Klein was lampooning having too efficient servants and got out of his chair to respond to the Seven Lights.
Wait, why am I getting out? I should be having them enter. Maybe it's because my chair isn't comfortable. . .
Klein got back into his chair and told the Seven Lights to enter. Meanwhile, Klein was contemplating how he should make his chair more comfortable without damaging his image.
"My Great Lord, we have completed a preliminary construction of the library, made sections, rules, and overseers. Would you like to hear it?" Green Light Serapis spoke.
Klein was still preoccupied with concerns of a more comfortable chair but still paid attention, "Present it to me."
The Seven Lights began a full report of the construction done. There are ten levels, one for each sequence. The levels are further broken down into four sections. These sections require either permission or a certain sequence. They additionally added a vault for personal knowledge Klein wanted to store. They asked whether what they did was acceptable and whether they could invite their Great White Brotherhood to serve the library.
Klein decided there was nothing wrong for now and said, "Good work, and yes to your request. Introduce them to me, and if I approve, I will let them in. Continue your report."
The Seven Lights nodded their thanks.
Not sure what I would store in there, but it wouldn't hurt to have a personal vault. Hmmm, maybe I can just switch my chair in between times when I have to talk to people? Regal throne when I'm speaking to other people, comfortable sofa or ottoman when I'm alone?
Iesus then began giving his report on the mission of telling the churches in Trier about the Mirror People issue and informing Adam. He went into detail about his experience with Adam.
The experience with Adam seems problematic; likely Adam tried to search Iesus's mind for information and likely planted a psychological cue. Thankfully, Sefirah Castle dealt with it. Also, hopefully the churches can do something to at least control the situation. They likely know of the Mirror People, but I wonder whether they knew how bad the situation has gotten.
Klein gave his opinion on what happened to the Indigo Lights Iesus. The Seven Lights agreed and thanked Klein for his assistance in dealing with the issue.
Well, I didn't do much; Sefirah Castle did, but thanks nonetheless.
Venithan then spoke on the information they gained on secret organizations. This new information only disgusted Klein even more and only reinforced his desire to purge the undesirables.
Klein asked the Seven Lights, "Is it possible for you to send dangerous Spirit World Creatures to attack these organizations?"
"It is possible, Your Excellency, but there are some conditions." Green Light Serapis said.
"What conditions?" Klein asked curiously.
"Well, the condition mainly depends on whether we can find the organization. If we can, the condition is irrelevant; if we don't, then we need to wait for a ritual to be done. The moment we see a ritual, we can gain coordinates, and so it doesn't matter what the ritual is; we can still send a dangerous Spirit World creature to attack. Though the question would then be, what Spirit World creature would we send?" Green Light Serapis explained.
Spirit World creatures… hm
"Do you have any suggestions?" Klein believed the Seven Lights would know best.
"We would recommend the Hounds of Fulgrim; may we explain why?" Green Light Serapis looked eager.
"You may." Klein moved him and the Seven Lights to a discussion room.
Klein really just wanted to have a more comfortable chair. Additionally, he rather liked the Victorian-esque room he used the first time.
The Seven Lights seated themselves, and Klein got a comfortable chair.
"The reason why we recommend the Hounds of Fulgrim is because of their sequence level. They are around Sequence 3, being a part of the main ingredients of Scholar of Yore. The reason why we chose a Sequence 3 Spirit World creature is that they have numbers and are powerful enough to target what we desire. Even Sequence 3s will struggle against them, though I do admit they likely can't kill Sequence 3's and some Sequence 4's in one go."
Makes sense; Sequence 2-level Spirit World creatures can't be common, and if there are any, they might not respond to the Seven Lights. Eventually, using Sefirah Castle, I could force all Sequence 2 and above to obey me, but that has its own issues. Though the Seven Lights and the Great White Brotherhood should likely have a few angel-level Spirit World creatures.
"Does the Great White Brotherhood have any angel-level Spirit World creatures?"
"Us, who are at the King of Angels level, and only a few others. Those few others total around sixteen. Ten of them are true Spirit World creatures. The other six are angel-level Beyonders of the Reader/White Tower, Mystery Pryer/Hermit, and Savant/Paragon that died but wanted to persist. The Beyonders are around Sequence 2, though a little higher due to our assistance. They can't compare to a Sequence 1, of course. This applies to seven of the true Spirit World creatures. Only three are at the level of Sequence 1, and that's being generous."
"Can you all attack?" Klein realized there may bae issues that some of them can't attack under normal conditions.
"The angel-rank Spirit World creatures can only attack if they are summoned; otherwise, they need coordinates to know where to go to attack. Also, there is the additional issue of the ritual providing protection, but at a high enough level Spirit World creatures can get around that. There is also a worry about Sequence 2 Beyonders doing a ritual and us attacking-"
"Harry them; you don't need to attack them but do cause issues." Klein understood for certain levels he needed to change his plans. "Keep an eye on any High-Sequence enemy."
"Understood." All Seven Lights responded.
After thinking for a bit, Klein asked, "Are the Spirit World creatures that were Beyonders loyal?"
"Without a doubt." Green Light Serapis assured.
"Good, continue with the Hounds of Fulgrim."
Based on the fact that they are a Sequence 3 main ingredient of the Seer pathway, I can likely control them through my Sequence and Sefirah Castle.
"The Hounds of Fulgrim are also known as the so-called Sefirah Castle Keepers."
"Oh?"
"Flegrea had searched for Sefirah Castle desperately; the Hounds of Fulgrim are the remnants of 'His' attempts. This purpose behind them is also why we recommend them to you. They reside in the gray fog surrounding Sefirah Castle, the Historical Void. Where they reside also leads us to only know of them and be unable to interact with them unless they leave the Historical Void and attempt to hunt."
"From where they live, they can detect I'm the owner of where they live and thus know to obey me?" Klein quickly understood the full reasoning of the Seven Lights.
"Indeed, they have the power, numbers, and loyalty you desire. They also have several other powers you may find most useful." Green Light Serapis said eagerly.
Klein arched an eyebrow.
"They can serve as your messengers for you and perhaps your members. I believe you can easily understand how they would make amazing messengers." Green Light Serapis continued with his explanations.
Messengers, they need to be fast, powerful enough to protect themselves, and somewhat intelligent. The Hounds of Fulgrim match everything and more. Though... I am a cat person... Oh, it doesn't matter; Perran is a wolf, and I don't mind her. Hmmm, would she be considered a furry? Klein, don't think of that. You don't know whether you may accidentally say that to Perran.
Klein chuckled at his thoughts, which caused Serapis to stop.
"Ah, sorry, excuse me. Continue." Klein quickly changed the topic.
"Are the Hounds of Fulgrim acceptable?" Serapis was clearly hoping the Hounds were liked by Klein.
"Indeed, let's end the meeting here for now; I have business to attend to. Continue with the missions I have assigned. Also, let me bless all of you with Sefirah Castle's power so you can act with more authority." Klein realized that while he can't control the Spirit World fully yet, the Seven Lights could do it for him.
"Thank you for your generosity and blessing, Great Lord!" All of the Seven Lights thanked Klein.
They're somewhat like zealots. . . Klein was slightly uncomfortable with their loyalty that was bordering on zealotry.
Once the Seven Lights left for the library to continue their missions, Klein left Sefirah Castle to enter the Historical Void.
The Historical Void to Klein was a beautiful, omnipresent gray fog like Sefirah Castle. There were magnificent and illustrious illuminated Histories and shadowed Histories that were not illuminated. Klein stared for a while, looking at the magnificent Historical Void. While looking in serenity, black shapes with red eyes raced to Klein, and once reaching him, they kneeled.
This is among one of my favorite places; I should come here to think. . . Oh, they are here.
Black shapes with red light trailing from their glowing red eyes raced to Klein.
"Hello, do you recognize me as your owner?" Klein smiled.
They looked like hounds. Their entire body is covered in short black fur, and in their eye sockets are two balls of dark-red burning flames. The ends of their mouths extend to the back of their heads. They clearly had a corporal form, but it gave off an illusory feeling that felt surreal.
They howled their answer; they were loyal to a fault. Klein couldn't help but smile; he was the lord, and his hounds were here to hunt.
"Good. Attend me." Klein began to walk to Sefirah Castle.
The Hounds of Fulgrim eagerly circled Klein, yipping in joy. They finally could enter what they had been searching and guarding after so long.
When Klein and company entered, Klein gave the Hounds instructions: "Now that we are here, go to that room and do as the Seven Lights command. Can you do that?"
They barked that they could and raced to the library, where the Seven Lights realized the Hounds of Fulgrim were in Sefirah Castle. They immediately prepared to do what Klein had instructed.
Klein smiled and descended back into the Moretti household.
…
After working at the Blackthorn Security Company for today, Klein headed back home. While working, Pallez informed Klein that he had parasitized Instigator Tris. 'He' had done it while Tris was buying ingredients from the underground market.
Will this cause issues when I go to the underground market?
No, additionally, two things. When you go, you may need to hide your aura even if you are using an avatar. There is a half-Sequence 9 Monster there.
I see, I'll take precautions. What's the second?
I told your technical colleague-
Your grandson?
He's not my grandson-
Grandson.
Grr, well, I told him to ask for advancement to Nightmare.
Why are you telling me?
Because of that, Leonard may not be in Tingen for long.
Ah, to fulfill the mission I assigned, you intend to use your Sequence 2 avatar. But I assume Perran wants you to stay in Leonard to be sure of certain things?
Indeed.
Alright, thanks for telling me.
Klein arrived back home and told Melissa and Benson that he was having dinner at the Blackthorn Security Company. Melissa decided to ask Klein about the divine council later when he got back. Then Klein left with Old Neil to go to the harbor.
Klein and Old Neil arrived when the sunlight had turned fiery. Old Neil, in his usual clothing while ignoring the gazes of others, walked diagonally to the Evil Dragon Bar ahead of them.
Klein could hear the raucous nature of the bar from far away. He also saw a man in a hidden corner carrying a steam-pressured rifle. He decided to enter into a conversation with Old Neil about it.
Old Neil, however, noticed something.
"What?" Old Neil squinted his eyes as he looked over, having a confused look. "Did something happen here?"
Oh right, that Instigator.
Old Neil and a brawny man began talking about Instigator Tris. When the conversation was ending, Old Neil asked, "Is the market still open?"
The brawny man confirmed it had just reopened.
Klein and Old Neil walked through the bar, which slightly disgusted Klein. Soon they entered the underground market. Old Neil gave Klein some information on the underground market's structure and Swain, the owner. Klein noticed that Swain was only a Sequence 8; he believed it was called Folk of Rage. He asked why Swain was only a Sequence 8 to Old Neil. Old Neil responded that the Church of the Goddess is much more powerful than the Lord of Storms. Another reason was that Swain was too scared to take the potion; Swain apparently feared the possibility of losing control.
Losing control...
It isn't impossible and very likely since they don't know about the acting method.
True Pallez, and oh, is that the half-Sequence 9?
Indeed.
What Klein saw as a rather pathetic man. He was pale, wearing an old linen shirt and blue jeans that the working class normally wore. His eyes looked demoralized with a hint of craziness, and he was constantly mumbling.
Klein felt bad for the poor man and decided to do some building in the Fool's reputation.
Pallez, aid that man in becoming a true Sequence 9 Monster.
Pallez understood Klein's plan and agreed for 'His' own purposes. 'He' planned to bring an avatar to aid the half-Sequence 9. Pallez hoped to bring Leonard and likely this man into the Tarot Club to build a small faction.
"His spiritual perception is very high... or perhaps, distorted?" Klein creased his eyebrows and muttered. Klein theorized it was likely due to the fact that he was a half-Sequence 9. He also spoke intentionally to garner a safe response from Old Neil.
Before Old Neil could respond, Klein made eye contact, and the pale young man with messy black hair walked towards him with an expression looking as though he was half-sleepwalking and half-insane.
He certainly acts like a monster.
The young man seemed to gain some clarity.
Did my feedback digest his latent characteristic? Klein realized why the man gained clarity.
He stopped before Klein and stared at him.
Suddenly, he guffawed.
"Haha, it's the smell of death, death... Ah!"
Before he was done talking, he suddenly screamed tragically. His eyes shut tightly as liquid with the color of blood flowed out.
"Ah! Darn it!" The young man covered his eyes and hugged his head. He struggled on the ground and only calmed down after a while. He then lay there panting.
During the entire process, not a single customer or stall vendor looked over.
Klein felt bad for the poor young man. Even Pallez felt sorry for and pitied him.
Klein also turned his head to Old Neil while holding down his hat. Klein acted like he was in shock, mouth hanging open in shock, using his actions to demonstrate his shock and to request advice.
Old Neil then explained, "Don't mind him. He's Ademisaul, an orphan, nicknamed 'monster.' He was born with high spiritual perception, and he has always been able to see things that he shouldn't, hear voices that he shouldn't. Hence, he is always raving and often getting hurt." Old Neil shook his head in pity.
He could see my body had died; I only considered hiding the gray fog. Is this a trait of the Monster pathway?
It is a trait of the Monster pathway. Pallez ignored the part where Klein said his body had died; it was better to remain ignorant on some matters, even if you already knew the matter.
I see.
Klein began asking Old Neil, "Haven't the Nighthawks, Mandated Punishers, or the Machinery Hivemind ever thought of taking him in?" Klein already knew the answer, which Old Neil confirmed; it was because they didn't have the proper potion for it.
Old Neil then spoke about how the secret organization that had controlled the beginning was the Life School of Thought.
He tried to keep the conversation between him and Klein from the people around them to avoid leaking information to mysticism enthusiasts.
Life School of Thought, I still need the Seven Lights and perhaps Pallez to find that injured president. I believe the Seven Lights told me he was a Sequence 1 Snake of Fate. Hopefully I can recruit him into becoming another angel under me. Klein continued to ponder the Life School of Thought and mainly their president.
Klein saw Ademisaul struggle to get up and move to wander to another corner. He also noticed an avatar of Pallez trailing him.
Klein looked at the market around him and noted, "The market seems to be rather well equipped." Klein knew it was, since underground markets couldn't hold high-level items.
He continued to look around and felt the vibe matched his expectations.
Old Neil soon left to settle his own bill, leaving Klein to look around.
While strolling around and window shopping, he heard something. He had been strolling with his cane before coming to a stall that sold self-made amulets. He had taken the time to pretend to look.
Just when Klein prepared to speak with the seller, he suddenly heard someone asking the stall behind him, "Is this powder ground from cow teeth paeonol?"
Cow teeth paeonol? That's one of the supplementary ingredients of the Spectator potion. Klein thought, then turned around to look at the inquirer.
Klein saw the man asking for cow teeth paeonol had begun to haggle. Klein searched him for any traces of being a Beyonder. When seeing nothing but healthy and good emotions, Klein did a divination. He confirmed that the man knew of the Spectator potion formula.
Pallez, do you believe he's part of the Psychology Alchemists?
Just did a divination and some probing searches. Have confirmed. Shall I watch him for leads?
Yes.
While Klein was examining the shop, he realized the man selling had at least some experience in making charms and amulets. Klein decided not to buy and simply got Pallez to find him resources to personally create a protective amulet for Melissa and Benson.
Klein was going to leave, but a young girl asked him a question.
"Sir, why are you not buying a completed amulet?"
Klein turned his head over and found a teenage girl asking him the question. She was about fifteen years of age and wore a lacy yellow dress while holding onto a veiled hat with a ribbon.
Klein wondered why a young and proper girl like her was in this place and made an excuse.
The young teenage girl then asked for advice on choosing an amulet.
Klein decided to be a gentleman and advised her, much to the girl's delight.
When finishing advising, Klein looked at the stall owner as he spoke and noticed that the man had a weird look in his eyes, as if deciding whether he had to give a cut of the profit to Klein.
Klein fought his instincts and left. He continued touring the underground market, but he didn't notice any true Beyonder ingredients. Pallez confirmed it.
Soon, Old Neil and Klein met up together. At this point, Old Neil had already paid off his debt. He was holding a dark colored wooden box in his hands.
That box seemed to contain something.
A mystical ingredient, though; despite that, it makes sense, our spirituality says it is important?
You do still have an avatar watching Neil, right?
Indeed... It could be possible that what that man has is related to information he gained from the Hidden Sage...
Klein's internally seethed with rage at the Hidden Sage. Watch him carefully.
Understood.
Old Neil told Klein where Klein could buy or sell Beyonder ingredients. Klein gave a response, and they left.
"How much for these elf flowers?"
A query suddenly entered Klein's ears.
Without a doubt, a person with the Psychology Alchemists.
Although he was a quasi-member of the Nighthawks, he did not feel that all Beyonders had to be absorbed by the Churches or locked up. He believed that it had to depend on the situation. Spectators definitely posed little danger to society or the kingdom, and the chances of losing control as a Sequence 9 were very slim. Additionally, he could make use of this, likely soon-to-be Beyonder.
…
After leaving the Evil Dragon Bar, Klein and Old Neil took a public carriage and left the harbor. They then split ways at the North Borough and headed back to their respective homes.
When heading home, Klein's intuition went off.
The Instigator is now a Witch.
This alerted Klein, and soon, when he was getting out of the carriage, he saw a young lady wearing a grayish-white dress about to board the carriage. He noticed her body was shuddering slightly. It was an unnatural shudder. The shudder of someone who had just advanced.
Getting off and heading home, Klein asked Pallez a question.
Have you parasitized him, I mean, her?
Indeed. I've managed to gain information on the Theosophy Order and the Demoness Sect.
Good.
Klein soon arrived home and saw Melissa sitting beside the dining table; she was doing homework under a bright gas lamp.
Homework, that cursed thing!
She bit at the fountain pen and frowned, appearing deep in thought.
"Where's Benson?" Klein asked casually.
"Ah..." Melissa looked up. She blanked out for a few seconds before saying, "He said he went around a few boroughs today and was covered in sweat. He's taking a nice relaxing bath."
"Alright." Klein chuckled, then noticed Melissa's dress; it was new.
It looked like one of the new fashionable dresses. It appeared to follow the current trends, and was also not one they had bought before.
Klein was taking pride in this victory that he had nothing to do with.
Melissa then said she had gotten it from Mrs. Rochelle. Klein asked because he remembered she was their former neighbor. Melissa then explained her situation. Klein felt that Melissa did it out of pity.
Regardless, Klein felt that this was fine. Instead, he said with a smile, "When did you go to Harrods?"
When Melissa was embarrassed and gave Klein an answer, Klein comforted Melissa about her loss. Before he was about to leave to get a bath, Melissa asked something.
"Hey Klein…" Melissa was clearly thinking about how she was going to ask Klein about something.
"Yes?" Klein turned around.
"So I learned you are part of a divine council of the Fool." Melissa was nervous, and it showed in her tone.
"I believe I told you that," Klein asked immediately, realizing something was wrong.
"So I prayed to Mother, I mean the Evernight Goddess, and 'She'" While Melissa was speaking, Klein began panicking.
Since Klein was an archangel, his Clown powers were very impressive, but it took everything to not break character.
Mother?! Why did she need to? What, why... Oh no. Klein grasped the idea of Perran's plan.
Pallez was deciding not to pry into why Melissa called the Evernight Goddess mother. In fact, 'He' was trying to kill 'His' avatar's senses and have it run. The sanest man without a doubt.
". . . suggested that I ask you to join the divine council." Melissa was going to say more, but Klein cut her off.
"Of course I'll need to ask, but I can't confirm whether 'He'll let you in." Klein was wondering whether he could make an excuse to refuse.
"I wasn't done speaking about what mother, I mean, oh well, 'She' also had me ask why 'Her' husband isn't letting 'Her' in on 'His' divine council," Melissa spoke in a very flustered tone. "Also-"
Klein understood the final nail was nailed into his coffin and bemoaned Perran's nefarious plan internally.
Curse that Sanguine for this! Klein continued to curse obscenities about the Earth Mother who was also Sanguine Ancestor Lilith.
Pallez was living in blissful ignorance. In fact, 'He' was having the avatar bang its head into the ground repeatedly.
I can't hear anything, I can't hear anything, I can't hear anything... Pallez was also contemplating the logistics of stealing 'His' own memories and removing them.
"... when can I go back to the Church of Steam and Machinery? After speaking to mother," Melissa struggled to say that, "I have steeled my resolve to take the path the God of Steam and Machinery has for me."
This was something Klein could do about without breaking down into a panic, "Just tell Benson that after school you'll go to the Holy Numerics Church."
"Alright, that's all I have to say." Melissa took her homework and fled upstairs.
Smart girl. Anyway, what is Pallez doing . . . Smart man.
After hearing Melissa close her door, Klein began a brisk walk to the second floor, hoping to wash away the repulsive mixed smells from the bar. He tried very hard not to think about the conversation he had with Melissa.
Just as he was getting his change of clothes, he heard a door open. Benson had left the shower, drying his bad hairline.
"How was work today for you, and the dinner? Have you complimented Melissa's new dress?" Benson smiled.
"Work and the dinner were great; for her dress, well, I consoled her for her loss." Klein shrugged embarrassingly.
Benson looked at him in shock, then burst into laughter, which Melissa heard. She was blushing red.
"Heh, heh. Melissa, we really need to work on her penny-pinching ways."
Benson then spoke about Melissa caring about her dress. Apparently, after doing the cooking and dishes, she put on the dress and refused to take it off.
... Wasn't she planning on changing after showering? She can wash and starch the clothes while doing so... Klein subconsciously refuted the explanation that Melissa had given.
So that's what kind of person you are, Melissa... There's nothing wrong with a girl caring for her appearance. There's no need to find excuses... Wait, she does seem to have a crush on nephew Bornova.
"You know, Benson, while talking to Melissa, she asked me about going to the Holy Numerics Cathedral for more learning. Apparently she found the history consultant very, very handsome." Klein spoke rather loudly to gauge Melissa's reaction.
Definitely blushing and ready to die from embarrassment.
Benson, though, caught onto what Klein was implying.
"Surely-" Klein cut off whatever Benson was going to say.
"Ask Melissa." Klein patted Benson on the shoulder and walked into the bathroom.
While he was showering, Klein faintly heard knocking downstairs.
That's Bitsch Mountbatten...
Klein quickly finished his shower and went down. When asking Benson about it, he said it was Bitsch Mountbatten asking about an eighteen-or nineteen-year-old boy who has a rotund face.
After a bit more communication, especially about Benson's embarrassing conversation with Melissa. Klein felt Melissa's burning face from downstairs; even Benson could without even being a Beyonder. Once the conversation was done, Klein and Benson went up to sleep.
Pallez's poor avatar finally stopped its attempt to live in blissful ignorance once they went up.
Finally, I'm safe.