Chapter 301 – Awakening
As Klein observes from the shadows, a group of robed figures, including a black-robed man, attempt to revive a corpse through a mystic ritual in the secluded forest. The corpse suddenly springs to life, biting one of the teenagers and causing chaos. The black-robed man commands the corpse to stop, but it escapes into the woods, prompting him to give chase.
Meanwhile, Klein uses his Magician abilities to fend off a corpse that’s drawn to Azik’s copper whistle. He employs creative tactics, including simulating gunfire sounds and conjuring flames to weaken the corpse. Despite being overwhelmed, Klein outsmarts the corpse, ultimately incinerating it with dark green flames.
As the ritual goes awry, the group of youngsters flees in terror, only to regroup and reunite when they realize they’re alone. The black-robed man, sensing the disturbance in the forest, turns to escape, leaving Klein to emerge from the trees, his presence and intentions unknown.
Chapter 302 – A Clue
Klein returns to Grimm Garden Street after his assignment is over, receiving a generous payment from Rogo Colloman. He reflects on his income as a Sequence 7 Beyonder, comparing it to Miss Sharron’s high rates as a Sequence 5. Klein is still determined to advance to Sequence 6, despite the steep cost of Beyonder ingredients. He recalls that Miss Justice owes him 5,000 pounds, but her financial situation is precarious.
Later, Klein attends a gathering of Beyonders, noticing that fewer people have shown up due to the serial killer investigation. The old Eye of Wisdom explains that many Beyonders are involved in the search efforts. Klein takes this opportunity to sell the Spring of Elves marrow crystal to the fat Apothecary, who is overjoyed to finally acquire the ingredient. In exchange, Klein requests 300 pounds and clues to the Apothecary formula, which the Apothecary reluctantly agrees to provide.
As the deal is made, the Apothecary recognizes Klein as the “lucky guy” who had tricked him into bringing a sedative for nothing, leading to a humorous exchange where Klein lampoons his own good fortune.
Chapter 303 – Rookie
In North Borough, Aulka Street, Kapusky Reid, a senior educator, sits in his activity room, lost in thought. He’s been warned by gangsters to resign and stay away from school due to his involvement in buying and robbing corpses. Suddenly, a mysterious figure appears before him – Klein, who used his hallucination powers to infiltrate Kapusky’s home. Klein reveals he’s the one who saved them from the forest ritual gone wrong and questions Kapusky about his motives, suspecting he’s a rookie in the world of Beyonders.
As the interrogation unfolds, Kapusky reveals his crimes and motivations, including his interest in the secrets of immortality. Klein presses him about the “Spirit Dance” or “Dance of Death,” and Kapusky recounts how an old gentleman, a vagabond, taught him the ritual. The old man had profound knowledge and performed a miraculous feat, which sparked Kapusky’s curiosity. Before his death, the old man left behind a copper whistle, which Kapusky produces, intriguing Klein, who has an Ancestor-grade copper whistle of his own.
Klein continues to probe Kapusky about the old gentleman, asking about his appearance, how long ago they met, and where he was buried. The encounter uncovers Kapusky’s true nature and raises more questions about the mysterious old gentleman and his connection to Klein’s world of Beyonders.
Chapter 304 – Feathers
As Klein investigates the mysterious grave, he discovers white feathers stained with yellowish oil, reminiscent of Mr. Azik’s dream. He refrains from drawing conclusions, but his initial judgment is that the old gentleman isn’t an angel, considering the lack of intense effects on the surroundings. Klein collects the feathers, planning to perform divination later, and warns Kapusky not to blow the copper whistle again, suspecting it might draw the dead man back.
Klein’s conversation with Kapusky reveals more about the “Spirit Dance” ritual and the old gentleman’s last words. He warns Kapusky to stop dabbling with resurrection rituals and takes the copper whistle, planning to send a letter to the deceased when the time is right. After changing back into his previous clothes, Klein returns to his bedroom, performs divination with the white feathers and copper whistle, and enters a dreamland.
In the dream, Klein witnesses a figure rising from the grave, with white feathers growing on its back, and struggles to comprehend its significance. He awakens, pondering the connection between the white-feathered figure and Miss Sharron, and divines that using the copper whistle poses a danger. The chapter ends with Klein descending back into the real world, leaving readers wondering about the implications of his discovery and the mysterious figure’s fate.
Chapter 305 – The Detective Exchange
Klein is approached by Isengard Stanton, a renowned detective, who reveals a staggering 2,000-pound bounty for a serial killer. Klein’s mind races as he ponders the implications, wondering if the Nighthawks and Mandated Punishers have misjudged the killer’s Sequence level. He deliberates on the ancient ritual mentioned by The Sun, and the possible connections to the Church of the Lord of Storms and the Cataclysm.
As Klein agrees to participate in the discussion and analysis, but not the investigation, he formulates a plan to hold back his true opinions and maintain a low profile. He meets Isengard’s detectives, including familiar faces like Detective Stuart and Kaslana, and they begin to discuss the case. Klein’s suspicions about Isengard being a Beyonder grow as he notices the detective’s unusual warmth and mechanical pocket watch.
As the meeting progresses, Klein uses divination to get an acceptable answer about his involvement, and he fabricates a lie to explain his discovery of Siber’s death being related to the Dock Union. The group delves deeper into the serial murders, and Klein’s careful dance between sharing his expertise and hiding his true identity continues.
Chapter 306 – Giant Bishop
Klein, in the comfort of his activity room, pores over the information gathered by Isengard’s assistant, intrigued by the serial killer case. He acknowledges Kaslana’s interest in the data and Stuart’s offer of help, admiring Isengard’s trustworthiness. Klein ponders the weaknesses in his own knowledge, recognizing the importance of understanding Sequence 6 Devil’s powers and characteristics. He delves into the unsolved serial murder cases of the past twenty years, finding only nine instances, which seems reasonable considering the rudimentary detective skills and Beyonder methods available.
As he reviews the cases, Klein selects two potential leads, one from four years ago involving mistreated prostitutes and another from eleven years ago with dismembered corpses. He analyzes the cases, considering the Beyonder powers that might have been involved and the possible connections to the current incident. Klein formulates a plan to gather more information without drawing attention to himself, intending to make metaphysical deductions once he has the necessary materials.
With a plan in place, Klein sets out to visit Bishop Utravsky at the Harvest Church on Rose Street, driven by his need for an Apothecary formula. He takes the steam metro, taking in the scenery, and arrives at the church, recognizing its distinctive golden steeple and Sacred Emblem of Life.
Chapter 307 – Dawn Paladin
Klein visits Bishop Utravsky at the Harvest Church, seeking an Apothecary formula, but instead, he’s met with an unexpected request: to kill the bishop’s past self, a persona that still resides in his heart and constantly seeks control. The bishop explains that this past self is a split personality, fueled by a desire to kill and fight, and can only be defeated through a mystical item that allows the wielder to enter the target’s soul and confront the past self directly.
However, using the item comes with risks: the wielder may lose consciousness or even die if they’re killed in the spiritual realm. Klein, confident in his ability to remain rational during spirit channeling, agrees to take on the task. He inquires about the bishop’s past as a warrior and Dawn Paladin, realizing that his own abilities as a Magician may give him an edge in the battle.
The bishop warns Klein about the risks and restrictions of fighting in the materialized spiritual world, including the Dawn Paladin’s powers, which can dispel illusions, exorcize spirits, and conjure a powerful two-handed rapier. With this knowledge, Klein prepares to face the bishop’s past self, determined to succeed in his mission.
Chapter 308 – A Prepared Magician
Klein faces off against Bishop Utravsky’s past self, a formidable warrior, in a battle of wits and strength. As the fight begins, Klein uses his matchbox to create a distraction, but Utravsky quickly recovers and equips himself with a set of silver armor and a powerful two-handed rapier. The bishop unleashes a barrage of attacks, forcing Klein to dodge and weave to avoid the deadly blows.
Despite being outmatched, Klein uses his agility and cunning to evade Utravsky’s attacks, searching for an opening to strike back. He notices a flaw in the bishop’s sword technique, exploiting the rapier’s length and size to get in close and strike at the enemy’s vulnerable crotch area. However, just as Klein thinks he’s landed a fatal blow, Utravsky sets a trap, unleashing a devastating storm of light that forces Klein to retreat.
As the battle rages on, Klein seizes an opportunity to counterattack, striking at the back of Utravsky’s head and shattering his silver armor. But just as Klein is about to deliver the final blow, Utravsky suddenly twists and sweeps his rapier backward, setting the stage for another intense exchange of blows.
Chapter 309 – Choosing One Out Of Two
Klein stands victorious in the battle against Bishop Utravsky’s past self, but instead of gloating, he’s met with an unexpected scene – the bishop, now seated and worn out, with tears of joy and relief streaming down his face. The once-formidable warrior’s spirit has been lifted, and he thanks Klein for the gift of new life. As agreed, Utravsky hands over the Apothecary formula and offers Klein a choice between two mystical items: a blood-transfusion device that boosts strength and speed but comes with risks of temporary weakness and rationality loss, and a Master Key that can open any lock and create pathways to other realities.
As Klein deliberates, Utravsky explains the limitations and dangers of each item, including the blood device’s potential to make its user neurotic and temporarily lose rationality. Meanwhile, the Master Key risks getting its user lost, albeit randomly. Weighing his options, Klein chooses the Master Key, intrigued by its possibilities and willing to take the risk.
With the battle concluded and the deal settled, Klein stands at a crossroads, holding the Master Key and pondering the secrets it might unlock. As Utravsky disappears into the shadows, Klein is left to ponder the mysteries of the mystical item and the doors it might open – literally and metaphorically.
Chapter 310 – National Atmospheric Pollution Council
As Klein holds the Master Key, he encounters Luke and Stelyn Sammer, who discuss the upcoming banquet and the Soot Reduction Association’s endeavors. They depart, leaving Klein to receive a letter from Isengard Stanton, a fellow private detective. The letter shares findings on unresolved serial murders, including two cases Klein had been investigating. One suspect is eliminated due to cremation, while the other three remain under scrutiny.
Klein composes a letter to Detective Stuart, asking him to observe the two remaining suspects discreetly, focusing on their recent mental states and potential aggression. Meanwhile, Count Hall discusses his reasons for having his son, Hibbert, on the National Atmospheric Pollution Council with him. He reveals his true intentions, hinting at the importance of influence and status within the House of Lords.
With the Master Key in hand, Klein is poised to unravel the mysteries of the mystical item and uncover hidden paths. As the investigation unfolds, alliances are forged, and suspects are scrutinized, raising the stakes in the pursuit of justice.
Chapter 311 – Observing Each Other
Klein, now seated as The Fool, introduces Miss Magician, Fors, to the other Tarot Club members, including Miss Justice, Mr. Hanged Man, Mr. Sun, and Mr. World. As Fors observes the members, she sizes up their unique traits and auras, while Audrey, aka Miss Justice, scrutinizes Fors, suspecting her true identity as Madam Fors. Meanwhile, Klein, controlling The World, asks the group about the Devil and Guardian Sequences, seeking information about Sequence 5 Guardian.
Derrick Berg, aka Mr. Hanged Man, interjects, offering to share his knowledge of the Sequences in exchange for information about the Fallen Creator. Klein agrees, and The World accepts the deal, leaving Fors stunned and bewildered by the conversation. She’s never heard of the Devil Sequence, Guardian pathway, or the Fallen Creator, and wonders what kind of organization she’s joined.
As the Tarot Club members discuss these mysterious topics, alliances are formed, and secrets are kept, raising the stakes in their pursuit of knowledge and power. The air is thick with tension, and Fors’s presence has added a new layer of intrigue to the group’s dynamics.
Chapter 312 – A Failed Disguise
Klein, as The Fool, wraps up the transaction with The Hanged Man, Derrick Berg, and nods in satisfaction, declaring the deal complete. As the discussion concludes, Fors, aka Miss Magician, requests the formulas for Apothecary and Trickmaster, attempting to conceal her true identity and motives. She intentionally adds the Apothecary formula to her request, hoping to mislead the others and potentially profit from selling it to Viscount Glaint.
Meanwhile, Audrey, aka Miss Justice, is convinced that Fors is hiding her true identity and recognizes her ploy. The Hanged Man, Alger, observes Fors warily, while The Sun, Derrick, tries to guess her affiliation. Klein, sympathetic to Fors’s attempts to conceal her identity, knows that she’s no match for a Telepathist like him.
As the negotiations unfold, Klein, controlling The World, offers to sell the Apothecary formula to Fors for 230 pounds and agrees to search for the Trickmaster formula. Fors, intrigued by the mysterious ritual of sacrificing the payment to Mr. Fool, decides to complete the transaction, unaware of the complexities involved.
Chapter 313 – The Ancient Deities
Audrey, aka Miss Justice, reveals the “acting method” to Fors, explaining how to reconcile the body, heart, and soul to assimilate and digest potions, eliminating the remnant psyche influence. Fors, intrigued, quickly grasps the concept, envisioning the scenes described. She confirms that Mr. Fool taught her the method, which has allowed her to maintain control over the potions.
As the discussion unfolds, Derrick, aka The Sun, reveals his ignorance of the Seven Gods, astonishing Fors, who can’t believe someone wouldn’t know this fundamental knowledge. Audrey, The Hanged Man, and The World offer to answer his question, but Derrick decides to trade with each of them individually, willing to pay with answers to their questions. Audrey takes the opportunity to ask about the City of Silver, a mysterious place beyond their understanding.
Fors, lost in the conversation, struggles to keep up, wondering about Derrick’s origins and the City of Silver. Meanwhile, Klein, aka The World, observes the exchange, subtly guiding the conversation as the group delves deeper into the mysteries of the Seven Gods and the enigmatic City of Silver.
Chapter 314 – Possible
As Klein manipulates The World to speak, he uncovers the connections between the ancient god, Evernight Demonic Wolf Flegrea, and the Goddess, hinting at the Goddess’s inheritance of power from the Evernight Demonic Wolf. Derrick, still in the dark about the Seven Gods, learns that the City of Silver considers the King of Demonic Wolves, Flegrea, a myth. Meanwhile, Klein takes advantage of Derrick’s honesty to steer the conversation towards a mysterious Beyonder who can switch between the body and spirit, directing zombies.
As they delve deeper, Derrick reveals that this Beyonder’s pathway is likely not from the Phoenix pathway, which governs death and partly controls the spirit world, but rather from the Death pathway, Corpse Collector being its Sequence 9. Klein’s curiosity is piqued, and he probes further, discovering that the Beyonder might be a special Devil or a Mutant, humans transformed by negative Beyonder characteristics into monstrous creatures.
The conversation unveils the concept of Mutants, humans transformed by Beyonder characteristics, and Derrick shares that in the City of Silver, the corresponding Sequence 9 is called Prisoner. Klein becomes increasingly aware of the unique aspects of the Forsaken Land of the Gods and the City of Silver, sensing that there is more to uncover about the mysterious forces at play.
Chapter 315 – Return to Harvest Church
Derrick Berg sits in the dark, recalling the information about the seven gods, wondering if there’s a new world outside the City of Silver, untouched by the gods’ forsaken lands. He compares the powers of the seven gods to ancient gods like the Dragon of Fantasy and the Evernight Goddess, noticing similarities. With no patrol duty, he decides to visit the spire’s library to read up on Myth Studies, a subject often overlooked by City of Silver residents.
At the library, Derrick encounters Shepherd Lovia, a member of the six-member council, who takes a book on creation myths from him. Lovia’s normal demeanor, unlike her previous erratic behavior, sends a shiver down Derrick’s spine. Meanwhile, Klein, still analyzing the case, decides to focus on an auxiliary role, fearing to provoke a Devil. He plans to suggest a new investigation direction to Isengard Stanton without arousing suspicion.
Klein pens a letter to Stanton, proposing an investigation into the possibility of the murderer practicing on animals, hoping to steer the main investigation body towards considering the “animal world.” As he writes, he realizes this could also be a key direction in the case, potentially leading to the Devil’s capture.