"Alright, I can tell you're hiding something from me, but since I'm a magnanimous person, I won't hold it against you." Alaric said with a slight pout. He took another sip of his coffee and continued, "Did my teacher mention where he was going? It's been so long, and he's met with you twice already, but not once with me…" His words carried a heavy tone of resentment.
"Mr. Lucifer is probably busy with important matters." Klein replied, feeling a brief pang of guilt before carefully recalling the moment he parted ways with Lucifer.
"I've helped you as much as I can. From here on, you must walk your own path, Klein. Since you've chosen this road, don't regret it, no matter the outcome." Mr. Lucifer had said at the time, closing the book in his hand. "As for you deceiving Jack, I won't bother holding it against you. His mind isn't quite right due to certain matters, so since you've become his student, take good care of him. In return, I can arrange for you to see your family once a month."
"I'll take care of Jack. Thank you, Mr. Lucifer." Klein had replied, nodding with delight. The chance to reunite with his family once a month, no matter the circumstances, filled him with joy.
Even if Klein knew his parents couldn't be truly revived, their reappearance in this world, able to witness this future era, was a form of "resurrection" in its own way, wasn't it?
At the very least, it was far better than eternal slumber in darkness.
Somewhat puzzled, Klein had asked, "What do you mean by 'his mind isn't quite right'?"
"Jack's soul suffered an accident in the past. Though I repaired it, some aftereffects remain." Lucifer had explained, his gaze turning cold, perhaps recalling something unpleasant.
Before Klein could press further, Lucifer cut him off. "You don't seem to have a suitable mystical item yet."
"Huh?" Klein blinked, then nodded sheepishly. "I don't have one, no. I've thought about buying a suitable mystical item, but I don't have the money."
Klein heard Lucifer chuckle.
"Have you considered taking out a loan to buy one?" Lucifer asked, his smile tinged with mischief.
"What?" Klein hadn't expected such a suggestion from a fellow transmigrator. He paused, then realized, "Mr. Lucifer, are you offering to lend me money?"
"No, but I have a suitable mystical item I can sell you. It's called Creeping Hunger…" Lucifer unhurriedly described Creeping Hunger, pausing as Klein's eyes lit up with interest before continuing, "I can sell it to you for just 10,000 pounds. Given its value, that's a steal."
Klein, who had been thrilled moments earlier, suddenly felt his heart stop. He stammered for a while before saying, "Mr. Lucifer, is there a chance… I don't have any money?"
"I know. That's why I'm allowing you to pay in installments." Lucifer replied with a gentle smile. "Do you want it?"
…
Klein felt he must have lost his mind when he agreed, but even now, thinking about the newly acquired Creeping Hunger and the massive debt he'd taken on, he didn't regret it too much.
After all, the deal was incredibly cost-effective. Klein knew that elsewhere, even double the price wouldn't deter buyers for Creeping Hunger.
Lucifer had genuinely offered him a bargain.
Though… Klein's mood grew complicated when he recalled asking Lucifer why he sold it so cheaply, and the response he got.
"Why sell Creeping Hunger to you so cheaply?" Lucifer had repeated, as if amused by the question. He smiled and continued, "No, you've misunderstood. This isn't a senior transmigrator helping out a junior. I simply want to drain your wallet for a while. If I priced it too high, you probably wouldn't have accepted."
Klein had been stunned, not expecting such an answer. He couldn't help but ask, "Why?"
"Because I don't like you, little trickster. And since I know you love money, naturally, I want to empty your pockets to teach you a small lesson." Lucifer had said, his tone both matter-of-fact and righteous.
Didn't you just say you wouldn't hold the Jack thing against me?
Klein had wanted to retort but held back, realizing that, transmigrator and savior status aside, Lucifer really did have a grudge against him.
"Oh, by the way, take this." Lucifer had added, tossing Klein an emblem.
"What's this?" Klein had asked, puzzled.
"The emblem of the Joker Club…" Lucifer briefly explained its function, then said, "A fair exchange. Since Jack joined your Tarot Gathering, you should join my organization."
Klein glanced at the emblem in his hand and nodded without refusing. "Alright."
"…Well then, goodbye, little trickster. I hope your wallet's a bit fuller next time we meet." Lucifer had said, preparing to leave.
"Wait, Mr. Lucifer, aren't you going to see Jack? He misses you…" Klein had called out, setting aside his complicated feelings.
"…For certain reasons, it's not suitable for me to meet him right now." Lucifer had replied, shaking his head. "Why else do you think I let him wander off alone?"
Klein had paused, sensing there was more to the story.
Lucifer, however, had no intention of explaining. "Tell him to focus on advancing. Once he reaches Magician, I'll give him the formula for the Faceless potion."
…
Snapping out of his reverie, Klein looked at Alaric, who was leisurely sipping coffee, and said, "Mr. Lucifer told me to tell you to focus on acting as a Clown and advance to Magician soon. Once you do, he'll give you the formula for the next potion."
"Got it, got it. I'm working on the acting, aren't I? But being a Clown is tough, and slow progress isn't my fault." Alaric said, waving a hand dismissively with a half-hearted "sure, sure" Attitude.
"If Teacher doesn't know how to act as a Clown, I could share some insights for reference." Klein offered.
"Huh? But didn't you just advance to Clown a few days ago?" Alaric replied, feigning ignorance as he looked at Klein.
Klein coughed lightly. "Is it possible… I'm already ready to advance to Magician?"
"What?"
***
Every 100 Power Stones and 5 Reviews will earn you a Bonus Chapter.
And if you want to read up to 50 chapters ahead, don't hesitate to visit our patron: pat reon . com / XElenea (remove space)