Florent was so startled by Quevedo's words that he nearly jumped to his feet...
After all, the only people who knew his identity as a Beyonder were Amadi and the Demoness Sect.
However, a shred of remaining reason held him back from immediately fleeing... if Quevedo were from the Demoness Sect, he would have already been frozen or burned to death by now.
Florent observed the slight surprise on Karl and Erich's faces and the smug satisfaction on Quevedo's.
He forced his heartbeat to steady, took a deep breath, and said, "What are you talking about, Quevedo? I don't quite understand."
Even Florent could hear the uncertainty in his own voice, and he was sure the other three noticed it too. But he couldn't suppress his shock...
Quevedo had expected Florent to be surprised, but not to this extent. Still, he didn't mind.
With a laugh, he said, "Heh, didn't see that coming, did you? I know you're a Beyonder."
Florent finally regained his composure... Denying it outright wouldn't work, Quevedo had never mentioned the extraordinary world before, yet now he was adamant about Florent's identity.
So, Florent calmly replied, "Yes, I am. But how did you know, Quevedo?"
Quevedo sighed in disappointment because Florent had recovered so quickly, "Ugh, why aren't you still freaking out? Why do all three of you have the exact same expression? Fine, fine. I guess I just have a thing for friends like you."
Without further teasing, he explained, "You probably don't remember this, but it happened back when we were studying at Count Mann's estate... One day, the restroom on our floor was locked and you really had to go... I was about to tell you it was locked, but then I saw you touch the lock, and it just 'fell off'..."
"...And I'm certain there was a faint glow on your hand. I was so excited! Of course, I only realized later that you were a Beyonder..."
Florent finally relaxed, "Ah, so that's how it was. Since you know my secret, you have to keep it quiet, alright?" He glanced at Erich and Karl, silently asking for their discretion.
Both nodded, and Quevedo added, "Of course I won't tell. Besides, I've entered the extraordinary world too, I'm a 'Savant' now. Isn't that an enviable title?"
He puffed up with pride, clearly thrilled with his Sequence, then asked curiously, "By the way Florent, what's your Sequence called?"
"Apprentice," Florent answered.
"Huh, that's almost as cool as mine. Emphasis on 'almost'... 'Savant', now that's a name to envy," Quevedo boasted.
Unexpectedly, Erich interjected, "No. A 'Savant's' knowledge may be broad, but it lacks depth. True wisdom isn't about mastering every field, it's about delving deeper into what you excel at."
Quevedo pouted, "Sure, sure, you're the greatest, oh mighty 'Reader'. But even 'Readers' have blind spots. They can make mistakes. A 'Savant' might not specialize, but at least we don't fall into pits."
This was a jab at a famous philosopher from the early Fifth Epoch, who, like Thales of Earth, had fallen into a pit while pondering the stars.
Quevedo was mocking Erich... while he might be more specialized, his narrow focus could still lead him into metaphorical pitfalls.
Erich, unlike Quevedo, had no interest in debating which Sequence was superior.
Calmly, he said, "If you insist on stubbornly arguing about which Sequence is stronger, then I have nothing more to say. Each Sequence has its own merits."
Quevedo suddenly realized he'd been boastful, even dismissive of his friends' Sequences. Guilt washed over him, and he bowed deeply in apology:
"I'm sorry, I was being stubborn... and worse, I ignored our friendship. Please forgive me. I just... I really love my Sequence."
Florent waved it off, "It's fine, don't worry."
Erich added, "Quevedo, we're friends, but we're also individuals with our own pride and privacy. I hope we can respect that. Still, I accept your apology. We are good friends."
Relieved, Quevedo straightened up and scratched his head sheepishly before refocusing on the matter at hand, "Right. Karl, I think I've mentioned the extraordinary world to you before, but let me recap and fill in anything Florent and Erich might not know."
He cleared his throat dramatically, "Beneath the surface of our seemingly ordinary world lies a hidden one... no, this is the real world. A world of extraordinary power. Those who wield it are Beyonders. And we (Quevedo, Erich, Florent) are Beyonders. We'd like you to become one too."
After a deliberate pause, Karl asked a question that had been on his mind since their last conversation:
"Quevedo, are potions the only source of extraordinary power in this world? What about wizards waving magic staffs, or warriors slaying dragons with swords? Like in 'The Adventures of Gloria' or 'Valia's Magical Journey'?"
'The Adventures of Gloria' was a tale of a hero defeating a dragon, while 'Valia's Magical Journey' followed a traveling mage... both were beloved childhood stories in Intis. Karl's question was perfectly natural.