Chapter 351: Secret Gathering

Chapter 351: Secret Gathering

It was not until the sun in the sky reached its zenith and began its descent that Xiu finally emerged from her bedroom. She stretched lazily towards the sunlight, slightly obscured by the mist, and walked into the living room, only to find an odd atmosphere.

Luke and Fors were sitting apart from each other. Luke was lounging on the sofa, casually reading the Barkeland Times, while Fors sat quietly at the dining table, her gaze lacking its usual spark.

Only when Xiu appeared did Fors seem to snap out of her daze, avoiding Xiu's eyes with a conflicted, guilty, and uneasy expression.

Xiu looked at Luke in confusion, twirling a strand of her hair, her fingers brushing against the exquisite hairpin adorned with gemstones. "What's going on? Did something happen while I was resting?"

Luke put down the newspaper and smiled slightly. "I was just asking..."

"Nothing." Fors stood up, interrupting Luke, and glared at him as a warning. Then, she nudged Xiu. "Hurry up and change your clothes. A's secret gathering is about to start."

Xiu stumbled back, confused by the push, and complained, "What? Hey, wait! I still have time. I want to eat something first..."

Click!

Fors leaned against the closed door, her usually calm face now showing signs of confusion, her expression growing more peculiar.

Today, Xiu seemed even more beautiful than usual. Her skin had an extra layer of radiant fairness, and it felt softer, as delicate as a baby's.

Was it just her imagination, or was there another reason... Could it be true, as Emperor Rossel had said, that the person in a lover's eyes always shines brightly?

This didn't make sense. Although Xiu had never been in a relationship with a man, it was purely because she was too lazy to deal with such relationships, and her unique identity as a Wild Talent made it impossible to get too close to ordinary people.

Moreover, she was a physically and mentally healthy woman. In recent days, the noises from the neighboring room had often triggered some instinctual responses in her body, and she was sure that she only approved of normal heterosexual relationships.

But could it be because Xiu was one of the parties involved...

Fors furrowed her brows in conflict, her mind racing with various thoughts. As an imaginative author, she took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and recalled the sounds she had heard at night. She then mentally enhanced the scene from the first time she had caught them, putting herself in her friend's shoes.

A moment later, Fors opened her eyes, biting her lip.

The good news was that her orientation seemed fine. When she imagined herself in her friend's perspective, facing a robust man with perfect muscles, like a conqueror plundering his prey, she naturally felt a certain way.

The bad news was that when she changed perspectives and faced her petite and adorable friend, who struggled to maintain her authority and became more fragile, she also felt her heart race, but not as intensely, clearly, or directly as in a heterosexual encounter.

Could it be that she was truly attracted to both men and women? Fors wondered, her thoughts in turmoil.

Bang! Bang! Two knocks on the door sounded, and Xiu's complaining voice came from the room, "I'm done changing. Don't block the door, Fors!"

Fors hurriedly left, muttering, "Oh, oh..."

Xiu reappeared, now wearing her apprentice knight's attire, looking more composed and capable. She held a chilling three-pronged trident in her hand, and upon noticing Luke's gaze, she explained sheepishly, "I like to talk things out. This is an essential prop for making others negotiate calmly with me."

"I understand," Luke nodded.

The three of them left the apartment and climbed into a carriage parked nearby. After a journey of over ten minutes, the carriage stopped in front of a secluded house.

"Jenova, since it's your first time here, don't draw too much attention." Xiu, seemingly worried about her boyfriend's potential mistakes, cautioned him, "Don't be careless just because you're a Sequence 7. The host of this gathering, A, is very powerful. Many Wild Talents who broke the rules or tried to make a move on him have disappeared without a trace, and some of them were Sequence 7s."

Fors, holding an unlit lady's cigarette, added, "As long as you engage in normal buying and selling transactions and don't attempt to deceive or rob, you'll be fine."

"I'm just here to see if there's anything I want. It's no big deal if there isn't."

Luke nodded. He was here to take a chance anyway.

A Sequence 6 "Joyful Witch" would somewhat fit his needs. There was a chance she could be instantly digestible, and even if other experiences didn't count, the digestion process would still be enjoyable. He could also accelerate by enjoying a high-sequence woman.

If it wasn't a Sequence 6 that he was sure he could directly digest, like a "Scholar" from the White Tower Path, then there was no need for an extra replacement.

As for Sequence 5, he hoped to find a "Reaper" from the Hunter Path, a "Mystic Mentor" from the White Tower Path, a "Light Priest" from the Sun Path, a "Pain Witch" from the Witch Path, or an "Astronomer" from the Common Path.

The majority of these extraordinary traits can be directly absorbed through knowledge acquisition or rapidly obtained by killing enemies and causing disasters.

As they approached the gathering, a code of three long knocks and two short knocks echoed through the door.

With a creak, the front door slowly opened.

Inside, the room was filled with people sitting haphazardly, some concealing their appearances with hoods and masks, while others nonchalantly exposed their faces.

The three of them entered the house, and the doorman promptly closed the door.

A hidden gaze swept over them as the door opened, lingering briefly on Hugh and Fors before settling on Luke.

Following the gaze, Luke noticed a hooded man whose face was hidden in the shadows. He silently observed the visitors, giving off an air of superiority.

"That's Mr. A. Let's try to avoid contact with him."

Hugh whispered, leading Luke to a seat. In front of them stood two blackboards filled with rows of words.

"A pair of adult Manhal fish eyes are needed."

"Dust from a lingering grudge, 165 pounds."

"Three pages of Emperor Rossel's notes, 20 pounds."

Hmm... The level was still a bit low, mostly materials for Sequence 6 and below. Luke wasn't too disappointed, as he had expected this, and soon lost interest in the gathering.

Fors' languid voice sounded from beside him, "Those are the demands of the gathering members. Many don't want others to know what they possess, to avoid attracting the attention of greedy individuals. So, they anonymously write on the blackboard what they want, what they wish to sell, and the approximate prices and item requirements."

Luke pondered for a moment. Not wanting to waste the trip, he took out paper and pen to write down the extraordinary trait he desired. Perhaps someone here might have it. He glanced at the writer, Fors, who looked rather innocent.

"Is there anything you want to buy? The 'Conjurer' magic potion for the next Sequence?"

"Unfortunately, I'm not in a hurry for promotion. It's Hugh who's in a real rush."

At the bottom of the blackboard, prominent words caught Hugh's attention—'Sequence 8 'Sheriff' magic potion recipe, 450 pounds. Hugh's eyes widened with desire, unable to look away.

Her purpose for coming to Barkeland was to investigate the truth behind her father's wrongful case and revive her declining family. Both endeavors required strength to support them.

Luke blinked thoughtfully, took the pen, and wrote on two sheets of paper, which he handed to Fors and Hugh respectively.

"This is..."

Fors seemed to realize something and tentatively asked.

"It's the magic potion recipe for Sequence 8 for both of you. I was planning to gather the ingredients and make the potion to surprise you, but since Hugh seems to be in a hurry, I'll give you the recipe first."

Hugh's joy was evident as she shook her head, "This is already a big surprise, a very big surprise."

But soon, she became a bit anxious, "However, I owe you more and more. This situation could easily turn our relationship into a debtor-creditor one."

450 pounds was no small amount. Even the official Extraordinary Sequence 9 team members only earned 6 to 8 pounds per week, which was already considered a high income, surpassing most people.

Luke pinched Hugh's cheek, "I'm not giving it to you for free. This is also my selfish desire."

Selfish desire?

Hugh looked at Luke with confusion, but then she heard him chuckle softly, his voice carrying a persuasive magic.

"I get headaches when dealing with legal regulations, but soon I'll need someone who's proficient in the law, has compassion for those in distress, and can objectively uphold fairness and justice as a 'Mediator'. Instead of choosing a stranger later, it's better to have someone I know."

Hugh had been listening attentively until the words "my person" made her face flush. She nodded earnestly.

"I understand, but this doesn't cancel out the value of what I owe. I must repay you later, and you can't refuse."

Her earnestness in treating matters was also adorable. Luke smiled, stroked Hugh's golden hair, and nodded in agreement.

The latest, smallest, and most talked-about book!

"Okay."

Only then did Hugh breathe a sigh of relief. She quickly jotted down the magic potion recipe, her eyes sparkling as she approached the blackboard, carefully searching for the various materials listed for purchase.

Luke turned to Fors, who looked rather lazy and innocent.

"I mentioned earlier that I'm not particularly eager for promotion, and you only wrote the magic potion recipe for Hugh as a side task. I don't think I need to repay you, right?

"Hmm, I don't mind such a trivial matter."

Forth seized the opportunity, his tone earnest, "I knew you wouldn't mind something so insignificant. Then, I suppose you wouldn't mind if I sold the magic potion formula, would you?"

"..."

Luke remained silent for a few seconds. The writer's thick-skinned attitude was even more than he had expected, and his tone carried a hint of sarcasm, "Of course, but I'm surprised that you and Hugh have become such close friends."

"You think Hugh came to Barkeland alone, transforming from a pampered young lady to the 'Arbitrator' who now walks the gray areas. Who was it that accompanied and protected her through this process?"

Forth couldn't help but roll her eyes, "It's even more surprising that she would be led astray by you."

Is it just that he has a good physical condition, excellent physical qualities, strong abilities, extensive knowledge, is gentle and considerate to his lover, has ample funds and is generous, and is a great cook...?

Looking at his strengths, Forth had to admit that he did have quite a few going for him. She muttered to herself.

"This is love." Luke shrugged, "Aren't you a romance novelist?"

Falling in love after just nine hours together? It's just that this man is more cunning.

Forth snorted, "Precisely because I'm a writer, I don't believe in love. Pure and beautiful love only exists in imagination, serving as a seasoning for fantasies. Those who believe in such things are sheltered flowers that have never faced reality's setbacks."

Luke nodded in agreement, "That's right. For example, in a romantic relationship, one person must hold a high position to avoid being bogged down by the mundane tasks of earning a living. Love entangled in the daily grind of life loses its romance."

"And there must be various coincidences, misunderstandings, and surprises, even if they are cliche and boring. A plot without twists and turns will only put readers to sleep."

As Forth spoke, she surprisingly felt a deep connection with Luke's ideas, as if he were a fellow reader who had read countless novels.

"Are you really a writer? Have you written any books?"

Luke thought for a moment, "Not yet, but in the future, I might write something inspired by 'The Dog Chasing the Monk.' Perhaps something like 'The Fool Chasing the Golden Pound,' 'The Lamp God Chasing the Starry Sky,' or 'Mr. Moon Chasing the Puppet.'"

"The Dog Chasing the Monk?"

Forth asked with genuine curiosity.

"Yes, 'The Dog Chasing the Monk' is a popular custom novel in the Republic of Intys, known for its vivid and lifelike writing. It's said to be a favorite among the citizens and a coming-of-age read for many teenage boys."

Forth: "..."

Is he talking about the capital of the Republic of Intys, once ruled by Emperor Rossel, where relationships between men and women were notoriously chaotic, and infidelity was a common occurrence in Trier? We're discussing literature, and you're bringing up erotic novels?]



Forth's eyebrows furrowed, about to retort, but she was interrupted by a passing servant.

"Sir, Mr. A would like to see you in private."

Mr. A?! Forth looked in surprise at the spot where Mr. A had been sitting, but it was now empty. She quickly asked, "May I ask what this is about?"

The servant ignored Forth's question and kept his head down, "If you're willing to follow, I can show you the way."

Luke gave Forth a reassuring glance, indicating that she shouldn't worry. He waited until she sat down again before standing up, his tone indifferent.

"Lead the way."

Following the servant's footsteps, they turned a few corners and arrived at a room with a pitch-black door.

"This is it."

The servant bowed and quickly left.

Luke pushed open the door and entered a dimly lit room, shrouded in shadows.

In the center of the room, a figure wearing a hooded cloak sat quietly, their gaze sticky and unsettling, causing Luke to furrow his brows.

"What did you want to see me about?"

He hoped Mr. A wasn't looking for trouble. The Barkeland Witch Cult, the Aurora Society, and the royal family were cooperating, and eliminating one of them now would be like swatting a fly and alerting the others.

However, if Mr. A insisted on causing trouble, then so be it. He couldn't afford to waste time, and Mr. A had demonstrated the abilities of the "Pain Witch" and the suspected "Secretary Mentor" in the original novel.

These two Extraordinary Traits were exactly what he needed.

"I've noticed you since you first joined the organization."

Mr. A's voice had a slightly feminine magnetism, "Among the Extraordinary Traits you desire, I have a portion of them, but there's one condition."

Luke's eyebrows rose in curiosity, "Let's hear it."

Mr. A slowly removed his hood, revealing a stunningly beautiful face. He surveyed Luke with satisfaction.

"Are you interested in joining the Aurora Society?"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end