Mystery: From Celestial Venerable's Backup to Red Priest

Chapter 206 The Messenger of Ms. Amanda, Ince Zangwell's Response

Chapter 206 The Messenger of Ms. Amanda, Ince Zangwell's Response

Evan examined the two high-level talismans he had just acquired. The golden color on their surfaces had faded, losing its former brilliance. The patterns on their surfaces were ancient and intricate, and a warm, moist feeling emanated from them, seeping into Evan's skin little by little.

"I finally have the power to deal with high-sequence items," Evan sighed silently.

Despite his loud and boisterous demeanor, Evan's advantage against hunters and witches is mainly due to the "City of Calamity." He doesn't have much of an advantage against extraordinary individuals from other backgrounds.

He was still powerless against high-sequence powerhouses. Robert's power and Bernadette's favor were very useful, but neither was a power he could fully control. Now, with these two "Sunflare" talismans, Evan felt an overwhelming sense of security.

The power of these two talismans can be preserved for at least a year, or even longer. The activation talisman that Klein set for them is "Hermes' Light".

Looking at the talisman in his hand, Evan liked it more and more.

After putting the talisman away, Evan channeled his spiritual energy into the ruby ​​ring on his left index finger.

This is a communication ring given to him by Ms. Amanda. It serves the same purpose as the ring on Lanius's hand; both can receive information about the Extraordinary Gathering organizers regarding the gathering's location.

The difference is that Evan can also use the ring on his hand to actively contact Amanda, but he is not very clear about the specifics of how to do so. It is his first time using it, and he only knows that he needs to infuse it with spiritual energy.

"Squeak, squeak!"

Just as Evan was wondering, the ruby ​​ring suddenly emitted an unusual and eerie red light that projected onto the wall, and then an ancient door full of strange patterns opened on the wall.

Looking out the door, Evan could almost see the endless, absurd spirit world and the eerie astral realm beyond, filled with strange and terrifying symbols.

Moreover, a sharp sound came at the same time as the door opened. Then the scene behind the illusory door changed, and the background became a dark curtain that seemed to absorb all light. Two unusually red, narrow eyes appeared on the curtain.

When Evan saw those narrow eyes, he felt disoriented, as if a deep fear was growing within him.

Squeak!

The monster behind the door spoke again, startling Evan awake. Although Evan couldn't understand what it was saying, he unexpectedly understood that the monster behind the door seemed to be asking him: "What do you want?"

Evan dared not be negligent in this regard and quickly said:

"I want to contact Ms. Amanda and ask her to buy some sleeping potion that can put all life within a one-kilometer radius to sleep, as well as the corresponding antidote."

After hearing Evan's request, the two huge, slender red eyes behind the door closed slightly, leaving only a faint slit, as if the monster was squinting to inform Ms. Amanda.

At the same time, the ruby ​​was constantly absorbing Evan's spirituality, making Evan feel like he was about to be drained dry. But the monster behind the door was lifeless, and Evan dared not cut off his spirituality. He could only watch helplessly as his spirituality decreased like water in a swimming pool.

Just as Evan was about to feel his spiritual energy being drained and he was about to collapse, two black dots appeared from behind the illusory gate, flew quickly toward Evan, and eventually left the illusory gate, falling directly into Evan's hands.

The door closed and disappeared without giving Evan a chance to say another word.

Evan was a little dazed. Looking at the things in his hands, he realized that they were two small cosmetic and jewelry boxes. The lids of the jewelry boxes had corresponding words on them: "drug" and "antidote".

The text on it is as if it were naturally present when the jewelry box was made, a perfect fit.

The effect is very powerful, it's not your average product. Ms. Amanda didn't mention how much it would cost, which means it's free?

"Ugh, free things are often the most expensive. There's no other way but to sell my brother to pay off the debts. But because she's so generous, I agree to the marriage."

Evan hadn't expected to get such a powerful drug so easily, and to make Klein wait a few days. But now it wouldn't be good to bother Mr. Fool any longer, otherwise it would seem like he was disrespecting Mr. Fool. So he could only offer the sacrifice tomorrow.

After carefully putting away the two boxes of sleeping pills and antidote, Evan felt his spiritual depletion, which caused him to have a splitting headache. He quickly calmed his mind and entered a deep sleep through meditation.

Meanwhile, Klein stood in the gray fog, holding an envelope, wanting to see what Evan had told him through "The Fool".

"Silently repeat to yourself that you want to cooperate with the mastermind behind the scenes, and your wishes will come true!"

If you clearly express your willingness to help him succeed, the mastermind behind the scenes will help him make everything go smoothly.

Klein didn't open the letter in his hand, so he didn't know what the plan Evan had arranged for him was.

Faced with a mastermind who can know everything about his actions, Klein can only conceal his true intentions by knowing nothing himself.

Judging from the abilities the mastermind had previously demonstrated, he must have realized that his cooperation with him was a last resort after he was forced into it, that he genuinely wanted to resolve the Tingen crisis and would lend him a hand, and that he was determined not to let him go and allow him to wreak havoc elsewhere.

But so what? Regardless of her true feelings for him, with the mastermind clearly failing and suffering a backlash, he'd be more than happy to be her henchman. How could he possibly refuse her?

Evan wasn't using a conspiracy, he was using an open strategy! He was forcing the mastermind behind the scenes to agree to cooperate even though he knew that cooperating with him might lead to things slipping out of his control.

After all, if it's a matter of force, who would resort to underhanded tactics?

Klein began to understand the purpose of Evan's series of arrangements; it was a move to play his cards right in front of the mastermind.

But is this game truly open-ended? Putting aside the fact that Evan can see the mastermind's script, the mastermind probably knows nothing about the talisman he just acquired!

Klein knew very well that the talisman in his hand came from the blood of the "Eternal Sun." He did not believe that the mastermind could connect his own script to the true god. All information related to the "Sunflare" talisman was an information black hole for the mastermind.

No wonder Evan said that the "mutated sun badge" was the key to Tingen's breakthrough.

After figuring out some issues, Klein gained some confidence in Evan's strategic planning abilities and felt somewhat certain of defeating the mastermind behind the scenes.

Just as Klein was about to leave the gray fog, he suddenly noticed the crimson star corresponding to "Justice" and "The Hanged Man."

In the illusion of contraction and expansion.

Extending his right hand, spreading spirituality, Klein saw a blurry image of Miss Justice praying before his eyes.

"I beseech your hearing."

Because of the murder of Zilingus, my father hired an extraordinary person to protect me personally, and there are many others secretly monitoring me. I finally found an opportunity to plead with you to ask for leave from next week's gathering.

Klein glanced subconsciously at the environment where Miss Justice was, saw the swirling mist, the huge bathtub with flowing water not far away, and Miss Justice wrapped in a towel, but immediately looked away instinctively.

"Zilingus was killed. Who killed him? What happened to his assassination target, Duke Negan? With Evan there, there shouldn't be any problems."

"Hmm, it seems like an organization wanted to kill Duke Negan, and Ziringus was just an executor, a pawn. Could he have been silenced?"

Klein's thoughts were racing, but without any further information, he could only guess. At the same time, he reached out to the crimson star that represented the "Hanged Man".

The Hanged Man's prayer and the one for "Justice" are very similar; both involve requesting leave from next week's tarot reading, and for some reason...

Klein detected an unprecedented level of respect in the Hanged Man's tone, which puzzled him greatly.

Although he sensed something was amiss, Klein responded to them separately:

"I see!"

Then, he sent a message to the crimson star represented by "Power" and "Sun".

"Next week's gathering is temporarily cancelled!"

Just as Klein left the gray fog, preparing to silently recite his intention to cooperate with the mastermind behind the scenes, there was a knock on his door.

Upon opening the door, he discovered it was Benson. Benson didn't enter Klein's room, but simply stood in the doorway and said to him:

"Tickets for 'The Return of the Earl' will go on sale at seven o'clock tomorrow morning. After a great upheaval, everyone wants to be enriched by culture and drama to better alleviate their pain."

It's easy to imagine that many people will be queuing up to buy tickets every day. Even though Tingen just suffered a major blow and everyone's wallets are thinner, let's get up at six o'clock tomorrow morning to queue up in order to buy tickets!"

Klein thought of the lipstick and film economies of his past life. The more crises there are in the real world, the more people need entertainment. Benson's prediction was absolutely correct.

But the thought of having to get up an hour earlier tomorrow gave Klein a headache, yet he had no reason to refuse.

After Benson left, Klein suddenly realized that if he really cooperated with the mastermind, but they never met, how could he be sure that the other party agreed to cooperate?

Evan said he could make his wishes come true, so let's test that with this!

"I'm willing to cooperate and help you achieve your desired goals."

"I'm willing to cooperate and help you achieve your desired goals."

"I'm willing to cooperate and help you achieve your desired goals."

Klein read it several times, waited for a while, and seeing that nothing unusual happened around him, he didn't think much of it and simply lay down on the bed and fell asleep.

The next morning, Klein heard birds chirping outside, gently opened his eyes, stretched, and felt refreshed.

Suddenly, Klein remembered something, then picked up the pocket watch beside his pillow and glanced at it, realizing it was already seven o'clock.

But Benson didn't come over to wake him up.

If Benson hadn't overslept, then—

At this point, Klein couldn't care less about staying in bed any longer and quickly changed his clothes and went downstairs.

After going downstairs, Klein found Benson and Melissa sitting on the sofa, talking about something.

Hearing Klein come downstairs, Benson turned around and said with a smile:

"You're most enthusiastic when it comes to watching plays, but when it's time to get up early to buy tickets, you completely forget. You're really not a good older brother!"

"Sorry, I forgot. But why didn't you wake me up? What are you holding? Tickets?"

Klein looked guilty and apologized, but his eyes were fixed on the things Benson and Melissa were holding, which clearly showed clear images of theatrical actors.

"I was going to wake you up today, but Melissa found a letter in our mailbox addressed to you. When I opened it, I discovered it contained three tickets to the VIP box on the second floor."

Since the Lannuls scam, Butler Buck had no further doubts about Klein's abilities. Whenever he had any difficult problems, he would come to Klein, and he also often sent gifts to the Moretti family.

Benson then turned and handed a letter to Klein. Klein took it and read it, only to find out that the Earl of Ahova's mansion owned shares in the theater and had its own private boxes.

Whenever there is a performance at the Grand Theatre, a few VIP tickets are given away. However, since the Earl's mansion is mostly in Backlund, the butler, Barker, usually decides to give them away to others.

This time, the butler remembered Klein's hard work and help during this period, so he took it upon himself to deliver the three tickets to their house. Looking at the letter in his hand, Klein fell into deep thought.

"Klein, what are you thinking about?"

Melissa noticed Klein staring blankly at the letter and couldn't help but ask.

"Uh, it's nothing. I'm just grateful to Butler Buck for giving us VIP seats. I heard the VIP seats are on the second floor."

The view is excellent!

Klein was awakened by Melissa's call and quickly tried to hide his unusual behavior.

"This gift is truly precious. I've heard that VIP tickets are always sold at exorbitant prices whenever the Grand Theatre has a performance, with the most expensive ones once reaching a thousand pounds." (This is no exaggeration).

"One thousand gold pounds!?"

Melissa was shocked and cried out in alarm, while Klein's expression wasn't much better.

Klein now earns a weekly wage of 10 pounds, which translates to an annual salary of over 500 pounds, the same as that of a minister in Backlund, placing him among the top 1% in the Kingdom of Rune.

The fact that a VIP ticket was worth two years' salary was something he couldn't believe for a moment, and he even considered selling it.

"How about we sell these three tickets and exchange them for regular tickets?" Klein suggested cautiously.

Benson shook his head and then said:

"This was a gift from the Earl of Akhova's mansion. If we sell it, the news will spread throughout the entire city of Tingen the next day, which will be a huge embarrassment for the Earl's mansion. Both the Earl's mansion and we will become a laughing stock."

Klein thought about it and realized it made sense, and he broke free from the temptation of the gold pound.

But his expression immediately changed again. Was the mastermind trying to corrupt him by making him agree to cooperate and thus achieving his desires?

Has their contest already begun?

After all, both of them had ulterior motives in their collaboration, and both were well aware of that.

"Since these three tickets are so valuable, we cannot accept them."

We're not part of Tingen's upper echelons. If we use these three VIP tickets, we'll inevitably be scrutinized by others, which might not be a good thing for us! You see, the petty schemes of those in power can become a mountain weighing on our shoulders.

Klein thought for a moment and then decisively spoke to Benson and Melissa.

The mastermind behind the scenes wasn't stupid. Even if he believed in Klein's sincerity in cooperating, he still needed to take corresponding precautions. He already regarded the gifts from the mastermind as a poison disguised as honey.

Every gift comes with a hidden price tag, so Klein has to be extra careful.

After their initial euphoria at receiving VIP tickets subsided, Benson and Melissa thought about it and realized that Klein's words made a lot of sense.

Benson, in particular, is a young man with a great deal of social experience, who is well-versed in all kinds of explicit and implicit rules of society.

He had been blinded by the overwhelming surprise, but Klein's reminder brought him back to his senses.

Benson took the ticket from Melissa, put it back in the envelope, and handed it to Klein, saying:

"You should go to the Earl's mansion in person, return the tickets to Butler Buck and express your gratitude. Explain the reason and tell him that we cannot accept this gift, so as not to cause any misunderstanding."

As for the tickets, I remember that a former colleague's younger brother works at the theater. I'll go and see if I can get three regular seats.

Okay, let's eat breakfast first, or it'll get cold.

Benson explained the ticket refund to Klein, then invited everyone to dinner, no longer worrying about the few pounds the tickets were worth.

Melissa looked at the envelope in Klein's hand. Although she felt a little reluctant, she agreed with her two brothers' point of view and moved her own light away.

Klein looked at his sensible brother and sister and felt very gratified. Not everyone can remain calm in the face of a huge sum of money. What does reputation matter? Can it be cashed in?

At the same time, Klein became increasingly wary and disgusted with the mastermind behind the scenes. This man had set a trap specifically targeting the weaknesses of human nature, no different from those telecom fraudsters and romance scammers in his previous life, and even more despicable.

After breakfast, Benson and Melissa left first, while Klein sensed someone praying again. He returned to his bedroom, ascended the gray fog, and discovered that it was Evan praying and offering a sacrifice.

Klein looked at the jewelry box at the Aiwen Festival and the note that came with it.

Evan wrote down the purpose of the items he had sacrificed on the note, and instructed Klein to continue investigating along the clues he already knew. He also reminded Klein to consider Leonard's situation carefully, whether to let him participate in the operation or to exclude him from it.

Evan's advice to Klein was to drag Leonard into the mess, because the secrets behind him were significant and could influence the final outcome.

Finally, Evan told Klein that he had done everything he could to prepare for him, and the relevant plans were written in the letter; everything was up to him now.

After reading Evan's letter, Klein remained silent for a long time. Then he found the paper and pen he had stored in the gray fog and wrote a final letter to Evan.

In the letter, Klein entrusted Benson and Melissa to him, asking him to secretly help them out of respect for their old classmate and friend status. Klein wrote nothing else.

Because the letter contained very little, it was written very quickly. Before Evan could finish cleaning up the altar, "The Fool" bestowed this last letter upon him and then turned and left the gray fog.

Klein left home and boarded a trolleybus heading to Zotland Street.

"Breaking news! Breaking news! Hurricane Commander Zilingus has been killed in Backlund!"

"Breaking news! Breaking news! Hurricane Commander Zilingus has been killed in Backlund!"

"Breaking news! Breaking news! Hurricane Commander Zilingus has been killed in Backlund!"

Just as the trackless carriage was about to depart, the loud cries of a newsboy suddenly rang out from outside.

After a moment's hesitation, Klein quickly pulled out a wad of dirt, handed the money out the window, and shouted that he wanted to buy a copy of the "Tinggen Morning Post." The other passengers reacted in the same way.

Klein unfolded the newspaper and looked at today's headlines. He found that there was very little information of value to him. Apart from the news that Zillingus's assassination target was Duke Negan, the assassination took place last night, and that the assassin Zillingus failed in his assassination attempt and died instead, there was no other information.

But Klein already knew these things; Miss Justice and Mr. Hanged Man had already reported them to him last night.

The newspaper did not mention who killed Zilingus, so it can only be concluded that it was not the official forces represented by Evan who were behind it; otherwise, the newspaper would have written extensively about it and publicized the bodyguard's achievements.

I wonder if Mr. Azik was present at the scene, or if he witnessed Zilingus's death. Should we write to inquire?

Just as Klein was hesitating about whether to contact Mr. Azik, he suddenly felt a spiritual touch. He put down the newspaper and looked down, only to find a skull the size of a suitcase standing at his feet, with eerie white flames flickering in its empty eye sockets, which almost scared Klein's heart out.

Even though he suppressed a gasp, Klein still cautiously glanced at the passengers around him, and only breathed a sigh of relief when he found that they were all staring at their newspapers with shining eyes, completely unaware of the enormous skull.

The messenger, who only had one head, noticed that Klein had noticed him, and then threw a letter directly onto Klein's lap.

He then disappeared into the public carriage.

Klein sighed helplessly, then quickly opened the letter and found only one sentence:

"I've caught the creeping hunger, which reminds me of something."

What, what, what does this mean? Mr. Azik, in front of all the official Extraordinary beings, killed Zilingus and subdued the Wriggling Hunger?

Klein recalled his speculation yesterday about whether Zilingus's murder was a cover-up, and belatedly realized why Miss Justice and Mr. Hanged Man had been even more respectful when they reported yesterday.

"Are they guessing that I'm at odds with the organization behind Zilingus, or that I'm the mastermind behind it all, which is why they sent Mr. Azik to silence me?"