"Fine, I can tell you guys are hiding something from me, but since I'm a magnanimous guy, I'll let it slide," Jack said, pursing his lips. He took another sip of coffee and continued, "So, did my teacher tell you where he's off to? It's been ages, and he's met you twice but hasn't bothered to see me once…" His voice dripped with resentment.
"Mr. Lucifer's probably busy with important stuff," Klein said, instinctively feeling a pang of guilt. He carefully recalled the moment he parted ways with Lucifer.
"I've helped you as much as I can. The rest of the path is yours to walk, Klein. Since you've chosen this road, don't regret it, no matter the outcome," Lucifer had said, closing the book in his hands. "As for you tricking Jack, I'm too lazy to hold it against you. He's got some issues—his head's not quite right. Since you're his student now, look after him. In return, I'll let you see your family once a month."
"I'll take care of Jack. Thank you, Mr. Lucifer," Klein had said, nodding eagerly. The prospect of reuniting with his family monthly, even briefly, thrilled him.
Klein knew his parents couldn't be revived, but having them reappear in this world, able to see this future era, was, in a way, a kind of "revival."
It was far better than eternal slumber in the dark.
Curious, Klein had asked, "What do you mean, 'his head's not quite right'?"
"Jack's soul had an accident. I patched it up, but it left some side effects," Lucifer said, his gaze turning icy, as if recalling something unpleasant.
Before Klein could press further, Lucifer cut him off. "You don't seem to have a decent mystical item yet."
"Huh?" Klein blinked, then nodded, a bit embarrassed. "Yeah, I don't have one. I thought about buying a suitable mystical item, but I'm broke."
He heard Lucifer chuckle.
"Ever considered taking out a loan?" Lucifer asked, his smile teasing.
"What?" Klein hadn't expected that from a transmigrator senior and froze. Then it clicked. "Mr. Lucifer, are you offering to lend me money?"
"No, but I've got a mystical item that'd suit you. It's called Creeping Hunger…" Lucifer leisurely described Creeping Hunger, pausing as Klein's eyes lit up with interest before continuing, "I'll sell it to you for just 10,000 pounds. For its value, that's a steal."
Klein's excitement flatlined. He fumbled for words before managing, "Mr. Lucifer, is it possible… I don't have the money?"
"I know. That's why I'm offering installments," Lucifer said, his smile gentle. "Want it?"
…
Klein felt like he'd lost his mind when he agreed, but even now, thinking about Creeping Hunger in his hands and the massive debt he'd taken on, he didn't regret it much.
The deal was a bargain. Klein knew that elsewhere, even at double the price, people would line up for Creeping Hunger.
Lucifer really had given him a rock-bottom price.
Though… Klein's mood grew complicated recalling Lucifer's answer when he'd asked why he'd sold it so cheap.
"Why sell Creeping Hunger to you at such a low price?" Lucifer had said, as if amused by the question. He smiled and continued, "No, you've got it wrong. This isn't a senior transmigrator helping a junior. I just want to bleed your wallet dry for a while. If I'd priced it too high, you wouldn't have bitten."
Klein had been floored, not expecting that answer. He couldn't help asking, "Why?"
"Because I don't like you, little liar. I know you love money, so naturally, I'm gonna empty your pockets and teach you a small lesson," Lucifer said, his tone so matter-of-fact and righteous.
Didn't you just say you wouldn't hold the Jack thing against me?
Klein had wanted to argue but held back, realizing that, transmigrator and savior stuff aside, Lucifer really had it out for him.
"Oh, and this is for you," Lucifer said, tossing him a badge as if remembering something.
"What's this?" Klein asked, puzzled.
"The Trickster Club's emblem…" Lucifer briefly explained its function. "Fair's fair. Since Jack joined your Tarot Club, you should join my organization."
Klein glanced at the badge, didn't refuse, and nodded. "Alright."
"Well then, goodbye, little liar. Hope your wallet's a bit fatter next time we meet," Lucifer said, seeming ready to leave.
"Wait, Mr. Lucifer, aren't you going to see Jack? He misses you…" Klein said, pushing past his mixed feelings.
"…For certain reasons, I shouldn't meet him right now," Lucifer said, shaking his head. "Why do you think I let him wander off alone?"
Klein paused, sensing there was more to it.
Lucifer clearly wasn't going to elaborate, saying only, "Tell him to act well as a Clown and advance to Magician soon. Once he does, I'll give him the Faceless potion formula."
…
Snapping out of his memories, Klein looked at Jack, leisurely sipping coffee, and said, "Mr. Lucifer told you to act well as a Clown and advance to Magician soon. He'll give you the next potion formula once you do."
"Yeah, yeah, I know. I'm acting, aren't I? But Clown's tough to pull off—slow progress isn't my fault," Evah said, waving a hand dismissively, all "sure, sure."
"If you're struggling with acting as a Clown, I could share some tips for reference," Klein offered.
"Huh? But didn't you just become a Clown a few days ago?" Evah said, feigning ignorance.
Klein coughed lightly. "Is it possible… I'm already ready to advance to Magician?"
"What?"
(End of Chapter)