Chapter 976 – Zealot
Klein, as Dwayne Dantès, has just returned to Backlund when an intruder appears at his balcony. Using his Spirit Body Threads and enhanced intuition as a Sequence 4 Clown, Klein senses the intruder’s presence and projects their actions in his mind. He identifies the intruder as a demigod, likely from the Death or Evernight pathway, and prepares himself.
The intruder, Patrick Bryan of the Numinous Episcopate, enters Klein’s bedroom and bows deeply, revealing that he has received a revelation from the Evernight Goddess. Bryan informs Klein that the Goddess has awakened and requests him to obey Klein’s commands and follow his arrangements, effectively making Klein a leader within the Artificial Death faction. Klein, though caught off guard, plays along, adopting a pious tone to conceal his true intentions.
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With this sudden development, Klein finds himself entangled in the web of politics and power in Backlund, forced to navigate the complex relationships between the Church of Evernight and the Numinous Episcopate. As he responds to Bryan’s declaration, Klein’s thoughts are filled with uncertainty, wondering if this is a blessing or a curse, and what secrets lie beneath the surface of this mysterious revelation.
Chapter 977 – First Sermon
As Klein interrogates Patrick Bryan, the demigod from the Numinous Episcopate, he learns about Bryan’s background, including his incarnation number and conversion to the Lord of the Underworld. Klein cleverly extracts information, calculating Bryan’s rapid advancement and influence from the Death pathway’s Uniqueness. The conversation reveals Bryan’s public identity as a businessman and his involvement in the proselytizing efforts, searching for clues, and experimenting with awakening rituals.
Klein, adopting a pious tone, assumes a leadership role, ordering Bryan to halt the rituals and material gathering, citing the Evernight Goddess’s partial awakening and need for recovery. He instructs Bryan to continue searching for clues and promoting education among his followers, preaching that understanding and knowledge are essential for true belief. Bryan, convinced of Klein’s authority, accepts his instructions without question.
As the meeting concludes, Klein solidifies his grasp on the Artificial Death faction, navigating the complex web of politics and power in Backlund while hiding his true intentions. The Evernight Goddess’s revelation has thrown Klein into a precarious position, and he must carefully maneuver his newfound influence to achieve his goals, all while keeping his secrets buried.
Chapter 978 – Gift
In the dead of night, a gray rat scurries out of its hole, carrying a black, glue-like blob object, to deliver a crucial item to the sewers. The rat, under Klein’s control, excavates a mirror fragment, and after a series of transformations, Admiral of Blood reappears, albeit as a fragile paper figurine. Klein, from the comfort of his master bedroom, orchestrates the ritual to contact Demoness Trissy.
Trissy, curled up in a dark, curtained room, is surrounded by raven-black “tentacles” that eventually transform back into her hair. As she composes herself, she converses with Klein’s marionette, Senor, recognizing him as Gehrman Sparrow. They exchange banter, with Trissy acknowledging Klein’s unpredictability and requesting assistance in her investigation into the captain of the royal guards.
The communication ritual unfolds, with Trissy revealing her progress and Klein offering his support. As the chapter concludes, the air is thick with tension and intrigue, as Klein’s complex web of alliances and deceptions continues to unfold.
Chapter 979 – Joy of Life
Audrey receives a unique gift from Klein, a feathered cap that holds mystical powers, allowing her to receive blessings from the feathered serpent, also known as Death, in critical moments. She understands the hint and appreciates the gift, while also contemplating how to inform Mr. World about Hvin Rambis’s hypnotic abilities. Meanwhile, she suspects that many people in Backlund’s high society have been hypnotized, acting against their true intentions.
Klein delivers gifts to the other directors, chatting with them along the way, before retreating to a rest room to write a letter to Mr. Azik. He shares his experiences in the Southern Continent and his involvement with the bursary foundation, expressing his satisfaction and happiness. He ends the letter by suggesting that Mr. Azik attempt to do something similar, helping children and leaving a lasting impact.
As Klein finishes his letter, he prays at Saint Samuel Cathedral, donating 80 pounds to the donation box. He also meets Bishop Elektra, listening to his sermon and announcing his return. Meanwhile, Butler Walter delivers Klein’s gifts to the bishops’ residences, further solidifying his connections and mysteries.
Chapter 980 – Choice of Parasitic Target
Klein visits Aaron Ceres, sharing his experiences in East and West Balam while using his Beyonder powers to create an illusion, making everyone in the room fall under its effects. He interacts with baby Will Auceptin Ceres, offering him ice cream and teaching him to fold a paper crane, hinting at the concept of fate and exacting prices. Meanwhile, Leonard Mitchell meets with Saint Anthony, the archbishop of Backlund, to discuss his Spirit Warlock advancement and receives separate mission assignments involving paranormal activity investigations.
As Leonard explores his new tasks, he inquires about Captain Soest’s team and is told they are assisting Crestet with a mission, which subtly hints at Cesimir’s presence in Backlund. The meeting concludes with a shared gesture of devotion to the Goddess. Leonard then heads to the basement to prepare for his upcoming missions, but is suddenly reminded of Amon’s description by Old Man, feeling an eerie sense of the Blasphemer’s omnipresence.
In the midst of these events, threads of fate seem to be intertwining, with characters moving closer to their respective destinies. Klein’s gifts and connections continue to spread influence, while Leonard’s path is filled with uncertainty and potential danger. The stage is set for further intrigue and adventure in this mystical world.
Chapter 981 – Hazel’s Decision
Klein, still in disguise, visits the Ceres’ manor, where he learns about Hazel’s predicament after being bitten by her rat teacher, which has turned rabid. He suspects the rat is a Marauder demigod and leaves, wishing Hazel a blessing from the Goddess. Unbeknownst to Klein, Hazel is struggling with her own identity and the source of her strength, feeling lost and vulnerable after the incident.
In her dark moment, Hazel experiences a hallucination or nightmare, where she sees her teacher and other gray rats with dark red eyes. However, she soon realizes it was an illusion created by someone with extraordinary powers, leaving her terrified and shaken. As she uncovers the truth, Hazel starts to piece together the motives behind the illusion, suspecting that the person was searching for her teacher.
With her usual arrogance and confidence shattered, Hazel is forced to confront the limitations of her abilities and the unknown dangers that lurk in the shadows. As she attempts to regain her composure, she begins to formulate a theory about the true intentions of the mysterious person, setting the stage for a thrilling and unpredictable adventure.
Chapter 982 – Bizarro Sorcerer vs Parasite
In the garden of the Ceres’ manor, Klein witnesses a chilling scene: grayish-white rats possessed by some unknown force, and a massive gray rat with dark red eyes, violent and unstable, sitting at the center. This parasitic Marauder pathway demigod is on the brink of losing control, and Klein realizes he arrived just in time to prevent a tragedy.
As Klein prepares to take control of the situation, the gigantic rat notices him and attempts to “steal” his thoughts, but Klein has already set up a trap. Using his upgraded illusion powers and his marionette Enuni, Klein successfully deceives the rat and gains initial control over its Spirit Body Threads. This allows him to manipulate the rat from a distance, a feat made possible by gifting his Beyonder powers to Enuni.
With his control established, Klein’s marionettes, previously turned into rats, emerge from Enuni’s side, ready to cleanse the area using Air Cannon. But as the gigantic rat’s eyes flash with a dark red glimmer, it’s clear the battle is far from over, and Klein must continue to exploit his cunning and creative abilities to outmaneuver the foe and bring order back to the Ceres’ manor.
Chapter 983 – In Your Name
Klein’s thoughts are fixated on a scene amidst the woods, where he senses the Marauder pathway demigod’s presence. He rapidly gauges the location using astromancy and teleports to the spot, severing the connection of the Spirit Body Threads. The area is silent, with illusory black threads representing the creatures with spirituality surfacing in his vision. Klein confirms that his divination results can be trusted, and he believes the demigod is hiding in the woods, weakened and unstable.
As Klein waits patiently, he converts marionettes and keeps note of the possibility of having his Spirit Body Threads controlled. Suddenly, he hears a sound resembling panting, followed by a hysterical voice from a nearby tree. The tree’s outer bark peels off, revealing strange worms with transparent rings crawling out. Klein loses his thoughts, powers, and clothes, but he swiftly swaps places with Enuni, avoiding the consequences.
A figure emerges from the woods, wearing a black trench coat and a striking crystal monocle, exuding refinement. Klein recognizes him as Amon, the Blasphemer, Angel of Time, King of Angels, and son of the Creator. Despite knowing it’s an avatar, Klein doesn’t hesitate, using Creeping Hunger to phase away, evading the Blasphemer’s influence.
Chapter 984 – Active Response
Klein, still shaken by his encounter with Amon, the Blasphemer, takes a detour with Enuni to a secluded spot, where he summons a paper figurine and fuses it with the gray fog. This allows him to transform into the Red Priest, a persona that enhances his connection to the mysterious space above the gray fog. With this newfound power, he creates a War Angel that descends upon the world, enveloping him and Enuni in its fiery wings.
As Klein returns to 160 Böklund Street, he reflects on the events that led Amon to take notice of him. He realizes that the Marauder pathway demigod’s mutation and his own involvement in the city might have piqued Amon’s interest. Klein fears that Amon might visit Böklund Street, putting his identity as Dwayne Dantès and the ordinary people in the area at risk.
Determined to take action, Klein considers reaching out to Leonard and forming a plan with Pallez Zoroast to eliminate Amon’s avatar. However, he’s cautious about discussing the plan in detail, fearing it might affect fate and alert Amon. Instead, he decides to pull Leonard above the gray fog to discuss their strategy, weighing his options carefully to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
Chapter 985 – Blessed of Concealment
Klein, still shaken by his encounter with Amon, pulls Leonard above the gray fog to discuss a plan to eliminate Amon’s avatar. As they meet in the magnificent palace, Leonard notices Klein’s reserved demeanor, reminiscent of Gehrman Sparrow’s persona. Klein is reminded to keep his true self separate from his acting, lest he becomes too immersed in his role.
Leonard and Klein get down to business, discussing Amon’s presence in Backlund, which Klein discovered while pursuing a Marauder pathway demigod on the brink of losing control. Klein reveals his reasons for pursuing the demigod, citing his experience in Tingen City and his duty as a Nighthawk to handle such matters. He recounts the demigod’s malintent towards Hazel and her attempt to lure Miss Magician into a trap, solidifying his decision to eliminate her.
As Klein and Leonard continue their conversation, they delve deeper into their plan to tackle Amon’s avatar. With Klein’s determination to protect his identity as Dwayne Dantès and the ordinary people in the area, he and Leonard must formulate a careful strategy to avoid alerting Amon and putting their plan into action.
Chapter 986 – The “Infectiousness” of Parasitizing
Klein and Leonard concoct a plan to eliminate Amon’s avatar, with Klein revealing his discovery of Amon’s presence in Backlund and his motive for pursuing the Marauder pathway demigod. Leonard is stunned by Klein’s claim that Amon might be aware of the demigod’s existence in the vicinity of Böklund Street, prompting Klein to disclose his own role in informing Amon. Leonard nods, agreeing to inform Old Man of the situation and waits for a detailed plan from Amon.
As they conclude their meeting, Leonard is suddenly transported to a sparse forest on the outskirts of North Borough, where he informs Pallez Zoroast of Klein’s revelation about being a Blessed of Concealment. Pallez is willing to provide help in dealing with Amon, provided Klein can gain the blessings of concealment. The two discuss their strategy, with Pallez explaining Amon’s ability to absorb Beyonder characteristics, rapidly strengthening his avatars and spreading them like a plague.
Pallez outlines the risks and challenges of dealing with Amon, warning that Amon’s avatar can reach the equivalent of a Sequence 1, but at the cost of mental instability. He also reveals that usually, Amon’s avatars start as weak Sequence 4 Worms of Time, capable of shattering Beyonder characteristics, and can reach Sequence 2 by absorbing sufficient Marauder pathway Beyonder characteristics. The stakes are high, and the group must tread carefully to avoid being baited by Amon’s cunning tactics.
Chapter 987 – Warehouse Clearance
As the meeting commences, Audrey and Cattleya express concern about not receiving Roselle’s diary entries from Queen Mystic for two consecutive weeks. Klein, however, remains calm, reasoning that Ma’am Hermit would be anxious if she hadn’t received any responses. He analyzes the situation, suspecting that Bernadette might be withholding important diary entries that reveal a significant secret.
Meanwhile, Leonard inquires about mystical items, and Alger apologizes for not finding any suitable ones. Klein, as The World Gehrman Sparrow, reveals that he has an item that fits Leonard’s request, the Word of the Sea, but warns about its negative effects, including uncontrollable belting of songs, tripping the wielder, and attracting lightning strikes. Leonard is intrigued, considering the item’s potential for flight and formidable offensive strength, but decides to consult Old Man about mitigating the negative effects.
As the meeting concludes, Klein contemplates a “warehouse clearance sale,” considering the items and characteristics he no longer needs since advancing to Sequence 4 and becoming a demigod.
Chapter 988 – Joint Operation
As Emlyn explains the situation with the ancient abandoned castle, he reveals that it was an internal test by the Sanguine, and he had unknowingly passed it. Miss Magician apologizes and offers to refund the intel fee, as well as an additional 300 pounds, but Fors declines the extra compensation. Emlyn, however, believes the best form of compensation is to punish the responsible Sanguine, and he proposes leading the Sanguine to a particular cathedral of the Church of Earth Mother in Backlund for purification.
Fors is surprised by Emlyn’s suggestion, as she sees it as equivalent to killing the Sanguine. Meanwhile, Leonard holds back his laughter, aware that the Church of Earth Mother’s cathedral in Backlund is actually the Harvest Church. The atmosphere in the palace becomes odd, and Audrey curiously asks Emlyn how he plans to punish the Sanguine.
As the discussion unfolds, Emlyn subtly implies that Mr. World doesn’t need to intervene, and Cattleya interrupts, her words left unspoken for the moment. The tension and intrigue build as the Tarot Club members navigate the complex web of secrets and alliances, with Fors pondering the true intentions of the Sanguine and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the ancient abandoned castle.
Chapter 989 – Mentor Alger
As the Tarot Club members discuss the plan to punish the Sanguine, Emlyn realizes he has a minor role to play, ensuring the hypnotized Sanguine doesn’t encounter any accidents on the way to the cathedral. Audrey suggests making Emlyn the target of the Sanguine’s hatred, allowing him to maintain a safe distance while keeping the Sanguine under hypnosis. Emlyn agrees, confident in his abilities and the Ancestor’s ring, and even offers to borrow Miss Magician’s spellbook if needed.
Meanwhile, Leonard is uneasy about the plan, feeling a sense of horror at the thought of someone being manipulated against their will. He requests a portion of the spoils of war as payment, planning to pull the Sanguine into a dream and extract him without being exposed. Audrey also requests a quarter of the spoils, considering it a necessary part of blending in with the Tarot Club and taking into account Emlyn’s financial situation.
As the group finalizes their plan, Fors expresses concerns about the simplicity of the operation, given the Sanguine’s Sequence 5 status. Leonard and Audrey reassure her that, with their combined powers, they can successfully hypnotize the Sanguine. Just as the matter seems settled, Alger intervenes, suggesting that, as members of a secret organization, they should consider the situation at a deeper level.
Chapter 990 – Inner Fears
As the Tarot Club members discuss the plan to punish the Sanguine, Leonard’s unease about the operation grows, and he’s surprised by the level of secrets shared among the group. Audrey reveals she was approached by Hvin Rambis to observe noble attitudes, but thanks to Mr. Fool’s blessings, she wasn’t influenced. The conversation turns to the Psychology Alchemists’ potential to control nobles, with Alger downplaying the concern, citing the orthodox Churches’ protective measures for their believers.
Xio, meanwhile, pieces together clues, suspecting Audrey’s connection to the Psychology Alchemists, but can’t be certain. Alger’s analysis of the situation impresses Audrey, who realizes he’s trying to transform his standing within the Tarot Club, possibly to distinguish himself from Ma’am Hermit. As the discussion unfolds, Audrey’s concerns about the Churches’ potential surveillance and control of noble believers resurface, echoing her own fears of being monitored and manipulated.
Alger’s cavalier response to Audrey’s worries only heightens the tension, as the group continues to navigate the complexities of their operation and the secrets that lie beneath. With alliances, motives, and fears hanging in the balance, the stakes have never been higher for the Tarot Club members.