types qw

Advancement

Chapter Text

The woman, Daimira, glared at Juny before looking towards Lancer.

"What are you doing here? And with a child no less?!"

Juny tried hard to hold back her sigh.

'I knew she would be rude, but isn't this unnecessary...?'

Amidst her thoughts, Juny kept her expression staid.

"I've come to help you escape. Lancer asked me to."

While speaking, Juny placed her hand to the lock and Solidified a key.

'I don't want to destroy it.'

Juny had no grudges against the Church, so destroying their stuff was unnecessary.

Just as a light sounded, Daimira's eyes narrowed.

"A child like you? You should stop messing around and leave! An inexperienced kid will only get into trouble."

Lancer grew nervous. He couldn't help but wonder if Juny will let such words slide.

But Juny didn't get mad, she, instead, smiled.

"Inexperienced, huh?"

She silently pushed the cell door open.

"I'd bet that I've experienced much more than you."

She looked down at the sitting Daimira.

Seeing Juny's attitude, Daimira's frown grew deeper.

"What nonsense are you...?"

Unsure what was going to happen next, Lancer quickly followed Juny into the cell.

Juny's lips moved higher.

"Well? Do you think you've had a life tougher than mine?"

Daimira, for some unknown reason, felt something inside of her ignite.

It might've been her competitive nature, or the way that little girl spoke. It drove Daimira angry.

"Ha... You think you have it so hard. Tell me, you child. Have you ever been hunted?"

Her voice was calm, but it contained anger.

She showed Juny a half-sneering, half-saddening smirk.

Juny could see Daimira's slight dimples.

Juny bend closer, her torso slowly moved down, stopping not too far from Daimira.

"I have. I've been hunted for my life, not for imprisonment."

Daimira flinched backwards.

She instinctively wanted to refute the girl's statement, but Juny's unwavering eyes stopped her.

The corner of Daimira's lips moved back down and even her frown loosened.

"Have you ever had to watch your parents die?"

Her voice was cold, mourning.

Juny straightened her back, standing back up.

"I've never met my dad,"

Daimira seemed ready to speak but Juny quickly finished her sentence.

"but I watched my mom tear her own heart out. So that's gotta count for something, right?"

She wore the same relaxed smile, but her eyes were completely emotionless, almost empty.

The Sanguine was silent.

But Daimira didn't stop with her questions.

"Were you ever chased out of your home and forced to live in a house on a mountain?"

Juny's smile didn't relax. She stayed emotionless.

"Sure... but I had it reversed. I was chased out of my home in the mountains and forced to live in a house inside of a city."

She offered Daimira a childish smile. A speciality of hers.

Daimira observed the girl, who spoke of her own hardships with a smile.

Slowly, Daimira, too, showed a smile.

"Have you ever known the torment of being a teacher?"

Juny's smile widened and her teeth peeked out.

"Many times, who do you think took over your 'pupil's' studies?"

Daimira hummed.

She looked at Lancer and then back to Juny.

"What's your name?"

Hearing this, Juny finally relaxed her tense smile.

"Juny. No surname needed."

Daimira nodded and lifted her chained right hand.

"Daimira La Rue. A Sanguine."

Juny took her hand and gave it a light shake.

The spirituality-infused and heavy cuffs unlocked and fell to the ground.

Same with the one tying Daimira's left ankle.

Not having the luxury of surprise, Daimira took the ancient-looking scroll Juny offered.

Seeing Lancer tear it first and Juny next, Daimira stopped hesitating.

Immediately, her vision saturated and the colors began mixing.

Before she knew it, she was standing inside of a clearly lit living room.

...

"Last time, we left off with Mediumship ritual and Spirit Channeling."

Juny spoke as she looked towards the five students.

They were: Tarkel, Degster, Natia, Jenica and Gen.

Lancer went back to learning under Daimira.

Since Daimira was a pure-blooded Sanguine, she had a very good understanding of Mysticism.

Today was Friday and it would soon be a month since Juny arrived in the Feynapotter city.

During these few days, Dager advanced to a Sequence 6 Conspirer.

Daimira also joined the Abyssal Troop as a Battle Patrol Leader.

Lancer's title also changed from Historian to Assistant Battle Patrol Leader.

Surprisingly, Daimra didn't mind Ellone or Gen, who were Beyonders from the Vampire Pathway.

It was partially because she was chased out of most of her Sanguine circles, leaving a small grudge against her kind.

Time passed as Juny hummed, ending the Mysticism class.

She had her own studies she needed to take care of.

But before locking herself away in the Dimensional Space, Juny tore a Spell Scroll.

Soon enough, she appeared before a tall, but otherwise ordinary, building.

Juny looked at the clock tower and gently knocked on the closest door.

She was in the Inizio city.

Juny promised to attend Kein's gathering today.

Since everyone who would be present was either part of Shake's Senior Patrol or directly under the Librarian.

Juny simply thought of this as a kind of meeting that she would be overseeing.

There was still time before the members were to officially gather.

The door creaked open as Juny came face to face with the Librarian, Kein.

His light-brown hair was neatly brushed and his gray eyes were deep.

Upon seeing her, Kein slightly bowed his head.

"Greetings, thank you for coming."

Juny gave him a nod before walking inside.

"Greetings, it was no problem."

Kein was more than halfway done with his digestion of the Student of Ratiocination potion.

Juny already had the main ingredients prepared, but Kein had yet to ask for them.

She didn't find this strange. Kein was very self righteous and had pretty high standards.

He probably thought that he didn't make any proper contributions to deserve the Potion formula, not to mention the main ingredients.

Juny's gaze swiped through the interior.

There were chairs placed neatly in a circle.

The circle was partially opened, allowing access inside.

Directly opposite this opening, there was a slightly elevated section with three seats.

The middle one was the highest.

Juny stared at it for a second before turning to Kein.

She didn't need to be told much to understand the hierarchy in this place.

The two surrounding seats were for Kein and Shake while the middle one was for her.

Juny heaved a sigh, she already felt a headache.

With a shake of her head, Juny opened her Pocket Dimension and took out a Spell Scroll.

There was a particular spell on this which she made using her own blood and some materials from The Void Pathway.

It would disturb the surrounding space to change her appearance.

Juny used something similar while making the 'edit' inside the Count's mansion.

'Can't look like a little girl in front of my indirect subordinates.'

'Ugh, just thinking about it makes me feel sick...'

Juny did her upmost best to keep her face together as she approached the seat.

She stole a glance at Kein.

Noticing this, Kein slightly tilted his head.

"Is there something? If it's about the seats, the middle one is indeed for you."

Juny seriously forced back a sigh.

'It's fine, I probably won't have to talk much... I hope.'

Juny gave Kein a nod before tearing the scroll.

'This Spell Scroll has 2 hours time limit. If the meeting prolongs, I need to rip the backup one.'

Amidst her thinking, Kein's eyes widened.

Juny's figure pulsated and darkened right before his eyes.

Soon enough, her face was unrecognizable and so were all of her features.

It was as if looking at a shadow in black clothes.

Juny's height kept changing and shrinking.

One wouldn't even be able to properly tell the gender.

Juny, of course, saw Kein's bewilderment and offered a smile.

To Kein, he saw the facial shadows lift and bend until they resembled a smile.

Kein could instinctively tell that Juny smiled, but the shadow didn't reveal Juny's lips.

Even though the change was minimal, Kein was sure that he would be able to tell what expression Juny was making.

Not because he could distinguish in the shadow, but because he knew.

It was the kind of information that simply existed in his mind.

Looking at the blackness without features, Kein could 'feel' what face Juny wore.

It was strange yet very intriguing.

'I need to ask more about that.'

Upon making a resolution. Kein followed Juny and sat beside her on the elevated platform.

Soon, a knock sounded on the door.

Kein was about to stand up to get the door, but Juny stopped him with her hand.

Before he could raise a question, the door-handle flashed with Violet-black flame and the door opened on its own.

Behind stood a hooded man.

Upon seeing that there was noone behind the open door and that a strange shadowy figure sat in the highest seat, the man flinched.

He immediately remembered what their Leader, Kein, spoke of last time.

As if he had a realization, he bowed his head in greeting.

Before he could say anything, Juny raised her palm.

She didn't speak and only motioned towards the chairs in the circle.

The man didn't hesitate and immediately found a place to sit after closing the door.

Juny silently chuckled at the man's reaction.

'It's like he's meeting a boss's boss. Well... it's not technically wrong.'

In the span of the next 10 minutes, a total of 23 members gathered.

Their reactions upon seeing Juny were the same.

It was quite humorous for Juny although Kein didn't seem to have any reaction whatsoever.

Once all members arrived, Kein spoke.

"Since everyone's gathered, let's begin. Does anyone have any new knowledge they'd like to share?"

The members shared glances, obviously nervous because of Juny's presence.

Juny tried her best to not sigh.

'Are they going to just stare at each other like that? You're making this more awkward than it needs to be!'

Amidst her complaining a person, seemingly a hooded lady, spoke.

"I've been thinking about our last debate concerning the Fourth Epoch. I searched and found some manuscripts about the War of the Four Emperors. It mainly mentioned the Tudor Empire and its Blood Emperor. I'm not quite sure about most of its content, but there was mainly the mention of the Abraham family as the Angel family. Does anyone know what an Angel family is?"

Juny gently raised her eyebrows, although noone would be able to see that.

'Oh? This is more advanced than I thought.'

The lady turned to a particular man. Juny figured that he was the main character in their previous debate.

The lady and man locked eyes as he spoke.

"I don't know the exact definition, but if we're talking about the Tudor Empire, then Angel Family might relate to a powerful Beyonder family in support of the Blood Emperor. This would mean that alongside the Abraham family, there was also the Antigonus family and the Tudor family as the Angel families."

Hearing this, a different man spoke.

"If this is true, then the Solomon Empire and the Black Emperor also had Angel families. They would be Medici and Zaratul, no?"

A person, probably a woman, added to the different man's statement.

"If so, then the Zoroast family would be on the Black Emperor's side as well. Although I'm not very sure about the Underworld Emperor, the Night Emperor was supposed to be supported by the Augustus and Sauron. Are they also these so-called Angel Families?"

An older man gently raised his hand.

"The Underworld Emperor had the Eggers family as support, that I'm sure of."

A completely different man spoke up.

"But this is all just speculation around the fact that Angel Family truly is a title of a supporting family. It could very well be a completely different meaning."

Juny momentarily zoned out.

'They're right, an Angel Family is a family which held an Angel. So which held a Sequence 2 or Sequence 1 Beyonders. Abrahams were in hold of the Door pathway and supported the Blood Emperor... They've got the families right, but they are missing some. Although the Underground Emperor's supporters are mostly unknown.'

The hooded first lady spoke up again to calm the raging arguments.

"The war of four Emperors is a Beyonder war, right? Then would the terminology 'Angel' refer to a certain level of power? Like a high Sequence?"

Kein quickly added before anyone interrupted.

"An Angel refers to a Sequence 2 or a Sequence 1 Beyonder."

It was knowledge necessary to continue this discussion.

This first debate soon ended and another discussion began.

During the entire exchange, Juny remained completely still and quiet.

It was mostly because the participants had enough knowledge to come to their own conclusions. And if not, Kein would provide assistance.

There was no need for Juny, the boss's boss, to say anything.

Although she silently scoffed and corrected any of the participants remarks or added any missing details.

She enjoyed it. Although there was nothing new, it allowed her to review all of her already existing knowledge.

After a long while, and after the ongoing discussion ended, the very first hooded lady spoke up.

"In the manuscript I mentioned, there was also a mention of the King of Angels. What does that mean?"

This question wasn't aimed at the participants, but at Kein.

Juny silently sighed.

'He doesn't know that... I didn't tell him about the Kings of Angels yet. Well, even I don't know all of their names. There was no reason to teach something I don't fully understand.'

Juny sneaked a peek at Kein's face.

His pupils were slightly dilated.

As someone who has taught him and often discussed with him, Juny knew that he was currently deep in thought.

'Hmm, not yet. I should give it a while before answering.'

After a second or two, Kein gently shook his head.

"I'm not sure, but it might be title belonging to the strongest of the Angel Families. Or the Strongest member of each family."

Hearing this, Juny tried her hardest not to smile.

'I'm so proud. You're so very close with almost no knowledge. You're my favorite person to teach.'

Juny's eyes calmly scanned the participants.

Most were thinking, some were nodding, but the hooded lady looked disappointed by the indirect answer.

A man in red coat spoke.

"Isn't that a bit strange? How would they measure the strongest amongst all families? I think that the possibility of a strongest Beyonder in each family is more favorable."

Immediately, a shorter lady refuted.

"But that wouldn't be King of Angels. Since a King rules, no? So then being above Beyonders which are not titled Angels wouldn't make them Kings of Angels."

Another black-haired man pointed out.

"But the Angel Families were under an Emperor. Wouldn't calling oneself a King be strange? Maybe it was a direct title of the Emperors who stood above the Angel Families. Thus being Kings of Angels."

Things soon became chaotic.

So chaotic that Juny started to feel a headache incoming.

Especially because the participants's hypothesis were getting further and further away from the truth.

Amidst the fierce and overly-loud debate, everyone went silent.

It was so abrupt that most continued moving their lips.

But no matter what, no sound came out.

Without needing a signal, everyone turned to the elevated platform.

Juny smiled and spoke in a calming voice.

"For disrupting your exchange, I apologize. But I fear that if this were to continue, everyone would leave this place dissatisfied."

Everyone flinched at the shifting voice.

It was slow, steady and gentle, but it kept on changing the pitch.

It was strange but not unpleasant to the ears.

The participants found that their voice was back, but noone made a sound.The participants found that their voice was back, but noone made a sound.

They all managed to catch the hidden context in the mysterious person's words.

'Everyone', not 'you' but 'everyone'.

This included the mysterious person.

Realizing this, it made sense that the mysterious person would be dissatisfied if they continued in the direction they were headed.

This meant that the mysterious person was going to show them the right way.

Noticing the expectant gazes, Juny continued.

"Your very first guesses are not far from the truth. A King of Angels is a concept as well as a title. This title is given to those who've taken a step into Godhood."

Juny calmly leaned back into her seat.

"Those who are step above a Sequence 1 Angel but have yet to become full gods, are referred to as Kings of Angels. The time or family are completely unimportant."

Juny then met eyes with the hooded lady.

"The Abraham indeed had a King of Angels in their ranks. This may be why those manuscripts of yours mentioned it."

Hearing this, the hooded lady shook and quickly bowed, showing her gratitude.

Once that was finished, Juny went back to being a silent spectator.

Kein, who was previously the most startled by Juny's speech, asked.

"Are there any other topics you'd want to cover?"

Seeing that noone spoke up, Kein concluded.

"Then let's end today's meeting here."

As soon as they heard that, the members stood up in clear order.

One by one, they bowed before leaving.

After this repeated a few times, all of the 23 participants disappeared.

Juny secretly heaved a sigh.

'My backup Spell Scroll is running out... this took much longer than I thought!'

Juny stood up from the uncomfortable seat and yawned.

She then looked at Kein and smiled.

"That guess of yours was very good, considering that you only had a few seconds to think of it."

Kein, who was already standing, heaved a light sigh of relief.

"Thank you, Scou- Juny."

Juny slowly raised an eyebrow, but soon recovered.

"No problem, Mr. Librarian."

Kein flinched.

Juny could swear that his cheeks flushed red, but she didn't tease him further.

She pulled out a Spell Scroll and smiled.

"Then, I wish you good day."

Kein gently shook away the embarrassment and nodded.

"Thank you, I wish you a good day."

Hearing this, Juny ripped the Spell Scroll.

"Thank you."

...

The tall trees towered and cast a heavy shadow.

Chirping was a rarity as all birds got flew away from the dark atmosphere.

Deep inside the woods and high on the mountain, a dark yet elegant mansion stood apart from its surroundings.

Two deep red eyes pierced through a window and took in the scenery.

The stunning lady caressed her slightly wavy Chocolate-brown hair before lifting a wine glass and taking a sip.

Upon hearing a light click, Daimira's attention turned towards the door.

There, stood a short girl with unique but aesthetically pleasing clothes.

Juny gave her a greeting smile before looking around.

"You should really clean this place, you know?"

Daimira smiled back and shifted her body in Juny's direction.

"This place is so big and cleaning is boring."

Juny gave her a mocking look and closed the door behind her.

"I could clean it for you."

"Pft- Haha."

Daimira scoffed before laughing out loud.

She quickly calmed down and exhaled.

"Fuu... Having my house cleaned by my boss, that's something to boast about!"

Her tone was bright and seemingly very amused.

Juny simply shook her head with a smile before placing a black box down on a table and sitting down.

"Then how do you clean? I don't suppose you make Lancer do it."

Daimira hummed before smirking.

"No way, I don't even think he knows how to clean."

She took a short sip before adding.

"I usually make my blood servants do it."

"Oh?"

Juny couldn't help but show surprise.

She then slowly looked around.

Understanding Juny's puzzlement, Daimira waved her hand.

"They died. I need to find new ones."

Juny nodded and looked out the window.

"Why are you here? You don't like the city view?"

Daimira's mansion had two main rooms.

One, the one they were currently in, was facing the forest, meaning that they could see the dark and tranquil forest.

The other one was facing the Feynapotter city.

Daimira followed Juny's gaze and also looked at the landscape outside the window.

"I don't mind it, but right now, I feel distaste towards the city, so the woods are better."

Juny gave a sign of acknowledgment.

She slowly moved to open the black box.

"I brought you the main ingredients."

Daimira flinched before looking into the black box.

As a Sanguine, Daimira had long digested the Sequence 7 potion, so Juny promised to help her Advance.

Daimira's eyes flickered upon seeing the beautiful ingredients containing the essence of the moon.

Seeing these neatly arranged gems and materials, Daimira couldn't help but exclaim.

"You're very fast."

Juny gave her a smile and pushed the black box her way.

"I already had them gathered for Ellone's advancement, so it was no trouble."

Daimira gently nodded and reached to touch the blood-like Carnelian crystal.

She could feel a shiver as well as a sense of longing and attraction.

The gem was beautiful and consumed all light.

"What do you want in exchange?"

In the end, Daimira couldn't help but ask.

Juny leaned back with a light chuckle.

"I don't need anything. You wanted to Advance and I had the means to let you Advance. Not to mention we're in the same organization, if you're stronger, that's better for me."

Daimira gave her a look before turning to look out the window and at the night sky.

The crimson moonlight was almost blinding, but she couldn't help but smile.

"That's rich coming from the organization's boss."

Juny cheerfully closed her eyes and slightly tilted her head, still smiling.

"I'm not forcing you. If you don't like it, you can decline and leave the Abyssal Troop."

"Ha!"

Daimira scoffed, turned away from the Full Moon and placed the mesmerizing Carnelian back into the black box.

"Not at all. You're a very good boss."

With that, she stood up.

Juny followed, lifting up and closing the black box with Space Manipulation.

They walked down the stairs and into the basement, entertaining a conversation along the way.

Daimira's mansion had, as a Sanguine's house should, a laboratory of sorts.

You could also think of it as an Apothecary's workshop, or something like that.

Apart from a lab, it was also a storage room.

Daimira walked amongst the drawers filled with herbs and stopped before a slightly larger cabinet with a lock.

After a second, the lock clicked and Daimira slid the drawer open.

She took out some herbs and medical ingredients before doing the same with a different drawer.

Soon, she held many materials which she placed beside chemistry equipment.

She brought a large black pot and an empty glass.

Juny gently placed the box next to her before taking a step back.

Daimira was fast and precise while conducting the potion.

Juny pulled out a couple of Spell Scrolls with calming effects in case of an emergency.

Daimira gave her a glance before heaving a sigh and gulping down the Potion.

It had an emerald color with deep shadows.

It changed between many different flavors as it flowed down Daimira's throat.

Daimira felt information bursting into her brain as her hands began pulsing.

Her nails grew longer with her scarlet eyes shining with green hue.

Darmine's almost nonexistent heartbeat could be heard deep inside her ears, her whole body shook at the sensation.

Her insides felt so incredibly hot, but also frighteningly cold.

Daimira didn't let herself fall apart as she did her best to analyze the incoming information.

With every new knowledge, with every new potion, Daimira's condition got better and better.

Soon, she slowly opened her eyes.

The colors fused and melted before returning to normal.

She looked down at her calming hands.

The bat-like black fur slowly receded back into her pale skin.

Daimira turned to the side, she saw Juny tightly clenching the top of a Spell Scroll.

She looked ready to tear it in two in a heartbeat.

Daimira gave her a smile.

Juny immediately exhaled and put her Spell Scrolls back into her Pocket Dimension.

She returned the smile and looked her up and down.

"How do you feel?"

Juny questioned after making sure there were no disturbances in Daimira's spirituality.

Daimira smirked.

"I feel smart."

Juny placed a hand on her waist before sneering.

"Must be a new feeling then."

"Hey! Rude."

Daimira frowned before chuckling.

She then turned to the side and began cleaning her things.

Juny gave her a hand before walking back upstairs.

"Guess you'll have to find some alchemy students. I can try to look for someone who'd be interested."

Daimira hummed before shaking her head.

"No need, you've helped me enough. I need to go find new Blood Servants anyway, I can use the walk."

Juny gently raised her eyebrows.

"Pupils that are willing to learn are not that easy to find tho?"

Daimira gave her a glance before showing a wicked smile.

"Who says they have to be willing?"

Juny opened her mouth slightly, having come to a realization.

She then looked back forward.

"I really like you."

"Heh."

...

The crimson light shone through and instantly enveloped her entire being.

The high stone pillars held up the majestic dome above her.

The magnificent place was filled with thick gray fog and long bronze table.

Inside this divine hall, three figures appeared by the ancient mottled table.

Miss Justice bowed with a smile.

"Good afternoon Mr. Fool. It is unfortunate that there is no wine here; otherwise we could have a toast to your successful trial."

Juny also lightly lifted her short skirt and bowed.

"Greetings Mr. Fool, Miss Justice, Mr. Hanged Man. It's astonishing, your might I mean, Mr. Fool."

Juny was referring to the ritualistic magic which Mr. Fool asked of them last week.Juny was referring to the ritualistic magic which Mr. Fool asked of them last week.

Juny did it immediately, since there was a chance that she would forget.

Mr. Hanged Man didn't miss and also praised.

"You are more powerful than we imagined."

Juny watched as Mr. Fool pressed down with his right arm before smiling and speaking with a neutral tone.

"Great, this means that we are on the path of excellence. If you have any matters to tend to that leave you unable to attend the gathering on Mondays, conduct the ritual and inform me. All you have to do is change the line in the incantation 'I pray for a good dream' with the reason."

Miss Justice immediately showed her agreement.

"Alright, Mr. Fool, I obtained another page of Emperor Roselle's diary. I believe I still owe you one page."

"I was away from land this week and haven't found any new pages."

Mr. Hanged Man placed his right man near his chest as he spoke apologetically.

Juny nodded gently and spoke.

"I have come across 3 pages of Emperor Roselle's diary."

Mr. Fool flinched unnoticeably upon hearing her, but he soon turned to Mr. Hanged Man and leaned back into his chair.

"No matter. I expected my request to take a long time."

He then turned to Juny.

"You may think of what you wish to receive in return."

Juny strongly held back her smirk.

'Don't worry, friend. I won't make life hard for you. If I wanted to, I'd bring the whole 15 pages and asked for something unreasonable! Hehe.'

Juny, who has long sat down, suppressed her amusement.

Mr. Fool turned to Miss Justice and Juny before speaking.

"You can express the contents of the diary now."

Miss Justice and Juny slightly bowed in coordination.

"As you wish."

Juny saw a pen suddenly appearing before her.

As if it was natural, Juny slowly lifted it and placed it onto the yellowish-brown paper.

While remembering the words and symbols, Juny saw the images in her mind slowly inscribing.

Miss Justice gently put down her pen.

"It's done."

Juny followed and similarly put down the pen.

"Mine as well."

Mr. Fool raised his hand and the four goatskin parchments appeared in his palm.

He shimmed through them and looked up at Juny.

"You can think of your request."

Seeing Juny nod, Mr. Fool moved back to read without emotion.

Juny saw Miss Justice observing Mr. Fool while Mr. Hanged Man minded his own business.

Juny already knew what she wanted from Mr. Fool, so she simply quietly waited, her thoughts wandering in all directions.

Soon, Mr. Fool looked up at the three and spoke.

"Sorry for the wait."

Miss Justice replied immediately.

"It is our honor."

Mr. Fool then moved his gaze to Juny.

Juny gave smile and spoke in an innocent voice.

"Honorable Mr. Fool, may I keep the pages on credit to ask for something at a later date?"

Juny could see a slight wave of relief wash over Mr. Fool's expression.

"If that's what you wish."

Juny lightly lowered her head.

"Thank you."

When the exchange ended, Miss Justice looked at Juny before turning to Mr. Hanged Man.

"Where can I find the Psychology Alchemists?"

Hearing this, Mr. Hanged Man shook his head.

"Miss Justice, firstly, I don't have a clue."

'Figures. You don't look like you're even slightly connected to them. No offense.'

Juny nodded at Mr. Hanged Man's statement but stayed as quiet as a mouse.

Oblivious to Juny's thoughts, Mr. Hanged Man continued.

"Secondly, I don't think there's any rush in seeking out the Psychology Alchemists. What you should focus on now is digesting the Spectator potion."

Miss Justice momentarily glanced at Mr. Fool before nodding in disappointment.

"All I want is to have plenty of time to prepare so that I can approach them more naturally."

'That's not a bad thought process. But it is a bit too dangerous. You'd be going against higher Sequences from the Spectator Pathway.'

Juny couldn't help but silently point out as Miss Justice continued.

"Alright, then when can I digest the Spectator potion and stop acting? Is there a standard that indicates when I can? I'm almost at the point where I no longer feel frustrated, nor do I hear the constant murmuring anymore."

While Juny considered speaking up, Mr. Hanged Man glanced at Mr. Fool before answering.

"If you don't use the acting method, the typical rule of thumb is to wait three years and confirm that you no longer feel restless or recieve any auditory or visual illusions."

"There is one simple test to determine when you can. That method is to exhaust your body to its limit. If you still don't hear any maniacal murmurings or see any strange things at that point, that would mean that you're ready to advance."

"With regards to the acting method, I have also just come into contact with it. It feels good, so I don't think it'll take three years."

He then turned to look at Juny.

She lightly nodded before shifting her gaze to Miss Justice.

Noticing this, Miss Justice pushed aside her momentary disappointment and looked at her expectantly.

Juny quickly organized her words before speaking.

"As I've been through this phase before, I can say with confidence that for Low-Sequence Beyonders the potion can be digested within the range of one month to half a year. Of course, this is only if you strictly stick to acting."

Miss Justice showed a pleased expression.

"One month... Great! Thank you, Miss High Priestess!"

Mr. Hanged Man repeated the statement in a whisper and looked towards Mr. Fool, who nodded in agreement with Juny's words.

Juny nodded before lightly touching her chin.

"As for the sign of digestion, hmm. You'll immediately understand."

Juyn looked up in thought before looking back down.

"When acting, do you often get the pleasant feeling that something is melting into you?"

Miss Justice excitedly concurred.

"Yes, whenever I succeed while acting."

Juny nodded.

"The feeling of finishing digestion is very similar, but on larger scale. As I said, you'll immediately understand when you feel it."

After the excitement slightly subsided, Miss Justice turned to Mr. Fool.

"Mr. Fool, have you considered adding more members?"

Mr. Fool casually leaned back.

"This started as a trial, so I didn't spend much time thinking about extending our meetings. But now, as a regular gathering, we must choose our members carefully. Secrecy is our motto."

Juny inwardly acknowledged.

'I like that way of thinking. Gotta stay mysterious.'

Miss Justice gently nodded.

"That is to say that we have to follow a process of observation, recommendation, and testing process. Yes, a process.."

Mr. Fool affirmed.

"You can interpret it that way."

At that moment, Mr. Hanged Man took the initiative to speak.

"I've heard that a Listener from the Aurora Order is searching for traces of the True Creator, which is the holy residence they advocate."

"True Creator?"

Miss Justice asked, puzzled.

Mr. Hanged Man gave a rough explanation.

"It is an ancient entity worshipped by numerous secret organizations and cults. They believe that the Creator hasn't completely perished. The Core he left behind is the True Creator."

"Since the Fifth Epoch, the True Creator has appeared in many forms, such as The Hanged Giant or the Eye behind the Shadow Curtains."

"Heh heh, many people believe that Emperor Roselle referenced the imagery of the True Creator when he was creating the tarot cards; hence, there exists the card of The Hanged Man."

'What an interesting theory... too bad it's wrong. But intriguing nonetheless.'

Juny let her thoughts wander with amusement while Mr. Hanged Man turned to Mr. Fool.

"Mr. Fool, there's nothing wrong with what I said, right?"

At this, Mr. Fool chuckled.

"I am more inclined to call him, the Fallen Creator."

"..."

Juny was sure that if she had water in her mouth, she would've spat it out in a heartbeat.

'This guy's got guts! I love it!'

She shouted inwardly while showing a stoic expression.

Juny felt admiration at the Low-Sequence speaking casually and even badmouthing an Evil God.

She listened as Mr. Hanged Man ruminated over Mr. Fool's words as if he came to a creepy realization.

Amidst his whispering, Mr. Hanged Man spoke with a smile.

"Mr. Fool, your description is indeed more appropriate. According to our observations, Beyonders who believe in the True Creator, no-the Fallen Creator, have a higher probability of losing control. The rest of them are mostly psychopaths."

'Sounds about right.'

Juny nodded in agreement while Miss Justice asked.

"That sounds scary. Mr. Hanged Man, could you share, in detail, information about each, and every mysterious organization? And also the matters regarding each cult? It's hard for me to come into contact with them during my daily life. I can only understand them through this gathering. I'm willing to pay for it. May I know what you'd like in return."

Her tone was both wistful and curious.

Juny leaned back while staring at Mr. Hanged Man who was in thought.

"I need money- a thousand pounds. It'd be best if they weren't bills marked by a serial number. Or maybe gemstones that have just been unearthed. Price them according to the Backlind Jewelry Exchange's monthly average price."

'A thousand pounds... that's around twelve thousand risot? That's a lot... hmm. The Abyssal Troop's budget is around 500 000, when counting the first's gang's safe, the money from the Black Market in Inizio and Feynapotter city, the money from a few other gangs and the money from the Count's safe. I'm not counting the gems and pretty stones which were in the safe, they might have some Mysticism use.'

'All in all, around 42 000 pounds? ... We're rich.'

Juny smiled at her inner calculations.

She was not sensitive when it came to money, nor was she one who would hoard it. But having a lot of money still made her smile.

"A thousand pounds?"

Miss Justice spoke in a shocked voice before replying happily.

"No problem, do I send it to the previous address?"

Juny watched as Mr. Hanged Man fell silent for around 20 seconds.

"Yes, send it to the Warrior & Sea Bar at Pelican Street, in the White Rose Borough of Pritz Harbor. Tell the boss, Williams, that it's what the 'Captain' wants."

"Alright."

Miss Justice, as well as Mr. Hanged Man turned to look at Juny.

Seeing this, Juny massaged the bridge of her nose.

"I'm confident in my knowledge about secret organizations so I don't want to pay to hear it again. Do you want me to block my senses?"

Miss Justice, who has already decided to pay for the information, shook her head.

"No need, Mr. Hanged Man would say it anyway and I trust your knowledge."

She then gave Juny a smile.

"If you have anything to add when Mr. Hanged Man is done, I may pay for it as well."

Juny nodded with a pleasant expression.

'Miss Justice, I really like you. Let's be friends, yeah?'

Seeing this, Mr. Hanged Man turned to Miss Justice, who similarly turned to him.

"Mr. Hanged Man, you can start now."

Juny, who already knew everything and even more, was zoned out most of the time.

She either silently corrected or added to Mr. Hanged Man's explanation.

It was confusing. Especially the Moses Ascetic Order and the revival of the Hidden Sage, but not even Juny knew the reason behind it.

She didn't really have much to share and neither did the others.

After some random information was thrown around Mr. Fool announced the end of the Gathering.

Juny, together with Miss Justice and Mr. Hanged Man, stood up and bowed towards the Seat of Honor.

"By your will."

Her vision flashed crimson red as Juny found herself back behind her desk.

"Fuu..."

Juny exhaled before leaning back.

As she observed the ceiling, Juny blurted out whatever came to mind.

"I should read some more... also, should probably think of new Spells. How is Degster doing with the Brothel? I warned him but, hmm. I hope he won't be hasty."

Finally, she moved her hand up and spread her fingers, as if trying to catch the chandelier.

Her eyes were glazed over.

Slowly, her lips parted with a gentle smile.

"There are only about 2 months left before I can proceed with my Advancement."