980 Choice of Parasitic Targe (1/2)
After some placating, Aaron Ceres and Wilma Gladys finally managed to calm down the baby.
Phew… The thin and tall Aaron heaved a sigh of relief and got up. Nudging his gold-rimmed glasses, he nodded at his guest with an apologetic look. After organizing his words for a few seconds, he said, ”Sorry about that. Children are often like this.”
”Indeed.” Klein smiled in reply, indicating that he didn't mind it one bit.
Following that, he changed the topic of conversation and continued sharing his experiences in East and West Balam.
During this process, he made use of his Beyonder powers once more, making everyone in the activity room fall under the effects of an illusion. Then, he picked up the ice-cream which he hadn't finished, changed the spoon and got up with a smile. Walking to the pram, he asked gently, ”Will, do you want some?”
Without waiting for the chubby fellow wrapped in silver silk to reply, he said with a gentle tone, ”You're born now and should be able to fold a paper crane. This way, I don't have to visit often. You should know how suspicious it is.”
Will Auceptin Ceres glared at him without giving him a reply.
Klein didn't flinch as he took out a piece of high-quality paper and placed it in the pram.
Then, he bent down, scooping out some ice-cream.
”A price is always exacted for what fate bestows, isn't it?” Klein chuckled as he swished the spoon in his hand.
In the pram, Will raised his left hand, wiping the tears that hadn't dried from his face, and mumbled, ”For Beyonders of the Fate pathway, the exacted price needs to be paid first before awaiting bestowment.”
With that said, the chubby baby grabbed the piece of paper and folded a paper crane with great difficulty.
Klein stood in front of the pram and maintained the stability of the spoon, watching this scene with a smile.
…
A carriage set off from Pinster Street and headed for Saint Samuel Cathedral.
While passing by 160 Böklund Street, Leonard Mitchell looked out the window and seemingly muttered to himself, ”Dwayne Dantès is back as well.”
The slightly-aged voice rang out in his mind:
”Fate will ultimately intertwine.”
”Old Man, you're becoming more of a charlatan after you woke up.” Leonard couldn't help but mock.
Pallez Zoroast chuckled without a reply.
After coming to Saint Samuel Cathedral, Leonard entered the study of Backlund's archbishop, Saint Anthony, under a priest's lead.
Anthony Stevenson was wearing a black robe with red hues. His eyes were deep and his face clean-shaven. Standing by a cupboard, the shadow created seemed like an unknown existence that observed everything from the darkness. It stirred fear into anyone.
”Your Grace, you summoned me?” Although Leonard had already anticipated it, he still bowed in a rather lacking manner.
Anthony nodded gently and said, ”You have already rendered enough services to apply to become a Sequence 5 Spirit Warlock. However, you haven't finished digesting the Soul Assurer potion; therefore, I'll be extracting you out of Soest's team and assigning you some separate missions.”
Leonard replied, as per protocol, ”I am at your command.”
Anthony picked up a stack of papers on his desk and said, ”These are cases with suspected paranormal activity. You are to investigate each case, mainly placating or purifying them. If you require additional assistance, you can select members from the Nighthawks team of each area of jurisdiction.”
”Yes, Your Grace.” Leonard would've done similar tasks even if Saint Anthony hadn't instructed him to do so. Therefore, he had zero objections toward such an assignment.
After receiving the stack of papers, he casually flipped through it and said, ”Your Grace, what's Captain Soest's team busy with at present?”
He had been focused on revenge over the past half-year, making himself appear desultory and insular. This prevented him from building strong friendships with the Red Gloves teammates, but despite that, they were teammates who he had fought alongside with. He couldn't help but be concerned for them.
”They have been assigned to help Crestet finish a mission,” Anthony Stevenson didn't answer in detail.
His Excellency Cesimir is also in Backlund… Leonard didn't ask further as he gestured four points across his chest in a clockwise fashion.
”May the Goddess bless everyone.”
”Praise the Lady.” Anthony did the same gesture.
After leaving the archbishop's study, Leonard headed down to the basement. He wanted to find a quiet room and list down his upcoming mission and run through them in the assigned order.
Midway while walking down the stairs, he subconsciously looked at the stained windows above him.
The sunlight was shining in, making the artwork made from the stained windows look even more solemn. It also accentuated the tiny bugs and dust that floated in midair.
Upon seeing this scene, Leonard suddenly recalled Old Man's description of Amon. He had the inexplicable feeling that the Blasphemer was everywhere.