Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sealed Artifact 1-00, an artifact that summons a rather powerful entity, but makes everyone around, ordinary people or a Beyonder, lose control in return. Klein was rather skeptical in using this artifact, mostly because of the said entity and it's unknown origins. I'll divine this above the grey fog right before we leave. For some unknown reason, he felt a rather unnerving attraction to this Sealed Artifact, and he suspected that it was because of the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence, and that it once belonged to a High-Sequence Beyonder of the Seer, Marauder, or Apprentice pathway. He was rather adept at courting death. 

"Captain, I need to go to the bathroom. I'll be quick." With Captain Dunn's approval, he ran to the bathroom, locked the door, and quickly took four steps counter-clockwise before arriving above the grey fog. 

He conjured the item, and suddenly, the grey fog stirred as if it was trying to conjure a person. The moment that Klein was alerted, the fog went back to normal, emitting a serene scene like nothing happened. What was that?! I really was about to court death! He tried to relax with the help of Cogitation before using dream divination.

As soon as he opened his eyes, a whole planet appeared right before his eyes, exploding itself and turning to a small black hole. The artifact itself was then propelled to another planet. The dream shattered right after, forcing him to wake up.

What the- this artifact came from another planet? The whole ancient castle violently shook along with the feeling of countless maggots crawling under his skin, and the feeling of the pain seeping in from his physical body. The ancient fog then stirred around it's master and was able to soothe him, but only for a moment. Klein, who was about to lose control again, was suddenly ejected out of the castle. For some reason, his instinct is telling him to run to the Sealed Artifact in order to live.

"Klein, are you alright?" He heard an aggressive knocking on the bathroom door. "Klein!"

"I'm alright! I'm still washing, so don't worry about me!" Klein was still on the verge of losing control, but he recognized that it was Leonard. I was about to lose control and die! I really should stop courting death! Although, all I saw was the view of the outside world. Does this mean that it's dangerous to look at the sky? He pretended to flush the toilet and washed his hands before leaving the bathroom. 

"Klein, is this one of your secrets? You're about to lose control!" Leonard had a stern voice, as if he knew what was happening behind the door.

I don't know what this supposed secret of his is about, so I don't know if I should lie or not. Well, he already knows that I have a secret anyways, so there's no reason to lie. "Yes, I apologize if I made you worry." That really was close! My condition right now isn't stable either, and I was forcibly ejected by that grey fog, so I'm currently walking on thin ice. To think that there's corruption in the sky, why is it that death is always around the corner?! I'm only a Sequence 9!

Leonard sighed heavily. "Always remind yourself that reckless actions will lead to death in the world of Beyonders." He raised his hand, emitting a calming and soothing aura.

Klein's face stiffened in the realization. Leonard knows that I tried to divine the Sealed Artifact! Wait, he's right. For some reason, I was tempted to divine that artifact. Am I under an influence of some kind? A Beyonder of the Spectator Pathway? Or is it the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence? I'm a cautious individual, so there's no way that what I did just now was something normal. But, if it's a Beyonder of the Spectator Pathway, then why is it that I'm suspicious of my own actions? It could be that this is their plan all along, but that doesn't make any sense. So it's because of the attraction after all. This kind of pull is scary as hell, to think that my instincts were overturned just because of an artifact. Only a God or something higher can achieve such a strong convergence. Yes, it must belong to a God of the Seer pathway. It's a divine artifact that summons either a deity or an angel under the creator of this divine artifact. "I understand. Thank you for the reminder." He was still new to the Nighthawks, but thanks to his senior transmigrator's diary, he was able to accurately deduce the origins of the divine artifact. This line of thought was a rather, reasonable development.

"I gave you treatment for the time being. You should discreetly find a Psychologist in an underground market tonight."

"Thank you, Leonard." My dear poet comrade sure came to the rescue! As a believer of a fair and equivalent exchange, I should give him something in exchange. Hmm, what could Leonard possibly need that will save his life one day? Well, I'll repay him someday. I don't really have anything powerful with me right now.

"I just thought that we should look out for each other." Why does he always sound so gay? He lampooned.

"Really, you saved my life. I'll pay you back someday." The duo went back to business and reunited with the team responsible for chasing after the Antigonus Family notebook.

"Old Neil, you're part of this operation as well?"

"Indeed, I'm in charge of tracking the traces left behind with the help of Ritualistic Magic. You should stick with me for the day." Klein didn't have the knowledge of Ritualistic Magic just yet, and he was told that he would be able to learn tomorrow. 

"Yes, Old Neil." Captain Dunn arrived from his office, followed by Leonard and Frye who is currently carrying the Sealed Artifact. All of a sudden, a mysterious gray fog emitted from the artifact, travelling towards Klein as if it was being absorbed by him. In his eyes, he saw ominous transparent tentacles and maggots crawling around followed by hundreds of bluish-black doors closing. He was in a daze for a while, yet it almost seemed like no one else noticed what just happened, except for Leonard who was watching in the corner.

From that moment, Klein felt like he forgot something. And for some reason, he felt odd that he was suddenly fine. He thought he felt like he was in the verge of control just moments ago.

"Let's go, time is against us." Captain Dunn announced as the team followed him behind. They took a carriage and went towards the building where Klein had found the Antigonus Family notebook. 

After arriving the apartment building, the three hurriedly ran towards the third floor and knocked at the room opposite the apartment where Klein and Leonard had found the kidnapped child.

"Is anyone there?" Dunn turned the knob, opened the door, and saw a corpse lying on a rocking chair, with countless worms and maggots feeding on the green, swollen flesh, while it's eyeballs fell from it's face. Blood splattered across the walls, and the whole room emitted a strong rotting stench. Klein felt the urge to vomit.

"Looks like it's been here for 5 days. There are no signs of struggle nor any traces of Beyonder powers. I believe it will require a postmortem." Corpse Collector Frye confirmed.

"I-I'll go investigate!" Leonard hurried and ran off.

"Go get the nearby police as well!" Dunn shouted.

"Got it!" 

While Dunn scanned the room, Corpse Collector Frye took out what looked like a cigarette case. He opened it and offered it to Klein. The cigar case enveloped Klein with a scent akin to tobacco, disinfectant and mint leaves. He slowly felt calm and rejuvenated, until the urge to vomit finally went away.

"Thank you." He mouthed to Frye.

"It will be fine once you get used to it." He nodded and hid the cigar case.

Old Neil visited every corner of the room, occasionally touching the furniture around. "This is gross, I need additional pay this month!" The mood turned light after the joke.

Dunn touched the wall beside the chimney, investigating it like Old Neil. "Klein, is this place familiar to you?" Klein imagined a silver pocket watch in his mind and calmed down. He took a deep breath and stayed still until flashes of scenes immediately stacked in his mind along with the feeling of deja vu. 

Chimney, rocking chair, newspapers, the rusty nails on the door, the tin cans inlaid with silver...

"Hornacis... Flegrea!"

"Hornacis... Flegrea!"

Hornacis... Flegrea?

Klein quickly tapped his glabella twice as the illusory voices coming from the walls instantly vanished. He massaged his head right after feeling the pain of something stabbing his head. Is this some kind of enticement? This Hornacis from the illusory voice comes from the Hornacis mountain range. It was written in original Klein's diary.

The police from the Special Operations Department arrived and cleaned the crime scene before leaving the Nighthawks to investigate themselves. Leonard then appeared right after, taking out a notepad and hiding the fountain pen in his pocket. "Katy Stefania Bieber, between 55 to 60 years old, a widow, has rented this apartment with her son for more than a decade. The son, Ray Bieber, is 30 years old and single. He inherited his father's trade as gem artisan and earns about 1 pound and 15 soli a week. According to the neighbors, no one has ever seen them in a week." 

Klein's Adam's apple bobbed up and down. Both has gone missing for a week? This means that the notebook may very well be on the son!

"Leonard, go ask the Special Operations Department if they have a picture of Ray Bieber. Declare him a criminal and let them investigate further." He's already declared a criminal? Klein subconsciously glared at Leonard who was already glaring at him. What the-? It then dawned on him that his Captain's decision was rather reasonable. Who else would murder her other than Ray Bieber?

"Just in case, we should also investigate further." Old Neil suggested.

"Indeed. Now that I think about it, we should go and sketch a picture of Ray Bieber instead. I don't think they have it." Leonard nodded before leaving. 

Old Neil took out a few thumb-sized metal bottles from his pocket and scattered the contents one by one. He then took out a clump of powder and drew a circle around him. There was suddenly an invisible force field around him.

He murmured an incomprehensible incantation before harsh winds entered the room, blowing the powder around him. Suddenly, Old Neil's eyes dimmed, grabbing the fountain pen in his pocket and began sketching loudly at the scrap paper on the floor. He sketched so fast that his body started trembling.

After a minute, he was already done and had written a note accompanied with a small emoji at the end. Klein widened his eyes, staring at the wink face emoji. If there are other transmigrators, it would surely be the Evernight Goddess. 

"Black hair with deep blue eyes. Left of his mouth is a fully ceramic tool implant." Dunn read loudly. 

The sound of the fountain pen dropping on the floor echoed across the room, along with the rattling sounds of Old Neil's body convulsing. He took a few deep breaths before standing up and handing the sketch to Captain Dunn. He then turned back and slowly circled it, making the invisible forcefield disappear. Old Neil then drew the crimson moon in his chest and said, "Praise the Lady."

Then, at the corner of the room, a normal-looking woman appeared out of nowhere. "She" had raven black hair and wore a simple linen robe tied with a belt made of tree bark, but "Her" ghostly-black eyes emitted an intense feeling of peace and serenity.

"Her" name is Arianna.

Chapter Text

Everyone in the room quickly bowed to the figure, so naturally, Klein followed them.

"Your Eminence." Dunn voiced out, making Klein gasp. W-why is a high-ranking member of the Church of the Evernight Goddess right in my eyes?! Calm down, calm down. "She" is a High-Sequence Beyonder, so there's no doubt that "Her" matters here in Tingen are something incredibly important. I-is it the Antigonus Family notebook? I heard that the Church of the Evernight Goddess places high importance in the Antigonus Family matters.

"She" raised "Her" hands and spread the feeling of tranquility and concealment. "I will be staying for a while until Ince Zangwill has been caught. He has corrupted every single one of you and made you follow his arrangements. You should gather all members of the Tingen Nighthawks for concealment." So "She" is here to catch the traitor of the church? He might be weak, but 0-08 sure is troublesome if even "She" arrived here in Tingen. "Her" arrival seems timely against an evil traitor like Ince Zangwill. With "Her" help as a Servant of Concealment, the Tingen Nighthawks gained a rather useful and powerful ally against the criminal.

"Praise the Lady!" The Tingen Nighthawks said in unison.

"Praise the Lady." "She" replied as "She" drew a crimson moon on "Her" chest, leaving as if "She" was being erased from reality.

After seconds of silence, the whole team decided to leave the crime scene. At the second floor, they ran to Leonard who was rushing towards them.

"Captain? What happened?" The rest of the team exchanges glances before Dunn responded.

"I'll tell you once we're back at the office. Gather everyone for cleansing." They all ran to the carriage and hurriedly went back to Zouteland Street.

"You guys are back!" Rozanne greeted them.

"Gather everyone in my office. Prepare for cleansing."

"O-Ohh! Y-yes Captain!" She ran off to the other clerks, while the rest of the team waited in Dunn's office.

The atmosphere was rather silent, with Dunn whispering to Leonard and Old Neil waiting in fear and confusion. Klein stood beside him to try and ease his emotions and started a conversation. 

"Old Neil, do you know other Beyonder markets around?" He remembered when Old Neil once took him to an underground market owned by Swain.

"Not really. I'm quite sure that's the only place in Tingen. Once you travel in Backlund, you might encounter many Beyonder gatherings attended by suspicious cults. Since you're a Nighthawk, you may be able to attend some as an undercover. Although, the items you buy can't be covered as compensation." What a pity indeed!

"You don't seem like a pious believer of the Goddess." It went silent for a while, before the two men drew a crimson moon on their chests in synchronization.

"Praise the Lady!"

"Praise the Lady."

The office was now crowded after everyone was led inside. Dunn naturally took the lead and knelt on the floor, which was followed by everyone else.

At this point, "She" appeared right in front of the captain, releasing "Her" power and concealed everyone from the rest of the world. The sky turned dark, and the crimson moon rose along with the countless twinkling stars that circled the world. "She" then clasped "Her" hands and prayed devoutly.

"The Evernight Goddess stands higher in the cosmos and more eternal than eternity,

The Lady of Crimson,

The Mother of Concealment,

The Empress of Misfortune and Horror,

Mistress of Repose and Silence,

I ask for You to guide Your children to safety,

Reveal to them the strings that manipulate their fate!" All of a sudden, everyone saw the black threads that clung to their bodies, and those black threads that stretched to infinite height suddenly snapped in the middle.

Everyone synchronized as they drew the crimson moon in their chests and prayed, "Praise the Lady!"

The sky quickly turned back to normal as "She" released them from the concealed realm and replied, "Praise the Lady."

"We will do our best to catch Ince Zangwill." Dunn stood up and bowed.

"Report to me if you have any clues to his whereabouts. Do not blindly rush to the enemy." "She" then erased "Herself" from reality and left the rest of us in the room.

"Civilian staffs, you may go back to work. The rest of us will continue to discuss our plans." The civilian staffs, including Mrs. Orianna and Rozanne, immediately left the office. "From this point onwards, we will be collecting traces of Ray Bieber, who is now suspected to be an acquaintance of Ince Zangwill. Do your best to get stronger in the next following days. You may go."

"Yes, Captain!" The team dispersed, leaving Dunn inside the room with the Divine Artifact.

Meanwhile, Klein went outside the Blackthorn Security Company, frowning as he looked at the sky. It's obvious that things are pretty hectic, and many big shots are lurking behind the shadows. The chess board is in plain sight, and the Gods are the players in this round. He deeply sighed and gripped harder on the cane on his left hand. The only way for me and my siblings to not get swept away by the battle is to be a player as well. That's obviously not possible since I'm a mere Sequence 9. He looked down on the floor and hid his pained expression before turning to Leonard who was about to approach him. 

"What do you plan to do, Klein?" 

"I suspect you already know about the acting method and digestion. I'm going to do just that, then immediately apply for a promotion. Maybe collect some weapons or charms when I see one. How about you?" Yes, the Church is hiding the rest of the Sequences of the Seer pathway. It's obvious that they're hiding it when I read those documents and saw "Her" Eminence today. There's no way that they know nothing.

"Perhaps I'll do the same. There's no other options anyway. Good luck, Klein!" He left and walked home, while Klein walked straight to the Divination Club.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Moretti!" Angelica greeted him.

"Good afternoon." He greeted back with the lack of enthusiasm.

"What would you like today?"

"Sibe black tea. Is there anyone teaching today?"

"Yes, it's Mr. Hanass Vincent. He's currently teaching about mirror divination." Mirror divination? Isn't that a dangerous ritual to summon upon hidden existences?

"I see. Perhaps I'll stop by and listen." She gave him a nod as she prepared the tea, while Klein walked to the lecture hall where Hanass Vincent was teaching. He was enthusiastically teaching everyone with a mirror in his hand.

"And the incantation is recited in ancient Hermes. The Lord that Created Everything,

The Lord that Reigns behind the Curtain of Shadows,

The Degenerate of all Living Things." Klein frowned deeper. He then pretended to be uninterested in the lecture as he walked towards Angelica.

"Oh, Mr. Moretti! I was about to go and fetch your tea!" He accepted the tea and drank it all in one go, tongue be damned.

"I just forgot to fetch my sister. I don't think I'll be available today."

"Go ahead." She bowed with a smile as he dashed right back to Blackthorn Security Company.

"Klein, you're back?"

"Yes, where is Captain?" He took deep breaths first before leaning his head in his arm which was resting on the counter table.

"Are you alright? Here, drink some water first. Captain is still in the office." She gave him a cup of water which he gulped in one go, immediately dashing to the office right after.

"Captain, urgent news!" Klein first tried to catch his breath before taking a look around the office. It was Captain Dunn and Madam Daly talking. Perhaps she only arrived right after the cleansing.

"What is it?" 

"A guy named Hanass Vincent is spreading the faith of the Fal- True Creator in the Divination Club! He's teaching people an unorthodox mirror divination!" Soon after, a hand suddenly appeared in Klein's right shoulder. Behind him was Leonard who seems to have an urgent news as well.

"Urgent news, Captain! I found tracks of both Ray Bieber and Ince Zangwill! As soon as I went home, I saw Ray Bieber himself pass by my house with a man and overheard their conversation. Ray Bieber is in the other side of Tingen, while Ince Zangwill is heading to Backlund!" Klein's face dimmed. Since Ince Zangwill or this 0-08 detected "Her" presence, they decided to split instead in order to spread our forces thin, then, he'll be able to escape this way. He definitely knows how to make the Nighthawks move to his liking. As expected of a former deacon of the church. Still, this is a last-ditch effort. We can still turn the tides if we bring powerful mystical items and Sealed Artifacts.

"Alright. You two, go get Kenley and chase after Ray Bieber. Daly, go get Old Neil and Seeka Tron and go to the Divination Club. I'll go report to "Her" Eminence. Also Leonard, bring this Sealed Artifact with you." Dunn gave him the divine artifact that's been sitting on the table for hours. 

"Alright. Klein!"

"On it!" Klein hurriedly followed Leonard to the Nighthawks break room. Inside was the rest of the Nighthawks doing their own thing.

"Kenley, there's a mission. I'll inform you on the way."

"I'm ready. Let's go!" The three ran to the carriage on standby, making Leonard drive the horse while Klein sat across Kenley.

"Our mission is to capture Ray Bieber and possibly retrieve the Antigonus Family notebook. From what I know, Leonard saw him with another man, possibly a member of the Secret Order."

"I see. Good thing I have some potions with me. How about you?"

"Well, I'm kind of new so all I have is a revolver and 30 demon bullets." He gave Klein a sky-blue metal bottle.

"This is Goddess's Gaze, a potion that Old Neil was recently working on. When in a bad condition, drink this to strengthen your body and mind temporarily until you can get some help."

"Thanks." Just as he was about to keep the potion, a realization dawned on his mind. Why wasn't he divining the danger of the upcoming battle? He immediately hid the potion and took out a coin.

There is someone disrupting my line of thoughts. He flipped the coin and got a negative answer.

He then hid the coin and unwhirled the spirit pendulum in his right hand. There is danger in the upcoming battle. He repeated the sentence in his head seven times and saw the pendulum rotating counterclockwise in a rapid motion.

It's probably the enemy's anti-divination. "My divination doesn't work. I think the enemy has anti-divination abilities, or they already knew that we were coming and immediately escaped." The carriage stopped, and the duo quickly got out in order to look around.

"I last saw Ray Bieber in this area. They were heading towards that hotel when I left." Leonard followed the enemy's footsteps, and the two Sequence 9's followed Leonard.

Klein tried using the Spirit Rod Dowsing, but the cane itself stood up on it's own. No wonder I didn't even think about it. It was useless in the first place.

A Flaming Fist suddenly flew towards their way, making the three separate. The flame then dissipated as if it was an illusion.

"O man of the morning dew,

Open your ears to the time you threw,

For I welcome the crimson moon,

To your eyes that has seen nothing new!" The recital rippled across the street, dispelling the illusion and making the enemy appear right in front of Leonard. The enemy was then replaced with a paper figurine that slowly landed on the ground. He then reappeared on top of the crates right beside the hotel building. He wore a classic black suit and tie, and his face had red, yellow, and white pastel painting in his face that resembles a clown.

As for Klein, he entered a half-cogitative state in order to stay awake and be alert. He was suddenly alerted when another man that almost looked exactly the same appeared right at the hotel's entrance. 

All I have in me is a gun and a useless potion. Meanwhile, the clowns look like they're in at least Sequence 8 and is rather adept at fighting. The divine artifact is the last resort because of it's effects. Leonard, looks like he's our last hope. 

Chapter Text

The clown that was standing on top of the crates revealed an exaggerated smile, one so wide that it almost reached his ears. His eyes turned pitch black before running away. Klein immediately pointed his gun and shot at the man, but he was yet again replaced by a paper figurine. The man then appeared right next to the other clown.

Is this the gathering of the clowns? Are you people from the Secret Order trying to open a circus? Klein sneered at his enemies. 

Leonard opened his mouth yet again to recite a poem. "The dawn that paints the sky,

See the weariness of their minds,

Let them embrace the darkness,

As they close their eyes!" The surroundings rippled yet again, making the clown use yet another figurine and appeared at the rooftop of the hotel. As for the other clown, he clutched his head in desperation, not aware of his own surroundings.

What's happening to him? Klein became wary of the man who looks like he's losing control and pointed his revolver at him.

Kenley took action and climbed towards the other clown while aiming his gun at him. The enemy dodged the bullets as if he was performing an act in a circus show.

The other clown was still clutching at his head, but he was now screaming loudly as if he was in an intense pain. 

"He's losing control. Go deal with him while me and Kenley fight the other one. He's a Sequence 7, so Kenley needs some help. Here, take this." He gave the divine artifact to Klein. It was an object that resembles a combination of a flute and a metal rod.

"How do I use this?"

"There should be a trigger around there somewhere, like a lever that you need to push with your thumb."

"I see." Leonard jumped to the rooftop after seeing him give a confirmation. He then checked out the artifact and saw a switch with labels on and off. This thing is a bit more advanced compared to the rest of the inventions that Roselle plagiarized. The person who made this artifact has a chance to be a transmigrator.

He glanced at the man losing control and immediately shot him, but his bullet magically fell off the ground as if his skin was made of metal. The man then fully lost control, screaming and shouting for help.

The hair on Klein's body stood on end, and he showed a hint of confusion, fear and was hesitant as he slowly approached the enemy, the gun still aiming at him.

"Ahhhh!" The man wailed louder as his flesh swelled and turned green, distorting the image of the former human in Klein's mind. His body was trembling in front of the green monster, but he kept his stance and bravado. The fact that the monster's skin rejected bullets added fear behind his mind. He nervously gulped before taking a deep breath.

All of a sudden, Klein turned on the switch in the artifact and threw it at the monster before turning his back and running far behind. He was observing what was happening.

A loud, ethereal voice emitted from the metal rod. "The Fool that rules the space-time,

You are the King of Fate and Luck,

The Indestructible Beacon of Destiny,

One who rules the spirit world, 

The Lord of the Mysteries,

I wish for you to see the dying souls of this world and the upcoming destiny of this universe,

I ask to witness your divine descent!" All of a sudden, an ominous ritual circle appeared on the floor near the metal rod. It glowed like it was the only source of light. Then, a mysterious gray fog appeared in the middle, enveloping the body of a man wearing a hooded robe that covered most of the sinister tentacles under it's cloak.

One of the tentacles raised, seemingly shooting the monster with something sizzling hot. Both Kenley and Leonard jumped back down, carrying the body of the clown. Klein, who's watching in the sidelines, suddenly felt that he was about to lose consciousness. Not good, it's the side effect of that divine artifact! 

Leonard and Kenley stared at the man before they heard a loud thud. The two looked at the source of the sound and saw Klein lying on the ground. "Klein!" Leonard ran to the unconscious seer and tried to wake him up, but to no avail. He carried the man in his arms and laid him down to the seats in the carriage. In comparison, the corpse of the clown was being treated rather poorly. He was thrown aside the floor like a rug.

"I'll go collect what was left behind. Stay on guard in case another enemy arrives."

"I will." Leonard hurriedly collected the Beyonder characteristics of the monster and the divine artifact.

"Old man, who was that earlier?" He whispered as he made his way to the nearest police station.

"I don't know either, all I know is that it's probably a "He" and a God older than me." The voice in his mind replied. Leonard knew that the voice was hiding more, but he decided to stop probing as he was well aware that knowing too much is dangerous.

He found a man wearing a black suit with checkered shoulder straps wandering the streets. "Officer!" Leonard fished his identification emblem and showed it to the man. "We've apprehended some criminals at the hotel down there. Please call the Special Operations Department and tell them to block off the area and stay on guard. Also, tell them to investigate around the area."

"Yes, sir!" The police hurried back to the police station, while Leonard ran back to the carriage and drove the horses back to Blackthorns Security Company.

...

"Hmnn, where am I?" Klein clutched his head. It was throbbing, like a sword piercing through his head. He kept catching his breath as his vision slowly sunk in.

"You're in my house. You passed out after using the Sealed Artifact." He looked up and saw Leonard observing him with worry in his eyes.

"I see. How long was I out for?" His breathing considerably became softer, and the pain in his head gradually subsided. 

"For five hours." Worry alerted his body and mind, thinking about Benson and Melissa probably waiting for him at home.

"I need to go home." He tried standing up, but his legs betrayed him, letting Leonard catch his body and plopped him back to the couch.

"Don't worry about them. I informed them that we're having a sleepover." Klein let out a sense of relief.

He leaned his back on the couch, taking a deep breath and stared at the ceiling. "Thank you, Leonard." I'm troubling him a lot already.

"It's alright, really. You should rest for the whole night."

"Thanks again." His mind went back to the time before he lost his consciousness. "That Sealed Artifact, do you know anything about it?"

"I don't know anything either. All I know is that you summoned a God, and it drained your spirituality." A God? That man was a God? Leonard sat beside Klein. "Do you want anything? Coffee, tea or any food?"

"No, thank you." The doors and windows suddenly swung open, and a mysterious gray fog veiled the whole house. In the back of their minds, they knew that their intelligence were forcefully lowered.

A man materialized right in front of them and suddenly, all the doors and windows were closed. It was the God from earlier. They subconsciously bowed their heads in response. In their minds, "His" honorific name echoed repeatedly.

The Fool that rules the space-time,

You are the King of Fate and Luck,

The Indestructible Beacon of Destiny,

One who rules the spirit world, 

The Lord of the Mysteries!

This God right in front of them had a high status!

Chapter Text

A faint chuckle emerged from the man. "I guess I overdid it a little." The mysterious gray fog vanished, and the God turned into a man wearing a black top hat and a black suit. He looked just like Klein. "You can look now." The two looked at the man confused.

"That's weird, he emits the same exact aura as your colleague. Only that it's more potent, powerful and divine." The voice in Leonard's mind wondered. The God turned to Leonard and smiled.

"It would be weird if it wasn't, Mr. Pallez Zoroast." Klein turned to Leonard. He- I mean "He" can read minds? And who's Mr. Pallez Zoroast? The God then turned to Klein. "He's the parasite in Leonard's body. A Sequence 1 of the Marauder pathway." "He" explained as if teaching a lesson in a classroom. T-there's an angel in Leonard's body? He- I mean "He" can probably read my mind as well!

"Old man, that's your name?" Leonard murmured.

"Yes, that's me." The parasite sighed. Now my secret is revealed.

"I just wanna ask, what are you doing here?" Look at this guy, courting death as always. The God lampooned in his mind.

"You summoned me, and since you didn't turn the switch off, I still have 10 hours left before I go back. Why don't we chat like normal people?" A-a God trying to chat with us like we're equals? "Treat me like your neighborhood seer. It helps me keep my humanity."

A-alright! Klein was crying in his mind. 

"O-old man wants to ask who you are." Leonard spoke.

"Sorry, that's a secret. My secrets are deadly to humans. All I can say is that I'm Klein's secret." What does that mean?!

"I-uh-I don't know you either." Klein explained carefully, afraid to anger the being in front of him.

"How about this. Do you believe in parallel universes?"

I-I guess? I mean, this is a world full of magic, Beyonders and Gods. And this world is a bit similar to the Earth that I know. "I guess so."

"I travel from universe to universe with the help of my authorities." Universe to universe? That's too overpowered! Wait, "He" said "He" is my secret, does that mean-? It has to be, that grey fog and the fact that he looks exactly like me when I go to that mysterious place is already proof! He also has "The Fool" in "His" honorific name! 

"How old are you?" Klein asked.

"675,949." H-He's older than my ancestors! Wait, why do I get the feeling that he's trying to impress us?

"I-I see!" This is awkward! Meeting myself from a different universe is not in my books!

"Now that I have your trust, I want to give this to you." "He" gave Klein an unknown black, circular, metal object laced in yellow lines. On the middle is what looked like a button with a fingerprint scanner. This thing looks like one of those hologram discs in the sci-fi movies. "Forget collecting Roselle's diary, it's useless and just plain embarrassing. This thing contains everything you need to know of this universe. Some of it will be sequence-locked so you don't need to worry about losing control. I trust that you know how to use this." 

Klein hesitated to touch the object. "Why are you giving me this?"

"He" was silent for a minute, searching for words to say. "We are Beyonders that constantly fight against madness. Let's just say that many Gods in this world placed their bets on you. I know it's a heavy burden, but it's not like we have a choice. One of "Them" is Evernight who's currently in a difficult position just to support your birth." That's too much to take in. What do you mean the Evernight Goddess "Herself" got into trouble because of me? I'm just a mere Sequence 9!

"Evernight "Herself" is betting on your colleague? That's right, he currently owns a sefirot despite being an ordinary human. He's in a lot of trouble then."

"Old man, what do you mean? What's a Sefirot?" 

The God sat on the couch in front of them, crossing "His" legs in an elegant manner. "A Sefirot is something a God would need in order to ascend further. There are currently 12 Sefirot in this part of the galaxy, and 5 of them resides in this world." So the mysterious place above the grey fog is a Sefirot? Why do I have such a troublesome thing in my hands? Does this mean Gods would be chasing after me? 

"Klein, how did you own something like that? It sounds really dangerous." Leonard asked with worry in his voice.

"I don't know either. I just owned one." Is it possible to just give it to someone else? 

"No, you're quite literally the only candidate possible. Amon might be able to take it away from you, but would you be able to accept a childish, evil, irresponsible and unfeeling person to ascend beyond godhood?" Of course not. "In short, it's something only you can do. Even I can't do much in your fate. If I interfere further, we will attempt to converge and one of us will die. Most likely you." "He" attempted to give the disc once more, and Klein finally accepted. I already guessed that such a heavy fate is being imposed upon me ever since I felt that gray fog enhancing my abilities. "He" just clarified my suspicions.

"Klein, if you need help, I can help you. We're friends, right?" Leonard, what a sweet man! He's too nice! 

"Leonard." Klein had a complicated expression in his face. Leonard noticed and frowned.

"You fool, you're marching to death!"

"But old man, he's my friend!" He murmured.

"I don't have a say in this, but I suggest you take this offer. You need a lot of strong allies in the future. By the way, can I have some tea?" 

"O-oh, sure! Let me boil some water first." He ran to the kitchen and took out his stash of sweet black tea.

Klein scooted near "Him" and whispered. "Brother, do I at least get a beautiful woman in the future?" 

The God gulped nervously and scooted near him. "Brother, I think it's time for you to accept it."

"What do you mean?" Klein felt the horror from "Him" and gulped as well.

"Most versions of us end up single for millions of years. Others ended up marrying a man. I only saw 3 universes where we end up with a woman. I think we really swing that way." N-no way! That's impossible!

Klein gulped once more. "W-who do we usually end up with?"

"He" gulped in horror as well. "I-it's between Leonard and Amon. You need to be careful around them if you want to retain your heterosexuality and virginity." Horrifying! No wonder "He" was hesitant as well! But, wouldn't that mean "He's" one of the virgin ones who didn't end up with anyone? I don't wanna end up like "Him"!

They heard Leonard chuckling as he approached them with two cups of black tea in his hand. Did he hear anything? I hope not, or that will be the end of us! I don't wanna experience a social death!

"Here's your black tea." He politely placed them in front of us and sat back down.

"Oh right, that holographic disc is bound to you, so don't worry if you end up losing it. No one else can open it other than you. It's a really great shield as well." Klein placed the disc on the table and clicked the button, making it emit a blue, holographic book paired with a Chinese keyboard. The book was called the "Book of Destiny", with a search bar displayed right below. Right below the cover of the book is the phrase 'Knowledge is power!'. This is a really valuable item. So valuable that I feel guilty being fed with something like this.

"Thank you for this." Klein said with a solemn expression.

"Don't feel guilty about this. In fact, I already feel guilty that this is all I can do. You'll know why in the future." This already implies that something really big is gonna happen soon.

"Alright, if you say so." He turned his head and looked at the book, typing whatever comes in his head. Upon entering his inquiry, the holographic book opened and the pages turned on it's own. The results were all written in Mandarin.

The Seer pathway is a pathway focused on fooling fate itself. The following Sequences are:

Sequence 9- Seer

Sequence 8- Clown

Sequence 7- Magician

Sequence 6- Faceless

Sequence 5- Marionettist

Sequence 4- Bizarro Sorcerer

Sequence 3- Scholar of Yore

Sequence 2- Miracle Invoker

Sequence 1- Attendant of Mysteries

Sequence 0- The Fool

WARNING: Next information requires the owner to be Sequence 2!!

Klein's hands froze on the spot, and upon reading, his face tightened in fear and anger. He turned his head down, closed his eyes, and let out a deep breath before letting his hands dance on the holographic keyboard. I don't like the fact that my whole life is in the hands of someone else.

Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth

WARNING: The information requires the owner to be Sequence 2!!

His fists tightened, and he was forced to calm himself down by taking deep breaths. "Brother, why do I need to be Sequence 2 to read some of the information?"

"It's only by that level will you be able to withstand the corruption of the cosmos." Corruption of the cosmos...

"I see. Thank you for this." Klein pushed the button once more to turn the book off.

"You should rest once more after drinking your tea. You're in a bad shape." "He" took a sip of the sweet tea and forced a small smile.

"I just woke up, though. I won't be able to sleep for a while." And I'm also curious about what it's like in those other universes. "Why do you travel between the universes? Is there a particular reason?"

"Hmm, not really. After saving my world, I had nothing to do and decided to travel around. I've seen many kinds of civilizations, even those that we thought was fictional. It also helps retain my humanity and is a great anchor against divinity. Oh right, if you have time, why don't you visit my world? It's really advanced, so unlike those inventions that Roselle plagiarized. The astral coordinates is in the book." Leonard was amazed by the knowledge he received that his thoughts started drifting away.

"Is it safe to base your world from this gadget?"

"Yes. In fact, this disc is called a "Knowledge Pod". Libraries in my world use these instead of books. Cool, right?"

"Brother, I'll definitely visit your world one day." Klein yawned uncontrollably, making Leonard snap from his thoughts.

"You're tired now, you should go back to sleep." He offered.

"Leonard, I'll trouble you again."

"Sure, it's alright." He assisted Klein's back to lie down as they watched him go back to sleep.

It was peaceful and silent until Pallez broke it.

"You're the one who orchestrated today's events, right?" "Klein" smiled with no hints of "His" usual demeanor.

"Indeed. With the help of Evernight, we managed to gain your trust. "She" won't be able to wake up for a while. We need someone else to support his growth." He switched his gaze to the figure of Klein sleeping soundly.

"And why do you think I'll help him? You know that I can also steal Sefirah Castle just like Amon."

"You don't really want to, do you? It's equivalent to carrying the burden of this universe. Also, you've been hiding under Evernight's gaze for years, isn't it time to return the favor?" "He" pulled out an object from "His" Sefirah Castle and slid it to Leonard. It was a crystal monocle.

"T-That's-" He stopped from the utter shock of the events. "That's Amon's Uniqueness!"

"I also have his Beyonder Characteristic, if you like." "He" smiled with his eyes closed.

"B-Beyonder Characteristic? How come I didn't know about this?"

"Because he's still alive, although he's currently a normal human. Isn't it nice? You don't need to hide anymore."

Leonard sighed. "Are all Kleins like this?"

"Yes, my dear poet comrade." "Klein" chuckled. "So? What's your decision?" He probably knows that Amanises is digesting the uniqueness of the Death pathway already. Then, my other self will help "Her" obtain the River of Eternal Darkness once he reaches Sequence 2. This is crucial for the stability of the whole omniverse.

"Fine, I'll accept. You probably want me to reach Sequence 0 as well in order for him to have strong allies."

"Indeed. Although, I can't help you with that. Ask him for help. Maybe thwart Adam's thousand-year plan by replacing "Him". You're more reliable than Adam anyway."

Pallez scoffed. "The Visionary pathway will make me lose control. The neighboring pathways are more reliable."

"Are you sure about that? I've seen you wield both the powers of Error and Hermit pathway before. If you ask me, that combination sounds really powerful against fate." "He" winced at that memory. In that universe, Pallez was swallowed by depression due to knowing too many things that "He" never wanted.

"Fine. I'll find a way somehow. Now, where will I hide that uniqueness?"

"Sacrifice it to him. Ask him his honorific name once he wakes up."

Leonard was stunned. He already sounds like a God despite being Sequence 9. Is he always forced in this position in every single universe?

"Yes, it's inevitable." Leonard thought of Klein's facial expressions earlier and frowned.

"Where will you go now? You still have 8 hours left."

"I'll go to Ama-Evernight's domain. Perhaps I'll go hang out with Roselle. Maybe chat with Lilith. I don't know. Perhaps I'll do all of the above."

Even Pallez was stunned by the information. He then scoffed afterwards. "If you're so bored, why don't you go fix the barrier instead?"

"Klein" chuckled. "That's impossible. I'm not from this universe. Then, I'll get going now." "He" gently placed the empty tea cup on the table and stood up. "Thanks for the tea, my dear poet." With that, "He" disappeared out of thin air.

Chapter Text

Right in the middle of a colosseum is a blond-haired man wearing a white, buttoned-up shirt with long, puffy sleeves paired with classic black pantaloons. "He" also wore an imposing black crown. "He" slowly opened "His" eyes, seeing a man sitting right in front of him.

"Who are you? What do you want?" 

"I'm a traveler from afar. I just want to chat with you." "He" grabbed two cellphones out of thin air and gave the other one. "Care for a game?" The other man was hesitant at first, before sighing and reaching out "His" hand to grab the phone. The both of "Them" booted the device and opened a game that used to exist before the First Epoch.

"So, what brings a man from a different side of the universe in my doorstep?" "He" asked, busy trying to attack the enemy base.

"I was accidentally brought here, saw the fate of this side of the cosmos, and decided to help. Right now, the rest of the Gods who are willing to save the universe are currently taking a gamble just to witness the birth of the new Lord of the Mysteries."

"You mean, another transmigrator is born?" The both of them secretly celebrated their first victory in the game.

"Yes, he woke up just 3 weeks ago, and thanks to you, he chose the Seer pathway and now owns that Sefirot."

"Lucky bastard, he got a cheat item right at the start." They played for another round and got busy trying to win the game.

"But he'll also suffer the fate of being chased by greedy Gods who wants a Sefirot. Right at the start."

"Nevermind what I said earlier. He's definitely unlucky. So, why did you wake me up?"

"To reunite you with your family."

"Why would you do that?"

"Because your daughter is reckless. Once she learns that her precious baba is actually alive and is corrupted by a Great Old One, she'll do reckless stunts that will accidentally endanger everyone just to fully revive her precious baba." The blond-haired man's lips pursed, zoning out and ignoring the game for a second before returning and attacking the enemy who was about to ambush him.

"Yes, I remember she's that kind of person. My sweet Bernadette."

"So anyways, I have the means to shield you from the corruption of the Mother Goddess of Depravity, but it won't last long. It would take 2 years for it to completely break and that Outer God would start to corrupt you once again. At that time, go ask for his help."

"What is this bet about anyway?" "They" won another round yet again, and the two stopped playing for a bit in order to eat the snacks that the traveler brought from "His" Sefirah Castle. It was a whole treasure chest of macarons, a liter of ice-cold water and four bowls of fire noodles.

"It's about that fellow ascending to become a Great Old One in 2-3 years. Perhaps ascending even higher than that. Anyways, the whole omniverse is about to face a really big threat and that fellow is your only bet." "They" slurped the spicy noodles and welled in nostalgia before eating the macarons and drinking water.

"That guy sure is unlucky, he has to save the world in the upcoming apocalypse, and then he has to save the whole omniverse right after."

"Exactly. Couldn't be me." The blond man snorted, picking a macaron and eating it whole.

"Isn't that guy a parallel version of yourself?" "He" gave the blond man a strange look before stuffing "His" mouth with noodles. "You're funny. By the way, you're here for one more reason, right?"

"He" swallowed the noodles before drinking water and talking. "Yep. Help him out, will you? Any kind of help will do. No matter how big or small, as long as he feels like he has enough allies."

"So a consolation-type of help. You're basically vouching for yourself."

"I know, but unlike me, he doesn't have a home to return to. Once he learns what exactly happened to his home, he'll lose himself." The room felt solemn for a bit.

"Haaah, I know that feeling. It sunk in once I went to the moon and saw the world from above." "He" finished a whole bowl of fire noodles and drank more water.

"Knowing myself, he'll most likely distance himself away from everyone just to find a way home."

"You lonely fools. Alright, I'll do something about it."

The traveler chuckled. "If you somehow managed to get yourself in trouble even after using all of my authorities, go ask for Evernight's help. "She's" currently on "Her" way to become a Great Old One."

"Is "She" a fellow transmigrator?"

"Yes. I still don't understand how you didn't find out even after all these years when all it took me is a year. Even "She" was laughing at your acts of plagiarism." The blond man was ashamed and tried to change the subject.

"Alright, I'll keep that in mind. Another round?"

"Sure-pfft!"

...

3 hours left. "Klein" visited Evernight's domain. Lilith was there.

"Amanises, Lilith." "He" greeted, removing "His" top hat and bowing down.

"Klein." "She" greeted back. Lilith looked at "His" way and bowed politely.

"I was just on my way from Roselle. Perhaps he'll pray to you one day." "He" snorted at the thought of that man devoutly praying to the Goddess.

"How is "He"?" "Klein" conjured a metal chair and elegantly crossed "His" legs after sitting down.

"I temporarily sealed the corruption inside him. That way, "She" wouldn't be able to detect that he escaped from "Her" control. The problem is, my real body is quite far away and can only maintain the seal for 2 years, but it should be enough to buy time before he attains control of the Sefirah Castle and eventually ascending to Great Old One."

"To think that a Great Old One like you would only be a marionette of the main body." Lilith was astonished.

"Only this much power is enough to protect my universe." The two ladies chuckled.

"You're just like the Klein down there, gentlemanly and polite."

"Klein" chuckled with the two. "You're just like the Amanises that I know, beautiful and motherly."

"Save your compliments. Let's go do what we need to do before your time runs out."

"Indeed. We'll go collect as much water as we can in The River of Eternal Darkness." The three Gods went from the Astral World to the Spirit World unnoticed with the help of Concealment. Each holding a Uniqueness of the Death pathway and temporary ownership of two out of the twenty Sefirah Castles that "Klein" had in "His" hands.

The three was surrounded by the fog of history that sealed the Sefirot, but it payed "Them" no mind, as if "They" were part of the seal. This was the power of Fooling of a Great Old One.

The three walked straight to the darkness and slowly collected the water in the river, not minding the numerous versions of Azik and a single Klein walking in the river.

It was quite a funny sight, seeing three Gods just standing in the darkness, each holding a bucket of "muddy water" for who knows what purpose.

Suddenly, a man with silver hair and red, slit eyes suddenly appeared at the entrance of the divine kingdom, Calderon City. He was none other than the Tail Devourer Ouroboros. "He" was guided here by fate, yet "He" didn't detect a single presence other than a few monsters in the vicinity.

It was thanks to "Klein" who Grafted the angel's sense of presence to the past few hours before "They" had come here. 

Even so, "He" still stood on guard right at the entrance for 10 hours. Even after standing still for so many hours, there was still nothing odd. It was because "Klein" and the two other Goddesses had exited 9 hours ago with the help of "Klein's" absolute authority of Door.

...

I knew it. "He" was the one who arranged "Her" Excellency's arrival, prompting the chase of both Ince Zangwill and Ray Bieber. There was also the feeling of forgetting something. It was as if "He" made it obvious enough for me to notice this much coincidence, as if "He" was warning me of a power able to weave such coincidences by using "Himself" as an example. Thanks to me successfully pretending to be asleep, I managed to learn quite a lot. So that Sefirot is called Sefirah Castle. "Hnn." Klein held his head that still throbbed a little, but not too much. His body still hasn't recovered and still felt the heavy burden of almost losing all of his spirituality and was forced to faint in the middle of the road. Heh heh, if I didn't faint on the spot, I'll surely lose control.

"Klein, you're awake!" Leonard assisted Klein's body in order to make him sit outright. "I bought us some bread and soup for breakfast. Are you alright? Can you stand?"

"I still feel a little tired, but I'll manage somehow." He used both his arms to adjust himself in order to eat. 

"You should rest after eating. I'll go and report your situation to Captain." Leonard prepared the soup plates and poured the soup for the both of them, while Klein took the white bread out and placed them in their plates.

They started eating right after the preparation, silently pinching the bread apart and eating the soup after. The fish soup had quite a salty taste on it's own, but is quelled when partnered by the bread.

"Klein, my old man wants you to keep something for "Him". "They" said it should be safe in your castle. How do I recite your honorific name?" Shit, I forgot this part! This is embarrassing! He tried to keep his cool on the outside, but his insides are panicking from the shame of masquerading as a God. It was something that he didn't know would be revealed just like that. He had sworn that he would keep it under wraps and the reveal of his identity, especially to the Tarot Club, would result to loss of control.

He took out his fountain pen and a piece of paper and wrote his honorific name. "I need to go to the bathroom for a second."

"Sure, do you need any help?"

"No-no, I can walk there. Just eat your meal." He stood up and slowly walked to the bathroom. As soon as he entered the bathroom, he activated his Spirit Vision to ensure that no other person would be there before deactivating it and locking himself in. He then covered his face with his hands and smiled as he silently laughed at himself. 

It was not only shame that he was feeling.

He was scared, he was afraid.

He was totally helpless against fate.

He was completely weak.

My honorific name says I wield good luck, but all that follows me is bad luck that would kill me one day. How ironic. He kept laughing and buried his face in his hands. As soon as he stopped laughing, he stared at his hands for a while. It was wet.

It was completely drenched in tears.

Chapter Text

"Klein" stared silently at the screen in front of "Him" with a big frown on "His" face. "He" was currently watching a man crying and laughing in the bathroom.

Perhaps I overdid it? I just Grafted his future self to his instincts. He does need to let it out, but now I feel like it was unnecessary. I just wanted him to be careful of his decisions since he's about to face formidable opponents as a Sequence 9. This fellow really is unlucky. "He" pursed his lips as "He" watched the man stare at his hands. 

If it wasn't for the fact that every single Klein Moretti in existence would attempt to converge since they all exist under the same constellation, "He" would have helped his other self save the world and the omniverse.

Thanks to that signal rod that I invented, I still have a little connection in this world, but it's really weak since I'm multimillion light years away. "He" closed the screen and returned to "His" world.

...

Klein washed his hands in an attempt to calm himself down. Fate really is cruel. He splashed water onto his face when his ears rang out of nowhere, hearing illusory pleas of a man. Hanged Man? No, his voice is much deeper than that. Perhaps it's Leonard?

He took four steps counterclockwise and noticed a new crimson star pulsating. He reached out to it and saw an unfamiliar face. It was of a man with raven black hair and red eyes. He couldn't see it properly, and that was a problem. I really need to keep digesting my potion.

"The Fool that doesn't belong to this era,

You are the mysterious ruler above the grey fog,

The King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck,

I pray for Your guidance,

I pray for Your assistance,

Let this humble Sanguine serve Your Eminence."

Sanguine? There are vampires in this world? And how does this man know my honorific name? Is it because of another God? I should watch this man in case. He left the Sefirah Castle and cleaned himself before going back to the couch.

"Leonard, have you seen a Sanguine before?" Klein went back to eating his meal.

"No, why?"

"I saw a sanguine just earlier."

"Did they pray to you?"

"Yes, and I don't know how or why." Wait, that wasn't Leonard. Klein stopped what he was doing and looked at the man right beside Leonard.

"Mr. Pallez?"

"What?"

"No, nothing." Klein continued eating.

"I need to go to Backlund. I'll be back after 3 days. You two go do whatever you want." 

"Old man, why do you need to go to Backlund?" 

"That's none of your business." Perhaps it's something we're not supposed to know. Klein finished his meal and slowly went to the kitchen, seeing Pallez Zoroast walk out of the house.

"Klein, leave that to me! You don't need to wash the dishes!"

But it's quite rude to just stay here and do nothing. "Leave this one to me. Just this one. Aren't you late to work?"

"A-alright. Do you need anything?" Klein rinsed the plates before applying soap.

"No, I should be able to go back home this evening."

"I see. I'll go wash now so I can report to Captain." Leonard headed to the bathroom while Klein finished the dishes and headed back to the couch before taking out the knowledge pod.

He let his fingers dance on the keyboard and entered his inquiry.

Ritualistic Magic

Rituals are a practice invented by the Primordial Creator more than 500 billion years ago and inherited by "His" Nine Pillars, and soon practiced by many Gods up to this day. It is a primary action of both ordinary humans and Beyonders to connect to their God. It is also a way to obtain boons, charms, and to summon other creatures that the user desires. It is a dangerous action for ordinary humans, but a Beyonder can accurately see the right ways to prepare a ritual. Although, not all Beyonders possess enough spirituality to conduct a ritual. This can easily be fixed by receiving a boon.

There are many ways to use Ritualistic Magic. 

1. Make contracts with spirits

2. Seek power from Gods and other existences

3. Bestow/sacrifice items

4. Communicate with existences and other humans

5. Seek/receive knowledge from existences

6. Connect with the God/existence

7. Create charms that contains specific powers

8. Create Sealed Artifacts

Klein touched the third one with his right finger.

Bestow/sacrifice items

The corresponding name of this ritual in Earth is Secret Deeds Ritual. In order to perform this ritual, the corresponding honorific name of the deity and the rest of the prayer shall be translated to Ancient Hermes/Hermes/Jotun/Greek. 

The person shall first prepare the corresponding materials: candles, the sacrifice, and materials that correspond to the deity to please them. The last one depends on the deity that the person is praying to, it can be omitted if the deity pleases.

First, look for a suitable altar to perform the ritual. Then, draw the constellation of the deity. It can be done with one's blood, ritualistic chalks, or by carving on the ground, as long as the constellation is drawn. Be careful, there can be many owners in a single constellation, and once performed without the honorific name, will be sent to the nearest owner of the constellation.

Place the candle on top of the constellation and burn it.

Then, use the materials that will please the deity. If it's an item, place it right beside the constellation. If it's essential oils, pour it on the candle. If it's a powder, sprinkle it around the constellation.

Place the item to be sacrificed right on top of the constellation. If it's a bestowment ritual, there's no need to do this step.

The next step is to recite the honorific name of the deity in Ancient Hermes/Hermes/Jotun/Greek. 

If the ritual is to sacrifice, recite in the chosen language: Your devoted servant prays for Your attention, I pray for You to take my offerings, I pray for You to open the gates to Your Kingdom.

If the ritual is for bestowment, recite in the chosen language: Your devoted servant prays for Your attention, I pray for You to open the gates to Your Kingdom, I pray for You to give me strength.

If the ritual doesn't work, it means that the deity isn't responding.

"Klein? What are these symbols? You can understand these?" Leonard scooted closer and tried to understand, but to no avail. Seeing this, Klein clicked the settings and turned the language to Loenese. 

"How is it?" Leonard skimmed the page and nodded.

"Amazing." You didn't read a single thing, did you? 

"You should go to work. I'll be fine here."

"See you later, Klein!" Why is he acting like a lover in middle school? Seriously, his inner gayness is acting up. He shuddered in horror after recalling what his other self told him.

"See you later." Klein fetched Leonard to the door and closed it.

...

Leonard knocked on the window, seeing Klein asleep with the knowledge pod on. He opened the window and let himself in. It was about 6, and his colleague was still on the clothes that Leonard made him wear back when he was still unconscious. He smiled at the sight, relieved that he was still safe after hearing the news that Ince Zangwill managed to escape. 

He then tried to take a peak on the knowledge pod. It was about creating Sealed Artifacts by borrowing the power of a God. Oh right, I was supposed to sacrifice this crystal monocle to Klein. It's been in my pocket this whole time.

"Klein?" The man stirred in his sleep and slowly opened his eyes.

"Leonard? What time is it?" He fished for the pocket watch on his pocket.

"It's around 6 in the evening now. Do you feel alright?" He sat beside Klein.

"I'm alright now. I'm fine with going home later. What happened back in the office? Any reports?"

"The team responsible of apprehending Hanass Vincent succeeded, and we managed to learn that they're the ones responsible of selling the Antigonus Family notebook to your former friends. We still don't know where the notebook is, though. Also, Ince Zangwill managed to escape with the help of that artifact. No wonder even "Her" Eminence was dispatched. I'll fetch you home."

"No need, really. I can protect myself. I've bothered you a lot already." There was a knock on the door, and Leonard rushed off to answer.

"Y-"Your" Excellency! Come in, come in!" Isn't that "Her" Eminence, Arianna? Is "She" still chasing after Ince Zangwill?

"I hope not to intrude, so I'll be quick." "She" took out a metal box and opened it, revealing a rather ordinary looking quill. It's oddity is that the metal box is riddled with numerous magic symbols. "Please hide this in your Divine Kingdom." "She"-"She's" here for me! And "She" knows that I own the Sefirah Castle! 

"No need to be alert, the Goddess "Herself" sent me an oracle to help you return to your Divine Throne." 

"I-I see." What do you mean return to my Divine Throne?!! I've never been there!

"I-I'll go prepare the ritual, how about you, Klein?"

"Are there any other rooms I can borrow?"

"I have my office, you can use that."

"I'll go use it now, sacrifice this to me as well." He gave Leonard the knowledge pod.

"Go ahead. Oh, right." He went back to Klein. "What essential oils or powder do I use?"

He stared at Leonard for a while with a strange look. "...You don't need to do that. Let's get this over with." He turned away and locked himself in Leonard's office. He meditated for a second before going to Sefirah Castle.

He opened his eyes and saw the numerous twinkling stars in the sky. It was the sky of the Sefirah Castle. For some reason, this odd and mysterious place felt like home. It gave him the feeling of serenity and provided him solitude. It reminded him of the times when he was holed up in his apartment and played games in his phone for days as vacation. It felt like he was meant to be here, right in his throne. 

He squinted his eyes and saw his constellation right outside the ceiling. The Pupil-less Eye. I wonder if all the other versions of me went through the same thing as me right now? I hope they didn't, honestly. Heh, it's like wishing the best for myself, except the self that I'm talking about is a different person. That God that visited us yesterday, I know he went through a lot as well. Hey, no need to dwell on that now. I need to focus on how I'm gonna live with Gods after me. First, I need to know who exactly are my allies and enemies. I need to gather more information on that. The first is most definitely the Evernight Goddess. "She" sacrificed something to support my birth. As for enemies, it's definitely that Amon guy. He might be an ordinary human now, but who's to say he can't go back to his original position? A Sequence 1 angel is afraid of Amon, so it's truly something to keep an eye on. That's all for now. Perhaps I can gather more information with the help of Tarot Club. Yes, in addition to Roselle's diaries, I can ask them to keep an eye on the seven orthodox churches.

He was forced out of his thoughts when a crimson star pulsated together with inaudible illusory pleas. He reached out to the star and saw a blurry scene of Leonard praying devoutly to a deity other than the Evernight Goddess. In the altar are three items, the knowledge pod, the quill, and a crystal monocle. That monocle, it's something that they call a Uniqueness. What's that, anyway? I'll search it up later.

He accepted the sacrifice and made it appear right in front of him. He threw the crystal monocle away and opened the metal box. The quill itself was shaking, as if it's afraid of him. He closed the box and threw it beside the crystal monocle. He then picked up the knowledge pod and conjured a drawer under the table. He felt like this was the most honorable and safest place for it to be in. 

After checking everything, he quickly went back to the real world.

Chapter Text

"I will be leaving now." "She" erased "Herself" from reality, leaving Leonard with Klein, who was also about to go.

"Thank you for taking care of me. See you tomorrow!"

"See you, Klein." He waved goodbye before closing the door and preparing a gas lamp for the night. 

"Old Ma-" He sighed. It's been so long since he was truly alone. It felt quite lonely. "Maybe I'll sleep on the couch tonight. Old Man might suddenly come back and I won't be there to open the door." He skimmed through the documents in his table and kept it under his desk. 

It would be weird if he wasn't jealous of Klein. He was more like the protagonist of this era, as Emperor Roselle would say. Leonard was just one of the many supporting characters in his story. But the journey he would take in the future is obviously treacherous. If he didn't know any better, he would definitely be even more jealous.

His friend was being forced into becoming a God.

The Beyonder world was already exhausting, imagine having to constantly fight and work to be something he never wanted in the future. Leonard could see that Klein didn't want to become something higher. 

He recalled what his Old Man was constantly saying. It was a phrase that "He" heard so many times, and even the God that visited them yesterday had said it. It was maintaining "Their" humanity and fighting against divinity. It's a mental battle that people in higher Sequences suffer from. 

"Klein." He felt sorry for his friend who was already suffering. He knew that his friend was crying earlier. Thanks to his heightened senses, he heard Klein crying so hard he almost sounds like he was laughing. Leonard clenched his fists at the memory.

After thinking hard, he took his lamp and went back to the couch. Perhaps it was due to his senses or it was because his friend had been staying right here for a day, but Klein's mellow smell entered his nose. It subconsciously brought him comfort until he fell asleep. He felt like he wasn't alone anymore.

...

"Mellissa? Benson?" Klein had lost his key somehow, and he didn't wanna bother divining it today. I'll do it tomorrow. My siblings are top priority.

"Klein?" The door was opened by Mellissa, followed by Benson who just arrived from work.

"Did you forget your keys again? This is the third time this month." Klein stepped inside and was greeted with delicious smells of food. 

"Woah, what's for dinner tonight?" He took off his shoes and coat before heading straight in the dining table.

"It's mutton and peas stew, the one you cooked before. There's also some white bread, rice from Feynapotter and even some Desi pie." 

"Where did you get rice and Desi pie?" He sat down and was greeted with an empty plate.

"The rice was gifted by one of my colleagues from there. It was their wedding a week ago and was giving away a sack of rice. The Desi pie was from a vendor there. She said she was from Backlund." Nice, this is a chance for me to cook some fried rice!

He scooped the rice and stew and immediately tried to taste it. It tasted just like he remembered.

The mutton and peas stew was flavorful, and it partnered really well with the steaming hot rice. "You don't mind me experimenting with the rice, right? I'll go cook tomorrow."

"Experimenting? You sound just like a chef. I bet it's gonna be tasty!" Benson ate the rice with a fork and partnered it with bread.

"Brother, don't you think eating rice with a fork is a bit disrespectful?"

"It's not like some curly-haired baboon would suddenly barge in and call me out. Besides, this is our first time eating rice. I'm sure that if someone did barge in, they'll forgive me." He continued eating with fork, learned his lesson by staining his clothes, and finally ate with a spoon. The two giggled.

"Valid argument." He teased, finishing his plate and scooping for a second round.

"Oh, by the way, do you two have some time next Sunday?" Mellissa asked.

"I do." Benson replied, wiping his mouth with a cloth.

"I do as well. Is there any kind of event?"

Mellissa finished her plate and stayed for the conversation. "It's the 18th birthday of the son of Baron Dulet. The three of us are invited." Baron Dulet, it's the baron that lives near Leonard. Sounds too coincidental.

"Now that I think about it, isn't it spring time for Benson?" Klein teased further.

"You two-"

"It is, he's in that age already."

"I won't be surprised if he suddenly introduces us to someone." 

Benson coughed. "Speaking of someone, I saw your co-worker yesterday." Benson, surely you-

"He looks perfect for you, now that I think about it. He has that poetic aura around him." Mellissa, not you too!

"Now that you say it, when I put the two together..." Benson's eyes drifted to Klein, whose face is flushed with blood red. "Klein, you look like a tomato soup."

"It's the both of you embarrassing me!" He hurriedly stood up and ran to his room.

"How about your food?" Mellissa stood up and stacked the dishes together.

"I'm not coming back!" He shouted back, making Benson and Mellissa share a glance before giggling.

"My friend told me that there are stages of falling in love. It seems like he's still in denial."

"Oh, to be in love!" Klein, who was listening, can't help but retort in his head. You don't get it at all! I'm not into men, and never will be! I'd rather be virgin like "Him"! He was reminded of the fact that there are many worlds out there where he and Leonard were together. His spine tingled in horror. He is kind of handsome, so I get why they would like him. But not me, I'm not that kind of person.

Oh, right. I need to go back to work. I wonder what Benson and Mellissa would say if they learn that their beloved brother part-times as a God. I should talk to that Sanguine. He immediately took four steps counterclockwise and checked the crimson star that prayed to him earlier. The man was in his room, sewing a dress so small that it might be for a doll.

"Why did you pray to me?" He sent his message and watched as the Sanguine in question froze in horror.

"Y-Your Majesty-I mean, uh." He looked around frantically before continuing. "Our Sanguine ancestor Lilith has given an oracle to pray to Your Majesty." Sanguine Ancestor Lilith? Is "She" one of the Gods betting on me? Or is "She" planning to spy on me? 

"What did Lilith say?" The Sanguine bowed before replying.

""She" has given me the task to serve Your Majesty until the upcoming apocalypse." Apocalypse? What apocalypse? I should really search and study more.

"Very well. Pray to me at midnight, and prepare to visit my castle."

"Y-yes, Your Majesty." He cut the connection for now and opened his secret drawer, grabbing the knowledge pod.

He quickly turned it on and entered his inquiry.

Sanguine Ancestor, Lilith

"She" is regarded by the Sanguine Clan as their Ancestor and God. Even though "She" was regarded as dead after getting betrayed by Giant King Aurmir, "She" managed to live with the help of the Evernight Goddess, Amanises. "She", with the help of the Ancient Sun God and Evernight Goddess, Amanises, managed to steal Giant Queen Omebella's fate and was able to reach Sequence 0: Mother and become the Earth Mother. 

In the records of the Forsaken Land of the Gods (City of Silver and Moon City), "She", an Ancient God, bore the image of a terrifying, cruel, and evil God, as they had recorded all other Ancient Gods that was thought to be slain by the Ancient Sun God. "She" controlled the crimson moon and could make the Blood Moon appear whenever "She" wanted. Although, what "She" held is the Uniqueness of the Moon pathway that the Evernight Goddess, Amanises currently owns. As an Ancient God, "She" did not completely hold the characteristics of the Moon pathway since "She" was born as a Sequence 1 from a different pathway, thus, the Subsidiary Gods under "Her" rule are Sequence 1 angels under the same pathway.

Although most Gods use emblems to symbolize "Their" rule and stabilize "Their" anchors, there are currently 2 statues of "Her" that exists on Earth.

One resides in the ruins of the Fourth Epoch in Backlund, where "She" was depicted as a plump and beautiful lady. "She" seems to have ears of wheat growing on "Her" feet as "She" stepped on spring water. Embedded in "Her" dress are different herbs and flowers, as well as different depictions of animals. "She" appears tall and sacred as "She" carried an adorable infant in a blanket.

The other statue lies in the ruins of the True Creator at the depths of the City of Silver in the Forsaken Land of the Gods, where "She" was depicted as a supple and beautiful woman, and "Her" chest bulged as "She" propped "Her" clothes up. In "Her" arms was a baby with it's face rotting, and at "Her" feet were black ears of wheat, spring water squirming with flesh, herbs dripping with pus, and wildly-mating animals. 

Klein closed the knowledge pod in order to organize his thoughts from too much information. So there's a chance that the Evernight Goddess, Amanises, that sounds kind of blasphemous, gave "Her" the Uniqueness of the Moon Pathway just yesterday. If that happens, "She" will have to give up the authority of the crimson moon and emit that from "Her" honorific name, while Earth Mother would gain the control of the crimson moon. Perhaps I'll give "Her" a message through that Sanguine and see "Her" reaction. Wait, I'm literally provoking a God! Erase those blasphemous thoughts!

He turned the knowledge pod on again and searched for something that's been bothering him for a while.

Uniqueness

A Uniqueness is the most important ingredient to advance to Sequence 0. 

Klein was absolutely dumbfounded. He glanced at the crystal monocle in the junk pile and gulped before reading more. 

It is a unique characteristic of a Pathway and has the properties of being unique. It cannot be replicated by any means, even by a Scholar of Yore. It can also be the authority or the symbol of the corresponding Pathway, and needs to be accommodated in order to become a true God and gain complete authority over the respective Pathway. Once it is accommodated by a Beyonder, they can change the Uniqueness' corresponding concepts and symbols over and over, allowing them to change their form forever to the possessor's preferences.

WARNING: Next information requires the owner to be Sequence 2!!

Not another Sequence-locked info. He typed another inquiry. 

Apocalypse

WARNING: Next information requires the owner to be Sequence 2!!

He could only sigh in disappointment. I really wanna be a Sequence 2 right now. If only digesting my potion is that easy.

Sealed Artifact 0-08

Warning: This artifact has the properties of "the more you know about it, the more it will know you"!! Proceed with caution!!

He glanced at the metal box in the junk pile for a second. It wasn't moving, but Klein still had the fear of being controlled in his heart. If he wasn't careful, the quill could suddenly jump out and control him!

Name: Quill of Alzuhod

Function: Everything you write becomes a reality, as long as it sounds logical. The limit is at 200 meters.

Downsides: It will constantly write the death of it's owner. The backlash could also be big if the owner tries to write something illogical.

Properties: It contains one of the Sequence 1 Characteristics of Dragon of Imagination, Ankewelt.

History: It was named after the Dragon of Nightmares, Alzuhod, and first appeared at the Second Epoch. 

Klein stopped himself from reading further. He felt that he will be in critical danger if he continued further.

Haah, I'm courting death again. He sighed and processed the information. Wait, that thing has a Sequence 1 Characteristic? Then why did "She" give it to me? He rubbed his temples from stress. "She" left already, and I don't even know how to contact her! Are "They" using me as a glorified storage room?! What do I even do with this?

He closed the knowledge pod and placed it back in the drawer. He had to process the fact that there are currently two high-valued items in his possession. If someone finds out, they'd definitely try to covet the Sefirah Castle!

Damn it! I'm just a mere Sequence 9! He hurriedly went back to his room and washed himself before napping, waiting for midnight to pass.

Chapter Text

As soon as he heard illusory pleas, Klein took four steps counterclockwise and immediately pulled the sanguine to the Sefirah Castle. 

"You-Your Majesty." The sanguine bowed in fear.

"I am The Fool. You can call me Mr. Fool." He observed the sanguine boldly taking a seat, still keeping his head low. Is Mr. Fool a friend of our Sanguine Ancestor? If so, does that mean I represent the Ancestor? Indeed, I really am special!

"Y-yes, Mr. Fool. May I ask why I am welcomed in Your Divine Palace?" He has a way to make scary things sound nice. Very good.

"I assume Lilith has sent you to me in order to grow and save your clan from the apocalypse." Lilith? Is "He" that close with our Ancestor? Wait, grow? 

"Honorable Mr. Fool, as you know, we Sanguines have no way of growing on our own. We can only grow when our elders bestow us characteristics and relics from the Ancestor." Eh? Then why would the Earth Mother send this fellow to me? No, "She" is certain that I have the means. The Tarot Club? Maybe I can pull him to the meeting tomorrow. Yes, Hanged Man might have an idea.

"Your knowledge has blinded you, making you unable to see the wider world." He spoke with an ethereal voice. "I am only giving you an opportunity, and you must find a way to grow on your own. Do you wish for such an opportunity?" The sanguine bowed without hesitation. 

"That is what I wish for!" This guy, don't tell me he also thinks that he's the protagonist of this era? Roselle, what have you done? "Please speak."

Ah, shit. The Tarot Club isn't really impressive right now. We only have 2 members, and they're all Low-Sequence Beyonders. Even your God, Mr. Fool, is only a Sequence 9 right now. What do I say to sound impressive? "Some humans earnestly wish for me to hold a secret gathering right here in my castle. Even though they're weak, they currently hold deep connections around the world. Do you wish to attend such a gathering in order to save the Sanguine Clan?"

The sanguine felt a little hesitant. It didn't sound impressive. But in the eyes of a hidden existence like Mr. Fool, someone like me is weak. Maybe they're impressive after all.

"Y-yes." This fellow. The corners of Klein's mouth twitched.

"Alright. This is a secret deal between me and Lilith, that's why you need to keep this silent, even from your elders."

"B-but I told them already and currently under surveillance." I-... This is a mistake in my part. To think I let my guard down. I'm totally a rookie.

"I know. Tell them that you received a revelation from Lilith, that she will soon gain back her authority of the moon as the Earth Mother." The sanguine's eyes widened.

"T-The Earth Mother is our Sanguine Ancestor Lilith and not the Giant Queen Omebella?"

"Yes. Pray to her right after and tell her that I have received the message." This! He bowed deeper in respect.

"Alright, it's time for you to pick a card." He conjured 19 tarot cards facing the sanguine. "This will be your code name for the gathering." The sanguine elegantly pulled the Moon card. "The gathering starts at every Monday, 3 in the afternoon at Backlund time. It's time for you to go." The sanguine stood up and placed his right hand on his left chest.

"By your will." He was pulled out of the Sefirah Castle. leaving Klein on his own. I sure do hope that the Earth Mother doesn't turn me into a pile of flesh in my sleep.

As soon as he was about to grab the knowledge pod, he was yet again greeted by the sound of illusory pleas and a crimson star twinkling. Is this the life of a God? It's currently 12 in the morning! He reached out to the star and observed as the boy earnestly prayed with his knees on the ground. It was blurry, but Klein can tell that the boy had tears in his eyes. Although, there was an unacceptable fact. This supposed God did not quite understand what the boy was saying.

This is the second time this guy prayed to me. I really should continue studying Jotun. He took out the knowledge pod and was ecstatic that it can teach him the whole language. After hours of decoding the prayer, he can finally understand what the boy was saying.

"O, Magnificent deity, please cast your eyes on the City of Silver, the land that you have forsaken!

O, Magnificent deity, please allow us, the people of the dark, be freed from the curse of destiny!

I am willing to dedicate my life to you , using my blood to please you!"

City of Silver, isn't that the Forsaken Land of the Gods? I remember seeing two cities in that land. He typed his inquiry and read the results.

City of Silver

This underground city, formerly known as the Kingdom of Silver, is found in the Eastern Continent and is constantly covered by lightning strikes, which became the indication of day and night. 

He was provided with a clear overview of the city. This item is overpowered. Way to go, other self!

The residents of the City of Silver believe in the Ancient Sun God and has been trying to establish contact with "Him". Most of the residents also believe that they are the only humans left, except for the Six-Member Council.

It was once ruled by the Giant King, Aurmir, until the Dark Ages arrived, where the sun disappeared from the sky and the monsters lurking in the dark emerged. In order to survive, they relied on the Gift of the Land artifact and endured it's negative effects up until this day. When the population in the city increased, they began exploring the land, hoping to find the exit which is located in the Giant King's court, where the remnants of Dark Angel, Sasrir currently resides. 

Did it just tell me where the exit is? He clicked the name of the angel.

Dark Angel, Sasrir

WARNING: The information below will alert the person mentioned!! Make sure to read with caution!!

This! Klein hissed before reading further.

"He" is the leader of the 8 King of Angels and is the founder of Rose Redemption alongside the Evernight Goddess, Amanises and the Angel of Imagination, Adam. As the right hand of the Ancient Sun God, "He" holds the First Blasphemy Slate, which is currently in the Giant King's Court.

Klein tried to Cogitate before closing the knowledge pod. Establishing contact with the Forsaken Lands of the Gods is crucial for my future. They probably have a lot of resources when it comes to Beyonder Characteristics and such. Since they're forsaken by Gods, if I managed to free them, I'll be able to gain believers, which is crucial for a God. I still don't know why it's important, but I'm about to become a God anyway. Although, in my current state, I won't be able to hold the gathering since my current limit is three people. Yes, I think I'll pull this boy once I advance to Sequence 8, Clown. The thing is, that could be pretty far away. Do I still try to talk to him? No, that will ruin my image. I'll try to establish contact once I fully learn Jotun and when I'm about to advance to Sequence 8. Sorry, little man!

He hid the knowledge pod and went back to the real world. The sun already rose, and he could already hear Benson and Mellissa getting ready.

"..."

I-I spent too much time learning Jotun that I lost track of time! I'm supposed to focus on digesting my potion today! I feel really tired. I think I'll sleep more. Wait, wait, wait, I'm supposed to go to the Blackthorns Security Company today! He grabbed the pocket watch in his bed table and checked the time. Phew, I still have two hours before I go to work. I can still sleep for 15 minutes.

"Klein? The breakfast is ready!"

"..." LET ME SLEEP!!!

"I'm awake, let me get ready!" He hurriedly went to the bathroom and showered before going back to his room and hurriedly put on his uniform. He could not ruin the image of Klein Moretti.

"Brother, you didn't get to eat the Desi pie from yesterday, so I heated it. Here." Mellissa gave him a plate with a single slice. 

"Thanks, Mellissa." For some reason, even though it was my first time eating this dish, I knew how it was gonna taste like. Well, it does look like Shepherd's pie from the Earth I know. The thing is, I've never eaten Shepherd's Pie before. Eh, food is food, there's no need to suspect. He took a bite out of the Desi pie.

This taste! It's totally what I expected! Klein's pupil's dilated. The meat was grounded like sand, and it held the taste of all kinds of spices. The sweet and salty taste held a balance with the taste of the meat, making it stand out more. The texture of the cakey, moist meat combined with the flaky crust, and the fact that it melts in the mouth made it heavenly. 

"Look who's enjoying their first time eating Desi pie."

"Klein, you've been staring at the pie for a while." He was snapped out of his thoughts when he looked around and seeing his siblings staring at him. This is embarrassing! He coughed before taking another bite. They're right, this is my first time eating this pie, but I feel like I've eaten this before. Now that I think about it, how come I started taking four steps counterclockwise like it's a habit of mine? Is this "His" doing?

He took more bites to avoid suspicion. They're a bit too silent today. What happened? He took a glance at the siblings. They both look more tired than him. "What happened to you two?"

Benson sighed. "I don't know either. I slept on the right time and woke up tired."

"I feel the same way as well. How about you, Klein?" He discreetly tapped his glabella twice and saw that they were fine, albeit a little tired, as if they never slept at all.

"I'm quite fine. What have you two been doing these past few days?" Is this a supernatural incident?

"Nothing noteworthy, just working here and there." Benson yawned uncontrollably, followed by Mellissa.

"I just went studying with my friends." This seems too normal. What happened while I was in Sefirah Castle? I really should keep an eye out more often.

"I think you just need some coffee to wake yourselves up." Seeing the small frown on Klein's face, Benson and Mellissa agreed to drink without any word.

"By the way, we should check out suits in a nearby store for the upcoming banquet." He diverted the topic somewhere else.

"Agreed. Our neighbors have been checking us out since we arrived, yet you two haven't met any of them yet." Mellissa drank her coffee, trying to make Klein at ease.

Knowing what they're doing, Klein forced a smile and finished his Desi pie. "We should check out the store near Mrs. Smythrin this Saturday."

"But the clothes there are expensive!" Mellissa retorted.

"But the neighbors will have bad impressions on us. To add on that, your friend's 16th birthday is near, right?" 

"Fine." The three quickly finished their breakfast and went to respective destinations.

Chapter Text

"Good morning, Klein. I heard from Leonard that you passed out for a day. Are you alright now?" Mrs. Orianna greeted Klein who happened to be at the entrance.

"I'm alright now. Thank you for worrying, Mrs. Orianna." He bowed politely, swiftly checking in with Rozanne and headed to the alchemy room where Old Neil is.

"You seem to be alright now. Shall we go to a different place?"

"Different place?" Klein wondered.

"Yes, this place is not suitable for performing Ritualistic Magic." Ritualistic magic? Right, I'm still supposed to learn this, although I already know how to perform one, and even the basics of creating a charm. I even know how to create high-level ones, and I'm planning to go to the market to buy materials to create charms from the powers of the mysterious gray fog in the Sefirah Castle. Sorry, Old Neil.

"Then, where are we going?"

"To my home. I bet my wife would love you as a visitor." 

"Old Neil, you have a wife?" Klein posed as if he was Sherlock Holmes trying to connect the dots.

"I used to have one. She loved playing the piano." Oh. "Come on, let's get going. I'll be teaching you the basics and uses of Ritualistic magic." Old Neil will probably make me pray to the Goddess. As a supposed ancient God trying to awaken, if the Goddess learns of my blasphemous actions, "She" will probably cut off "Her" support and strike me down. Praise the Lady. Klein lampooned in his heart as they made their way to Old Neil's house.

As soon as they enter, a faint sound of piano echoed across the walls as the curtains that draped on the windows danced with the wind. This triggered Klein's spiritual intuition enhanced by the Sefirah Castle. This doesn't look good. It's not supposed to be windy today due to the weather. 

"Old Neil, who's playing the piano?" He looked at where the sound came from and had a strangely fond look on his face.

"It must be one of the maids that I temporarily hired." Klein, who used to be a keyboard warrior and currently a hidden existence pretending to be a God, naturally didn't believe him due to his reaction. Despite that, he was willing to close his eyes just like how Leonard used to close his eyes towards his secrets. Everyone has their own secrets, and Klein, a gentleman, respected that.

"I see. So Old Neil, are we just gonna do it right here?" 

"No, I have a vacant room upstairs. We can use it now." Old Neil took the lead the the vacant room, and the observant Klein noticed the small mushrooms growing in the corner. So Old Neil was lying about hiring maids. There shouldn't be anyone here other than us, so who exactly is playing the piano? Old Neil's wife? No, that would be impossible. Perhaps it is, I still don't really know much about mysticism.

The old man took out a silver dagger and followed the layout of the room, making them feel as if they were disconnected from reality. "This is a wall of spirituality. Do not forget to make one if you want to be uninterrupted. It can repel all unwanted forces, even animals and insects. The wall can be in any shape and size, as long as the medium for your spirituality is right." I didn't know about this other than the time when Old Neil performed a ritual to sketch Ray Bieber's portrait. Sure enough, this trip is still quite useful other than forming human bonds and making sure that I don't look suspicious. 

Old Neil then explained the basics of forming ritual circles, albeit not as advanced as his knowledge. He drew symbols corresponding to concealment and money signs that tells him Old Neil was going to ask the Goddess to pay his 30-pound bill. Although he already know that this can be done and the methods used depended on the existence that the person was praying to, he still couldn't help but have a distorted expression. If this isn't doting on Old Neil, then I don't know what is! If some guy prayed to me, asking me for gold pounds, I'd probably shun them!

The old man then recited the honorific name of the Goddess, and was sure that the ritual was a success.

Klein was then given the opportunity to do a simple dream ritual to pray to the Goddess, and thankfully, "She" did not care about his woes. Praise the Lady!

The mysticism teacher pulled out his pocket watch. "It's time for us to go back." He inserted the pocket watch back to the pocket in his robe. "Don't worry, I'll take you to the market again. This time, we'll be looking for materials you can use as a charm." I was about to go alone. Good thing Old Neil is coming with me.

They chatted about their daily life as they went back to the Blackthorns Security Company in a carriage. What greeted them was most of the team playing cards with the usual gambling queen, Royale Reideen, winning with 10 soli in a single round.

"Klein, Old Neil!" Rozanne greeted them. Klein then winked to Leonard in a serious manner, gesturing to talk to the bathroom privately. This gesture was ignored by everyone who was busy trying not to lose their money.

"Old Neil, do you need any assistance?" He chuckled before patting Klein's shoulder twice.

"I might be an old man, but I'm still a Beyonder." With that, he slowly made his way back to the alchemy room.

"And what would the second protagonist need with me?" Leonard whispered to him as they made their way to the bathroom. Mingrui could only ignore the remark.

After entering the bathroom, the two men quickly closed the door.

"Something's wrong with Old Neil." Klein spoke in a hushed tone.

"Old Neil? Why would that be?"

"I don't know. As soon as I entered the house, there was a sound of piano playing, and the house was windy. My spiritual intuition was triggered."

"Did you notice anything else?" There was a hint of doubt in Leonard's eyes, and Klein could only sigh upon seeing it.

"I asked who was playing the piano, and Old Neil told me that it was a maid that he hired. But clearly, we were the only ones in the house." Klein watched as Leonard's doubts dispelled.

"Old man once told me that the pair of eyes you saw right after drinking the Seer potion might be an indication of contamination, but we dismissed it as it was unlikely, since Old Neil is just a Sequence 9 Mystery Pryer."

"Contamination?" Leonard went silent before answering, as if recalling a memory.

"There are times when a true God of a pathway contaminate the other Beyonders under the same pathway. The Sequence 0 of Old Neil's pathway is Hidden Sage, which is an evil God." Klein's lips turned downwards, but he tried hard to hide his emotions.

"Is there any way to save Old Neil? What can we do to stop it?"

Leonard sighed as well. "I don't know much either. All we can do is to pretend to visit him with Captain Dunn tomorrow." 

"I see." A knock was soon heard on the bathroom door.

"It's occupied!" Leonard shouted.

"Alright, I'll go somewhere else instead!" The man was Kenley, whose hurried steps echoed throughout the hallway.

"Just go and continue digesting your potion. I'll fetch both you and Captain Dunn tomorrow." The two quickly ran out of the bathroom and went back to the break room. The card game still continued, accompanied by hushed conversations and laughter. Klein took a different route and went to Captain Dunn's office.

"Oh, Klein." The gentleman took off his top hat and bowed.

"Captain, I'm just reporting that I finished my lessons with Old Neil and I'm about to head to the Divination Club."

"I see." The Captain's grey eyes landed on him. "That's right, observe the Divination Club today and report to me if you see anything out of order."

"Yes, Captain." Klein stood there awkwardly and watched as his Captain returned to work. He blinked simultaneously before finally deciding to leave.

I need to focus today. After digesting my potion and observing the club, I should head back and start the Tarot Gathering. "Wait!" I knew it!

"Captain?"

"There will be an afternoon mass about the symbol change of the Evernight Goddess. Do you have any time later?" Klein who already knew about this, pretended to be confused about the matter. 

"I'll try to make some time after my investigation." As a supposed evil God, he naturally didn't have the time to attend the mass, and could only deduce what kind of symbol he was supposed to use to pray to the Goddess. Perhaps I can use dream divination to see the corresponding symbol? But then I'll be divining something related to a God, and I'm just a weak and pitiful seer. I wonder what will happen?

"Don't worry, if you have no time, "Her" Excellency Arianna already told us in advance. You just have to draw four stars on your left chest. For some reason, crimson moon now refers to the Mother Earth." 

"I see. Thank you for telling me in advance." He drew four stars in his chest and exclaimed, "Praise the Lady!" Dunn just nodded and finally let the cat go. 

Phew, I really was about to leave back then. Captain, your amnesia is dangerous! He took a carriage to the Divination Club.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Moretti." She had a solemn and sad attitude. Seeing this, Klein tapped his glabella twice and checked Angelica's condition. What exactly happened here? Why is she this sad? Leonard didn't give exact details yesterday.

"Are you alright? Is something bothering you?" 

"You can tell?" She took a deep breath before recounting what happened yesterday. "Many members got infected with a plague yesterday. Fortunately, experts quickly took care of the plague and disinfected everyone. It's a pity, some members died and had to be cremated. Be careful with yourself, alright?" Plague? Cremated? People died? Were things that dangerous? Anyway, I'll only be privy to details once I become an official Nighthawk. My job is to monitor the surroundings and make sure everything is fine. He took a deep breath and offered his sympathy when a customer entered the club.

"Hello, is Mr. Moretti here?" The customer was none other than the man whom Klein had seen once in his dream divination, Joyce Mayer. The husband of Anne Mayer who had become his customer once.

"I am Klein Moretti. You must be Mr. Joyce Mayer?" The other party felt overjoyed and relieved.

"Yes, yes. You must be a real fortune teller! My wife had told me everything, so I sought you out to consult my dreams."

"I see. Miss Angelica, is the Citrine Room available?" Klein acted like a real charlatan, and felt a bit of the potion digesting. Although he had just started acting this week, he felt a bit disappointed. Perhaps there are certain rules in acting. I just need to find what those rules are. That way, I can digest the potion faster.

"Yes, you can go that way." She escorted the two gentlemen to the room and went back to her post.

"Mr. Mayer, what seems to be bothering you?"

"I've been having the same bad dream recently, and it's starting to worry my wife." 

"Your bad dreams seems to be a result of your intuition warning you of something you might have missed in the past." Klein had deduced that his nightmares came from the time when the other party was in the tragedy.

"Missed in the past." He pondered for a bit before continuing. "In my dream, I was drowning in the ocean next to a ship. A man then tried to help me up, but just as I was about to climb up, he pushed me back to the ocean."

"I see. Mr. Mayer, have you met someone who has helped you in that tragedy?" The man dug through his memory, removing the events that had stained his mind and came to a conclusion.

"There is."

"Mr. Mayer, your dream is telling you that the man who had helped you is the one behind this incident." The man froze and entered his own world.

"Now that I think about it, I felt really weird about that man, and I saw him doing suspicious things around the ship! Tris!" He turned to Klein and fished the bills in his pocket. He had no time to count how much money he had given. He had to report this immediately! "Mr. Moretti, thank you so much for your help! I need to go now!" He handed the money and rushed away.

Wait a minute, this is 8 soli! "Mr. Mayer, wait a minute!" The man was nowhere to be found as soon as he ran outside.

"Mr. Moretti, what was that about?" Angelica, who was currently stirring coffee, couldn't help but ask.

"Mr. Mayer accidentally gave me too much money." He frowned, having a feeling that they would never meet again.

Chapter Text

Old Neil once again woke up from what seemed like a long dream. He had kept it a secret from everyone since it harmless, but ever since he met Klein, he had been dreaming of a strange world. It was as if his eyes had been opened after sleeping for such a long time.

He clutched his chest and sighed heavily. It won't be long before his wife will be truly resurrected.

Wife? Who was she again? He sighed helplessly once again. Celeste, her name is Celeste. Those dreams that he's been having had started to blend in with reality. 

...

"Good afternoon, Mr. Fool! Good afternoon, Mr. Hanged Man!" Miss Justice bowed before seeing a new person beside the Hanged Man. "You must be?"

"Mr. Moon, our newest member." Emlyn carefully sized up the two people beside Mr. Fool. They really do look weak! But, the Ancestor issued me an oracle to follow Mr. Fool. I shouldn't give any doubts to this hidden existence. This should be the path of the savior of the Sanguine!

"Good afternoon, Mr. Moon!" Justice enthusiastically greeted. 

"Congratulations on becoming a Beyonder, Miss Justice." Mr. Fool said in a nonchalant tone, as if he didn't care about trivial matters.

As expected of Mr. Fool! "Thanks to you, Mr. Fool and Mr. Hanged Man."

"Mr. Fool, I acquired some pages of Roselle's diaries, but unfortunately, I only have one left. I've heard that it all disappeared overnight, as if it never existed. This has happened across the South Continent, and perhaps even the Northern Continent." Hanged Man materialized a goatskin with Chinese letters and gave it to Mr. Fool.

Roselle's diaries? Those things are only known as notes and is suspected to have mystical power. The new member felt a little amazed.

After criticizing the chuunibyou in his heart, Klein read the three sentences in the paper.

"I know you've been trying to collect my diaries, you fool!
If you want to meet me, go to Intis!
You'll pay for reading my diary, Brother Zhou!"

Klein's pupils dilated, and he tried his best to maintain his outward appearance. Roselle is still alive, and not only that, he even knows my surname! Calm down, calm down, this must be "His" work. Then, why is he still here? I originally thought he went back home, but after two centuries, he's still alive and even threatened me! 

"It's alright. Roselle is a stingy man. In return, report to me the current attitude of the seven churches." 

I-Is Mr. Fool suggesting that the disappearances of the diary pages was done by Roselle "Himself"? "Yes, Mr. Fool. I will gather anything about the seven Orthodox Churches." Alger bowed in respect.

"You may start the exchange." 

The sanguine raised his hand in hurry. "Does anyone know of methods to make a sanguine improve their strength alone?" Two gazes immediately lingered on him.

Mr. Moon is a sanguine? Although his figure is shrouded by the fog, his eyes are red and seems to be glowing a little. Audrey quickly saw through the new member as a new Spectator.

Alger's mind raced, thinking of the other party's identity. A sanguine? I heard that they only manage to level up thanks to their elders.

The castle fell in silence.

Uh, d-did I say something wrong? What's wrong with their reaction? 

"Mr. Moon, I know how to raise a Sanguine's strength." Alger suggested.

"Really? What do you need in exchange?"

"No need, this kind of knowledge should be shared within the Tarot Club."

Mr. Hanged Man sure is generous.

"The Sanguine can also consume potions in advance, but it must be the correct type. Various churches also experimented and proved that this method is feasible. However, I am unable to find the exact details."

"But the main ingredients for those are my kinsmen!"

The man chuckled. "Never deal with absolutes. For example, I have a clue of characteristics left behind by Sanguine Baron. He didn't manage to find a successor and died in a conflict. As for you, you can use the potion left behind to receive this lost inheritance and prevent the Sanguine power from being lost. I do believe that there also other methods out there." Mr. Hanged Man, you slick man! 

Use potions to inherit and retrieve the Sanguine power and prevent it from being lost. "What's the price?"

"Between 4,000 to 5,000 pounds. I won't know for sure until I see the owner of the characteristics."

"5,000 pounds?" The sanguine can only lament about how much dolls and clothes he could buy and convinced himself that it's for the Ancestor.

"You can take your time to think about it." The four people present fell into silence.

"Uhh, everyone, do you know of any clues to Rainbow Salamander's pituitary gland?"

Miss Justice is already preparing to advance to Sequence 8? This is a bit too fast. I shouldn't get left behind. "I do have some clues for a Rainbow Salamander at the upcoming Pirate Banquet. It costs 300 pounds."

"Thank you so much, Mr. Hanged Man!"

"I'll look out for some in other Beyonder gatherings."

"Thank you as well, Mr. Moon."

The magnificent palace fell silent once again. Seeing this, Klein quickly made a judgement. "Alright, it's time for free exchange."

"Ah, Mr. Fool, is it possible for me to invite other members?"

Other members? Is Miss Justice planning to expand her influence? Alger's 500,000-word thesis quickly went through his mind.

Inviting other members? I don't have enough spirituality to summon two more people. They might also be spies or people with ill intentions. "It requires testing and examination."

What kind of testing and examination? "Yes, Mr. Fool."

"Find a way to give them my name discreetly."

"Yes, Mr. Fool."

Seeing this, Alger proposed another commission. "I have a commission to hunt the Pirate Admiral Qilangos. I heard that he's been in Backlund recently for a mission."

"Backlund?" Mr. Moon asked. "I happen to be in Backlund. Tell me the details." This is a test for the savior of the clan!

"Qilangos is a Sequence 6 of the Sailor pathway. He also has an item that let's him change appearances. I'm willing to pay the same amount as his bounty."

Miss Justice raised her hand. "I'm also interested. Also, are you willing to give me details about the sea? I'm willing to pay for this information."

Mr. Hanged Man gestured in order to refuse. He first filtered out the well-known information before speaking. "No need. This should be common sense. There are Four Kings that rule the sea, who should be what you already know. They are High-Sequence Beyonders with relatively high bounties. Under this are the Seven Pirate Admirals with the backings of various secret organizations. One of them should be Vice Admiral Qilangos. Then, the Vice Admiral Hurricane. Next is Vice Admiral Iceberg. It is said that they barely plunder and is the most unpirate-like pirate crew. I don't know much about about the Admiral of Blood, Admiral Hell, Vice Admiral Ailment, and the Vice Admiral Dusk. As for the Admiral of Stars, it is said that she used to have connections with the Mysterious Queen, the leader of Element Dawn."

"I see. Thank you Mr. Hanged Man!" Thank you, Mr. Hanged Man, the pillar of Tarot Club! Without you, this secret online platform is over! Klein lamented in his mind.

"No need."

"Ah, Mr. Fool, the oracle you sent to the Blood Clan has enlightened us! Every one of us has converted to the Church of Earth Mother. The Ancestor must be delighted." Every one of their heads turned to the only vampire. "And, for some reason, we have to assist the Church of the Evernight Goddess in absorbing the Church of the God of War. Mr. Fool?"

You're asking me why? I don't know either! "This is not something you should know." I'm not a God yet!

Mr. Fool is cooperating with the Church of Earth Mother and the Church of Evernight? This is a secret at the level of the Gods! Mr. Fool has a relatively high status! Alger trembled. P-praise the Fool!

Mr. Hanged Man looks relaxed on the outside, but his arms are tucked in between his legs. Also, his head is a bit too stiff. Is what Mr. Moon said a bit too shocking? He mentioned that Mr. Fool sent down an oracle, and this caused Mr. Moon's Blood Clan to convert to the Church of Mother Earth. It seems that their first mission is to help the Church of the Evernight Goddess absorb the Church of the God of War? This is! Audrey, don't think about it anymore! 

"Y-yes, Mr. Fool."

With this, Klein stood up to indicate the end of the meeting. "This gathering is over. Let's look forward next week."

The two hurriedly stood up and placed their hands on their chest. The vampire quickly stood up and followed. "By your will." Crimson light burst out and enveloped the three figures. 

Klein didn't leave for now and organized his thoughts. There is a Sequence 0, and it seems like it's the level of a God. And above that, there are more sequences that just knowing about it will bring danger to me. I have a feeling that it's related to the fact that the Church of Evernight Goddess is absorbing the Church of the God of War. Perhaps, I can only go back when I reach that level. Seeing the grandfather inside Leonard, it seems like a Sequence 1 is still too weak. He sighed before simulating the feeling of falling and going back to the real world.

Chapter Text

Klein got up next day like normal, still pondering the rules of acting.

"Good morning, Klein." Seeing Benson and Melissa's haggard looks, Klein took it upon himself to toast the white bread and top it with scrambled eggs. He then brewed some coffee and added milk.

"What happened this time? You two look like you haven't slept in days." 

Benson sighed heavily. "I remember sleeping soundly yesterday. Perhaps it's due to my boss's demands lately."

"My teacher gave us a lot of work as well. I decided to finish them all last night and slept late." Melissa yawned before taking a sip of the milky-sweet coffee and toast. They didn't even seem to notice it's delicious taste, as if the food was tasteless.

"You two, don't focus too much on work and studies if you feel tired." You look like corporate slaves from my time. It's not a good look. Klein smiled helplessly.

"We will. Don't work too much as well." The whole family went silent until everyone left but Klein himself. He washed the dishes with a frown on his face. Everyone's been working hard. I should hurry up and find the rules of digesting the potion. There's also the matter with Old Neil. I hope he's fine.

He quickly finished taking a bath and putting on his suit before going to the bakery.

"Hello, Mrs. Smyrin. I would like some of your sweet iced tea, please." Klein smiled gently, earning a chuckle from Mrs. Smyrin.

"I heard you found a job. When are you going to find a suitable partner?" His smile went stiff, and tightly clutched at the revolver in his hip.

"She will naturally come when it's time. If it happens, I'll accept her with all my heart." She gave the fresh cup of sweet iced tea to Klein, who gulped it all in one go.

"Oh my, you must be thirsty. Do you want another cup? It's on me." 

I nearly choked on the spot, Mrs. Smyrin. Please stop mentioning these embarrassing things! "No, thank you Mrs. Smyrin. By the way, do you have any recommendations on what bread I should buy? Anything will do."

"Recommendations? Then I recommend this sweet cream bread that's been popular recently. It started when I accidentally poured sweet cream on a bread when serving a customer and earned praises from them. Here, I'll give you a sample." She handed a bread topped with whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce. Isn't this just whipped cream sandwich?

"Ah, Mrs. Smyrin, I think I'll take this one. Please give me two." 

"Take this sample with you as well. 8 pence total." 8 pence? What do you mean 8 pence? Did you charge the free one too? He fished his pocket and took out exactly 8 pence. 

"Here. I hope you come back often." She gave the bread to Klein, and he gave her the eight pence in return.

"Thank you Mrs. Smyrin. I'll be going now." He politely bowed before walking to Blackthorn Security Company, eating the sweet bread in his hands.

As soon as he stepped in, he noticed that the atmosphere was unusually silent. 

"Did something happen? Rozanne isn't as cheerful as usual." Klein asked Bredt, who was staring at his own report.

He turned to look at Klein, with worry evident in his eyes. "It's Old Neil. Captain noticed that something's wrong with him and went to check in his house." So it's happening.

Klein forced a smile on his lips. "Old Neil is getting old now. There should be nothing wrong. He just needs proper care and he can come back." Bredt carefully observed Klein's worried look despite his forced smile. 

"Klein, you have a hint on what's happening to Old Neil, right? And you're trying to convince yourself that Old Neil is alright." Bredt's voice got weaker as he spoke, giving Klein a look of pity and sympathy.

"You two, what are you talking about?" Royale entered the civilian staff room with a document on her hand. She also wore a worried look on her face.

"Nothing. We're just talking about how Old Neil should be getting better soon. He still needs to give Klein some lessons, after all." Bredt copied Klein's example and gave her a forced smile.

"I do hope that's true. In any case, Old Neil wouldn't want to come back and see everyone have frowns on our faces. So, what would you like to order in the Silver Crown Restaurant? The meal today is on me." She tried to force a smile as well and pulled out her wallet.

"Silver Crown Restaurant? Isn't that quite expensive?" Klein secretly glanced at the wallet full of money.

Royale saw this and chuckled. "As you can see, I have a lot of money that I earned from everyone. This should be enough for three full meals."

"Care for two more meals?" The trio shifted their gaze to the door, where Leonard and Dunn appeared, fresh from their visit. "Old Neil is fine. He's just getting old, that's all."

"Really?" Bredt and Klein smiled in relief, but Royale didn't dare let her guard down just yet. She knew that Old Neil was hiding something.

Dunn stopped right in front of the group and looked at Klein. "Klein, let's go and discuss your mystic lessons in Old Neil's house."

"Ahh, me? Alright Captain, right away." I was about to get a free meal at the most expensive restaurant in the block...

"Let's go." The three walked to the carriage silently, letting Leonard drive the horse.

After a little while, Klein thought of Old Neil's secret and frowned. "Captain, what's wrong with Old Neil?"

"He's forgetting quite a lot of things now, so the temple decided to find you a new mysticism teacher. Old Neil will be teaching you the last lesson today, which is to make charms."

"I see." So Old Neil can't be my teacher anymore. "Will Old Neil still work as a Nighthawk?"

Dunn sighed. "He will be transferred to the church as a gatekeeper."

"May the Goddess bless him." He drew the four stars in his chest sincerely. 

"May the Goddess bless him." Dunn did the same, nodding to Klein after confirming that they arrived. "Ah, by the way, we're here to welcome your new teacher as well as to test what you've learned so far. He's inside with Old Neil." Klein nodded and followed Dunn to the house. 

As soon as they opened the door, they were welcomed with the strong scent of coffee. "Old Neil, you're alright!" 

"Ahhh, you've come. I prepared some coffee for you." 

Klein hurriedly walked towards the table and waited for Old Neil to place the coffee and sit in the table with them. "Old Neil, what happened?" 

He chuckled as he served the coffee to Klein. "My Lord, don't worry about it. It's just some minor constipation. You know, I'm getting old now."

Everyone threw questioning looks at Old Neil.

"My Lord? Old Neil, I'm Klein." Does he believe in some evil God? And he mistook me as Him? 

"Ahhhh, ahhh. Yes, you're right." Dunn approached Old Neil and checked if he was fine.

Old Neil noticed the expression on his face and poured a cup of coffee. "Come on, have a drink."

"Old Neil, what have you been doing?" He threw Dunn a look of confusion, pushing the steaming coffee towards him.

"Me? I'm alright, really. I just got constipated earlier." Dunn narrowed his eyes and slowly walked towards a drawer. "Hey, why don't you go and drink this first?"

"Old Neil, I've known you for so long. I know when you're hiding something, and my intuition tells me that it's something dangerous." He opened a compartment, but was soon distracted by a loud scream right at the table. He was about to turn around when he noticed that his shoes seemed to soaked in something.

"Old Neil!" Klein tried to calm him down, only to be splashed by something sticky right at the face. He wiped his face clean with his sleeves and looked to see if his suit got messy, but his eyes widened as soon as he realized what was in his clothes. It was blood.

"Dunn, I never did anything wrong, I swear! Let me go, just this once!"

Leonard soon heard the screams and bashed the door opened. He widened his eyes and covered his mouth. The floor was covered in blood, and it was growing white hair out of nowhere. His heart sank as soon as he looked at the table. It was Old Neil's head, hanging by pink threads of flesh. "Old Neil!" He ran towards the table and watched as Dunn and the new Nighthawk mysticism teacher pull out a gun.

Klein soon realized that the table was covered with small, pink, and sticky threads. He soon followed it's trail, until his gaze fell on the table. His mouth fell wide open and immediately reached out for his gun.

"Dunn, we've been together for long enough like you said. You should know that I've never done anything wrong. Let me go, just this once! I'll go to the mountains and not show myself ever again, just let me go."

"Old Neil." Klein spoke like whispering to the wind. His hands trembled on the face of Old Neil losing control, and he could not point his gun properly.

"My Lord, forgive me for not recognizing you before. But in this state, I will not be able to serve you properly. Please let your humble servant rest before I can serve you properly." As soon as he looked at the table, a gunshot rang across the walls and Old Neil's head exploded, leaving behind an enormous amount of blood mixed with grayish-white matter.

Everyone looked at the source of the gunshot and saw Dunn hiding his pistol back in it's holster. "We are a group of guardians who are constantly fighting against madness." Captain is right. Everyone knew that their deaths will come sooner or later. I need to get myself together. Klein took a deep breath as he watched Dunn approach the table and collect Old Neil's red eyes that just fell from the head.

Right, Captain was about to investigate that drawer when he was stopped by Old Neil. There should be something in there. He walked towards the drawer carefully and saw it's contents. It was a fresh pack of blood along with an unknown formula. He dared not to read it and immediately took it to Dunn. "Captain, this was in the drawer." Dunn took it from his hands and read it carefully. His face became more distorted the more he read it's contents.

"This is..." He trailed off, noticing that there was a folded part on the note. His eyes narrowed, showing a hint of fondness. "Go and clean the scene with Leonard and Sir Reginald. I will report to the temple."

"Yes, Captain." There should be clues about the existence that Old Neil believes in. He clenched his fists and approached both Leonard and his new teacher.

Chapter Text

The cemetery was filled with sobs and whimpers. The team of Nighthawks surrounded Old Neil's tombstone and placed bouquets of flowers on top. 

"Let's go back, Klein." Leonard's voice was serious and devoid of his usual demeanor.

Klein glanced at Leonard and nodded once.

The walk to Leonard's home was quiet. The atmosphere was solemn, and both tacitly agreed not to mention anything.

Leonard opened the keys to his house and entered.

"You two are back so early?" The two almost stumbled out of shock.

Klein looked inside and saw an old man with white hair, wearing a suit that most nobles wore back in the Fourth Epoch. "Who?"

"Old man? Is that you? Have you recovered?" Leonard swung the door open and ran inside.

"You run like a teenager." He complained helplessly.

Klein hesitated to come in, looking around awkwardly before stepping a foot inside. "Mr. Pallez?"

"I am indeed." he turned to Klein, who was still standing at the door. "From now on, you two can come to me when you encounter trouble."

What Pallez witnessed in Backlund was beyond His imagination. The royal family coveted the Black Emperor pathway and collaborated with the Demoness Sect. and the Aurora Order. Meanwhile, the nearby churches were busy helping the Church of the Evernight Goddess absorb the Church of the God of War. Moreover, the sanguines are now actively helping the Church of Earth Mother. These changes caused chaos in the world of wild Beyonders, with wild demigods leaving Backlund and wild Angels having to expose themselves and cooperate with the Church of the Evernight Goddess.

He even encountered a wild Mercury Snake begging to go with Him. 

Of course, as a member of the Three Cowardly Pathways, Pallez only did what He planned to do in the beginning. That was collecting the rest of Amon's clones scattered across Backlund so he couldn't get a chance to ascend quickly and has to ascend step by step, although He knew that this was only stalling Amon since he would digest potions the moment he drinks it. He even encountered a Sequence 1 clone under the so-called Jacob Family's treasure, but He was able to overwhelm the other party thanks to a preparation.

The preparation was that He summoned Mr. Door, Bethel Abraham, and parasitized Him the moment He performed His apotheosis ritual. He was now a genuine God of the Door pathway and was about to become the God of the Error pathway once He absorbed Amon's uniqueness which was currently in the Sefirah Castle. 

He had also met Lilith, the Earth Mother, who told Him who and why Klein's parallel self had come to help. This made Pallez realize that He really wasn't cut out to be the Lord of Mysteries and has to help Klein become one instead. With the information He gathered, He also had new speculations and theories about the start and the end of the world- both of which was directly related to this fellow, Klein. 

Klein Moretti, what exactly are you? He watched Klein get pulled inside by Leonard. 

"Don't be shy, Klein. Come and sit, I'll prepare some coffee for you. Old man, how about you? Do you want some coffee?" Alas, this fellow is still naïve. It was clear that Klein is wary of me. Klein sat down beside Pallez without making a sound.

"Sure, thank you Leonard." Klein was conservative and stiff, making Pallez speechless. 

"Give me one, too."

"Alright." Leonard hurried to the kitchen.

Klein mustered his courage and directly asked Pallez. "You've become a God?" 

Not bad, bold yet cautious. There's a reason why everyone chose him to be the Lord of Mysteries. Even without anyone's help, he would be able to advance quickly. "Indeed. I have figured out some things regarding Evernight's condition and the rest of the Gods. Currently, the Six Orthodox Gods support your birth and will aid you if you ever encounter difficulties. Of course, that includes me."

He snorted as Klein' mouth hung wide open. Up until this point, he must have thought that he was operating illegally. "The-The Six Orthodox Gods?"

"Yes. In addition, some hidden existences will approach you to seek cooperation in return for your support once you reach that position. Of course, there are also those who oppose your birth. Most of them are evil Gods who fear your power, and there are those who wants to seek revenge from what your predecessor did."

Predecessor? You mean Him? "I see. This means that I need to get promoted faster."

Both of them fell silent. Pallez was told that many actions made by the Evernight Goddess and the Earth Mother risked Their own safety in hopes that Klein would be born soon.

"Boy, I have a way for you to reach that position fast. It will be dangerous in the short term, but it will benefit you and everyone else in the long term. Do you want to hear it?" 

Klein swallowed his saliva. "I want to hear it."

A small door opened, and tons of magical potion ingredients poured out. "Take both the Apprentice and Marauder potions." 

This! I remembered that Roselle regretted to take the Seer, Marauder or Apprentice potion. What does this mean? "Isn't taking two potions already extremely dangerous?"

Pallez nodded knowingly. "It is, that's why I said it will be dangerous. You'll be teetering on the edge of losing control daily, but the acting method should reduce the effects of losing control. And, the more you act and digest these potions, the faster it will be for you to digest your future potions and gain an upper hand against the imprint of your predecessor and the Primordial Creator. What do you think, boy?" 

Klein realized something. These three paths. Do they correspond to "that position" I'm supposed to reach? Is this why the Church of the Evernight Goddess is absorbing the Church of the God of War? His spiritual intuition rang wildly. No, I should stop thinking about this, or else I'll be marching towards my own death. "I'm quite concerned about losing control. Taking three potions at once will distort my own mind, and I will have to act everyday. I will think about this."

"Haha, you're very cautious, I like that. But, why do you think I'm here? As a God, I can do things that will help you along the way." 

Klein thought this seriously. This is like receiving gold pounds from the sky. I can't help but think about the consequences it will bring. But, "His" proposal is something I can't ignore. If I digest potions quickly, that means I could go home faster. 

Home.

"I accept. So, when do we start?"