"Could Mr. Devil's Sealed Artifact be powerful enough to disrupt divinations above the gray fog? Or is his fortune itself as elusive as white mist? If so, was my earlier divination truly reliable?"
Klein revised his divination statement and tried again, stunned to find that most divinations about Snow worked normally—except those tied to his fortune or fate, which all pointed to that same white mist.
"Given the gray fog's ability to block interference, Mr. Devil's fate must be shielded by a force on par with the gray fog. But this doesn't affect divinations about his actions. As long as I avoid his fate, the results should be trustworthy." Klein shook his head. "No, I can't blindly trust divinations. Precautions are still necessary…"
After several divinations, Klein didn't linger above the gray fog. Returning to reality, he attempted a standard astrolabe reading with Snow's information, but the results were as absurd as a baboon's perm.
"Phew…" Klein took a deep breath, steadying himself. Opening the door to fetch Mr. Devil from the reception hall, he was greeted by Snow's gentle voice—
"Mr. Moretti, any results from the divination?"
"…" Klein gave the ever-present Snow a deep look, stepping aside.
"Let's talk inside."
"Alright." Snow petted Lily's head, entered the Citrine Room, and considerately locked the door behind him. Then Klein spoke.
"Can you tell me the real purpose of this divination, Mr. Beyonder?"
'Plan C !'Snow's third contingency kicked in, his expression turning serious. "My luck's not bad—I've stumbled upon a true Seer."
He knows I'm a Seer? Or did he come here specifically to find one? Klein analyzed Snow's words, shelving his initial plan to recruit him as an informant for the authorities. Squinting, he said, "Looks like I guessed right?"
"Correct. Or rather, we both did." Snow flashed a smile, stroking Lily's head. "I need a Seer's help. If you're willing, I can offer the next potion formula in the Seer pathway."
"You have the next potion?" Klein suppressed his excitement, keeping his tone even.
"Indeed. My goal here was to find a young, gifted diviner to nurture as my own Seer. I didn't expect to find one ready-made." Snow shrugged, his tone laced with self-mockery.
Klein frowned slightly but probed, "Aren't you worried I'm an official Beyonder?"
Snow seemed to relax, his demeanor growing casual.
"First, official Beyonders don't know the Acting Method. Since you're at the Divination Club, you're likely not one. And you didn't flinch or question me mentioning the Acting Method—that bumps up the odds you're independent.
Second, even if you are official, only the Church of the Evernight Goddess holds the Seer potion, and they lack formulas for higher sequences. If you want to advance, we have room to deal.
Honestly, I'd be thrilled if you were official. It'd save me the trouble of reporting to that memory-challenged Beyonder! As for you arresting me, I don't mind. I suspect the Church's basement will be the safest place for a while."
Memory-challenged Beyonder—Captain Dunn? Klein felt his mouth twitch. This Mr. Devil… how to put it? A bit too nonchalant?
Sensing the conversation veering off track, Klein quashed his urge to retort and said seriously, "What do you need a Seer for?"
"To find someone." Snow's face turned grave, the abrupt shift catching Klein off guard.
"Tell me more. If it's not too dangerous, I don't mind some extra cash." Klein feigned interest, but Snow's expression remained stern.
"His name's Lanevus, a conman, likely a Sequence 8 Trickmaster. Anything beyond that isn't for you to handle. Just help me locate him."
"Lanevus?" Klein vaguely recalled the name. After a moment, he remembered Glacis had asked him to divine an investment tied to someone named Lanevus.
Given the "Trickmaster" title, Glacis's investment was probably doomed.
But why was Mr. Devil after this man?
Klein's gut told him this wasn't simple. As an Aurora Order member, Snow wouldn't chase a mere fraud. Could this tie to the "seeds" Hanass Vincent and another Secret Supplicant planted, as Snow had hinted?
Was Lanevus that seed?
Klein's eyes widened. Snow, watching him, flashed an unsettling smile.
"If you're an official Beyonder, arrest me. Lock me in the Church's basement—better yet, ship me to Backlund. If not, find Lanevus, then leave Tingen. The farther, the better."
"…" Klein activated his Spirit Vision, noting Snow's slightly chaotic etheric aura, which stirred unease. Recalling his earlier doubts, he hesitated before speaking.
"Mr. Panredax, I'll try to fulfill your request. Besides the Seer pathway's next formula, could I ask about some Beyonder knowledge? I'll pay accordingly."
Klein felt a twinge of guilt, but thoughts of Miss Justice bolstered him. Worst case, he'd trade with her under the guise of "a follower needing funds." As a Beyonder novice, Justice had plenty to offer.
Seeing Klein's shifting aura, Snow easily guessed his thoughts, chuckling inwardly but nodding.
"Sure, if I know it."
(End of Chapter)
Author's Note: I believe the two strongest pathways are Spectator and Hanged Man. The 'Cowardly Trio' rely on preparation, which implies weakness in direct conflict but excels at survival.
In direct combat, Red Priest seems decent but is too specialized, lacking versatility and vulnerable to schemes. Arbiter and Black Emperor are pure support, unfit for main carry roles.
Spectators, however, can enter Mythical Creature Form early, with strong melee, versatile mental abilities, and an aura that stifles resistance. Realizing a Spectator's been watching you is scarier than a monocle. Their mental control and script-weaving ensure they act first, and at true god level, they can conjure Outer Deities. Truly the author's darling.
As for the Hanged Man, it's a total suppressor. Secret Supplicants wield vast ritual magic and commune with hidden existences. Listeners inflict pollution—you lose health hitting them, while they hit you unbothered. Hidden Monks counter divination, Rose Bishops are near-immortal physically, and Shepherds debut as carries. For others, extraordinary items have side effects; for Shepherds, they're free abilities. They can pollute someone with an item, turning them into a half-lost-control Beyonder to shepherd. In others' hands, items are tools; in Shepherds', they're pick-your-power buffs.
The only issue? True Creator's madness. If not for that, the Secret Supplicant pathway, directly communing with deities, would outshine Spectator by a mile.
Translator's Note: Wow! Well said. But, I beg to differ with "Realizing a Spectator's been watching you is scarier than a monocle." To me, being watched is better than being monocle-ized. At least being watched by spectator only means they want to use me in the future, and I might still change the final outcome they prepared for me. Being monocle-ized, on the other hand, means you just disappear or replaced without any warning or preparation.
I think author's note was half of the chapter. LOL.