Though taken aback, Dunn considered Alaric's request carefully before responding, "I'm sorry, Your Excellency Helel, I can't make that decision myself. I'll report it to headquarters. If they approve, I'll grant Klein a three-year leave."
A three-year leave was absurd for any Nighthawk, and Dunn would normally reject it outright. But coming from an angel, the decision was above his paygrade.
More than the leave, Dunn was concerned about what had happened to Klein. Why would a perfectly fine person suddenly need three years off?
His gaze toward Klein carried a hint of worry.
"I'm fine, Captain. It's just personal reasons…" Klein said quickly, sensing Dunn's concern.
"As long as you're okay." Dunn replied gently, not pressing for details. "Since you're taking a leave, what about your merits from this incident? Would you prefer to convert them to money, or save them for when you return?"
Though the leave wasn't finalized, Dunn knew an angel's request likely meant it was a done deal.
Regardless of whether Klein stayed a Nighthawk, his earned merits were undeniable.
"Captain, are my merits enough for a Sequence 7 promotion?" Klein asked after a moment's thought.
Having secured the Magician potion formula and Jack's approval, Klein had reported it to the Nighthawks, making him eligible to apply for a Sequence 7 promotion.
He felt no guilt... those merits were hard-earned.
"Your merits are more than enough for a Sequence 7 potion, with plenty left over." Dunn said, nodding. Then, realizing something, he looked at Klein in disbelief. "You've fully digested your Clown potion?"
"Yes, some things happened, and I've completely digested it." Klein said honestly. He no longer needed to hide his uniqueness from the Nighthawks... not when the Evernight Goddess herself was watching him.
Learning his fate had finalized the Clown potion's digestion.
"How's that possible? Didn't you become a Clown just half a month ago?" Leonard interjected, stunned. Even with the Acting Method, digesting a Sequence 8 potion should take months.
Dunn, equally shocked, sighed after a glance at Klein. "You've been through a lot lately. So, you're applying for Sequence 7 Magician?"
Klein nodded without elaborating. "Yes, Captain. I'd like to apply for the Magician potion, and please convert the remaining merits to money."
Klein had thought it through. Though reluctant, choosing to advance meant a turbulent life ahead. To protect Benson and Melissa, he decided to leave Tingen and pursue his path.
This didn't mean cutting ties. He'd write to them, maybe visit during holidays, but he'd keep the Beyonder world from touching them.
Before leaving, he'd ensure they had enough money to live comfortably.
…
Melissa was tinkering with a mechanical doll.
Unlike her usual focus, today she was distracted.
No grand reason... she just missed Klein.
Seven days ago, Leonard, a strikingly handsome colleague of Klein's, visited to say Klein had been whisked away by a company executive for a business trip and wouldn't return soon.
Business trips weren't new to Melissa... Benson was often away for work. But on Klein, it felt odd. Given his personality, she worried.
Could Klein manage alone out there?
She didn't know, and doubts lingered. They'd planned to see The Earl's Return together. Why would Klein suddenly leave?
If it wasn't a trip… Melissa shook her head, refusing darker thoughts.
Then, a knock... knock, knock, knock... sounded.
Startled, Melissa felt a premonition. She rushed to the door and opened it to a familiar figure.
"Klein, you're back!"
"Sorry, Melissa, for worrying you." Klein said, seeing his sister. Guilt hit him, thinking of his "disappearance" And the inevitable farewell ahead.
Though not the original Klein, fused memories and emotions, plus their time together, made Melissa his true sister.
But that's why he couldn't let his fate drag them down.
…
"So, you're saying goodbye to family and friends to head to Backlund alone?"
At Jack's place, Alaric, under a new alias, sipped coffee, looking at Klein. "Is this really your choice, or did my teacher force you? Tell me, and I'll chew him out."
"It's my decision." Klein said, touched yet amused. He hadn't told Jack everything, as Lucifer seemed to want to shield him from the complex truths of transmigration and apocalyptic conspiracies.
Worried Jack couldn't handle it, Klein simply said he'd met Lucifer, discussed some things, and decided to seek advancement in Backlund.
As for not asking Lucifer for help... Klein had his pride. His fellow transmigrator had already given him the truth and a choice. He couldn't demand more.
Besides, Klein doubted Lucifer would sponsor him anyway.
***
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