Alaric knew Pallez was sharp. A clever mind overthinks but also knows when to stop. As "Alaric Zoroast." A recent addition to the Joker Club, he wouldn't be privy to deeper secrets. Yet, his loyalty to the Zoroast family meant he'd speak plainly on such matters, whether as a hint or not.
Pallez didn't look surprised, only chuckling. "Looks like your cooperation with Bethel is going smoothly."
Alaric nodded with a smile, not denying it.
Leonard, standing nearby, couldn't take it anymore. "Don't you guys get tired of talking like that?" He blurted.
Though dubbed one of the Sun-Moon-Star trio of fools, Leonard wasn't dim... just lazy with his brain. He could tell the two were lacing every word with subtext.
Alaric glanced at him, shaking his head. He said nothing, yet it felt like he'd said everything.
Pallez chuckled. "Cut him some slack. His brain's been gathering rust from disuse."
Alaric grinned. "Fair point."
Leonard's face flushed, clearly riled up. He glared at the two, stammering "You... " but couldn't muster a comeback.
Having teased the wolf, Alaric was in high spirits. He turned to Leonard, his tone shifting to serious. "Leonard, I know you've got reservations about the old man, but my advice? In this era, you'd better climb the Sequence ladder fast."
"The apocalypse is coming. The world's only getting messier. If you want to protect yourself and those around you, get strong... quick."
…
While Leonard joined a certain shell of an organization, elsewhere in Backlund...
Xio and Fors were grappling with a dilemma.
Not long ago, they'd taken a commission from Miss Audrey to investigate the whereabouts of Vice Admiral Hurricane, Qilangos. Simple enough on the surface, but the problem was Xio's recent divination. It warned of life-threatening danger tied to the sea or wealth... and investigating Qilangos fit that prophecy perfectly.
Worse, Alaric had somehow learned Qilangos was sneaking into Backlund and sent them a letter urging caution.
Under normal circumstances, Xio and Fors would've dropped the job like a hot coal. But Miss Audrey's offer was very tempting, and both were strapped for cash, making it hard to let go.
"Xio, maybe we should back out. Your life could really be at stake." Fors said, prioritizing her friend's safety as she glanced at her.
"It's just a possibility…" Xio's eyes flickered with conflict before hardening with resolve. She looked at Fors. "I'm going through with it, but I'll need your help."
…
"Even with my warning, Xio and Fors still chose to chase Qilangos. That commission's payout is just too good for them. At least they came out unscathed."
Days later, Alaric shook his head as he reviewed the report from Backlund.
The report detailed Xio and Fors's investigation. They were far more cautious than in the original story, but Qilangos was no pushover. He'd tracked the duo down. Thankfully, Fors's stone bracelet saved them, allowing a narrow escape.
"At this point, Alaric, learning his friends are in danger, can naturally inform Lucifer and request his aid."
Alaric stretched, smiling at the moonlight outside his window.
Two days to go, and "Lucifer" would take the stage, ready to give a certain Mr. Fool a little surprise.
…
Klein had been in high spirits lately.
He'd passed the Nighthawks' headquarters assessment, advancing to Sequence 8. Old Neil, with help from Crestet Cesimir, completed a mysterious ritual. As long as he avoided the Hidden Sage's whispers, he'd likely avoid losing control.
Klein also milked the Sun Holy Emblem for a high-level Sun pathway charm, held two Tarot Club meetings, and gleaned new knowledge from Roselle's diary. Aside from the usual swarm of coincidences, everything was smooth sailing.
One evening, while discussing a trip to see The Earl's Return with his siblings, Klein heard a prayer from Miss Justice.
Puzzled by the timing, he ascended to the gray fog and listened. It was bad news... Mr. Hanged Man's target, Vice Admiral Hurricane Qilangos, had likely infiltrated a noble ball Miss Justice attended, disguised and up to no good.
A pirate general who killed without blinking wasn't planning anything pleasant.
Klein acted swiftly, responding to Miss Justice to calm her before relaying her prayer to Mr. Hanged Man.
But he didn't leave the gray fog immediately. After a moment's thought, he sent the same information to Alaric.
He recalled Alaric mentioning at the last Tarot Club that his friends were in danger because of Qilangos. Alaric had written to his teacher for help. Though Klein doubted Lucifer cared for him, with so many lives at stake, he decided to rally as much support as possible to prevent a tragedy.
After descending the gray fog, Klein wrote to Mr. Azik, sighing as he mailed the letter. "This is all I can do. I just hope things don't spiral out of control…"
…
Meanwhile, Alaric, having read the message from Mr. Fool, couldn't help but smirk.
Even without Mr. Fool's nudge, Lucifer's involvement wouldn't have seemed out of place, thanks to prior groundwork. But with this "reminder." Everything fell into place even more neatly.
Including the little surprise Lucifer had in store for a certain Fool.
"Klein, you really are a good friend." Alaric said with a sigh of appreciation. Certain Mr. Fool wasn't watching, he quickly disguised himself, used his Traveler ability to arrive in Backlund, and awaited the other actor's entrance on this stage.
***
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