Chapter 375: Return

Chapter 375: Return

St. George's District, St. Hellen Street.

Luke stopped outside the Steam Church, adorned with towering chimneys and intricate bell towers. He examined the church for a few seconds, hearing the principles of steam engines being explained inside, and muttered to himself, "It feels like I'm eavesdropping on a classroom."

With the "Hidden Sage" being contaminated and the entire "Seer" pathway plagued by delirium, it was likely that only the Church of Knowledge and Wisdom, symbolizing "omniscience" among the five major churches, could surpass the Steam Church in its scholarly atmosphere.

He passed through the preaching and prayer rooms, entering the inner chambers where a figure with clasped hands and closed eyes was devoutly praying, his gaze fixed on a triangular holy emblem.

The man was tall, with chestnut hair, a handsome face, and a table adorned with an ancient, mysterious Mirror, its center deeply fissured.

Seeming to sense someone's presence, the man opened his eyes, revealing a pair of deep blue, ocean-like eyes, his gaze distant and divine.

Benoit Gustave.

The youngest son of the Emperor of Roselle, an angel of the Steam Church.

"I received a divine revelation to hand the Mirror to the first person who enters."

Benoit's voice was flat and emotionless.

"Give it to me."

Luke spoke calmly, extending his hand and summoning the Mirror, which defied gravity and flew into his grasp.

Storing the slightly sticky Mirror, he had no intention of conversing with this angel, devoid of human emotions, and vanished into thin air.

Benoit's gaze flickered with a hint of emotion, and for some reason, the person who just left felt strangely familiar to him.

After a few breaths, his composure returned, and he faced the triangular holy emblem, clasping his hands and praying devoutly once more.

...

In the first-class carriage of the steam train bound for Tinggen City.

Luke's figure gradually materialized in the seat. He placed the Magic Mirror on the table provided by the seat and gazed out the window at the exceptionally clear scenery outside.

The golden morning sunlight illuminated the rushing Tarsok River, the riverbanks, the neatly arranged houses, the tall chimneys, and the exquisite bell towers, making this "City of Hope" appear even more majestic.

With his tasks completed, the next return would likely bring chaos and conflict.

Luke glanced at the sun hanging high in the sky, then drew the window shade to block the light, darkening the space around him.

"The weather lately seems too clear."

His eyes flickered, as if he had just remembered something, and he fell into thought. After a moment, he refocused his attention on the Magic Mirror.

Feeling his gaze, the Mirror's surface rippled, forming one silver word after another:

"Revered Prince, Great Master, thank you for bringing me out. Arrodes will serve you with all my might."

"I will use you well."

Luke traced the crack on the mirror's surface. "How did this happen?"

Arrodes: "It was caused by the previous user asking a question about you."

"Oh, does asking high-level questions lead to this kind of problem?"

The text on the Mirror's surface changed rapidly. "Not exactly. High-level questions may result in vague answers or no useful information at all, but questions about you are different."

"Once your identity was revealed, the Spirit Realm already contained information about you. However, this information is incomprehensible to anyone, so no one can use it to divine, predict, or establish mystical connections with you."

"The crack is a manifestation of the Spirit Realm's inability to interpret this knowledge. If the user doesn't ask about you, it's fine, but if they do and can't provide an accurate answer, this situation occurs."

Luke nodded lightly. "What was the question that caused the current state?"

"Who was the assassin who killed the Becklang Ambassador?"

The Mirror seemed to sense something, and the displayed text became slightly distorted, appearing unusually excited.

"Luke."

Luke repeated his name, his fingertips tracing the crack on the mirror's surface. The information from the scene was displayed on the mirror.

When his fingers left the mirror, the damaged Mirror had restored itself to a flawless state.

"Praise you, kind Master!"

Arrodes's displayed text was filled with joy but soon turned serious.

"Great Master, after being in close proximity to you, I sensed the Extraordinary Trait within you. There may be some... issues, though I'm not sure if they should be called potential problems. These are inherent characteristics of the Sequence paths."

Luke relaxed, leaning back in his seat. "Don't worry, I know. I've deliberately kept them intact."

"Truly, you are amazing!"

Mirror’s exaggerated flattery turned into a startled cry as it suddenly felt itself being picked up.

"Riding in a carriage always makes me feel bored. I need something to pass the time."

Luke held Mirror, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You should know that in the distant past, even before the First Epoch, there was something called a smartphone. Can you turn into one of those?"

The mirror paused for a moment, displaying a slightly aggrieved expression.

"But I am just a mirror, Master."

And you can use your Beyonder abilities to go wherever you want, so you don’t need to ride a steam train at all.

"Someone who always chooses the most efficient path can hardly be called human. They would be more like a machine that only follows logic and doesn’t think."

Luke seemed to understand what Arrodes was thinking and explained with a faint smile before asking, "Computers can run Android emulators. Why can’t you simulate a smartphone?"

Arrodes: "..."

He had never thought that pleasing someone would require such humility, to the point of having to pretend to be something else.

...

Tinggen City, Narcissus Street, Number 2.

After a busy day, Klein returned home early with a large bag of groceries from the market. He put on a white apron, entered the kitchen, and began preparing dinner.

It was the weekend, and Melissa was on holiday. Benson had also wrapped up his work, so it was the perfect opportunity for the family to enjoy a hearty meal together.

Klein skillfully peeled and cut the potatoes, soaked the lamb in warm water to remove the gamey smell, and prepared the seasonings. He then placed the ingredients in the pot.

In the azure flames, the rich aroma of the simmering food gradually filled the air, making the appetite grow.

"Huff~ Huff~"

Klein used a spatula to scoop out a small piece and put it in his mouth, blowing to cool it down as he savored the perfect flavor. He nodded in satisfaction.

He thought that even if he didn’t continue as a Night Watch, he could still make a fortune by opening a restaurant.

Recently, his cooking skills had improved significantly, thanks to both his theoretical knowledge as a keyboard warrior and the guidance of his fellow townsman’s servant, Parrot.

After preparing the dinner, Klein hummed a tune, feeling quite content as he waited for the others to return home.

He had gradually adapted to life in this world and his work as a Night Watch. His relationships with his family and colleagues were also very harmonious.

These days, he spent mornings learning mysticism from Old Neil and afternoons training with his combat instructor, Gauvin. Occasionally, he would play a game of Gwent or fight evil with colleagues like Leonard, leading a very fulfilling life.

The digestion of the magic potion was also progressing well.

After learning from the Tarot Club that Miss Justice had digested her potion so quickly, he spent a lot of time divining at the club and summarized the rules for playing the role of a Fortune Teller. He was just a little bit away from fully digesting the potion.

The only regret was the lack of excitement around him.

The members of the Order of Esoteric Studies who were tracking him had been casually dispatched by his fellow townsman, and the Antigonus Notebook had not resurfaced. There were no traces of the secret organizations mentioned in the materials he read, such as the Cult of the Witch or the Aurora Society.

It felt like the world was at peace.

High Acolyte Lord Crescet was like a stabilizing force, and since his arrival, Tinggen City had not seen any Beyonder incidents, making the Night Watch team particularly relaxed.

However, a few days ago, Lord Crescet had met Mr. Azik, a colleague and good friend of his mentor, and they had immediately hit it off. They had even formed a group to travel to the Southern Continent. Perhaps the Night Watch team would become busy again after the High Acolyte left?

Klein couldn’t help but grumble inwardly.

They had agreed that the Night Watch couldn’t wander around freely, so was it really a good idea for a High Acolyte to be bouncing around everywhere? Besides, the Northern and Southern Continents were separated by the Frenzy Sea.

Although a relatively safe route had been established, the journey was long, and the Southern Continent was primitive and backward. Apart from a few speculative vendors, few people went there. Why choose such a place for a vacation?

But he was just a helpless and weak Fortune Teller. The other two were his superior’s superior and his teacher’s colleague and friend, who could also be considered his teacher. So he could only obediently keep quiet and wish them a pleasant trip.

Thinking of this, Klein couldn’t help but think of Old Neil and Dunn Smith, who were about to leave.

They were already in the process of handing over their duties. Once the Antigonus Notebook case, which the Night Watch team was currently handling, was resolved, one of them would be transferred to a new city to become an Acolyte, and the other would retire completely.

Leonard will likely take over the vacant position as captain. He’s a Sequence 8 "Night Watch" and claims to be almost finished digesting his magic potion, which means he’ll soon become a Sequence 7 "Nightmare" like Captain Dunn.

Leonard is a great colleague in every way, except for the fact that he comes off as a bit gay, always saying ambiguous things that make me think of Sephiroth and Cloud from Final Fantasy...

Just kidding, it’s probably because the Nocturne team is overwhelmingly male!

If there are so few women in the Nocturne, who worship a goddess, then the Mechanical Heart and the Punishers probably have even fewer, especially the Punishers, with their mix of "Sailors" and "Fury People." Just thinking about it gives me chills.

At that moment, the door opened, and Benson, looking a bit tired, came in first. He smiled when he saw the prepared meal, his eyes filled with approval and relief.

"Even though you said it when you got the job, I have to repeat it: it feels like watching a child grow up."

"It’s a feeling."

Klein was a bit speechless. He had already been living alone for a few years before he was transported, so what’s the deal?

Melissa, who came in next, brightened up when she saw the cake placed on her spot at the table. However, she said instinctively:

"Although I’m happy, buying a cake is too expensive. It would be much cheaper to buy the ingredients and make it ourselves."

"But that would waste the money spent on the ingredients. Without the proper kitchen tools, you can’t make a good cake, and we don’t have anyone who can do it."

Klein smiled and explained. There were too few forms of entertainment in this world, and as someone from a food-loving empire, he didn’t want to deprive himself of good food.

Besides, he had just been paid, so what’s the harm in treating himself?

The three of them enjoyed a harmonious and pleasant dinner.

Benson, exhausted from work, went to his room early to rest. Melissa, after eating her fill, glanced at the ironclad ship model on the living room bookshelf and asked tentatively:

"Klein, how long has Mr. Genova been traveling in Barkeland?"

"About half a month", Klein replied, rubbing his belly.

"Has he said when he’ll be back?"

"It’s hard to say. He’s well-off and could stay there for a long time, so he might not return for a while."

Klein added silently that Mr. Genova still owed him nine pounds and fifteen pence.

"Okay, I understand."

Seeing Melissa return to her room a bit dejectedly, Klein scratched his cheek apologetically.

To be honest, his fellow countryman was a great guy, but his perfect conditions made Klein seriously doubt that he was a player, likely to date multiple women in the future.

Klein was willing to be open with his fellow countryman, but setting him up with his sister Melissa... that might not be a good idea.

Click— The sound of a key turning in the lock came from the next room, and Klein’s expression changed.

As far as he knew, since Luke left, the servant Parrot hadn’t entered the fellow countryman’s room.

Could it be a burglar?

He frowned, readied his gun, and quietly opened the door, peering out cautiously.

"What are you sneaking around for?"

A thunderous male voice suddenly sounded, so close it felt like it was right next to his ear. Klein, who had been checking the situation, felt his hair stand on end and stumbled backward several steps.

Seeing Luke, who looked exasperated and held a key, Klein finally relaxed. The familiar sense of ease calmed his tense nerves.

"You scared me. Why did you come back so suddenly?"

"Finished my business, so I came back."

He glanced at Klein. "You seem a bit more muscular than before."

Noticing that Klein was still a Sequence 9, Luke felt like the conversation had shifted from world events to household matters.

Old Zhou, becoming a god in three years and an ancient one in five... that might be a bit slow.

Unaware of this, Klein proudly puffed out his chest, modestly waved his hand, and said with a hint of pride:

"Just okay. I’ve been training with a retired knight, and it’s much better than the gym. I’ve even developed a bit of abs... well, you can see them under the light if you use a bit of force."

Luke’s eyebrows raised, and he approached Klein. Without any clear reason, he placed his hand on Klein’s head and measured the height to just below his own chin.

Klein: ...

He didn’t say a word, but he felt provoked.

Wanted to fight but couldn’t win!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end