Fors paced anxiously in the living room, her nervous demeanor drawing frequent glances from Xio. After Fors completed yet another unconscious lap, Xio finally spoke up.
"Are you really okay?"
"No, no… Haha, I'm sure I'll be fine… It's just a short test, what could go wrong…" Fors forced a laugh, her confidence waning with each word. "I think my digestion progress this week was pretty fast. Even other Beyonders mastering the acting method probably wouldn't digest this quickly…"
"Your so-called digestion is performing tricks at the circus? How much could you have digested in a week without slipping up?" Xio eyed Fors skeptically, watching her nervous chuckle. At this, the salted fish protested, "Besides that, I've acted as a Trickmaster elsewhere. If I toured Backlund, plenty of people would recognize me…"
Ding—
As they spoke, the doorbell rang.
"Oh? Coming, coming!" Fors, hearing the bell, rushed to open the door. Xio sighed and followed her toward the entrance.
The door swung open, revealing Adrian, dressed formally with a monocle over his right eye. He held a cane embedded with a pure crystal, exuding an air of solemnity. Fors swallowed hard, nerves flaring. "Teacher Adrian!"
"Hello, Fors," Adrian said, sizing her up with a slight nod. "You sent me a letter claiming your digestion progress was decent. As your teacher, I must check on my student's condition. I hope you don't mind the intrusion."
"Haha… Of course, of course…" Fors smiled outwardly, but inwardly, her regrets churned. If I'd known that letter would summon my teacher, I'd never have written it. Summarizing Qilangos's traits would've been easier than digesting this potion…
"Should've just analyzed Qilangos myself… I'm such an idiot, truly…" Fors muttered, walking forward, near tears. Suddenly, she felt Xio poke her waist and whispered, "What's wrong, Xio? I need to tend to Teacher first…"
"Your dark circles are showing," Xio hissed through gritted teeth. "Your foundation didn't cover them! Fors, how long did you stay up last week?"
"…Oh."
Realizing her ruse was exposed, Fors closed her eyes in despair.
"First, let's assess your digestion level. After I evaluate you, we'll discuss the matter you mentioned in your letter," Adrian said, sipping tea after sitting down. He glanced at Xio beside Fors, smiling faintly. "You two share this house? You must know each other's identities."
"Yes," Fors nodded.
"Then you're likely a Beyonder too," Adrian said, turning to Xio. "How's your potion digestion? I'm not prying about your Pathway, but if it's undigested, you might feel discomfort during the test."
"No worries, senior. I've fully mastered my potion," Xio said confidently. "I'm only stuck at Sequence 9 due to lacking the next formula, but this stage's potion is completely digested."
"Digested… Good. Let's begin," Adrian said, adjusting his crystal monocle. He produced a metal cube inlaid with a chip, tapping it lightly. Fors immediately straightened, visibly tense.
Ripples emanated from Adrian's hand, spreading outward. Xio felt nothing unusual, but Fors heard countless chaotic whispers in her ears, her vision filled with jumbled lines. Clutching her head, she let out a pained groan.
Just as Fors felt her mind might shatter, Adrian stopped.
He nodded slightly. "You've digested well, Fors. Considering you achieved this in just a week, matching what you claimed in your letter, I'll overlook your prior slacking."
Thank goodness… Wait, how did Teacher know I only acted for a week? Fors caught Adrian's wording, her heart lurching as she glanced at him. Adrian's lips curled into a stern smile. "When I took your letter, I had my messenger linger to observe you. Coincidentally, you were complaining about acting."
"…Huh?" Fors stared at Adrian, stunned. Meanwhile, the High-Dimensional Overseer snapped a mental screenshot in his cosmic courtyard, storing it in his "album," while controlling his Earthly body to say casually, "Did you think your letter could fool me? The Abraham Family has records of approximate digestion times for each Sequence, and your timeline didn't add up. Still, digesting nearly a sixth of the potion in a week is impressive. I hope to see you at Sequence 7 next month."
I don't want this! I barely rested this week! Teacher, how can you be so cruel? At this pace, I'll never finish! Fors's eyes dulled, her face twisting with grievance. Adrian chuckled, moving on. "Now, let's address your issue. Why are you chasing a pirate admiral? This concerns our family's stance. If you don't explain, I won't assist."
"Teacher, we took a commission. Our employer provided details about the pirate admiral…" Fors hurriedly explained the task's origin. Adrian listened quietly, then sighed. "In that case, there's no issue."
"First, he's a Wind-blessed. Beyonders of this Sequence are drawn to wind and prefer clean places. In a polluted city like Backlund, such spots are rare, aren't they?"
"Given the Sailor pathway's abilities, I believe he'd stay near water for easy escapes. Plus, you mentioned his 'cursed item' devours life—hah, quite a coincidence. I'd wager it's a Secret Supplicant pathway item, explaining its extreme traits. The best hunting ground, you should know, is where vagrants gather. A death or two there goes unnoticed, right?"
"I see…" Fors mused. "That narrows our search significantly."
"Correct," Adrian nodded, continuing, "But unless your employer ups the pay, I don't recommend pursuing this further."
"Why?" Xio interjected. They were so close—more investigation could secure Audrey's promised reward.
"Heh…" Adrian smiled. "Why do you think such a Beyonder sneaks into Backlund? Investigating him risks leaving traces, or worse, being spotted. If a dangerous figure like him notices you, can you escape?"
Xio opened her mouth, speechless. Fors asked hoarsely, "What should we do? Hand our findings to the employer, complete the commission, and bow out?"
"No, demand more money," Adrian shook his head. "For Beyonders, a little risk is worthwhile. Fors, if things go south, that bracelet of yours can save your life. You're an Abraham Family student—don't die."
"Understood, Teacher," Fors nodded softly, signaling her comprehension.
"Good, that's settled," Adrian said, checking his pocket watch. "If you've no other issues, I'll be off."
"Safe travels," Fors said, rising to see him out.
"…One more thing," Adrian paused at the door, turning back. "Be cautious in future deals. Employers issuing commissions may not always have good intentions, or they might lack full information. If their intel's off, you're the ones paying with your lives."
"Thank you, Teacher. I'll remember your advice," Fors said, a smile spreading across her face. She could tell her teacher genuinely cared. Years of navigating life taught her to spot true sincerity.
"Also, I expect you to have fully digested your potion by our next meeting."
—But he cares a bit too much.
Adrian shook his head, chuckling softly. He sensed Fors's "gratitude," but to him, it was different. The High-Dimensional Overseer could empathize with everyone's struggles and pity those making varied choices from different standpoints. Yet, He felt no qualms showing malice to those He admired—such contradictions didn't clash for an Outer God.
The next afternoon, it was time for the Tarot Gathering. Adrian, receiving Klein's letter via messenger, preemptively lowered his Sefirot's defenses and stepped into Sefirah Castle at Klein's summons. Smiling at Klein, he said, "How's Tingen lately, Old Zhou?"
"Doing great. I've submitted a special application to the Holy Cathedral. By our next meeting, I might be a Sequence 8 Clown!" Klein grinned, clearly in high spirits. "Also, Lady Daly filed a report on our local anomalies. We might get help managing Beyonders here soon."
"Good to hear," Adrian nodded. "On that earlier matter, I'm investigating. The True Creator's state is shaky, so we've got no clear oracle. We still haven't located the other divine descent vessel."
"Got it. I'll remind Lady Daly to have the Nighthawks heighten vigilance," Klein said gravely. "I'm about to start this Tarot Gathering. Head back for now—I'll summon you again shortly."
"Alright," Adrian nodded. "Regarding The Hanged Man's request, I'm tracking it. I'll likely pinpoint Qilangos soon and mobilize the Aurora Order to take him out."
What Adrian didn't say was that he'd also located Justice's exact position and could track Miss Audrey down the "network" anytime.
As Adrian's figure vanished into the gray fog, Klein exhaled deeply. After a moment's thought, he followed his plan, reaching for the crimson star representing The Sun, Derrick Berg…
After informing Derrick of the meeting's details, Klein, while speaking with him, connected to the crimson stars of *Justice* and The Hanged Man, and notified Adrian, who'd just left, pulling all three into the grand, giant-like palace.
Audrey, quickly taking in the scene, greeted cheerfully, "Good afternoon, Mr. Fool. I have another page of Emperor Roselle's diary. Oh, good afternoon, Mr. Sun. Have you obtained the Telepathist formula?"
Derrick Berg nodded solemnly. "I've got the formula."
Miss Justice always stays so upbeat. I'm a bit jealous—wish I could be like that… Hearing her lively greeting, Klein, seated at the bronze table's head, mused silently. But recalling Audrey's casual 1,000-pound expenditures, he knew he couldn't match that…
Adrian, observing Klein, effortlessly "observed" his thoughts through his experience.
He thought to himself: Klein, evil gods are always broke. Stop dreaming like the True Creator with these fantasies.
(End of Chapter)