East London, Redbridge.
"Is this the 'Extraordinary Gathering' you mentioned?"
After instructing Jack Arnold, Marilyn, and Evans, Lorian departed from Zenoni's residence with Wade Winston.
"To be precise, it's a 'Mysticism Gathering,'" Wade Winston explained as he pushed open the door to the bar. "I've found that most attendees are ordinary people fascinated by mysticism; genuine 'Extraordinaries' are quite rare."
This suggests a lack of professionalism, but it might suffice for my purposes... Lorian nodded silently, following Wade inside.
The bar, named "Seekers' Pub," operated as a regular establishment while hosting "Mysticism Gatherings." The patrons outside were unaware of the gatherings.
Wade Winston approached the bar with familiarity. He seemed to be a regular, as the bartender greeted him warmly upon seeing him.
"Mr. Winston?"
Using his real name? Or perhaps 'Wade Winston' is an alias... Lorian observed as the "sorcerer" approached nonchalantly.
"I've brought a 'friend' along. Is now a good time?"
"A friend?" The bartender's expression shifted subtly, casting a respectful glance at Lorian beside Winston. "Is this gentleman also..."
"Indeed," Wade Winston replied casually. "He's a genuine 'Extraordinary,' and far more powerful than I am."
The bartender's eyes widened with respect, causing Lorian to feel a slight chill.
"Certainly! The gathering is underway; you both are welcome anytime. We'll provide the best service."
"Let's proceed; I don't have much time to waste."
Lorian asserted dominance with a strong demeanor.
He estimated that, having witnessed the battle between 'Jack the Ripper' and Herman, Scotland Yard would likely contact him within the next two days.
Additionally, he needed to monitor the development of the 'Ordained Cross.'
Coupled with the Oliver Winston matter, he indeed had a busy schedule.
"This way, gentlemen." The bartender bowed respectfully, carefully leading the two 'Extraordinaries' to the bar's second floor.
The bar's soundproofing was excellent; despite the noise downstairs, the second floor remained quiet.
The area was divided into seven rooms, each labeled with signs such as 'Witchcraft Studies,' 'Divination Room,' and 'Dream Analysis Chamber.'
At the end of the corridor, a room bore the sign 'Seekers' Gathering.'
It's a bit modest, but considering it's open to both 'Extraordinaries' and 'mysticism enthusiasts,' it's understandable.
"I'll leave you two to it."
The bartender bowed respectfully and discreetly returned downstairs.
"This is the survival instinct of ordinary people," Wade Winston remarked with a grin. "Maintain a thirst for exploration but know when to curb your curiosity."
"That advice applies equally to 'Extraordinaries,'" Lorian commented impassively, casting a glance at him.
Is that a warning? Wade Winston dared not speculate further about Lorian's identity, replying sheepishly, "You're right."
He planned to eliminate the bounty on 'Stein' promptly after tonight and leave London immediately.
The waters here are too deep!
Not suitable for an honest, straightforward 'Extraordinary' like me.
Pushing open the door to the 'Seekers' Gathering,' several gazes turned their way.
The spacious room was arranged with about ten individual stalls.
Near the entrance sat a small table where the host, cloaked and hooded, concealed his entire form.
Judging by his build, he appeared to be an adult male.
"Oh?" Noticing Wade Winston at the forefront, the host raised an eyebrow. "Back so soon with more items to sell?"
"Not this time," Wade Winston waved dismissively. "Just bringing a gentleman to have a look around."
He then seated himself beside the host, showing no intention of accompanying Lorian.
A gentleman? The host glanced at Lorian in surprise, adopting a humble demeanor.
"Welcome to the 'Seekers' Gathering,' esteemed sir. We'll do our utmost to meet your needs and hope you find satisfaction here."
Much more courteous than that 'black market' I encountered before... Lorian nodded thoughtfully.
Adhering to the principle of 'the less said, the fewer mistakes,' he proceeded directly to several stalls within the gathering.
"Good evening, sir. What might you be seeking?" A vendor greeted him warmly.
Given Wade Winston's frequent visits to 'offload goods,' many knew him as a powerful 'Extraordinary.'
Therefore, anyone accompanying him was presumed to be a genuine 'Extraordinary.'
The host's reaction further confirmed this assumption.
However, Lorian's response took the vendor by surprise.
"I'm looking for some basic 'mysticism materials.' If you have more advanced ones, I'm willing to pay."
Introductory 'mysticism materials'? The vendor pondered briefly before nodding in realization. Perhaps this gentleman is purchasing for others...
"Certainly, I have items that meet your requirements," he said, rubbing his hands together. "I carry 'esoteric books' across various fields."
"Is that so?"
Lorian glanced over, noting that the vendor indeed offered books and publications.
Alongside educational works, there were intriguing 'urban legends,' 'Extraordinary biographies,' and 'travelogues.'
He picked up one at random and skimmed through it.
The content was fundamental, mostly introducing concepts like 'spirituality' and 'intuition.'
The author seemed concerned that readers might not understand, elaborating on each concept meticulously.
Some sections spanned four to five pages, specifically discussing the existence of 'Extraordinaries.'
Similar to what Herman 'sold' me before, with minimal differences...