"That's enough, it's already helpful," Xio said quickly, then frowned. "Money, the sea… will I get thrown into the ocean over some windfall?"
She couldn't imagine what danger tied to money and the sea could be.
Luo Lin, however, knew. From the novel, his divination likely pointed to Xio's encounter with Vice Admiral Hurricane Qilangos a month later, due to Audrey's commission, nearly getting her killed.
Speaking of Qilangos… Luo Lin's eyes lowered, thoughtful.
Honestly, he wasn't too keen on Creeping Hunger. For most Beyonders, it was a minor artifact, but it demanded daily human sacrifices unless sealed, and even then, it required feeding post-battle or risked backlash. Too troublesome.
Unlike Klein, who had Sefirah Castle to suppress it, Luo Lin could flip if he used it and failed to feed it. He'd rather spend time building rapport with Beyonders to borrow their powers. Still, if he got Creeping Hunger, he could sell it or gift it as a favor.
What really intrigued him was Qilangos's intel—a coordinate to an island full of Beyonder creatures, linked to Adam. Luo Lin wanted to explore it once he had enough cards to play. Maybe he'd snag the Storm pathway's Blasphemy Card. Adam might even invest in him.
That island, teeming with Beyonder creatures, was a natural resource vault. Even if he couldn't use them, they'd fetch a good price.
The catch? He'd need the strength to kill Qilangos when the time came.
Glancing at Xio, Luo Lin hinted, "Could it involve pirates?"
Since he planned to meddle in the Qilangos affair, he needed to lay groundwork.
"Pirates?" Xio blinked.
"As a bounty hunter in a port city like Backlund, you might go to sea for a job in the next two months, or a pirate could sneak into the city and cross your path," Luo Lin said seriously, speaking truth. "Many pirates have bounties, perfectly fitting money and the sea."
Xio's eyes lit up, convinced despite no evidence. "That makes sense."
"I understand. Thanks, Jack. I owe you one," she said earnestly, adding mentally, if the divination's true.
"I thought you'd waive my commission fees," Luo Lin teased, grinning.
"Roselle said, even with siblings, settle accounts clearly," Xio replied seriously, then smiled. "Trust me, my favor's worth more than 40 pounds."
"True," Luo Lin nodded, as if pondering deeply.
They chatted a bit longer before Luo Lin excused himself. He had much to do.
After he left, Xio returned to her apartment, confirming no one followed. She found Forsi lounging on the sofa, reading a novel.
Xio poured herself water and sat beside Forsi. "I met a wild Beyonder like us today."
"What?" Forsi glanced over, lazily. "What sequence? No trouble, right?"
"No, a Seer." Xio recounted the day, then worriedly added, "Think he's telling the truth?"
She didn't fully trust Luo Lin but couldn't shake the divination's weight.
"Maybe fake, maybe real," Forsi said, sitting up, serious now. "It's just possible danger, not death. You might take out the pirate and claim the bounty."
Xio nodded, reassured. "Could be…" She sighed.
"Don't worry. Stay home for two months, or I'll stick with you," Forsi said, resolute. "With me, we can escape any danger."
Xio caught her meaning—Forsi's magical stone bracelet allowed instant "travel" by consuming stones.
"Won't that worsen your condition?" Xio asked, concerned. Forsi's curse from the bracelet caused terrifying whispers every full moon.
"It's fine. I'm much better now," Forsi lied, hiding her unease to ease Xio's worry.
"Okay…" Xio, unsuspecting, relaxed, then added, "If Jack's divination is real, we should keep in touch. Divination's useful."
Forsi nodded in agreement.
…
Though the deal with Xio was sealed, no Beyonder gatherings were scheduled for the next two days. Per Xio, Luo Lin was lucky—a high-end gathering was set for July 2, and she'd introduce him.
Unrushed, Luo Lin crafted his new alias and arrived in Tingen on June 30. For the next two months, he'd likely shuttle between Tingen and Backlund. Without travel powers, it was a hassle, but steam trains made it bearable.
That same day, Klein visited Tingen University. Cleared of suspicion in the past days, he'd received a Nighthawk job offer. Though he wouldn't teach, the original owner had an interview scheduled, requiring Klein to personally explain his withdrawal.
(Chapter End)