Chapter 53: Listener

An ancient three-masted sailboat was navigating through a tumultuous

storm in the sea.

It was not fast and its displacement was lacking. With the weather and

the sea looking like a cataclysmic scene, the sailboat was like a

withered leaf separated from its tree. However, regardless of how the

typhoons rampaged or how terrifying the waves were, it continued sailing

peacefully without any signs of tilting.

Alger Wilson stood on the empty deck as he looked at the massive waves

that resembled mountains. His thoughts were a mystery.

It's going to be Monday again... he muttered silently to

himself.

It was the day belonging to Earth Mother, the beginning of a series of

waxing and waning.

However, it meant something different to Alger. It belonged to a

mysterious existence forever enveloped in grayish-white fog.

At least I haven't been reduced to a madman... He stopped

looking around as he gave a self-deprecating chuckle.

At this moment, one of the only few sailors he had leaned over and asked

reverently, "My Lord, where are we setting course for this time?"

Alger surveyed his surroundings and said in a calm voice, "Pursue the

Listener from the Aurora Order."

The storm subsided as mist emanated. On a strange sailboat with cannons

on board, an eight or nine-year-old boy with soft yellow hair was

looking at pirates around him in fear. They were disorderly---some

enjoyed barrels of beer, some swung around with ropes, others mocked

each other, and some even fought with their fists.

He turned to look at a black-robed man standing in the shadows. He

suppressed his voice and asked, "Father, where are we going?"

Five days ago was his first time seeing his father, a father who

proclaimed to be an adventurer.

If not for the oil painting his late mother left him that confirmed his

father's identity and the fact that the orphanage had opened its doors

to him, he was absolutely unwilling to leave his hometown and follow his

only kin who was also nearly a stranger.

The man in the shadows lowered his head and looked at his son. With an

amiable expression, he answered, "Jack, I'm bringing you to a holy

place, a holy residence where the Creator once lived."

"Is that the Kingdom of God? We mortals can only enter by winning His

grace..." Jack had been well-educated by his mother and knew this much.

He was both surprised and fearful about the matter.

Standing in the shadows, the man had an unforgettable jawline as though

he was a sculpture chiseled by the best artisan.

He placed his hand to his ear and made a listening pose. He replied in a

tone that sounded like sleep-talking, "Jack, mortals are a wrong

concept. The Creator created this world and He is everywhere. He exists

in every living being. Therefore, all beings have godhood. Once the

godhood attains a particular level, they can become an angel. The seven

fake gods at present are only powerful angels.

"Look, I can now hear the teachings of the Creator. Ah, how

extraordinary is this revelation! Life is only a tour of the spirit.

When the spirit is sufficiently potent and resilient, we can find our

godhood and fuse with even more godhoods..."

Jack could not understand the complicated description. He shook his head

and asked another question he previously did not have the chance to.

"Father, I heard from Mother than after the Creator created this world,

He split into all beings and does not exist in actuality. Then, why does

His holy residence exist?"

As a seven to eight-year-old child, he was logical.

The man with the chiseled face was taken aback. He turned his head away

as though he was listening to more murmurings.

Suddenly, he slumped down, knees on the deck. His exposed skin protruded

black shards.

He clenched his head with both hands as his expression warped and he

shouted in extreme pain, "They are lying!"

After lunch, having had Old Neil promise him that he would bring him to

the underground market the next time he went, Klein slowly returned to

the Blackthorn Security Company. He chose the two options of reading the

documents in the staff office and practicing his abilities or take the

opportunity to go out and act as a Seer in the Divination Club before

Captain Dunn stopped him.

However, before he could make the decision, he saw Dunn Smith walk in.

He was dressed in the usual black trench coat and halved top hat.

"Captain, any updates?" Klein thought of the whereabouts of the

Antigonus family's notebook as he asked with concern.

Without showing any signs of fatigue in his gray eyes, Dunn said, "The

facts have corroborated that the Antigonus family's notebook is in Ray

Bieber's hands. However, he has vanished completely.

"I have already informed the various Nighthawks teams of this matter

through a telegram. They were requested to pay attention to the various

piers and steam locomotive stations. The first batch of printed

portraits was mailed out yesterday afternoon and will be printed in

various major newspapers."

*How nice it would be if there were phones, fax machines, surveillance

cameras, and big data... What a pity. I know how to use all of them and

even understand a little of the logic behind it...* Klein

exhaled silently.

"But regardless, we can consider ourselves as having found the notebook.

And this is all thanks to you. Of course, it still needs another round

of confirmations. I have already sent a telegram to the Backlund

diocese, requesting them to escort Sealed Artifact 2-049 here. It was

once a dangerous item of the Antigonus family. It can help us know if

Ray Bieber is a descendant of the Antigonus family."

*A Grade 2 Sealed Artifact... Dangerous... They can be used with care

and moderation.* Klein had originally wanted to ask about the

Sealed Artifact, its special abilities, and the danger it posed out of

curiosity, but he instantly recalled that he lacked the necessary

clearance. He had no choice but to give up.

"May Goddess bless us." Klein tapped four spots on his chest, forming

the sign of the full moon.

Dunn pushed open the door to his office and said with a slight nod, "The

Goddess has always been protecting us. Klein, if you had not chosen

Seer, you would be a formal member after this matter is verified. You

could have chosen Sleepless, but pity... To be frank, I'm still puzzled

over your choice. Although Corpse Collector is quite off-putting, you

have seen Daly as well. You should know that Spirit Mediums vary in

strength. As for Mystery Pryers, they're a good choice too. At the very

least, you have Old Neil as a role model, so he will make sure the risk

of losing control is minimized."

With regards to this question, Klein had prepared an answer from the

beginning. He just never had a chance to use it since Dunn did not ask.

He was only able to answer in passing.

He organized his words and said, "My considerations stem from the fact

that Seers and Mystery Pryers are considered Beyonders with a support

role. They do not need to always face enemies for that's too dangerous.

And both you and Old Neil said that in the domain of mystery and

Beyonders, curiosity and experimentation usually brings about terrifying

outcomes. Describing Mystery Pryers as prying mysteries made me worried,

so... Heh, as you know, I was only an ordinary graduate not long ago. A

lack of guts is the only reason I made such a choice."

"I have to say that this is a very reasonable answer that goes beyond my

expectations." Dunn massaged his temples and chuckled.

He turned halfway as his gray eyes sized up Klein.

"Continue going out for now. Do not limit yourself to the paths leading

from Welch's place to Iron Cross Street. Perhaps you might sense the

notebook and help us confirm Ray Bieber's location."

"Alright." Klein realized that he no longer need to be in a dilemma.

He bade Dunn farewell and turned around, his heart beginning to count.

Three, two...

"Hold on," shouted Dunn.

Klein turned his head and smiled.

"Captain, is there anything else?"

Dunn coughed slightly and said, "Well, support Beyonders have to fight

their enemies from time to time. Although Seers sound like they can

avoid such battles, they are not to be ignored. You have to maintain

your shooting skills and work on increasing your strength."

"This is what I'm working hard towards." Klein pointed outside. "I'll be

leaving."

"Alright. Uh, wait a moment." Dunn shouted for him once more. As he

pondered, he said, "Perhaps I have to consider hiring a combat trainer

for you. Of course, this matter is under the premise that you become a

formal member."

Klein responded tersely before asking carefully, "Captain, is there

anything else?"

"No." Seeing Klein's unbelieving eyes, Dunn shook his head and smiled.

He emphasized again, "Really, nothing."

Only then did Klein walk past the partition divider. He bade farewell to

Rozanne and Mrs. Orianna and headed to the Shooting Club for practice.

With all of this done, he went to the Divination Club and saw the

beautiful Angelica sitting there reading magazines leisurely.

"Home"... Klein silently read. With the cane in hand, he

walked over and greeted with a smile,

"Good afternoon, Madam Angelica."

"Good afternoon, Mr. Moretti." In no rush, Angelica put down her

magazine. She stood up and said, "Not long after you left yesterday, Mr.

Glacis came. He just recovered from a major illness."

Klein heaved a sigh of relief as he smiled.

"That sure is something worth celebrating."

Upon hearing this, Angelica, who was secretly observing him, lowered her

voice and asked out of curiosity,

"Mr. Glacis said that you are a very, very, very magical doctor. Are

you?"

What? Klein looked at the lady in front of him, suspecting if

he was hearing things.

What made him think I'm a doctor?

Even I do not know...