soon as Klein got home, the first thing he saw was Beson in an apron as if he had just finished preparing food, and Melissa.
They seemed to be analyzing him from top to bottom.
When they saw that he wasn't soaked in the rain, they calmed down.
Benson had that typical look of someone who had worked all day and was exhausted, but his energy wasn't completely drained, because he seemed to have a lot to talk about.
Gossip was something that simply could never be left out at dinner time.
— Klein, you won't believe what happened today! — Benson said with a big smile, the kind that made it clear that he would tell at least one fight.
Suddenly, Klein felt a little worried.
Benson wasn't one to pick fights, he was always very patient and calm, but when he spoke like that, it was because something was wrong.
Me brother isn't the smartest person in the world when it comes to fighting and he's very soft with others, even too much so... If he argued with someone... — Klein immediately looked at Melissa, who seemed too thoughtful.
— Was Melissa with you? — Klein asked, hoping he was right in his question.
If Benson was with Melissa at the moment, it would be better.
She was very firm in what she said and did and could certainly win a fight or an argument if she was in one.
Melissa had the same expression on her face, looking at her older brother with apprehension.
Her piercing gaze seemed to carry a hint of worry, his mind drifting to unimaginable places as he tried to reflect on what could have happened.
Unfortunately for Klein, she didn't seem to know anything and was just as worried as he was.
— Before you two think the worst of me, no, I didn't pick a fight with anyone! — Benson said before any misunderstanding could occur.
— Are you sure? — Klein and Melissa insisted in unison, not at all convinced.
— But of course I am. I wasn't the one who started the fight. Oh, how awful, you don't even believe me. — Benson had his dramatic tone, and then continued enthusiastically:
— Apparently one of the superiors had a lover, what we didn't know was that this person was another one of the other superiors.
— That's where the problem lies, because someone found out about it. This person went to this superior to blackmail him, said he would go with evidence to his fiancée if he didn't give him 300 pounds in notes the next day...
The story had many layers, all of which Benson was fully willing to tell like a true gossip.
After dinner, all the brothers returned to their respective rooms
When Klein was ready to enter a strange mode of consciousness as he always did, he heard a knock on his door.
Silent footsteps and a knock that was not too loud and not too quiet, he already knew who it was.
Melissa.
What would Melissa want now? Had she found a problem? Impossible, I taught her how everything works, as well as her Spiritual Vision... — Klein hid his worry on his face, even though his thoughts were swirling with all sorts of guesses.
— Klein, I have a question. — she said, her voice muffled behind the wooden door.
— Come in. — he replied, not quite sure of what to expect.
If it was something normal, not a Beyonder matter that could be dangerous, such as something related to the Fourth Epoch.
At the right time he would tell her something, but Melissa was still only fourteen years old and telling her such a big piece of information now that she was just beginning to understand about secret and official organizations would only hinder her understanding of the world around her.
Somewhat worried, Klein stood up and silently unlocked the door.
Melissa glanced at him, a curious glint of light shining brightly in her eyes as dark as the shadows.
And then she went in to sit in the chair at the desk.
She leaned on the table with one arm, and then asked without hiding her curiosity:
— There's something I didn't understand before. You mentioned that the Churches didn't tolerate clandestine Beyonders at all, much less trust those who were born that way. So how did you get accepted into the Midnight Church?
Klein glanced at the mirror, and then back at his sister.
On his face was a soft smile.
— Lying.
— That goes for you too. If it's a situation where you can't engage in combat or it's simply not worth fighting, don't hesitate to do anything to get rid of the problem. Many Church authorities aren't usually the most generous with those they consider 'blasphemers' or clandestine.
Melissa frowned slightly, astonished that her brother had lied without even worrying much to members of a certain high rank of the Church, remembering the story Klein had told her.
He told her that he had been examined by a certain high-ranking member of the Church, who she now knew were only Sequence 5 and above with very rare exceptions to the rule.
— So you're telling me to lie to an authority that can discover me with those Beyonder powers? Didn't you mention that there is a Spectator Pathway from the organization of the Alchemists of Psychology, who study human behavior and the mind? What if I meet one of those and am interrogated? — Her eyebrows were furrowed, trying to find an answer in her mind.
It was very complicated to think of how she could lie to someone who could simply read like an open book, but her brother was sure of what he said.
— Remember what you did at your friend's party? Do the same. That was good enough. Be careful if they are sure you know something... — Klein had a light expression as he remembered what had happened.
Despite the situation, it had been very good to see that Melissa would know how to handle any problem that might arise.
Everyone had their own way of lying and doing things; no people were alike. Klein knew it was best for Melissa to come to a conclusion on her own. Of course, he would help her whenever she needed it.
Klein suddenly gave his sister a very serene expression, contrasting with his words that sounded so familiar:
— Did you rob a bank to ask this? Who did you poison with your strange thoughts to convince them to help you?
He seemed to be talking about something that happened a long time ago.
Melissa gave him a sharp look, ready to retort, but the door opened at the same moment.
Benson seemed to be hunting for something, but soon turned around with his same gentle yet suspicious look.
— Did you two see that book I left on the table this morning? It was called "The Divine Comedy." — His tone was a bit accusatory.
— I don't know anything. — Klein got rid of the problem before the blame fell on him.
This time it was true, he didn't even have time to think about hiding anything from his brothers before leaving for the Cathedral.
— Much less me. — Melissa said, her face without any apparent change.
— So it was the ghost? — Benson replied, now certain of his suspicion — There are only the three of us here, Which of the two was it?
— Melissa. — Klein accused without any weight on his conscience.
The next thing that followed was a shower of arguments.
...
Above the gray fog.
Right after the usual standard greetings, Audrey promptly turned around with a more restrained animation, even if it was still visible, it was very respectful.
Her eyes, a sparkling green like a raw emerald, swept over the members of the Tarot Club, but suddenly, she noticed something strange.
The Chariot was staring at The World with great intensity, perhaps reaching a disconcerting conclusion in her own mind.
The World, in turn, seemed as quiet as ever, only returning her gaze for some reason she couldn't explain, she couldn't read them at all.
The exchange of glances lasted no more than a second, but it left Medici with some stunned reaction, even if he didn't know why.
That reminds me that The World is probably involved with the Order of Mysteries, since it must be connected to the Antigonus case... Speaking of which, I have to send a letter to Klein and Azik... — Medici thought without much complication, no matter how curious he was about The World or even Tingen, he would wait until someone said something.
One day, perhaps, he would discover what was wrong with Klein, Azik or The World and the familiarity he would feel, but it wouldn't be at that moment.
For Klein, confusion took over his mind.
I know you. Hair the color of blood, eyes so crimson they resemble fire...
... It feels like a greater familiarity, so strange and it's always the case when I watch The Chariot. I think I should ignore this feeling until I discover the origin...— Klein sighed inwardly.
Audrey quickly looked away, preferring not to think about the possible connection between the two members.
Even so, curiosity spoke louder in her heart.
Do you think Mr. Chariot and Mr. World are acquaintances? Maybe even friends? No, I can't read them to know that... — that was the first of Audrey thoughts, the most obvious, however her knew that the story could be deeper.
There were so many possibilities that his mind was running with several guesses in a second.
At that same moment Audrey saw The Sun looking somewhat lost, as still as he had ever been. Even The World moved more than him, who was standing in a spot that could be mistaken for a statue.
She was obviously confused, because that reaction was not normal for the young Sun. As silent and reserved as he was, he was not the type without reaction and as controlledly calm as The World or with a patient serenity like The Strength.
— Mr. Fool, the experiment was a success. If there was wine here, I would toast it with everyone present. — Alger was the first to say a word about the honorific name experiments.
Solveig looked, once again feeling that The Hanged Man was not much different from a cunning fox.
If he continues like this, The Hanged Man might even contaminate the young Sun with his thoughts! ...Anyway, he is right after all. Mr. Fool is truly a Deity beyond our imagination... — she thought in his own heart, his pupils without changing at all.
The young Sun was eager to say everything that had happened in such a short time, but he held back, his heart almost coming out of his mouth.
He shouldn't disturb a deity, above the world, for reasons as silly as his own human feelings.
Mr. Fool was a one God who had lived so long that He had observed the history of the Kingdom of Silver until its fall. Not only that, Derrick knew that He was faithfully worshipped in the ancient City of Moon, the great fallen city.
From what His honorific name indicated, He was all Mystery, the essence of the inexplicable itself.
Even showing generosity, why would a deity who was born at the top of the world care to help, when He had already done so much for a mere mortal.
Mr. Fool has already been very kind to me by giving me the chance to participate in this meeting. I can't ask Him for more, nor do I have the right to... But perhaps the other members can help... — that was the only thing he could hope for, so he clenched his own fingers in pure anxiety.
His heart felt sunken in his chest, his stomach churning more and more with a spreading cold.
The next process was easier, only Audrey and Medici had a page each, which they handed over without any problems.
As soon as The Fool took the pages, the castle of unimaginable proportions that went beyond imagination became so silent that it seemed like a dreamlike vision, something that went beyond heaven and earth.
Audrey did not dare look at the being in the seat of honor, trembling that it was a sign of pure disrespect to a deity.
Beside her, Solveig had the same expression, suppressing all her anxiety and apprehension in the back of her mind, letting only her guesses and observations flow.
Medici remained observing, as silent for now as he was thoughtful. From time to time he glanced at some of the members, trying to observe them without disturbing the entity veiled in mist in the slightest.
From time to time he looked at The World, which had not changed its calm and inexplicably unreadable attitude.
Derrick was depressed, just thinking about what had happened before was almost tearing his heart apart.
As for Alger, he remained silent. He remembered some words, knowing exactly that this was the best option for him for now.
"June 9th. Today I wondered about what we call the 'Divine Pathways' or 'Pathways of Blessings' by what some priests of the Church of the Eternal Burning Sun called them. I mean, apparently from what I heard from some they were written on the Slate of Blasphemy... Why is it blasphemy?"
"Who would be the being who wrote this? Why did he do it? How did he acquire the necessary knowledge to know about the potions or the paths? Who was he... Or rather, Him? How powerful does He have to be to be able to do this?"
This is indeed a strange matter...
According to what The Sun said and what I saw from that white-haired angel man, the potion system has also existed in the Silver City since before the Dark Ages, so it must have been some very ancient Being who created the Blasphemy Slate...
The problem lies in what constitutes blasphemy... A direct sin against one or more deities, and the Slate contains secrets about the Divine Paths... Divine?
I think I have some guesses about this, but I'll wait to see if they're true... — with that, Klein silently went back to reading.
"While I was thinking about this, I remembered something that old man, Zaratul, had once told me. The tarot cards were once used by their creator to classify something related to the Paths,, something that not even Zaratul news! He completed his explanation by saying that it was better not to think too much about it..., Well, the creator of the tarot cards is someone who probably came from earth! I knew I would find more clues about the other protagonist of this world!"
"My compatriot must really be very intelligent to do this. I even suspect that he or He has some information about this Blasphemy Slate, but I really prefer not to meet this madman."
"And the reason for this is simple. When I asked Zaratul about it, he remained strangely silent, not seeming to know anything. His confused expression still gives me the creeps."
"Something tells me that my compatriot is not the simplest person in the world. What if he is one of those lunatics who talks a lot of nonsense? What if he drives me as crazy as he can be?"
Klein's eyes became a little more mist-covered.
This is weird, but I can think of the possible third transmigrator later... — He sighed in his own mind before continuing to read.
The next part was something about a mission from Roselle, but it was the other lines that caught Klein's attention.
"July 14th. Today I met Mr. Zaratul again. I would never have imagined that he was the leader of an organization, The Secret Order."
Klein narrowed his eyes as he read this, , his eyes almost dilated.
Zaratul is the leader of the Secret Order...
He had known about the ancient connection between this family from the Age of the Gods and the organization for a long time, but he never thought that it was Zaratul himself that Roselle was meeting!
This opened up many possibilities.
Well, The Secret Order certainly has a long history related to the Seer Pathway... So this is the leader of the Secret Order, a member of the Zaratul family... He must be in a high sequence, a Sequence 2 before or now to be involved in so many problems of this organization...
The Emperor should have been more careful with his friendships.
"June 19th. I feel strange for some reason, but I should be feeling happy, since I reached Sequence 4! Well, today I also met the old Seer."
"He gave me a very interesting mission, to look for information about an ancient treasure, a notebook of the Antigonus family... But he told me not to try to find out its location or anything about names I found in the investigation or even any organization. That confused me."
"Zaratul said in his tone that he only wanted to confirm something, so there was only a need to look at the matter superficially. No rush, just wait until I digest enough of the Sequence 4 potion."
Uh... Treasure? Has the Secret Order been interested in the Antigonus family's Notebook since that time?
Zaratul seems very cautious about this... There's something wrong with the notebook. At that time, perhaps the notebook was with another organization... Order of Mysteries?
It's possible, but I can't rule out that it was with the Church of Midnight.
The rest were just more words from the Emperor about how his Sage potion would be digested in some time and the embarrassing things in his life, and the ending was the worst for Klein.
"That old man just laughed in my face. Seers only know how to say half-hearted things without giving any context? When I become a High Sequence, I'm going to beat up everyone I see!"
I don't know why I expected a different reaction from him... — Klein made the papers disappear without any abnormality in his attitude.
At that moment, everyone knew they could discuss freely.
Having prepared his words, Alger waited a few seconds before saying what he had wanted to say since the beginning of the meeting:
— The organization that believes in The True Creator, the Aurora Order, is much more active than before. I heard that there was some movement in a part of Bayam, apparently in conflict with another strange organization, the Rose School of Thought.
— Their members were spreading the words of their respective organizations silently in the parts where the eyes of the officials do not reach properly. Some infiltrators from the Hunters of the Order ended up noticing this, they were quick to warn the Church of Storms, who soon took action.
— A revolt would break out in a few years if no one was paying close attention to the situation. In a place like Bayam, it is easier to deal with in contrast to Backlund. Since there was no need for direct fighting, they ended up asking for support from the Order of Twilight to mediate the situation with the natives, which worked to a certain extent.
Medici couldn't help but smile at that information, which he had known for a few days before, when that conflict was happening.
Even though he was still stuck in his office with a pile of documents involving the Antigonus case, ongoing investigations, some trials, people asking to sign authorizations here and for him to be a judge in another case there, he still had his information network.
— Something like that doesn't work in Backlund, just look at the state of the West Burgh and the outskirts. — His voice had a mocking tone, almost as if he were blaspheming against the incompetence of some in not noticing the situation.
It was more complicated to deal with something that could not be fully seen. Almost as if it wasn't worth moving so many resources when the situation was still contained and out of sight.
He knew that.
Extermination might be the final outcome of the situation if something were to become fully exposed to the eyes of the Orthodox Churches or even the King.
Or perhaps it would end in a civil war, but he had no hope that it would end in such an easy resolution as Bayam.
The Strength, Solveig couldn't help but nod, remembering what she had observed in specific parts of the Eastern Borough.
— Unfortunately, it's nothing that the higher echelons of the Churches would look at so closely. They probably turn a blind eye to the situation, since it's only in the uncontrollable parts, hard to see all the spots where faith in The True Creator is spreading, — she said from pure edeafening silence covered the palace with a thick fog, although the yellow and black figure in the fog continued with its indifferent and illogical countenance.
Fallen Creator?! ... — the other members of the Tarot Club stopped for a moment, Medici, however, only narrowed his eyes in recognition of the term.
No matter how much he searched and turned his mind over, he could not figure out why he felt that way about the words.
Derrick did not quite understand, but when he looked at The Hanged Man he remained silent for a moment and the Force that was reflecting without showing it so much, realized that there was something slightly wrong.
The most experienced knew one thing: The Fool was mocking the True Creator, as if they were always on the same level, as equals!
That made sense.
The Fool was an Entity that came from long before the Cataclysm of the Third Epoch, a true God!
Alger decided to keep quiet right there.
He had already risked too much by testing The Fool's generosity, who had surely seen through his intentions long before this.
At least he had more or less confirmation of the information he wanted. The Fool didn't seem to have any kind of favor with The True Creator, especially when He had so indifferently mocked his existence.
Even so, a chill crept into his throat, one that Alger forced himself to swallow in order to at least try to remove any trace of horror from his thoughts.
The inexplicable pressure, naturally coming from The Existence sitting in the seat of honor, had terrified him since the first time in the gray fog.
Audrey quickly noticed the Hanged Man's reaction, however she already had something in mind to say instead of thinking about it, something that I managed to understand a little.
She organized herself mentally and asked: — I heard that some ancient organizations were quite strange and came from the Third Epoch or Fourth Epoch, like The Secret Order... Also, The Church of Storms.
Solveig leaned back in her bronze seat, her eyes filled with a calmness that covered any traces.
— I mean, it's really hard for anyone to know exactly about secret organizations from so far back, but it's possible to have a rough idea.
— From what I know, the first secret organizations to exist were in an earlier era. Mr. Sun must have more knowledge about things before the Fourth Epoch, in the Second Epoch or Third Epoch.
She didn't pause for even two seconds, and continued, in a calmer tone, however deep it was:
— The first dated organizations were The Church of Midnight and the Order of Mysteries. There are also suspicions about the unconfirmed foundation of other orders, such as The Secret Order, which had all related documents lost, do not exist or simply had their histories covered up for some reason.
— Yes, it's a bit strange to say, but the historical records regarding the Church of Storms, the Church of the Eternal Burning Sun, and the Church of Knowledge and Wisdom seem to have been burned, stolen, or lost by the Fourth Epoch… So it's impossible to say whether they were secret organizations, but it's very possible that they were.
Klein was somewhat surprised by this information.
Uh… Was the Midnight Church a secret organization?
When did this happen? When did it cease to be? In the Third Epoch or in the Epoch of Gods? Besides, how can the Order of Mysteries and the Secret Order be from this era?
If it has existed for so long... It is as I thought, it makes sense that the Antigonus case has so many complications, with these organizations involved. — he thought in his own heart.
As he listened, Medici remembered some things, certain memories that he had recovered over time.
It was information from strange times, knowledge that he could never have acquired in the Iron Age or any other by normal means.
From memory, perhaps it was from an older time. The type of structures, the speech, the language and the clothing of the others in certain visions did not seem to belong to recent decades.
His mouth rose in a smile, although he did not feel happiness or even anger and then he said:
— This is partially true. However, there is no mention of whether the Three Churches of the Gods were once secret organizations; after all, the history has been buried in time.
— Since so much has been swept under the rug, one of the only things that is certain is that the Church of Midnight has a history that goes back beyond the Fourth Epoch and its connection to the events surrounding the turn of the Epoch of Cataclysm is undeniable.
— Second, even with the connection between the Order of Mysteries and the Tudor Empire, especially with the Abraham family in this case, the organization actually emerged long before the founding of the Empire, before the Epoch of the Gods, I dare say. Its roots lie with some very old member of the Abraham family and a few other important figures... In any case, it is an organization that has certainly lasted since the founding of the Midnight Church.
Audrey almost frowned at this information. No matter how hard she tried to imagine something about it, she couldn't come up with much more than guesses.
Her head was spinning with absurd ideas, trying to understand more deeply at least a little of that weight of knowledge she had just received as if it were nothing.
To imagine that the Midnight Church was a secret organization, others would find it blasphemous... Scary. Wait a minute, I can't sink into my thoughts yet! — excited as she was, Audrey focused back on the conversation.
Amidst the silence, Derrick blinked in confusion before asking in a wavering voice:
— This Abraham family and the others like that... Amon and Antigonus, belonged to Empires. But what happened for the Empires to fall?
Alger leaned back in his seat, still so tense he was breaking out in a cold sweat, but he had an explanation in mind.
— No one knows for sure. — That was the best answer he could offer.
Audrey suddenly had an idea, and asked:
— If they are such old organizations, why are there no records at least in the regions where they existed or passed through? I'm sure there must be something else out there.
Solveig and Alger were the first to look.
They both shared the same certain suspicion that this would never be a good option.
As much as she wanted to sigh upon hearing that, Solveig only did so mentally.
Medici decided to give a good warning, because it wouldn't be good if one of the members died without knowing for being too curious.
— Don't rush into trying to look for information about organizations of this caliber, you won't find anything. And if you do, then it won't be a coincidence. — Her words had a hint of repression.
— Mr. Chariot, do you know anyone who has done it? An officer? — Audrey didn't miss the opportunity to ask, a little curious, even though she didn't show it.
The Chariot seemed to remember for a moment, before saying in its deep sounding voice:
— Four childs from the Mandatory Punishers, who were investigating a case suspected of involving some unknown ancient organization, dared to disobey orders to try to play treasure hunters, in search of secrets.
— The next day, they didn't remember it. They simply forgot, their memories intact, minus the limitless desire to reach a greater mystery of the past...
He remembered that at the time he found it strange, however he didn't mention it to anyone because he didn't care at all about the situation.
Besides, he might be the next one to have a gap in his memory once again if he pursued it out of mere curiosity and Medici really didn't need any more amnesia in his life.
Without expression, he returned to his explanation:
— A few years later, I ended up returning to the same city for a few reasons.
— A local informant remembered me and said that the four troublemakers took their own lives in a tragic incident where they hung themselves upside down and for some reason there was blood, in a darker shade, splattered all over the floor.
— One of them had also opened his own chest with a kitchen spoon, ripping out his own heart and a few other internal organs already full of pus so rotten with time that they looked like they could burst.
— ... — Both Derrick and Audrey were speechless.
Medici shook his head mentally, feeling that this matter of the Tarot Club members getting mixed up with secret organizations might still give him a headache in the future.
It's a good thing I scared those kids with this true story... In the past, people had more love for their own lives. — her sigh was contained.
— Sometimes, it is better to remain ignorant. — The World had the calm tone of someone who had never felt, but it seemed like a fuss.
— I see... — Alger muttered to himself, his suspicions confirmed by those words.
It was better not to get involved in the matter, if even The World, certainly a high-ranking member of the Order of Mysteries, had taken the trouble to warn them.
Everyone, even Derrick, who didn't understand much about conversation, was surprised to finally hear Mundo speak after so long.
Trying to suppress his depressed and hesitant tone, the young Sun asked:
— So the organizations in your kingdom are so complicated... Are they all bad? I-I mean, you ladies and gentlemen mentioned that the Midnight Church was once an organization, does that mean that the Goddess of Midnight or the Lord of Storms are deities like the Giant King?
Solveig looked at him without considering any of the words as blasphemy, she wasn't a believer after all, she just shook her head slightly.
— No. People consider these Churches, which are part of the Seven Orthodox Churches, imposing and worthy of respect on the continents.
— However, not every deity worshiped by an organization is necessarily evil or bad, but there are others that are.
The Hanged Man, Alger, saw a loophole. As quiet as he wanted to remain, he decided to give his own opinion:
— The Blood of Redemption, for example. A very discreet organization most of the time, since its first records in the Epoch of Gods. They don't even cause many problems, at least most of the members don't seem to care much about causing some kind of destruction or terrorism and if they do, it must be in secret.
— Their ideas are not so distorted and even though it is a secret organization, they are not considered cruel, nor good. As crazy as they are, they remain somewhat neutral and even have a good relationship with some specific Churches, such as The Church of Midnight, no matter how hostile they are by the Church of Storms.
— Of course, they still worship a God. A somewhat hidden, imposing and indisputable Entity, I never found much information about Him.
The Hanged Man, Alger, looked at The Chariot out of the corner of his eye and then at The World and The Strength, the only members who could give a clearer answer.
Medici was half-decided whether to let it go or give some information, but it was something he was curious about for some disconcerting reason.
Perhaps the others might have some important knowledge.
He made a quick decision and began to explain:
— They say that the organization was founded by the Antigonus family along with other families from different places. Other sources say that it was by navigators from more distant archipelagos who worshipped both the earth and the sky, and a...
The next word would be "mist," but Medici's voice trailed off inaudibly, pausing to discreetly look at the figure veiled in the gray mist.
Since he made no movement that indicated a yes, he said nothing about it and continued without changing his voice or expression.
—...What matters is that the Antigonus are involved in some way, as are other families.
— Their divinity is what gave them the main ideal of the Blood of Redemption, that madness is just an inevitable occurrence for every existing being, something that cannot be avoided, only controlled...
— The God that the Blood of Redemption believes in is inexplicable. Due to the symbolism, it is inclined towards occultation. However, it is not said whether He is an Evil God or not, probably not due to the neutral position the organization maintains.
— He title is Secrets.
Alger raised an eyebrow at such a name, which fit perfectly with the symbolism of divinity and The Strength, Solveig leaned back in her seat.
Things made more sense now that they had His 'name'.
— If the organization is neutral and without absurd ideas, why is the Church of Storms hostile to an organization that maintains good relations with some others? — Audrey almost frowned, but her voice was far from feelings. — Audrey almost frowned, her voice however very detached from feelings.
Considering this, Medici could not help but smile.
— The Church of Storms does not exactly have the best personality, as you can see. They are hostile to the Life School of Thought as well, no matter how 'neutral' and even 'better' they are considered to be.
— Furthermore, those cardinals from the Church of the Eternal Burning Sun judge everything as something that should be eliminated as 'blasphemy', and the Church of Combat is not far behind.
He paused for a moment, before continuing:
— There are also other organizations that started out with somewhat good ideas, until they became something else entirely over time.
— The establishment of the Moses Ascetic Order was by some who read the Slate of Blasphemy. They even had thoughts considered 'good' by humans, that they would live a pure and skeptical life so as not to fall into the loss of control and dedicated their existence to keeping the secrets of their order.
— However, they became an evil organization after falling into corruption.
He explained everything he had to, about the story that The Hidden Sage, who was only an ideal about knowledge, could have come to life.
After that, there was a time to resolve the payment and when the entire palace fell silent, the young Sun did not know what to say first.
Derrick bit the inside of his mouth, trying to gather some courage to say the next words.
— I have a problem, one with the Head of the Council of Six Members and my parents... — his voice almost didn't come out, but he forced it so as not to seem so bad in front of the others.
Solveig leaned back from her seat, her serene expression a little more serious than before, almost as if something seemed off.
Her eyes narrowed, paying full attention.
Audrey, however, spoke faster, almost coming out of her Spectator state:
— Did they coerce you into doing something? Saying something? Performing some ritual? Saying the honorific name of some particularly dubious being?
— If that's the case, perhaps there is a solution.
Her expression could only be described as emotionless, but she was very worried.
— Miss Justice is right. — Medici offered these words in his usual tone.
Sun's survival was important in some way, so he would do whatever he could to keep the boy alive and mentally stable.
Derrick's expression almost fell with so much concern, and as much as he wanted to at least be able to regret it a little, this was not the time.
He swallowed hard and shook his head.
— It wasn't that. It's just that… My parents went on an expedition a long time ago, but they were infected by some kind of strange corruption… — he almost choked on his words. — The Chief called me in to question me, to see if they had come into contact with some kind of corruption or strange object, but he seems to have concluded that it was on the expedition that they got sick...
— He told me to get ready, because since I'm a Beyonder, I'm going on an expedition in a few days… And there's no chance my p-parents will survive, they can't even talk normally anymore and they've stopped recognizing me. Their funeral will be a little before the day the expedition takes place…
The Tarot Club practically fell silent.
Obviously, Klein, The World, didn't feel like he was the best person to comfort the boy, not now that he was one person in two.
Medici also knew he was a terrible candidate, as much as he understood what loss was, he didn't care much about it, especially family loss.
Since he had no memories, he didn't even know if she had parents or siblings, and if she had, they were certainly dead, that was the only option and her mind reminded her that it was a very small thing in his life.
In the same confusion, Solveig also had no words for it.
She had a father, even if he was adopted, one who never let anything go for her and her siblings since she could remember. Even though she had never met her parents, that wasn't something important.
The Hanged Man, Alger was a similar case. He didn't have any parents and never had any anyway, so it wasn't something he would say anything about.
Audrey had always been in a loving family, without losing any relatives, even though she had seen the pain of others, she didn't know what to say other than some excuse that she didn't know if it would help.
However, she couldn't help but say:
—If that's the case... Maybe there's some wish they didn't fulfill?
Young Derrick frowned slightly, trying to remember what their last conversation had been.
He didn't want to remember, his chest felt tight as if he would suffocate at any moment.
The air drained from his soul, he wanted to deny it.
However, Derrick already knew the answer.
It was impossible, the very unattainable.
— They wanted to know what a field of flowers looked like under the dawn...
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