Audrey listened to Adrian Abraham's words, nodding gently.
"It's indeed a small matter," Audrey said, slightly puzzled. "But your request seems too simple, doesn't it? It hardly matches the value of the answer you're about to give…"
To Audrey, this was barely an inconvenience.
"I know," Adrian nodded lightly. "So, I hope you can help me further, Miss Audrey. Invite me to gatherings hosted by you or Viscount Glaint, so I can build more connections. Also, I have a friend currently serving as a history professor at Backlund Technical University…"
"I understand, Mr. Abraham," Audrey said, sticking out her tongue, catching the hint in Adrian's words. "This is… well, a fair trade."
"Good."
Adrian smiled as the surrounding gray fog began to dissipate. In exchange for this information, Little Sun's subsequent request for payment was a Sequence 9 Beyonder material, making Klein Moretti quietly envious.
As the Fool, I'm the poorest… But whether Old Adrian earns this or I do, it's all the same… Klein thought silently, perking up to hear if Adrian had unique insights on "adjacent pathways."
Adrian cleared his throat: "So-called adjacent sequences are pathways that can be interchanged at high sequences."
"For example, the Death pathway's Sequence 5 Gatekeeper can not only advance normally but also switch to the Giant pathway, or War God pathway's Sequence 4 Demon Hunter. These adjacent pathways have occult connections, and their Beyonders' abilities can combine to form unique, extraordinary powers."
Seeing the serious expressions behind the hazy gray fog, Adrian smiled and continued: "This doesn't risk losing control or accumulating madness—it's not the same as consuming the wrong potion."
"Of course, for non-adjacent sequences, half-madness is the best outcome."
What are the adjacent pathways for the Spectator potion…? Audrey murmured to herself. Noticing Adrian's cryptic smile, her Telepathist instincts kicked in, and she asked, "Mr. White Tower, what are the adjacent pathways for the Spectator pathway?"
Feeling her wording might be off, Audrey quickly added, "Of course, as payment, you can name an additional request!"
After all, the battle to eliminate Qilangos had revealed everyone's pathways during the Tarot Club. Having observed that fight from her balcony, Audrey secretly suspected Adrian might be a Secret Supplicant who, by the Fool's blessing, hadn't lost his sanity.
She'd seen those black-robed helpers with flowing shadows from afar.
"Haha, no need for extra payment. Consider this free information," Adrian chuckled, addressing the group. As Audrey marveled at his generosity, Adrian's lips curved slightly, and he said to the trio: "The Spectator pathway can interchange with four pathways at demigod level."
Four? So many? I chose the right pathway! Audrey thought smugly, but Adrian's next words stunned her: "They are: Sailor, Reader, Sun, and…"
"Secret Supplicant."
Among the Tarot Club members on this gray fog, aside from the mysterious Mr. Fool, the other four were all adjacent pathway Beyonders! Even more shocking, their pathways could interchange with the Aurora Order's "evil" and "terrifying" Secret Supplicant pathway, sparking new suspicions for Alger Wilson.
…
After the Tarot Club ended, Klein and Adrian opened their eyes almost simultaneously. Klein chuckled lightly, "Old Adrian, you made quite a haul this time."
"These are things I'll need to do later; I'm just preparing now," Adrian said with a smile, brushing it off. Klein took it as a jest, and after briefly discussing the diaries he'd read, he paused and asked, "Old Adrian, about what you told Miss Audrey, helping me blend into noble circles…" Klein hesitated, questioning Adrian. "Won't that risk the Church of the Evernight or the Church of Storms noticing something off?"
"Don't worry. Even if the two churches catch on, at worst, your Sherlock Moriarty identity gets scrapped. Based on the Aurora Order's current trajectory, we won't be exposed to the churches for at least six months," Adrian said, his lips curling as he patted Klein's shoulder.
"By the way, you're a naming genius, Klein. You're truly 'Professor Moriarty' now, haha. When you reach Sequence 5, should I have the Saint of Darkness reserve a spot for you in the Aurora Order? I've even got a codename ready—how about 'Professor'?"
"You're no slouch yourself, Old Adrian," Klein shot back without missing a beat. "Why'd you name Mr. A's maintained identity 'Heathcliff'? Mr. A doesn't even know what that name means."
The two men shared a knowing grin, as if finding a silent rapport. Adrian stood, stretching slightly, and said with a smile, "You're teaching students tomorrow, so study this world's history well—don't slip up and mention Beyonder history. I'm thinking of buying some ingredients to cook you something to boost your courage. Shame this world lacks rice cookers; cooking's quite a craft. So, what do you want to eat?"
"Cough, cough. Braised pork?" Klein's cheeks flushed slightly, but he followed his heart, choosing a delicious dish. "I haven't had it in ages since coming here!"
There's only one free meal or countless ones, and Adrian's cooking, channeled from his true body's skill, was genuinely good. Sometimes, Mr. Z and the Saint of Darkness even shamelessly joined for a meal.
"Deal," Adrian said with a smile, heading out.
After buying the needed ingredients, Adrian Abraham walked through a darkening alley, bags in hand. His eyes turned cold, sensing a prying gaze behind him. His pupils contracted, a white ring appearing in his now-deep-blue eyes.
With the Observer Beyonder ability activated, the scene before Adrian shifted.
Faint, glowing bloodstains appeared in the dark alley, winding deeper into unseen shadows. Glancing at the papers stuffed in his pocket, Adrian's expression grew colder.
"Daring to use me, exposing me to the Beyonder hunting you…?"
"Come out," Adrian said, turning to look behind him, only to be met by a cold, speeding dart. His pupils dilated slightly, but the enhanced reflexes and physicality from Scholar and Vanguard slowed the dart in his perception.
As a mere avatar of the High-Dimensional Overseer, even with a unique soul, Adrian relied on carried Sefirot fragments and his Beyonder characteristics to fight.
Next, he activated the second pathway's ability, integrated into his body when Adam's gaze was distracted by Tingen's divine descent: the Actor pathway's Sequence 6, Maniacal Butcher!
Instantly, the dart was sliced and dismantled midair, falling apart. A trace of madness, a side effect of his Beyonder characteristics, flickered in Adrian's eyes. His mind raced, analyzing the enemy's position from his knowledge.
With a light tap, an invisible vortex appeared in the air, dragging a terrified man forward!
What is this?! Meursault had never seen such a bizarre ability. As a Beyonder, he'd dominated Backlund's small gangs with his Hunter abilities. He knew stronger Beyonders existed but had never encountered one—until now! Smug in his earlier stealth, he was now a trapped prey.
This unknown Beyonder's eerie powers were unlike anything Meursault had faced. Regret flooded the young Hunter's eyes. He should've known a gentleman strolling alone in Backlund at night wasn't as frail as he seemed!
No, it shouldn't end like this—I've only been a Beyonder for so long… Meursault struggled instinctively, raising his bow for a futile resistance. But seeing the crazed gentleman before him draw a cross over his chest, Meursault's heart sank. The Aurora Order, a notorious evil cult, was a household name in Backlund!
A sharp pain stabbed Meursault's chest, and his consciousness faded. When he opened his eyes, he found himself in a void, pure space.
Around him, countless shadowy figures drifted—some like walking corpses, others dissolving into chaos. Above, a massive, eggshell-like structure loomed, and Meursault felt an odd peace.
So tired…
He closed his eyes, his thoughts slowing to a halt.
Adrian bent down, picking up a red, jelly-like object from the corpse. Wiping the blood off with a cloth pulled from a photo he carried, he pocketed it.
This was Meursault's Beyonder characteristic.
Tapping his cane on the ground, Adrian spoke toward the alley's depths: "Three seconds. Come out."
Waiting calmly, after two seconds, he saw Ian Wright hesitantly poke his head out. Adrian walked forward casually, passing Ian's trembling form, and pulled the confidential documents Ian had slipped into his pocket: "Dispose of this man's body who was chasing you. Don't make me do it."
Adrian coldly eyed the boy who'd dared redirect trouble. If it hadn't been him but an ordinary passerby tonight, they'd likely have died from Ian's misdirection.
Ian Wright had his struggles, but what did that matter to Adrian?
In this world, kings and beggars alike had hardships—why favor one over another?
As the terrifying Beyonder walked away, Ian Wright exhaled softly. The pressure was immense. Just days ago, MI9 had approached him, demanding he do certain tasks…
Anyway, that Beyonder's gone; he can't watch my every move… Ian licked his lips, spotting several figures in long coats approaching—MI9 agents. He rushed forward: "Sir, I'm Ian Wright, the boy you asked to cooperate with! I found…"
His voice trailed off. The lead agent paused, recalling something, and cautiously approached. "What's wrong? What did you find?"
"Oh, sorry, sir. I spaced out," Ian said, sheepishly touching his nose, pointing to his feet. "This is the man tracking me. He was killed by someone while chasing me…"
Meursault's corpse lay there, a gaping hole in his chest.
"Likely Intis's doing…" The lead agent inspected it, exhaling. "This case may now involve foreign espionage. As bait, we'll protect you."
Seeing the boy lower his head silently, the agent raised his voice: "Hear me, Ian Wright? Stay vigilant for Intis agents!"
"Understood."
Adrian's lips curved slightly, head bowed, addressing the man before him.
(End of Chapter)
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