Klein took the written note Dunn had given and walked to Old Neil, who was in the armory. Old Neil saw the note and agreed with Dunn. Old Neil reasoned that Klein would need that information because he intended to bring Klein to the underground market tomorrow night. This delighted Klein, and when he asked for confirmation, Old Neil said he can't sleep well when he is in debt.
Really? You didn't seem so panicked when you did that ritualistic magic... So, I'm not the only one suffering from procrastination... Wait, is there a need to emphasize 'afraid to spend away the money to repay a loan?' Heh, you're just scared you would spend it if you didn't pay it off. Klein decided to be merciful and didn't expose Old Neil. What Klein did say was to ask Old Neil to get the documents.
Ten minutes after Old Neil left to get the documents, he returned with a big stack. "They can only be read here. They are not to be taken out," he warned as he placed the information on the desk.
"Alright," Klein said, and then Pallez had something to offer.
Instead of relying on these documents, we could try something else, something very likely to be far more helpful.
What is it? Klein knew big shots like Pallez and Perran wouldn't bother to learn about new secret organizations that haven't done anything major, so what did Pallez plan?
Did I ever say anything about the Seven Lights?
Yes, I quote, "The seven rays of the light of different colors contained the limitless knowledge of different domains." You also said they are at the King of Angels level, which makes it incredibly hard for even true deities to make them do their bidding.
Do you know what part of the Lord of Mysteries' honorific name is?
Lord of Mysteries;
King of Space-Time;
Beacon of Destiny;
Embodiment of Sefirah Castle;
Dominator of the Spirit World
Dominator, ah, I see as materializations of the Spirit World; as the Dominator of the Spirit World, they will likely do my bidding. Do you want to join me?
Yes.
Klein brought Pallez's avatar up to Sefirah Castle.
"So Pallez, how do I call them?" Klein realized he didn't know their names or anything about them outside of the minor information Pallez had given.
"I believe you can move your Spirit Body into the Spirit World and send your intention; I believe they will seek you out the moment you arrive. You sending your intention will simply help them locate you faster." Pallez didn't know much either; 'He' hadn't had the luck to get their favor.
Klein did a divination and received the plan would be effective.
"Hmmm," Klein moved his Spirit Body out and into the Spirit World.
It was a beautiful absolute chaos of directions, past, present, and future. It looked like it was splashed and painted with saturated colors, creating a wonderfully intriguing appearance. When Klein looked down, he saw seven majestic lights of the seven colors of the rainbow.
"The Seven Lights . . . Come to me." Klein couldn't help but speak in a dominating and grand tone and speech.
…
In Saint Hierländ Cathedral, a particular Sealed Artifact learned of the Seven Lights answering its master.
"Wait, NO! I should be the one serving my great master first! NOOOOOOOOO!" the Sealed Artifact, in a fit of anger, blasted lightning.
This caused quite a fright for the Machinery Hivemind members in Saint Hierländ Cathedral.
…
The Seven Lights quickly followed Klein's order. They followed 'Him' into the grey fog of Sefirah Castle. When they arrived at the grand meeting table, Klein was sitting there on 'His' throne with Pallez at 'His' right-hand side.
Klein interlaced 'His' hands and spoke, "Hello, it is good to meet you. Introduce yourselves."
A plump old man with a short white beard in an orange robe stepped forth and said, "Your Excellency, I am Orange Light Hilarion."
Klein nodded.
"The others are Red Light Aiur Moria, Yellow Light Venithan, Green Light Serapis, Blue Light Kuthumi, Indigo Light Iesus, and Violet Light Saint Germain."
"Greetings, Your Excellency." They bowed.
Smiling, Klein waved his hand and altered the appearance of Sefirah Castle. From the gray fog, reclining chairs, a grayish-yellow carpet, cupboards, sofas, coffee tables, cast sculptures, white porcelain teacups, and other items formed a classic Victorian-era room, or from what Klein had heard, a Backlund-styled activity room.
"Take a more comfortable seat." Klein was already sitting in a very comfortable chair.
Pallez was sitting in an ottoman close to Klein. 'He' discreetly placed 'His' chair farther back and took to staying in the background. 'He' had decided to take a servant role for Klein since, in reality, that was what 'He' was and was going to be. 'His' thinking was that if 'He' was going to be a servant, 'He' could stand to benefit from being a favorite.
The Seven Lights quickly obeyed and took seats.
Before Klein could pose his request, Hilarion beat him to it.
"Your Excellency, you would like us to inform you of secret organizations, pathways, and more?" Orange Light Hilarion was clearly the most outgoing and energetic of the Seven Lights.
"Indeed, what do you have to say of secret organizations for now?" Klein got comfortable and was careful not to show issues with his avatar/marionette in the Physical Realm.
The Seven Lights began informing Klein of secret organizations in order of the epoch they were founded in. In the Second Epoch, it was the Great White Brotherhood. This was an organization founded by the Seven Lights to guide humanity and possessed great information Klein planned to utilize.
In the Third Epoch, it was Rose Redemption.
Rose Redemption? This organization feels very important.
Hilarion spoke, "We do not know much outside of members' information, what they did, their goals, and a bit more. If you truly want to learn more, I would advise Your Excellency to ask the Evernight Goddess, since 'She' was one of the leaders."
"Truly? I will." Klein made a mental note to ask Perran about this when he had a few more questions to ask.
In the Fourth Epoch, the organizations were: Twilight Hermit Order, Moses Ascetic Order, Demoness Sect, Mirror People, Secret Order, Shadow of Order, and Blood Sanctify Sect.
"The Twilight Hermit Order was founded by Angel of Imagination Adam. 'He' is the son of the Ancient Sun God. The people in the Forsaken Land of the Gods, though, call the Ancient Sun God the Creator."
The Forsaken Land of the God-, I have heard myths. I'll shelve that for now. The Ancient Sun God, I've heard of him from Perran. He is the father of Adam and Amon; I'll ask more about him later. Perran will likely know some information the Seven Lights don't.
"Continue with organizations for now."
"The Twilight Hermit Order worships the Original Creator, who is actually the Ancient Sun God. They, or really Adam, aim to guide history from behind the shadows, shaping events so that the Original Creator can resurrect in the future. Their attempt to resurrect the Ancient Sun God does seem to be oddly similar to Visionary's ritual, Sequence 0 of Spectator." Indigo Light Iesus spoke this time.
"Do you believe Adam is loyal to the Ancient Sun God?" To Klein, it was either Adam was using the excuse to become a true deity, or becoming Visionary would allow the Ancient Sun God to resurrect.
"Without a doubt," Blue Light Kuthami said.
"Are there any resurrection abilities in Visionary?" Since Adam was loyal, then there had to be some resurrection ability in Visionary.
"Yes, through virtual personas; on that thought, it is possible Adam 'Himself' is a virtual persona of the Ancient Sun God trying to regain 'His' original power!" This was spoken by Saint Germain.
Klein contemplated for a moment, "When I'm done with asking my questions and anything else, one of you will try to contact Adam and give him a message. . . " Klein looked around to make sure they understood.
They nodded, so Klein gave the message, "Either you back me for Lord of Mysteries, or I will reveal your secret to Lord of Storms, Eternal Blazing Sun, and God of Knowledge and Wisdom."
Each of the Seven Lights nodded. They had already decided to send Iesus.
Even if Adam or likely the Ancient Sun God doesn't care, at least I tried; who knows, it might be effective.
"For now, keep explaining about organizations."
"Additional information about the Twilight Hermit Order: because of Adam, all mentions of this order will be known, so unless you are concealed, you must not speak its name." They then gave more relevant information.
"The Moses Ascetic Order worships the Hidden Sage, the activated Uniqueness of the Hermit or Mystery Pryer Pathway." The Seven Lights then gave their philosophy, history, members' information, and resources.
Klein paid the most attention to their fall, members, and Sealed Artifacts.
For the information on the Demoness Sect, Klein didn't pay too much attention until the information on members and their resources.
"Mirror People are the reflection of people in the real world. The Mirror People harbor an intense resentment toward the original counterpart, and are driven by a desire to supplant them. This goes to the extent of killing them and then replacing them in the real world. This is especially the case in Trier of the Intis Republic; in fact, most of the people in Trier are now Mirror People." Hilarion spoke with an air of graveness.
Klein and Pallez were disturbed by this revelation. Both were thinking of the same thing. We have a mirror person?
"Indeed, all beings in the real world have a mirror person. Though rest assured, the higher the level of the mirror person, the more difficult it is for them to escape."
"Well, that makes it slightly better. Do the churches in Trier know of this?" Klein didn't really like the concept of having a Mirror Person and wanted to get rid of it. He felt it was too dangerous. The second concern was why haven't the churches done anything?
"We don't believe the churches know, or if they do, they can't do anything effective. The latter is possible due to the situation with Fourth Epoch Trier." They then gave a full breakdown on Fourth Epoch Trier and relevant information on the Mirror People.
For now, Klein was disturbed by the Mirror People, but they didn't seem to be able to be an issue to him, so he decided to wait for a better time to deal with them. For now, he intended to take some safety measures.
"Keep an eye on the situation in Trier and inform the churches to ensure they know of the situation." Since Klein didn't believe he had the resources to deal with the Mirror People, he decided to go for an observing position and will only change if the situation demands it. After some more information on the Mirror People, Hilarion spoke about the Secret Order which was founded by the Zaratul family.
The most important information Klein learned was that their leader, Zaratul, had botched 'His' Sequence 1 advancement ritual and turned into a monster. In reality, it was 'His' soul being separated when 'He' tried to gain a Sequence 1 characteristic from Antigonus the Half-Fool.
"Is the Sequence 1 characteristic outside in the real world?" This was the most important question to Klein.
"Yes, but it hasn't been found where Zaratul is-" Hilarion was cut off by Klein.
"Do whatever you can to find where he is." This was of grave importance to Klein; while it may be dangerous for him to take in another Sequence 1 characteristic, there was nothing wrong with simply holding onto it.
The Seven Lights nodded their understanding.
Some more information Klein paid attention to was that their current leader was a Sequence 3, and deeply worked with the Intis Republic. The Sequence 3 was from the Zaratul family, and they formed Bureau 8 for the Intis Republic.
They then went into a relatively unknown secret organization called the Shadow of Order. All Klein took from it was founded by the remnants of the Solomon Empire. Their main pathway was Black Emperor, and they worshipped Black Emperor Solomon. Klein also learned the Pirate King Nast was a major member, and Pallez's family also had a hand. Pallez 'Himself' wasn't a part of this organization, though.
The final Fourth Epoch organization was the Blood Sanctify Sect, which was formed by three Devil families: Nois, Anadriel, and Beria. The latter two had weakened and become vassals of the former. They believed in the Dark Side of the Universe, also known as Devil Monarch Farbauti. This led to them causing murders of all sorts to proselytize their faith in the Devil.
Farbauti is one of the survivors that Perran mentioned.
"Do you know the current conditions of Farbauti?"
"Currently hidden; we suspect the Earth Mother. 'He' has all Sequence 1 characteristics and Uniqueness of the Abyss Pathway. 'He' also had a Sequence 1 characteristic of the Chained Pathway, but has seemed to have given it away in some form."
Hidden by Lilith? "Keep an eye on the condition of Earth Mother and Farbauti."
The Seven Lights didn't question it and affirmed their understanding.
"There are four organizations formed at the beginning of the Fifth Epoch: Theosophy Order, Numinous Episcopate, Life School of Thought, and Rose School of Thought. The Theosophy Order is basically a branch of the Demoness Sect from the Tamara family." Hilarion gave a bit more information about the Theosophy Order and the Tamara family's situation.
"The Numinous Episcopate has several factions, with the main ones being Royal, Artificial Death, Repose, and Underworld. They all generally have a belief in Death and seek 'His' revival." The Seven Lights then gave knowledge of their philosophy, history, characteristics, members, and resources.
"Life School of Thought has a president and an Elder Council. They possess the Monster and Apothecary pathways. When the president disappeared, due to Ouroboros attacking 'Him', a faction in control of the Moon pathway defected and joined the indulgence faction of the Rose School of Thought. I believe the president could make a good ally if you can find 'Him'. 'He' is a Sequence 1 Snake of Fate of the Wheel of Fortune Pathway. They also operate on a mentor and apprentice format." They went into their current numbers and resources, separating the factions.
"Rose School of Thought originally worshiped the Chained God Tolzna, but now . . . they worship the Mother Tree of Desire and the Primordial Moon, which is an alias for the Mother Goddess of Depravity. They are two outer deities. Because of the change in faith, they separated into two factions, temperance and indulgence. The leader of the temperance faction could be made an ally, Your Excellency. 'Her' name is Reinette Tinekerr. 'She' is a Sequence 2 Ancient Bane of the Chained or Prisoner Pathway, 'She' is currently weakened and has resurrected as a special Spirit World creature." The Seven Lights went into deep information on the organization's history, philosophy, characteristics, factions, and resources.
…
In Saint Selena Cathedral, Klein had finished up the limited knowledge the Tingen Nighthawks had. After pretending to study and revise, he heard that the delivery of Sealed Artifact 2-049 from Backlund had been delayed due to some reason or another. The actual time of arrival was still pending. He also didn't participate in the operation for capturing Instigator Tris.
…
Back in Sefirah Castle...
The Seven Lights began speaking about relatively newly founded organizations: Aurora Order, Iron and Blood Cross Order, Psychology Alchemists, Element Dawn, Hermits of Fate, Naturism Sect, and Celestial Research Association.
Klein didn't learn anything new about Aurora Order outside of specifics in hierarchy, members, and resources.
Iron and Blood Cross Order had a generally negative impression from Klein, and he commanded the Seven Lights to keep an eye out for them.
After hearing about the Psychology Alchemists, Klein had a generally positive impression that was damaged after hearing they worshipped Adam.
Element Dawn, I should take an observing stance and, after interacting with Bernadette, maybe begin helping.
The Seven Lights and Pallez noticed Klein's reaction to Bernadette's last name; while the Seven Lights didn't fully understand, Pallez did.
The Hermits of Fate were jointly talked about by the Seven Lights and Pallez.
A bunch of pathetic thieves and frauds. Maybe I could use them too; no, they are likely too weak to do anything.
The Naturism Sect disgusted Klein; he decided to take serious measures to deal with them after hearing they worship the Mother Tree of Desire.
"Pallez, when you can, kill them all." Klein had no mercy for fanatics of the Mother Tree of Desire. "Seven Lights, do you have any methods to deal with them?"
Pallez gave a confirmation. The Seven Lights told Klein they would ensure as little assistance came to them from the Spirit World.
"Do this to the Rose School of Thought, Demoness Sect, Mirror people, and Aurora Order; to the rest, for now, we'll wait. We'll … actually also add the Secret Order"
After hearing about the Celestial Research Association, Klein included them to be dealt with.
"Now, after hearing about the secret organizations, tell me about the pathways." Klein had a very good understanding of Pathways under the Lord of Mysteries thanks to Pallez and his own pathway. For Eternal Darkness, he could ask Perran about it. Yet despite that, it wouldn't hurt to learn more about the pathways from the view of the Seven Lights.
After that long conversation, Klein decided to ask about the Forsaken Land of the Gods and the Ancient Sun God. That led to its own long conversation.
Klein, after some consideration, decided to ask an important question: "How well do you know the old Lord of the Mysteries or 'The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings'?" He translated the title using Elvish.
The Seven Lights immediately fell silent. "They" looked at each other and didn't reply for a while.
After a few seconds, Orange Light Hilarion sighed. "Even now, we can't be sure if you aren't 'Him'."
They then shared their known information and some of their guesses.
Klein began contemplating the information. He went through worry and then began to realize silver linings! While it was likely he was already corrupted, that didn't mean all was hopeless; he could use his avatar to simulate growing step by step on the Pathways! This would allow him to resist the same cause of corruption the Ancient Sun God suffered from.
…
Klein had already returned home by now and was spoiling his siblings. Melissa, though, was trying to get Klein alone later so she could talk to him.
…
After thinking for a while and a few more discussions, Klein was in a better mood. While he couldn't get rid of the Celestial Worthy, he was still in a better position; all he had to do was capitalize.
"Thank you for your assistance today." Klein was very thankful to the Seven Lights for their knowledge.
"It is our joy to serve you, Your Excellency." Yellow Light Venithan spoke.
Klein smiled, "Then I believe I have a duty you all will find amazing. How would you like to furnish a library of knowledge in Sefirah Castle? You can staff this library with the Great White Brotherhood."
The Seven Lights all proclaimed in joy, "It would be our greatest joy and happiness!"
Klein laughed, "Very good now." Klein waved his hand and created a library connected to the meeting room he used for Tarot Club. "I hope to see your work. If you are wondering if I have any conditions, I'll trust you."
"Thank you for your faith in us, Your Excellency." Blue Light Kuthumi said.
"Well, then I'll say get to work; I need to leave now. I bid you goodbye." Klein got up.
"It was our pleasure. May Your Excellency return to the throne of the great ruler above the spirit world as quickly as possible." The Seven Lights stood up at the same time, giving him a warm response.
Are they trying to curse me? Klein teased himself as he descended with Pallez to the real world.
…
In the real world, the Morettis had a surface-level good time. After spoiling Benson and Melissa with good food and drink, they had cleaned up.
Once Benson had gone up, Melissa went to Klein.
Klein braced himself.
"Klein, can I speak to you about what I learned from Bornova?" Melissa spoke with a graveness and sadness.
Melissa remembered her conversation with Bornova, who was apparently an angel of the God of Steam and Machinery. Angel... 'He's such an important human- no, mythical creature. I remember after just showing me 'His' powers, 'He' then went into an in-depth conversation. Though before that I learned about Klein's situation.
"Melissa, I assure you, my situation isn't as bad as you think; I believe Bornova stressed this point." Klein tried for a calming tone without sounding condescending.
Are you sure? I know the Fool is supposed to be orthodox since the Lady sees the Fool as 'Her' consort . . ." Melissa continued her rant, but Klein was barely paying attention.
Consort? What?
Pallez decided to just remain silent.
While Melissa was continuing her rant, Klein was listening, but he was also sending an avatar/marionette to Saint Selena Cathedral.
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 for an audience with you.
…
In the divine kingdom of the Evernight Goddess, the Tenebrous Heaven…
Klein saw the beautiful figure of Perran in a field of moonflowers and night vanillas.
'She' turned to him and smiled annoyedly, "What is it, now? Is it some other ridiculous question?"
"Why am I considered, my identity as the Fool, considered your consort?" Klein spoke with absolute straightforwardness without a hint of joking.
Perran, hearing the words, looked blankly at Klein.
"What are you-. . . oh, that damn Fourth Epoch Upstart!" Perran got up, and Klein could feel 'Her' rage.
Guess the consort thing wasn't from her. Klein was wisely backing away, preparing to flee.
Yet just as soon as he thought of that plan, 'Her' rage diminished, then rekindled far more dangerously.
What happened?! Klein felt like Perran had learned of something very bad.
While Klein had never heard French personally, he had impressions, and his spirituality told him Perran was cursing someone particular out in French and Romanian.
Wait, Earth Mother is also well was known as Sanguine Ancestor Lilith. Sanguines are basically vampires... is Perran cursing out Lilith? Is Lilith the one who spread the rumor that the Fool is the consort of Perran?!
…
Back in the Moretti household, Klein's main body was trying to placate Melissa.
"Melissa, calm down for a bit. How or what can I do to prove to you I'm not in any danger from the Fool?" Klein was struggling to placate Melissa; while she was typically very rational, the fear that her brother was in danger moved her into panic.
"What can you do?" Melissa was almost in hysterics.
"I can grant you an audience with the Fool, since I'm one of 'His' blessed; I can do that, then you can personally see that 'He' means no threat to Benson or me."
"How do you know 'He' isn't lying?"
"Ah, well, if we go by that logic, what's stopping the orthodox gods from lying to us?" Klein immediately realized his mistake.
"Klein, tha, that's blasphemy!" Melissa was almost screaming.
Thankfully, I concealed the space ahead of time. Wait, I can simply weaponize Melissa's faith. I should have Melissa get an audience with Perran! Surely she wouldn't... oh. I'll do it a bit later.
Klein decided to switch to damage control methods to stall Melissa's panic until he could get Perran to personally help.
Wait, will Perran be angered by this? Surely she wouldn't mind. Oh well, I'll deal with the issues later.
"Melissa, I believe you learned from Bornova that I was blessed by the Evernight Goddess, the Lady."
"Well, he said you were the Lady's bet on 'Her' consort, the Fool. I guess that would also make you a Blessed since I'm a bet of the God of Steam and Machinery and I'm 'His' blessed." Melissa thought through it carefully.
"Yes, so you can trust I'm protected from the Fool because the Lady will protect me. Besides, do you really think the Fool can be so bad if 'He's the consort of the Lady?" Klein was internally lampooning needing to defend himself and the consort business.
"Well, you're not wrong; I guess I was just so panicked from-" Melissa was calming back down.
"As I was a Blessed of the Fool, I am a blessed of the Evernight Goddess. I can arrange for the Lady to personally tell you that I'm safe with 'Her' consort."
"Wait, how would you have the authority to do that?" Melissa caught an issue.
Really, she needed to think of that?! Klein was lampooning his bad luck.
"Because I was the one who freed the Fool from 'His' last shackles. This gave me great favor with the Lady and the Fool."
Finally, after convincing Melissa her worries were unfounded, because even other orthodox churches recognize the Fool as orthodox. Well, really just the Church of Steam and Machinery. He finally got her to continue the argument later tomorrow. By then, hopefully he could get Perran to do something to calm her.
…
In the divine kingdom of the Evernight Goddess, the Tenebrous Heaven. . .
Perran was still cursing out, most likely a Sanguine Ancestor by Klein's guess.
Klein's avatar was doing the courageously brave thing of hiding like a coward. Additionally, the avatar had somehow gotten a box of popcorn.
Notes: