"I've always been fascinated by Fourth Epoch history, so I'm eager to learn about the Antigonus family. Jack, if you know more, could you share?" Klein said earnestly, genuinely curious about the Antigonus family while also seizing the chance to observe this potential fellow transmigrator.
"Sure, it's no big deal." Alaric nodded generously, adding, "Though I don't know much, so you might be disappointed."
Professor Quentin and Mr. Azik seemed intrigued by the topic, but Quentin glanced at his pocket watch and frowned. "The meeting's about to start, Jack. You'll have to continue this with Klein another time."
"Right, looks like it." Alaric said, checking his own watch with a regretful expression. Then, as if struck by an idea, he pulled a business card from his pocket and handed it to Klein. "Here's my card. Come by this address tomorrow afternoon... I'm free then. Or visit me at the university. If you can't make it, write to me. What's your address? I can write to you too."
Klein took the card, feeling a pang of disappointment but not wanting to interfere with their work. He gave his address, adding, "I might be moving soon, though, so I'm not sure where yet."
"No problem. Just let me know your new address once you've settled." Alaric said with a casual wave.
He then followed Azik and Quentin into the meeting hall.
Klein watched their figures disappear through the door, then glanced at the card, his expression complex.
He hadn't expected that resolving a simple interview matter would yield such a haul... meeting a potential transmigrator who seemed to know about the Antigonus family.
"Not bad luck." Klein murmured, his mood lifting. He bid farewell to the others in the office and left the three-story building, planning to visit Jack Jones that evening.
But as he walked, still within Tingen University's grounds, the hairs on his neck stood up.
Someone was following him!
…
While Klein grappled with his pursuer, Alaric, now in the meeting room, was quietly chatting with Azik.
"Are you also curious about the Antigonus family, Mr. Azik?" Alaric asked softly, as Azik had just brought up the topic.
"The name feels familiar." Azik said, his expression tinged with confusion.
Alaric wasn't surprised. Who else knew Azik's true identity better than him? Azik, Death Consul of the Balam Empire, heir to the Death God, a sequence 2 Beyonder now amnesiac, a vessel for the Death God's revival, yet kind and gentle by nature... one of the most significant figures in the future Mr. Fool's life.
A major reason Alaric crafted his fake identity as a Tingen University teacher was to get close to Azik.
"Since you're interested in the Antigonus family, why not visit my place tomorrow afternoon? If Klein comes too, I can tell you both what I know." Alaric suggested with a smile.
"Thank you, that's kind of you." Azik said quietly, grateful.
"No trouble at all. It's just a small thing. Besides, when it comes to knowledge, I can't hold a candle to you, Mr. Azik. I might end up asking you questions!" Alaric grinned, meaning it.
Beyond building favorability and possibly summoning Azik's Shadow of Time, Alaric genuinely wanted to tap into Azik's occult knowledge.
While the original story was rich with secrets, it skimmed over proper occult knowledge, often glossing over details. In this world, knowledge was power, and ignorance of occult taboos could lead to deadly missteps.
"Alaric Zoroast's" memories held basic occult knowledge, mostly tied to the Marauder, Seer, and Apprentice pathway, but lacked high-level Beyonder insights. Alaric needed to learn from powerful figures to fill those gaps.
"If you have questions, feel free to ask. I'll share what I know." Azik said with a gentle smile, unaware of Alaric's calculations.
In this warm atmosphere, the academic meeting began. They stopped talking, focusing on the session. By the time it ended, it was nearly lunchtime.
Alaric joined Azik and Quentin for a meal at the university cafeteria, spending the day as a dutiful new teacher. The next afternoon, he welcomed visitors.
"Good afternoon, Klein. You seem in good spirits today." Alaric said, opening the door to find Klein, and noticing Azik beside him. "Good afternoon, Mr. Azik. Did you come with Klein?"
"Good afternoon, Jack." Klein replied with a smile. "I moved to my new place today, so I'm in a great mood."
"Good afternoon, Jack. I ran into Klein on the way, so we came together." Azik said warmly.
"Congrats, Klein! Where's the new place? I'll visit sometime." Alaric said, ushering them inside. He noted that Klein and Azik seemed closer than yesterday, likely bonding on the way.
It wasn't surprising. Klein and Azik's values aligned, and their teacher-student connection naturally fostered a good relationship.
Alaric invited them to sit, deftly preparing coffee with a tea set. He smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, I just moved to Tingen, so I only have coffee. Hope it's to your taste."
"No worries, I love coffee." Klein said quickly, speaking truthfully... he preferred it to tea.
"Very nice coffee. I like it." Azik said with a gentle smile.
"Glad you both enjoy it." Alaric said, grinning. He poured himself a cup, took a sip, and began, "About the Antigonus family, I don't know much, but I'll share what I do. From what I've read, they lived at the main peak of the Hornacis Mountain Range, even founding a nation called the Nation of the Evernight…"