A series of Beyonder characteristics? A list? The moment they heard this, "Justice," "Magician," and the others were visibly shaken. Even "Judgment" and "Hanged Man" turned to look, and Miss "Temperance," who rarely made any extraneous movements, also turned her head.
"Physician," "Provoker," "Swindler," "Demon," "Navigator," "Baron of Corruption," "Demoness of Pleasure," "Faceless Man"...
When the "Tower" materialized the list and passed it to everyone, they stared at the entries ranging from the Sequence 8 "Physician" to the demigod-level "Demoness of Despair," and their shock not only failed to subside but instead deepened into disbelief.
The "Nation of Night" that the "Tower" had mentioned earlier sounded like some prison where the goddess locked up criminals… Could he have wiped out all the Beyonders there? As Alger the "Hanged Man" pondered this, he decided to purchase the "Physician" and "Navigator" characteristics.
Those two Sequences were very useful at sea. If he had Sharf craft them into Beyonder items and resold them, he could easily make a profit of over a thousand pounds.
After her initial surprise, Audrey the "Justice" felt a twinge of regret… It was a shame there were no "Audience" pathway characteristics on the list, or she could have bought one for Susie to use in the future.
Fors the "Magician" lowered her head to study the list, then looked up at the "Tower" across from her, utterly unable to reconcile this scholarly, refined man with the brutality his actions implied.
Miss "Temperance" sat there quietly on the surface, but in her heart, she gave the "Tower" a new label: Demoness Slayer.
There were two Demoness es on the list alone, and counting the "Demoness of Agony" Ray who had previously died by his hand, that made at least three Demoness es connected to his actions in under half a year—and one of them was even a demigod!
Xio the "Judgment" was still saving up to buy the "Punishment Knight" characteristic from Jane, so after a quick glance, she lost interest.
Derrick the "Sun" didn't see anything he needed, so all that remained in his heart was admiration: Mr. Tower is incredible.
This was Emlyn the "Moon's" first time witnessing such a scene. While he tried to maintain his composure, he couldn't help but feel a strange sense of balance—Humans are always treating our Blood Tribe's characteristics like commodities…
Even the "Fool" couldn't help but click his tongue inwardly: Just how many people has Mr. Tower killed? This is more than what I've collected in my "Creeping Hunger" glove…
What in the world happened in the "Nation of Night"?
Seeing the astonished expressions on the Tarot Club members' faces, Ebner finally experienced the exhilaration his teacher used to feel when showing off his collection of Beyonder items. Smiling, he added, "If you don't want the raw characteristics directly, you can also commission me to craft them into magical items. But the cost will be significantly higher, and I can't guarantee when they'll be finished."
It wasn't too bad while he was still in Backlund—he could shamelessly borrow Mr. Sarri's workshop, Fanny's grandfather. But once he went to Intis, it wouldn't be that convenient. Even the "Edwards–Blaine Teleportation Spell" couldn't bridge the distance from Trier to Bayam in one go; at least one or two transfers would be needed, which was too expensive.
Of course, the "Recorder" under Mr. A's control did have teleportation abilities, but the number of uses was too limited, and the range even shorter.
Ebner was currently focused on improving all the prerequisite knowledge. He believed that soon he'd truly master teleportation, and things would become much easier then.
Upon hearing the "Tower's" words, Xio the "Judgment" was the first to speak. "I'd like to commission a magical item crafted from the 'Faceless Man' characteristic. It must at least be able to change my appearance and body shape… As for other abilities like substitute bodies or fire control, one of them will do."
She had been wanting such an item for a while. Bringing it up now would also help Ebner by playing the role of the first buyer—a win-win.
"Alright," Ebner nodded. As for the price, there was no need to discuss it here at the Tarot Club. That could be handled privately.
Change appearance and body shape… I want one too… Audrey the "Justice" and Fors the "Magician" had the same thought at the same time.
But while Fors only thought about it, Audrey's eyes sparkled as she spoke up, "Mr. Tower, do you have another item that can change appearance and body shape? I'd like to place an order as well!"
But there was only one "Faceless Man"… Ebner was just about to refuse when the "World" at the far end suddenly interjected eagerly, "I have a 'Faceless Man' characteristic too. I was about to ask the 'craftsman' Mr. Hanged Man knows to make a similar item."
This was a characteristic he had extracted from "Creeping Hunger." He had originally planned to bring it out after Mr. Tower's transaction was complete, but now it looked like it might go to waste if he didn't act quickly.
As for why he chose the Hanged Man's acquaintance over the Tower, it was partly because they'd worked together before and he trusted the man's craftsmanship, and partly because the Tower seemed to have many orders, and his might not make the cut.
"I want a 15% commission," Alger the Hanged Man said after a moment of thought.
"No problem, but you have to make sure it's worth over 3,500 pounds," the World replied in a low voice.
As he spoke, he glanced toward Miss Justice, the implication obvious: If you want it, place your order.
Audrey the "Justice" caught the World's hint and didn't disappoint. "Mr. Hanged Man, would you be willing to accept my commission?"
A commission for Miss Justice? Alger weighed the pros and cons: He'd get a cut from the World, earn even more profit from Miss Justice, and his only upfront cost was the processing fee—not bad. Of course, there was the risk from the craftsman's side...
"No problem. I'll handle it," he said, looking toward Miss Justice and feeling as if she radiated a blinding golden light.
Even after joining the Church of the Storm and drifting across the seas for years, he had never encountered someone like her elsewhere.
Merchants of the sea were often extravagant and wealthy, but none were truly indifferent to money.
Meanwhile, what was running through Audrey's mind was: After the coming-of-age ball at New Year's, I gained full control of my 400,000-pound inheritance. I do have to employ the accountants and managers Father appointed, but I also received over 20,000 pounds' worth of jewelry, horses, hunting dogs, and paintings—mostly from my mother, brothers, and other members of the Hall family.
As for cash, I don't have much—only about 5,000 pounds.
Still, because I insisted on keeping my involvement in the Great Smog incident a secret, I didn't receive any official rewards. That contribution was entirely converted into political capital for Earl Hall. In return, he said any expenses I incur in mysticism from now on can be reimbursed.
A magical item with no severe negative side effects—Dad will definitely approve it for reimbursement!
While Audrey was daydreaming about the "Faceless Man" item, Alger the "Hanged Man," having closed a big deal, decided to strike while the iron was hot. He said to the Tower, "I'll take the 'Physician' and 'Navigator' characteristics."
"Two thousand pounds total," Ebner quoted without hesitation.
"Deal." Alger didn't haggle. After all, the Tower's price was already fair.
After thinking it over, Alger figured that once the three characteristics were crafted into items and resold, plus his current savings, he should be able to afford one of the main ingredients for the "Ocean Songster." So he added, "Help me keep an eye out for the 'eyeball from a Three-Eyed Thunderbird's forehead.'"
As for the other required ingredient, the "complete vocal cords of a Siren," he had a lead.
At this point, seeing no one else asking to buy characteristics or order items, Emlyn the "Moon" hesitated, then asked tentatively, "Does anyone here know how a Blood Tribe member can increase their power—without relying on gifts from their elders?"
The moment he finished speaking, he felt multiple eyes land on him.
Though they had all suspected from how he interacted with Miss Judgment earlier, no one had expected him to out himself so openly.
What a candid vampire. That was everyone's shared thought.
Why are you all staring at me? Can't I have a Blood Tribe friend? Should I explain? No… What's wrong with being Blood Tribe? I am Blood Tribe, and I have nothing to be ashamed of! Our lineage is ancient, our lives long, our knowledge vast—we are a noble race! And I am here because the Progenitor sent me to "further my education"! Even if some of you are demigods, you're still on equal footing with me…
As thoughts flickered and shifted, Emlyn White raised his chin and proudly added, "Yes, I am a pure-blooded vampire."
No one even asked… Mr. "Moon" must be feeling guilty, which is why he overreacted… Audrey the "Justice" observed Emlyn's behavior.
A real vampire… The "Magician" Fors asked curiously, "Mr. 'Moon,' do your kind imitate humans and use noble titles like duke, marquis, earl, viscount, and baron to distinguish power and status?"
"No, it's you humans who imitated us!" Emlyn sat up straight. "Long before the Cataclysm, back in the Second Epoch, we vampires had already established those noble titles. Vampires who haven't fully mastered their powers are considered juveniles, while I am a full adult. One step further, and I'll be granted the title of baron, and then it progresses up the ranks to duke. Above the dukes are the positions of queen and prince. At that time, you humans were still under the rule of the Giant Court—you couldn't possibly have invented the concept of nobility!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Derrick the "Sun" blurted out, "There's no such record in the history of Silver City..."
While "Sun" stubbornly began to debate with Emlyn, a thought rose in Ebner's mind—one he had never considered before. The name Lilith, like Adam and Amon, originates from myths of civilizations predating the First Epoch… And the vampire nobility system Lilith created also used the same ranking… Could that really be a coincidence?
Did Lilith meet a transmigrator in the Second Epoch who told her about these concepts? Or… was she, like Klein, the Emperor, Adam, and the Goddess, a remnant of the Old Days?
Hmm… both are possible… If it's the latter, then which Old One left her behind? The Fallen Mother? If it's the former, maybe the Goddess helped her choose her name—their relationship does seem rather close…
At this moment, the "Hanged Man" Alger interrupted the debate between "Sun" and "Moon." After skillfully manipulating Emlyn into overcoming his psychological block against using racial traits to advance, he "pitched" a Sequence 7 "Potion Professor" trait to Emlyn—one he hadn't even obtained himself yet.
"Four to five thousand pounds?" Emlyn blurted out in astonishment.
With that much money, I could buy all the dolls I've been eyeing for ages and even get new outfits for each of them! Emlyn's first instinct was to reject the deal. But then he thought of the Ancestor's favor, the glory of the vampires, and his role as a savior of his race. He found himself deeply conflicted.
Alger didn't rush him. He smiled lightly and said, "I know this is a tough decision. Take your time—there's no need to hurry."
"Alright." Emlyn breathed a sigh of relief.
How much does Mr. 'Hanged Man' stand to earn from this deal… Klein, the "Fool," couldn't help feeling a little envious.
Mr. 'Hanged Man' is really something… Audrey the "Justice" muttered inwardly before changing the subject and asking about the main ingredient she needed—Fruit of the Elder Tree.
As for the other item, she had already purchased it last week from the "Magician" for 1,000 pounds.
Audrey hadn't expected an answer so soon, but to her surprise, the newly joined Mr. "Moon" gave her a quote.
The wealthy and generous "Justice" didn't even bargain. She sealed the deal on the spot and kindly explained the "offering" and "receiving" rituals to Emlyn.
This left Emlyn a bit dumbfounded. This kind of transaction was beyond anything he had imagined.
Only now did he truly realize that the Tarot Club was far from an ordinary secret organization.
After everyone else had finished their deals, the "Magician" Fors turned to the "Tower" and cautiously said, "Mr. 'Tower,' my teacher has already obtained the 'Spirit Medium' potion formula, but it'll be Wednesday or Thursday before I receive it."
Such rarely used formulas were considered family secrets within the Abraham family. Members weren't allowed to carry them around or read them casually, so Fors' teacher Dorian had to travel back to the family estate in Jianhai County—and hadn't yet returned.
"I'll have my friend prepare the two traits by then," Ebner nodded.
Although he didn't yet know where Dunn was, he wasn't worried. For one, he could "divinate" it, and for another, he could just ask at the Church of Earth Mother.
—That "battle suit" was still with Dunn. The Church of the Earth Mother couldn't possibly have lost track of him.
With the trading portion concluded, the Tarot Club entered the free discussion phase.
Audrey the "Justice" didn't let the "Hanged Man" down. She stood up first, lifted her skirt slightly, and bowed to the head of the long bronze table.
"Honorable Mr. 'Fool,' I want to know the truth behind the Great Fog incident in Backlund. Was it really caused purely by those cultists trying to awaken the 'Primordial Demoness ' and summon the 'True Creator'? Why did Prince Edsak—and even Duke Glaar—choose to cooperate with them?
"According to your principle of equal exchange, what must I offer to obtain this information?"
How would I know that? Why don't you go ask the 'Tower' first? Klein thought with amusement as he maintained his relaxed posture. He chuckled softly and said, "You don't need to."
"The root of the issue has yet to be uncovered, but there are already enough clues. Let's just hope the three major churches aren't too blind."
With that, he manipulated the "World" to change the topic and asked the "Tower," "Did the 'Despairing Nightingale' reveal any information before she died?"
Ebner thought for a moment and shook his head. "No. I killed her using a 'historical projection' of an angel. Her body and spirit both decayed in an instant—there was no time for spiritual communication."
Historical projection of an angel? What's that? The members all had questions in their hearts, but when they saw that Mr. "Tower" didn't intend to explain, they didn't press him—it was obviously something personal.
Only "Judgment" Xio added, "Duke Glaar didn't commit suicide out of guilt. He was a Sequence 3 'Chaos Hunter' and was ultimately killed by someone from the 'Death' pathway..."
She paused for a moment and looked toward the head of the table, as if seeking permission. When Klein nodded with a puzzled smile, she continued, "That person is called Azik Eggers. He was previously wanted by the military for trespassing in Sodorak Palace... He's also likely the one who killed 'Admiral Hurricane.'"
The one who killed 'Admiral Hurricane'... One of Mr. 'Fool's' Blessed?! That explains it. So the clues Mr. 'Fool' mentioned for the three churches were left by this person… If they follow the trail of Duke Glaar's exposed power, they should be able to uncover quite a lot.
And someone who can kill a Sequence 3 so quickly… could that Death-pathway powerhouse be an angel?
The "Hanged Man" Alger instantly pieced together the clues and filled in the rest mentally.
So Mr. 'Fool' had intervened long ago and even made arrangements! Audrey the "Justice" suddenly realized and sincerely bowed again. "Thank you for your answer."
After Audrey sat down, the "World" discussed with the "Hanged Man" the whereabouts of the slave trader Barren he'd been tracking. Ebner also mentioned the Celestial Sect briefly, and with that, this Tarot Club meeting neared its end.
After the "Fool" announced the conclusion of the gathering, Ebner returned to the bedroom of the villa at 28 Kingster Street.
After completing a series of "offering" and "receiving" rituals, Ebner put away the cash, opened the door, and prepared to visit the Harvest Church.
...
Meanwhile, in a small inn on the outskirts of Tosk, a port city near the Intis-Loen border, a man dressed in the robes of a Church of Steam archbishop collapsed to the floor in agony. Around him, gears and components were quietly burning, engulfed in black flames.
"Without all that mechanical augmentation, your real body is quite fragile.
"Don't blame me. This was a task given to me by Owen. I'm bound to him—I had no choice."
As a sweet voice rang out, the archbishop of the Church of Steam lost consciousness—forever.
...
In Backlund, at the Intis Embassy, Owen took a telegram from his secretary and casually glanced at it before chuckling.
"The 'White Saintess' isn't just good in bed—she's pretty efficient with her hands too!
"Now that the Sary family has lost their demigod in the Church of Steam, it's time to close the net and give George III a proper explanation."
(End of Chapter)