Alaric's first alias was naturally "Alaric Zoroast," a vengeful figure persecuted by Amon, saved by the Lord of Chaos, and driven to restore his family's glory, even at the cost of his soul. This persona was currently focused on making an impression with Leonard and the Zoroast family.
His second alias, "Jack Jones," was a transmigrator... a naive, slightly foolish university student from the Zoroast family. Simple in character but rich in knowledge, he served as Klein's teacher and was on good terms with Azik.
The third alias, conceived when crafting the Transmigration Diary, was "Lucifer Zoroast," named after a infamous fallen angel from Alaric's past life. This persona was the protagonist of the diary, the first transmigrator of the Zoroast family, and Jack Jones's mentor... a high-sequence Beyonder.
"Alaric's burdens fall to the Lord of Chaos, and Jack's to Lucifer. This way, everyone has a bright future." Alaric mused, then chuckled as a thought struck him. "Come to think of it, the Zoroast family is brimming with talent. Isn't that a kind of revival?"
"The Amon family only has Amon, after all!" Alaric quipped to himself, mentally refining the distinctions between his three personas.
He couldn't afford a slip-up that would expose him... that would be far too embarrassing.
July 13, Friday.
Upon arriving at Blackthorn Security Company, Klein met Captain Dunn, who informed him that the Antigonus family notebook had been safely escorted to Backlund. Thanks to Klein's contributions, he was to be officially instated as a Nighthawk.
The previous day, Klein had joined the mission to pursue an Antigonus descendant and recover the notebook. He'd shone in the battle, counter-killing a Secret Order Beyonder and earning significant merit.
Klein was naturally pleased with the outcome. Though his first kill left some psychological scars, the target was a villain, and Klein's resilience allowed him to adjust quickly.
But… a thought occurred to him. Before Dunn could leave, Klein spoke up. "Captain, I have something important to discuss."
Dunn looked at him curiously but nodded.
They moved to Dunn's office, where Klein raised the matter he'd been mulling over... making Jack an informant.
Klein had been considering this for a while but held off due to his junior status among the Nighthawks. Now, on the verge of becoming an official Beyonder, he saw his chance to secure Jack a legitimate informant role. He was confident, having already researched the process thoroughly.
As expected, when Klein explained he'd found a wild Seer who was law-abiding and willing to cooperate with the Nighthawks, Dunn approved the request. He asked for detailed information, instructed Klein to keep it confidential, and assigned him as Jack's sole contact.
Relieved at securing Jack's status, Klein began his day's work and studies. That afternoon, he was granted a half-day off... a humane gesture from the Nighthawks, given his involvement in yesterday's major mission.
Klein didn't refuse the break. Eager to meet Alaric and the others, he left Blackthorn Security Company and took a trackless carriage to Hoy University.
"Well, Klein, good afternoon! You're on a rest day already?" In the history department's office, Alaric, organizing lesson plans, spotted Klein entering and greeted him warmly.
"Good afternoon, Teacher Jack." Klein replied with a smile, his gaze shifting to Azik, who was also in the office. "Good afternoon, Mr. Azik."
"Good afternoon, Klein." Azik responded kindly, but his gaze lingered, brows furrowing as he studied Klein.
"Is something wrong, Mr. Azik?" Klein asked, a mix of curiosity and nervousness in his voice.
Before learning Azik was a Beyonder, Klein might have assumed his attire was off. Now, knowing Azik's status, his mind raced with possibilities.
Azik didn't answer immediately. He glanced at the others in the office before saying, "This isn't the place to talk. Mind taking a walk by the Hoy River?" After a pause, he looked at Alaric and added, "Jack, you come too."
"Sure!" Alaric, playing the naive role, nodded eagerly without hesitation.
Klein, though curious, had come to discuss matters with Azik, so he nodded as well.
The trio left the office and walked to the Hoy River. None spoke until they reached a secluded spot, where Azik stopped and turned to Klein. "I've noticed something discordant in your fate. Have you experienced many coincidences lately?"
Unlike the original story's gradual buildup, Alaric's meddling had led to both parties laying their cards on the table, making Azik's opening far more direct.
Coincidences? Klein could name plenty... the Fool, the Fool, and more Fool-related events. He mentally chuckled but sensed Azik wasn't referring to those. Reflecting on recent events, he fell silent.
His recent experiences were so numerous that recalling them was a task in itself.
Still, he quickly pinpointed two key incidents. "There are two things that stand out as particularly coincidental…"
Klein referred to events tied to the Antigonus family notebook. The Nighthawks' success in retrieving it was steeped in coincidences.
I thought it was the gray fog instinctively drawing the Antigonus notebook, a Seer pathway item. Could that not be the case? Or is Mr. Azik sensing the gray fog itself?
Puzzled, Klein kept his expression neutral and asked, "What do you see, Mr. Azik?"
***
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