Chapter 991 – A Ritual Without A “Reply”
The Tarot Club members reconvene, with Klein, as The World Gehrman Sparrow, requesting a meeting with Queen Mystic, representing the royals above the Five Seas. Derrick, seeking to advance to Priest of Light, reveals his ritual requires pure darkness, sparking a discussion on how to create a safe environment amidst the City of Silver’s treacherous darkness. Audrey looks to Klein for a solution, but even he is stumped, considering the complexities of the City of Silver’s dangers.
As the group brainstorm, Leonard grasps the importance of “safe” darkness, and Alger offers to help gather information and find a solution. Cattleya suggests increasing Derrick’s survival time in pure darkness, and Derrick considers seeking Sealed Artifacts or his Chief’s assistance. The meeting concludes, and Klein returns to the real world, where he writes a cryptic message on a paper crane and takes an afternoon nap.
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In his dream, Klein revisits the pitch-black plains and encounters Will Auceptin, who scolds him for being impolite. Klein responds nonchalantly, hinting at their complex relationship. As the chapter ends, the Tarot Club’s operation continues to unfold, with secrets, alliances, and fears hanging in the balance.
Chapter 992 – Arrodes’s Congratulations
Klein encounters Arianna, the Servant of Concealment and matron of the Evernight Cloister, who reveals herself as a likely candidate for the future Pope. As a Sequence 2 angel of the Evernight pathway, she offers to provide the power of Concealment to aid Klein in dealing with Blasphemer Amon’s avatars in Backlund. However, this comes with a twist: her corporeal involvement could expose Pallez Zoroast, forcing Klein to reevaluate his plans.
Arianna explains that her Evernight coat of arms can establish a connection with her, allowing her to provide the power of Concealment when triggered. Klein, sensing the implications, accepts the offer and thanks her sincerely, while also subtly planning to use the coat of arms to his advantage without fully committing to an alliance.
With the power of Concealment within reach, Klein’s operation to eliminate Amon’s avatars is about to unfold, but the intricate web of alliances, secrets, and fears continues to thicken, leaving readers wondering what will ensue as the story unfolds.
Chapter 993 – Another Possibility
Klein absorbs Arrodes’s explanation about the Spirit Body receiving protection in a dream to slow down the encroachment of danger at night, realizing it won’t be useful for his current goal. He decides to wait for Little Sun’s inquiry to the City of Silver before formulating a plan, and considers seeking Leonard’s help to create temporary darkness. Klein asks about the Seer pathway’s Sequence 3 potion formula, and Arrodes reveals a familiar dark cathedral, where Zaratul, now vanished, once hid.
The sudden disappearance of Zaratul sends a chill down Klein’s spine, leaving him wondering what the powerful being might be plotting. Klein acknowledges his lack of control over the mysterious world above the gray fog and his attractiveness to Beyonders of certain pathways. Antigonus presents another scene, the Antigonus family’s treasure trove, hinting at a possibility that even Arrodes cannot disclose, possibly related to praying to the Goddess for the potion formula.
Klein senses that he might need to make contributions to obtain the formula, possibly by handling the Artificial Death faction of the Numinous Episcopate. He recalls the warning about the Marauder pathway angel and Amon from the rat demigod’s memories, and his thoughts are left swirling with intrigue and uncertainty, setting the stage for the next phase of his adventure.
Chapter 994 – Prelude
Leonard returns home to prepare for the Tarot Gathering and receives a surprise visit from Reinette Tinekerr, Klein’s mysterious messenger, who hands him a letter before vanishing into the void. Pallez Zoroast chuckles at Leonard’s astonishment, hinting that Klein’s messenger is a unique benefit of being the Blessed of Concealment and Fate. The letter’s contents reveal Klein’s ability to see through the theft and replacement of destiny, prompting Leonard to reevaluate his plan to seek out items at the Marauder pathway demigod level.
Leonard recalls his encounter with the high-level charm of the Sun domain and realizes that Klein must have obtained it through his powers as the Blessed. This sparks Leonard’s curiosity about the Eternal Blazing Sun’s divine blood hidden in 3-0782, and he begins to formulate a plan to create an opportunity to obtain the Mutated Sun Sacred Emblem to create the Flaring Sun Charm. However, Pallez Zoroast reminds him that his idea is not without its flaws, and Leonard must think carefully to avoid suspicion.
As Leonard ponders his next move, Fors watches Xio prepare to head out on a mission, wondering when their own mission to punish the Sanguine will begin. Meanwhile, Leonard’s thoughts turn to creating temporary darkness and seeking out the Artificial Death faction of the Numinous Episcopate, setting the stage for a complex web of intrigue and adventure.
Chapter 995 – “Conjoined Person”
Emlyn, a mysterious figure, visits Ian, a detective, at the Bravehearts Bar, commissioning him to gather information on foreigners from the Southern Continent, particularly from the Star Highlands and the Paz River Valley, who exhibit abnormal and fishy behavior. Ian is skeptical but agrees to take the job, sensing an opportunity to make a profit. Emlyn pays him 50 pounds as a down payment, with the promise of more to come depending on the value of the information provided.
Meanwhile, in the Rorsted Archipelago, Admiral of Stars Cattleya investigates a lead on Artisan Cielf, who has been acting normally despite being a member of the Rose School of Thought. Cielf’s monitor, Bloodless Heath Doyle, reveals that a stranger with golden ear studs and athletic build visited Cielf, leaving a trail that was eventually lost. Cattleya and her associate, Frank Lee, are intrigued by the unusual encounter and continue to probe for more information.
As Emlyn exits the Bravehearts Bar, he ponders Ian’s reaction, suspecting that the detective may be hiding something. He wonders about Sherlock Moriarty’s return to Backlund and whether Ian has already met him. The web of intrigue thickens, with secrets and mysteries waiting to be unraveled.
Chapter 996 – Card Game
Klein, as Dwayne Dantès, meets Colonel Calvin of the Loen Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense at the East Balam Military Veterans Mess. Calvin congratulates Klein on his recent success, and they exchange pleasantries, with Klein revealing he earned 20,000 pounds in gold, though he actually made 25,000 pounds minus 10,000 pounds paid to Miss Messenger. The conversation turns to Maysanchez, with Klein sharing information about Revival Square’s destruction and Maysanchez’s secret alignment with a faction.
Calvin is intrigued, and they discuss the implications, with Calvin hinting at potential arms sales. He then invites Klein to play Texas Hold’em with Admiral Amyrius, who has been given a new post and is in charge of the Ministry of Defense. Klein recalls his past interactions with Admiral Amyrius, feeling guilty about the admiral’s mistress being corrupted by the Mother Tree of Desire.
As they head to the second floor, Calvin reveals that their future cooperation requires Admiral Amyrius’s approval, and Klein’s mission is to lose money in the card game. With the stakes set, Klein is about to engage in a high-stakes game with a demigod, navigating his way through the complex web of alliances and interests.
Chapter 997 – “Gambling God” Dwayne
Klein, as Dwayne Dantès, engages in a high-stakes Texas Hold’em game with Admiral Amyrius, Qonas Kilgor, and others at the East Balam Military Veterans Mess. Klein’s mission is to lose money, but he’s aware that his opponents are no ordinary players. As the game unfolds, Klein uses his average-level divination to navigate the rounds, trying not to reveal his hand. Meanwhile, Qonas Kilgor, an MI9 deputy director and demigod, tries to use his powers as a Baron of Corruption to influence the game.
Admiral Amyrius takes the lead, making aggressive bets and raises, exuding an aura of dominance. Klein and Qonas Kilgor try to keep up, but it’s clear that the admiral has an exceptional hand. As the community cards are revealed, the stakes escalate, with Admiral Amyrius betting 100 pounds and then 200 pounds. Klein and Qonas Kilgor hesitate, but ultimately choose to call, despite the mounting pressure.
The game reaches its climax as the final community card, the river, is revealed. With the community cards forming a complex combination, the tension is palpable. Will Klein be able to emerge from this game without losing too much, or will Admiral Amyrius’s domineering strategy pay off? The outcome hangs in the balance, as Klein takes a deep breath, preparing for the next move.
Chapter 998 – Establishing Relations
Qonas Kilgor, the demigod and MI9 deputy director, approaches Klein, aka Dwayne Dantès, with a smile, praising his luck and courage in the high-stakes Texas Hold’em game. Klein, using a Loen-style euphemism, attributes his good fortune to the blessings of a deity, subtly hinting that he’s intentionally losing money. The two exchange pleasantries, and Klein takes the opportunity to inquire about manors in the Backlund suburbs, expressing interest in hunting, which Qonas Kilgor shares.
Klein’s plan is to invite Qonas Kilgor to hunt in the suburbs, seeking an opportunity to take action. Qonas agrees to help him find a suitable manor, promising to send someone to inform Klein. Meanwhile, Klein pities his assistant butler, Richardson, whose efforts in gathering information about manors have become redundant due to Klein’s sudden change in request.
As Klein senses Admiral Amyrius’s gaze, he looks back and receives a gentle nod before the admiral retracts his attention. Colonel Calvin and Member of Parliament Macht then approach Klein, lamenting their losses in the game. Klein feigns innocence, claiming he didn’t even look at his hole cards, and hands them the chips, revealing that he’s retained only the initial 1,000 pounds he bought in with.
Chapter 999 – Instigation
As Ernes departs on a carriage, a group of bounty hunters emerges, employing various tactics to keep pace with the target. Among them, Xio stands out for her composure, observing from a distance as she contemplates the usefulness of bicycles for tracking missions. Meanwhile, she boards a public carriage, using her supernatural senses as a Sheriff to track Ernes’ current location and destination.
Xio’s calm demeanor allows her to navigate the crowded carriage, and she eventually senses Ernes changing direction towards the Backlund Bridge area. She disembarks and takes another public carriage, heading towards the south bank of the Tussock River. Her luck holds out, and she spots Sherman, the young man she’s been searching for, entering a narrow alley with a paper bag and newspapers.
Sherman’s apparent anti-tracking skills lead him to an apartment building, where he encounters a mysterious woman named Trissy, adorned in a black dress. Their awkward encounter reveals Sherman’s conflicted feelings towards Trissy, and she subtly teases him about his reaction. With a mission proposal, Trissy’s true intentions remain unclear, leaving Sherman with a horrified expression as he takes a step back.
Chapter 1000 – Prelude
Klein uses Enuni’s prayer point of light to surveillance Böklund Street, searching for any signs of Amon’s avatar, but finds none. He breathes a sigh of relief, only to spot Hazel returning to Macht’s residence, looking relaxed and happy, which contradicts Klein’s theory of the rat demigod’s outcome. Klein concludes that Amon must have stolen the rat demigod’s fate and identity, allowing Hazel to believe her teacher is safe.
Klein’s thoughts are interrupted by Reinette Tinekerr’s arrival, bearing a letter from Miss Sharron. The letter reveals that Emlyn White is seeking out the Rose School of Thought, which surprises Klein as Emlyn is afraid of trouble. Klein deduces that Emlyn must have received a mission from the Sanguine’s upper echelons, who harbor hatred towards the Rose School of Thought members who believe in the Primordial Moon.
As Klein ponders the implications, he begins to scribble notes, suspecting that Emlyn’s mission is connected to the black market arms dealer, Ian, and possibly Sharron or Maric’s involvement. The mystery deepens, and Klein’s curiosity is piqued, leaving him to wonder what other secrets lie hidden in the shadows.
Chapter 1001 – First Movement
Emlyn White carefully studies the dossier containing Ernes Boyar’s routine, searching for the perfect opportunity to strike. He narrows down the possible venues to three locations: the furniture factory, Saint Hierländ Square, and Backlund Bridge. After careful consideration, Emlyn decides that Saint Hierländ Square meets nearly all the requirements for his operation, with its crowded area, tracked carriage stops, and proximity to the Harvest Church.
As Emlyn finalizes his plan, he senses something is amiss, realizing that Saint Hierländ Square is too perfect a location, almost as if it’s been designated by the Sanguine upper echelons for him. He decides to request a gathering with Mr. Fool and Mr. Hanged Man to discuss the plan in detail, considering every possible problem.
Meanwhile, a mysterious figure, a lanky man with light-colored hair and bright red eyes, observes Emlyn from a private room in a restaurant northwest of the square. The man seems confident in their preparations, which involve identifying and making confirmations, and is unfazed by Emlyn’s recent actions. As the scene unfolds, Ernes Boyar, the target of Emlyn’s operation, approaches the square, seemingly unaware of the danger that awaits him.
Chapter 1002 – Second Movement
In the northwestern corner of Saint Hierländ Square, a mysterious figure, Earl Mistral, observes Ernes Boyar from a private room in a restaurant. As a wolf specter appears in front of Ernes, Mistral retracts his gaze, only to be met with darkness and the sound of tiny bats flying around him. Suddenly, a golden figure with twelve pairs of pitch-black wings emerges, emitting a holy and corrupted aura that both fascinates and intimidates Mistral.
Meanwhile, Ernes Boyar is approached by a paperboy with an otherworldly presence, who hands him a newspaper and advises him to follow Emlyn White. The paperboy’s emerald-green eyes seem to suck in Ernes’ soul, leaving him entranced and vulnerable to external influences. As the scene unfolds, Ernes realizes he has been affected by a Nightmare’s ability and becomes alert, ready to defend himself against potential attacks.
As the holy hymns of Saint Hierländ Cathedral resound, everyone on the square comes to a standstill. Earl Mistral, aware of the commotion, chooses not to pursue the paperboy, sensing that Emlyn White’s faction has a demigod waiting in the shadows. Instead, he decides to wait and observe, knowing that the Sanguine’s true intention is to test the waters, not to engage in an all-out conflict.
Chapter 1003 – Ritornello
Ernes Boyar regains his senses, realizing he’s been under a hypnotic trance induced by the mysterious paperboy’s emerald-green eyes. He finds himself face-to-face with Father Utravsky, who’s holding a lantern containing an unsettling candle covered in human skin. Ernes deduces the candle might be another psychological cue, and he decides to surrender, agreeing to do a month of volunteer work to avoid being influenced further.
Meanwhile, Earl Mistral observes the scene unfold from a private room in a nearby restaurant, where he encounters a strange, holy, and corrupted aura. He decides to wait and observe, sensing that Emlyn White’s faction is testing the waters. The earl’s servant, unaware of the earlier events, inquires about his meal, and Mistral composes himself, removing a ghostly-blue gemstone ring before sitting down to eat.
In a neighboring private room, Klein, wearing an ordinary face, comments on the cuisine while keeping a close eye on the surroundings. He’s prepared to intervene if necessary, having used his marionette to pray to The Fool and survey the area from the gray fog. However, the operation unfolds smoothly, thanks to The Star Leonard and Miss Justice’s expertise, leaving Klein to enjoy his meal as the lively music and eclectic mix of instruments fill Saint Hierland Square.
Chapter 1004 – Third Movement
Klein, still enjoying his meal, swiftly retreats to his bathroom, where he enters the gray fog and takes his seat as The Fool. He expands his vision, locking onto a carriage driving towards Macht’s residence, where he discovers Amon, the Angel of Time, in his true form, wearing a silk top hat and black trench coat. However, Amon has stolen the rat demigod’s destiny, allowing him to appear as a gray rat to others without arousing suspicion.
Amon’s presence sends chills down Klein’s spine, especially when he recalls Pallez Zoroast’s descriptions of Amon’s Parasitizing power. Klein is puzzled, though, as he expects multiple Amons to appear, but there’s only one. He decides to seek Gehrman Sparrow’s expert opinion, conjuring him to pray to The Fool and inform Leonard Mitchell of Amon’s appearance.
Meanwhile, Hazel, now a Sequence 7 Beyonder, is oblivious to Amon’s presence as she goes about her day, interacting with her lady’s maid and preparing for high tea. Amon, however, seems to be moving freely, unnoticed by the servants, and Klein’s anxiety grows as he monitors the situation, unsure of how to proceed.
Chapter 1005 – Fourth Movement
Amon, disguised as Enuni, confidently interacts with Dwayne Dantes, discussing Arrodes’s origins while Klein secretly monitors the situation from the gray fog. Meanwhile, Gehrman Sparrow appears in the garden of 160 Boklund Street, summoned by Klein to provide expertise on Amon’s Parasitizing power. As Amon attempts to invade Klein’s body, Klein swiftly creates a marionette to swap locations, evading the attack.
Klein, still in the gray fog, creates multiple marionettes to secretly control the surroundings, including rats, insects, and earthworms. Amon, seemingly aware of Klein’s tactics, taunts him about exposing his weaknesses and moral standards, refusing to harm his servants. Amon reveals that he has stolen the Spirit Body Threads of Klein’s servants and can manipulate them, making Klein hesitant to take risks.
As the conversation unfolds, Amon’s true intentions remain unclear, and Klein’s anxiety grows. Amon’s avatar, though inferior to Klein, still poses a significant threat. With his marionettes constantly changing locations, Klein tries to stall for time, seeking help from a Spectator. Just as Amon appears to be waiting for something, Leonard Mitchell arrives on the scene, flown in by a strong gust of wind, escalating the tension.
