After a messy attempt at divination, Klein gave a suggestion to Mr. Glaçis, the "seer":"There's a dark shadow on your forehead, probably a lung problem. I recommend seeing a doctor."
Glaçis didn't believe him. After Klein left, he divined for himself.
Hmm, health is fine. What an alarmist.
...
When Klein returned to the security company, he found that Rozanne at the front desk had been replaced by Leonard.
Tsk, what's this? The pretty lady swapped out for a big guy?
Leonard gazed at Klein with passionate eyes, making Klein's chrysanthemum clench and his skin prickle with goosebumps.
"Good afternoon. Where's Rozanne?" Klein greeted with one hand lifting his hat, while the other discreetly shielded his leather drum, pretending to be casual.
"She's on armory duty tonight."
The armory wasn't Chanis Gate and didn't require Beyonder guards.
Before Klein could ask further, Leonard, as if pondering something, said,"Klein, there's something I've always wondered."
"What is it?" Klein looked blank.
Leonard stood up, smiled calmly, and asked:"Why did Welch and Naya commit suicide on the spot, while you went home first?"
"It must have been that unknown existence wanting me to take away and hide Antigonus' notes," Klein replied, stating the common speculation.
Leonard paced a few steps, then suddenly turned and leaned close, staring into Klein's eyes:
"If forcing suicide was to silence witnesses and erase clues, then why not make you destroy the notebook on the spot?"
Meeting Leonard's fiery gaze, Klein shrank his neck.
Cute. But keep that face farther away.
This Klein, not a small problem, Leonard thought.
This Leonard… don't tell me he's really Gay? Klein thought.
After a few more words, Klein pointed toward the armory:
"I need to get some bullets."
I must get away from him!
"May the Goddess bless you." Leonard smiled and drew a crimson moon across his chest.
Watching Klein flee in a hurry, Leonard muttered,
"Old man, he really does have a problem."
An old chuckling voice sounded by Leonard's ear:"Hehehe, he thinks you're Gay."
"What? I… huh?"
"Shouting like that, what's wrong? Did he guess right?"
"Hmph, old man, I didn't expect you to notice even this. Looks like I can't let you live."
"Heh."
...
Inside the Evil Dragon Bar was a "black market," where wild Beyonders often came to trade.
The place was about the size of a lecture hall. Some had stalls piled with bottles and jars; others walked among them, inspecting, bargaining, or chatting.
The market wasn't as mysterious or sinister as one might imagine. But that was normal—you couldn't expect rogue Beyonders to rent out a whole street to sell contraband.
"You sure this is spring water from Sunia Island's Golden Spring?" Old Neil studied the glass bottle in his hand. It contained about 100 milliliters of pale golden water.
"Of course! We brought it back with great effort from the sea. Hey, old man, you're not going to stiff me, are you?" Opposite him stood a dark-skinned, rough middle-aged sailor.
The man crossed his arms, glaring fiercely at Neil.
Neil carefully raised the bottle and said,
"No, but I need to have it appraised."
"Fine. But I'm coming with you." The sailor stepped forward.
"Of course." Neil didn't refuse and led him to a corner stall. Its owner was also an elderly man, dressed in a fine leather jacket but patched shirt beneath.
He didn't sit on the ground but had brought a table and chair, reading a book comfortably.
Neil tapped the table and set down 5 pounds."Hey, Valente, got business."
Old Valente put his book down, peered at Neil for a long while, then suddenly realized and laughed, pointing:
"Neil! How long's it been since you last came?"
Neil chuckled,
"I was here just last week, and you've already forgotten me?"
Valente frowned, tapped his head with a knuckle."Never mind, not important. So, what needs appraising?"
"This. See if it's really Elven Spring from Sunia's Golden Spring." Neil placed the glass bottle on the table, steadying the wobbly surface with his other hand.
Valente leaned close, white light glowing in his eyes.
A moment later, he closed his ability.
"Result: accurate. This is indeed the Elven Spring."
Neil let out a long breath, then slapped a paper bag into the sailor's hands."200 pounds in there. You can go."
The man checked the notes, said nothing, and left.
After saying goodbye, Neil was about to leave too, when Valente suddenly called,"Hey, Neil? How long's it been since you last came to me?"
Neil froze for a moment, then smiled,"Hey, I just saw you last week, and you've already forgotten?"
"Oh, a week. Well, easy to lose track then. What do you need appraised?"
Something flickered in Neil's eyes. For a Seer pathway Beyonder to start becoming forgetful… it spoke volumes.
"No," Neil patted Valente's shoulder with a smile,
"Just visiting an old friend. Let's chat."
"Chat about what? Nothing to talk about." Valente waved dismissively.
"Tell me some stories of your adventures with your comrades in the Mechanical Heart."
"Ha, I must've told you those already."
"I don't remember."
"Heh, then I'll have to tell you again…"
...
Leaving the Evil Dragon Bar, Neil tallied up the ingredients he still needed.
"Got fire essence, got hematite, gold… that's easy, can buy it last. Then the star crystal… still missing that." He murmured the formula under his breath.
Suddenly, his spirituality stirred. Looking up, he saw someone waving at him.
It was the girl who had carried him up the stairs last time.
Not holding a grudge, Neil laughed warmly and greeted her:
"It's you, Miss Sampo. Long time no see."
After a pause, he joked:
"This time I don't need you to haul me up the stairs."
Stelle nodded. If the other party was unwilling, she wouldn't insist.
Suddenly, she blinked, tilted her head.
"What is it?" Neil asked, puzzled.
Stelle shook her head—nothing.
Neil frowned in confusion.
"Why don't you speak?"
"Because I'm a little gray-haired mute," Stelle replied very seriously.
Her face was solemn.
Neil opened his mouth, wanting to say something. After a long moment, all he could manage was:"…Alright then."
(End of Chapter)