Klein arrived at the Divination Club situated on the second floor of 13 Howes Street, North Borough of Tingen City.
Klein first saw the same beautiful lady he had seen originally. He remembered that her name was Angelica Barrehart. The lady told him Glacis wasn't at the Divination Club today. Klein told her he wanted to perform divinations. Angelica then told him of related information about performing divinations. What Klein really took from it was that he needed to be careful about how much he charges.
I can't charge too much, but I can't charge too low. Since I'm new, I have no basis for charging too much, and if I do, I'll look like a scammer.
Pallez began wondering whether 'He' should say anything since 'He' had professional experience in not being a scammer; that was too unprofessional, but was a professional Swindler. 'He' also noticed the irony of Klein remarking he wasn't a 'scammer'.
I also can't charge too low; otherwise, who will have trust in me? Hmm, I do need to revere fate so I can't appear to be money-desiring. I should stay on the low end.
"I'll charge 1 soli."
Angelica noted it and gave additional corresponding information. After finishing with that, she pointed at the meeting room at the far end of the corridor with a smile.
"Mr. Hanass Vincent is currently explaining astrolabe divination. You can find a quiet spot to listen in. You can also raise your questions if there are any queries."
Klein gave a response and was curious about what Hanass Vincent knew about divination.
I wonder how many mistakes he . . . Is he a beyonder?
He appears to be a Sequence 9 Secret Suppliant; he's likely a part of the Aurora Order.
Is it necessary to expose him? He could be . . .
I've looked into his memories and . . .
Alright, we will expose him. . . Hmmm, it seems ideal to wait to know; if we wait, it seems like we will gain a fortunate event.
While Klein and Pallez were looking into Hanass's history, Angelica was asking what beverage Klein wanted. After confirming an order of Southville coffee with three teaspoons of sugar with no milk, Klein viewed Hanass's lesson.
It seems like he is teaching orthodox divination. Klein determined that at Sequence 9, Secrets Suppliants wouldn't be too insane. Though just the fact that he decided to join the Aurora Order and consume Secrets Suppliant automatically demeans his intelligence. Klein couldn't help but insult Hanass.
Klein continued to view the lesson. At the end, he began small talk with another member called Edward.
Hanass Vincent had left for the Moonstone room, but after Klein's conversation with Edward, he returned with a silver-coated mirror.
That mirror is problematic. . . or will be problematic.
Pallez silently agreed.
Klein listened to Hanass's lesson carefully and heard proof that Hanass wasn't insane. Or at least not too insane. The lesson was completely orthodox, though that made sense since the lesson was basically public.
Edward had left to perform a divination and had returned. Since he missed the beginning of the lesson, he ignored the rest of the lesson. He then started up another conversation with Klein. The main thing Klein took from that was that Roselle was a major plagiarizer.
It basically started with Edward talking about how the dead can't speak, and they can't say his divination was wrong.
To which Klein responded, "Survival bias," added Klein with a smile.
To which Edward replied, "Right. Emperor Roselle was really a philosopher."
That damn plagiarizer.
Plagiarizer? Pallez hoped Klein would speak more of this so 'He' could learn more about where the current Klein and Roselle came from.
Klein knew what Pallez was trying to do but didn't really care so long as he didn't push too far or learn anything too sensitive.
Yes, he plagiarizes left and right, leaving nothing left for poor me. Though one must ponder whether he's really plagiarizing or really just reinventing things.
Pallez quickly deduced that many of Roselle's advancements come from where Roselle comes from. This made 'Him' wonder how 'Roselle' came to this world. Pallez had done some investigations; this led 'Him' to realize one of the likely conditions is the death of the original person. 'He' concluded that somehow people from a far more advanced place came to this world in dead bodies. Thus reviving them. 'He' believed it was by the old Lord of Mysteries that Roselle and Klein were taken from their original world/place. This was because current Klein is a Sequence 1 Attendant of Mysteries and there was a missing Sequence 1 Attendant of Mysteries characteristic. Likely, the old Lord of Mysteries kept that characteristic in Sefirah Castle and brought special people from the place Roselle and Klein originated from to Sefirah Castle.
In conclusion, Pallez realized Klein and Roselle are not necessarily the original Klein and Roselle. 'He' also wondered whether they fused with the remnant soul of the original body. 'He' did a quick divination and confirmed. Finally, 'He' determined that Klein and Roselle were resurrection plans of the old Lord of Mysteries. The old Lord of Mysteries intended to use the Sequence 1 Attendant of Mysteries characteristics to corrupt a vessel and allow 'Him' to resurrect. But Klein managed to accommodate it, preventing it from happening.
Klein was listening to Pallez's thoughts and did nothing to stop it.
Speak nothing of this to anyone but Perran.
Pallez was snapped out of 'His' thinking and quickly responded. Of course.
Meanwhile, Klein was still engaged in a discussion with the other members of the Divination club. He ensured that nothing they said steered towards Beyonders and other related dangerous ideas. After waiting a while, Klein decided to leave the Divination Club and wait for a more opportune moment to act. This was a tip-off from his spirituality. Conveniently, this let him miss Glacis.
At half past five, Edward Steve put on his coat and was prepared to walk out of the Divination Club when he suddenly saw a familiar figure.
"Good afternoon, Glacis. Long time no see," he greeted with a smile. He saw his friend with similar interests to him wearing his usual formal suit with a black bow tie. In front of his chest hung a monocle.
He looked healthy, though he also looked like he had been through something.
"Did something happen?" Edwards was concerned for his friend.
"Indeed, I had a lung infection that could have killed me! If it wasn't for my wife, who met an impressive apothecary and gave me a magical medicine, you would have probably had to visit me at the cemetery." Glacis's tone was filled with a lingering fear and joy.
"By the Lord! You were so healthy, I even did a divination!" Edward waved his cane and said with an astonished sigh.
"My divination said otherwise, which is why I decided to act on the matter. If it wasn't for my early action, I might, well, not die, but likely be in a worse condition. Additionally, that apothecary's medicine really did wonders!" Glacis suddenly recalled the happenings on Monday as his expression turned abnormally serious.
At that moment, the beautiful lady, Angelica, came over and bowed with a pleasant smile.
After exchanging greetings, she first showed concern for Glacis's health and provided some suggestions. Then, she mentioned in passing, "Mr. Glacis, Mr. Moretti, who requested your divination services previously, has joined our club as well."
Glacis jumped at the opportunity, "The one that had me tell his fortune? Lord, where is he? I must ask him a question!"
Angelica and Edward both responded that he left. Edward asked why Glacis wanted to meet him.
Glacis raised his arm and stared straight into Edward's and Angelica's probing gazes. He said in excitement, "He's a very, very, very magical..."
He lowered his arm and proclaimed, "Doctor!"
…
Klein quickly arrived back home and performed a divination. He additionally switched places with his avatar/marionette. He divined whether it was a good time to send Melissa to the Church of Steam and Machinery. The divination confirmed that it was a good time.
Half past seven in the evening, around the Moretti family's dining table.
Benson and Melissa were expressing their worry about Klein heading to work so early.
Klein brushed that off by giving an excuse and decided to use it to convince Melissa to come with him to the Church of Steam and Machinery.
"Today we had to take a batch of artifacts to the Church of Steam and Machinery. I had to be present to ensure nothing went wrong and to communicate with the Church of Steam and Machinery history consultant. By the way, Melissa, aren't you interested in steam machinery? I was having a good conversation with the history consultant and mentioned how you liked to tinker. The history consultant offered to teach you if you wanted."
"Really? Would-" Melissa couldn't believe it.
"Truly, and no, it wouldn't cost anything. The Church of Steam and Machinery tends to do internships where, if you show talent, they will pay for your education. In fact, the history consultant offered that if you show skill and potential, not only will they teach you, but they will pay for your better education. We can go tonight or at a later time."
With the help of Pallez, Klein convinced Melissa to go to the Church of Steam and Machinery. Benson also added his support since he wished for Melissa to achieve her dreams.
The hardest part was religion. Benson gave an explanation on how the Lady would forgive her. That left Klein with a thought on Perran's opinion. I wonder what Perran's opinion on this would be; she likely wouldn't care too badly.
After that quick and easy battle, Melissa informed them about a lady coming over.
"Mrs. Shaud from next door got her maidservant to send a calling card over. She wishes to make a formal visit on Sunday, at four in the afternoon tomorrow. She wants to get to know her new neighbors."
Klein didn't know her since he had been busy and only did a cursory divination to determine whether any neighbors were problematic. Melissa and Benson informed Klein about Mrs. Shaud; Klein then gave an answer as to how he wouldn't be there since he had work.
"Hey, Klein, are you going to take me to the Church of Steam and Machinery?"
"Yes, I can take you on Monday."
"Alright," Melissa was very excited yet also worried. She was considering how she could prepare for the interview.
The Morettis ended the night after making some plans for tomorrow.
…
The next morning was a Sunday morning.
Klein, after finishing a morning routine, left for Blackthorn Security Company. He also switched places with his marionette, leaving himself above Sefirah Castle while his avatar/marionette was in the real world. He greeted Rozanne and went into the basement. After turning a corner, he greeted another Nighthawk member he hadn't seen frequently.
Sleepless Royale Reideen. She looked like a cold lady. Her brows were long and slender, sitting atop large eyes. Her hair was a silky-smooth black.She nodded a greeting and warned Klein, "Ritualistic magic is a very dangerous thing."
She became a Nighthawk because of a ritualistic magic event? Klein decided to leave it, to respect privacy.
"Thank you for the warning," Klein yelled.
He soon arrived at the armory. He saw Neil and Bredt. He was confused as to why Bredt was there. Neil saw the confusion and quickly responded that Bredt was watching the armory for him since they couldn't do ritualistic magic in such a small space.
Klein did not ask further since Pallez had informed him of ritualistic magic, and it did confirm Neil's explanation. He followed Old Neil up to the streets and took a public carriage to the North Borough's suburbs.
They entered Old Neil's home. It was a good home.
"My deceased wife loved music." Old Neil pointed at the piano and mentioned in passing, "The sofa and coffee table are in the bedrooms... Let's do the ritualistic magic in the living room."
"Alright," Klein automatically gave this response with the correct tone. Meanwhile, Klein's spirituality said that comment about his dead wife was problematic. This made Klein consider why it would be problematic. However, since his spirituality also said it wasn't dangerous, Klein decided to leave it for now. He currently believed it was a white lie from Neil's subconscious. His spirituality confirmed this, but something was still off.
Old Neil was preparing the ritualistic magic. He took out a silver chest and took out fake goatskin parchment.
Old Neil began drawing images, images that seemingly, likely, possibly drew an IOU!
Don't tell me, surely he couldn't-
Even I'm not that shameless! Pallez, who was a Swindler, couldn't believe Old Neil's shamelessness. While Pallez had prayed to true deities before for shameless reasons, it wasn't for something as shameless as a-.
When Old Neil filled in the corresponding field with the number "30" and the corresponding "£" symbol, Klein could not help but ask out of puzzlement and confusion, "Mr. Neil, what kind of ritualistic magic are you doing?"
Klein, from his spirituality, already knew what it was, yet he couldn't help but confirm to make sure he wasn't hallucinating.
Old Neil coughed and answered very seriously, "I'll be using magic to settle that debt of thirty pounds today."
Can you do that? Klein's eyes widened as his mouth gaped.
Using magic to settle an IOU? Is he trying to curse his debtor to death or create counterfeit notes? I might not have a solution to the problem, but I can finish you instead? Actually, is he going to pray to Perran for her to solve his issue for him?
Pallez was just flabbergasted at Old Neil's shamelessness. 'He' was legitimately and seriously considering whether 'He' should take lessons on shamelessness from Old Neil.
All sorts of thoughts appeared in Klein's mind as he looked at Old Neil oddly.
He seriously considered the possibility of calling the cops, no—of informing the Nighthawks.
Old Neil shot a glance at him and said, peeved, "I can see ignorance, foolishness, and the weak and shameless disbelief in your eyes. Didn't Dunn tell you the maxim of the Mystery Pryers? Do as you wish but do no harm!"
Ignorance, foolishness, and the weak and shameless disbelief! How dare you, Old Neil! Klein thought humorously. I need to ask Perran about this.
Klein also considered the Moses Acetic Order; that was the organization where the maxim came from. It was a secret and evil organization that was once respected.
Neil was expounding on how Klein's doubt was an insult to Mystery Pryers.
Klein apologized but had to consider that, regardless, it was still shameless to beg, no pray, to Perran for her to solve your debt.
Old Neil then began explaining how he was going to do the ritualistic magic. He also warned Klein to never seek help from divinities not orthodox. Klein responded that he understood.
I, of course, understand it's not like I already had done that.
Klein had a question about whether Nighthawks could pray to the Lord of Storms over Perran, but Pallez had answered that. He decided to ask Old Neil regardless to see whether there were any differences.
After hearing Old Neil's response, Klein noticed the difference was the amount of information; overall, both told the same information. Pallez added some extra information on how Marauders could pretend to be believers of gods they weren't believers of and related information.
Old Neil had begun teaching Klein about how the Moses Ascetic Order influenced the church's methods of ritualistic magic. He finished off with more information about cleansing the environment and how to do that. He talked about how it is best to use Hermes and other languages that can stir nature. Old Neil gave corresponding warnings about the languages outside of Hermes. After finishing his lesson, he began sanctifying the area.
Old Neil picked up the silver knife and stabbed it into the coarse salt. Then, he chanted in Hermes:
"I sanctify you, blade of pure silver!
I cleanse and purify you, allowing you to serve me in this ritual!
In the name of the Evernight Goddess, the Lady of Crimson
…
you have been sanctified!"
Klein saw that it had worked! Old Neil performed some additional steps before finally chanting:
"I pray for the power of the dark night.
I pray for the power of the crimson.
I pray for the Goddess's loving grace.
Please provide me with the funds to pay this IOU.
Night vanilla, an herb that belongs to the red moon, please bestow your powers to my incantation!"
Moon flower, an herb that belongs to the red moon, please bestow your powers to my incantation!"
…
Klein and Pallez watched in shock that the ritual had worked!
That, that... actually worked!
Pallez was just gaping in utter shock.
Wait, how did it work? How did the ritual, Perran, solve the debt?! Klein, after getting over his shock, immediately prioritized how it would settle the debt. This was because Klein hoped he could do the same ritual, but only if the means were acceptable.
Old Neil finalized the ritual, and a huge wind stirred immediately as Old Neil heaved a sigh of relief.
"It's done."
"That's it?" Klein asked in a daze. "Has the IOU been settled? How?"
"I don't know-" Old Neil had more to say, but Klein just didn't listen.
He doesn't know?! Oh wait, he said it would be settled reasonably; I guess I could conclude that he has done this before. Oh, he's done this before... moving on.
Old Neil quickly got Klein to forget the IOU and to discuss ritualistic magic. The mysticism class lasted until noon before Old Neil coughed twice. He told Klein they had to go back to Blackthorn Security Company since he missed his beloved breakfast for this.
Klein wondered why Neil didn't hire any servants but quickly deduced why. One, he was in debt; two, it's dangerous since Old Neil practices mysticism at his home.
Old Neil began talking about what food he was going to get for lunch. This made Klein hungry. When Old Neil and Klein returned to Zouteland Street, Old Neil spotted something.
Is that a wallet? Klein quickly deduced that the wallet was how Old Neil's debt was going to be paid. Though it looked like it had more money than necessary.
Old Neil revealed that the wallet had over 300 pounds. Klein additionally learned that Old Neil had better morals than he and Pallez had given him credit for. Soon a carriage came by, and Old Neil gave back the wallet, to which the owner gave 30 pounds in thanks.
Old Neil began a lesson about the morals behind this. Klein, though, was listening but doing something else. He had created another avatar/marionette and sent it into Saint Selena Cathedral to pray.
He needed to hear Perran's explanation for Old Neil's prayer.
The Evernight Goddess stands higher than 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 pray-
…
Klein was brought into the divine kingdom of the Evernight Goddess, the Tenebrous Heaven. He saw Amanises in a field of moonflowers and night vanillas.
"You have something to ask me . . . old friend?" 'She' turned 'Her' head to look at Klein.
Amanises didn't smile warmly, yet it was friendly all the same.
"I have a few questions, but I have one more important than the others," Klein replied completely seriously.
Amanises gave the vibe of raising an eyebrow without actually raising an eyebrow.
"How did a Nighthawk, Old Neil, pray to you and get his 30-pound debt cleared by you?" Klein said that with a completely straight face, with no hidden motive to trick.
"..."
What? Amanises was expecting something rather serious, like how Klein would deal with Amon, or get his characteristics, or something like that. Not by a long shot would she consider this.
Why are you so shocked that I responded? Well, to be honest, it's more of an automatic response than anything. Besides, I need to show occasional miracles; otherwise, who would pray to me?" Amanises was seriously trying to figure out why Klein would consider this important.
"I want to know whether I can do the same to clear any debt that I may have." Klein looked at Amanises and said that without a drop of shame.
Amanises stared at Klein in total shock; Klein stared back.
"I demand payment for that stupid question." Amanises was rather annoyed by Klein's silly question.
"What payment do you desire?" Klein wasn't too concerned about the payment since his intuition said it was fine.
"A kiss on the cheek." 'She' spoke that with an aloof and superior tone.
Does she intend to fluster or embarrass me? "Alright," Klein went ahead and gave Amansies a peck on the cheek.
"Hmph, do you actually have any actual important questions?" Amansies, after flustering Klein, restored 'Her' original vibe.
"Less important question: why did you exterminate the Antigonus family?" Klein had already come to some conclusions, but he wanted to hear it from Amanisies.
"I didn't exterminate Antigonus's family. I simply claimed credit. To be more precise, Antigonus killed most of 'His' nation and descendants. This was because 'He' lost control of 'His' characteristics. Learning of 'His' loss of control, I intervened to seal 'Him'. To ensure the seal remained, I arranged for the hunting of the remaining members that were dangerous; anyone else I left alive." Amanises responded truthfully.
Klein could tell Amanises was being completely truthful and didn't hide nor twist any of the information.
Klein nodded his head to show he understood and asked his second question, "Do you intend to allow Adam's story to progress?"
Amansies sighed, "I have to; 'He' has certain information that possesses sufficient leverage that forces me to agree."
"I see. I don't have any more questions; I bid you goodbye." Klein bowed and was waiting for Amanises to send him out.
Amansies waved goodbye, and Klein's avatar/marionette returned to Saint Selena Cathedral. Klein then retrieved his avatar/marionette.
…
Audrey Hall was attending a ball and practicing her Spectator powers. When she saw Susie, she exited her Spectator state.
…
Alger Wilson was contemplating how the time of the Tarot Club meeting was coming. Additionally, he instructed his sailors to pursue a ship that had a Listener from the Aurora Order.
…
On the ship that Alger was pursuing, a boy was asking his father, the Listener that Alger was pursuing, about where they were going. After being given the response, it was to the holy residence of the Creator. This led to a series of questions that led the boy's father to fall to his knees and begin to show signs of losing control.
…
Klein had lunch with Old Neil and got a promise from Old Neil that he would bring Klein with him to the underground market the next time he went. He was also conversing with what Pallez was doing.
Why are you having an avatar follow Old Neil?
To have my Sequence 8 avatar learn that old man's shameless ways.
Seriously? Klein gave Pallez a reproachful look.
In reality, I'm also watching him because the Hidden Sage seems to have been . . .
Klein immediately understood and dropped the topic.
How many avatars do you currently have? After hearing Pallez say 'He' was watching Old Neil with an avatar, Klein realized he didn't actually know how many avatars Pallez had and how powerful they were.
I have a dozen Sequence 9, five Sequence 8, a Sequence 6, a Sequence 3 that's with you, a Sequence 2 that's with the punk, and a sole Sequence 1 that's the main body. I had some originally; others were gained from missions I did for the Evernight Goddess.
What missions?
Hunting Secret Order members. They tend to have characteristics from Seer, but they also have a fair amount of Marauder characteristics. Anything else I give to the Evernight Church to pay off my debt. Before you ask, I saved you the Seer characteristics.
Thank you, Pallez. Do you want anything?
Can you use Sefirah Castle to restore me to my original power?
How many Seer characteristics do you have?
Thirteen Sequence 9, seven Sequence 8, three Sequence 7, a Sequence 6, and a Sequence 5.
Since you're almost back to full power from those Maruder characteristics, what you're really asking for is being a blessed of Sefirah Castle, right?
Indeed.
Give me the Seer characteristics, and I'll agree to give you the final amount of power and give you some blessing.
Thank you.