7 Gathering, Debt on Ademisaul

I spent most of my time away yesterday saving up energy, aka sleeping. I've had a lot of thrills lately of course I have the right to lay down, relax, and charged up my exhausted battery. Because of what I've discussed with Hans before, he shouldn't have any rebellious thoughts for now.

Frustrating thing was that he naturally didn't 100% trusting me. But of course there was a good news too, meaning that Hans could be thinking I have some clues leading to Megose's disappearance and her whereabouts, he would likely try to get an information out of me before selling me off.

In short, I was safe for now.

As usual, I woke up in my room, the only safest place in this damned world. Settling down a little late in the morning with a cup of tea, I inwardly noted down all the things I have done so far and reviewed over them one by one.

First of all, the potion formula for Ademisaul, no clue.

If I were to go knock on Lawson's Folk Herb store's door will I scared a certain apothecary witless and causing him to move out before the story even starts? No guarantee that he will even have the formula for Monster in his hand. I should be looking for his teacher, Roy King instead and using Darkwill as a bait. Forget it, looks like I'll have to wait for now.

Second, how to gain Klein's goodwill.

I had a plan for that, but it need me to set up a bridge leading to Klein first. Frankly speaking, If I were to abruptly popped up next to Klein out of thin air I bet with all my collective brain cells that our cautious black cat would definitely start to avoiding me like a plague. 

Anyone would honesty.

Imagined waking up confused in a new place and new world, the most horrifying thing is that a stranger you didn't have any recollection of suddenly getting close to you like a buddy who knew you since childhood, more bizarre is that they literally KNEW about you. Even if someone were to use my right toe to think they would notice that something was off.

I need Klein as an insurance just in case I couldn't find any mean to return before the apocalypse kicked start, as well as helping me to seek a way back too. If the time has come and I lost my chance to make a connection with the current Klein, then I'll have to get Evernight Goddess's attention somehow. 

In terms of efficiency, I voted for Evernight Goddess, as for a price to pay... oh well, I really hope it wouldn't be something to exaggerate. But if we were to talk about a safest choice, then that would unsurprisingly still be Klein, though it will take years I can still wait. This is why I tried to cut off Hans's hope at that time, if he were to be fed with false hope too much he would be meaninglessly chasing after an empty mirage as his ultimate goal. By the time everything clearly revealed itself Hans would be drowned by grief, possibly turning himself into a past tense.

And last, the most crucial matter, dealing with Lanevus.

I believed as long as I hold on long enough I could escape from that guillotine hanging above my neck. It was just two months at most right? Surely I don't have to rely on Klein or the Nighthawk.

'... Did I just plant a flag?' 

Ah, I hope not.

Thinking about that dog reminded me of Megose's family. I felt somewhat sorry for those two that their dearest daughter kept avoiding them time and time again, but worry not, I'll be doing it again.

Who told you guys to keep pestering me, trying to convince and setting up traps for me to have a meetup with that dog, you both were too determined to lead me to my death flag didn't you...

'They are working so hard that I really want to shed tears for them'

I thought so with an empathetic face as I stuff yet another pastry down my throat. 

While I was admiring a lively crowd of people outside down below, a knock sounded. Who the hell was it. Alright, I could somewhat guess who it is.

"Come in Mr. Hans"

"Pardon me"

And yes, I was right.

----

"A gathering?"

I was surprised, very surprised, with a mix of an amusement.

"I didn't expect you to invite me Mr. Hans"

"Unfortunately, I also didn't want to bother you too"

That was definitely Hans's way of saying 'Not like I want to either'.

Also, I could see how uncomfortable he was avoiding to address me, a stranger as someone who was like a niece to him. It was alright when we weren't mention it, but once everything came to naked eyes it was simple awkward to continue with it.

"Just call me a guest for now when we're alone"

"Understood dear guest, and, thank you"

"That's what I should do"

Huh, that was much more comfortable than hiding an entire mountain by myself. In any case, I think he could be considered as my partner-in-crime now. If one day my disguise were exposed, I would dragged Hans along with me as a person who turned a blind eye to my existence and possibly helping me cover up.

"Now, back to where we left behind. Why do you want me to go?"

"It was Edmund"

"Edmund?"

"One of the guy you saw at a billiard room"

"Oh, your informant"

Sadly, the only things I remembered so far are fancy-looking stones and Ademisaul with his newfound talent to be an opera singer. 

"Which one was it. The guy who said something about a D?"

"...? A what?"

"That reunion was as short as your d-"

"YES. Yes. It's him"

Must be pretty embarrassing.

That sentence was the one and only impression I have of him. Damn, what does he looks like again? Two eyes, two ears and a nose, yup that's it. Why was that guy wanted to drag me in? I couldn't help but looking at Hans suspiciously, who in turn, straightened his back even further. Hans... Is this your doing? What in the world did you tell that D guy.

Sigh, whatever, I didn't really have anything to do here anyway, a little bored, or so to speak. This could be a better way to escape someone in here who aimed to kick me down a pit hole with their good intention.

"Sure, let's go on then"

  Instead of a happiness from successfully invited a guest over like an inviter should have, Hans looked more like a death row inmate resigned to their fate.

----

Well equipped with the very same cloak I bought last time, we broke through jail with an excuse of 'visiting a good old friend' and took on a public carriage. It was currently a bit past noon when we arrived at the destination, at the end of the alley there was a plain-looking house. 

Hans knocked on the wooden door with irregular rhymes before stepping back and wait a few seconds before a white long bearded old man dressed in tattered simple clothing to show up from behind.

Bearded old man took a quick glance at us. He didn't say anything as he shifted aside to give way.

Inside, I saw an ordinary lodge decorated with little to no furnitures at all. The old man squatted down and hacked open a floorboard, which revealed itself a staircase leading downward into the dark with dimming candle lights lit up on each side. Hans took up the front and strode along the creaky steps with much familiarity. Pulling down my hood, I followed behind a step at a time.

At the end of the path we entered a room that was currently holding a gathering. There was nothing flashy inside, just a normal room you could find anywhere else with an exception that it was super gloomy that it looks more like an occult room than a gathering. In which is technically the truth since both are mysticism at its core. There was a long table at the center with sparse chairs lined up left and right and even fewer figures dressing in a cloak occupied those seats. Understandably, this is Tingen after all. There weren't that many beyonder to begin with and a sequence 7 here was equivalent to the Nighthawk's captain here, probably the most intimidating level they could imagine.

Immediately after I entering, I saw someone waving his hand vigorously like an air dancer, catching many participants' attention while someone whom I assumed to be his mate keep holding his hand down. Because of that guy's action, causing half the entire room to turn their sight toward me and Hans... That should be our party members.

Woah, can't you just gave us a light wave? What with that overly enthusiastic move. Between two of Hans's acquaintance there was one who resembled a dumb husky. If memory served me right that must be the D guy. 

To avoid getting any more questioning gazes from other I strode toward him before Hans could even sigh in helplessness, I truly realized now why Hans had so many white spots on his head. It was already good enough he didn't go bald yet. Just spending one moment seeing that guy's face made me want to find something to scratch my fists so bad. And now thinking about how long they had been working together. Good guy, is it possible that Hans could have a patch of white hair since his prime? And all of that because of this guy.

There were two seats reserved for me and Hans, obviously I chose the farthest one. Called yourself lucky today Mr. D, I'm a person with a great self-control if not I might as well really throw hand on the spot.

"Long time no see Miss Megose!"

We just met days ago sir. Also, keep your voice down please, thank you.

"I haven't introduce them to you last time. The one closest to us here is Edmund and on his right is Kenneth."

"Um."

"Nice to see you again Miss Megose. We and Old Hans used to work together before but your uncle has been retired long ago. The last time I saw him I thought he wouldn't come back again after that time"

"Let's not talk about that shall we?"

"Aish, my bad my bad..."

Oh-ho, there's a background to it? I wonder what kind of person Hans used to be.

Edmund leaned forward slightly, a glint of curiosity shone in his eyes. I have a wonderful feeling about this.

"Actually, Miss Megose, I called you here today because I wanted to borrow that beyonder item you have"

Pardon? No, hold on, what are you talking about? When did I have such an item on me. I have only a couple of pounds, barely enough to afford a potion's main ingredient at most. I sideway glanced at my suspect. I couldn't imagine just under what kind of circumstance led Hans to cook up that idea. 

"Why?"

Edmund lowered his voice.

"It should have some effect that's capable of suppressing spiritual perceptions. When we met previously I haven't seen anything weird as usual, although it was only for a short moment so I couldn't deduct if it was a coincidence or not"

Seeing weird things. Subconsciously, see things you shouldn't see? Is it a Mystery Pryer or Monster pathway? I should find a chance to ask him. If I'm lucky enough it could be the latter, that would greatly help me solve my problem at hand.

No wait a minute, I should be concerned about why it prevented him from seeing my abnormality. If that was my natural passive then it should also blocked Ademisaul's too. Was it temporarily glitching out? Where is the customer service button I want to file my complaint. Thinking too much won't help, there were too many matters around me that even I might not known of. At this point I'm not sure anymore if it was just a simple silly golden finger, or does it comes up with a cost. I've paid it before or was it waiting for me somewhere at the end of my path? Just how unlucky I was...

"So, can I borrow it? Renting is fine too. I want to try out and see if it could affect the wearer too and will it cause any disruption when I use spirit vision. If it does fit my taste I hope you can sell it to me"

"Ahem, I forgot to tell you this Ed, I've only learned from Megose yesterday that its negative effect caused her to wear it all the time"

Good job Mr. Hans, learn to take a responsible for what disaster you've caused.

"Huh? Then I'll wait till the effect wears off then"

The urge to click my tongue is so strong at this moment.

"I'm sorry Mr. Edmund, unfortunately I have an urgent use for it"

In short text, I have no intention of re-selling it, give up kiddo.

Edmund scratched his head anxiously. As he raised his hand a glint of light caught my eyes, he seems to wear a ring on his left hand. Is it a mystical item?

"Hmm, will its effect reach the surrounding area?"

"...It should be"

"Alright! Let's wait until the end of the gathering. If by then I didn't see anything then it should be a real deal!"

He flashed a big grin at me despite my indirect refusion.

'Seriously...'

I saw the guy named Kenneth sighed and shook his head. Even Hans looked away tensely, probably feeling guilty as a culprit to all this.

"I'm sorry for this guy's behalf for bothering you Miss Megose, I really couldn't stop him"

Understandable, I could see that.

But a thought flashed into my mind. What if I lend myself out and earn some pocket money...? No, nevermind, that would be too awkward. I'd rather sleep to death than go all the way to suffer for a few pounds.

... However, if it was a couple of two-digits or so, well, I guess I'll consider dropping by once in a while. No no, shouldn't it be three-digits right? Average sequence 9 mystical items cost about three to five hundred, wouldn't that be reasonable if I charged him at least one third or half as much? Yes, I can't let myself suffered a loss like this. 

A couple more figures entered the room only then did the gathering started. The quality of goods here were better than what I saw from the underground market, they were genuine mystical items with spiritual imprint. Of course, most of them were simple talismans, bizarre trinkets with unknown negative effects, over-boasted mystical items. However, it was so disappointing, nothing could catch my eyes much, again.

I saw a man looked around anxiously while he was trying to strike a deal with someone.

"Is Mr. Dealer here? I would like to hire a middleman again"

After the man finished speaking, Edmund raised his hand.

"Yo buddy!"

"Oh! you're here, nice to see you again Mr. Dealer"

"Hahaha alright let's go straight to the point. Same place, same price"

"Deal"

Edmund and the two men in cloak stood up simultaneously then strode to the head of the long table. The man suspected to be a seller took out a wooden box and placed it down. Due to an angle I couldn't see what it was inside. Edmund muttered something under his breath before nodding at both of them. Just like that, the transaction ended smoothly.

'Is this Mr. Eye of Wisdom at home..?'

Probably seeing me staring dagger at Edmund, Kenneth explained to me in a low voice.

"That's how he earns an extra income. He went around offering to divine the goods for others, especially in this gathering. Later on he became know as Mr. Dealer"

"Is he from a Seer pathway?"

"You're pretty knowledgeable Miss Megose, Old Hans must have taught you well. He's from a Monster pathway, it's his mystical item that gets the job done. He got that ring from his teacher"

Oh, it must be that ring I saw from before. 

As the trades continued. More people demanded for 'Mr. Dealer's appraisal. I watched in dazed as a sound of coins collided inside the leather pouch rang inside both of my ears, it was really tempting.

  "Won't someone try to rob him?" I mean, I'm already the one rubbing my hands right now.

Kenneth laughed and said to me with a straight face.

"The thing is, we leave the gathering separately"

"...Wouldn't that put him in even more at risk?"

"Ed will be fine. The person in question also offered it himself too, he gotta have a way to deal with it right? It has been months and nothing happened to him. I heard Monster have a strong premonition against danger, it should be true"

"Haven't you tell him to be careful of the Ripper?"

Hans spoke up with a stern look on his face like a disappointed grandpa.

What. What Ripper. Jack the Ripper??

"I understand why you're worrying about Ed since this area was one of that criminal's hunting ground. What's more, most of the victims are the participants here. But since last March, Ed and I stopped coming here, there hasn't been anymore Ripper's case. Unfortunately, the Nighthawk still couldn't catch that guy yet"

"The Ripper might be lurking somewhere, waiting for the currents to die down before striking again."

"Alright alright Old Hans I'll walk Ed back today"

Kenneth raised his hands in defeat despite his tone sounding like he didn't take it to his heart at all.

Hans seems to be used to this, he just sighed.

"Don't call me a naggy old man, you should stay cautious. I don't want you guys' name on Tingen City Morning Post to be the first thing I see right after I woke up tomorrow"

"Old Hans I'm not sure anymore if you're my retired senior or grandpa"

"Oh? I don't mind that but do you?"

"Haha... I'd rather stick with the Old Hans"

"Come on, don't be shy. Grandpa Hans, say it"

Ignoring their off-rail conversation, my eyes wandered off somewhere in boredom and met with something interesting.

I saw a figure, in a hood just like anyone but their build was notably shorter and thinner compared to others, roughly 150ish. From my pure guess, that short guy didn't look like a beyonder to me. Unless it's Xio, that was definitely just a child. But what caught my attention wasn't that kid, but the person he's talking to.

"This is a dreamcatcher, it'll help you with your sleeping. It can ward off any negative energy you have, including an influence from spirits, and give you a sweet dream"

"That sounds interesting!"

It was a boy's voice.

The boy turned silent for a few seconds before asking timidly.

"Erm... How much is it?"

"I'm not receiving money, I have a task for you to do instead"

"Alright, just tell me. I'll do my best"

"Just place it under your pillow every night for six days. It must be six days, no more no less understood? After that you can give or sell it to someone"

"Ok ok ok I understand, can I get it now?"

"Haha, you're one adorable kid"

"Thank you kind sir!"

The man passed an old-looking ornament box to the boy. Hey hey, you really won't let our Mr. Dealer to check it first? No matter how you look at it that thing is suspicious, plus whatever that guy said sounds like something that could send anyone's alarm on a rampage.

The boy hurriedly swept the box away and hugged it tightly like it was his dearest treasure. Because they all were currently busy dealing with their own matters, no one paid them any attention. Well, except me.

'Should I stop him?'

No, that wasn't my place to stick my nose into. I'll give him a warning after the gathering, that is, if I could catch up to him first, a very small chance. That white beard old man would probably let us out one at a time just like Mr. Eye of Wisdom.

"Miss Megose, is there you're interesting in?"

"Huh?"

"If there is, you can ask your uncle to pay"

Kenneth jokingly offered me an idea, it was actually a useful tip.

"Understood"

"Yes, yes, make sure to let Old Hans spoil you rotten!" 

Amused, Kenneth showed an absolute support to my career of abusing Hans's pocket.

Hans who witnessed everything unfolding before his eyes:...

It's ok Mr. Hans, since even your informant said so, it would be rude for me to turn down such a goodwill suggestion of his isn't it? Worry not, I'll only be using this newfound personal capital to buy supplementary ingredients for Ademisaul.

I sat through the whole gathering, stopped myself from falling asleep for a couple of times before I finally made it to the end. Yeah, it was that boring.

The three of us took the leave as a first group. Just like I thought, that old man really did let others behind us leave only after 10 minutes we left.

We took many twists and turns, from one alley to another, making sure no one could track our trails before arriving at the alley's head.

"That thing really works Miss Megose!"

"Um."

"Can you rent it out?"

"No."

"Haha what a pity"

Edmund shrugged and smiled.

"When we met again you might change your mind by then"

If only it was an item then I wouldn't​ hesitate to sold it out. What a pity, I couldn't sell myself.

After that, Edmund and Kenneth had a brief chat with Hans before bidding us farewell.

"Alright, we'll be going now"

Shoot, I almost forgot.

"Mr. Edmund, can I buy a Monster formula from you?"

Right after I said that he stopped in his track, taken aback by my request.

"Oh? You want to be a beyonder?"

"I have a friend"

Usually this would be directed at oneself but I was seriously buying it for my soon-to-be valet. Having a beyonder from such pathway close to me could help me avoid so many uncanny shits happening around Klein. Just have Ademisaul be careful not to look at me accidentally or simply gouge his eyes out. 

"I see. About that, I honesty couldn't remember the formula. How about I give next time?"

"Tomorrow?"

"No no Miss Megose, I'm a little busy lately. Is it possible to be this Thursday?"

"Alright"

Today is Monday, I'll have to wait for three days.

"What's the price?"

"Hmm, since you're Old Hans's niece then I guess I'll give some discount. How about 180 pounds?"

"160"

".. Miss Megose, that's not possible-"

"150."

"I, 175, 175 pounds. This is as far as I could go"

"At least make it 170 pounds Mr. Edmund"

"Fine..."

Edmund gave out a dry laugh, looking at Hans with dead fish eyes.

"Old Hans, your niece is... quite an interesting woman"

Oh stop, I'm flattered.

Was Hans collapsing inside behind his ever so calm face by now? No one knows.

We really bid farewell for real this time and went on our separated way and took a public carriage back.

"Seems like we'll be getting a gift for our new valet soon"

Looking at the scenery slowly passed by, I started to feel drowsy. Ah, how I wish I could just teleport back to my bed right away.

"Mr. Hans, it seems like I'll have to bother you this time. I'll pay for the formula, after that you only have to buy those supplementary ingredients"

"I'll be helping as much as I could, dear guest"

"That Ademisaul will pay you back"

Yes, that isn't my business, the debt was on him not me. 

"As for the main one..."

Should I go rob someone? I seriously considered it inwardly.

"...I'll find a way soon"

Just like that and 170 pounds off Megose's savings. It's okay, let's say it was my invest on Ademisaul. I'll cultivate him into a money tree later! I just need more patience. That's right, patience.

If Ademisaul proved not to be of any use. I'll turn him into a Beyonder Characteristic.