It seemed like Mr. Azik was interested in Qilangos- specifically the item he was holding, the one that was possibly an artifact from the Shepard pathway. This also further proved Klein's judgment that Mr. Azik had intricate knowledge of things like other pathways as he may have battled other beyonders in his past lives.
Then came the part about the explanation of sacrificial rituals which Klein had asked,
"I have to remind you and warn you, that you have to be very cautious when using sacrificial rituals. You cannot entrust your safety to evil gods or hidden, mysterious existences. They do not have consciences like we do.
"Also, you have to possess a strong sense of right and wrong, for the evil gods and devils often create seemingly harmless identities for themselves. My opinion is that you cannot sacrifice something whose presence you are not fully aware of; otherwise, your soul could end up being the sacrificial item."
...didn't Amon sacrifice to him without a second thought to offer him offerings? Considering what Mr. Azik was saying- wasn't that simply just courting death?!
His wife was a bit too trusting!
Thank god it was Klein who was The Fool and not some actual evil or perverted god Amon was handing his soul to!
But speaking of...
How did Amon know about Klein's Symbol? The one behind Klein's high-back chair above the gray fog... but Amon also had a lot of information about the place above the gray fog in general- way more than Klein in fact and had a lot of general knowledge about all of this stuff because of his lineage as a descendent of an angel family.
Speaking of... did Amon tell the angel of his family about Klein and the Tarot gathering?! That was a major security risk and why did Klein not think of that sooner?! No... nothing had happened yet, so either that 'Angel' from Amon's family does not care and/or support this entire thingy or Amon had not told anyone else yet. Or that angel might be already dead or something- but no clues pointed to that conclusion so Klein found that reasoning the least likely.
Hm... That angel would possibly pose a problem if "He" were to find out that "His" beloved descendent is being scammed by a fake con-artist God, but at the same time "He" could also be one of Klein's greatest possible strengths. Not everyone could claim to have an Angel as old and strong as one of the ones from the strongest noble families from the fourth epoch- a time when gods and angels roamed the land freely.
Ugh- whatever, he was getting off track.
Klein went back to finishing the rest of Mr. Azik's letter before he got ready for work- yes, the secret mission at dawn did not count in his working hours unfortunately, he still had his normal paperwork back at the Blackthorn Security Company.
Captain Dunn Smith had apparently taken over the job from Leonard as he was the more experienced Captain and had communicated with the Machinery Hivemind as well as the Mandated Punishers but he did assign Leonard as the lead investigator in the case.
This left Klein alone back at Leonard's office completing his normal divination courses which Leonard had left for him before going off for work since Klein's assignment was not urgent.
Backlund, Hillston Backlund. In a building with a horse stable and garden.
Qilangos had just killed a man- a Baron riddled in debt- and with the mysterious powers of his glove had taken his form. After shoving the man into the wardrobe he ordered the servants to not enter 'his' room and then prepared for Duke Negan's Ball.
Due to Xio and Fors's report to the police, the news that Rear Admiral Hurricane had sneaked into Backlund was widely spread among all "enforcement teams.", namely the Backlund's branch of NightHawks, Machinery Hiveminds, and the Mandated Punishers. And the news had also leaked into the unofficial Beyonder channels and had spread like wildfire. It was a fact that no matter what happened, the news would not fail to blow up spectacularly.
Amon, the main body, was casually lounging inside Xio and Fors's new cramped apartment blew on his tea in a dignified manner as he listened to the girls chat about the situation as well as their investigation.
"This is so disappointing. Qilangos didn't leave any clues behind. We still haven't figured out what he's trying to do in Backlund." Xio Derecha sat cross-legged on a bed and looked at Fors Wall who was reading a novel with the light from the window, completely oblivious to the monocle-wearing curly black-haired man right beside on their chair.
"If we could discover his purpose so easily, Qilangos would've been buried in a cemetery long ago, and the tombstone would be covered in weeds," Fors replied casually. "We need to wait patiently. As long as the authorities continue to take this much interest in him, Qilangos will definitely make a mistake. I've got to say, I'm quite envious of a mystical item that can allow one to change appearances."
She would like that ability now, wouldn't she? Amon thought amusedly to himself. Ms. Magician was quite a shifty character.
The scene oddly reminded him of the past (or technically the future?) except the fact that these ladies did not know that they currently had an Angel having his tea party inside their cheap apartment enjoying his tea. He complimented the clone that managed to steal the recipe of the mix from Pallez and Leonard, now if only he had some butter biscuits to go with... Well, he was sure that the ball at Duke Negan's place would have some delicious ones.
Xio hugged her knees and looked out the window, "I'm just worried that Qilangos will take action soon and then flee from Backlund before anyone can respond. If that happens, I don't know when I'll be able to advance to Sequence 8, let alone Sequence 6 or Sequence 5…"
She paused and muttered as her mind spaced out, "I don't know when I'll be able to take back the things that belonged to our family… It's been almost a year since I last saw my younger brother…"
Amon placed the empty tea cup on the table, vanishing as soon as it left his hands, and stood up. "Ms. Judgement, are you really sure you want to win back the honor of your family from the very people who wrongfully tainted it?" Amon mused to himself as he strolled towards the bed, placing a hand on the short woman's shoulder, "Well, I'm not one judge so let's leave it at that." After all, his biscuits were waiting.
"Hm? Xio, did we buy this fancy tea?"
"What tea? Did the previous tenants leave it here?"
"Maybe it's the Gods rewarding us for our hard work! Xio, let's boil some water!"
"Hey, wait-! What if it's poisoned?!"
Audrey Hall was attending Duke Negan's ball, a fact that no bachler present there ignored. She was from a very rich family and was just about to come of age... she was almost the perfect partner for anyone wishing to either marry into nobility or into money, the fact that she was easily the most beautiful lady present at the ball didn't hurt either. This was a fact that Audrey knew by heart, she couldn't even spectate in peace with so many men trying to approach her to get to dance with her.
Too bad Susie's not allowed here... or else she would have at least one other intelligent being to talk to and not these mindless animals salivating to mate...
Just as she was aimlessly walking around in some corridor she saw Baron Gramir, she instantly corrected her posture and facial expression, "Good day, Baron Gramir," Audrey greeted with a flawless smile and etiquette.
After exchanging a few words, Baron Gramir headed for the dancing hall while Audrey continued approaching the dining hall.
After a few steps, she suddenly frowned. There was puzzlement in her green eyes.
Baron Gramir wasn't the same as before...
Audrey slowed down her footsteps. Suddenly, she thought of a possibility. Her green crystal-clear eyes froze.
The Creeping Hunger has the power to change a person's appearance!
It couldn't be Qilangos in a disguise, right?
Klein was just about to finish the last set of notes Leonard had left for him when he was hit by a sudden dizzy feeling.
Someone was praying to him...
He looked around the room and quickly locked the room from the inside and sealed the room with a wall of spirituality, then he took four steps counterclockwise as he recited the incantations, returning to the world above the gray fog. His figure suddenly appeared at the seat of honor in the magnificent palace fit for a giant. A pulsing crimson star reflected in his eyes.
So it was Ms. Justice who was praying to him... could it be about Qilangos?
As Klein established a connection with the glowing crimson star, the familiar voice of Ms. Justice reverberated around the space in an illusionary manner,
"The Fool that doesn't belong to this era,
"You are the mysterious ruler above the gray fog;
"You are the King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck.
"I pray for your attention.
"I pray for you to listen."
…
"I'm at a ball held by Duke Negan and encountered someone who's suspected to be Qilangos.
"He is disguising himself as Baron Gramir, and his motives are unclear.
"I noticed today that some of the details regarding Baron Gramir were a little different than usual. This made me recall the appearance-altering Beyonder power that Qilangos's mystical item has."
…
Klein listened seriously and carefully interpreted what was happening. Finally, he understood what Miss Justice was describing.
Qilangos had actually used the special powers of Creeping Hunger to infiltrate Duke Negan's ball!
His plan might have been a flawless one if not for the fact that there was a Spectator present at the ball! And one who had already digested her potion and was very sensitive to things like change in mannerisms!
Suddenly, Klein felt a faint sense of pride for Ms. Justice... she had barely been a Beyonder for a few weeks and she had already uncovered the identity of a Beyonder who was almost a high sequence in terms of strength! She had grown up so much...!
Was this how parents felt when their kids achieved something? It was beyond addicting- no wonder so many Asian parents forced their kids to do well to feel this emotion again and again!
Klein quickly took control of his emotions again and replied to Ms. Justice's message in a calm and even tone he was used to using as The Fool, "I'm aware."
With that done, he started preparing to inform The Hanged Man.
Backlund, Cherwood Backlund. At the Holy Wind Cathedral.
The Hanged Man, Alger Wilson, after getting Ms. Justice's message from Mr. Fool, was staring at the desk strewn with Emperor Roselle's diary pages and his investigation reports, Alger's pupils constricted as he realized how powerful The Fool was once again.
This was the Holy Wind Cathedral—once the headquarters of the Church of the Lord of Storms. Even though that was history from more than a thousand years ago, many believers still viewed this place as sacred. But Mr. Fool could still descend upon this space without warning and give a reply…
After nearly twenty seconds of silence, Alger gathered his stuff and exited the room. He was going to look for one of the Cardinals of the Church of the Lord of Storms, the Archbishop of the Backlund diocese, Spellsinger of God, Ace Snake!
For Alger Wilson, being able to kill Rear Admiral Hurricane Qilangos personally was the best course of action, but if he was unable to do that, guaranteeing that he was really dead was also acceptable in his book!
After forwarding Miss Justice's description to The Hanged Man, Klein was about to leave the gray fog when he suddenly remembered about his other Tarot club member not named Little Sun.
Amon...
There was no reason for The Fool to inform Mr. Lover about this situation now was there? Amon wasn't involved in this drama and even said that he was unable to enter Backlund at the moment so he had no connection to this...
Yet Klein wanted Amon to know, after all, wasn't he his first and most favored believer? It would feel wrong for Amon not to be up-to-date with what was happening...
And of course, Mr. Lover wasn't The Hanged Man- he couldn't treat his wife with the same level of coldness and space he treated the rest of the Tarot Club with, so sending the conjured-up image of Ms. Justice was out of the question.
When Klein finally decided his course of action, he held the ring on his ring finger with his other hand and summoned Amon above the gray fog.
"Good evening, Mr. Fool~" Amon practically purred, didn't even show a semblance of confusion or annoyance at being suddenly summoned by Klein.
The Fool motioned Amon to take his seat, "Not going to question why I called you up here?" He asked, allowing a hint of amusement through his intentionally husked-up voice.
"No, I'm honored to serve my Lord whenever he wishes it so."
Klein ignored the heat in his ears and quickly changed the topic, "Ms. Justice discovered Qilangos hiding among the nobles during a ball while wearing someone else's face. I've already informed The Hanged Man about the situation."
Amon hummed, "So he is in Backlund..." Klein saw Amon smile when he turned his face obscured by the fog towards him, "Mr. Fool, Qilangos can be technically considered an enemy of The Club, correct?"
Klein was confused, what was Amon getting at?
"He is The Hanged Man's target as well as endangered Ms. Justice's safety." The Fool said slowly.
"And investigation over him has been going on during the Tarot gatherings for a while..." Amon bowed his head slightly in a gentlemanly manner as he regarded the seat of honor, "Mr. Fool, can you permit this lowly believer of yours to smite down your enemy? Of course someone at his level is in no way shape or form a threat to The Great Mr. Fool."
...You are talking about a Beyonder with the strength of a High Sequence Beyonder you know?!
And...
Didn't Amon say he could not enter Backlund?
"You can enter Backlund?"
Amon raised his head still retaining his bow and smiled, "I can go anywhere if Mr. Fool wishes me to go."
That wasn't an answer-
Wasn't this really dangerous?!
But Amon seems very confident in his ability to defeat Qilangos...
As a responsible husband, he should make sure not to make his wife encounter any form of danger- but he was a man from the twenty-first century! If his wife wanted to do something then he shouldn't stop Amon...
Not to mention that he wanted to see Amon in action- his true power. He didn't even know what Amon's sequence was, it was definitely higher than Qilangos but what number exactly?
After a few long seconds of consideration, Klein finally replied, "Do whatever you want." It definitely was in character of The Fool to use this kind of tone yet he was still a bit queasy at using any sort of not overly-nice tone with Amon. Fortunately, it did not seem like Amon minded- in fact he, looked extremely pleased at Mr. Fool's reply.
"Praise The Fool."
Klein tapped his finger on the bronze table and Amon's figure faded away. He loitered around for a few more seconds before leaving the grey fog- he still had to inform Mr. Azik about this.
He just hoped Amon would be safe...