In midair, a crimson moon hung high above the backdrop of a 'black velvet curtain,' glowing in silence.
This… Zhou Mingrui felt inexplicably horrified as he stood up abruptly. However, before his feet fully straightened, his brain protested with throbbing pain. It made him temporarily lose his strength as he fell uncontrollably. His buttocks slammed heavily onto the burly wood chair.
...
At 6:45, Butler August, dressed in a white shirt, black tie, and vest, with finely striped black trousers, arrived outside his employer's bedroom.
He knocked on the door, covered with brown wool felt.
Knock, knock, knock.
After counting silently to ten, he knocked again.
Knock, knock, knock.
Only then did he hear a response from inside.
"Come in."
"Good morning, sir."
...
Iron Cross Street, West Borough, Tingen.
After taking a breath, Zhou Mingrui took off his suit and vest, switching to a brownish-yellow coat. He also changed to a felt hat with a rounded edge of the same color. With two soli and a few pennies, he left his apartment. His left hand was buried deep in his pocket, tightly gripping the revolver.
...
Lorien put on a light blue morning robe chosen by his valet Morris. A valet had to stay ahead of fashion trends since they were responsible for managing their master's wardrobe. Their taste determined whether their master appeared refined.
Butler August entered the bedroom, carrying a silver tray with breakfast. He set it on the small dining table near the bed, arranging the items neatly - Felmo coffee, a jar of jam, bread, crispy bacon, and a small lemon cake. Then, he took the freshly ironed newspaper from beneath the tray and handed it to Lorien before walking over to pull open the curtains.
Ironing the newspaper was the first thing a butler did in the morning. This process killed germs on the paper and dried the ink to prevent staining his master's fingers while reading.
"Alright, you may leave now."
Lorien took the newspaper and dismissed the butler and valet.
Sitting at the dining table, he set the newspaper aside. It was a copy of the Tussock Times.
He picked up a knife, spread jam on his bread, and glanced at the headline.
"Retired Soldier Loses Control, Shoots in Revenge."
...
Back home, Zhou Mingrui pulled four loaves of rye bread from his paper bag. He placed one in the corner where the coal stove used to be, one behind the dressing mirror, one atop the cupboard where two walls met, and the last in the cluttered space beside his desk.
Taking a deep breath, he stood in the center of the room, calming himself for several minutes. Then, with a solemn expression, he began walking counterclockwise in a square.
Finishing his movements, he returned to his starting position, closed his eyes, and waited in silence. Hope, unease, anticipation, and fear filled his heart.
...
Having finished breakfast, Lorien locked his bedroom door and sat at his desk, reading the Tussock Times.
"Last night at 11:00, a shooting occurred on Unit 19 Hope Street in Cherwood Borough. The shooter, retired soldier Wit Damon, was involved in a dispute with the victim earlier in the day. That night, he used a revolver to wound the victim's left arm…"
"How interesting."
...
"What is happening?"
Zhou Mingrui looked around in shock, then lowered his head, realizing he was floating at the edge of an endless sea of gray fog.
The fog was flowing like water and was dotted with a lot of crimson 'stars.' Some of them were enormous while others were tiny. There was a sense of them being hidden in the deep depths, while others floated over the surface of this water-like fog.
As he examined this scene, he noticed one of the crimson stars flickering. Half curious and half cautious, he reached out to touch it.
The moment his fingers made contact, ripples surged from his body, triggering a radiant burst from the "crimson star," like a dreamlike flame igniting.
Startled, Zhou Mingrui instinctively pulled back his hand and stumbled, bumping into two nearby "crimson stars."
Both stars immediately shone brightly.
In turn, Zhou Mingrui felt his mind empty and his spirit dissipated.
...
Backlund, Empress Borough, in a luxurious villa.
Audrey Hall sat in front of a dresser. The markings on it were antiquated and there was a cracked bronze mirror on the surface.
She pouted her lips in grievance. She said in a soft murmur, "Father was indeed lying to me. He always tells me that this mirror was the treasure of the Solomon Empire's Black Emperor, and that it is an extraordinary item…"
Before Audrey could finish speaking, the bronze mirror placed on the table suddenly emitted a deep crimson glow, enveloping her in an instant.
...
Grimm Garden Street, West Borough.
A black pyramid mark with two swords cris-crossed in front of it reappeared on Lorien's palm.
"Wh..." Before he could react, A crimson radiance erupted from his hand, consuming him.
...
In the Sonia Sea, a three-masted sailboat that looked like an obvious relic was navigating through a storm.
"Still short on the Ghost Shark's blood…" Alger murmured.
Then at this moment, a crimson burst appeared in the space between the glass bottle and the surface of his palm. In an instant, it enveloped the surroundings as well.
...
Mysterious space above the gray fog.
Audrey Hall regained her vision, glancing around in panic and confusion. Across from her, two men with blurred faces and indistinct silhouettes were doing the same.
Almost simultaneously, they all noticed another figure standing nearby - a mysterious person shrouded in the gray fog.
This "mysterious person," Zhou Mingrui, was just as stunned.
"Sir, where is this?"
Audrey and Alger were startled at first, falling silent in the process. Then, they immediately started speaking in unison.
"What are you planning on doing?"
Lorien heard their words but remained silent, carefully observing the "mysterious person," Zhou Mingrui. Then, he discreetly looked at his hand - the mark of the Nation of Disorder. It was glowing crimson as well.
Lorien couldn't help but sigh. I can guess how I'm here, but what are the chances of him finding my Crimson Star amidst all the others? I didn't want to enter the Tarot Club this early.
After a brief moment of silence above the gray fog, Zhou Mingrui considered his options. He decided to maintain the enigmatic image that Audrey and the others perceived, steering the situation to gather valuable information.
He chuckled softly, his tone calm, his voice low but steady - like a polite response to a visitor's greeting.
"An Attempt."
Lorien remained silent but inwardly praised Zhou Mengrui.
He is such a good actor.
We've been dragged up here for less than a minute, and he already thought of a strategy?
Lorien glanced at the blurry faces around him. Right, this is basically an online chatroom now.
Audrey struggled to suppress her panic and awe. Taking a deep breath, she forced a flawless, polite smile and nervously asked, "Sir, is the attempt over? Might you permit our return?"
Instead of answering immediately, Zhou Mingrui turned to examine the two men across from him. One had deep blue, messy seaweed-like hair and an average build - not particularly muscular. He wore a robe embroidered with lightning patterns. The other was tall and dressed in a "bathrobe"-like outfit.
Zhou Mingrui knew it was actually a morning gown, a type of homewear worn in the morning or before bed. He had heard Welch mention it and had seen him wear one before. Only the wealthy and noble wore such clothing since they had laundry maids to wash them.
So, this gentleman was likely as rich as the golden-haired girl. Based on her accent, she must be from Loen's nobility or a wealthy family.
But this man hadn't spoken yet, so it wasn't certain if he was Loenese. As for the messy-haired one - his accent was heavy. He wasn't from Loen, was he?
Still, in this situation, they were the guests, and he was the host.
This shift in mindset made Zhou Mingrui notice details he had previously overlooked.
The sweet-voiced girl, the composed and reserved man, and the one in the morning gown all appeared slightly illusory, tinged with a faint red glow - just like the three crimson "stars" projected above the gray fog.
These projections were formed through his connection with the deep red light - intangible yet something he could control.
Severing this connection would cause the projections to vanish, returning them to reality.
Zhou Mingrui nodded almost imperceptibly, then looked at the blonde girl and said with a gentle smile, "Of course, if you make a formal request, you can return this very moment."
Wouldn't it be awkward if I asked to go back right now? Lorien barely held back a bitter laugh at the thought. But hey, shouldn't you set up some chairs and a table first? Standing around like this is just awkward.'
Lorien maintained a composed expression, but his thoughts had already drifted elsewhere.
Audrey, sensing no malice, breathed a sigh of relief. She believed that someone capable of such extraordinary feats would surely keep their word.
Feeling slightly calmer, she didn't rush to leave. Instead, her blue eyes darted around, flashing with a strange light.
She said in an anxious, anticipative and tempted manner, "This is such a wonderful experience… Yes, I have always been hoping that something like this would happen. I mean - I like mysteries and supernatural miracles. No, my point is - what I mean is that, Sir, what can I do to become a Beyonder?"
Suddenly, the surrounding gray fog churned, startling both Audrey and Alger. Even Lorien, who had been lost in thought, was taken aback.
In an instant, they saw a number of towering stone pillars around them. Above them was a vast dome that encapsulated them.
This entire edifice looked magnificent, grand and lofty, just like a legendary palace for giants.
Directly under the dome where the gray fog gathered, a long, bronze table appeared with ten high-back chairs on either side in a symmetrical arrangement, along with a chair on each of the two ends of the long table. The back of each chair dazzled and shone faintly with crimson red, drawing the outlines of weird constellations that differed from reality.
Audrey and Lorien found themselves seated directly across from each other, closest to the head of the table, while Alger was seated to Lorien's right.
The girl glanced left, then right, murmuring under her breath,
"Amazing..."
"Yeah, truly amazing," Lorien echoed, while sneaking a glance at Zhou Mengrui, who was subtly rubbing the edge of the bronze table with his right hand.
Alger examined his surroundings, then, after a few seconds of silence, suddenly spoke, answering Audrey's question on Zhou Mingrui's behalf.
"You're from Loen, right?"
"If you want to become a Beyonder, join the Church of the Evernight Goddess, Church of the Lord of Storms, or the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery."
"The majority of us will not meet a Beyonder our entire lives. This has caused Churches, and even some clergymen within some of the biggest Churches, to suspect the same. While this is the case, I am certain to tell you that Beyonders still exist in courts, tribunals, and execution agencies. They are still fighting against the dangers that grow in the dark, only that their numbers are much fewer as compared to before and during the early days of the Iron Age."
...
Audrey's eyes shone as she listened, and spoke after a long while, "Why? Alright, this is a follow-up question. I-I think I have fallen in love with this feeling - of being a 'Spectator.' How can I get this potion's formula? What can I use to trade with you for it?"
Alger looked like he was already prepared as he said in a deep voice, "The blood of Ghost Sharks, at least 100 milliliters of it."
Audrey nodded her head excitedly, but subsequently asked worriedly, "If I can get it - and I'm saying if - how do I hand it to you? How can you promise me that you can give the potion's formula to me in return for the Ghost Shark's blood, as well as the authenticity of the formula?"
Lorien suddenly interjected, "I believe, under the witness of this mysterious gentleman, both of you can rest assured."
With that, he gave a slight bow toward Zhou Mengrui, seated at the head of the bronze table.
"May I ask how we should address you, sir?"
Zhou Mingrui looked at Lorien but didn't return the bow. Instead, he tapped his fingers on the bronze table as if in thought.
Don't make decisions for me! Or better yet, why don't you do it yourself?
You barely spoke a word before, and now you're setting things up for me?
Zhou Mingrui sighed internally, but then, inspiration struck - he recalled his previous divination.
Leaning back, he folded his hands under his chin and smiled.
"You may call me…"
He paused briefly before continuing in a calm, measured tone.
"The Fool."
The brief answer quickly faded into the grand temple and the swirling fog, but in Audrey and Alger's hearts, that voice echoed endlessly, stirring ripple after ripple in their minds.
Lorien lowered his head and sighed inwardly.
After a few moments of silence, Audrey stood up, lightly lifting her skirt, bending her knee, and saluting Zhou Mingrui.
"Honorable Mr. Fool, please forgive my presumption, but may I ask you to witness our transaction?"
"A small matter." Zhou Mingrui's thoughts turned rapidly as he answered in a way that suited his identity.
"It is our honor, Mr. Fool," Alger also stood up, placed his right hand over his chest, and bowed.
Zhou Mingrui pressed his right hand downward slightly and said with a smile, "Continue."
Alger nodded, then turned to Lorien beside him and similarly bowed.
"I also thank this gentleman for his suggestion."
Alger was filled with curiosity about this man. Among the three who had been pulled into this place by Mr. Fool, this man was as mysterious as The Fool himself.
He spoke little, but when he did, he made a suggestion to the powerful and enigmatic Mr. Fool - an extremely risky move. Or had he noticed that Mr. Fool harbored goodwill toward them? If so, he must also be a Beyonder. A Spectator? Or a Mystery Pryer?
Seeing this, Audrey hurriedly stood up, lifted her skirt slightly, and curtsied to Lorien.
Audrey, how could you forget to thank the gentleman who gave us that suggestion? Even Susie knows to thank those who help her. You've had etiquette lessons!
Ugh! Audrey, what are you thinking?!
Maintaining a graceful smile, Audrey said, "Thank you, sir."
Lorien also stood up and returned the gesture to Alger and Audrey.
Why do I feel like Alger is overthinking things about me? Shouldn't he be speculating about Klein instead?
"This gratitude should go to Mr. Fool."
The three of them turned and bowed once more to Zhou Mingrui.
"Thank you, Mr. Fool."
Is this man good at playing along? Zhou Mingrui thought. He made a decision on my behalf, and yet he smoothly led the others into following his lead. He's clearly done this kind of thing before.
Zhou Mingrui did not speak. He simply nodded reservedly.
When Audrey and Alger sat back down, Lorien once again bowed to Zhou Mingrui.
"Mr. Fool, you have agreed to witness their transaction. Would you mind doing this a few more times?"
Lorien felt that there was no time to delay. He needed to establish the Tarot Club before Zhou Mingrui's spirituality could no longer sustain it.
Alger listened carefully, and his heart stirred. He quickly echoed the suggestion, "Mr. Fool, don't you find this kind of gathering interesting? While your power far surpasses our imagination, the world surely holds domains you are unfamiliar with or unskilled in. The lady opposite me is clearly of noble birth, and the gentleman beside me also seems to come from an extraordinary background. As for myself, I have my own unique experiences, knowledge, connections, and resources. Perhaps in the future, we could assist you with trivial matters that you may find inconvenient to handle yourself."
A noble lady? Was my demeanor that obvious? Audrey's lips parted slightly in surprise, but she quickly regained her composure and nodded without hesitation.
"Mr. Fool, I think this is an excellent proposal. If these gatherings become regular, there may be times when it is inconvenient for you to act personally. In such cases, you could delegate matters to us, provided they are within our capabilities."
Alger could tell from Audrey's accent that she was of noble birth, but how did he deduce that I am not an ordinary person? What kind of assumptions has he made about me? I didn't even speak with a noble accent! Lorien remained expressionless, keeping his gaze on Zhou Mingrui's table.
Considering that he had full control over the summoning and dismissal of this "gathering," any potential risks would remain within manageable bounds. The benefits clearly outweighed the drawbacks. With this in mind, Zhou Mingrui quickly made his decision.
He ceased his finger tapping and met their three eager yet anxious gazes with a smile.
"I am a person who values equivalent exchange."
"I will not ask you to help me without compensation."
"Every Monday at three in the afternoon, try your best to be alone. After I make a few more attempts and figure out certain things, perhaps you can apply for a leave of absence ahead of time. You will no longer need to worry about being in inappropriate situations."
Audrey, who had just turned seventeen and had always been well-protected, still had a girlish heart. Upon hearing Mr. Fool's response, she couldn't help but clench her fists and shake them lightly in front of her chest.
"Then shouldn't we come up with titles for ourselves as well? After all, we can't use our real names to communicate." Before Alger could speak, she eagerly suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Though Mr. Fool might already know their true identities, she couldn't let the two gentlemen opposite her find out - especially that blue-haired one. He felt dangerous!
"Good idea," Zhou Mingrui responded simply and lightly.
Audrey immediately began thinking, speaking as she pondered.
"You are Mr. Fool, from the Tarot cards. Since this is a regular, long-term, secret gathering, our titles should align accordingly. Hmm, I'll pick from the Tarot cards too."
Her tone gradually brightened.
"I've decided! My title shall be 'Justice.'"
One of the twenty-two Major Arcana.
"And you, gentlemen?" Audrey turned to her two new "companions" with a smile.
Alger furrowed his brows briefly before relaxing and saying, "'The Hanged Man.'"
Another Major Arcana card.
Lorien had already made his decision beforehand.
"'The Emperor.'"
A card symbolizing authority and control.
Audrey and Alger exchanged glances. The Emperor was far more imposing in name and meaning than Justice and The Hanged Man. Is Mr Emperor a member of the royal family? But I've never seen him at any banquets… Or is he from the Feysac or Feynapotter royal families?
The Emperor… He must be of noble birth. An Augustus or a Castiya? The Hanged Man, Alger Wilson, scrutinized Lorien. Though he couldn't see his true appearance, he was certain that The Emperor was not a Feysac native.
Lorien had chosen The Emperor for two reasons: first, it was associated with both the Black Emperor and the Justiciar pathways; second, in Lord of Mysteries, the Tarot Club members' titles often reflected their fates. He dared not pick one carelessly, lest he entangle himself in a fate beyond his control.
Seeing Audrey and Alger studying him, even Zhou Mingrui seemed to be observing him subtly. Lorien chose not to explain further - sometimes, the more one explains, the messier things become.
"Mr. Hanged Man, you haven't told Miss Justice how to give you Ghost Shark blood yet."
The Hanged Man, Alger, froze for a moment. It seemed that Mr. Emperor didn't want to explain this matter. Without prying further, he turned to Audrey and said:
"If you can obtain the Ghost Shark's blood, get someone to send it to the Warrior & Sea Bar at Pelican Street, in the White Rose Borough of Pritz Harbor. Tell the boss, Williams, that it's what the 'Captain' wants.
"Once I confirm, do you want to send me an address so I can mail the potion formula, or should I just tell you here?"
Audrey stopped looking at Lorien, lowered her head in thought, and then smiled.
"I'll choose the more discreet option - right here. Though that will test my memory."
Since Mr. Fool agreed to witness the transaction, that meant there would be more meetings like this in the future. But shouldn't the gathering have a name?
"Honorable Mr. Fool, since our titles come from the Tarot cards, why don't we call our gathering the Tarot Club?"
Zhou Mingrui felt helpless. Miss Justice, have you already been influenced by Mr Emperor? He barely spoke a few words, and now you're learning to make decisions for me too?
However, he simply nodded, agreeing with Audrey's suggestion. He also felt that "Tarot Club" was a fitting name.
"Alright, then we are now the founding members of the Tarot Club," Audrey blurted out happily, before glancing hesitantly at the figure shrouded in gray-white fog. "No objections, Mr. Fool?"
Zhou Mingrui shook his head in amusement.
"This kind of trivial matter, you can decide for yourselves."
"Thank you." Audrey was clearly excited.
Then, she turned to Alger.
"Mr. Hanged Man, could you repeat that address? I'm worried I might not remember it clearly."
"No problem." Alger was pleased with Audrey's seriousness and repeated the address again.
At that moment, Zhou Mingrui's headache worsened. He felt his intangible connection to the crimson stars and gray-white fog begin to waver.
"Alright, today's gathering ends here," he decided immediately, speaking in a deep voice.
"By your will," Alger bowed his head in salute.
Lorien did the same. "By your will."
"By your will," Audrey mimicked the Hanged Man and the Emperor.
She still had so many questions, so many thoughts - she was reluctant for the meeting to end.
As Zhou Mingrui severed the connection, he smiled and said: "Let us look forward to the next gathering."
The Crimson Stars shone once more, and the crimson glow receded like water. The three members had just heard Mr. Fool's final words when their figures blurred, growing increasingly illusory.
In less than a second, the "projections" shattered, and silence returned to the gray fog.
…
"It looks like I won't be able to return for a while."
Only the ignorant are fearless. After witnessing such mystical events and learning about the Beyonder world, Zhou Mingrui no longer dared to recklessly attempt the "Luck Enhancement Ritual" using Ancient Feysac or Loenese.
Who knew what might happen? Perhaps something even stranger, even more terrifying - something worse than death itself.
"I need a deeper understanding of mysticism before trying again," Zhou Mingrui thought helplessly.
Fortunately, this so-called "gathering" could provide him with assistance.
After a brief silence, he muttered to himself with a mix of frustration, loss, pain, and melancholy:
"From now on, I am Klein."
…
The wind howled, and rain poured down in torrents. The three-masted sailing ship rose and fell between towering waves, as if a giant was throwing and catching it like a toy.
Alger Wilson's crimson vision faded, and he found himself still standing on the deck, unchanged from before.
Then, he saw the strangely shaped glass bottle in his palm shatter with a crack. Frost and snow melted into water, merging with the raindrops.
Within just two or three seconds, the ancient artifact completely disappeared without a trace.
A six-sided crystalline snowflake appeared in Alger's palm, then rapidly faded until it vanished entirely, seemingly absorbed into his flesh and blood.
…
Loen Kingdom, Capital of Backlund, Empress Borough.
Audrey Hall pinched her cheek, unable to believe what she had just experienced.
Her gaze lowered, and she saw a "crimson glow" flowing across the back of her hand, like a tattoo of the stars.
The glow gradually dimmed before vanishing into her skin.
Looking at the shattered antique bronze mirror before her, a sly glint flickered in her eyes.
…
Grimm Garden Street, West Borough, Backlund.
Lorien stood near the window and looked at the view of Backlund's West Borough at high noon.
He looked down at the back of his hand. Though the black pyramid imprint had disappeared again, he could still feel it lingering beneath his skin. With a simple nudge of his spirituality, it would resurface.
He couldn't help but sigh again. What are the chances of Klein touching all the "correct" crimson lights? Is this what they meant by the inevitability of fate? Then the Circle of Inevitability is more powerful than I give it credit for.
And regarding me being summoned there without having any item connected to Sefirah Castle, it again comes back to the Celestial Worthy being the owner of the Nation of Disorder. The mark on my hand, corresponding to the Nation of Disorder, could be used to summon me inside Sefirah Castle as well. And I think I could do the same for Klein if I were able to summon people in there.
Ugh... Thinking about these things always gives me a headache.
While massaging his forehead, Lorien stepped away from the window, walked to his desk, and pulled open the lower-left drawer.
Inside were two wooden boxes. He took them out and opened them.
One of the boxes was lined with soft white velvet, holding a cluster of leaves. The leaves had striking colors - green blending into deep purple, with red veins running through them like capillaries.
The other, larger box contained an animal horn about ten centimeters long. Dark brown, covered in jagged crystalline spikes, it looked like a piece of mineral-infused bone.
These were Grass of Madness and the Land Rhinoceros Core Horn Crystal - main ingredients for the Sequence 8 Barbarian potion.
Predecessor Lorien had been a Lawyer for over two years now, and three months had passed since his transmigration. He had fully digested the Lawyer potion a month and a half ago.
Though he had made many connections in the past two months, they were all ordinary people.
In the Beyonder world, aside from Bird Mustang and the unreliable Beyonder gatherings introduced by Kane Rister, he had gained little.
It wasn't until two weeks ago that he managed to join Mr. A's gatherings through the son of a viscount. At his second meeting, two days ago, he had gathered all the key ingredients for the Barbarian potion.
While thinking, Lorien took the wooden box containing Grass of Madness and the Land Rhinoceros Core Horn Crystal from his bedroom and brought it to the room opposite his study. This room had already been converted into a makeshift chemistry lab.
"100 milliliters of strong Liquor, 10 milliliters of Soaking Poplar Bark Extract..."
"Then, one Fragrance Hornet Grass and a Deep-Grained Walnut."
Following the order of supplementary ingredients before the main component, Lorien began preparing the Barbarian potion. He had already experimented multiple times with the supplementary ingredients, so he quickly completed the first half of the preparation.
Looking at the beaker filled with a green-glowing liquid, even though he had done this several times, Lorien couldn't help but feel uneasy. He sighed, then tossed in the Grass of Madness, staining the liquid with a bloody hue before adding the Land Rhinoceros Core Horn Crystal.
A wisp of ethereal gas rose from the beaker, then quickly merged back into the liquid.
Once the potion settled, Lorien poured it into another glass cup. The finished potion was a deep red, glowing faintly with golden sparks flickering within, like embers trapped in liquid.
Holding the cup, Lorien sat down on a nearby chair, and entered cogitation to steady his emotions. Once he had calmed down, he tilted his head back and drank the Barbarian potion in one go.
Gulp, gulp -
Though the potion had cooled, it burned like fire as it slid down his throat, making him feel as if he had swallowed boiling water.
As the heat faded, incomprehensible whispers rang in his mind, while a tearing sensation exploded through his entire body, as if countless knives were slicing through his skin, muscles, veins, and marrow.
Lorien clenched the collar of his robe between his teeth, fearing that he might cry out from the pain.
The agony and the whispers came suddenly and left just as fast. But in those few seconds, his whole body was drenched in sweat, his robe sticking to him uncomfortably.
Taking a deep breath, Lorien stood up and blinked. He felt like he had grown a few centimeters taller. Rolling up his sleeves and clenching his fists, he watched his muscles and veins bulge, his skin glistening with sweat.
He had been out of shape before, only picking up exercise again in the past two months. His body had been healthy but far from strong. At most, when he flexed, his biceps and triceps were slightly defined. But now, just by tightening his fist, even the muscles in his forearm swelled up.
Sighing in relief, he was glad he lived in Loen, where the Victorian era inspiration made three-piece suits the norm. Otherwise, he'd have trouble going out for a while.
Looking into a full-length mirror, he saw that his appearance hadn't changed much, apart from gaining two centimeters in height, bringing him to 1.8 meters. But his sweat-drenched body and the bite mark on his robe's collar made him look... As if he had the most intense sex in his life.
Would I look like this if I had tasted a Demoness? The question came unbidden on him mind as he walked towards the bathroom
…
After taking a shower, Lorien put on a shirt with decorative ruffles on the chest and a black vest over it.
He had just started testing the Barbarian abilities. First and foremost, his strength had increased significantly.
The chair in his study was made of ironwood and weighed about twenty pounds.
But in Lorien's hands, lifting it felt no different than swinging a cane. He was already considering replacing his walking stick with an ironwood one. That would make traveling much safer.
Of course, his muscles had become more pronounced to match the newfound strength, though his overall physique hadn't changed much. But his now tighter-fitting shirt was making him uncomfortable. He even had an urge to rip it apart.
Lorien knew this was an effect of the Barbarian potion. In the structured, rule-bound world of a metropolis, even the restrictive feeling of a shirt could make a Barbarian uncomfortable, stirring a desire to break free.
Beyond strength and endurance, his resistance to mental interference had also improved. Most spiritual influences at Sequence 8 would no longer affect him.
He suspected that even the Sequence 7 Interrogator's abilities like Whip of Pain or Psychic Piercing wouldn't be as painful for a Barbarian as they were for the Sequence 8 Clown. The Black Emperor and Justiciar paths were practically made to oppose each other, while the Chaos Mist Pathway functioned as the balancer between these two pathways.
His enhanced mental fortitude also sharpened his instincts, allowing him to master and exploit situations to gain the most benefits possible through force. He could now also discern the amount and type of violence just above the base threshold needed to convince those watching him.
…
After returning, Lorien glanced at the newspaper on the dining table. Then, he stepped out of his bedroom and rang the bell that summoned his butler, valet, and footman.
Before drinking the potion, Lorien had already instructed his staff that no one was to go upstairs without his bell.
Before long, Butler August ascended the stairs with Valet Morris and a footman in tow.
Lorien handed the newspaper to August and instructed:
"Look into this Wit Damon matter."
"We already have some preliminary findings."
"Oh?"
Lorien glanced at August. He had known from their first meeting that August was a "lawyer." But ever since becoming Lorien's butler, the man had remained disciplined and diligent, so he hadn't bothered to interfere.
Of course, through August's network, Lorien had managed to befriend several retired officers and conservative figures - though at the cost of attending numerous charity events and spending a fair amount of money.
August remained calm, standing respectfully. He had always sensed a degree of wariness from Lorien. But after introducing him to several retired officers and members of the conservative party, that wariness had gradually faded.
Still, he knew it would return. But a butler needed his master's trust. Without it, maintaining authority over the household staff would be difficult.
Yet, he had never found an opportunity to bridge the gap - until today. Upon seeing the news about Damon in the newspaper, he knew he had found his opening. That was why he had placed the article prominently and sent someone to investigate.
"Come to the study with me," Lorien said, then waved to Morris.
"Morris, prepare a cup of Sweet Ice Tea."
He also signaled for his room servant to clean up his bedroom.
August walked ahead, opening the study door for Lorien.
Lorien entered and sat in an intricately carved chair with a down cushion, positioned before a large bookshelf.
August pulled the curtains aside, letting the late-June sunlight stream into the study.
Then, he stood before Lorien and bowed slightly.
"According to the police report…"
...
According to the Hillston Borough Police Division, at 11 p.m. last night, patrol officers near Unit 19 Hope Street in Cherwood Borough heard gunshots. When they arrived, they saw Damon holding a revolver aimed at the victim, whose left arm was wounded.
The patrol officers immediately drew their own revolvers and ordered Damon to surrender. He dropped his weapon and was taken to The Hillston Borough Police Division, while the victim was rushed to the hospital.
The investigation revealed that Damon and the victim had a heated argument earlier that day but were persuaded to go home. Later that night, when the victim passed by Unit 19 Hope Street, Damon spotted him and shot him in the left arm.
Backlund, the capital of the Loen Kingdom, is vast, with nearly twenty boroughs and a population exceeding five million. Besides the Backlund Police Department's headquarters in the outskirts of Empress Borough at Sivellaus Street, they are also known as "Sivellaus Yard", police divisions are set up in various boroughs, with the Hillston Borough Police Division being the largest.
Hillston Borough Police Division operates independently of Sivellaus Yard and is responsible for Hillston Borough, the economic center of the city. It has a large, well-trained police force, which has led to dissatisfaction among the people of Cherwood Borough.
Cherwood Borough is filled with small businesses and residential areas, home to a large middle-class population. At one point, the residents protested, demanding that the Minister of Police either increase the number of officers in the Cherwood Police Bureau or assign part of Cherwood Borough to Hillston Borough Police Division's jurisdiction.
At the time, the police system was still being established, and overwhelmed by the situation, the Minister of Police agreed to place some areas of Cherwood under Hillston's protection. That's why, even though Unit 19 Hope Street belongs to Cherwood Borough, Hillston Borough Police Division took over the case.
"What were the findings of your investigation?"
It was August who spoke, holding up the newspaper.
"Nothing except the victim's name."
"Oh? That's strange."
Lorien stroked his chin. Normally, a case like this was straightforward. If the facts were as they appeared, the best Lorien could do was argue for a lighter sentence - there was no way he could use Beyonder abilities to get a not-guilty verdict without attracting official Beyonders' attention.
"What's the victim's name?"
"Lance Nozick."
Lorien raised an eyebrow and looked at August.
"Nozick… from the New Party, right?"
The "Nozick" in question referred to Martin Nozick, one of the New Party's leaders. He had the backing of many major bankers, wealthy businessmen, and mine owners in Hillston Borough. Especially after the repeal of the Grain Act, the New Party had risen in influence, and Martin Nozick's name frequently appeared in economic reports.
"Yes."
Lorien had initially thought this was just retaliation. Yesterday, at Quelaag Club, Damon had an altercation with the son of a New Party leader, and now he was arrested for a shooting? That was too much of a coincidence.
But the victim really was Lance Nozick, Martin Nozick's son. Even if this was a setup, why would the son of a New Party leader personally get involved? And why was there almost no coverage on the case details? Something was definitely off.
Lorien snapped his fingers and ordered, "First, notify the East Balam Military Veterans Mess and Quelaag Club. Then, contact a few retired officers' clubs and have Mr. Jurgen Cooper go with them to Hillston Borough Police Division to see if we can get him bailed out. If that's not possible, at least make sure Mr. Jurgen meets with Damon."
The East Balam Military Veterans Mess was something Lorien had joined under August's guidance. It mainly focused on helping disabled veterans find employment and supporting their families.
Shooting someone was a serious crime, so the police might not allow bail. Hillston Borough Police Division was independent from the Backlund Police Department's headquarters and reported directly to the Minister of Police. But the bankers backing Martin Nozick could pressure them.
If that happened, they might not even let a lawyer visit Damon. In that case, he would be on his own and would likely be finished. That's why Lorien had August contact the East Balam Military Veterans Mess.
As for Quelaag Club, that was where Damon worked. A shooting charge was too serious for just a lawyer's intervention. Since he had no family, the club had to step in.
"Understood, sir."
"Also, leak the victim's name to the press. The victim will have to face reporters eventually."
Lorien smiled. Using public opinion was part of a lawyer's strategy.
"I'll notify the major newspapers and have them interview Lance Nozick."
"No, also get them to keep an eye on Martin Nozick. Make sure he doesn't meet with those people in Hillston Borough."
"Understood, sir."
"Any other suggestions?" Lorien looked at August. From how he had acted today, he probably had more ideas.
"I suggest sending the newspapers and information on the victim to a few Conservative Party nobles."
Lorien nodded again. "Do it."
If he could use Lance Nozick to attack Martin Nozick, it would slow down the New Party's rise. That would put him on the radar of the Conservative Party's top figures.
Lorien had no interest in becoming a politician or ruling Loen. Even if King George III failed his Black Emperor ascension and Loen was invaded, the royal family wouldn't let a commoner take control.
What he wanted was to become an advisor to the Prime Minister or a high-ranking Conservative Party leader. Just like how Klein used Audrey to establish the civil service exam system, Lorien planned to influence the major players to shape Loen's future in his favor.
It wasn't just ambition. Both the Black Emperor and Justiciar pathways required those above Sequence 2 to be rulers or enforcers of laws. Since both pathways revolved around authority, he had no choice but to move in that direction.
He couldn't afford to wait until he was a high-sequence Beyonder to start playing the role. By then, it might be too late. No country would tolerate a powerful Beyonder interfering in its internal affairs.
Lorien hoped his future promotions wouldn't be too troublesome. Otherwise, with his current situation and preparations, godhood was out of reach. Even with the Sefirot, reaching Sequence 2 would be difficult.
Just look at Nast, the King of the Five Seas - he was at least 160 years old and still stuck at Sequence 3, the Frenzied Mage.
There was a knock on the door.
"Come in."
His personal valet, Morris, entered, carrying a silver tray with a glass of iced sweet tea.
Lorien took the tea and sipped it. "Is the room ready?"
"Tratt has finished preparing it."
"Good. You can head downstairs now."
"Yes, sir."
Author's Note: What kind of feature of the Sefirot do you think Lorien should unlock after reaching the eighth step or more? I have some ideas, but I'd love to hear your thoughts as well.