Facing Sam Widoss, the boss, who was much more polite than before, Furen didn't intend to reproach him for his rude attitude from their first meeting. He assumed an indifferent air and said
Sam, so it seems you are indeed one of the recruiters for this Beyonder meeting. That means you're part of the Beyonder organization behind all of this, right?
Sam was stunned for a moment, then snickered:
Hey, you seem to be mad at me, huh? Not bad. Yeah, I'm definitely part of that Beyonder organization. But don't think just because I'm a little flowery means you can get away with messing with me. I'm a Sequence 7 extraordinaire, kid. If you've got a problem, you suck it up.
Furen was extremely surprised. He hadn't expected that even a simple member tasked with recruiting people for the Beyonder Gathering would already be so powerful. No wonder, after all these years, the Church had never been able to trace them.
He let an indecipherable expression pass over his face and replied:
Oh, I see. I would never have the audacity to want to attack someone so strong.
Haha! That's better. And I love it when people want to correct me, but then realize they're not even worthy of polishing my boots. But you, kid, you're not going to let yourself be eaten like that, are you? After all, you have a connection with "The Scholar." He's also become Sequence 7, right? You're not going to get left behind, are you? Haha!
Sam didn't go any further with his provocation. He just laughed lightly, a little mockingly, then fell silent.
Furen wondered why this boss was so annoying. Then, an idea crossed his mind: a sequence name that perfectly suited Sam—the "Provocateur." From that, he deduced that this boss must be an "Arsonist," sequence 7 of this path, a sequence clearly geared toward combat.
While thinking, Furen continued:
Since you're in charge of directing newbies like me to the Beyonder Gatherings, perhaps you can explain to me what they consist of and how to participate?
Sam took a moment to collect his thoughts, then, with a look of remembrance, replied:
Our Beyonder Gathering is held in a rather unusual location. Unlike other groups, we purchased the large house next to this tavern. In its basement, we've set up a huge Beyonder Market, with a dedicated space for our meetings. But these meetings are not open to the public. Only those who receive my invitation may be admitted.
Seeing Furen listening so attentively, Sam gave a small smile before continuing:
As for how to get in, simply show this symbol to the market officials. They will then lead you to a hidden location where the meeting is taking place.
As he spoke, Sam took out an iron object in the shape of a cross.
Although rudimentary, it had something special, a raw and singular charm.
Looking at the cross, Furen had a sense of déjà vu. He felt as though he had heard of a Beyonder organization that used a similar symbol before. He searched his memory, but recalled that his father's notes left him no mention of it.
Sam, seeing Furen remain frozen, did not try this time to bring him back to reality gently. He said brusquely:
Hey, kid! Are you dreaming or what? This symbol is your pass. The price is fixed: 20 pounds, not a penny less. Take it or leave it.
And if you want to go all the way, you also need these two items: this iron mask and this pretty cape. Thirty more pounds. Fifty in all. Haha! Come on, make up your mind quickly, I have other things to do!
As he spoke, Sam pulled out an iron mask and a coarse cloak from nowhere, waving them like a Wizard, before staring fiercely at Furen, as if he were about to devour him.
Under this intimidating gaze, Furen felt a shiver run down his spine.
This boss... I knew his streak had to be dangerous, but I didn't think he'd give off such a murderous aura. If I'm not mistaken, this man has already taken more than one life.
He had already felt such a presence once upon a time during the veterans' decoration ceremony in Trier. This event, organized by Roselle, rewarded those who had distinguished themselves during the War of Independence or the revolutions. It was there that Furen understood that the murderous aura was very real.
Looking at the iron mask and the cheap cloak, Furen couldn't help but sigh: this illiterate boss even called this cloak a "dress."
Knowing Sam's abrupt and impatient nature, he resigned himself:
Calm down, Sam. I'm buying all this, but since I'm planning on attending this Gathering, just tell me how I can find out when it's happening?
Sam remained silent for a moment, then slapped his forehead:
Ah, you see! You've made me talk so much that I've forgotten the most important thing.
Okay, listen carefully: subscribe to the Trier People's Evening News, that half-dead little newspaper.
Always look at the third page, bottom right.
If there's an article announcing "crystal stone retrieval," it means the meeting will be held the next day. As soon as you see that, come here immediately and follow my instructions to enter.
Then Sam changed his tone and said to Furen in a more impatient tone:
Come on, kid, make up your mind! You've already wasted half an hour. If you don't answer me now, I'll rip your head off!
Furen said nothing more. He simply took fifty pounds out of his pocket and handed them to Sam.
He burst out laughing:
Ah, smart guy, so you have enough to pay! If I had known, I would have increased the price.
But hey, I'm a generous person, so I won't do it.
Come on, get out of here. In half an hour, my pool room will be full, and I don't want you hanging around here for nothing.
With that, he quickly grabbed the bills, carefully put them in his wallet, and then left without worrying about Furen any further.
Furen watched the greedy boss walk away without emotion. He pulled out a chair, sat down, and, while sipping his "Sparkling Milky Way," carefully considered everything he had just learned, planning his next actions.
Without realizing it, he finished his drink.
When he checked the time, half an hour had passed.
He calmly put the glass back on the table, left the billiard room, and left in turn.