Chapter 25: The New Neighbor

Fortunately, neither his brother nor his sister were the type to dig too deeply into things. So, when Klein found a company that was transferring him to Backlund for a better position, Benson and Melissa, though reluctant, understood and were happy for Klein's promotion.

After a lavish farewell dinner, Benson and Melissa began planning Klein's travel to Backlund, packing a significant amount of luggage for him. If it weren't for the cost of the tickets, they would have accompanied Klein to Backlund to help him settle in.

Klein was both amused and touched by their care, promising them that once he was settled, he would bring them to live with him in Backlund.

—Melissa needed better education, and Benson could find a better job in Backlund.

In addition, Mr. Azik visited Klein after receiving his letter, taking his child's skull and leaving behind an Beyonder item as payment — "Creeping Hunger," a relic of the Storm from the Shepherd pathway.

Although Klein had expected a generous reward from Mr. Azik, he was still surprised by receiving "Creeping Hunger." It made him marvel at the world of powerful figures.

Especially since the version Mr. Azik gave him was sealed, removing the original side effect of needing to eat a person daily. It now only required feeding after each use. Though still sinister, it was a relief for Klein.

Using "Creeping Hunger" to devour enemies or those who deserved it meant not harming innocents and eliminating threats to society.

Klein also mentioned the Evernight Goddess's Message to Mr. Azik. Unfortunately, Mr. Azik was also puzzled but comforted Klein, advising him to stay cautious.

After spending three more days in Tingen, Klein and Leonard boarded the steam train to Backlund just before the deadline.

Upon arriving in Backlund, they reported to the underground of Saint Samuel Cathedral, where a steward briefed them on more mission details.

For instance, their target angel was likely from the Mystery Pryer pathway, and they could start by investigating the Moses Ascetic Order. They were to report their progress regularly and not take on other tasks during the mission.

The steward then led them to get their false identities.

Thankfully, Klein had already planned his cover for the Backlund Beyonder circle, so the process was smooth.

"Why did you choose a detective identity?" Leonard asked Klein in a low voice, bumping his shoulder.

"Our main task is to find that angel, which requires a job with enough freedom to inquire in various circles without suspicion. After eliminating unsuitable options, I had to choose between writer, journalist, and detective," Klein explained as he walked out with his luggage. "As a Seer, a detective is most fitting because I can use divination to find answers first, then backtrack."

"Ah, that makes sense…" Leonard nodded in understanding, then added, "I thought about being a poet, but I can't write poems." He seemed genuinely regretful.

"That's why you chose bounty hunter?" Klein glanced at Leonard's form.

"What's wrong with bounty hunter? It's perfect for blending in with wild Beyonders. I asked Captain Dunn, and he agreed," Leonard defended. "Plus, I'm about to advance to Sequence Seven."

Does your choice of bounty hunter have anything to do with advancing to Sequence Seven?

Klein silently mused but didn't think Leonard's choice was wrong. Each person's situation was unique. As a Seer with limited offensive abilities, Klein had chosen against being a bounty hunter.

Leonard, on the other hand, with his combat abilities from the Sleepless pathway, was well-suited for the role.

So, Klein smiled and said, "In two months, I'll probably advance to Sequence Seven too."

"What?" Leonard was shocked, staring at Klein. "You just advanced to Sequence Eight half a month ago!"

"I've already grasped the essence of the 'Clown'," Klein calmly replied.

Indeed, Klein was confident he could digest the "Clown" potion within two months. Having understood the acting method, it wasn't unreasonable to digest a Sequence Eight potion in two and a half months.

He could wait a bit after digestion to avoid attention, but given the Evernight Goddess's possible focus on him, Klein decided to apply for promotion immediately after digestion.

"If the Church promptly approves my application, it might indicate the Goddess's attitude… But I don't think the Church has the Seer pathway's Sequence Seven potion formula. I wonder if the cathedral does."

Klein murmured internally, unwilling to suspect the Evernight Goddess of ill intent. He had learned much from the Evernight Church since crossing over. Dunn and Old Neil had left him with a favorable impression of the Goddess.

So, Klein preferred to believe the Goddess's attention was without malice.

"Or maybe I'm just overthinking…" Klein smiled wryly, glanced at the still-stunned Leonard, and said, "I'm off to find a place to stay. See you later."

"Ah, okay, see you," Leonard responded in a daze.

Klein then took his luggage to Minsk Street in the Chorwood District, to a house he had previously scouted.

After negotiating with Mrs. Sammer, the landlady, Klein moved his belongings into 15 Minsk Street and began tidying up.

As Klein was organizing the balcony of his new home, he suddenly felt a sense of being watched.