Not finding himself overly exhausted, Klein rubbed his temples and beckoned over a tiny tallic bottle from the junk pile.
Inside it was a tiny tube of blood that he went through great effort to extract from his vein, and he had long brought it above the gray fog. It was only waiting for the opportunity when Klein would use his Spirit Body to enter Groselle's Travels to explore the book world.
After opening the cap, Klein wasn't in a hurry to sar the blood over the book's dark brown cover. Instead, he summoned all the items from the junk pile that he had brought to the mysterious space before the Tarot Gathering, and he spread them out in front of him.
In consideration of how the Black Emperor's form was too eye-catching, and with him not too certain of the exact situation in the book world, Klein decided against bringing the Card of Blasphemy. Instead, he used Azik's copper whistle to fortify his Spirit Body to prevent himself from failing to return above the gray fog before being instantly killed by so unknown power.
As the ancient and exquisite copper whistle fused into his body, Klein's Spirit Body swelled up and beca more corporeal.
Two pitch-black flas flared out from his eye sockets as though they possessed a life of their own.
With the help of Cogitation, he adjusted his spirituality, converging the iciness that stemd from the aspect of Death within his body. Soon, his eyes returned to normal.
This was like an evil spirit taking on an ordinary form to lure prey into its proximity.
Right on the heels of that, Klein wore Creeping Hunger and held Death Knell while he hid the Nightmare Beyonder characteristic in his body. The latter was prepared for him to seek out any abnormalities when exploring the dreams of the living entities in the book world.
After completing all his preparations, he poured a few drops of blood and sared it over the cover of Groselle's Travels.
After a brief wait, his vision turned blurry, as though countless translucent objects were hidden within it. Following that, it turned clear—there were blue skies, white clouds, grayish-brown city walls, and passersby.
This is no longer the land of ice and snow from before, but a city that looks very normal on the surface... Klein stood by the side of the dirt road as he observed the residents of the book world. He discovered that most of them wore linen shirts, a short brown coat, and loose dark-colored trousers. Their overall style was akin to that of the Loen Kingdom centuries ago.
He looked down at the format of the tailcoat, starched shirt, and damaged dark-red bow tie as he silently changed it all out. Instantly, he was no different from the people around him.
He then walked to the city gates in preparation to enter.
At that mont, a leather-vested soldier at the gate stopped him.
"Entrance fees! One liddle."
Do I look rich? I don't even know what a liddle is... Klein mumbled inwardly, amused. He then "communicated" with him at a spiritual level, successfully transferring the soldier's attention onto a rchant caravan behind him.
As a quasi-wraith who could possess anyone and control them, exerting a psychological influence on others was nothing extraordinary. It wasn't a particularly potent ability, but it was extrely useful against ordinary people.
When Klein entered the city, he walked through the streets in a seemingly relaxed manner, but he inwardly remained wary. He felt that public hygiene was slightly better than Backlund a few years ago. It appeared to have a mature sewage system, preventing the situation of any waste and trash being dumped.
I couldn't tell that this is an illusory world inside a book at all. Everyone has Spirit Body Threads... Klein proceeded forward as he observed. Suddenly, he noticed a stone building that was more than ten ters tall to his side. It only had two stories, and the top of the door was about four ters tall.
Beside the building was a signboard. It was written in a language that was completely different from any of the outside world's languages, but Klein instantly understood what it ant: "Pessote Blacksmith Guild."
There's a blacksmith guild. This place really hasn't entered the Age of Steam... Just as Klein was feeling poignant, he saw the door creak open, and out walked a giant with four long limbs!
The giant's skin was grayish blue, and his head had the trademark single vertical eye. In his hand was a huge and heavy sledgehamr. He walked across the street with his lips curled.
The humans walking past him didn't show any fear, as though it was a common sight.
They even greeted the giant.
"Good afternoon, Groselle!"
Groselle... Klein, who was rather face-blind to giants, had his pupils constrict. Only then did he realize the familiarity!
He was just about to chase after them when he discovered that the giant had turned into another street, vanishing from his sights.
Klein stood on the spot, silently observing the intersection as he ca up with a few guesses.
There's another Groselle in the book world?
No, the ending of the travels is that Groselle died in battle in the Nation of Frost...
This is another story?
Filled with all kinds of questions, Klein wasn't in a rush to find Groselle. He turned and entered a bar by the side of the street.
Such places were often the places with the most ssy and multifarious information in a city. It aided him in quickly gaining a grasp of the entire situation.
The bar's lighting was dim, and the ventilation wasn't the best, making the air appear sowhat turbid. At that mont, there weren't many custors drinking. Most of the people were by the bar counter, chatting happily with each other or the bartender. @@@@
Klein slowly walked over when his gaze froze.
He saw a man wearing a black pointed hat and an asymtrical coat by the side of the bar counter. He looked pretty handso with his flaxen-colored hair, deep brown eyes, a high nose, and thin lips. He was none other than the Solomon Empire viscount, Mobet Zoroast!
Upon seeing him, Klein recalled the scene of the Dream Stealer's rapid aging before he collapsed onto the ground as he struggled to crawl towards Elvish Songster Siatas and grabbed her hand.
All of that remained clear as day, as though it had just happened yesterday; yet, Mobet had once again appeared before his eyes.
Klein's expression grew heavy as he walked over and sat beside Mobet.
He didn't say a word, as he knew that Mobet was one to start a conversation.
"Outsider, first ti in Pessote? I swear I've never t you before." Mobet put down a cup of distilled liquor as he turned his head to the side.
"I co from the Nation of Frost." Klein randomly cooked up a story.
Mobet imdiately laughed loudly.
"You're a funny one. This is the Nation of Frost, but of course, that was many years ago.
"Ever since the King of the North was killed by a bunch of adventurers, no—heroes, this place is no longer plagued by ice and snow. Everyone believes that it should be called the Nation of Neverwinter."
Klein fell silent without responding.
"Why so serious? It looks like you have your own troubles." Mobet rapped on the wooden bar counter, showing signs of sympathy. He downed a mouthful of spirits and said, "I'm telling you. n should absolutely not get married. It's the beginning of suffering! Do you know? When she gets worked up a little, she would beat up. When she's happy, she beats up. Sa when she's embarrassed or angry! Anyway, she beats up for any reason! From this very mont, I've decided not to return ho again!"
Does this an you got married to Siatas? Klein kept silent for two seconds as he sized up Mobet's face. He discovered that there were no signs of bruises and swelling on his face. This ant that the Elvish Songster knew that n needed to put on appearances.
He asked with a sigh, "Then why did you marry her?"
Mobet was taken aback as he smiled wryly.
"I ca here with a rchant caravan. When I first saw her, she was just that beautiful. Her singing was moving and seed to hide indescribable sorrow. Heh, I'm as afraid of her now as I was infatuated over her back then! I definitely won't return. Hey, why do you seem a little sad? You don't have to be sad for . I'm already free!"
At that mont, the door to the bar suddenly opened as a beautiful female voice shouted.
"Mobet, co out here!
"I'm counting from ten. Never co back if you don't co ho!
"Ten, nine..."
Mobet imdiately jumped up and ran to the door. As he ran, he muttered, "I know you don't have any patience. You always jump to two after counting to eight!"
Klein turned his body and saw Siatas's figure, but he no longer had the intention of communicating with her.
The real Mobet and Siatas were already dead. The ones living in the book world were just two characters.
Standing up and leaving the bar, Klein ca to a nearby deserted alley. He planned on confirming the kind of spirit world this world had.
He quickly outlined spherical lights in his mind as his thoughts gradually emptied out and his body and mind beca tranquil.
As his spirituality spread out bit by bit, several indescribable illusory figures appeared around him. However, up high in the sky, it lacked the seven lustrous brilliances of different colors that contained endless knowledge.
The seven lights don't exist here... The number of spirit world creatures here are lacking... This place is indeed a fake spirit world created by the book... Klein took a step forward and found the colors in his vision saturate to the extre as it overlapped with the obvious differences.
He wasn't in a rush to explore the spirit world. He exited it and began window shopping through Pessote and chatted with others.
Before long, he found Groselle's residence.
The giant ran a blacksmith shop. He was taking an afternoon nap on a huge bed on the second story.
Klein directly entered by passing through the wall and ca to Groselle's side.
He observed the giant for a few seconds and took out the Nightmare Beyonder characteristic from his Spirit Body. With so difficulty, he used so of its powers that it ca naturally equipped with.
Deep, serene darkness quickly spread as it instantly enveloped Klein and Groselle. And in a Spirit Body state, Klein directly saw a blob of irregular hazy spherical light.
His spirituality imdiately emanated over and touched the spherical light.
All sorts of scattered scenes instantly flashed past around him before fixating on a forest with towering but withered trees. On the other side of the forest was a mountain and steep cliffs. At the top of it was a magnificent palace.
The palace was huge and opulent, and it didn't seem suitable for humans. It gave him the impression like it was from a myth as the light of dusk that scattered above it seed frozen.
Klein had seen this palace before. It was the Giant King's Court that had appeared in the dream world of the battlefield of the gods!
However, this angle was completely different from before. He was situated behind the king's court!
-x-X-x-
Klein turned his gaze to the forest where light could hardly penetrate through its denseness, having gained a rough idea of where he was.
This was the Waning Forest which Groselle guarded when he was at the Giant King's Court.
The trees in the forest were tens of ters tall, and the thickness of the trees was the arm span of several giants. However, their barks were mottled with signs of rot everywhere. The leaves and twigs were mostly withered and dropping as they interwove with each other like a dark cloud floating in midair.
Groselle and similar-looking giants guarded the boundary of the forest, either carrying axes or broadswords, fully concentrating on defending the area.
According to Groselle, this Waning Forest has the bodies of Giant King Aurmir's father and mother buried in it. Apart from this ancient god, no one else is allowed to step inside, including these guards... Yes, Giant King Aurmir's parents should be so-called original giants, the kind that was the craziest, cruelest, and most ferocious. Perhaps... Eh, why would Groselle have such a dream? As Klein was in thought, he suddenly sensed sothing amiss.
According to his random conversations in Pessote, the present Groselle was a native giant who had nothing to do with the Giant King's Court.
Therefore, having such a dream made it appear rather abnormal!
From the Psychology Alchemists' theory which Ma'am Daly and Miss Justice have discussed before, perhaps the book world will use or clone the original character's subconscious or collective subconscious when creating a character. Then, it would make minor changes, making the consciousness fulfill the required settings. Therefore, Groselle's dream will be influenced by his subconscious, reproducing life in the Giant King's Court... if that's the case, it can only be said that this book is a cruel author... The mont Klein thought of this, he suddenly had an idea. He felt that this was an opportunity for him to gather relevant information on the Giant King's Court.
He previously planned on directly learning about such matters through Groselle. But in order to keep his promise, the Giant Guardian had died in the battle with King of the North Ulyssan. After his Spirit Body left the book world, it quickly dissipated without giving him any chance of communicating. Now, he finally had another thod, which was to explore Groselle's dream.
There had to be parts of it that were ridiculous or exaggerated, but the remaining content had to be a true reflection of reality. As long as an approach of careful study is employed, it's not impossible to distinguish the two.
Groselle never entered the Waning Forest, so the scenes inside must stem from his imagination. There's no need to explore it... Klein slowly cast his gaze onto the mountain where the king's court was.
It wasn't tall, which ant that the Waning Forest was on a mountain rather close to the king's court. It was probably just a straight path from there to the ancient god's residence.
Klein didn't waste ti searching as he walked straight to Groselle and acted like he knew him well. He asked in a relaxed tone, "How should I return to the king's court?"
He knew that Groselle was an honest giant, and he would only be more honest in his dream.
Groselle raised his hand to scratch the back of his head as he looked down with a confused look. He said with a smile, "Isn't it simply by taking the Barren Tunnel?"
He pointed ahead and added, "You'll see it when you circle around that boulder."
"Thank you," Klein sighed as he said with a bow.
As he watched Klein depart, Groselle scratched the back of his head again, muttering to himself in confusion, "Who is he? Why do I find him so familiar..."
After circling a boulder that protruded out the mountain, the scene opened up before Klein's eyes. A gigantic cave at least thirty ters tall appeared.
Erected outside the cave was a stone stele. Engraved on it was a single vertical eye, a high nose, and plush lips. It looked like a giant's head had been squeezed in to reveal the frontal facial features.
Just as Klein approached, the mouth on the stele opened.
"Why are you returning to the king's court ahead of ti?"
"By His Majesty's orders," Klein said in an unflustered tone. After all, the intelligence level of all the living beings in this dream was equivalent to the owner of the dream—Groselle.
The lips on the stele opened and closed as it let out a humming sound.
"Please answer a question; otherwise, you shall not pass."
... If only I brought along Arrodes, it should be rather fun to see what happens... Klein lampooned as he calmly nodded.
"Okay."
The stele's lips closed for three seconds before opening.
"If your wife, daughter, and a woman you covet ask you to judge which of them is most beautiful, who would you choose?"
This is completely different from the magic mirror's style... Klein's lips quivered as his mind raced. Using nearly ten seconds, he answered, "My intelligence is insufficient to determine this matter. I will assign soone who is more intelligent than to give the answer."
How can I answer sothing that can get killed? He gritted his teeth as he added.
"... Who is this more intelligent person?" The giant's face on the stele froze for a few seconds.
Klein solemnly answered, "Of course it's our king."
The stele was shocked beyond words. It took quite a mont before it said, "Alright, I'll consider it as you answering the question. You may pass."
Klein imdiately crossed the strange stele and walked into the cave.
The ground in the cave was paved with large stone panels that had been weathered. The sides and top of the cave were filled with murals, speaking of stories of the giants and dragons battling the demonic wolves, mutants, devils, and phoenixes. The drawing style was crude and the color choice was dark. However, it was extrely vivid.
Klein walked forward as he observed the murals. He discovered that there were swaths of withered weeds, as well as all kinds of coarse gravel in between the stone panels and the bottom of the murals.
And the lack of water and the decline of life beca more apparent the deeper he ventured inside.
After walking for an unknown period of ti, Klein saw a huge grayish-blue open door. Standing on each side of the door was a four-to five-ter-tall giant.
The giants guarding this place were different from Groselle and the others. They wore solid and beautiful iron-black armor and firm, exquisite helms. They looked like two huge statues.
They didn't stop Klein and allowed him to pass through the door and enter the hall within.
The hall wasn't too spacious. The ends of the hall could be seen clearly, and it could probably only hold five to six giants.
As Klein was observing his environnt, he suddenly halted. Then, the hall seed to be pulled up by an invisible hand as it quickly rose.
He staggered a little before finding his footing. All he saw were grayish-black walls flashing by as they kept sweeping downwards.
In about ten seconds, there was a thud as the hall stopped ascending.
At this mont, it wasn't the cave tunnel outside the door, but a magnificent palace propped up by stone columns. @@@@
Klein briskly left the original hall as he sized up his surroundings with piqued interest.
This is the Giant King's Court's "elevator?" This seems to be the place where the guards live. Outside is a long table taller than humans, with extrely large chairs. On the two sides are rooms, and inside them are neatly ordered beds... Klein swept past the various items in the hall before he stopped at a mural.
The mural's main character was a giant dressed in full-body silver armor. As there was nothing to scale, Klein was unable to know exactly how tall he was.
The giant stood by the side of a cliff, with a sword in hand pointing diagonally upwards. His body emitted a bright halo, like a rising sun illuminating the surroundings.
Many giants were genuflecting around him, as though praying or worshiping him and awaiting a bestownt.
The giant king's son, God of Dawn, Badheilbrunn? Klein looked at the face of the mural's main character in thought, and he saw that his face was blocked by a mask. There was only a dawn-like halo coming from his eyes.
It's very similar to the God of Combat statue in the Backlund underground ruins. His face is completely hidden behind a mask... Heh, Queen Mystic said before that the God of Combat is a giant who lived from ancient tis. Therefore, their Church's headquarters, the Great Twilight Hall, resembled the Giant King's Court... Could it be the son of the giant king? God of Dawn escaped the destruction of the king's court, and at a certain point in ti, he managed to retake the authority wielded by "His" father? Klein made a bold guess, but he lacked any evidence or clues.
He used the correspondence principle to look at the wall opposite the mural. There was also a mural there, but the main character was no longer God of Dawn, Badheilbrunn. Instead, it was a female giant in a leather vest and long skirt.
This female giant stood sideways. Her facial contours were soft, and her single vertical eye was focused beneath her. Long, dark-brown hair reached all the way to her back.
Her right hand was spread out as she held items like wheat and fruits. Around her were golden fields, clear lakes, and trees covered with fruits and colorful mushrooms.
Giant Queen, Goddess of Harvest, Obella? Klein looked around, but he didn't see the mural representing Giant King Aurmir.
There's no depiction of the ancient god because this is the residence of remote guards? Then, going out from here will likely be the interior of the Giant King's Court... Klein carefully walked to the door. He used the thod he employed in the dream world of the battlefield ruins of the gods by activating Creeping Hunger and using the strength of a Zombie to open the door.
However, there wasn't a palace in the frozen dusk that he had imagined outside. Instead, it was a gray, hazy world. It appeared to be a cliff with a bottomless pit.
According to Miss Justice's previous experience, this is likely the boundary of the dream. The only way is to head down and enter Groselle's subconscious. Finally, I'll arrive at the sea of collective subconscious... Miss Justice discovered a mind dragon in the human sea of collective subconscious where she was. Then, in this book world created by the Dragon of Imagination, what would be contained in the sea of collective subconscious? Klein's mind whirred as he conjured a staircase that led down into the hazy world.
The staircase didn't head straight down but spiraled around deep into the gray haze. The bottom couldn't be seen, nor were any of the details of the mind world that were possible to discern.
-x-X-x-
After silently observing it for a few seconds, Klein walked forward as he got onto the staircase and carefully walked down it.
The surrounding light gradually dimd with a gray, hazy luster that enveloped the extrely silent world. The mont Klein proceeded down the staircase, he felt more and more like he was being locked inside a dark, silent room. Slowly, his ears could hear his sloshing blood and his beating heart.
The latter sped up as it was invaded by panic and horror which he could hardly keep in check. Klein focused his mind as he imagined the stacks of spherical light so as to stabilize his emotions and recover.
To his side, a grayish-white cliff coldly stood there, a representation of the domain of Groselle's consciousness. It was silent as though it were dead, but the surrounding grayness would occasionally coruscate.
Klein focused his gaze and saw that in one of the points of light, there was a giant who ripped apart a human before stuffing it into his mouth, as well as Groselle panicking. Back then, the latter was less than three ters tall, and it was clearly still an adolescent.
The point of light flashed past, appearing in the frozen dusk that scattered over the mountain peak. Ti here seed to beco impeded.
Klein was just about to seek out any valuable information in Groselle's subconscious when he suddenly heard sounds akin to a beast's panting.
With a whoosh, a huge palm appeared from the surrounding haze. Its skin was grayish-blue and was covered with signs of rot. On it was an obvious yellowish-green liquid as it quickly grabbed at Klein's ankle.
Amidst the panting sound, similar palms rose up one after another from the staircase below, as though they were attempting to forcibly pull Klein's Spirit Body into the mind world's darkest and most unfathomable zone.
Instantly, these rotting palms ford a dense horse as they kept struggling upwards and let out sounds of horrible, hair-raising panting. It made Klein instinctively jump up three steps.
However, the countless palms that belonged to giant corpses didn't stop. They squird along the staircase as they surged upwards, covering every inch of space.
Klein was just about to reach out his right palm to draw Death Knell and use Purifying Bullets combined together with Death Knell's Slaughter ability to finish off the countless monsters when two questions suddenly flashed in his mind.
Where do these palms co from? Why would they be inside Groselle's subconscious?
The mont this thought ca to mind, his spiritual perception was triggered. Klein ca to a realization as he imdiately abandoned his thoughts of using Death Knell. He cald his breathing and imagined the spherical lights.
The huge, rotting palms took this opportunity to reach his feet as they grabbed his calves and ankles!
At that mont, they silent vanished as though they had never appeared.
Indeed, this is an illusion created by Groselle's subconscious. Here, minds don't just face each other, but they interact with them as well. If one lacks the corresponding Beyonder powers, the deeper one goes, the easier it is to have an emotional breakdown. Intrusion by the other party's subconscious will slowly happen until one's Beyonder powers are severely tainted. As a result, one will beco a ntal patient that will never be able to recover their rationality, and this might very well lead to a loss of control... This is different from communicating with spirits. Corruption isn't avoided simply by maintaining lucidity and reason. This is because one is already inside the target's Beyonder powers... Klein muttered to himself, having figured out sothing.
He hesitated for a few seconds before turning around to climb back up the stairs. He gave up on venturing deep into Groselle's mind world because he lacked the Beyonder powers to placate his own mind. Insisting on heading down was equivalent to suicide.
I'll consider exploring again after I find a mystical item that targets this aspect. Klein determined his thoughts as he walked faster. Finally, with a leap, he returned to Groselle's dreamscape and returned to the guards' quarters in the Giant King's Court.
He already felt exhausted, so he imdiately left the dream, walking out of Groselle's blacksmith through the walls before observing the wonders of the book world.
I've already t Groselle, Mobet, and Siatas. And while I was casually chatting with others, I also heard of the devout priest, Snowman, and the philosopher, Frunziar. However, there isn't an Anderson Hood, Edwina Edwards, Danitz, or Gehrman Sparrow... Therefore, only the dead will possess brand new characters in the book. Or could it be that only those who had stayed in here for extended periods of ti—fully expressing themselves as an adventurer in their day-to-day lives—would be able to have their subconscious replicated? As Klein strolled by the side of the street which was illuminated by the setting sun, he considered sothing that he found crucial.
If it were the forr theory, where the dead would "revive" and beco new characters, then there was nothing Klein needed to worry about. However, if it was the latter, he had to consider reducing the frequency at which he explored the book, as well as strictly control the amount of ti he spent in it each ti.
There's no way to ascertain it for now. I'll deal with the situation by assuming it's the latter. There's definitely nothing wrong with being cautious... Klein quickly made up his mind and was about to return above the gray fog.
At that mont, he saw another familiar figure.
Frunziar, with his black hair and blue eyes, was sitting on a long, wooden chair by the street. He was staring blankly at the sky which seed to be alit in flas, as though he was in thought.
Recalling how this Loen soldier's ash urn was still with him, he planned on sending it back to the Church of Storms cetery in Backlund. Klein silently sighed and walked over before sitting beside him. He asked as though it was a casual conversation, "What's on your mind?"
"I'm wondering who I am, where I co from, how I should return..." Frunziar didn't look away as he said in a dream-like state.
Without waiting for Klein to ask another question, he shook his head with a chuckle.
"I ultimately feel that I don't belong here. I'm not myself at the mont, and that there's so place awaiting my return.
"They always mock for considering such pointless questions, so they gave the title of 'philosopher'..."
As he spoke, he looked at the setting sun and once again fell into silence and looked spellbound.
Klein didn't say a word. He sat there quietly and accompanied Frunziar in watching the sunset. Finally, he silently vanished.
Frunziar didn't notice that the person beside him had already left. He sat there motionless like a marble statue, looking far into the distance.
...
After replenishing the ship's supplies, Alger Wilson instructed the Blue Avenger to leave the Resistance's private harbor. It wasn't going to stay too long in the Rorsted Archipelago.
He had to return to Pasu Island to make his report by the designated ti.
At that mont, in the captain's cabin, he was watching in anticipation at the illusory door that was ford by items with spirituality and a burgeoning fla.
It was the door of sacrifice, and it was also a door of bestownt!
Amidst an illusory creaking sound, the mysterious door slowly opened, revealing an infinite depth and darkness within its interior.
Light shot out from within before converging imdiately. After everything cald down, two items had appeared on the altar at so point in ti. As for the door with all kinds of strange symbols, it was gone.
Alger was able to compose himself as he seriously thanked Mr. Fool. He finished the ritual according to the procedure before reaching out to pick up the two items.
One of them was a piece of paper that had been neatly folded, while the other was a translucent jellyfish that had azure-blue seawater in it.
Alger inspected the latter and discovered that there were occasional vortexes ford by winds or occasional lightning streaks. And from ti to ti, he could hear a distant, moving voice sounding from it.
This voice sounds like a woman's... From the looks of it, this characteristic's owner was a lady. Alger couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief. This ant that it wasn't so quasi high-ranking mber of the Church of Storms that had been killed.
The Church of Storms didn't have any female high-ranking mbers, quasi or not!
Putting away the Ocean Songster's Beyonder characteristic, Alger unfolded the piece of paper. He swept past the main ingredient, and he quickly looked at the supplentary ingredients. Finally, his eyes paused at the ritual.
To him, the main ingredients were unimportant with a Beyonder characteristic in hand. He could look at it later. As for supplentary ingredients, they were rather easy to find, so they didn't need much attention. It was the ritual that was of utmost importance.
Drink the potion in an Obninsk's belly... Alger silently read the ritual's contents as the corresponding information quickly surfaced in his mind.
Obninsks were ancient sea monsters. They could directly devour a sailboat, and it had a humongous, distorted body. It had as many as three heads and many tentacles that entangled with each other. They were the protagonists in many legends at sea.
Most of these sea monsters were tad by the Church of Storms. They had a fixed region of activity, but it was unknown if they had near-human intelligence.
It's no wonder the Church controls Obninsks, and not other sea monsters... It's no wonder there are so many Beyonders in the Sailor pathway among pirates, but only a few can reach Sequence 5. Either they directly inherited it, or they're the subordinates of King of the Five Seas or Queen Mystic... Then, where should I find Obninsks that don't belong to the Church... Alger frowned slightly as he contemplated his advancent that bypassed the Church of Storms.
His first reaction was to find Queen Mystic Bernadette through Admiral of Stars Cattleya. From her, he could find Obninsks that didn't belong to the Church of Storms. His second reaction was that it exposed himself to danger. This was because the corresponding Obninsks were likely servants of Queen Mystic, and they would report everything to their mistress.
Yes, this will be the last resort if there aren't any other choices. Alger's thoughts raced as he quickly had another idea.
That was to pray to Mr. Fool!
This reawakened existence secretly wielded the forr authority of Sea God Kalvetua. "He" could commandeer undersea creatures, allowing "Him" to know where to find Obninsks that didn't belong to any faction!
There's no need to rush it. If I were to advance now, I won't be able to hide the advancent from others, because of my lack of control over the spirituality dissipation. I can perform the prayer after I make my report and leave Pasu Island... Alger cald down and morized the Ocean Songster formula. Then, he moved the piece of paper to the tip of the candle's fla.
As he watched the fla devour the formula at an increasing speed, Alger's gaze turned deep.
After finishing off the remnant traces, his gaze landed on a sea map and locked onto a location.
Bansy!
Alger had planned on making a trip to Bansy in passing while en route to Pasu Island. He wanted to know what the present state of the harbor was.
He had already shared his thoughts with his sailors, and no one objected. This was because they were equally curious as to why Bansy Harbor was suddenly destroyed. They were curious what it had turned into.
-x-X-x-
On the Future, Frank Lee rolled up his sleeves and began flicking his fountain pen while writing with a smile.
"My dear friend, Gehrman Sparrow, I have good news for you. I have successfully cultivated a new breed of mushrooms by using the flesh and blood of a Rose Bishop. As long as there's fish, it will keep growing. We'll no longer have to worry about not being able to eat mushrooms due to long voyages. Furthermore, it has been crossbred with beef, making it taste excellent!
"Its only flaw is that there's no way to make it catch fish by itself. External help is needed, but I don't think it's too big a problem. After all, based on what Nina said, it wouldn't corrupt the ocean. Well, let's just pretend she's right.
"I've mailed you so dried mushrooms. As long as you give it water and fish, they will imdiately beco normal and reproduce by themselves. I hope you will like my gift..."
After going on and on, Frank finally folded the letter and placed it in an envelope. He stuffed three dried mushrooms into it before applying glue and sealing it.
After doing all of this, he took out the note Klein had given him, followed the description written, and began to seriously prepare the ritual needed to summon the ssenger.
This wasn't complicated for Frank, so it didn't take long for him to set up the altar and create a wall of spirituality.
Finally, he solemnly placed a Loen gold coin before the candle.
He lit the candle, softly chanted the incantation, and stared at the fla. He watched it burgeon as a headless woman walked out with four heads in hand.
Frank first jumped in fright before staring at Reinette Tinekerr's four beautiful blonde, red-eyed heads that looked identical with patience as he muttered, "How was it done?
"Why are they completely identical?
"If planted in soil, will more be grown?"
The eyes of the four heads held by Reinette Tinekerr turned in different directions before uniformly falling on Frank Lee's face.
Suddenly, the soil stored inside all kinds of vessels within the room flew out and piled before Frank.
Following that, Frank floated up as he tumbled in midair with a shocked expression. He was thrown straight into the pile of soil with his head first.
His legs kept struggling as they dangled outside, but he was unable to pull himself out of the soil pile anyti soon.
Only then did two of Reinette Tinekerr's four heads reach out forward, separately biting down on the letter and the gold coin.
Only after she completely disappeared did Frank Lee finally find the best spot to exert his strength to escape the soil as he fell to the ground.
She's powerful... Frank first sighed with a sense of lingering fear. Following that, he wiped the soil beside his mouth, bit into it, and chewed on it carefully before muttering to himself, "It's a bit sour..."
At that mont, Cattleya, who had just finished a sacrifice in her cabin, sensed sothing. Her dark purple eyes subconsciously looked towards Frank Lee's room, and she vaguely saw a crudely-made illusory doll.
The doll didn't have a head!
The scene flashed as Cattleya closed her eyes imdiately. She felt her eyes were burning as she couldn't help but have her tears flow out.
She knitted brows little by little as she muttered in disbelief, "Ancient Bane?"
...
After sending the teorite Crystal and Black-hunting Giant Lizard's spinal fluid to Miss Magician and Miss Justice, Klein returned to the real world. He lay himself down on a reclining chair as he allowed his body to rock gently. He began considering where he would head to next.
With news of Gehrman Sparrow's sighting and Crazy Captain Connors Viktor's matter, it's unlikely that the pirates will openly appear in Bayam for so ti. They've either left the harbors or are hiding themselves, making it difficult for others to find them.
That is to say that there's no need for to stay here. The matters regarding the Resistance can be directed by responding to them through Sea God or by going through Danitz.
Hmm, I'll head to the Seaweed Bar later. I'll get a fake identity, buy a scalped ticket, and head for Desi Bay's Conant City... That's not only the biggest harbor around here, but it's also Davy Raymond's hotown. I previously agreed to this Red Glove's request when I released him from Creeping Hunger that I would pay this beautiful bay city a visit and tell his daughter that revenge has been exacted. Yes, I'll also think of a way to return the Nightmare's Beyonder characteristic to the Church.
Heh heh, how hypocritical can people be? I'm planning on returning a Nightmare characteristic while also planning how to steal a Sealed Artifact from behind Saint Samuel Cathedral's Chanis Gate...
Shaking his head, Klein closed his eyes and slept to recover his spirituality.
After an unknown period of ti, he suddenly felt sothing as he opened his eyes naturally. He quickly activated his Spirit Vision.
Then, he saw Reinette Tinekerr walk out of the void.
This ssenger was wearing the sa complicated black dress, with a letter clasped in one of the head's teeth.
Who mailed it? Danitz, Vice Admiral Iceberg, Frank, or Anderson? Klein received the letter as he nodded in appreciation.
"Thank you."
He was very courteous with his powerful ssenger with a mysterious background. He didn't wish to be strangled to death one day.
"Do you..." "Want to..." "Imdiately..." "Reply..." Reinette Tinekerr's four heads spoke one after another.
Klein tore open the envelope, took out the letter and opened it to read it. The content alard him as he nearly forgot to reply to her. As for Reinette Tinekerr, she wasn't quick-tempered. She silently waited by the side.
One day, Frank Lee will destroy the world. He definitely needs to be controlled. I can't give him a chance to advance! Seriously, how much does this fellow love to crossbreed and create all kinds of strange plants? Eh... the City of Silver is in need of food... A thought flashed through Klein's mind as he had a bold idea.
It was to direct Frank's research efforts towards all kinds of food that suited the City of Silver!
This way, cows, fish, mushrooms, Rose Bishops, the sea, and the world would be safe!
Klein hurriedly looked up and said to his ssenger, "Yes, I'll imdiately reply."
He instantly got up from the reclining chair, walked to the desk, got out a pen and paper, and started writing quickly.
"... I have a question. If you eat the mushroom breed you create, then eat cooked fish and drink a cup of water, will it continue to reproduce?"
After finishing the reminder, Klein proceeded to the main point.
"... Is it possible for you to create wheat that can grow without sunlight, or cows that can produce milk and at simply by consuming monsters? That seems rather interesting!"
He continued on this topic and wrote a few paragraphs before folding the letter. He then handed it to Reinette Tinekerr and, in a natural way. he said, "The postage will be paid by Frank."
"Let's hope..." He..." "Isn't..." "Dead..." After the ssenger's four heads said those words one after another, a representative was made to bite on the envelope.
Let's hope he isn't dead? Klein jumped in fright. Just as he was about to clarify the matter, Reinette Tinekerr had already entered the spirit world and disappeared.
After contemplating for two seconds, Klein wrote a divination statent and used his topaz pendant to confirm that Frank Lee was still alive.
He silently heaved a sigh of relief, packed up the dried mushrooms, and rubbed his temples before lying back into the reclining chair.
...
After dinner. At the Seaweed Bar.
Klein wore an ordinary-looking face and ca here once again.
Unlike before, the custors in the bar were mainly mixed-blood or natives who had darker skin and curly black hair. They were either part of the gangs in Bayam, or they were secretly working for the Resistance, or even both. There weren't many ordinary people, and the commonly seen pirates who often ca from different countries were all gone. Only a few people dressed as adventurers were drinking liquor and discussing rumors at sea.
Klein swept the bar and found Deniel, who Danitz had ntioned. This thin local could provide him with fake identification docunts and scalped ship tickets.
Without any apprehension, he went over.
"A second-class ticket to Conant for tomorrow, and an identification docunt."
Deniel looked up and glanced at him. After so thought, he said, "A total of 20 pounds."
Just a second-class ticket to Conant costs around nine pounds... However, scalped tickets are more expensive to begin with. Together with the faked identification docunts, 20 pounds isn't too ridiculous... Klein silently did the math before saying, "When can I get it?"
"In 45 minutes," Deniel replied like clockwork. "You can pay 5 pounds first, and then pay the rest after receiving the ticket and identification."
"Alright." Klein didn't harp on the issue as he took out his wallet and pulled out five one-pound notes.
He wasn't worried that anyone would target his wallet, for it might an that he would save the 20 pounds, or even get more.
Monts after Deniel checked the authenticity of the notes and was about to inform his subordinates to get working, he suddenly realized that the bar was extrely silent!
Klein also sensed it as he subconsciously looked towards the door.
There were two people there. One was wearing a formal tailcoat and a black trench coat, with brown hair neatly combed backwards. His eyes weren't big, but they were bright and piercing. He had a thin mustache around his mouth, making him exude a gentlemanly feeling while also looking a little sloppy. The other person wore a hooded robe which was rather rare. His face was hidden in the shadows, making it impossible to identify him.
The sloppy gentleman scanned the area and was rather pleased with the crowd's reaction. A silver coin was tumbling in between his fingers as he walked towards Deniel. The hooded person followed behind him, taking out sothing from his clothes and stuffing it into his mouth, producing crunching sounds.
The silver coin stopped moving when the sloppy gentleman ca in front of Deniel. He said with a chuckle, "Prepare ten tickets to Pritz Harbor tomorrow for . They need to be split between three different ships."
"Yes, Mr. Oder," Deniel stood up in a panic as he replied.
Klein montarily failed to recall who the sloppy gentleman who was tumbling the silver coin in his hand was. Only when he heard the na "Oder" did he find him familiar.
As he was recalling, he saw the man in the hood take out a coffee-colored sweet before popping it into his mouth. He was munching on it, producing the sounds.
After obtaining an affirmative reply, Oder and the man didn't stay any longer. They walked to the staircase in the quiet atmosphere, and they headed for the second floor of the bar.
Deniel exhaled as he turned his head to see Klein looking puzzled. He then said, "Oder. The adventurer, Oder, who serves the Dawn."
... I rember, Silver Coin Viper Oder! He's always claid that he works for Queen Mystic, but no one could prove it. I can ask Ma'am Hermit later... The last I heard of him was at Damir Harbor. He was apparently mixing with Admiral of Blood's intelligence officer, Old Quinn... However, the latter has already been finished off by Mr. Hanged Man... Klein instantly recalled many things as he deliberated and asked, "What about the other one?"
"Who knows?" Deniel turned his head to instruct his subordinates as he got them to prepare so identification docunts and the corresponding ship tickets.
-x-X-x-
As Silver Coin Viper Oder wasn't a pirate, there were all kinds of rumors about him, most of which could hardly be verified. Klein retracted his gaze from the staircase and walked to the bar counter. He found a seat at the counter and tapped it.
"A cup of Zarhar."
This was a locally produced malt beer. It was a lot cheaper than Southville beer that needed to be shipped over from the Northern Continent.
"3 pence." The bartender recovered from his silent state as he picked up an overturned cup.
The crowd in the bar began to break out into whispers as they were illuminated by the gas wall lamps. All of them were discussing the reason for Silver Coin Viper Oder's purchase of ten tickets.
"He's definitely being pursued by soone. Ten tickets among three ships... It's clearly to prevent his pursuers from knowing which ship they boarded!" A gang mber with his sleeves rolled-up, revealing his tattoo, shared his view based on his experience from evading capture twice.
An adventurer drinking Lanti Proof scoffed.
"You don't understand Oder. If his plan was that simple, he wouldn't have the title 'Silver Coin Viper.'
"I dare bet that he won't be on any of those liners from those ten tickets!
"The only thing I can confirm is that they're heading to Pritz Harbor."
Another adventurer shook his head when he heard that.
"Perhaps the news of him heading to Pritz Harbor is fake as well."
The gang mber from before was taken aback by what he heard. Refusing to be one-upped, he said, "According to your descriptions, Oder has likely thought of what you figured out. That's precisely why he's heading to Pritz Harbor and will be on one of the three ships!"
The two adventurers were about to retort him, but they decided that there was quite a nonzero chance of that happening after so careful thought. Montarily, none of them said a word.
This made the gang mber extrely happy as he downed the rest of his liquor.
Klein was holding a cup of Zarhar as he sipped it while listening to the conversation. He was waiting for the fake identification and tickets he needed.
There's another 45 minutes. I hope nothing happens. Don't make the bar into a ss... He silently prayed as he drew the crimson moon inwardly.
The light-yellow beer slowly dropped in volu while Klein would look at the wall clock from ti to ti, or at the entrance, hoping that ti would pass faster.
Half an hour later, the door to the bar was suddenly opened with a loud thud as the evening wind gushed in.
No way... The corners of Klein's lips twitched as he held back his urge to smile wryly. He turned his body to look at the sound.
Standing by the door were five people. Their leader had black hair and brown eyes, with recessed facial features and cut facial contours. He looked Loenese and looked to be in his early forties.
His expression was cold and he exuded a natural air of dominance. It made everyone in the bar quieten down without realizing it.
And the three n and the woman behind him were in trench coats. They didn't hide the fact that they were holding revolvers, and that they would instantly aim and shoot if there was any slight sign of abnormalities.
I don't know them. They aren't on any wanted list or have any bounties on them... Klein mumbled to himself as he maintained his state as a spectator.
The five intruders suddenly scattered as they ca before different custors, bent their backs slightly, and looked at them before asking, "Where is Silver Coin Viper Oder?"
The custors were hesitant to give an answer when they saw the black muzzle pointed at them, along with the handle made of ivory and ebony which exuded a strange sense of beauty under the lights.
"T-they went to the second floor!" The custors who had been asked nearly pointed to the staircase in unison.
Soone is really pursuing Oder. This is an act against Queen Mystic, or has Silver Coin Viper done sothing himself? Or could it be because of the mysterious hooded man beside him who was eating sweets? Klein drank another mouthful of beer as he saw the intruders send four people up to the second floor. One was left behind to continue questioning the custors.
Soon, the latter grasped the situation of Oder's request to purchase tickets from Deniel. Imdiately, the person walked straight to the thin and dark-skinned black marketer, and he asked in a heavy voice, "Tell honestly. Where is Oder heading with those tickets?"
Deniel didn't put on a front just because of his social connections. He forced a smile and said, "He didn't make it clear. He requested for ten tickets that are to be distributed across three different ships. The departure date is set for tomorrow with the destination being Pritz Harbor."
"For real?" The questioner was a seemingly radical man in his twenties.
Deniel softly replied, "You can ask anyone here. All of them heard it."
"Dogsh*t!" The man shoved Deniel angrily as he turned to walk towards the other custors.
Deniel staggered backward and was about to fall and hit his head onto the side of a tiny circular table when he suddenly felt an additional force on his shoulder. Instantly, he regained his balance.
He subconsciously looked over and saw that it was the custor who had just requested to purchase a fake identity and scalped tickets.
"Thank you, those bunch of military hyenas!" Deniel first thanked him before softly saying through clenched teeth.
The person who had helped him was Klein. He didn't wish for anything to happen to this "ticket scalper;" after all, he had paid a deposit of 5 pounds.
Of course, helping the innocent was also a habit of his.
Military hyenas? In Bayam, this description often refers to people from MI9... What did Silver Coin Viper Oder do? Klein silently asked himself as he eliminated the possibility that soone was targeting Queen Mystic.
To the Loen military, it was aningless.
As he was thinking, the MI9 mbers who had headed up to the second floor rushed down. As they ran, they said to their partner, "He has long fled through the window!"
The group of people ca and left in a rush. Soon, the bar resud its usual din, but the still gently wobbling main door proved that it wasn't as calm earlier.
Klein's wait for his fake identification docunts and scalped ticket paid off. He didn't need to worry about any possible interruptions.
After paying the remaining 15 pounds, he left the Seaweed Bar, and he returned to the ordinary inn he stayed at.
John Yode... This na is way too simple, isn't it? Before I return to Backlund, I need to make a more realistic identification docunt. Klein flipped through the series of identification docunts before throwing them inside his suitcase.
He took a bath and relaxed, prepared to leave Bayam tomorrow, and begin the last stage of his sea "travels."
At this mont, he heard knocking at the door.
Who is it? Klein hurriedly took off his bathrobe, wore his clothes and pants, and walked to the door.
Outside were a few policen in black. One of them looked Loenese, while the rest were either mixed-bloods or pure natives.
"What's the matter?" Klein asked, puzzled.
"Please show us so identification," a mixed-blood said politely since the gentleman in front of him was apparently a Loenese.
Thankfully, I just made one. Otherwise, I'll be spending the night at the police station, or I'd have to flee on the spot, change my looks, and redo everything... Klein mumbled as he returned to his room, and took out the identification docunts.
The Loen police officer casually flipped through it as he said, "Mr. Yode, are you living alone?"
"Yes, everyone in the inn can vouch for ," Klein replied frankly.
The Loenese police officer revealed a smile and said, "Have you seen this person before?"
As he spoke, a constable beside him unfolded a portrait. On it was an elder who was abnormally thin with white ssy hair. Apart from that, nothing stood out.
"No." Klein shook his head.
"He likes to eat sweets," the Loenese police officer added. @@@@
"Sweets..." Klein suddenly recalled the mysterious hooded man behind Silver Coin Viper Oder. He had been eating plenty of coffee-colored sweets in a short period of ti.
After a short deliberation, Klein said without hiding anything, "Perhaps. Back when I was in the Seaweed Bar, I saw a man who loved eating sweets and was following Silver Coin Viper Oder."
The Loenese officer didn't hide his disappointnt. After a simple word of thanks, he ended the questioning.
Only after he knocked on the other guest rooms did Klein close the wooden door, and return to the reclining chair.
Oder's matter has not only attracted MI9, but it has also gotten the governor-general's office to send manpower to do a city-wide search. This is quite sothing... he muttered and decided to head above the gray fog to browse through the prayer points of light around the Sea God Scepter. He could gain more information from the prayers of the believers in Bayam. He didn't wish to end up embroiled in a massive maelstrom for giving the wrong response.
After entering the bathroom, he went above the gray fog where he summoned the white bone scepter from the junk pile. Swirling around it were countless points of light.
As he browsed through each point of light, he determined that the questioning wasn't on a small scale. The target was Oder and the mysterious man, but he couldn't figure anything else out.
After so thought, he cast his gaze on a point of light that had been specially marked out by godhood.
It belonged to a mixed-blood policeman nad Boulaya. He claid to have swallowed humiliation by changing his faith to the Lord of Storms for the Sea God so as to climb up the police ranks.
He was already a superintendent!
Then, Klein cast the Sea God's will into the corresponding point of light.
Boulaya, who was in the police station, assigning work to his subordinates suddenly broke out into a cold sweat. He hurriedly found an excuse to enter the washroom as he silently prayed.
"Blessed of the sea and spirit world, the great Kalvetua, your pious believer has sothing to report to you.
"The person we are specially searching for tonight is a very thin elder. His hair is completely white, but he has luxuriant hair. It's just very ssy. He's very afraid of the cold, and he wears thick clothing even in Bayam. He loves to eat sweets, as though he's a steam engine himself and sweets are high-quality coal. The higher-ups have inford us to find him, but not harm him."
Klein ignored Boulaya and reined his thoughts back as he tapped the side of the long table.
Compared to the portrait, such a description gives a sense of familiarity.
It's like I've heard of it sowhere in the past...
To a Seer, a sense of familiarity ant a clue. Hence, Klein wrote a divination statent and began questioning his spirituality.
As he chanted the statent, he leaned back into the chair. He fell asleep with the aid of Cogitation.
In the gray and dark world, Klein found himself back in Backlund, back in 15 Minsk Street which he previously rented.
In front of him was the red-eyed Ian. This teenage boy looked up and said, "Turani von Helmosuin, the greatest scientist after Emperor Roselle, a mathematician, a chanist, and the father of the second generation difference engine."
Suddenly, Klein woke up and knew who MI9 was looking for!
They were finding the great scientist who caused many deaths between the Loen military and the Intis spy organization solely because of a third-generation difference engine!
They were finding the science freak who had mysteriously disappeared for years!
It's no wonder Admiral of Blood's intelligence officer, Old Quinn, had a modified radio transceiver that surpassed those in Backlund! Klein was instantly enlightened.
-x-X-x-
After a mont of his mind going adrift, Klein rubbed his temples and slowly composed himself. He discovered that the matter had little to do with him.
He wasn't motivated to participate in the matter. He was apathetic to whether the Loen military found Turani von Helmosuin, because he lacked a sense of belonging to the Loen Kingdom. What he had done in the past was solely to ensure a stable society and that its citizens wouldn't suffer any accidental damage. If possible, he didn't mind instigating a revolution to allow the poor to lead better lives. @@@@
I never expected myself to beco more of an internationalist after coming to this world... He gave a self-deprecating laugh as he prepared to return to the real world and have so sleep. Under the cloak of darkness, he would allow the tempest outside to freely unleash its might.
At this mont, his attention was caught by the biggest item in the junk pile through the corner of his eyes—the radio transceiver.
Speaking of which, what is the faction controlling Turani von Helmosuin? It's nothing much if it's people from Queen Mystic Bernadette's side. She's a strong believer of "do as you wish, but do no harm," so she wouldn't do anything overboard.
It wouldn't be good if it's the Rose School of Thought represented by Admiral of Blood. Ignoring the temperance faction that's being suppressed, as believers of the Chained God or Mother Tree of Desire, their level of vileness can't be lower than the Aurora Order. Letting them grasp the most advanced technology available might bring about a disaster... Klein stopped his actions of wrapping his body with his spirituality. He gently tapped the edge of the mottled table.
He soon had an idea, which was to bring the radio transceiver back to the real world, adjust it to the correct frequency to see if he could receive the telegrams from Admiral of Blood's crew. Then, he could use the codebook he had to decipher the communications.
There will be a huge sweep of the city tonight. The matter must be at a rather important and intricate point. If the ones controlling Helmosuin are them, there's a possibility of the appearance of crucial telegram exchanges... In a situation in which the governor-general's office, the Loen military, and the Church of Storms haven't placed importance or even accepted this technology, this is the safest thod. Therefore, Admiral of Blood and company have a nonzero chance that they wouldn't change the frequency and codes after Old Quinn's death... Anyway, I'll just give it a try. After so deliberation, Klein didn't delay as he returned to the real world and busily prepared a bestownt ritual.
After bringing the radio transceiver into his room, he didn't imdiately use it. Instead, he used a ritual dagger and created a wall of spirituality to seal the room.
He was doing it to air out the gray fog's "sll!"
To him, there was actually no need to go through so much trouble to confirm the faction that controlled Helmosuin. He could've used the gray fog's aura to contact Arrodes and receive the answer. But the problem was that he had posed his questions recently, and the "sll" that frequently appeared might incur the notice of evil gods like the True Creator or the Primordial Demoness. It was extrely dangerous.
Therefore, Klein decided to play safe by relying on himself.
After about eight minutes, when the "airing" was almost complete, he dispelled the wall of spirituality and controlled the radio transceiver to begin his surveillance.
After an unknown period of ti, the corresponding frequency received a transmission!
Klein held back the joy in his heart as he seriously made notes. Then, he flipped through the codebook which he had replicated using divination, and he began the necessary deciphering process.
Soon, he wrote a line on a note: "32 Black Pepper Avenue. 7 a.m. tomorrow."
Indeed, the people in control of Helmosuin are Admiral of Blood and company. There might be powerhouses from the Rose School of Thought involved... Klein imdiately made a judgnt.
This wasn't confird based on the content of the telegram, but a simple inference from the existence of the telegram itself.
If Admiral of Blood and company were uninvolved, it was unlikely for them to send and receive telegrams involving Bayam's streets!
The aning of this telegram is to gather by 32 Black Pepper Street tomorrow before 7 a.m.? Does it an that Helmosuin and Silver Coin Viper Oder are hiding there, and they're reporting to Admiral of Blood of their location and giving a corresponding ti? Klein thought for a mont and imdiately returned above the gray fog. With the intel he had just received, he wrote the divination statent: "Turani von Helmosuin's present location."
With the paper in hand, he leaned back into the chair and chanted the statent in a raving-like manner as he entered a dream with Cogitation.
In the gray, hazy world, he saw an underground hall with countless gas wall lamps.
Inside the hall was a massive, complicated machine. It was constructed from copper cylinders, operating levers, take-up levers, and countless gears. It took up nearly two-thirds of the space.
A thin elder with grizzled, disheveled hair wore a thick coat as he paced in front of the machine. From ti to ti, he would pop a sweet into his mouth and munch on it noisily.
"No, it shouldn't be called a difference engine. It's an adorable fellow who can analyze questions and calculate the answer based on a set of procedures. Yes, its na should be a calculator!" The elder kept muttering to himself as Klein's vision was pulled upwards and out the underground hall, arriving at the building above.
It was a three-storey villa with a garden and lawn. Outside was its address, and it reads: "32 Black Pepper Avenue"!
He really is here...
Klein opened his eyes as he silently exhaled.
Then, he was stumped about what to do next.
A scientist like him is useless to . Instead, it's the root of many problems. I can't just keep him above the gray fog. Therefore, there's no need for to personally get involved and take him away... Hmm, hand over the news to the Loen military or the Church of Storms? This will effectively prevent the Rose School of Thought from obtaining any benefits, but there's a faction in the military that is likely related to the true culprit behind the Great Smog of Backlund. It's not a good thing to have Helmosuin fall into their hands... The Church of Storms is well known for being rash. A conflict might end up with the scientist eting the deity he believes in... After so careful deliberation, he gradually had a bold idea.
It was to make the news public. He would make the existence and location of Turani von Helmosuin known to the Loen Kingdom military and the Churches. This could effectively ensure that the scientist's capabilities would be employed by the Loen Kingdom itself, and not any one faction!
The key is balance... Klein smiled as he muttered. He then beckoned with his hand for the Sea God Scepter.
For the forr him, he had to carefully "distribute fliers" across the city to make a matter public and known to all, but now, he had an even simpler and effective thod!
He selected a believer who happened to be praying, and then pulled his view back as the surrounding area spanning five kiloters entered his vision.
Then, with the Sea God Scepter, he wielded control of the wind!
Once the wind cald down, Klein's will sank into the scene as he changed his voice, saying with a low roar, "Helmosuin is at 32 Black Pepper Avenue!"
Whoosh!
In Bayam, the howl of the wind turned intense as it swept in every direction, bringing with it the deep and loud voice.
"Helmosuin is at 32 Black Pepper Avenue!
"Helmosuin is at 32 Black Pepper Avenue!"
...
This voice soon spread across Bayam like a broadcast to the entire city.
Silver Coin Viper Oder was donning a cloak, pretending to be Helmosuin. He hid himself in a crowded building in the slums, occasionally appearing to mislead MI9 and the governor-general's office's police officers.
Suddenly, a gale swept past as the voice sounded in his ears.
"Helmosuin is at 32 Black Pepper Avenue!"
... What? As the voice resounded, Oder fell into a dazed shock. Without noticing it, he fell from the top of the roof and nearly injured himself badly.
Behind the Cathedral of Waves, and in a small nearby building of the governor-general's office, Jahn Kottman and Robert Davis heard the voice in the wind.
The first reaction they had was to look up at the sky before casting their eyes towards the borough where Black Pepper Avenue was.
After the broadcast and being in a good mood, Klein threw the Sea God Scepter back into the junk pile and returned to the real world.
He wasn't in a rush to bring the radio transceiver back above the gray fog. Instead, he left it there as he continued monitoring the transmissions.
This way, even if there are powerhouses from the Rose School of Thought hidden in Bayam, they wouldn't dare appear. Heh heh, and regardless who takes action, they'll have no choice but to "hand" it over to the country! Unfortunately, I don't have the habit of writing a diary like the emperor. Otherwise, I could write sothing like: I did another good deed today! Klein silently sighed, took off his coat, got into bed, and slept. He didn't care what was going to happen next, as it had nothing to do with him.
After sleeping for an unknown period of ti, he suddenly woke up and sat up. Then, there was knocking on his door.
Who could it be? To knock in the middle of the night... I'm currently John Yode... Klein wore Creeping Hunger and took out Death Knell from under his pillow before coming to the door.
The visitor's looks quickly surfaced in his mind. It was a thin elder with grizzled, disheveled hair. He was wearing a coat stuffed with cotton and a tweed overcoat. He was popping a coffee-colored sweet into his mouth.
Turani von Helmosuin!
Holy f*ck! Why is he here looking for ? I'm just the ordinary John Yode! Also, how did he escape the tracking of a demigod? Klein's first reaction was to tell the man that he had gotten the wrong person, but he held back and asked, "Who are you looking for?"
Helmosuin smiled weakly and said, "I noticed you when we were in the Seaweed Bar; however, I didn't have a chance to talk to you.
"Heh heh, my life is at its end, so I recently recalled many things.
"Please allow to introduce myself. You can call Orange Light Hilarion.
Orange Light Hilarion? Klein was taken aback before he asked in puzzlent, "Is there sothing?"
Helmosuin chuckled.
"I'm here to warn you. Be careful of the Mother Tree of Desire!"
He paused for a mont before saying, "Alright, I need to leave, and I'm about to die before returning to the spirit world.
"Do you have any enemies here?"
"Why do you ask?" Klein asked, confused.
Helmosuin coughed and said, "I can silently die at their doorstep. That way, you would have your revenge."
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