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Klein was stunned as the door closed again. Maintaining his composure, he silently turned around, his pupils suddenly contracting.
He saw the young man with an extraordinary demeanor already by the desk, picking up the "notebook" that looked more like a diary.
Oh no! I forgot to hide it! Klein's heart skipped a beat, and he felt an urge to slap himself.
Aaron glanced back at Klein, whose expression had slightly changed, but he didn't stop flipping through the notebook. With a playful smile, he said, "As expected of a top student in history, you've done quite a thorough study of these hidden historical facts."
Dunne first looked at Leonard, whose expression had been strange, then explained to Klein, "This is a necessary procedure."
Where's your search warrant? Klein was about to question them like that, but then remembered this was no longer his original world. He could only force a dry laugh and explain, "I'm a student of Associate Professor Quentin at Khoy University. I'm very interested in some history of the Fourth Epoch, so recently I've been deciphering a 'Fourth Epoch' document with a classmate, a notebook…"
Leonard, who hadn't spoken, glanced at Aaron, tidied his clothes, and interrupted Klein, "I suppose the classmates you're referring to are Welch and Naya?"
"If so, I'm sorry to inform you that both of them died last night at Mr. Welch's residence."
"Yes, we just came from the scene."
"How could this be?" Although he had a premonition, Klein couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. The fragmented memories the original owner left him were incomplete, missing the day before his suicide.
Closing the notebook in his hand, Aaron looked at Klein, who was being questioned, and suddenly spoke, "That sentence is quite interesting, 'Everyone will die, including me'…"
Isn't it common knowledge that everyone dies except for gods? Klein was about to argue, but then he suddenly remembered that he had originally planned to contact the police in this world to guard against potential dangers. He just lacked a reason, an excuse.
In less than a second, he made a decision. Covering his forehead with his hand, he replied with a pained voice, "I don't know, I really don't know… After waking up this morning, I felt something was off with me, as if I had forgotten some things, especially parts of what happened in the last few days. I don't even know why I wrote that sentence."
Looking at Klein, who was feigning ignorance, Aaron, having enjoyed Mr. Fool's acting, waved his hand indifferently, stopping Leonard who was about to say something. Smelling the fragrant aroma filling the room, he said with a smile, "This is indeed possible. That's all for today then, but do you mind if I stay for dinner?"
"Yes, I'll pay."
What? He believed that? Klein himself was surprised, but he quickly responded, "Alright, Your Grace, it's my honor."
After the previous brainstorming, he had recalled the source of the familiarity and recognized His identity.
The engagement half a month ago was promoted by several major newspapers in Loen almost for free, and this included a photo of this youngest Duke.
Free things are always the most popular, even academic scholars like the original owner knew about it, let alone those in Tingen who were funded by the East Tucker Charity Foundation.
Aaron, while savoring the lamb stew with tender peas personally prepared by Mr. Fool, casually remarked, "An expert will be coming in a couple of days. She should be able to help you recall those lost memories."
Klein's mouth twitched slightly, and he timely showed a joyful expression on his face, only able to comfort himself inwardly that the revolver had not been found.
Glancing at the Crimson Moon outside the window, Aaron took out a banknote with a light gray base and dark black patterns, placed it in front of Klein, and said concisely, "A very novel taste. Consider this my payment for the meal, lucky lad."
He subconsciously took the banknote, only to realize it was a 5-pound note, which was equivalent to Benson's salary for nearly four weeks!
Klein's mouth was slightly agape. The long, narrow, and extremely serious-looking eyes engraved on the 5-pound note now came into view, evoking an indescribable sense of intimacy.
Of course, this feeling of joy only lasted for a few seconds. Realizing something, Klein abruptly turned to look at Aaron, who had already reached the door, and asked with some unease, "What do you mean by lucky?"
Without answering Klein's question, Aaron directly opened the door and saw a somewhat flustered Melissa, who was still in the act of listening intently.
"You, are you Your Grace? The teachers at the foundation often tell us about your deeds. Sorry, I, I thought something had happened at home…"
Looking at the young girl who had transitioned from panic to excitement, Aaron's heart stirred. He turned his head to glance at the slightly nervous Klein and said with a smile, "Hmm, if you pass the assessment, I can offer you a very good job. This will greatly improve your living situation."
Saying that, Aaron pointed to the simple room and the dry, hard rye bread.
Klein cleared his throat, pushed by the bright-eyed Melissa, and they both left the house together:
"Thank you for your generosity, Klein, hurry and see His Grace off."
My dear sister, you…
With a slightly bitter taste in his mouth, Klein half-heartedly went downstairs with her, watching His Grace get into the carriage.
Just as he breathed a sigh of relief, the young man at the end suddenly patted Klein's shoulder. Klein turned back warily and saw the green-eyed officer with a poetic demeanor. He smiled and said, "Generally speaking, in such incidents, it's normal for all involved parties to die."
"We are very happy and fortunate to see you still alive."
With that, he followed into the carriage, leaving Klein disheveled in the wind.
Is it normal for everyone to die? Are you glad I'm still alive? Are you lucky I'm still alive?
"Klein…"
Pulled back to reality by the familiar voice, Klein saw Melissa running downstairs anxiously, clutching the 5-pound banknote tightly, and gasped, "His, His Grace's money, I, we have to return it to him…"
Looking at his breathless sister, Klein suppressed his earlier unease and explained with a wry smile, "No, my dear sister, this is His Grace's generosity, an acknowledgment of my cooking skills."
At the same time, he thought to himself, relieving the pressure:
"He tipped 5 pounds for one meal. As expected of a great noble, so wealthy and generous!"
"Your cooking?" Melissa's face showed surprise. She looked at the banknote in her hand and the vanished carriage, muttering, "This money can help you get decent clothes, and you must seize the job opportunity His Grace offered you. That way you can probably get married soon…"
Watching Melissa's topic drift further and further, Klein interrupted with a wry smile, urging her to quickly go upstairs and enjoy the delicious meal. His sense of unease had also dissipated considerably.
Inside the carriage, which had already passed several blocks, Dunn glanced at Mr. Blessed, who was resting with his eyes closed, and Leonard, who was silent with his head bowed, and broke the eerie silence:
"Mr. Blessed, you seem very interested in that young man just now?"
Aaron hummed, glanced at Leonard, who was secretly observing him, and said calmly, "After the routine check, you can recruit him into the Nighthawks team. I believe he will become an excellent Nighthawk."
"Additionally, the Backlund Diocese will soon send someone to escort Sealed Artifact 2-049. That is a dangerous item that once belonged to the Antigonus family, and it will provide you with further clues."
As his voice drifted, Aaron's figure had already vanished into a blur, disappearing amidst the kaleidoscopic, distorted colors.
Grade "2" Sealed Artifact… Dangerous… Use with caution and restraint…
A hint of solemnity flashed in Dunn's gray eyes. He then looked at Leonard, who had let out a long breath, and asked gently, "Leonard, what's wrong with you today? Did you offend Mr. Blessed this afternoon?"
Leonard glanced guiltily at where Aaron had been, rubbed his messy hair, and coughed dryly, explaining, "Uh, no, how would I dare? Perhaps His Excellency's aura was too powerful, giving off a somewhat oppressive feeling."
Having dealt with his captain's inquiry, Leonard continuously called out in his mind:
"Old man, he's gone. You should be able to speak now, right?"
The aged voice finally responded at this moment:
"You young people, so disrespectful of your elders. Don't worry, you're fine, and most likely won't have any problems in the future."
"As for other matters, with your current level, you are not yet qualified to know."
"Go to 17 Phil Street later to pick up some things. I need those materials and your cooperation to make some talismans. The Duke will probably come looking for you for the talismans within a week."
Leonard, who had just relaxed, instantly wilted like a frosted eggplant.
-----------------
In the eastern waters of Enmat Harbor, Loen, a ship sailed amidst the rolling waves, gradually moving away from the continent.
Its sails, flags, and even both sides of the hull were marked with a white skull wearing a single eye patch.
This was the "One-Eyed Skeleton," belonging to "Mad Captain" Connors Viktor, with a bounty of 3300 pounds.
The cold candlelight illuminated the dim captain's cabin. Qonas Kilgor sat on the sofa, his deep blue, almost black eyes fixed on the fawning Connors Viktor, and said coldly, "After this mission, you must accelerate the collection of people. Money is not an issue. If you fail to complete it, you won't want to know what the punishment is."
Connors wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, nodding frantically. He suddenly heard a captivating laugh and instinctively turned his head, his eyes widening instantly.
Layers of spiderwebs appeared on the full-length mirror in the depths of the captain's cabin, ripples spreading out, and a faint glow emerged, as if it were a Door to another world. Accompanied by the laughter, a beautiful lady with black hair and blue eyes, ethereal and graceful, stepped out.
She wore a simple, holy white robe, with high slits on both sides, revealing flawless, delicate long legs as tender as a young girl's, possessing an indescribable charm.
"Mad Captain" Connors' eyes were bloodshot, and he walked out of the captain's cabin in a daze, as if possessed. Qonas Kilgor subtly frowned, took out "Concerto of Light and Shadow" from his embrace, and spoke in a low voice, "May I ask what Saintess Your Excellency desires?"
Staring charmingly at this Deputy Director, "Saintess of White" Katarina Pelle didn't care about the other's gaze at all. Her captivating voice echoed, "Why use such a distant tone? If you're in a bad mood, I can let you experience ultimate pleasure."
A soft laugh followed. Katerina, seeing Qonas Kilgor's still indifferent gaze, clicked her tongue in boredom. She tucked her hair behind her ear with her right hand and continued in a soft voice, "This escort went smoothly. The people you sent and the population our Demoness Sect has secretly plundered over the past two years have been sent to where they should be."
"Our dear His Majesty the King is truly resourceful. An ironclad warship unveiling ceremony diverted all the attention of those monstrous beings."
"However, this large number of missing people must have attracted the attention of those Churches. The ritual in Backlund needs to be prepared as soon as possible. I'm already impatient."
"Disaster and death are the most perfect sacrifices to Primordial One…"
The slightly crazed voice faded, and surging yet silent black flames suddenly erupted on the mirror surface. Katerina's figure vanished with them.
Qonas Kilgor's face showed no expression, but a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes. He raised his palm, distorting space. He intended to bring Connors, who had been mentally confused earlier, back to this place.
The Church of the Lord of Storms had already begun investigating the missing persons. Because of the East Tucker Family incident, the situation in the Southern Continent was somewhat strange. He still needed to explain to prevent anything from going wrong.
Ripples spread in the air, and a bowing "Connors" appeared. Qonas Kilgor frowned, and a sudden flash of shock and anger appeared in his eyes. He picked up "Concerto of Light and Shadow" to block in front of him, while his free left hand reached forward.
"Connors" instantly disintegrated into a pulp of flesh, and a Worm of Time fell to the ground. But Qonas Kilgor's right hand, holding "Concerto of Light and Shadow," suddenly paused, as if he had forgotten what to do next.
Mobet's figure quietly emerged from Connors's blood and flesh. His right hand instantly turned dark black, and he uttered two words with a slight smile:
"Magnify…"
This was the stealing ability obtained when he was Prometheus at Sequence 6. After he advanced to demigod, this ability could also steal one of Qonas Kilgor's abilities for his own use.
The Dream Stealer's ability allowed him to temporarily steal Qonas Kilgor's impending thoughts, causing him to momentarily freeze, not to mention he used "Magnify" to extend the duration of the control.
A blazing white, Unshadowed Spear instantly pierced through Qonas Kilgor's chest, severely wounding him with a single blow, but also freeing him from Mobet's control.
The pointer of "Concerto of Light and Shadow" rotated. Qonas Kilgor, who had secretly become Earl of the Fallen at Sequence 4, directly used "Distortion" to forcibly reverse his severe injuries, gaining a moment to breathe.
He was about to chant the honorific name of the Royal Family's angel. Although this was already far from the coast of Loen, the angel who could respond to prayers worldwide was the only being who could save him now.
A cold sensation abruptly emerged in his heart. Qonas Kilgor was astonished to find that he couldn't speak. Control over his body was lost for a moment. His eyes subconsciously glanced somewhere, and he saw Aaron with a mocking smile.
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