecha, an Arbiter, as she searches for Williams, an informant connected to several gangs. She finds him in the pub, half-drunk and laughing with patrons, and requests his help in finding Lanevus, a man with a sizable reward on his head.
Xio’s persistence is met with resistance from Williams, who’s more interested in his current carefree life of drinking and casual relationships. Despite his reluctance, he agrees to keep an eye out for Lanevus, tempted by the promise of a ten-pound reward. As Xio hands over a five-soli bill and exits the pub, the atmosphere inside grows chaotic due to a conflict between drunkards.
Meanwhile, Klein’s background machinations continue to unfold, as he ponders his next move, from checking on Leppard’s progress to unlocking the secrets of his Magician potion. The threads of the story begin to intertwine, setting the stage for further developments in the world of Tingen City and its enigmatic characters.
Chapter 276 – Rafter Pound
In a warm activity room on Sivellaus Street, Rafter Pound, a baronet in his early forties, stands by a closed window, staring across the street at Sivellaus Yard. The air is thick with the smell of alcohol, and torn lingerie litters the floor. As Rafter prepares for bed, he’s startled by a figure sitting in the shadows, dressed as a clown and holding a revolver. The clown, revealed to be Klein in disguise, aims the gun at Rafter, warning him not to do anything unwise.
Klein, in his clown disguise, begins to interrogate Rafter, asking about the strange occurrences surrounding his uncle’s death and the family’s treasures. Rafter, still in a drunken stupor, reveals a history of mysterious events and people searching for something, possibly the underground structure or Beyonder characteristics. As Klein listens intently, he generates multiple guesses, his relaxed demeanor belying his readiness to strike at any moment.
As the questioning continues, Rafter’s agitation grows, and Klein’s tone remains calm and collected. The clown finally takes his leave, apologizing for the disturbance, and Rafter is left to wonder if he’s truly escaping the nightmare that’s haunted him for years.
Chapter 277 – Finalizing a Plan
Klein, still in his clown disguise, holds Rafter’s hair and falls into a deep slumber, entering a gray and gloomy world where he sees a narrow cave with Rafter crawling forward, donning a black iron emblem with the imperial coat of arms of the Fourth Epoch’s Tudor Empire royal household. This revelation sparks Klein’s curiosity, and he concludes that Rafter has a deep connection with the Tudor family, possibly even being a descendant.
As Klein mulls over the possibilities, he hypothesizes that the entire Pound family might be a branch of the Tudor family, secretly searching for the Tudor Empire’s secret remains in Backlund. An accident had occurred during their exploration, leading to the deaths of Rafter’s relatives, and Rafter’s current decadent behavior might be an act to hide his true nature.
Klein pieces together the puzzle, realizing that Rafter’s unusual abilities, particularly his Lawyer Beyonder powers, allowed him to deceive Klein’s dream and spirit channeling abilities. Klein formulates a plan to collapse the entrance to the underground ruins, trapping the evil spirit and preventing its escape, which would implicate Rafter in the eyes of the royal household and churches.
Chapter 278 – Free?
Klein, still clad in his clown disguise, meets with Kaspars, a black market weapon merchant, at the Bravehearts Bar to purchase explosives for a secret demolition project. Kaspars is cautious, warning Klein not to involve himself in any condemnable activities, but Klein assures him that the explosives are for a legitimate purpose. Just as they’re discussing the details, Miss Bodyguard, Sharron, appears unexpectedly, revealing that Maric has been exposed and is on the run. She offers her services as a demolition expert, leaving Klein stunned.
As Sharron and Kaspars arrange for the explosives, Klein takes the opportunity to confide in Sharron about his encounter with Rafter Pound, sharing his suspicions about the viscount’s lies and potential connections to the Tudor Empire. Klein’s deductions lead him to believe that Rafter is hiding something significant, possibly related to the underground structure.
With Sharron’s expertise and Kaspars’ supplies, Klein is one step closer to uncovering the truth behind Rafter’s enigmatic behavior and the mysteries hidden beneath the city. As he navigates the complex web of secrets and lies, Klein must tread carefully to avoid being entangled in the darkness that lurks beneath the surface.
Chapter 279 – Extreme Joy Begets Sorrow
Klein navigates the dark underground structure, lantern in hand, accompanied by Sharron and three zombies, as they set up explosives to uncover the secrets within. Sharron’s professionalism impresses Klein, and he can’t help but wonder about her mysterious past and Beyonder pathway. As they prepare to detonate the explosives, Klein’s thoughts wander, and he speculates about Sharron’s abilities, connecting them to the Church of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom.
With the fuse lit, Klein and the zombies hastily retreat, and the explosion rocks the corridor, sending dust and debris flying. Klein, relieved that the evil spirit hasn’t been freed, takes a moment to collect himself and assess the new blockade. He notes that only those with spirit bodies or Beyonder abilities like Sharron will be able to enter the underground structure in the future, eliminating potential competitors.
Back in the basement, Klein regales Millet Carter with a fabricated tale of the underground structure’s collapse, downplaying the true events. As he shares his story, Klein’s thoughts linger on the mysteries beneath the city, and he knows that there’s still much to uncover.
Chapter 280 – The First Step
Zeon, a drunken informant, is suddenly questioned by Xio, a mysterious and awe-inspiring figure, about Gavin’s recent death and his connection to Williams’s request to find the wanted criminal, Lanevus. Xio’s sharp gaze and probing questions reveal her keen interest in the matter, and Zeon’s careless ramblings unwittingly provide valuable information. As Xio departs, she plans to report the issue to Miss Audrey and then head to the Workers Alliance Tavern in disguise, searching for any suspicious individuals.
Meanwhile, Klein finds himself entangled with the police once again, thanks to the serial killer’s presence. While waiting at the Rice Police Station, he tries to hide his charms and herbal powder from the authorities. Luckily, Jurgen Cooper, a young lawyer, arrives to bail him out, citing Klein’s reputation as a well-known detective. As Klein exits the station, Jurgen proposes a partnership, offering a discounted rate for future “invitations” to the police station.
Xio’s investigation and Klein’s close call with the authorities raise more questions than answers, hinting at a larger web of intrigue and danger lurking beneath the surface. The stakes are rising, and the mysteries of the underground structure, Lanevus, and the serial killer continue to unfold.
Chapter 281 – Clue
Audrey, dressed in a white gown and mask, enters a dimly lit classroom in an abandoned medical school with Fors, where they’re surrounded by skeletal specimens and preserved corpses. The atmosphere is eerie, and Audrey’s instincts as a Spectator are on high alert. The floating corpse in a glass pillar suddenly awakens, signaling the start of an unknown procedure.
Meanwhile, Klein navigates the dark streets of East Borough, Dharavi Street, amidst the homeless and downtrodden. He’s on a mission to observe the crime scene from a strategic vantage point, using his Nighthawk skills to analyze the layout. Without his revolver, he relies on his tarot cards and the All-Black Eye, a corrupted item that allows him to see strange black lines connecting individuals in the nearby apartments.
As Audrey and Fors sit in the unsettling classroom, and Klein begins his surveillance, the mysteries surrounding Lanevus, the serial killer, and the underground structure deepen, hinting at a larger web of intrigue and danger lurking beneath the surface.
Chapter 282 – This is East Borough
Audrey, still reeling from the eerie gathering in the abandoned medical school, receives a cryptic clue from Mr. Fool about the Dharavi Street bombing and Gavin’s drowning. The vision reveals a suspicious figure in a black priest robe, who Audrey suspects might be the murderer. Meanwhile, Fors queries Audrey about her cautious approach at the gathering, and Audrey explains her strategy of observing and waiting before taking action.
Klein, still on the prowl in East Borough, takes refuge in a one-bedroom apartment, fearing accomplices of the suspected murderer might be searching for him. As he navigates the streets, he encounters a homeless man, shivering and desperate, who hasn’t eaten in three days. Moved by the man’s plight, Klein offers to interview him and lets him take refuge in a nearby café.
As Audrey and Klein delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding Lanevus and the underground structure, the web of intrigue and danger continues to unfold. The lines between allies and foes blur, and the stakes escalate, hinting at a larger conspiracy lurking beneath the surface.
Chapter 283 – Dock Union
Xio, a seasoned bounty hunter, instinctively lowers her head upon spotting the suspected murderer, a towering figure with pale yellow hair and beast-like eyes, at the Workers Alliance Tavern. She observes him from a distance, eventually gathering information from an acquaintance, Burton, about the man’s habits and nickname, “Giant”. Burton reveals “Giant” frequently visits the East Balam Dock’s Dock Union, fueling Xio’s suspicions.
Xio approaches Burton, inquiring about “Giant’s” connections and whereabouts, and learns about his solitary nature and lack of sociability. Burton shares his encounters with “Giant” at the Dock Union, where Xio decides to stake out, donning a disguise to blend in with the homeless crowd. As she observes the Union and surrounding area, her patience is tested by the harsh environment and cold, but her determination to uncover the truth remains unwavering.
With every passing minute, Xio’s scrutiny intensifies, her gaze scrutinizing each passerby as she waits for a breakthrough in her pursuit of justice for Williams’s murder.
Chapter 284 – Instinctive Trembling
Klein, disguised as a reporter, enters the Dock Union in East Balam Dock, blending in with his new attire and hairstyle. He approaches the man guarding the door, introducing himself as a reporter from the Backlund Daily Tribune, and requests to interview the workers, aiming to gather information about the union and its activities. The guard, initially vigilant, directs Klein to Mr. Rand, the committee member in charge of publicity.
Klein, with his Clown Beyonder powers, feigns sincerity and gains Rand’s trust, who agrees to let him conduct interviews with the union members. As Klein enters one office after another, asking prepared questions, he remains calm and composed, but his attention is drawn to a familiar figure – Lanevus, whose appearance has changed significantly. Klein’s Seer abilities detect an aura emanating from Lanevus’s body, leaving a deep impression on him.
Klein quickly excuses himself, claiming a stomachache, and rushes to the washroom, where he bursts into silent laughter, thrilled to have finally found Lanevus. His Clown powers allow him to maintain composure, but inside, he’s ecstatic, feeling a step closer to uncovering the truth about the mysterious Lanevus.
Chapter 285 – Midnight Bell Tower
Xio and Fors receive a shocking message from Audrey, claiming that Lanevus possesses the godhood of the True Creator. The two women are stunned, wondering how they got entangled in a matter involving an evil god’s godhood. Fors suspects that Audrey is being used by someone, possibly her father, Count Hall. Meanwhile, Klein returns to the real world, donning a beard and new hairstyle, and sets out to observe the impending hunt for Lanevus.
Klein disguises himself as a worker and heads to the East Balam Dock, avoiding the dormitory where Lanevus is staying. Instead, he scales the clock tower, hiding in the shadows to observe the scene below. As he waits, a massive airship arrives, its dark black paint and silent oars making it almost invisible in the night sky. The airship hovers above the dock, and Klein suspects it’s providing air surveillance for the operation.
As the airship takes position, three figures in black robes emerge in front of the dormitory, led by a man with short golden brown hair and piercing blackish-green eyes. The stage is set for a thrilling confrontation, and Klein, donning a clown mask, is ready to witness the chaos unfold.