"Good evening, Xio." Kiyotaka—who had just entered Bravehearts Bar and was called over by his old friend, Xio Derecha—pressed his hat to his side as he extended his hand forward.
Hearing words that did not slur and the confident gait from her savior, Xio couldn't help but smile a little. "Good evening, Williams."
Kiyotaka slowly sat to Xio's left and placed his hat over the space of counter right in front of him. He placed the small empty bag near the long stool. The bag was empty and had almost nothing inside it, save for a piece of paper, a fountain pen and some other trivial "equipment."
It was something he carried around to look much more respectable and less of a crackhead.
Kiyotaka looked to the side and down, finding the little woman smiling at him. "Is there something?"
"No. I am just surprised."
Kiyotaka didn't feign any kind of ignorance, nor did he say anything that could be considered "fishing for compliments." Instead, he nodded and looked ahead. "Well, yes, I am equally surprised as well."
Xio brow-flashed and let out a small breath. "That is good to hear. Did you leave...I mean, is there somewhere else you're working? You're awfully dressed."
The bartender who had just arrived casted a glance at Kiyotaka and reached out for the biggest mug. Realizing what he was going to do, Kiyotaka raised a hand. "Just some cold water with lemon and black salt, please."
The bartender looked surprised but decided not to pry too deep into anything. Shrugging, he moved to the other side and started to pour water. Once the glass was almost full, he put it on the counter, and sliced a lemon, squeezing it into the glass before adding a pinch of black salt to the water.
The surface of the glass had already started to condense, and dew drops started to slip over the glass.
Picking the glass, Kiyotaka took a slow sip. There were a few reasons why he had chosen to drink this combination which included hydration from water, digestive aid to reduce the nauseous feeling in his gut and the alkalization effect caused by the black salt to counteract the acidic environment alcohol had created.
While there was not enough scientific research on this matter, Kiyotaka had decided to take a chance. It was somewhat working as well so he decided to trust personal experience rather than a widely agreed-upon consensus.
He quietly smacked his lips and then blew at his fingertips before turning to Xio. "Yes, I am an Accountant now."
Kiyotaka half-expected her to snicker, or maybe respond with something satire, since being a little playful or joking was within her personality. At least around Williams. However, the reply was totally different.
"Really? That is quite nice. Is the pay good? I heard Accountants earn well. You can open up your own firm after gaining experience for 1 to 2 years."
While it was true that one shouldn't ask a man his salary, Kiyotaka had no qualms with telling her. "It is quite a lot for a bachelor such as me."
"That's good...good...you can finally move out of that place. Have a room or a shared apartment with one room all to yourself, and no restriction of entrance." Xio imagined a suitable future for him and felt giddy inside.
"Likely, yes, although my contract doesn't end for another week. So that will have to wait."
Xio crossed her arms and thought before answering. "Well, you can't search in a frenzy. And you only have one week. With so many people pouring into Backlund every month, and the ever-increasing rents, it would be hard for you to find a flat with suitable price in time."
"True. But there is not much I can do. My working hours are tedious, and I am specifically unmotivated in the night." Kiyotaka talked to her, acting as if "he" was actually her friend.
Xio nodded and then puckered her lips. "Ok, leave it to me then. I can find some suitable place for you. There might be a single flat in the building we are living in as well. It is a little on the pricier side, but the interior is well-decorated, and it is in a clean Borough."
"There are good restaurants, clubs, shops of all kinds, bakeries and parks as well. Not to mention there are many women of your age as well. Bachelor women of your age! That is quite rare...yes, I think you should come live there."
Kiyotaka didn't look at her and slowly suckled on the remnant lemon that was placed beside his glass. "Why is woman of my age a viable parameter for a good location?"
"Why not?"
Kiyotaka was about to argue, but he realized there were two assumptions that could've been made from his persistence to not associate himself women. One included Xio getting upset for her suggestions to be turned down before she said them, and second was...
"Are you perhaps homosexual?" The taller woman on Xio's right side spoke.
She was much taller than the other woman Kiyotaka had randomly seen around, standing at 165cm. She had flowing long brown hair and a pair of blue eyes. She was a beautiful woman, there was no doubt to it, but Kiyotaka didn't seem too impressed.
Part of the reason why she didn't look attractive was because of her comment. Also, because she seemed to be somewhat drunk.
'Not like I can judge her for this. I am drunk myself right now.'
Kiyotaka pasquinaded. He was exhibiting quite a degree of control since Xio couldn't tell so far that Williams too, was under the influence.
"My reluctance to get married is not attributed to my sexual orientation but rather the general distaste for it." He paused, rolling the words around in his mouth. "Perhaps distaste is a strong word. What I mean is that I do not attach any kind of significance to the act. And since it's not significant, a person such as me has no right to do it."
Xio let out a dejected sigh before turning to Williams. "This is Fors. Fors Wall. She is—"
"Author of Stormwind Villa." Kiyotaka completed her sentence for her.
Fors, who's eyes were only slightly glossed over pursed her lips. "That's me."
Kiyotaka nodded his head. "Pleasure meeting you. I have read your work."
"Oh, and I am Williams."
Actually, he had not read the book. He had only casted a fleeting glance at it, however, finding the story mediocre, he had put it down. Now that he had seen the author close by, he arrived at a conclusion. 'So, it was a self-insert story. The girl in the story is also 165 cm and has the same features as her. She weighs ninety-eight pounds or forty-four kilograms. This woman is no more than forty-four kilograms as well.'
"And?" Fors blinked her eyes quickly.
"Forgive me for my bluntness but it did not cater to my tastes. From a story-telling perspective, it was an objectively good story."
Fors breathed through her nose. "Thanks..."
As Kiyotaka drank the last bit of his lemon-black salt-water, he felt Xio staring intensely at him.
"What?"
"Well, there are two things. Where do you want me to start first?"
Kiyotaka shrugged. "Whichever you feel easy to express."
Xio hummed while Fors had her back to the two of them, paying some money to the bartender.
"Well, while I appreciate it, you seem very different. Should I be worried?"
"It brings me joy that you're worried." Kiyotaka said with a straight face. "However, there is nothing to worry, Xio. I am fine. Just...trying my best." He deliberately added a pause in his wording to drive the point home.
Xio looked a little brighter now. She smiled and then cleared her throat. "Ok, with that out of the way, tell me why you are here? What do you want from me?"
"You could tell?"
"Well, yes. You didn't really seem surprised to see me here. As a matter of fact, you got even more relaxed. So, I assumed you were looking for me. Am I wrong?"
"No. Not really." Kiyotaka straightened on the stool.
Fors who had paid the bartender looked at Xio and adjusted the strap of her purse. "I will be waiting outside, ok? Don't take too long... I don't feel too good as well."
"Ok, I will be out in a moment. Thanks."
Once Fors was outside and some of the people standing around them settled, Kiyotaka parted his lips.
"I want to gather some information on Beyonders, and potions to become a Beyonder as well." Kiyotaka leaned in, whispering as if offering her the biggest secret in the world.
Xio looked at him and frowned. "No. It is too dangerous."
Kiyotaka looked at her with a deadpan look. "Are you serious?"
He was referencing to how he was a bounty hunter and had infinite connections to different gangs. While Kiyotaka had avoided contact with them for now, he could contact them later if Xio refused to help.
"Well, yes, I am very serious. You just got your life on track. Involving yourself with this would ruin your life. And I cannot let that happen." She placed her hand on his arm. "I owe a lot to you, Williams. I would've been lost if not for you. I can't let you waste your time, or worse your life in something so dangerous as this."
"It is a personal choice of mine." Kiyotaka said with a tone of finality.
Xio sighed and then looked down at her lap. Her fists were softly clutched. She then released them, closed her eyes, inhaled and exhaled three times before opening her eyes. "Alright, ok. I won't push you too much. You're not a child, and of course, you won't listen to me."
"Now you're making me feel bad." Kiyotaka added, making Xio roll her eyes.
"Regardless, I know a few people. There is a Beyonder gathering that I frequent. You can tag along, if you wish to do so. Participation requires referral by two already existing members. I can vouch for you, and I can ask Mr. Glaint to refer you as well. That said..." Xio looked at him suspiciously.
"You are not a Beyonder already, are you?"
"I don't think I should answer that."
Xio nodded. "Almost a perfect answer. A good answer should be 'What is a Beyonder?' Get me?"
"That is not an answer, but I understand what you're trying to imply here."
Xio slapped her thighs gently before jumping from the stool. She landed on the floor with an almost muted thud. "Well then, I will take my leave now. Do not spend too long here and go home. Since you are working to improve your life, why not go out and run in the parks. They have some dedicated tracks inside the park for that."
"Yes, you should join a club with equipment for physical fitness and practice your shooting as well. It is always good to have a gun and be able to use it, for your own defense. Don't forget to eat well and sleep on time."
Kiyotaka nodded. "You too."
Waving her hand, she turned around. Immediately, her friendly expression turned rigid and strict. An aura of domination enveloped her and people who were huddled together and were trying to find seats instinctively jumped out of her way, letting her pass.
Kiyotaka looked down at his hand. The flesh at the back of his hand was clear, unlike the time when he was about to jump up above the Gray Fog. He hummed and felt a certain longing inside him.
'From Williams' memories, I can rely on her. I should stay away from the gangs, for now. I should only contact them when I am a Beyonder. Since the Church and the Police are not openly finishing these gangs, it means they have Beyonders as well. I should not be rash.'
Kiyotaka turned to the bartender. "How much?"
"The lady paid for you already." He replied as he filled 6 mugs with Half-and-Half beer.
Kiyotaka's mouth salivated but he gulped it and then talked again. "How much did the beer, or whatever she drank costed?"
"Around 10 pence."
"Does she come here often?"
"Yeah. Why?"
Kiyotaka took out 12 Pence and stacked them on each other, leaving him with £3, 6 Soli, and 2 Pence. "This is for her drinks the next time she comes."
Before the man could say something, Kiyotaka looked back. "I will know otherwise."
He placed the hat over his head and walked out of the bar. Once he was out, Kiyotaka didn't waste much time as there were only 3 hours left to 9 pm. He quickly went to the same restaurant as before.
This time had a light dinner comprising of a bowl of beef-bone broth, rye bread and vegetables.
While he preferred White Bread any day over the Rye Bread, white bread was a luxury he wasn't able to afford every day.
He made a mental note to eat white bread on Mondays and Saturdays. Once he was done, he bought 2 small bowls of chicken broth, had them packed, and then handed them to the old woman outside the restaurant.
It was also something he had decided to do. To feed the poor lady twice a week. There was no intent behind the action as it just felt clockwork to him. Maybe it was the influence of the alcohol, not fully allowing his brain to overwrite each and every subconscious tick and habit of Williams.
Regardless, whatever it was, it was worrying, however, Kiyotaka was not in a hurry to do anything about it. His first priority was to get better physically and somewhat mentally. And then, when he has the resources, get it cured in one fell swoop.
After waiting a little, he decided to go back home.
He waited 30 minutes for his turn to bathe in the joint bath. Once he had finished bathing and changed into ordinary clothes, it was already 8:30
He locked the door, hung his coat over where the window was and then laid down.
He was not sure how he would do it this time, but regardless, as if calling to something, he exerted his brain on the matter.
Suddenly, he felt an itch on the back of his palm. However, no matter how much he tried, he could not make a connection. After trying for about 5 minutes, he felt Gray Fog fill his room.
Looking up, he saw The Fool sitting at the head of the long, mottled bronze table.
"You're early."
'So, I can make a connection to the place, but without proper means, I cannot enter without The Fool acting as a conduit for it.'
'Or is the lack of "proper means" attributed to me being a non-Beyonder? Me, and The Fool are already connected to the Mysterious Space. The only thing that could decide the disparity between our control would be our status as Beyonders.'
'In case we both are Beyonders, I assume the one with the lower sequence, or in other words, the one with a higher power sequence would seize more control of the space. Yes, this sounds logical.'
'So, to match his control over the space and others, I need to become a Beyonder and advance in Sequences. I wonder what Pathway and Sequence The Fool is from.'
"I had nothing else to do."
"Alright." Klein replied and then before he could realize it, Kiyotaka was sitting at the foot of the table, totally opposite to him.
Klein rapped the table and smiled through his slight paranoia of losing control of this exclusive place. However, before he talked, he noticed something. 'Is he not able to arrive above the Gray Fog himself?'
********
Above the Gray Fog, in the high back chairs at the head and foot of the long, mottled bronze table sat The Fool and The Emperor.
The two of them exchanged some formal pleasantries and after that, a hush enveloped the entire place. The Emperor had a rather solemn look on his face while The Fool was a little guarded. However, he wasn't worried at all, knowing that be it in Beyonder status or control over the Mysterious Space, he was superior to him in both aspects.
"I would like to know all you know about the Beyonder world and mysticism."
'Heh-heh, so he is a rookie. I was being paranoid for no reason...hmm...what if he is playing into a role? What if he is deceiving me? I shouldn't let my guard down.'
Klein rapped the edges of the long table and then recalled the information. After a few moments, he parted his lips. "As you might've gathered by the talks of the other Tarot Club members, you can gain supernatural powers by choosing a Pathway. Each Pathway has 9 Sequences, according to common knowledge at least."
Kiyotaka interrupted. "And according to uncommon one?"
"Have you learnt something else from the gathering?" Klein replied with a question of his own.
"That Emperor Roselle is in the same boat as us?"
"That much should be obvious. Anyways, he had discovered that there exists a Sequence above 1 as well. Sequence 0. Basically, a true god." Klein explained and then took a breath and stopped talking.
Kiyotaka placed his chin on his palm and tried to digest the information. After about 5 seconds, he spoke up. "I understand."
"Alright. From what I have speculated, there are around 22 Pathways. Each Pathway has 10 Sequences. You can ascend from Sequence to Sequence by drinking corresponding potions and 'acting' in tandem with the potion's name. Potions are made out of Main and Supplementary Ingredients. The lower you go down in Sequences, the higher the risk of mania and losing control."
'Acting in accordance to the Potion's name? Interesting.
Also, losing control? Does a person die? Becomes a mental patient? What does it imply exactly?'
Klein huffed in a superior manner and spoke up. "You become a monster when you lose control. A very ugly looking monster with no brain left. Uglier, nastier version of zombie."
Kiyotaka nodded and looked down. After that, he looked at Klein. "Tell me more about the Pathways. How many Pathways do you know of?"
Klein smiled. "Pathways are strictly regulated by Churches. Since they're directly related to the God they worship. I am assuming you're interested in becoming a Beyonder yourself."
"I am." Kiyotaka admitted honestly.
"Figured that much." Keeping his tone casual, Klein kept talking. "I know a little bit of everything."
"The Church of Evernight Goddess has quite a few sequences under them. However, not all of them are complete. The ones they have are Corpse Collector Pathway, Sleepless Pathway, Warrior Pathway, Seer Pathway and Mystery Pryer Pathway. The first three are complete while the last two are incomplete."
"Is it because Seer and Mystery Pryer not a part of Evernight Goddess' domain?" Kiyotaka asked.
Klein raised his brows. "What made you think as such?"
"You had mentioned a law the day before. And today you mentioned Pathways under church most likely correspond to the God that is worshipped by that specific church. So, I assumed so. As for the incomplete pathways, I assume they're just stolen pathways from other churches."
"That is a viable deduction. I had never thought too deep into the matter before." Klein responded.
Of course, he was lying. He had long speculated the matter.
"What pathway did you choose?"
The corners of Klein's lips twitched. "I had found a piece of Roselle's diary once. He had deeply lamented over not choosing Seer, Marauder or Apprentice Pathway."
Klein gave a subtle hint of his pathway being amidst the three but didn't give exactly which one.
"Was there a reason behind it?"
"He didn't write any."
"Are you aware of Sequence names of these three pathways?"
Klein's lips twitched but using his Clown abilities, he kept his other expressions neutral. "Only a little."
"Sequence 9: Seer and Sequence 8: Clown."
"Sequence 9: Marauder and Sequence 8: Swindler."
"Sequence 9: Apprentice."
Klein abstained the information regarding Seer Pathway to not give out his own specific Pathway. He had given him a chance between Seer and Marauder. Of course, Kiyotaka could assume it was Apprentice since he could think that he abstained it for hiding purposes.
"Alright. Can you tell me about other sequences too?"
"Of course."
"Sequence 9: Corpse Collector, Sequence 8: Gravedigger, Sequence 7: Spirit Medium, Sequence 6: Spirit Guide, Sequence 5: Gatekeeper."
"Sequence 9: Sleepless, Sequence 8: Midnight Poet and Sequence 7: Nightmare."
"I do not know much about the Sequences for Warrior Pathway. However, there is another Pathway I have quite a few sequences of." Klein's lips twitched mischievously. "One of the better pathways that can grant you benefits earlier on."
Not being able to see his expressions through the thick fog and Klein's Clown's abilities at work, Kiyotaka rapped the edges of the table.
"If you want long-term benefit, it could be the one that will work the best for you. If you were to ask my opinion, it is one of the harder Pathways to counter and more annoying ones to deal with."
Kiyotaka sank back into the chair. "Which is?"
"The Assassin Pathway."
"What are the corresponding sequences?"
Klein rapped the edges of the table. "The sequences are gate-kept by a tight knit sect. However, after my near-death experiences with two of them, I was able to find out only three sequences."
"Sequence 9: Assassin, Sequence 8: Instigator and Sequence 7: Witch, Sequence 6: Pleasure, Sequence 5: Affliction"
"Witch? Pleasure?" Kiyotaka ruminated out loud.
"Yes. Beyonders gain the ability to cast black magic, hexes, ice magic, mirror magic and a few more abilities. Some come under domain of emotions such as desire, affliction etcetera, etcetera."
Kiyotaka scratched his chin. 'It would seem like The Fool is a member of Evernight Church. Which would explain why the greatest number of Sequences he knows of are from the Evernight Church. But why does he want me to get a Pathway that is allegedly beneficial? Yes, I think this might be a trap.'
"Tell me about the other Sequences." Kiyotaka spoke up as Klein numbered them out. While he talked, Kiyotaka thought. 'I should choose one of the three that Roselle regretted. However, it is possible that it might be a trap as well...hmm...maybe I should wait a little. But that would be a demerit as well. I can't keep postponing it.'
'Well, I suppose, without much to base off my observations or hypothesis on, I should choose what might be the most plausible action. Yes...I should do that.'
After about 30 minutes of talking about Sequences and their Pathways, Klein explained potion formulas and where to gather them.
Once that was all done, Kiyotaka immediately left the mysterious space above the gray fog. And as soon as he arrived in the real world, he immediately fell asleep, exhausted by the extended stay without being a Beyonder.
In the small room, the Crimson Moonlight slowly shone, illuminating the inside and casted a long shadow over his sleeping face.
The shadow was of a featureless face that had no eyes, ears and nose, and its mouth was stitched tight. After observing it for about 5 seconds, the "thing" turned incorporeal and disappeared.
Kiyotaka's body shivered once but he turned and faced the other way, away from the window through which he could see the Crimson Moon.