So powerful.
Neil had noticed Klein's reaction. He asked what was wrong. To which Klein responded that he was shocked at how weird the symbols Roselle used were. He also stated that he had hoped that after learning of the existence of Roselle's notes, he might have had a chance at deciphering them. Though after looking at them, he realized he was lacking. To which Neil humorously replied, he thought he was the same. Neil also encouraged Klein not to give up so easily since he managed to decipher that certain symbols were numbers. They began further talks about Roselle's notes, which strangely led to a conversation about protecting mystical creatures.
While in reality, Klein was conversing with Pallez about Mr. Door. It appears from Pallez that Mr. Door, or Bethel Abraham, was the 'pathetic fellow' mentioned by Roselle.
Who is this Mr. Door?
Bethel Abraham was one of the most terrifying and powerful nobles in the Solomon Empire, though once the empire was overthrown, 'He' supported Alista Tudor, the Blood Emperor. Due to 'His' characteristics, 'He' was so powerful that 'He' didn't believe in any gods, only 'Himself'.
3 Sequence 1 characteristics and the Uniqueness of Door, yeah no wonder 'He' was considered one of the most powerful!
It is arguable that 'He' was the most powerful. The five great families of the Solomon Empire were Zaratul, Zoroast, Abraham, Medici, and Ouroboros. Technically, only the first three families had the title of Duke. The other two, despite having no titles, were simply too powerful to insult.
Were you part of the five great families?
I was the ancestor before the Solomon Empire was fully defeated. I still am, but the Zoroast family has all but been destroyed, so it doesn't even matter.
Klein wanted to say something to express his apologies, but decided that he didn't really think Pallez wanted it.
The situation with Mr. Door currently, though, is complicated.
How so?
Well, as you know, there is no famous Abraham family right now, is there?
Did something happen to their ancestor?
Indeed, 'He' was sealed. If you want to know more, you can ask the Lady. I know for a fact 'She' was one of the only reasons why Mr. Door was sealed; there was another god, but I'm not completely sure who it was. I have a guess it was the Lord of Storms.
Was 'He' sealed because 'He' refused to bow?
Well, that could have been a reason under different circumstances, but no. 'He' was corrupted by a power; well, you know what powers it could have been.
'Them'?!
Indeed, so to stop 'Him,' at least the Lady and another orthodox god had to seal 'Him' to prevent the descent of whatever power corrupted 'Him'. This corruption also led to a curse that has been plaguing the Abraham family ever since, which has destroyed their current standing.
Were they an evil family?
No, while they were arrogant, by no means could they be considered evil. Bethel was a rather honorable man, all things considered.
Meanwhile, Klein and Old Neil got into a discussion about equipment. Klein got a holster for the gun he had, which also included an innuendo. That also led to a discussion about whether Old Neil taught somewhere, which he did. Klein also received special bullets and a police badge. Overall, he had gained Ten demon hunting bullets, thirty revolver bullets. An ox-hide underarm holster, and a Seventh Unit, Special Operations Department badge.
Not the most useful things for me, considering my powers, plus I have Pallez. Klein lampooned, though he considered how useful the badge was.
Neil then reminded Klein to log the equipment into the log book. Klein then began walking to log the equipment when he saw a person coming down.
Oh, isn't that your former host?
Yes, he's a slight disappointment. You're much better, a natural talent. I don't even need to see you in action to know the sheer difference in potential and skill between the two of you.
Dang.
I'm being a little too harsh on him. Pallez admitted this grudgingly.
Leonard Mitchell, with his green eyes and black sideburns plus other accessories, gave off the vibe of a romantic poet.
"Good afternoon," greeted the young poet-like Nighthawk with a smile.
"Good afternoon. I believe I do not need to introduce myself," answered Klein humorously.
"There's no need. I have a deep impression of you." The young Nighthawk extended his right hand and said, "Leonard Mitchell. Sequence 8's Midnight Poet." Leonard had a very deep impression from Pallez's panicking in the past.
Are you still parasitizing him?
Indeed, he is the one with my main body currently. The avatar with you is a Sequence 3. I got the extra Sequence 3 characteristic as a service fee. It helped me gain back much power and enabled me to help you to a greater extent.
Do you intend to keep your main body in him?
No, well, my opinion doesn't really matter because the Lady intends to move my main body into a much more secure location.
Leonard, though, while Klein and Pallez were conversing, was embarrassing himself.
"You have a very special disposition."
Punk, stop embarrassing yourself. You're giving me second-hand embarrassment right now. This is what Pallez said to Leonard.
While with Klein. That boy is going to embarrass me to death more effectively than Amon!
Well, I don't think it's so bad- oh, sorry, hyperbole. Also, is it just me, or does he sound and feel... gay? If you don't understand, I mean-
I perfectly understand and am considering burying myself six feet under to escape the humiliation.
Do you consider him a grandson?
I'll never admit it.
Grandson.
Pallez grumbled in irritation, but 'He' did have a soft spot for Leonard, though as 'He ' stated above, 'He' would never admit that.
Since Klein hadn't said anything, Leonard was rather nervous. Meanwhile, Pallez was roasting him for thinking he was the protagonist of this era.
Leonard coughed nervously. "After encountering an accident like that, you remained alive despite not receiving our protection immediately. That makes you special enough." Leonard pointed ahead. "I have to replace the captain. See you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow." Klein turned to make way for the Nighthawk. Klein was shaking his head when he was out of view.
Leonard was asking Pallez about what was so special about 'Him'. "Old Man, did you call 'Him' a 'Him' because of 'His' false rank, or is that a cover-up?"
"You can actually use that thing in your head; consider it a miracle from the Lady," Pallez remarked not insultingly, but more teasingly.
Leonard took that as an indirect confirmation.
Klein, though, was complimenting the Nighthawks ' workspace and met up with a member of the civilian staff, Rozanne. They began to talk about Beyonders until Klein heard about Daly Simone. After hearing what she could do, Klein concluded something.
She was the expert that the Captain wanted me to meet.
The Nighthawks wanted to send you to a Spirit Medium? That does make sense. Pallez commented on 'His' opinion.
Klein was also considering how he could leave work early to prepare for his Tarot Club meeting.
You could tell your captain that you intend to do your assigned mission. Especially since it seems to be a good day for that. If that doesn't work, I can deal with it.
Yeah, let's see if the first option works.
Klein walked to Dunn's office.
Except it was empty.
"Is he out doing patrol or something?" Klein was annoyed at his bad luck.
No, he's watching the Chanis Gate.
Oh, thanks.
Klein quickly descended and asked Dunn whether he could leave early to do that mission he had assigned. After a moment of hesitation, Dunn decided to agree. Klein then left for Howes Street.
Hey, there is the Divination Club. I could get a membership from them and begin acting.
You could.
My intuition said I should wait for now, strangely.
Your intuition likely detects there will be a more opportune moment later in the future.
True.
After walking home, Klein reflected that nothing triggered his memories.
Well, Pallez is ready to be brought into Sefirah Castle?
This was what Pallez was looking forward to the most. I'm very excited.
Klein went into Sefirah Castle and brought the avatar of Pallez with him. They arrived above the grey fog that was Sefirah Castle.
"Incredible." Pallez looked around in reverence.
"Why are you so emotional?"
Pallez shot Klein an irritated look and proclaimed, "When you have lived my life and truly understand the importance of Sefirot, you'll understand."
"Hmmm, I believe it is around a little before the afternoon; we'll do a little bit of experimentation."
"What sorts of experimentation?"
"Well, first I intend to leave some of my Worms of Spirit up here. Secondly, I need to prepare the place to fit me as the seat of honor, and two angels, plus the members I pulled up."
Klein waved his hand and the palace rose. It was the original format. Klein waved his hand again, and it turned into a main table, then another second table. The main table was the original one with an extension that Klein could use to rap/tap on. From that extension was another table that would seat his angels. The overall shape of the two tables was a lowercase 't' shape. The seat of honor was at the tip. Pallez would be given the seat on his right, while his other angel would be on the left.
"You intend to create a marionette to ask uncomfortable questions?" Pallez noticed the second seat and theorized. But 'He' was confused since an angel or archangel would be restricted in certain questions.
"I intend to create two marionettes. One as an angel, another as a new member. Though I'm wondering whether I should reconsider the angel."
"I think you should just keep the new member one."
"I think I will call him Gehrman Sparrow." Klein had come up with the name ever since Pallez mentioned that pirates have huge bounties. He hoped that later in the future he could use this alias to hunt pirates for cash.
Pallez decrypted that the name had origins from Klein and Roselle's different origins. "What does the name mean or come from?"
Klein hesitated and decided he would give some information: "Gehrman comes from a game. Gehrman is the name of the first hunter in this game. Sparrow is related to a popular movie character. The character is a famous pirate. Also, for your previous question about Prometheus, it's related to a myth. Prometheus was a giant who stole fire from the gods."
Pallez ignored the answer to his question and mainly focused on Prometheus. This is oddly convenient. The giants held error, and Prometheus is a giant in that myth. Conveniently, another name of Prometheus is technically Fire Stealer. Fire being something Prometheus stole. It's also said that authorities were stolen from that deity. Hmmmm, how convenient.
Klein decided not to comment on Pallez's thinking. Klein wanted to explore Sefirah Castle. Leaving Pallez to 'His' thinking, he began wandering Sefirah Castle. Soon, he saw steps of light leading to a door of light? He saw they were completed. Klein began walking up. Pallez had finished up 'His' thoughts and decided to follow Klein. 'He'saw Klein walking up.
"Pallez, don't continue up."
Pallez immediately stopped where 'He' was. 'He' saw Klein on his knees, crying. The grey fog, which 'He' suspected to be the Historical Void, was hiding Klein. He soon felt the pressure of Klein's divinity begin crushing down on anything within. Since 'His' avatar was only in Sequence 3, it was crushed to the ground. Thankfully for the avatar, Sequence 3 was strong enough not to die from the crushing pressure. Pallez was probably crushed for an hour or so, but wisely said nothing and simply waited for Klein to recover. 'He' suspected that whatever Klein saw had something to do with his and Roselle's mysterious origin.
"Pallez . . ."
"Yes, my lord?"
"I transmigrated into this world; I believe you've already guessed at this somewhat. Roselle was the same; he was even a countryman of mine."
Pallez remained silent.
"I fused with Klein Moretti, and now I claim his name, his family, his . . . Well, I'm Zhou Mingrui, but I am also Klein Moretti." Klein sighed in agony. "Speak nothing of this."
"Of course, my lord." Pallez kowtowed.
Klein went back to that table that was destroyed in Klein's grief. It was restored with a wave of a hand. Klein sat there pondering. Pallez followed suit. 'He' sat at 'His' seat, the right-hand seat. They waited until Klein felt it was time. He touched two familiar red stars.
…
Alger Wilson was in the basement of a cathedral of the Lord of Storms. He had removed his robe that showed he was a part of the Lord of Storms church ahead of time; he didn't wish to offend the deity, Mr. Fool! He was waiting patiently, but very nervously. Soon, the needle struck 3. Immediately, he was consumed by a deep red light.
…
Meanwhile in the luxurious mansion of the Hall family in Backlund, Empress Borough, Audrey Hall was finishing a lesson with her dancing instructor. She saw it was almost three and began preparing for the Tarot Club meeting. She got a pen and paper to immediately write out her formula for Spectator.
"I'm so looking forward to it..." She inhaled to repress her excited emotions as she looked at the mirror with puckered lips.
However, she did not see it reflect herself. Instead, a dark red and illusory beam burst out from her body!
…
Above the gray fog stood a majestic divine hall that looked like a giant's residence. The red light that consumed Alger and Audrey deposited them on opposite sides of a grand table.
Alger and Audrey looked to Mr. Fool and realized something: the table was slightly different. Two tables formed a lowercase 't' shape, and on the right of Mr. Fool there was someone else!
"Ah, I've seen you have seen an archangel of mine. I would also advise you to look at the end of the table." Klein responded in an unfathomable tone.
Alger and Audrey immediately looked at the other end of the table; there was someone else! It looked like a male; he was heavily cloaked in the grey fog. He did seem to be Loenese.
"This is Mr. World." Klein, while pondering after seeing what was around the Door of Light, considered the backstory of his marionette. He used thinking of the backstory of Mr. World to move on from . . . that scene. I should tell Perran what I saw, here in Sefirah Castle.
"The man by me is the Archangel of Time. You can refer to him as Mr. Time."
Alger and Audrey noticed that despite the man being called Archangel of Time, Mr. Fool didn't use 'Him' but him. Audrey wondered whether Archangel of Time was an angel or whether Mr. Fool simply didn't bother to use the honorific. To her, the latter could make sense since 'He' was a deity. Alger, on the other hand, could tell that the Archangel of Time was indeed an angel.
Is Mr. Fool so powerful that 'He' doesn't need to bother using honorifics? What am I saying? Of course Mr. Fool wouldn't bother to use honorifics; 'He' is a deity!
The actual reason why Mr. Fool didn't use the honorific was that he didn't know there was an honorific.
Audrey, though, decided she first needed to be polite and would begin a beloved tradition, "Good afternoon, Mr. Fool~!" Audrey shouted with a cheery voice.
Following that, she turned her head and looked at the person opposite her. With the same tone, she said, "Good afternoon, Mr. Hanged Man~!"
How naive. Is she so sure that I'm a good person? Why isn't there any fear from her? Is she a noble lady who has been protected well? Klein smiled and maintained his unfathomable image.
"Good afternoon, Miss Justice. Good afternoon, Mr. Hanged Man. Good afternoon, Mr. World. Mr. Time, introduce yourself."
Klein immediately used Spirit Vision to look at Justice and Hanged Man because he didn't last time. He saw the astral projections of Justice and Hanged Man. Justice seemed to be showing joy, zeal, and excitement. Hanged Man showed calmness, thoughtfulness, carefulness, and . . . being pleased? He also saw that Mr. Hanged Man was a Beyonder more powerful than Neil. He looks like Sequence 8.
"Hello Ma'am Justice, Mr. Hanged Man, and Mr. World. I am Mr. Time; if you are wondering why Mr. Fool didn't use the honorific, it is obviously because 'He' doesn't need to."
This immediately confirmed their suspicions. They also began sizing up Mr. World, trying to wonder why he was brought up.
"Mr. World is a follower of the Fool and is there to represent those followers." Pallez replied when 'He' saw them looking at the marionette.
"Thank you for that knowledge, Mr. Time." Audrey politely thanked 'Him'.
Alger also made a polite response.
Klein made the marionette speak, "Greetings, Mr. Hanged Man, Ma'am Justice."
Alger and Audrey also made corresponding greetings. Audrey also decided to move into business since no one else was making a move. "Mr. Hanged Man, did you receive the box of Ghost Shark blood?"
Since neither Mr. Fool, Mr. Time, nor Mr. World said anything, Alger responded, "Thank you very much. It perfectly met my expectations. I never expected you to send it to me so quickly. The Ghost Shark blood is not the typical extraordinary creature," said Alger frankly.
Audrey smiled humbly and said, "I'm very happy to see this outcome." She was deeply pleased at this response.
She thought about how, from a young age, she loved anything related to mysticism. She had even befriended anyone also sharing her interests to further her interests. Though no one had gained any power to become a Beyonder, some princes offered her the chance if she became their princess consort. She had obtained the required material by going into her family's vault. Since it was a big bottle, she felt taking some wouldn't matter too badly.
Since Audrey had fulfilled her part of the bargain, Alger asked Mr. Fool whether he could proceed to finish his part of the bargain. When Mr. Fool acquiesced, he proceeded to first explain how she should make the potion and some common warnings. Audrey made some replies showing she understood the dangers and ways to deal with them.
Alger then gave the formula: "Sequence 9: Spectator. 80 milliliters of pure water. 5 drops of autumn crocus essence. 13 grams of cow teeth paeonol powder. 7 petals of elf flowers. A mature Manhal Fish's eyeball. Add 35 milliliters of goat-horned black fish blood." Alger then gave a warning about the main ingredients, to which Audrey replied she understood. Then helped her memorize it.
Alger then began explaining Cogitation and what she should do once she consumed the potion. Audrey listened to The Hanged Man's explanations attentively, and just as she was about to inquire about something more detailed, she suddenly heard the rapping sound on the table.
Klein had realized that Mr. Hanged Man, since he was only a Sequence 8, didn't know the Acting Method. Since he didn't want them to suffer, he decided to tell them the Acting Method.
He said in a deep voice, "It's not about grasping them, but rather digesting them. It's not about discovery, but rather acting. The name of a potion is not only symbolic, but it's also imagery. It is the key to digesting."
Audrey was confused while Alger quickly realized the implications.
Digesting, acting... Digesting, acting... Digesting, acting, key..." Alger repeated it again and again softly as though he had grasped a key concept or had succumbed to a strange curse.
After a while, he raised his head and said with a hoarse voice, "Thank you, Mr. Fool. Your hint is as valuable as my life. You have enlightened me greatly. Of course, I believe I have yet to fully understand or comprehend it."
Klein maintained his mysterious and unfathomable image by saying with a smile, "That was an advance payment." Klein intended to use this to help them, but also to keep them indebted to him so he could get them to do things for him.
Audrey questioned what Mr. Fool would desire for this advance payment.
Klein decided that even if Roselle's diary didn't hold valuable information, it could still be important. This was due to his intuition telling him eventually certain entries could be useful!
Klein leaned back slightly as he glanced at the two of them before saying in a soft and pleasant voice, "Collect Roselle Gustav's secret diary on my behalf, even if it's just one page of it."
Audrey and Alger quickly considered the implications and were shocked.
"Diary? That's a diary?" Alger frowned slightly as he keenly noticed this tidbit.
Alger considered how Mr. Fool could know.
"Indeed." Klein decided to simply confirm it was a diary.
Audrey asked about the weird symbols in Roselle's diary. Alger responded that some thought it was derived from mysticism. Alger looked at Mr. Fool in a bid to learn more.
Klein decided to make Mr. World useful: "Mr. World, do you have something to add?"
Perhaps this is why Mr. World was chosen as the representative of 'His' believers? Alger was very curious about Mr. World's background.
Klein made the marionette talk hoarsely, "The symbols are derived from a non-mystical language from the far past. The reason why no one can decrypt it is that all of our current languages are made in a completely separate way. The symbols are written in simplified versions of the language, but it is simply inherently different."
Alger, Audrey, and Pallez listened in interest. They each considered this trove of information.
Audrey said in a stumped manner, "We can't understand the symbols or the words... Then, how are we to pass the information to you, Mr. Fool? Or are we to mail it somewhere?"
Klein had already thought of this.
Miss Justice, let us give it a try. Imagine a paragraph of text and give it the emotions of writing it with urgency. Yes, pick up the fountain pen beside you and write on the piece of paper. This will help with the imagination of text on paper."
Audrey saw a piece of paper and a pen, then wrote/imagined a poem from Emperor Roselle. It worked. Following that, she looked at Klein with some fear.
"Mr. Fool, can you read what I'm thinking?"
"No, I'm only guiding you. I simplified the process of writing for you and made it become an imprint. If you did not wish to express it, nothing would appear." Klein placated her with a low tone.
Audrey then confirmed some questions. Alger noted how this was a very viable method since Spectators gain an impeccable memory. He also thought of how his next advancement also gave an improvement to memory. They and Mr. World proclaimed they would do as 'He' commanded.
"I mentioned before that I'm a person who likes a fair and equal exchange. The advanced payment I gave is only equivalent to two pages of the diary for each person. If there are more, I will give additional in return," Klein said calmly, like he was an adult who did not take advantage of children.
Klein felt Pallez give him a look. Pallez hadn't turned his head at all. He had also considered where additional payment would come from if they gained more than two pages.
"Mr. Time here will give you assistance or some benefit you can negotiate for if you gain more than two pages." Klein decided to be a little petty for the look Pallez gave.
"You are truly a generous deity." Alger fell silent for a few seconds before bowing slightly with his hand by his chest.
Alger then told Audrey some warnings of a Spectator and some advice, unknowingly, on how to act as a Spectator.
Alger finished explaining the demands he knew of a Spectator. He sighed before saying, "It seems like there's nothing else?
"Perhaps we can have a casual chat. We can talk about things happening around us. Perhaps it is something very normal to you, but in the ears of others, it might be a very important clue."
"Sure." Klein snapped back and nodded slightly.
Audrey and Alger conversed about Admiral Ludwell, which made Klein want to use his marionette to ask about his bounty, but Pallez made him stop. So he just made Mr. World ask some questions. He also decided to contribute by making Mr. World talk about the Antigonus family notebook.
Alger responded by asking what the Evernight Church would do. Though Klein wasn't surprised, since he learned that Perran had personally destroyed their family. Audrey didn't know that, so she asked.
Audrey told them how she learned to faint. She then explained she was just trying to organize her thoughts: "What I really wanted to say is that ever since the failure of the battle on Balam's eastern shore, the king, premier, and gentlemen are under immense stress. They eagerly wish to change the current government."
Notes: