"You're right, that does make some sense."
Silas put on the appearance of someone hearing this theory for the first time.
After thinking for a few seconds, he said, "I'll look into it and give it a try when I get back."
"Sounds good. If it works, let me know."
Klein nodded and continued walking forward. In his mind, Klein was also calculating.
This could serve as groundwork for later. When the time comes to share the acting method with everyone, it won't seem so abrupt.
Mm, I feel like my potion is almost fully digested. I should be able to submit a special application soon.
Silas naturally had no idea what his colleague was thinking. He simply followed behind, heading toward the Evil Dragon Bar across the street.
It was afternoon, yet the bar was already growing noisy. Even through the heavy door, one could hear the fervent shouting from inside.
A hulking man stood guard at the entrance, arms crossed, his bare and muscular arms tattooed with a blue anchor.
"Good afternoon, sir."
Klein greeted him politely.
The man gave him a nod, and the two pushed open the door and entered the bar.
The moment the door swung open, a wave of heat mixed with body odor and alcohol hit them in the face. Silas nearly choked.
Scanning the bar, he quickly understood why the shouting was so loud. In the center stood a boxing ring where two shirtless men were locked in fierce combat.
Below, patrons crowded around, cheering for whoever they'd bet on or hurling crude insults at the opposition.
Klein led Silas around the ring to a billiard room in the back.
The people inside were playing pool, and when they entered, all eyes turned toward them.
"Mr. Swain."
Klein removed his hat and greeted a burly older man.
"Mm, you're here."
The old man had the bearing of a soldier, with brown hair, blue eyes, and a worn naval officer's coat.
After greeting Klein, he looked Silas up and down, then waved the others out of the billiard room.
Once everyone had left, Swain turned to Klein. "I heard that Old Neil nearly lost control and was taken away?"
"That's right. In fact, if it weren't for this new colleague of mine, Old Neil would have already turned into an unsalvageable monster."
Klein answered truthfully.
"Him?"
Swain was surprised and looked at Silas again.
"My name is Silas Londor, Mr. Swain."
Silas introduced himself.
"I'm Swain, the owner of this bar. I used to be the captain of the Mandated Punishers team in Tingen City."
Swain said, "From the looks of you, you're support staff as well. How did you save Old Neil? Are you also a Seer like him?"
"Close. I'm a Secrets Suppliant."
The moment Silas spoke, he saw Swain's body instinctively lean back.
"Aurora Order?"
He frowned.
That's quite a reaction.
"I have nothing to do with the Aurora Order. Becoming a Secrets Suppliant was an accident."
Silas quickly explained.
Perhaps his explanation worked, because Swain seemed less guarded. After chatting a bit more, he stepped aside, revealing a hidden door.
"Go on in. Don't cause trouble. Also, if you see something you want but don't have enough money, you can borrow from me. I'll charge reasonable interest."
Beyond the door was a series of connected rooms. After passing through several, the space suddenly opened up into a small plaza with tiers.
Each level had people setting up stalls, displaying herbs, jars and bottles, old books and manuscripts, or strange antique-like objects.
More people moved between them, browsing for goods or haggling with vendors.
"Let's just browse for now. Is there anything you want to buy?"
Klein asked.
"I need a ritual dagger, a carving knife, and some candles."
Silas answered.
As a Secrets Suppliant, he didn't need many ritual materials. Flesh and blood were enough.
"Right, you should get a dagger and a carving knife. They're useful for engraving patterns on charms or creating spiritual walls."
Klein nodded. "Let's check over there."
He led Silas toward the central staircase.
This level mainly had stalls selling metal materials and amulets. The amulets were mostly made of gold, silver, or copper, adorned with artistic designs and mystical engravings.
They looked nice enough, but through his Secrets Suppliant vision, Silas could see they were all ordinary items with barely any spirituality.
Oh, right, once I learn how to make amulets in a while, I should make one for Cecilia first.
Silas thought to himself.
"Do you have silver daggers and carving knives?"
After browsing a stall selling gold and silver materials and tools, Klein asked.
"Yes."
The vendor was a balding middle-aged man.
He pulled out a cloth bundle from behind him and unwrapped it to reveal rows of silver daggers of various lengths and styles.
"How much for this one?"
After looking for a moment, Silas picked out a moderately sized, unadorned, simple dagger.
"13 soli."
The vendor answered.
"All right."
Silas picked up the dagger and made a few practice swings. Seeing no issues overall, he nodded and pulled out bills from his wallet to hand over. The vendor stared at the money for a moment, seemingly unprepared for Silas to pay so readily.
"You're just... paying like that?"
Klein said in surprise from the side.
"Yeah."
Silas never bothered haggling. As long as he thought the price was reasonable, he'd pay.
If the seller was the type to overcharge, he wouldn't haggle either; he'd just walk away.
"Oh, right, I forgot you're not short on money now."
Klein smiled, then began purchasing some silver pieces from the vendor and quite openly bargaining.
Silas had no opinion about his haggling. Everyone had their own way of living. He put away the silver dagger, stood up, intending to browse other stalls, but accidentally bumped into someone behind him.
"Ah!"
The person let out a soft cry, the voice delicate and stirring.
"Sorry, are you all right?"
Silas apologized.
He looked closely and saw it was a sweet-looking woman with a round face. Her features weren't particularly striking, but the more you looked, the more appealing she became.
Actually, she could truly be called a beauty. Since Silas had transmigrated here, she was probably the second most beautiful woman he'd seen.
Who was first? Naturally, his sister Cecilia.
This wasn't some doting brother filter. His sister really was exceptionally beautiful.
"I'm fine."
The lady said quietly, her slender eyes sweeping across Silas's face.
Hm?
Silas suddenly felt something was off.
This woman seemed to carry a faint aura of corruption.
It wasn't like the twisted, mad feeling of the True Creator, but it wasn't a good sign either. Rather, it gave a suffocating sensation of slowly sinking into a mire of despair.
Seeing his expression change, the woman seemed frightened and immediately lowered her head. That faint aura also vanished. She hurried past Silas and walked away.
That aura disappeared again.
Silas blinked, staring at the woman's graceful retreating figure, but still didn't see anything strange. He couldn't help but wonder if he'd seen wrong.
"Ah, Mr. Azik."
Just as Silas was doubting his own eyes, he suddenly heard Klein greeting someone nearby. He turned his head toward the sound.
A pale color, as if symbolizing death itself, obscure and terrifying, suddenly and without warning flooded Silas's vision.
Boom!
He felt his head explode with a loud crash, and then he lost consciousness.