Noticing the strange look in the "Tower's" eyes, Klein couldn't help but ask aloud, "What's with that expression of yours?"
"Nothing…" Ebner definitely wouldn't voice such a guess that might make Mr. Fool fly into a rage from embarrassment. He shook his head, pushed aside the messy thoughts in his mind, and instead asked, "Are you on the Pale Holy Maiden right now?"
"No… but I've already arranged to meet with Maria tonight near Oravi Island. I plan to take her ship to another island." Klein paused for a moment before adding, "If you want to take Abby away, it'd be best if you come before ten o'clock tonight…"
I don't just want to take Abby away. I also want to take the Pale Admiral with me… Unfortunately, we don't have a deep relationship, so she most likely wouldn't agree to let me 'study' her…
Besides, that "Pale Justice" sword in her hands is extremely dangerous, and her body is sealed with the characteristics of a Devil… Even with Owen as a Manipulator avatar, it's still impossible to hypnotize her quietly…
What's more, she's also a friend of Klein and Edwina. I can't put them in a difficult position… Forget it. There are still other survivors from the experiment eleven years ago waiting to be studied. I'll set Maria aside for now and wait until my strength improves further, until I can handle her the way I secretly handled Bianca.
As his thoughts turned, Ebner gave a slight nod and asked, "Where should I find you?"
"Sweet Lemon Bar," Klein answered.
Thanks to his time exploring the fifth level of the Dream Labyrinth Tower, Ebner still remembered the layout of Oravi, including the location of that bar. So he directly said, "Let's meet at eight."
After that, the two exchanged some information and ended their usual "Transmigrator's Meeting," returning to reality.
In a hidden basement beneath a hunter's cabin on the outskirts of Backlund.
After retracting the "Wall of Spirit," Ebner activated the "Teleportation Altar" set up there, opening a portal leading to Bayam's "Fragrant Manor."
Since the Tarot Club operated on Backlund time, it was nearly seven in the evening in Oravi. Ebner didn't dare delay. After arriving at Fragrant Manor, he immediately wore the "Azure Shadow" ring, transforming himself into a special spiritual body. Then, with the help of the "Door" card, he invoked the secret technique "Ebner's Spiritual Stroll."
His figure gradually faded and disappeared into the void.
Everything around him became like an illusion—colors deepened, overlapped, and swiftly receded.
Although Ebner hadn't yet mastered the ability to position himself during Spirit World Travel, unable to locate Oravi Island precisely within the chaotic layers of colors…
Klein, however, carried with him the hilt that could manifest the "Burial Blade." This wondrous item bore the power Ebner had imbued through the "Pure White Eye," and could naturally serve as a locator.
So, after just a dozen minutes, Ebner walked out of a secluded alley, put away the "Azure Shadow" ring forged from Wraith characteristics, and returned to corporeal form.
After a moment's thought, he swapped places with Owen's body, then used the "Marionettist" nurtured in the magic mirror to cast the Faceless Man's power, transforming into the "Professor."
This way, even if someone stripped the "Professor" disguise, what would appear underneath was still Owen—nothing that pointed back to Ebner…
Thinking this, he glanced at the signboard outside the alley. It read: "Oravi Medical Aid Foundation, 10 Blackwood Street."
"Isn't this the place where Mr. Fool volunteers?" Ebner muttered softly before pushing open the door into this charity with the Church of the Evernight Goddess backing it.
The female receptionist, flipping through a newspaper, looked up as he entered. She hurriedly approached with enthusiasm. "Do you need something, sir?"
—Her warmth was clearly thanks to the "Professor's" exceptional appearance, refined bearing, and tasteful attire.
Ebner didn't answer. He merely locked eyes with her, and she suddenly "remembered," saying, "So it's you… Please, follow me. Mr. Sinbad Wallent is in Ward No. 2…"
—Sinbad Wallent was the alias Klein used during volunteer work.
An actual demigod's hypnosis is far stronger than the 'pirated' version I simulate with the Pure White Eye!
Sighing inwardly, Ebner soon followed the receptionist—who introduced herself as Juana—to the door of Ward No. 2. As soon as it opened, he saw a man in his twenties cleaning up vomit with tools.
When the "Professor" walked in, the man's impassive face twitched slightly before he carried on as if nothing had happened.
Klein naturally recognized the "Professor's" appearance and knew it was one of the "Tower's" disguises… Or rather, since the healing ritual for Celestial Sect remnants had spread, "Professor" had become famous throughout the extraordinary circles of the Rorsted Archipelago.
Many who had suffered were finally able to rid themselves of weakness and return to normal thanks to his contribution. So even though the navy and the Church of the Storm wanted to uncover his true identity, they had only released sketches, not a bounty.
In fact, thanks to the spread of this restorative ritual, as well as Mr. Bryan's "teaching videos" widely adopted in free schools across Loen and Intis, and the occasional tutoring of Tarot members, Ebner had digested nearly all of the Potion of the "Secret Arts Tutor." By his own estimate, one or two more effective and complete acts of "role-playing" would be enough to finish the digestion.
After nearly ten minutes, Klein finally finished his work. He washed his hands in the bathroom while saying to Ebner at his side, "Aren't you worried about using this face? What if someone recognizes you?"
"As long as I don't run into a Saint or Angel by bad luck, there's no problem. Ordinary people can't even remember seeing me." Ebner explained with a smile.
The two chatted as they left the Oravi Medical Aid Foundation, had dinner at the Sweet Lemon Bar, and then headed together to a small town outside Oravi.
At exactly ten o'clock, inside a cargo warehouse in that small town, Ebner followed Klein to meet the Pale Admiral Maria, who had long black hair, brown eyes, and fine yet striking features.
Beside her lay an unconscious girl. She was beautiful, but even in unconsciousness her brows furrowed tightly, as though enduring some hidden pain.
That should be Abby… Ebner thought just as Maria, clad in heavy armor, walked toward them with clanking steps. She first offered Klein a knight's salute and exchanged a few polite words, then turned her gaze to Ebner and greeted, "Hello, Professor."
After Ebner nodded in return, Maria paid him no further attention, focusing instead on her conversation with Klein.
Seeing this, Ebner absentmindedly stroked his chin and grumbled inwardly:
I recall that the Pale Admiral, like Miss Temperance, is also a Wraith…
Could it be that Klein has the best compatibility with Wraiths? Fated to attract 'ghost women'?
Hmm, come to think of it, his favorite and most cooperative puppet in the future is also a Wraith.
(End of Chapter)