"You intend to hire me with the money that was originally mine? And only half of it at that!"
Herman fell silent, ultimately suppressing his dissatisfaction. He lowered his head and said, "That will suffice."
So compliant? No, from our brief interactions, he doesn't seem like the submissive type. Perhaps he's already contemplating how to report me to Scotland Yard... Forget it. I merely wanted a minor 'payback.' The commission was just a pretext; results would be a bonus, but there's no real loss without them. Lorian spoke in a relaxed tone, "Then get to it. I'll return at this time tomorrow."
...
After leaving Herman's detective agency and returning to his apartment, Lorian didn't idle. He retrieved the book "Aleister's Guide" and began reading.
The book's four corners were reinforced with metal guards. Its black cover, adorned with gilt patterns, bore mysterious symbols of unknown significance.
Opening the title page, he was greeted by a brief biography of the author, Aleister.
Born in 1814 to devout Christian parents who were members of the Plymouth Brethren, Aleister defied the teachings of Christ.
He proclaimed himself the "Great Beast."
In the world of the extraordinary, others preferred to call him the "Beast of Revelation" or "Mr. 666."
He once joined an extraordinary organization called the "Golden Dawn," serving as a senior member. Later, feeling "betrayed," he left, traveled to Egypt, received enlightenment from "Horus," authored the "Book of the Law," and returned to Britain to establish the extraordinary organization known as the "Lamp of Hidden Light."
This "Aleister's Guide" was written during his time with the "Golden Dawn," serving as a comprehensive guide to mysticism.
1814... It's now 1888, 74 years later. Even an ordinary person might still be alive, let alone someone as formidable as Aleister, hailed as the "modern initiator of mysticism."
"This world is becoming increasingly intriguing."
Lorian skimmed the table of contents and turned directly to the section he was most interested in: "How to Restrain One's Spirituality."
Since accepting Marilyn's feedback, his "spirituality" had grown increasingly robust.
It appears that when individuals are of similar ranks, extraordinary beings can, through specific means, discern whether someone possesses extraordinary powers.
The basis for this discernment is the emanation of "spirituality."
While it's possible that some individuals are innately gifted, possessing substantial "spirituality" without being extraordinary, most of the time, only true "extraordinaries" exhibit such prominent "spirituality."
To temporarily conceal one's identity as an extraordinary, one must learn methods to restrain "spirituality."
"'Spirituality' arises from the soul of living beings, representing each person's unique soul. It is the 'key' for humans to unlock the door to mysticism, capable of tapping into deep-seated mental powers, elevating the soul..."
This esoteric knowledge wasn't obscure.
Lorian found it quite accessible and quickly grasped the basics of this section.
He fetched a mirror and employed "environmental perception." Indeed, he saw that his gaunt face had eyes emitting a brass-colored glow.
Around him was a crimson, misty aura.
"Focus your mind, gathering 'spirituality' into the cranium..."
Lorian attempted to follow the instructions. His gray-blue eyes flickered momentarily, the glaring brass hue receding, and the crimson glow around him gradually diminished.
Is it due to the peculiarities of being a "vampire"?
If it were an ordinary person, they wouldn't have mastered it so swiftly...
Lorian nodded in satisfaction.
It seems it won't be long before I can fully "digest" this "Aleister's Guide."
At that point, I can attempt "meditation," which should yield certain benefits... I can also have senior members of the "Ordained Cross" study it to supplement their knowledge.
In future encounters with extraordinary enemies, they won't be caught off guard. Yes, after resolving matters with Scotland Yard, it's time to have someone approach the "extraordinary world." We can't operate behind closed doors...
As for attempting to become a "sorcerer," that's out of the question.
Being a "vampire" is, in itself, an entirely new extraordinary system with limitless potential.
Moreover, "sorcery" not only carries certain risks but also has a critical drawback.
As noted in "Aleister's Guide," sorcerers of the four ranks—Fate, Divinity, Mystery, and Power—experience a period each year known as the "Silent Days," during which they cannot use "sorcery" and become exceedingly vulnerable, relying solely on "relics" for protection.
Therefore, sorcerers must always be vigilant in concealing the timing of their "Silent Days" to avoid being targeted by adversaries.
Even so, sorcery is considered one of the least dangerous professions in mysticism... Perhaps the existence of the "Silent Days" helps mitigate some risks? What, then, is the source of these dangers...
With limited understanding, it's best not to engage recklessly.
Simple "meditation," however, should be harmless.
But speaking of "vampires"...
Lorian's gaze deepened as he looked out the window.
By now, the "Ordained Cross's" operation should have concluded successfully. Jack Arnold, along with Marilyn, Evans, and the others, have likely returned to headquarters.
The massacre at the "candidate's" residence by the serial killer can't be concealed.
Scenting the allure of pounds, reporters will hover like vultures around Zenoni's corpse until every last bit of value is extracted.
Lorian welcomed this development.
Once this incident hits the newspapers, people will be both outraged that the esteemed "candidate" hired assassins and framed the recently notorious "Jack the Ripper," and terrified that even a "candidate" would be slain in his own home for offending "Jack the Ripper."
As the story spreads, the moniker "Jack the Ripper" will undoubtedly overshadow any historical killer or murderer, becoming Britain's most terrifying serial killer.
"Before long—perhaps tomorrow, the day after, or within a week at most—this matter will saturate London's newspapers, infiltrating every household.
"By then, the massive feedback from this notoriety will undoubtedly elevate many of my current abilities to a new level. Even facing Scotland Yard's inspectors head-on, I can handle them with ease."
It's all falling into place!
Lorian estimated that after receiving this wave of feedback, he'd be able to "grant blood," bestowing specific abilities upon subordinate members.
This would significantly enhance the strength of the vampire clan.
"Spreading notoriety is ultimately just a supplementary method. The main factor still depends on the innate talents of the 'blood recipients.' If every member of the 'Ordained Cross' were like Arnold, I wouldn't have to worry about these matters now."
If there were dozens of first- and second-generation vampires, not to mention a mere Scotland Yard, the vampire forces could sweep across half of Britain without issue.
As the "Vampire King," his power would reach terrifying heights.
Single-handedly, he could take on the entire world!
"Fortunately, the feedback from these 'blood-feeding spiders' has been quite promising."
Lorian withdrew his gaze, opened a drawer,