Finishing his conversation with Pallez, he returned to Blackthorn Security Company. When he was back at Blackthorn Security Company, Klein began deciding between two duties. The first was to read documents. Klein, like most humans, didn't want to do the work and wanted to procrastinate. So instead, he decided to create an avatar to do the work for him.
Why should I do work when I can do work? Klein laughed at how he was using an avatar, which was basically him without the issue of procrastination, while he, the main avatar/marionette, did other work.
The second duty Klein was considering was acting as a Seer. This was the task the main avatar/marionette was going to do.
Before Klein could make his avatar/marionette do anything, Dunn entered.
"Captain, any updates?" Klein thought of the whereabouts of the Antigonus family's notebook; he really didn't care, but the identity would.
Dunn began listing what was known, "We have confirmed that the notebook is in Ray Bieber's hands. The issue is that he has vanished without a trace.
So we have informed other Nighthawk teams to keep an eye out. They were requested to pay attention to the various piers and steam locomotive stations. The first batch of printed portraits was mailed out yesterday afternoon and will be printed in various major newspapers."
If only phones, fax machines, surveillance cameras, and big data existed. Finding people would be so much easier. Though I could locate Ray Bieber through divination, I don't intend to interfere with the story too badly. Anyway, considering the issue that advanced technology doesn't exist, perhaps I could reverse-engineer it through Melissa. . . Klein began pondering the feasibility of his plan.
Pallez, though, was considering the technologies Klein had thought of. Phones. . . After confirming that Klein and Roselle were from a different place, 'He' began studying any texts Roselle left behind. 'He' specifically targeted the ones about inventions Roselle hoped to create. Pallez had two avatars doing this: one for texts not about inventions and one dedicated to texts about inventions. From the latter avatar, Pallez learned about phones.
From Roselle's texts, phones were supposed to be communication and entertainment devices. The communication part is likely what Klein is talking about. Fax machines... They seem to be devices that scan physical documents and then transmit somehow. They turn it into digital audio signals and then transmitted over standard telephone lines. I see why that's useful. High-Sequence Hermit Beyonders would have field days with this. Surveillance cameras are more or less self-explanatory. Very useful against low to possibly mid-sequence Beyonders. It would depend on the pathway. Big data... I believe the internet matches that the most. Savants, Hermits, Demoness, Marauders, and more would be far more powerful with these futuristic inventions. I wonder whether the reason why Roselle couldn't create them was because of the true deities trying to prevent the possible damage the inventions could cause.
Klein was listening to Pallez's thoughts and decided he needed to learn more about the other pathways.
I know that all of the Sequence 9 names are: Seer, Marauder, Apprentice, Spectator, Bard, Sailor, Reader, Secrets Suppliant, Sleepless, Warrior, Corpse Collector, Assassin, Hunter, Mystery Pryer, Savant, Monster, Planter, Apothecary, Criminal, Prisoner, Lawyer, and Arbiter.
Seer, Marauder, and Apprentice, I know pretty well from Pallez. I can likely gain understanding of Sleepless, Warrior, and Corpse Collector from Perran. Pallez might know a fair bit about Lawyer and Arbiter since the Solomon Empire had the Black Emperor, which is apparently the Sequence 0 of Lawyer and Arbiter is a related pathway. For the rest, I'll just have to ask.
"But regardless, we can consider ourselves as having found the notebook. This is all thanks to you. Of course, it still needs another round of confirmations. I have already sent a telegram to the Backlund diocese, requesting them to escort Sealed Artifact 2-049 here. It was once a dangerous item of the Antigonus family. It can help us know if Ray Bieber is a descendant of the Antigonus family." While Klein and Pallez were thinking, they listened to Dunn.
2-049, 2 means dangerous, but I'm an archangel; oh wait, this avatar isn't. . . Pallez's Sequence 3 avatar will be enough. . . I wonder what the Sealed Artifact is like.
Klein was curious about its powers, but decided not to ask. To pretend that he was scared, "May the Goddess bless us." Klein tapped four spots on his chest, forming the sign of the full moon.
Dunn gave a nod and told Klein that the Goddess has always been protecting them. Before beginning to leave, Dunn told Klein not to limit himself to the paths leading from Welch's place to Iron Cross Street. He also added the reasoning that Klein might sense the notebook and help the Nighthawks confirm Ray Bieber's location.
Klein gave his affirmation. He bade Dunn farewell and turned around, his heart beginning to count.
Three, two...
"Hold on," shouted Dunn.
Klein turned his head and smiled.
"Captain, is there anything else?"
Dunn quickly explained that despite being a support, he would still need to keep up his combat experience. Klein told Dunn he understood. Dunn also told Klein that once he becomes a formal member, they would need to hire a combat instructor.
Klein responded tersely before asking carefully, "Captain, is there anything else?"
"No." Seeing Klein's unbelieving eyes, Dunn shook his head and smiled. He emphasized again, "Really, nothing."
Fighting? I'm probably better at fighting than anyone in this city! Though that's mainly with my powers. Hmmm, I guess it wouldn't hurt to get some practical experience.
Klein pondered whether he needed to practice shooting, but with his Clown powers, he decided he didn't really need to.
Wait, but I need to build the image of my identity... Why is acting so hard? Klein decided to make another avatar to practice shooting. Meanwhile, Klein went to the Divination Club.
When he arrived at the Divination Club, he saw the beautiful receptionist, Angelica. He greeted her, and then she greeted him. She also told him about Mr. Glacis recovering from a major illness.
So he did get that lung infection dealt with. Shame that I couldn't get credit for it.
"That sure is something worth celebrating."
Upon hearing this, Angelica, who was secretly observing him, lowered her voice and asked out of curiosity,
"Mr. Glacis said that you are a very, very, very magical doctor. Are you?"
"Oh no, I simply used some divination to read it. Have you heard of face-reading? It's very similar to palm-reading."
Klein used Spiritual Vision and pretended to face-read Angelica. Doing so, he gave some advice that he deduced from Angelica's Spiritual Body. Angelica was very moved by Klein's accurate advice. After Angelica gave a thank you for his advice, he asked about the number of members. Angelica answered; she was still in shock. She also asked what drink Klein wanted.
Klein was in the meeting room of the Divination Club. When Angelica arrived with his drink, he purposely used a divination method to impress Angelica. This was because she was the receptionist and thus important. After all, her recommendation mattered!
…
Angelica was pondering in deep thought because of the advice Klein gave her. Soon, knocks came on the door, jolting her from her reverie. A lady arrived, and Angelica asked whether she liked a divination today. The lady asked for a recommendation from the list she was given.
Angelica took the album and looked at it for a few minutes. She deliberated her words before saying, "I suggest this gentleman."
The lady, who looked uneasy, took a glance and realized that it was a fortune-teller named "Klein Moretti."
"Mr. Moretti just joined the club... Is his divination reliable?" she asked worriedly.
Angelica nodded with great affirmation. She explained in detail how skilled he was, and it was only because he was new that he didn't charge so much.
The depressed lady agreed, and Angelica went to inform Klein. Klein prepared for his first business. He started by looking at her with Spirit Vision and then giving her greetings. He quickly learned of the situation.
Klein looked at the very first client of his career as a Seer and asked carefully, "Which divination method do you wish to use?" Klein already knew he was just going to do a dream divination but needed to put on a show.
The lady Anna told Klein he could choose. Klein decided to go with the astrolabe; with the help of some information from Anna, he quickly completed it. He then began his dream divination.
Klein saw the situation Mr. Meyer was in and then a scene of a blue house with a toy windmill at the door. Mr. Meyer was entering the house slowly, seemingly in joy.
He then performed a quick act that impressed Anna. First, he asked about a blue house with a toy windmill. Anna told Klein it was a gift and it was at her house; she was shocked that he could divine that. He told Anna that he had already returned from a harrowing journey and needed to be comforted. Anna quickly paid him his one soli fee and an extra soli and rushed back to her house.
…
Anna quickly reunited with Joyce and contemplated how Mr. Moretti was a true Seer. Joyce retold his story and asked Anna how she knew he was here. She quickly told him about the Seer. Joyce was wondering whether it was fake, but Anna confirmed it wasn't.
Joyce asked for the Seer's name, and Anna replied, "Klein Moretti."
Klein Moretti's Seer potion was digesting through this event.
…
Angelica asked whether the divination ended well, to which Klein told her yes. Klein paid her the club's fee and extra as a tip. He soon left since there wasn't any more business. Just before he left, though, Angelica asked him when he was coming back since Mr. Glacis wanted to thank him in person. He then gave a charlatan response and quickly left before Angelica could respond.
When he returned home, he saw Benson reading the newspaper and Melissa putting together bits and pieces of gears, bearings, and springs in the evening sunlight. He also switched places with his avatar/marionette. It was clear she was trying to prepare for the interview. He then asked about Mrs. Shaud's visit. He learned it went well, but they found issues with religion, though they weren't too major. Melissa then began asking about the interview tomorrow. There were questions about it because she had school tomorrow, but Klein, with Pallez's help, addressed them.
Afterwards, he began some contemplations. Klein decided to alter the incantation he used to point towards him to better utilize Sefirah Castle. He also decided to ask more about the Hornacis mountain range. He intended to write this to Senior Associate Professor Quentin Cohen because, from his intuition, he would gain a chance to speak to Mr. Azik. His possible future Angel of Death.
Tomorrow morning, he decided to get Melissa to send his letter to Mentor Cohen Quentin and more than enough money to buy stamps. He entrusted her with the job of mailing the letter at the post office near the Tingen Technical School where she studied. When she got back from Tingen Technical School, they were going to Holy Numerics Cathedral.
Klein spent most of the afternoon slacking off. Once he ate lunch, he decided to go up to Sefirah Castle. He brought Pallez up with him.
He already knew from his angelic status he could create an honorific name. He decided he needed to create two eventually, one for Mr. World, and another for Mr. Fool. The former could wait for now.
Hmmm, from some studying it looks like I can get away with a three-line honorific name using Sefirah Castle. Knowing some more about mysticism, I should create a three-line honorific name to induce awe into my two Tarot Club members. But what should the lines be. . .
After about seven to eight minutes, he finally decided on the description of the first paragraph that was directed to him.
The Fool that doesn't belong to this era.
The mysterious ruler above the grey fog. This second line was to be more accurate.
He had an idea to use 'The King of Yellow and Black that wielded good luck.' His spirituality would have warned him, but something stifled it.
Perhaps Klein's accommodation wasn't so . . . complete. Perhaps something had minorly awakened.
My honorific name is complete: The Fool that doesn't belong to this era; you are the mysterious ruler above the gray fog; you are the King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck . . .
"Hey Pallez, can you connect with your avatar in the physical realm? I intend to do a bit of an experiment using an honorific name I created. The honorific name is:
The Fool that doesn't belong to this era
The mysterious ruler above the gray fog
The King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck."
"I can." Pallez immediately had one of 'His' avatars pray using Klein's honorific name. If 'He' had concerns over the honorific name, 'He' didn't say anything. One must wonder whether 'He' was affected by some will.
…
Near Old Neil's bungalow, a Sequence 8 avatar chanted:
"The Fool that doesn't belong to this era
The mysterious ruler above the gray fog
The King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck."
…
Klein heard a prayer. "It worked. Excellent, time for part two of the experiment. I believe you know how to sacrifice items?"
Pallez ordered the avatar that was guarding the Seer pathway characteristics and began a sacrifice ritual.
It chanted in Ancient Hermes:
"I summon in my name:
The Fool that doesn't belong to this era;
The mysterious ruler above the gray fog;
The King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck.
Your devoted servant prays for your attention.
I pray for you to accept this offering."
In Sefirah Castle, Klein claimed thirteen Sequence 9, seven Sequence 8, three Sequence 7, a Sequence 6, and a Sequence 5 Seer pathway characteristics.
"Excellent, for this I will give the final amount of power you need to be fully restored and will make you a blessed of mine and Sefirah Castle."
Pallez was excited for this.
Klein stirred the power of Sefirah Castle and blessed Pallez. Pallez was restored to peak condition and was given Sequence 6 powers of Seer and Apprentice.
"Hmmm, it seems the most I can give you without needing more effort is Sequence 6; this is likely because anything higher needs a ritual."
"It's alright; anything higher is likely more than what I gave you. Especially since I've been fully restored and gained some extra boons from being a blessed of Sefirah Castle." Before Klein could ask what boons 'He' got, Pallez informed Klein, "Sefirah Castle has integrated with me partially, which means you can use me as a proxy. I gained the aura of Sefirah Castle, and I can hide it. Better divination and spirituality. In Sefirah Castle, I can even use Sequence 0 Marauder powers to a weakened extent. In Sefirah Castle, I have the power of a King of Angels. Additionally, despite only having Sequence 6 powers, they are strengthened because of my Sequence level; any powers at Sequence 6 are strengthened to at least Sequence 2 level; some even reaching Sequence 1."
Klein and Pallez began communicating about boons, and soon the time for the Tarot Club meeting came.
…
Alger was in his ghost ship sailing the roaring blue waves of the Sonia Sea. While waiting for the Tarot Club meeting, he made the ship give him the best protection it could. When 3 o'clock arrived, the crimson tide washed over, ignoring all of his efforts.
…
Backlund, Empress Borough. Audrey lay on a pillow and waited for the crimson tide to wash over her.
…
Above the gray fog, in the magnificent palace, on the ancient and mottled long bronze table.
Klein saw that Miss Justice had become a Spectator. He also saw a constellation that showed 'Giant Dragon' or more accurately a mind dragon. Behind Mr. Hanged Man was the 'Storm' symbol. Behind Pallez was the 'Time' constellation. For Mr. World it was the 'Fool' symbol and behind Klein, the 'Pupil-less Eye surrounded by Contorted Lines'.
"Congratulations, Miss Justice, you are a Beyonder now."
Audrey was shocked Mr. Fool could tell so quickly, but quickly told herself that this wasn't something to be surprised about since 'He' was a god.
Audrey thanked Mr. Fool and Alger. Alger complimented how fast her progress was. Pallez nodded, and Klein made Mr. World also compliment her progress.
Klein moved on and decided to ask, "Lady, Sirs, have any of you found Roselle's diary?"
Audrey waited for Alger. Alger, after a few seconds, said he had two pages. Audrey then said she had one.
"Pretty good." Klein did not mind only having three.
Audrey then asked whether they should show the pages now, to which Klein said yes.
Klein willed the pages into his hands and began to read.
"8th April. I stood at the bow of Black King and stretched my arms, saying to Grimm and Edwards, 'My fortune is yours for the taking, but you'll have to find it first. I left everything I own at the ends of the Fog Sea!' They did not understand my humor at all and even asked if I really had other treasures. How boring. You can't be my Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse if you keep at that!"
"11th April. I discovered a nameless island that was not on a safe sea route. There are a good number of extraordinary animals there, no—I prefer calling them extraordinary beings; it feels more impressive that way. Other than that, there are several weird creatures on the island. I believe that if Darwin had been transmigrated there, there is no way he could have written his Theory of Evolution."
"15th April. Grimm has suddenly become a little odd. Has he been infected by something?"
This nameless island seems to be important. I should have Pallez cross-reference this information with accurate historical information. I could do it myself, but why should I when I have a perfectly good servant right there. . . Maybe not, that's a bit too shameless.
"2nd October. They actually wanted me to marry Matilda from the Abel family without even consulting me first! Heavens, I have not even met her! No, I must decline! Even if I were to run away from home and survive on my own and suffer the vicissitudes of life, I must fight against this marriage!"
"5th October. Miss Matilda is really pretty."
"6th October. Her personality and her demeanor are just my type. I am starting to look forward to the marriage."
I shouldn't be this surprised about his shamelessness. He is a plagiarizer.
"9th October. They actually called me the Son of Steam. I like that very much."
"21st May. The Church of the God of Craftsmanship gave me two choices, two beginning Sequence pathways. One of them is the Savant. It is a complete Sequence pathway they possess. The other is Mystery Pryer, which they obtained from the Moses Ascetic Order, but it lacks the higher Sequences."
"22nd May. My choice was easy: Savant! The Savant has a complete Sequence pathway! Although wielding more information on mysticism can aid my return home, the problem is that if I am not strong enough, there is a need to acquire external help for transmigration. And I do not know if this external entity would be good or bad, benevolent or malicious. I cannot control it, and thus it could be very dangerous. In that case, why not strengthen myself and return by relying on my own powers? Thus, the complete sequence was the most important factor in my considerations!"
"23rd May. I have become a Savant. With the power of the potion, I actually recalled all the knowledge I had learned in the past, such as physics, chemistry, etc...
"I have not only recalled the knowledge, but I understand it more deeply, as well as its possible applications and implications. Haha, this is a 'job' specially tailored for a transmigrator like me from an alternate realm. I will be able to express my advantage to the greatest extent! I have to say that if I were to return in my present state to the third year of high school, I would definitely become top scholar. If I could further specialize in an area, it wouldn't even be too hard for me to become a scientist."
"26th May. I am enjoying my status as a Savant. Something odd worth mentioning. When I address myself as a Savant, doing things that are in line with this role, the murmurings that drive me crazy become considerably softer. I have also been able to control my occasional temper outbursts. I have also recalled the matter regarding the diary.
"Is this the 'acting' that the mysterious Mr. Zaratul mentioned? This could be key in resolving the side effects posed by potions."
Hmm, it appears that Roselle and I are very different. Klein contemplated it for a bit and moved on.
Klein apologized to Mr. Hanged Man and Miss Justice for being too absorbed.
Audrey said she understood and hoped to exchange for the information in the diary in the future. Klein responded that it would require a price. Audrey then said that she had three questions that she would like to ask and would pay a high price for them. Alger responded with a 'no problem,' and Mr. World nodded. Klein and Pallez simply made themselves comfortable.
The first question she asked was about 'acting'. Klein resolved that by giving an analogy of the potion being a tightly guarded castle and the Beyonder trying to become the master of the castle. Klein then stated that there were two ways: a siege or an invitation. A siege is obviously impossible, while the invitation is created with 'acting', the acting being hinted at by the name of the potion.
Now that Audrey fully understood the 'acting,' she excitedly thanked Mr. Fool. She asked what she should pay in return. Klein responded with more pages of Roselle's diary and a second request he came up with on the spot. Information on the Antigonus family.
Alger remained silent for a few seconds. He looked at the top of the long bronze table for a moment before slowly opening his mouth. "Mr. Fool... I believe I can pay you back immediately with the information you requested just now."
Klein responded with, "No problem."
Alger then gave information that Klein already knew from Pallez.
Klein proclaimed he was satisfied with the payment. Even if he didn't learn anything, he didn't really mind it, since he felt they should know about the acting method.
Alger said, "It is my pleasure."
The second question Audrey posed was the subsequent potion for Spectator.
Alger remained silent for a few seconds before saying, "I'll answer the question for free because I led you on this pathway.
The later sequences is Sequence 8 Telepathist; Sequence 7 was known as Psyche Analyst but is now known as Psychiatrist. This is what I found out from a member of the Psychology Alchemists. I think they should have quite several potion formulas for this pathway."
Audrey quickly asked whether he knew where she could find this Psychology Alchemist member.
Alger laughed and responded, "I do. He's immersed in the seas around Sonia Island. I sank him with my own hands. If you would like to look for the Psychology Alchemists, I have to apologize since I severed the clues."
"Sank . . . " Audrey was at a loss for what she should show.
Pallez thought that what Alger did matched his pathway. 'He' also decided to help out to build 'His' reputation in the Tarot Club.
"This information is free. Sequence 6 is Hypnotist, Sequence 5 is Dreamwalker, Sequence 4 is Manipulator. I'm not sure about Sequence 3 and beyond, but I do know that Sequence 3's name is similar to Sequence 5. I believe their powers are likely self-explanatory?"
Alger and Audrey immediately tried to memorize the great amount of information Mr. Time had given. Alger was already thinking about the names given. Audrey, however, was thanking Mr. Time for 'His' knowledge and generosity.
After a moment, Audrey drew a deep breath and suddenly failed to maintain her Spectator state. She asked bashfully, "The third question. If—and I'm saying if—a normal animal were to drink a Sequence 9 potion, what would happen?"
Klein looked at Miss Justice and saw emotions that suggested that an animal, likely a pet of hers, drank a potion. Klein was, of course, shocked, but wasn't surprised that it came from her, since he, from his interactions, had deduced that she was a slight airhead. Alger was simply dumbfounded.
Pallez, though, had some experience. 'He' was also questioning Audrey's. . . carefulness.
Alger eventually responded that if the animal survived, the animal would become a Beyonder.
Pallez decided to speak up, "Assume the animal is a pet; if this pet dog, let's say, consumed a Spectator potion, and survived, it would become a Beyonder creature of the Spectator pathway. Then this animal could be a useful asset for the Beyonder that reared it."
"How, how did you know? Ah, sorry for the stupid question." Audrey was stammering in embarrassment that an Archangel deduced her foolishness.
"You gave it away; I hadn't confirmed, but judging from how you spoke, it was likely from experience. Then you gave it away when I gave an answer. Use this as advice to not make the same mistake. Also, mind the latter part of my answer."
"Thank you deeply for your great advice, Mr. Time. I will make sure to follow your advice." Audrey was glad that Mr. Time was such a nice archangel.
Pallez nodded.
After this, no one had requests. Alger considered informing them about matters related to the Listener from the Aurora Order but decided not to.
Klein already knew that his honorific name had succeeded, so he decided to request them to do ritualistic magic using this honorific name. This was to cue them that he was a god-like being and to take advantage of the fact that he could use a three-line honorific name!
Notes: