Klein went to the captain's office and asked, "Has His Grace left?"
"Yes, as a high-ranking deacon, he has other matters to take care of." Dunn thought for a moment. "Oh, he took the pair of red eyeballs that remained after Old Neil died."
"Why?" Klein asked.
Dunn answered, "We shouldn't lie to ourselves. A Rampager is, in fact, already a monster, and as I told you before, monsters leave behind things that are rich with Beyonder powers after they die. When these relics can't be controlled, they have to be sealed. That is one of the most common origins of Sealed Artifacts. According to the Nighthawks' internal rules, the items left behind by Rampagers need to be stored elsewhere so that they won't trigger their partners."
Klein nodded and asked curiously, "What if the item left behind is controllable?"
Dunn sighed. "You wouldn't want to know the answer."
Klein understood. Normal monsters left behind Beyonder ingredients, which could be used to make potions.
But what of a Rampager who turned into a monster? If they left behind controllable items, would those things be used as Beyonder ingredients?
Dunn said, "You can think of it as our teammates watching over us in a different form. And you don't have to worry. As long as we can find sources of Beyonder ingredients, we won't do what you were thinking about.
Alright, according to the rules, you'll receive a day off since you just advanced. You can decide whether or not you want to go to your combat training this afternoon, but you have to inform Gawain either way."
Klein nodded. "Captain, I have finished my lessons on mysticism. I'd like to use my mornings to learn techniques such as tracking and monitoring.
I'd like to fulfill my full duty as a Nighthawk soon."
Dunn sighed. "As you wish."
…
After leaving the Blackthorn Security Company, Klein went to Azik's place.
Azik opened the door. He wore a white shirt and black vest, and there was a gold watch chain hanging from his vest pocket.
"Aren't you working?" Azik asked.
"I have most of the day off due to some special circumstances," Klein explained vaguely.
Azik let Klein enter, who followed him to the living room.
After taking a seat, Azik asked casually, "Have you taken care of the matter at Morse Town?"
"I have to thank you for that," Klein replied. "Mr. Azik, I have something to ask you."
"What is it?" Azik asked.
Klein paused. "One of my colleagues lost control and became a monster. I'd like to know if his spirit was contaminated"
Azik nodded heavily. "No doubt. You have to be very careful in a situation like that. If he lost control due to the temptation of an evil god or devil, try to avoid contacting his spirit. It might very likely lead to life-threatening danger."
"I understand." Klein let out a breath.
When he was at Old Neil's place, he was too emotional and had forgotten to contact Old Neil's spirit. Neither did Dunn remind him at all. Hence, he missed the opportunity entirely.
Klein was silent in thought. Now that I think of it, Captain didn't forget but intentionally avoided bringing it up…
He didn't dwell on the topic and instead mentioned his previous encounter. "Mr. Azik, I tried to divine the origins of Morse Town's paranormal incidents. I ended up seeing an upside-down pyramid that extended underground. My teammate told me that it's a symbol of death. Only His descendants would receive such an honor."
Azik wore an unusually gloomy expression as he said, "This gives me a very familiar feeling. If it was something that could be recalled easily, I think I would've long found a way to escape my fate. I have to thank you for your kindness regardless."
He thought for a moment before adding, "Oh, and I'll be leaving Tingen in the near future."
"Why?" Klein asked in surprise.
Azik sighed before explaining, "The target might've noticed my attention and investigation. He hasn't been taking any action recently, leaving me with no clues. Thus, I'm thinking of leaving Tingen for the time being and going to Backlund. On one hand, I can take the opportunity to search for traces that I left behind before I lost my memories. On the other hand, my absence might let the target lower his guard."
Klein nodded solemnly. "I'll pay close attention to this. Once the target takes action and exposes himself, I'll inform you immediately."
He thought. "Hmm. Mr. Azik, how will I inform you of things in a timely manner?"
Azik took out an ornament from his left sleeve. It was an intricate but old copper whistle.
Azik held the copper whistle as he explained in detail. "This is something that I had with me when I woke up in Backlund. When you blow it, you'll summon a messenger that belongs to me."
Azik put the copper whistle to his mouth and demonstrated.
After a few seconds, an illusory monster appeared in the living room. Its body was made of white bones with a height of almost four meters, and there were dark flames glowing in its eye sockets.
Nothing was heard, but Klein felt a sudden gloominess and coldness. He tapped his left molar and saw that there were blurry white bones being thrown up from the ground, one after another, forming a strange fountain.
Klein had a thought. Mr. Azik, isn't your messenger a little… too exaggerated?
Azik smiled and said, "After you pass the letter to it, blow the whistle again to end the summoning. Then, it'll send the letter to me very quickly, in a secretive manner."
After that, Azik threw the old copper to Klein, who caught it.
He found it cold but mild. He wiped the whistle and blew it hard. Silently, the huge messenger fell apart as blurry white bones sank underground.