LOTM: Traveling between epoch

West Borough, Sivilas Street, Number 49.

Eli Walker used Mirror Travel to return to the villa he rented in West Borough, not far from the Loen Royal Family's Sodrak Palace.

If Arrodes hadn't directly connected the two mirrors, Eli would never have dared to frequently use Mirror Travel in this district. The Justiciar Pathway possessed an acute sensitivity to its dominion.

"Welcome back, Eli Walker."

Arrodes sent a Loen rune of enthusiastic welcome through the Spirit World.

"Mm, thank you for your trouble."

Eli removed the "Wraith Possession" as one might shed a coat, returning to the form of a novice Secrets Supplicant at Sequence 9.

He hadn't killed the two from the Libidinous Brothel because the Werewolf and Zombie characteristics were neither urgently needed nor particularly rare. Rather than hoard them, it was more useful to allow them to continue serving a strategic purpose.

After reclaiming part of Wraith Steve's savings, Eli's wallet had been adequately replenished. There were no impoverished individuals at Sequence 5, after all.

At the very least, it would cover his pocket expenses for the coming weeks.

"Begin tonight's evening lesson, then sleep. Creator of All, Omnipotent and Omniscient God, You are..."

After a brief moment of acting, Eli washed and retired for the night. He often forgot which persona he was performing—perhaps a Secrets Supplicant, a prayer-addicted marionette who would direct his pleas at any divine being.

---

**The next morning.**

Alice freeloaded breakfast again.

Only then did Eli recall that the Libidinous Brothel duo had been chased into East Borough, and Alice had chosen to live there—partly to save money, partly for proselytizing.

He hadn't noticed it before.

"Alice, tell me, is it possible that the Werewolf who escaped last night might come after you?"

Eli asked, more to tease than warn. With him around, retaliation was unlikely.

"Let him try. I passed the Inquisition's assessment—I just chose not to join."

Alice narrowed her eyes, unafraid. Backlund had more than one Beyonder of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church. She was merely the youngest. If anyone dared to lay a hand on her, retaliation would be swift and collective.

"Then why do you keep running to East Borough, knowing it's under the Punishers' jurisdiction?"

Eli found it amusing. Whether it was the Eternal Blazing Sun Church or the Aurora Order, they all seemed to like planting personnel in East Borough. He himself was no exception.

"You don't want me proselytizing in North Borough, where the Nighthawks patrol. The people in East Borough are those who need the Sun the most. What's the Storm Church even doing? They can't even blow away Backlund's smog."

Alice glanced sideways at him with scorn, then leaned close as if sharing a secret.

"Besides, don't you think it's more fulfilling to convert Lord of Storms believers to my Lord?"

Eli was taken aback. Faith can be played like this?

Ah, no, you truly believe.

"Alright, I'm off to proselytize. If anything happens, have Martin come find me."

Alice jumped from her chair and made to leave.

"Wait a moment. You don't even speak the Loen language fluently—how are you proselytizing?"

Eli held her back, genuinely curious.

"Who says I don't? Praise the Sun."

Alice smiled confidently.

"The weather is nice."

Eli replied, also in Loen.

"Praise the Sun!"

Alice repeated again.

So… you only learned that one phrase?

Clearly, her status among her peers was that of a mascot.

Eli understood. And how does one treat a mascot?

He pulled out a few candies and slipped them into Alice's pocket. "You can eat these on the way."

"Thank you for your contribution to the Eternal Blazing Sun Church's mission."

Alice said, making Eli's smile freeze slightly before she quickly skipped away.

"Young Master, Viscount Glaint's family is hosting its usual cultural salon. Would you like to attend?"

Martin stepped forward and asked.

"Of course. Why wouldn't I?"

Eli planned to keep slacking off and wait for the Nighthawks to arrive and check his "Chavaz" meter.

If they didn't come, then he'd keep going to school.

---

**That night.**

Eli's spirituality stirred. He was pulled directly into the dream world, materializing inside the solemn and dignified St. Samuel Church.

He wore clerical robes in black and red, held the "Night Revelation" in his arms, and looked blankly at the familiar gentleman before him.

This man, also in clerical vestments, appeared about forty years old. His deep-blue eyes and thin, comfortable face exuded composure.

"Bishop Elektra?"

So this was the benefit of having connections?

Other potential wild Beyonders only received a perfunctory Sequence 7 investigation, but for him, they sent a Sequence 5?

"The Machinery Hivemind informed us of your situation. You've become a Beyonder?"

Bishop Elektra asked.

"Yes. As you know, Sequence 9 ingredients aren't expensive."

Eli didn't expect such directness, so he responded frankly.

"If you wished to become a Beyonder, why didn't you go through the Church's official channels?"

The Bishop's tone bore a trace of reproach.

"My mother only wanted me to join the Church, not the Nighthawks."

Eli spread his hands helplessly.

It was true. The Maynard family, as a key pillar of the New Party, wasn't lacking in funds and wasn't keen on its offspring joining the Nighthawks.

Although it wasn't officially stated, the Nighthawks were mainly composed of ordinary believers. These believers joined the squad to accumulate merit, gain promotion, and improve their station.

Few noble children entered the Church in the first place—fewer still the grassroots ranks.

Especially not the dangerous Nighthawks.

Their children would instead serve as assistants to priests with noble connections, contributing to Church administration.

Once they formally joined the Church, there would be more chances to become a Beyonder.

According to the original plan, Eli would serve in a clerical post at St. Samuel's Church after graduation. He would avoid grassroots work, gradually be exposed to more affairs, and only then consider advancing.

"You couldn't resist, could you?"

Bishop Elektra sighed.

"I just… wanted to try potion brewing. You know, as practice."

Looking at the Bishop's helpless expression, Eli mirrored it. Why did this feel like being caught stealing from the sacramental table?

"Bard? That little girl from the Eternal Blazing Sun Church sold you the formula and ingredients?"

Bishop Elektra had more or less deduced it.

He knew well that properly concocted potions had a demonic allure. They tempted all nearby beings to consume them.

"No, not that. I resisted the first time. I fed it to my pet."

"It didn't survive."

Eli made a scarlet moon gesture across his chest in memory of the fallen Sun Dog.

"There was a second time?"

Bishop Elektra raised an eyebrow. A bad feeling was creeping up.

"Mm. Secrets Supplicant."

Eli spoke slowly.

And yet, he still heard the sharp intake of breath.