บท 336: Chapter 253: Adryan 'Scammer' Kenway
Pitado Street, Unit 3-6, Lemburg.
Klein Moretti lifted the teacup to his lips and took a small sip. The Clown let out a soft sigh as, with his free hand, he scratched his cheek, where the beginnings of a beard were visible.
'The rent for this flat is 8 gold sassem at the 15th of every month, I still have 112 gold sassem left... Assuming my expenses on food and accessories I can last about 9 months... Of course, if I count mystical materials for rituals and potions it will only last a maximum of 2 if I manage to stretch my expenses...'
Letting out a heavy sigh, the Clown lowered the cup carefully to his plate and scratched his head in frustration. Next to his food were some documents.
Those documents were his new identity. It had cost him more than half his money just to buy these.
This contained all the basic information, such as his place and date of birth, education and occupation, etc.
'The information it has is quite good, and its quality is considerable. Even if I undergo a little research, it won't show anything unusual...'
Klein had divined about that in Space on the Gray Fog, and the result had been quite favorable, so he was safe for the current time.
Shaking his head, his eyes moved for a moment to his new name, and he couldn't help but feel highly embarrassed.
Ever since he had heard the name James Holmes he had not been able to help but relate the persona of Mr. Chariot to those of his world.
Klein thought it would be poetic to take a page from the man's book, considering that he had come to Lemburg to investigate and become stronger.
'Besides, if there is another transmigrator in the present time. The name is sure to make them curious and make contact; this way, it will be much easier to find more companions, and together, we can look for a way to return...'
Since he had read in Emperor Roselle's diary that there was a transmigrator even older than him, Klein knew there should be more!
Of course, he knew it was just a wish on a starless night. If the pattern of Transmigrators repeated itself, the one after him wouldn't fall for at least another 50 years if he went by the time reduction between him, Roselle, and the Unknown Transmigrator.
He doubted he would have to stay in this world for 50 years; he believed he should be able to escape without needing that time.
'But of course, if another time reduction as great as with Mr. Anonymous, Emperor Roselle, and finally me happens... It Wouldn't be crazy if the next transmigrator falls this year or has already fallen!'
'That my name is so recognizable to them will mean that if they are around, they will come for me...'
Klein was sure that the name of his new identity would be enough to catch the attention of any modern person. It was one of popular culture, after all.
'Sherlock Moriarty... heh...'
Letting out a small chuckle at that, which died after a few seconds, Klein let out a heavy sigh as he closed his eyes in thought.
'Sure, I just hope they're as good as Emperor Roselle was. I don't know anything about Mr. Anonymous, but I would like to believe they weren't a bad person. And if I add me to the equation, chances are the next transmigrator will be someone at least decent...'
But if Klein was honest, even if the new transmigrator was a bit of a piece of work, he was sure he could handle it.
'I have dealt with Mr. Chariot and seen what he can do. It doesn't matter if the other transmigrator is a bit annoying; they can't be as bad as Chariot!'
Shaking his head, Klein grabbed his cup and took a slow sip, feeling the smooth, slightly sour lemon tea. He could only sigh as he looked at the lime-green liquid.
[The Fool that doesn't belong to this era...]
The sudden whispers that reached his ears startled Klein a little before his eyes widened in recognition.
'That voice!'
Wasting no time, Klein shot up from his chair, almost knocking it to the floor.
Abandoning his breakfast, he ran to the flat's bathroom and locked the door.
Quickly but carefully, he erected a wall of spirituality sealing the bathroom. With that in place, he performed the incantations as he took the four steps.
Finally, he sat on the toilet and closed his eyes.
...
Returning to the Mysterious Space above the Grey Fog and in his seat of honor, no sooner had the Clown entered than his eyes moved to the solitary crimson-stained flame.
A smile grew on his face as he saw how it was pulsating.
'Mr. Chariot! He's all right!'
Sigh!
A huge, soul-cleansing sigh left his body, immediately making him feel much better and lighter.
Shaking his head and regaining his composure. Klein quickly controlled his expression with his Clown skills and extended his hand toward the flame.
It expanded, and he looked away from the kneeling monster and focused more on the room he was in.
'Is that... A bathroom?' Klein thought something curious.
It seemed that the safest place to contact Mysterious Entities, even on the level of someone like Chariot, was the bathroom.
Putting those thoughts aside, he focused his attention on what he was saying.
"Mr. Fool, I'd like to schedule an important meeting with you. It's about a deal that I'm sure will be of great interest to you."
'HUH?!!!!' Whatever control the Clown was having over his expression broke at the same time as the joy that Chariot was okay.
His mouth dropped to the point where it seemed to break, and his eyes widened exaggeratedly. It was the comical expression of a Clown in shock.
Of all the things he had expected to hear, that was not one of them!
Klein's breathing quickened, and sweat began to bead on his forehead. The leader of the Tarot Club sank into his Chair of Honour as he covered his forehead with one hand. Unbeknownst to him, his free hand began to anxiously tap the edge of the bronze table.
Taptaptaptaptaptap
'This guy wants a private audience with me?! Did he finally get to find out the truth about me and is furious with me for ripping him off? He's going to cut my head off for sure! What do I do?!
'Run away and hide? No that wouldn't work, Chariot would end up finding me I'm sure! And if I try to-
'No, that would be worse! He killed Qilangos and managed to escape from whoever kidnapped him! What chance do I, a little Sequence 8, have?!'
Klein panted for a good few moments before a fleeting thought struck him.
Chariot had asked for a private meeting to discuss a deal that would benefit him, The Fool.
'There is no evidence that Mr. Chariot knows that The Fool is actually a poor Sequence 8 Beyonder. If he did, he wouldn't be talking about making deals with me...'
'It would be like a millionaire offering a homeless man the chance to be Co-Ceo. Impossible!'
Letting out a long, shuddering sigh, Klein scratched his cheek, somewhat embarrassed by his episode.
Being alone now and without any form of protection had made him a scarier, more frightening, wounded cat.
If he were still in Tingen, he wouldn't be so frightened...
'Sigh... But I'm not in Tingen anymore...' Klein muttered bitterly with his eyes glazed over.
Knowing that he was already wasting a lot of time, the Clown went into Cogitation and controlled his emotions. Now calmer, he settled back into the chair of honor.
Satisfied with his position, he extended his spirituality and spoke in a calm, uninterested voice, 'Well, I'll listen to your proposition. Are you in a safe place or is there a time you want to make the meeting?"
His identity as The Fool did not have to include showing interest in deals proposed by the club's 'lesser' members. That would have tarnished his image somewhat, but hearing about them was well within the role.
Chariot's response took no time at all, as the man practically responded instantly.
"It's alright now, Mr. Fool, if it's alright with you."
'Let's see what Chariot wants...' the Clown thought to himself as he used the flame connection to summon the man's spirit body into space with him.
The crimson flame spread, and the next moment, the strongest member of the Tarot Club had returned to his place.
"Good morning Mr. Fool. Thank you very much for listening to my proposal." Rising, Adryan gave an elegant bow as he placed his hand over his heart. His voice had that slightly dark and provocative tone that he was known for in meetings.
"No problem, it's good to see you healthy, Mr. Chariot. I hear you were in a bit of trouble." Klein commented calmly; the corners of his lips quivered slightly, and the fog covering his face became a little thicker.
No sooner had the man spoken than his spirituality had shot up in warning.
Returning to his seat, Adryan looked earnestly at the covered Klein. Any trace of bullying and provocation was gone and only a seriousness remained that made Klein almost straighten his back, were it not for the fact that he was controlling his body with his abilities it was certain he would have done so.
Without giving Klein time to respond, Adryan said, "I want to use all my contribution points."
Klein's blood froze. The day he had feared most had come, and now was the time to pay.
'I knew it! You are a loan shark! You wait until the worst time to take what you gave in 'good fortune' to take everything from the bastard you helped!' Klein cursed with all his might deep in his heart.
Again, his Clown powers were used at full strength to prevent his body from showing any reaction.
Taking a second to respond, Klein gave a slight nod, '"Alright. What is your wish Mr. Kenway? Following the code of Equivalent Exchange, I will do my best to deliver what you desire."
'Can I get you a cup of tea and a biscuit?' Adding the last in his heart. Klein wanted so badly to bang his head against the bronze table until he suffered brain damage.
The amount of contribution points Chariot had was ridiculous!
The mere fact that he not only warned him about Ince Zangwill's plan when he had no business doing so but was also providing key information meant that no matter what Klein could offer, it would surely be insufficient!
'I only have 100 pounds in my pocket now!'
With his heart pounding with pain, Klein anxiously awaited the dreaded request that Chariot had.
'What is it that I wish for? Oh, my dear Klein, you're going to hate me for this, but it's not time yet.' Keeping the corners of his lips from lifting, Adryan gave a slight nod of his head.
"Of course, Mr. Fool, you are fair and benevolent. I'm sure you'll do your best to repay my effort." Klein's body didn't react; he remained just as calm and composed as ever, but Adryan was sure that inside him, the man had jumped.
"But before I use my contribution points, I'd like to talk about the deal I want to offer you."
Having forgotten for a moment the original reason he had gone up to the man, Klein took a moment to respond. 'Why do you always change the gear of your assault? You may maintain your respect for me, but I'm sure you do it on purpose.'
Holding back the urge to hang the man, Klein nodded serenely.
"Go ahead."
Without missing a beat, Adryan set his survival plan in motion.
"As you may be aware. I am a member of the Church of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom, but I do not believe in him. I am only in the Church for my own convenience.
"When the time comes I will have no problem in leaving it for my allegiance and faith is not with that God. I am sure you are already aware of who I believe in, and that is why you have allowed me the honor of joining the Tarot Club.
"I follow and believe in an Ancient God, an Entity that is older than the current Gods and has only recently awakened to claim its place.
"I only follow and believe in the Scarlet Monarch. And as 'His' Blessed, I spread 'His' word and will wherever I go.
"It is for this very reason that I bring a message from "Him" to you.
"My Lord wishes to make a deal with you."
'....'
'Huh?'
The gears in Klein's brain stopped working at such a revelation that his breathing stopped for an instant.
A huge void formed in the Clown's stomach that only continued to grow.
Using all his will and making a tyrannical effort, Klein managed to stop his body from trembling in terror. He simply froze his body in place, making the Gray Fog that surrounded him look eerie and mysterious.
'WHAT THE FUCK CHARIOT!? WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU?!!!!' Klein roared furiously in his mind. His fists pounded furiously at a mental image of a red-haired man with horns and a red tail who was laughing like a madman despite the blows he was taking.
'WHY CAN'T YOU EVER SAY ANYTHING NORMAL? DOES ALL THE SHIT THAT COMES OUT OF YOUR MOUTH HAVE TO BE ABOUT A DISASTER OR AN UNKNOWN GOD?!'
Klein was sure his heart stopped for several seconds at that revelation!
All this time, he had the follower of an Evil God inside the Tarot Club—and to top it off, he was the Blessed! And not only did this God know about the club that should be a secret, but he also knew about him!
For an instant, Klein almost severed the connection with Chariot but managed to stop himself in time. A fleeting question flashed through his mind, halting his action.
If Adryan Kenway was the follower of an Evil God, then why had he helped the people of East Borough so much? And not only that, according to everything he read, he had never spread the word of this God.
Not to mention how he had helped him and the Tarot Club. His actions were not in keeping with what one would expect from the Blessed One of an Evil God.
Tap Tap Tap Tap
The air on the musty bronze table became thick and suffocating. A huge pressure descended on the shoulders of those present.
Klein said nothing, just continued to tap the edge of the bronze table as he considered what Chariot had said with a cooler mind.
'From the way he talks, he doesn't seem to be aware that in reality, the Fool is nothing more than a weak Beyonder of low sequence... If what Chariot said about his "Lord" is true, then "He" should be aware of that...'
Klein briefly considered that it was because the Scarlet Monarch himself was unaware of it, but he quickly dismissed that possibility.
'If I knew less, I would believe that, but thanks to Chariot's "slip," I know better. Chariot thinks I am the missing Ancestor of the Antigonus Family, the Half-Fool...'
Being the blessed of a God it is obvious that he knows a lot about the history of this world. But he doesn't know everything...
<Information is infection; the more you know about something, the more you are infected>
'I know that information is dangerous in this world. Chariot may be strong, but he is only a demi-god; I'm sure the information he receives from the Scarlet Monarch is not complete enough to protect him...
'But the Scarlet Monarch doesn't have that problem! Being an Elder God, I'm sure 'He' knows the truth about what happened to the Ancestor of the Antigonus Family...'
He doubted that someone as supposed as an 'Elder God' would fall so easily for the latter's lie.
'It is certain that the first time I brought Adryan Kenway here it was a surprise he was not expecting. His reaction confirms that to me, so for 'Him,' it was also a surprise...'
'I'm sure when he told his Lord about it, "He" immediately found the problem but decided not to say anything... Why?
'If Adryan Kenway is the blessed of the Scarlet Monarch... Then why wouldn't he be aware of the truth?'
A fleeting thought crossed Klein's mind and he had to control his expression from changing.
'Could it be... An investment?'
But why would an Old God be interested in him...!
The answer was literally in front of him. In the thick fog that reached beyond what he could see.
The Mysterious Space above the Grey Fog!
'This space! Surely the Scarlet Monarch knows what it is that's why he decided to keep my true level hidden and let Chariot continue to believe that I am the Ancestor!'
And if that Old God knew about this space that Klein believed was related to his transmigration to this world and that he was important enough to invest in it...
Tap Tap Tap tap...
The tapping at the bronze table stopped. The air seemed to freeze, and Klein gained an aura of calm and serenity.
"What's the deal?"
Despite the danger this could lead to, this was the first clue he had in being able to find a way home!
He couldn't throw it away because he was afraid!
If Klein could see inside Adryan, unlike the calm, respectful man on the outside, he would see a grinning monster.
Controlling the corners of his mouth, Adryan gave a slight nod and began his plan.
"My Lord wishes to use your name and that of the Tarot Club in order to protect me."
'Protect you?! You!? Mr. Chariot, the only person who would need protection would be the one who goes after you!' Klein wasn't expecting that start but controlled himself and let the man continue.
"The state of my Lord is not good. Even though thousands of years have passed, 'He' is still recovering, so 'He' will not be able to protect me from the greater threats that will come for me."
"His followers are also scarce; so far, I am the strongest there is, and even with that, I will be unable to protect myself."
'Little fellow. I'm only Sequence 8, if there's a threat that neither you nor the Scarlet Monarch can deal with... HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO DO IT, EH?' Klein was incredulous.
The Scarlet Monarch was supposed to know his true level! Then why was 'He' offering him an impossible job?!
Had he thought wrong? Was he still unknown?
After purposely pausing for ten seconds, Adryan continued as he controlled his face for a smile to emerge.
"Of course. My Lord also knows that your condition is not much different from 'His'. 'He' doesn't want you to protect me in the conventional sense.
"My Lord only wishes to be able to use your name and that of the Tarot Club to create a shield for me."
"The deal is that you allow the Tarot Club to be revealed to the world along with the existence of the Fool at the same time as the "He" is presented as one of the leaders of the organization on the same level as you."
No sooner had he said that than Adryan immediately added. "Of course, my Lord has no desire or intention to lead or participate in the Tarot Club.
"'He' only wishes to use the name to protect me and make the threats behind me think twice before attacking.
"This will only be until I become strong enough to be able to protect myself.
"Once that happens, you can reveal that the Scarlet Monarch is not part of the Tarot Club and only used the organization to protect me."
"At that point, it won't matter."
No sooner had the red-haired man said what the Scarlet Monarch wanted than Klein felt his heart stop again and then almost immediately start beating again.
Without missing a beat of his racing heart. Klein asked in a serene but deep voice.
"And what's in it for me?"
So far, the only thing Chariot had said had exclusively benefited the Scarlet Monarch. There was no mention of what he would gain.
Fool's identity preached Equivalent Exchange, and it was okay to show a little discomfort about this.
But Klein made sure not to exaggerate as he was sure that the gains for fulfilling the exchange would be mentioned right now.
Smiling beneath his mask of reassurance, Adryan continued, "When the time comes for you to ascend to the throne of Sequence 0, you will not only have my Lord's support but also 'His' protection should the God of Deception appear.'
Klein stopped counting the number of times he had been surprised in the last few minutes. Under the thick grey fog, his eyebrows rose slightly before they were immediately lowered.
'The throne of Sequence 0?! What the fuck is that?! Is there something beyond Sequence 1?!
'Is... Sequence 0 the... The Level of the Gods? But wouldn't that mean that the Gods at some point were also Beyonders?'
Klein was struck by the realization, and he was barely able to stop his body from shaking. His heart was pounding with such intensity that he felt his senses become affiliated with the speed of the blood rushing through his body, even though this was not his real body but only his spiritual one.
'The Ancestor of the Antigonus Family was someone who tried to ascend to God but failed... The title of this Ancestor was the Half-Fool...'
'Perhaps... the name of Sequence 0 of the Seer Pathway is...
'The Fool?'
It made sense that this would be the case, otherwise why else would they call the Ancestor who almost ascended to God the <Half-Fool>?
Klein felt everything spinning around, how his mind did a somersault and hit the concrete floor face first. As his heart stopped and he felt himself ascend.
Shaking his head, Klein wanted to laugh in defeat.
'What kind of script is this? What the fuck is this space? What does it all mean?
'What...'
Tap Tap Tap Tap
His finger tapped the edge of the bronze table again in a calm rhythm. Nothing like how he was feeling himself.
But that rhythm snapped the Clown out of his trance, and he barely managed to avoid reacting in panic. He immediately went into Semi-Cogitation to get a better grip on himself.
'Why is it that every time you open your mouth, you have worse news than the last?' Klein cursed internally in extremely annoyed Chinese as he looked at the calm Chariot.
Every time the man appeared, he always brought with him a disaster. What was he? A walking calamity?
'...'
Oddly enough... Klein felt that was the best way to describe Chariot.
'Walking Calamity... It fits him like a glove.' Without holding it back this time, the Clown let out a light sigh that carried all his frustration.
Tap Tap Tap
Staring at the black-robed man, Klein spoke, "Is there anything else to add?"
With a nod, Adryan continued, "Please excuse the boldness, but my Lord expects to receive an answer as soon as I return to my body... The situation is dire, and we cannot afford to waste time."
Tap Tap-
His finger paused for a moment before continuing. Klein felt his Clown skills being pushed to the absolute limit.
'They must be desperate if they are giving me so little time to make a decision...' Klein tried to console himself.
'Sure. I also shouldn't rule out that this is a way to force me to make a decision quickly and not think so much about the dangers it might bring...'
Letting out a slight inward sigh, Klein stopped tapping the table and rested his cheek in the palm of his hand. Right now, Klein wished with all his might that he could crack Chariot's head open and get all the information he possessed out of him.
'I have no idea what organizations are after Chariot. But if the Scarlet Monarch was forced to ask for my help, it's safe to assume there are at least 3 of them....
'Considering his horrible personality... I wouldn't be surprised if they're all after him!' His inside joke didn't soothe the tension he felt in his stomach but only made it worse.
His inner expression soured and Klein wished with all his might that he could say no. But he knew that even though he was not going to be able to say no, he had to accept. Despite the great dangers that accepting would bring, the gains outweighed the danger.
'Not only will the Tarot Club gain the protection of a truly Mysterious and Great Existence, but I will finally get a clue as to how to get home...'
'God of Deception... Any being with the same title as Loki is always trouble.'
If the Scarlet Monarch felt he had to warn him about this Existence through Adryan Kenway, then that meant he was quite possibly an enemy. Or at the very least, dangerous to him.
With all this in mind and after long contemplation. Klein let out a soft sigh, and the tension in the air eased.
"Tell the Scarlet Monarch I accept the deal."
Klein saw through the semi-thick mist that covered Chariot's face. A small smile appeared on that face. The man rose and bowed gracefully with one hand on his chest.
"My Lord will be very glad to hear your answer, Mr. Fool. You are a kind being; I am eternally grateful for this and will never forget it."
Giving a weak nod, Klein replied fully, "It is nothing special."
The Clown's brow furrowed slightly behind the thick mist that covered his face. An uncomfortable sensation covered his entire body.
This was not a warning of his spirituality or the Clown's sense of danger.
This discomfort came from what he knew of Chariot and how he acted... From the experience of seeing how the other members of the Tarot Club suffered under his hand...
Klein right now felt like he had just made a deal with the Devil.
Before he could continue his discomfort, Chariot added in a somewhat mischievous tone.
"If your Blessed ever needs a hand, you can always count on me... I'll be sure to give you a big discount."
'...' Klein said nothing. He just nodded with a flat expression.
"That would be all from my Lord's commission. Now, I would like to continue with the use of my contribution points if that is alright with you, Mr. Fool." Adryan gave a small bow, and Klein bit the inside of his cheek.
With all that had happened, he had forgotten what Chariot had said earlier!
Controlling his movements, Klein nodded and swallowed his annoyance, 2What do you wish, Mr. Chariot?"
Adryan gave a weak nod and made his request. The discomfort and slight fear of what the man might ask for subsided and was replaced by mild surprise.
'Just that? Really?'
Having confirmed that that was all Chariot wanted, Klein saw nothing wrong with the request but even saw a huge gain if what the man said was true.
"It's a simple request."
...
11:00 a.m. Friday, August 17. Cherwood Borough, House of Xio and Fors.
A bandaged Fors sat shakily on the soft couch in the living room, being careful not to sit down all at once so that the stitches in her back wouldn't open up.
She had not yet been able to go to the hospital because they were bursting at the seams. The streets were empty, and people refused to go outside.
Luckily, the quick treatment Xio gave her managed to treat her most serious injuries, and with the night's sleep, she could move better, but she had to be extremely careful not to move too fast unless she wanted to risk rupturing the stitches.
She also had to stay calm and rest in a quiet environment in order to recover well and avoid worsening her condition so that she could see a doctor later in the month.
Badum! Badum! Badum! Badum!
All of the above didn't mean much when her heart was beating so fast and sweat covered her forehead in the otherwise cold room.
The day before, the house door had been destroyed, so Xio managed to fix it as best she could.
Speaking of her best friend, she was standing next to her. Her brow deeply furrowed in annoyance, and her foot tapping the floor with speed, a clear sign of the anger the Sheriff was feeling at the moment. One of her hands rested on the triangular sword at her waist, and her emerald eyes regarded the man sitting across from them with suspicion.
"If you keep looking at me like that, Miss, I'll think you want to slap me." The red-haired man commented with a sideways grin as his cheek rested in the palm of his bandaged hand.
Fors couldn't help but wonder if that didn't hurt, but the man's expression always remained calm and free of any discomfort or pain.
"... While I'm glad you're well, Kenway. That doesn't mean I want to see you right now. What is the reason for your visit?"
"That hurts, miss. And I thought we had something special..."
"I'm not in the mood for games. Tell me why you're here before I kick you out."
Fors' expression quivered a little and she couldn't help but give her friend a sideways glance.
"Hahahahaha! I didn't know you were a comedian, Miss! That you'd force me out, you say? Uff, that's a good joke!' Letting out a loud laugh as he slapped his knee in amusement, Adryan looked teasingly at the Sheriff.
"Do you really think you're capable of doing that?"
Fors would never say it, but she agreed with the madman sitting across from them. While her friend was strong, she wouldn't stand a chance.
It would be a massacre.
Xio, knowing that too, clenched her free fist tightly and began to tremble in place for a few seconds before letting out a long sigh as she threw herself on the couch in defeat.
"...What do you want, Mr. Kenway?"
Placing a hand on her friend's leg in silent support, Fors looked at the man in front of them who gave a satisfied nod at Xio's words.
"First of all, I wanted to verify that you guys are still alive. You may be a bit shitty, but you're still in one piece, which I'm glad about."
"...Thanks for the concern. But if that was all you can go now." Xio replied, annoyed as she growled, which earned a chuckle from the redhead.
"Oh, please don't get ahead of yourself, Miss. That was only one of the reasons I came. The next is to offer you something... if you're interested in listening to me, of course."
Xio raised an eyebrow at that, and her green gaze collided with Fors' blue one, which was filled with doubt and confusion. The Sheriff could easily see the uncertainty in her friend and decided to lower her hand and squeeze hers in reassurance.
Fors gave her a weak smile on her bandaged face. After a few seconds and seeing that the Writer was calmer, Xio returned her attention to Adryan who had a strange smile on his face.
Before she could say anything to wipe that smile off her face, Adryan shot teasingly.
"You guys are really cute, you know? Congratulations, by the way, you make a cute couple.'
A blush exploded on both women's faces, and Xio tried to pull her hand away from the Writer's after realizing she still hadn't let go. To her surprise, Fors struggled for a moment before letting go with a slight frown in frustration.
"Aww~ Why are you treating your wounded girlfriend like this? Can't you see you're hurting her little heart?"
"Are you going to say your offer or what?!" Xio growled, fed up with the man's provocations.
While she saw him as a friend, right now, she was in NO mood to deal with his bullshit!
"He he~ Sorry, sorry. I went a little overboard." Raising his hands in surrender, Adryan laughed softly as he smiled in apology.
"Kenway, I'm serious. What-
"What do you want, Mr. Kenway? I'm honestly exhausted, and I just want to sleep now, so I'd really appreciate it if you'd finish your business and leave."
Both Adryan and Xio turned to look at a frozen Fors who had her hands over her mouth. Her pale skin only grew as she watched an amused smile grow on the red-haired man's face.
"Oh~ Looks like the goldfish turned into a piranha. What kind of miracle is this?"
A huge blush covered her face, and Fors panicked. ' I didn't mean wh-what... I-I mean, I just wanted to sleep already... I'd better shut up.' Her head hung in defeat, and her brown hair covered her eyes.
'...' Xio just stared for a long time at her friend, her expression unreadable. Each passing second made the Writer grow smaller and smaller.
After exactly 45 seconds, the Sheriff returned her attention to the red-haired boy, who had been looking at the writer with mischievous eyes all this time.
Feeling the sight upon him, ruby collided with emerald. A wordless message was conveyed, and the redhead nodded.
Already satisfied with his games, Adryan finally explained the reason for his visit: "I come to offer you a place on my team."
A blonde eyebrow raised, and the Writer poked her head slightly. Both looked at the red-haired man as if he were someone else.
Ignoring their stares, Adryan continued.
"You don't seem to understand, so I'll keep it simple. Backlund has just suffered a horrific attack by the Rose School of Thought that has left over 160,000 dead so far.
"A number that will only grow as the days go by and as more bodies are uncovered... Of course, with the bodies, they can recover."
"So it really was a terrorist attack..." Fors muttered as she frowned deep in thought.
"What does that have to do with it, Mr. Kenway?" Xio asked seriously; she didn't want to beat around the bush about this.
The guy in her house was wanted by the 3 Churches of the Loen Kingdom and had a 50,000 pound bounty on his head, every second he spent here not only endangered her but Fors as well.
And with her current state, using one of the stones to escape would surely kill her.
"You still don't get it?" Adryan asked, slightly surprised, his eyes a little wide.
"Get to the point, Kenway."
"A secret organization attacked in broad daylight and completely humiliated the 3 churches. In the current state of Backlund, who is still on the ground bleeding and has not been able to begin to recover... How do you think the Churches will move on this?"
"They would ensure that the Unallied Beyonders don't worsen the situation by placing teams in strategic locations and shutting down any uncontrolled Beyonder Parties...' Xio's expression grew alarmed mid-explanation, finally understanding what the man was referring to.
"Bingo." Snapping his fingers at the Sheriff, Adryan answered the unasked question.
"Backlund will be "locked down", and it will be impossible to enter. If you are an Unallied Beyonder and you are caught doing something, you will most likely be imprisoned and used as a test subject for sealed artifacts.
"Of course, once the cells are full, they'll start killing straight away.
"They'll do this to send a message to those who haven't been caught yet: ' If you break the ceramic, we'll break you.'
"Do you know what that implies?"
After a few seconds of silence, Xio nodded weakly and replied, "That's until Backlund recovers from their wounds. All unofficial Beyonder activity will cease."
That means no more potion formulas, no more ingredients, no more opportunities to investigate what happened to her father...
"Until Backlund recovers, it wouldn't be crazy to think that Beyonder activity here will be null and void," Adryan commented calmly as he looked at the frozen duo in front of him.
"And I'm sure neither of you can afford that, right?"
Xio bit the inside of her cheek and brought a hand to her forehead.
No matter how she saw it, the redhead was right. While her not being able to afford that might be an exaggeration... the same couldn't be said for Fors!
The Writer was pale and had put her hands to her head. "How am I going to survive now?"
With no potion formulas or mystical ingredients, Fors was trapped in Sequence 8.
'The only reason I survived that sudden Blood Moon for as long as I did was because it was Sequence 8, but it won't stay that way! If I ever use the stone before I can advance, then the ravings will get worse, and I won't make it through the next blood moon!'
When she first suffered the ravings of the Blood Moon, they had not been as horrible as the ravings she suffered after using one of the stones. Every time she used one, the ravings got permanently worse.
The Writer looked at her friend, who looked worried. She was probably thinking the same thing as she was.
The decision had already been made for them. Fors' condition gave them no choice.
Gritting her teeth and grinding them, Xio glared as hard as she could at the red-haired man. The aura of majesty around her heightened and gave her a slight gleam in her green eyes.
"What do we gain if we join?" they may have no choice but to accept but at least she wanted to make sure it wasn't a waste.
'If what we gain doesn't make up for having to give up everything, then as soon as we leave Backlund and end up in a city, we'll look for somewhere else to live.'
Smiling calmly, Adryan nodded.
He rested his cheek on his bandaged palm and extended three fingers towards them.
"First, my team and I will protect you. In return, I expect you to do the same.
"Second, you won't have to worry about potions or ingredients. Between all of us we will help each other to find them and no matter the price we will be able to afford it. We have money, after all~"
With each thing he said, a finger went down until there was only one left. Interestingly, this one pointed at Xio.
"Third, and this one is more specific to you."
Raising an eyebrow in question, the Sheriff waited for the man to continue.
Smiling simply, Adryan spoke.
"You will have the chance to avenge your father."
...
An hour later, Backlund Bridge, Bravehearts Bar.
Watching as the Old Man closed the door to the billiard room, the man quickly moved down the hallway until his footsteps disappeared into the distance.
The drink in his hand moved calmly, and his expression remained calm as he looked at the pale man in front of him.
"It's been a while, hasn't it? How have you been, Mr. Maric?"
With his ever-present waistcoat, eyes glinting with malice, Maric looked seriously at the man in front of him.
"...What are you doing here, Mr. Kenway?"
His zombies were nowhere to be seen, so they were alone.
Looking around with a bored look on his face, Adryan took a swig of his 'Lion's Tail'. Feeling the sweet and spicy touch, combined with the sweetness of the grenadine, the acidity of the lemon, and the complex taste of the brandy... The redhead let out a satisfied sigh as he downed the drink on the table.
"Well. That would be easy to explain, but I'd rather we were all visible for that; that's the least of having manners, don't you think?"
Maric's expression froze for a moment before he grunted. The man slowly began to rise to his feet at the red-haired man's bored look.
"Maric, sit down." A sweet voice said from beside him. Maric tensed for a moment before letting out a grunt and doing as he was asked.
Beside the Zombie, in the once empty spot now stood a beautiful woman.
Her skin was pale, and she had blonde hair, blue eyes, and delicate features. She wore a beautiful, regal gothic dress and a soft hat.
Smiling at the newcomer, Adryan gave a slight nod, "It is an honor to finally meet you, Madam Sharron."
If she was surprised that he knew her name, she didn't show it, unlike Maric, who looked at the redhead in surprise.
Ignoring her companion's reaction, she asked in a soft voice, 'What is it you wanted to talk about, Mr. Kenway?'
"I won't beat around the bush. I want you to join my team."
Maric snorted in derision at his words, "And why do you think we would do that?"
"Because you guys are desperate," Adryan replied without looking at the Zombie. His eyes were always on Sharron, who looked at him with a serene expression.
Maric grunted at the response and quickly tried to defend himself, "I don't know what gave you that idea but-
"You are part of the Temperance faction of the Rose School... I doubt I need to say more than that." Bored scarlet eyes looked at the frozen Zombie who had his mouth half open.
"How did you..." Maric muttered in a daze.
"Maric, there's no use pretending. Mr. Adryan seems to be aware of the situation." Sharron spoke calmly, her expression never changing, making Adryan think she was a doll.
'...' The zombie said nothing more, just squinted at the man, his fists on the table clenched.
"Since we're calmer now how about we start this chat with something strong?" Adryan asked with a smile as he took another sip of his drink.
"This is no time for drinking. If you were planning on recruiting us-
"Steve is dead."
'!'
Maric's jaw hung, and Sharron's delicate eyebrows rose almost imperceptibly.
"Same with Jason and Tyre. All three are dead.
"I don't know if you knew him, but so is Joseph.
"I killed them all." Adryan commented nonchalantly as he placed a container on the table and slid it towards the duo.
"Due to the situation I was only able to retrieve Joseph's characteristics, which are in that container," Adryan said.
"Check it out if you like."
Blue eyes moved to the container. A delicate hand opened it, breaking through the wall of spirituality. Inside, the Jet Stone seemed to absorb the light and exude an air of filth and evil.
Those cold eyes looked deep into the stone in the container. After a few seconds, Sharron closed it and slid it over to Adryan.
"...They are Joseph's," the wraith replied, her eyes glowing slightly. Maric looked at the man in front of them in disbelief.
"How?"
"Trade secrets.
Smiling at the duo in front of him, Adryan winked mischievously.
"But if you join in, I might tell you what happened~" The red-haired man chirped as he took another sip of his drink.
Both members of the Temperance faction looked deeply at the man sitting across from them.
After a few long minutes of staring at the man, they both looked at each other.
Maric returned his attention to the man with a serious face, but the sneer from before was gone.
"Tell us about this team."
...
Rose Street, Harvest Church. Three hours later.
"I refused. I will not take a child with me." Adryan growled in annoyance as he looked at the father in front of him.
The two were now alone in the giant man's room. A loud argument had started a while ago, and neither side was backing down.
"You have to, Mr. Kenway. Little Jerry's place is not with this Church but with you. The same with Miss Opera and Miss Serena." Utravsky said calmly, earning a fiery glare from the redhead.
"Who the fuck do you think you are to tell me who I can and can't take?
"What will you do if I don't take her with me? Will you throw her out on the street and let her fend for herself after losing her father?
"Is the Church of Mother Earth so heartless?"
The father's expression quivered for a second before he let out a sad sigh.
"These are orders from the higher ranks. I can't do anything about it.
"Harvest Church will be closed and will be relocated to East Borough to help with the wounded. The church will remain, but I will not.
"I will be moved elsewhere, and I can't take the little ones where I am going. A Farmer doesn't pull up the seeds that are not yet flowering when he passes but leaves them in the care of someone else to nurture and nourish them."
"Aren't you listening to yourself, old man? You are leaving them to me! Me! I have a bounty on my head, and after today, everyone will be my enemy!
"I can take Opera, but not Serena, let alone Jerry. That life is not something a girl should have to go through!"
The father let out a heavy sigh. He turned and walked to the window of his room, where he looked longingly at the image of the Earth Mother symbol on it.
"Little Jerry's stay was always temporary. The same with Miss Opera. I was just looking after them for you, but not anymore." The man spoke calmly and looked over his shoulder at the red-haired man who was throwing daggers at him with his eyes.
"You have to take responsibility for saving their lives, Mr. Kenway."
"And have them die because I took them where they weren't supposed to be in the first place? Fuck off, old man."
Utravsky didn't seem bothered by the insult. He just continued to stare at the Earth Mother symbol, and after a few moments, he spoke.
"Talk to them, Mr. Kenway. I won't change my decision, not that I would be able to even if I wanted to. Perhaps you will learn something about them that will surprise you."'...' Adryan looked coolly at the back of the giant who, like a mountain, stood firm against his assault.
Without another word, the red-haired man turned and left the room.
...
"Are you sure you want to follow me?"
"Adryan, the only reason I took the potion was so I could walk beside you. You are my friend and my Saviour. Nothing would make me happier than to accompany you."
"The chance of you dying will be high. Why don't you work in one of the other churches? You're good with children. I'm sure there's a place for you in one of the schools."
"Adryan, my life ended the moment my parents sold me to Dead Shot. I was just walking around aimlessly, I was breathing and eating, but I wasn't alive, that was until you saved me. You gave me a new chance and purpose.
"I decide what I'm going to do with that chance and I want to use it to go with you.
"Please... Adryan... Don't take this away from me... I don't think I'll be able to take it."
Adryan looked at Opera's reddened eyes, and after a few long seconds of silence, he nodded.
"Fine. If you wish."
...
"Why do you want to follow me? I don't know you, let alone trust you. I'm grateful that you saved me, but that doesn't score you any points."
"Mr. Kenway, you are my hero. There would be no greater honor than to follow you. Please give me the chance."
"I'll be raw with you. Look in a mirror, your body is tired, and you haven't had time to eat. You are weaker than a normal person, and you have no education. If I take you with me, you will be a burden."
'...'
"It is better for you to stay here. Don't throw away your new chance because you feel a debt to me. You still have a life in front of you-
"I HAVE NOTHING!!"
'...'
"EVERYTHING WAS TAKEN AWAY FROM ME!!! MY FAMILY, MY FRIENDS, MY HOME, MY JOB!!!! I LOST EVERYTHING- Cough! Cough!
Adryan looked calmly at the woman as she began to cough loudly; he made no move to help her as she fell to the floor but just watched impassively.
As soon as the woman caught her breath, she continued to cry helplessly.
"The only job that was willing to take a broken woman like me was destroyed by the earthquake as well as the kind man who took me in!
"Those monsters took everything from me!
"What does it matter if I die because I followed you?! At least, I will do it with a purpose. If I stay here, I'll just starve to death or die at the hands of bastards!"
Falling to her knees, thick tears fell from her eyes. Serena looked pleadingly at the redhead, who looked at her with a calm gaze.
"Please... please... please... For once in my life... I want to choose how I die..."
'...' Adryan looked deeply into the eyes of the woman who gripped his trousers tightly. His eyes were empty of any emotion.
"There will be no turning back, you know..."
"I don't care! If I die, it will have been because of a decision I made! Not because someone else made it for me!"
"Sigh... Okay"
...
"Mr. Kenway... I can take care of myself."
"You're a child. This world is not for you."
"And the world I lived in was? That was the kind of world a child should live in?"
"No, it isn't. I won't defend it, not that hell you lived in. But the world you want to enter, that's a much worse hell."
"I can take it."
"You can't."
"If I have you by my side, I can."
"I won't always be there to protect you. In this world, either you take care of yourself or you die. No one will hold your hand."
Jerry paused in her defense. Her grey eyes looked into Adryan's cold face, which let no emotion pass.
"When my father died, I thought I lost everything..."
'...'
"All desire to live was taken away from me, just like my father. When I was kidnapped I thought I was already dead, either they would kill me or the wretch they sold me to..."
'...'
"But you saved me, comforted me, and offered me your shoulder to cry on. You never pushed me away but embraced me and didn't let me go."
'...'
"... After that, you gave me a new home, with warm food and soft, clean beds. With people who care about me and treat me with great love... Now I will lose that too..."
'...'
"Mr. Kenway... I know I'm just a little girl, and I can't do much, but... would you allow me to ask you one last thing?
"Don't abandon me in an orphanage. Don't take my home away from me."
Sigh...
A heavy sigh left his lips, and the red-haired boy shook his head softly before patting the head of the girl who was crying her eyes out.
"You will do whatever I say and whenever I say it. No buts, and you'll always be close to us, okay?"
Jerry's eyes widened, and a huge toothy grin blossomed on this one.
"YES!"
...
"You're going to regret this, you know that, don't you?" Flora commented calmly.
"I know." Adryan answered nonchalantly as he prepared the last container and closed it with his spirituality.
With nothing more to say, the shadows enveloped the red-haired man, and he disappeared from the scene.
...
"Power of Knowledge;
Power of Reason;
God of Wisdom!
I pray for the power of knowledge;
I pray for the power of rationality;
I pray for you to hear my voice!"
...
"Adryan?! What are you doing here?!"
Smiling at the alarmed man, Adryan said, "Sorry for the inconvenience, Teacher, but I have a favor to ask.
"Is the offer to go to Lenburg still open?"
Isengard looked at his former student in astonishment. He could hardly recognize him, and he felt both pride and pity for him. So, with a heavy heart, he slowly shook his head.
"...I don't know Adryan. After what you did and everything else... I don't know if the church is willing to shelter you now."
Adryan didn't look worried in the slightest. Instead, his smile grew a little sharper.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that, Teacher~ Could you at least try? Who knows, you might be in for a surprise~"
...
Lowering the skull bell, the red-haired man smiled at his messenger, who returned the smile but weakly.
"I didn't expect you to respond, but it's a welcome surprise. How are you feeling?"
"I've been in worse, so I can still get around. Nothing a nap won't fix.
"Well, Lord Adryan? What message shall I send this time?"
Smiling mischievously, Adryan moved over, revealing the huge bags full of chocolate behind him.
....
The next day, Saturday, August 18, 1349, not only had the news of what had happened in Backlund already reached the rest of the world, but every newspaper carried a new story, and a news item appeared on the billboards of various Beyonders parties around the world...
Upon learning about them, Klein wanted to kill a certain redhead.
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