"I've always been fascinated by Fourth Epoch history, so I'm eager to learn about the Antigonus family. Jack, if you know more, could you share?" Klein asked earnestly, genuinely curious while also probing this potential fellow transmigrator.
"Sure, it's no big deal," Luo Lin nodded generously, adding, "But I don't know much. You might be disappointed."
Professor Quentin and Mr. Azik seemed intrigued, but Quentin glanced at his pocket watch, frowning. "The meeting's starting, Jack. You'll have to chat with Klein later."
"Right," Luo Lin checked his watch, feigning regret. Then, pulling a card from his pocket, he handed it to Klein. "Here's my address. Visit me tomorrow afternoon—I'm free then. Or find me at the university. If you can't, write to me. What's your address? I could write to you."
Klein took the card, disappointed but understanding. "I might move soon, so I'm not sure of my new address yet," he said, sharing his current one.
"No problem. Just let me know your new address later," Luo Lin said casually.
He then followed Azik and Quentin into the meeting hall.
Klein watched them disappear, glancing at the card with a complex expression. He hadn't expected this trip to yield a possible transmigrator who knew about the Antigonus family.
"Lucky break," Klein thought, mood lifting. He bid farewell to the office staff and left the three-story building, planning to visit Jack that evening.
But partway through Tingen University, his hairs stood on end. Someone was following him!
…
While Klein dealt with his stalker, Luo Lin, now in the meeting room, whispered to Azik. "You're curious about the Antigonus family too?" Azik had just brought it up.
"The name feels familiar," Azik said, his expression hazy.
Luo Lin wasn't surprised. He knew Azik's identity: Death Consul, former Underworld Emperor of the Balam Empire, Death God's heir, a Sequence 2 Beyonder, now amnesiac and Death's revival vessel. Gentle and kind, he was Klein's most vital mentor in the novel.
A big reason for Luo Lin's "Jack Jones" teacher alias was to get close to Azik.
"Since you're interested, Mr. Azik, why not visit me tomorrow afternoon? If Klein comes, I can tell you both about the Antigonus family," Luo Lin suggested with a smile.
"Thank you, that'd be great," Azik said softly.
"No trouble at all. It's nothing, and honestly, I'm nowhere near as knowledgeable as you. I might have questions for you later!" Luo Lin grinned, meaning it.
Beyond building rapport and possibly borrowing Azik's Shadow of Time, he genuinely wanted to tap Azik's mystical knowledge. The novel skimmed over serious occult lore, and in this world, knowledge was power. Ignorance of mystical taboos could be deadly. "Luo Lin Zoroast" had basic occult knowledge, mostly tied to the Seer families, but lacked high-level insights. Luo Lin needed big shots like Azik to fill the gaps.
"Ask me anything. If I know, I'll tell you," Azik said warmly, unaware of Luo Lin's motives.
In this friendly atmosphere, the academic meeting began. They stopped talking, focusing on the discussion. It ended near lunchtime, and Luo Lin joined Azik and Quentin for a meal in the university cafeteria. He spent the day as a diligent new teacher, welcoming visitors the next afternoon.
"Good afternoon, Klein. You seem in good spirits," Luo Lin said, opening the door to find Klein and, to his delight, Azik. "Good afternoon, Mr. Azik. Did you come with Klein?"
"Good afternoon, Jack," Klein replied, smiling. "I moved to a new place today, so I'm in a good mood."
"Good afternoon, Jack. I ran into Klein on the way, so we came together," Azik said gently.
"Congrats, Klein! Where's the new place? I'll visit sometime," Luo Lin said, ushering them inside. He noticed Klein and Azik were closer than yesterday, likely bonding en route.
No surprise—Klein and Azik's values aligned, and their teacher-student tie helped.
Luo Lin sat them down, fetching a tea set and pouring coffee. "Sorry, I just moved to Tingen, so I only have coffee. Hope it's to your taste."
"No worries, I love coffee," Klein said, truthful. He preferred it over tea.
"Great coffee. I like it," Azik added warmly.
"Glad you think so," Luo Lin smiled, pouring himself a cup and taking a sip. "About the Antigonus family, I don't know much, but I'll share what I do. They lived on the main peak of the Hornacis Mountain Range, even founding a nation called the Night Kingdom…"
(Chapter End)