Chapter 3: Hidden Existences
Loen Kingdom, Backlund, Empress Borough
The hours quickly passed, and Abel and Dominique's impromptu date soon came to an end as night descended, beckoning them to make their way to Mr. A's gathering.
"Are you sure about going in without dyeing your hair?" The De Sade family's traits were well known amongst the nobles and the people with connections, so Dominique's question was not unfounded on Abel.
Abel smiled under his plain white mask, "Don't worry, I can go Beneath the Radarwithout much trouble." As he said so, the vampiress felt the shift in his demeanour. Gone was the usual measured grace her brother carried himself with, his once commanding presence softened, the natural confidence exuded by someone of his stature dimming.
In its place was a far meeker and nervous presence. His movements more hesitant, his posture slightly hunched, and his gaze, sharp and confident moments ago, subdued, darting nervously to the window and then to his hands, which rested loosely on his lap.
Dominique's lips twitched beneath her mask, her golden eyes studying him with mild amusement, "I really cannot understand how you keep pulling this off, are you sure that you didn't accidentally drink a potion or swallow a Beyonder Characteristic?"
Abel's head dipped slightly, as if embarrassed by the question. "I wouldn't be here if I were that reckless," he murmured quietly, though loud enough for the vampiress' enhanced hearing.
"I doubt that's the case," Before Dominique could continue further, the carriage came to a stop, and Roberta's voice sounded from the front.
"We've arrived, Young Master, Young Lady."
How professional…Abel thought, noting the lack of their names from his personal maid.
Dominique was the first to exit, and Abel followed behind, still playing his role of a shy, nervous, and eager mysticism enthusiast.
With Presentationand Beneath the Radar, he was confident that he would be overlooked by the participants of the gathering.
As he stepped out, he met Roberta's gaze and caught the underlying worry in her eyes, a concern that wasn't mirrored in her otherwise composed expression.
"I'll —we'll be fine, just make sure you don't get swindled." He joked, getting a small smile from the definitely-not-undercover Beyonder.
His gaze moved to the inconspicuous house across from him, and the two figures waiting outside.
Abel and Dominique made their way to them, the former skittishly glancing around as he tried to keep with his sister.
As they arrived before the two cloaked figures, Abel felt the scrutinising gaze of the shorter one, Xio.
"M-miss Xio, Miss Fors." The young man bowed his head in greeting.
Fors Wall did a double take at Abel's demeanour, whereas her friend nodded approvingly, "Good evening, Lord Abel, Lady Dominique."
Dominique's eyes scanned them as she inclined her head in acknowledgment, "Good evening, Miss Xio, Miss Fors. For tonight, please refer to me as Scarlet. As for my dear fiancé here," she gestured toward Abel with a faint smirk, "you may call him Cain."
Fiancé? Really? Abel glanced at his sister who caught his eyes, giving him a smug smile, as if daring him to break character. Rolling his eyes while noting to punish her later, he lowered his head.
Seeing the siblings' exchange, the Apprentice's mind drifted to some of the more steamy novels she's read, Submissive brother and dominant sister…The idea is not bad…
"We should head in." Xio said, unsurprised at Fors drifting off.
Dominique and Abel didn't talk any further and followed the two women towards the nondescript door.
….
….
….
The room they entered was dimly lit, with heavy curtains drawn to block out the night. A faint incense hung in the air, masking the scent of the many bodies.
Figures in masks and cloaks entered their vision, some seated in quiet corners, others standing in clusters, their discussions too hushed to overhear.
Abel's group only drew fleeting glances from the room's occupants, as most of the attention was drawn to the man in an exaggerated hood sitting on a single sofa.
Mr. A…Abel wasn't unfamiliar with the man. The first time he'd seen him was a few months back, alongside Glaint, Fors, Xio, and Audrey Hall. If I remember, Audrey bought Roselle's diaries…I should look into them as I can now read it thanks to Polyglot.
At that thought, Abel suddenly paused.
'You have a knack for languages and can speak, read, and write all common languages in this world.'
The first sentence of the perk resounded in his mind.
Mandarin was not something he learned, which could only mean, That this world is Earth. An alternate one given the Beyonder elements.
His surprise was mild, barely shocking. It was a hypothesis he could have reached earlier, had he given it real thought. But in this case, the perk had clued him toward the realization.
Though what happened, I wonder? China and the other countries must've existed at some point if I can speak and understand those languages. Loen and Intis are obvious examples. Another continent? A catastrophe? Perhaps… the legendary Forsaken Land of the Gods?
Before the Summoner's thoughts could spiral any further, Mr. A spoke up.
"I have two missions." He paused, eyes scanning the room, before continuing, "First, help me find people who believe in the so-called Fool."
Mr. A gestured to the attendant beside him, who raised the blackboard bearing the being's honorific name in Loen.
"The Fool that doesn't belong to this era;
The mysterious ruler above the gray fog;
The King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck."
As the Beyonders whispered about the existence known as The Fool, Mr. A continued, "Do not use Hermes to read what's written here. Even more so for Jotun, Elvish, Dragonese, and ancient Hermes. You shouldn't even write the corresponding descriptions; otherwise, there is a high probability that something terrible will happen."
"Help me find believers in The Fool. Of course, they might also be followers of the mysterious ruler above the gray fog or the King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck. As long as there's a clue, inform me immediately. The reward I'll provide will be so handsome that it will far exceed your imagination!"
Abel had long since tuned out the fanatic after hearing the honorific name, his eyes narrowing in thought as he recalled how he was able to tell his father and brother were Beyonders.
That faint grey fog…Seer? From the corner of his eye, he caught Fors Wall fidgeting—her gaze flicking anxiously around the room before she quickly composed herself.
Xio as well…He noted the Arbiter's slight pause, But they didn't glance at each other? They don't know that they worship the same entity? No…Fors was obviously more nervous, whereas Xio seemed to be caught off guard, perhaps recognising The Fool or his honorific name.
So Fors is likely the believer.
Abel's lips curled up as he whispered, loud enough for only his companions to hear, "Interesting."
"Do you have a clue?" Dominique quietly asked, "Do you think the existence is related to the Seer pathway?"
Xio and Fors, having caught her second question, both recalled Abel's earlier words from a few hours ago, about the other name of the Seer pathway.
Fool.
The Apprentice had considered the connection back then, and now, hearing it again, she couldn't help but feel there might be truth to it.
"Tarots." Abel whispered, keeping his thoughts to himself. Acting oblivious to Fors' sudden stiffness, he continued, "Do you recall the Capim case that happened not long ago?"
Dominique's eyes widened, "You believe The Fool is the existence that the Bandit Dark Emperor worships?" It wasn't only his sister that had a sudden realisation, the former noble Sheriff also had an expression of dawning comprehension.
To be able to recall, connect, and apply previously learned information so quickly…Fors couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and unease, Did he notice my reaction? Maybe I should tell Mr. Fool…?
The white-haired young man nodded in response to the vampiress, returning his attention to Mr. A who was moving to his next mission.
"As for the second mission," The convener of the gathering paused, again, "It's about a special existence. It's unknown if they have believers or not, but help me find anything related to The Summoner."
"Summoner?" The Beyonders who heard such a name were left confused, never having heard of such an existence.
"Is that even an existence? It sounds like a pathway or sequence." Someone said, getting nods from other participants.
Mr. A once again signaled to the attendant, turning the blackboard around to show three lines of words.
"The Summoner of Myriad Realms;
The Shepherd of All Creatures, The Keeper of True Names, The Anchor of Worlds;
The One who Summons through Eternity."
"This description, it sounds more domineering and powerful than the Fool!" A gathering member exclaimed.
"This existence, I haven't seen or heard anything related to it, unlike The Fool, who might be of the Seer pathway." Dominique mused in a hushed voice, "What do you think, Cain?"
What do I think? I think Abel Alter and Jump-chan are messing with me…Abel's first thought was one of exasperation, but he quickly pushed it aside, focusing instead on what this truly meant.
Simply put, fate is his bitch.
Chosen Onemade sure of that. It bent around him like a river diverting its course, pushing him toward significance whether he liked it or not. But unlike others who were shackled to destiny, even to their benefit, he was unbound.
Outer Reaches was responsible in this regard, keeping him unbound by destiny's whims, untouchable by those who would manipulate luck or foresee his path. Fate might try to wrap its chains around him, but they would never hold.
If he truly wished to break free of a path set before him, he could.
Yet, why should I? In this case, the revelation/creation of Abel's honorific name—which his other self definitely had a hand in—was an opportunity!
It gave him an effective way to make use of Ritebound.
This morning's problem was solved just like that. Abel hummed contemplatively as he answered his sister while playing his meek character, "Did you notice how Mr. A said 'so called Fool' previously, and 'special existence' for The Summoner?"
The Vampiress furrowed her brows, "Now that you mention it…"
"Do you think The Summoner is higher in power than M—The Fool?" Fors couldn't help but ask as she inwardly apologised to Mr. Fool for her blasphemous thoughts.
What was that M? My Lord? Master? Monsieur Fool? Madame Fool? Ms Fool? Mademoiselle Fool? Mr. Fool? Abel thought, half-curious and half-amused.
Dominique's golden eyes narrowed thoughtfully behind her mask. "The Summoner's titles do suggest a being of considerable power. However, without more information, it's difficult to determine their exact standing relative to The Fool."
Xio, who had remained silent until now, nodded in agreement, "It's best to avoid speaking Their names as Mr. A said."
It's already too late for the warning Xio, I'm already a follower of Mr. Fool, Fors lampooned silently.
As their discussion concluded, Mr. A finished his description of the mission, "That will be all." Thus signaling the start of the buying and selling process.
The attendees attention instantly shifted to the notices on the blackboard, displaying offers and requests of the various Beyonders in the room.
Crystal Sun Flower, 50 Pounds.
Autumn Crocus Essence, 75 Pounds.
I'm looking for a reliable method to contact the Moses Ascetic Order, price can be negotiated.
I'm looking for information on the Bandit Dark Emperor's worship practices.
I've recently acquired an unknown ingredient and need an expert to identify it. Payment is negotiable.
"It's an interesting setup." Dominique remarked, her golden eyes flicking over the various notices.
Abel glanced at the blackboard and responded with a calm tone, "The anonymity helps keep people's possessions and intentions hidden. Many come here to make transactions without revealing too much. The less others know about what you possess, the less likely you are to become a target for greedy hands."
He added, almost as an afterthought, "The greedy will achieve anything at all cost, to them, your life has a price."
"Did Emperor Roselle say that?" His sister raised an eyebrow, asking.
Abel chuckled at the thought of the plagiariser, "No, a scholar I read about did."
At that moment, Xio called out to him, "Cain, someone is selling an ingredient for Sequnce 9 Monster." She tilted her head in a direction, making Abel and others follow her gaze.
Beyonder ingredient for Sequence 9, Monster, 600 Pounds.
Ingredient? Don't they mean Beyonder Characteristic? No, the knowledge of Law of Beyonder Characteristics Conversion and Indestructibility is high level, so while the phenomenon might be known, the name wouldn't. Fors concluded, having learnt this knowledge from her fellow Tarot Club member, Miss Justice.
The author subconsciously looked to the siblings and caught them exchanging glances, and Dominique lifting her hand to signal a facilitator. They know that it's a Characteristic and about the Law?
"I would like to buy the Sequence 9 Monster Ingredient." The Vampiress quietly told the facilitator who nodded.
"The person said that they'll only trade privately."
Dominique nodded, "That's acceptable, but my companions are coming with me."
The attendant said no more, as he went to inform the seller of her decision.
Truly, I am the Chosen One, Abel mused, now standing at a crossroad. Out of the four options, Fool, Hermit, Door, and Wheel of Fortune, three were available to him.
Fool actually being one the formulas his house held, and Door, more than likely accessible through Fors.
"The seller has agreed." The attendant returned with the news, snapping Abel out his thoughts.
Under his mask, the corners of his mouth curled upwards, Let's see what fate has planned.
The die was cast, and Abel couldn't help but feel a sudden thrill of anticipation, wondering how fate would make him become a Beyonder.
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