Chapter 61 – Strange Symbol
As Audrey recites the three descriptions of Klein, she realizes they point to one of the seven gods of the world, sparking a mix of emotions within her. Alger, too, is shaken, understanding that Klein might be a godlike entity, forcing them to address him in the third person. Klein, seemingly unfazed, continues with the ritual, describing incantations that Audrey and Alger struggle to comprehend.
Audrey and Alger process the information, trying to wrap their minds around the implications of Klein’s divinity. Klein, however, remains casual, smiling and confirming that they’ve memorized the incantations correctly. He hints at modifying the ritual for their next attempt, aiming to achieve their desired outcome.
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As the official matters conclude, the trio engages in casual conversation, discussing the recent approval of Klein’s suggestion regarding exam selection and the separation of civil and political matters. Alger shares his concerns about the increasing activities of secret organizations, including new ones emerging with a significant number of Beyonders, leaving the reader wondering what dangers lie ahead for Klein and his companions.
Chapter 62 – The Seers Suggestion
Klein meticulously prepares for his visit to the Divination Club, calculating his financial situation and prioritizing his expenses. He arrives at the club, where he’s greeted by the beautiful Angelica, whose emotional colors have transformed from gray to sunny whiteness. Klein’s smile and genuine interest in her well-being spark a heartwarming exchange, and he can’t help but feel infected by her joy.
As they chat, Klein discreetly activates his Spirit Vision, using his glabella as a makeshift switch. He notes the subtle changes in Angelica’s emotional colors and contemplates designing a more inconspicuous activation motion once he becomes a true Seer. Meanwhile, he’s drawn to the familiar face of Glacis, who had divined for him before, and the two share a warm reunion.
Klein’s curiosity gets the better of him as he inquires about Glacis’s health and the “very amazing apothecary” who helped him recover. As a quasi-member of the Nighthawks, Klein’s occupational interest is piqued, and he presses for more information about the magical medicine. The atmosphere is lighthearted, but Klein’s inquiries hint at deeper mysteries waiting to be unraveled.
Chapter 63 – Dream Interpretation
As Klein welcomes Joyce Meyer, Anna’s fiancĂ©, to the Divination Club, he’s immediately drawn to the man’s unique features, having seen him in a dream divination. Joyce, still reeling from his recent ordeal, expresses gratitude for Klein’s advice to Anna, and Klein humbly deflects the praise. As they exchange pleasantries, Klein can’t help but think that this is a case of “mutual professional bootlicking.”
As Joyce requests a divination, Klein leads him to the Topaz room, where he activates his Spirit Vision, taking in Joyce’s dull health colors and predominantly blue emotional colors, indicative of his high-strung state. Joyce shares his recurring nightmare, in which he falls from the Alfalfa into a dark red ocean, unable to save a fellow passenger, Younis Kim. Klein interprets the dream as a revelation from the divine, symbolizing Joyce’s deep-seated trauma from the tragedy.
Klein probes deeper, suggesting that Joyce may have disregarded crucial signs or details during the ordeal, which his spirituality is now reminding him of through the dream. He poses a crucial question to Joyce: did Younis Kim, the passenger Joyce failed to save, request something from him on the boat that ultimately led to his demise? Joyce’s uneasy response hints at a dark secret, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the Alfalfa’s tragic events and the mysteries that lie ahead.
Chapter 64 – Instigator
Audrey Hall sets the stage for a ritualistic magic ceremony, carefully preparing her bathroom with candles, sacrificial items, and a white robe. She begins by disrobing and cleansing her body, calmed by the warm water and essence oils she’s distilled herself. As she lies in the bathtub, she becomes extremely relaxed, eventually falling asleep, only to be awakened by Susie, her golden retriever.
After re-composing herself, Audrey continues with the ritual, carefully setting up the altar according to The Fool’s instructions, complete with candles, offerings, and a silver knife. She recites a sacred incantation in Hermes, focusing her mind and spewing out her spirituality to create a protective barrier around herself.
With the ritual underway, Audrey’s body, heart, and soul attain tranquility as she begins chanting her plea to The Fool, seeking the mysterious ruler’s help and loving grace. The air is filled with an otherworldly fragrance, and the silence is palpable as Audrey embarks on this mystical journey, leaving readers wondering what secrets she’ll uncover and what consequences her actions will bring.
Chapter 65 – Beyonder Information
Klein pores over the Nighthawks’ internal documents, uncovering a treasure trove of information on Beyonders and secret organizations. The documents reveal various Sequence pathways, including the one that leads from Seer, which Klein is eager to explore. However, he’s surprised to find that the potion names for Sequences 7 and 8 are unknown, leaving him with more questions than answers.
As Klein delves deeper into the documents, he discovers that Sequence 7 involves quickly casting multiple spells and fusing physical and supernatural abilities. This sounds more in line with what he expects from an advancement of Seer. Meanwhile, Sequence 8 seems to involve fighting with artifice and being crafty, which leaves Klein perplexed.
A startling connection emerges as Klein reads about the Zaratul family, who established the Sequence pathway. He recalls seeing this name in the remnant diary pages of Emperor Roselle, hinting at a mysterious figure who influenced Roselle’s decisions. Klein begins to suspect that his own fate as a Seer may be intertwined with this enigmatic figure, adding a layer of mystique to his journey.
Chapter 66 – Demoness Sect
Klein delves deeper into the Nighthawks’ internal documents, uncovering more secrets about Beyonders and secret organizations. He discovers that Sequence 8, Instigator, involves triggering evil desires in people’s hearts, causing contradictions and inciting conflict. The description raises more questions than answers, and Klein is left confused about the Sequence pathway, especially when he reads about Instigator’s advancement from Assassin.
As Klein explores the documents further, he learns about the Theosophy Order, a secret organization that emerged in the Fifth Epoch. They believe that the mind is fundamental to a person, and the physical flesh is a cage that restrains the mind. Theosophy Order’s extreme members seek to destroy bodies, leading to bloody massacres. Klein begins to suspect that his fate as a Seer may be intertwined with the enigmatic figure influencing Emperor Roselle’s decisions.
Klein’s investigation reveals that the history of the Fourth Epoch is shrouded in fog, with many secrets buried beneath the surface. He discovers that the Demoness Sect, a mysterious organization, worships the Primordial Demoness and believes she is the true inheritor of the Creator. Klein categorizes the secret organizations into three eras, ancient, early Fifth Epoch, and recent century organizations. The revelation leaves him speechless, and he wonders about the true nature of the world he lives in.
Chapter 67 – Response
Klein stands in his dimly lit bedroom, the crimson moon casting an eerie glow outside. He has entered a half-Cogitation state, using his silver knife to seal off the room and prevent any disturbances from waking Benson and Melissa. With each step, he incants an ancient phrase, and the grayish-white fog envelops him, dark red stars twinkling like diamonds in the distance.
As he focuses his mind, Klein’s gaze falls on a pulsing dark red star, symbolizing Justice. He senses a hum in his head, and a blurry, distorted scene unfolds before him. A female voice, intermittently stacked, resonates with prayers, pleading for the Fool’s help and loving grace. Klein recognizes the voice as Miss Justice, and his ritual incantation has successfully reached the gray fog, connecting him to the mysterious world above.
With a sense of achievement, Klein attempts to respond to Miss Justice’s pleas, and his words echo through the connection. Meanwhile, Audrey Hall, a Spectator, is jolted awake, her dream infused with scenes of the Fool. She analyzes the response, marveling at the effectiveness of the ritualistic magic, and wonders why the Fool responded only at night.
Chapter 68 – Monster
Klein, dressed in cheap formal attire, accompanies Old Neil to the Evil Dragon Bar at the harbor, where a chaotic scene unfolds. The air is electric with rapturous shouts as a boxing match takes place, while steam-pressured rifles and repeating rifles are brandished by men searching for something. The brawny man guarding the door reveals that a wanted man, possibly Instigator Tris, was spotted earlier, leading to an intense clash. Though Tris escaped, the market has reopened, and Old Neil leads Klein through the billiard room and secret doors to a hidden vendor market, where passers-by haggle over goods and chat.
As Klein takes in the sights, he pieces together the events that transpired, connecting the dots between Tris’s carelessness and the Machinery Hivemind or Nighthawks’ involvement. Meanwhile, Old Neil provides insight into the market’s workings and introduces Swain, the former captain of a Mandated Punisher squad, who now runs the Evil Dragon Bar. The atmosphere is tense, with hints of danger and intrigue lurking beneath the surface.
Klein’s fascination grows as he navigates this underground market, surrounded by mysterious figures and advanced weaponry. The connection to Miss Justice and the gray fog still resonates in the back of his mind, and he wonders what other secrets this world holds.
Chapter 69 – Protection Amulet
Klein navigates the hidden vendor market, surrounded by intriguing figures and advanced weaponry. He observes a bespectacled man haggling over ingredients, including cow teeth paeonol, and Klein can’t help but tap his glabella twice as a precaution. As he inspects the man, he finds no issues, and his attention turns to a stall selling homemade amulets. Only a few of the amulets emanate a weak aura, indicating some mysticism involvement. Klein notices the stall owner’s mistakes in matching energy sources to incantations and chooses two half-completed silver amulets, envisioning their potential.
Klein purchases the amulets, intending to transform them into true amulets that can protect people from danger. He envisions creating one each for Benson and Melissa, and possibly asking the Nighthawks for ingredients for his own. A teenage girl approaches him, seeking advice on choosing an amulet as a gift for her friend. Klein offers his expertise, explaining the importance of matching energy sources to incantations and corresponding gods. He recommends considering the type of protection desired, such as averting disasters or illnesses, to determine the suitable material and constellation.
As Klein provides guidance, he begins to form a connection with the girl, and the atmosphere remains tense yet intriguing. The market continues to buzz with activity, and Klein’s fascination with the world of mysticism grows. The gray fog and Miss Justice still linger in the back of his mind, and he wonders what other secrets this world holds. The encounter with the girl leaves Klein pondering the possibilities of his newfound interests and the mysteries that await him.
Chapter 70 – 2-049s Arrival
Klein departs the vendor market, lost in thought as he walks home beneath the crimson moonlight. He finds Melissa diligently doing her homework in a new beige dress, a purchase he and Benson had insisted upon. Melissa explains that she had commissioned the dress from their former neighbor, Mrs. Rochelle, a skilled seamstress who leads a tough life.
As they chat, Klein can’t help but notice Melissa’s frugal nature and her pity for Mrs. Rochelle. He wisely decides not to reproach her, instead asking about her visit to Harrods Department Store with Selena and Elizabeth. The conversation flows easily, with Benson soon joining in, teasing Klein about not complimenting Melissa’s new dress.
As the evening unfolds, Klein takes a shower, and Benson mentions that Melissa had been thrilled to receive the dress. Klein smiles, understanding that his sister cares about her appearance. As he dresses, he hears knocking downstairs, wondering who it could be, as the gas meter collector doesn’t come this often. The mystery of the unexpected visitor lingers, leaving Klein and readers alike curious about what’s to come.
Chapter 71 – Sluggish Phenomenon
Klein’s tension is palpable as he watches Captain Dunn enter the Keeper’s room with caution, accompanied by an air of ridiculousness. A Grade 2 Sealed Artifact is about to be revealed, shrouded in mystery and danger. Klein’s nervous energy reaches a boiling point, only to be interrupted by a sudden numbness that overtakes him, slowing down his vision and thoughts.
As he regains his composure, Klein is introduced to four strangers, including the Midnight Poet, Leonard, and three colleagues from the Backlund diocese: Madam Lorotta, a master sharpshooter; Aiur Harson, a Sequence 8 Gravedigger; and Borgia, a cold and observant Nighthawk. They are all connected to Sealed Artifact 2-049, which Klein learns has a profound effect on its handlers, causing their arm movements to become sluggish and mechanical.
As the group prepares to transport the Sealed Artifact, Klein’s curiosity is piqued by the mysterious chest adorned with stars and the crimson full moon. Suddenly, the chest begins to thump violently, as if something malevolent has awoken within. The knocking sounds send chills down the spines of everyone present, leaving Klein wondering what horrors lie within the chest and what dangers they will face in their mission to seal it.
Chapter 72 – Tracking
As Klein gazes at the wooden puppet with a comical smile, he’s overcome with intense horror, his thoughts slowing down, and his body paralyzed. The puppet’s influence is growing stronger, and Klein’s desperation to ask for help is suffocated by an invisible force. But with a swift push from Captain Dunn, the spell is broken, and Klein blurted out a panicked “help.”
The group realizes that Sealed Artifact 2-049 is getting stronger, with Aiur Harson calmly stating that it’s normal. Lorotta reassures them that it’s a relatively less dangerous Grade 2 Sealed Artifact, but Klein’s concerns linger. As they journey through the city, the puppet awkwardly totters, causing Klein to wonder if it assimilates living beings, turning them into puppets.
The group arrives at the harbor, and with Aiur Harson’s guidance, they navigate the puppet’s intentions, eventually arriving at a grayish-white warehouse. With caution, they enter the warehouse, maintaining their arm motions to avoid 2-049’s influence. As they approach the door, Klein’s anxiety peaks, especially with the unknown danger surrounding Ray Bieber and the notebook. Captain Dunn orders Klein to divine any danger within the warehouse, and with a deep breath, Klein prepares to face the unknown.
Chapter 73 – First Battle
Klein readies himself, twisting his revolver’s barrel and entering a shooting stance as the group approaches the warehouse. Aiur Harson recites a peaceful poem, attempting to influence Klein, but he resists, recalling his past experiences. The poem’s effects are palpable, and Klein takes a moment to collect himself, impressed by Aiur’s stealthy abilities as a Nightmare Beyonder and Midnight Poet.
As the poem’s influence lingers, a suited clown with a painted face appears, seemingly affected by Aiur’s words. Lorotta charges forward, but the clown shatters like a mirror, only to reappear in the shadows. The group soon realizes that the clown is creating illusions, and they begin exchanging gunfire. The suited clown dodges and weaves, performing acrobatic feats, but Lorotta lands a solid punch, prompting Dunn and Aiur to open fire.
The suited clown’s arm ignites with flames, and the group targets the blaze, but the clown persists, firing illusions and eventually landing a real shot, forcing Lorotta to halt. The battle rages on, with the suited clown attacking the group from unexpected angles, blurring the lines between reality and illusion.
Chapter 74 – Ray Bieber
As the battle rages on, the suited clown creates an illusion, allowing him to escape and leaving the group to face the contents of the innermost warehouse. The door explodes, and a mangled arm, followed by a spray of blood, a dilated eye, and an ear, come flying out. The gruesome scene unfolds, leaving Klein on the brink of a breakdown.
Dunn attempts to shoot into the warehouse, but his bullet has no effect. The group holds back, watching as a grayish-white, humanoid creature emerges. Its twisted limbs and white bones poking out of its skin make it a monstrous sight. The creature’s head, with deep wrinkles and pale skin, seems almost human, but its porcelain false tooth and bloody saliva reveal its true nature.
As the creature approaches, Leonard Mitchell shoots it in the forehead, but it shows no signs of harm. It pounces on Borgia, seemingly targeting the black chest containing Sealed Artifact 2-049. Dunn shouts out that the creature has lost control of its Beyonder powers, and Lorotta begins searching for its weakness. Klein uses his Spirit Vision to aid Lorotta, discovering that the creature has only one type of spiritual glow, a grayish-white one filled with craziness. As the situation escalates, Aiur Harson and Leonard Mitchell begin to chant, hinting at the horror that is to come.
Chapter 75 – Saving himself
As Klein faces being controlled by the puppet, he seizes the opportunity to save himself by using his knowledge of the mysterious world above the gray fog. With his joints and brain slowed down, he takes slow, deliberate steps counterclockwise while reciting an incantation, hoping to awaken himself and escape Sealed Artifact 2-049’s assimilation.
Just as Klein finishes the incantation, chaotic shouts and murmurs fill his mind, shattering his thoughts and reducing them to uncontrolled fragments. However, he finally regains control and finds himself back in the vast, mysterious, and vague world above the gray fog, surrounded by grayish-white fog and dark red stars.
With his thoughts cleared, Klein begins to consider his situation, weighing the risks of returning to his physical body. He uses his divination skills to determine the safety of returning, scribbling a sentence on an illusory piece of paper and using a spirit pendulum to guide his decision.