"Think about it, Klein. This world is too dangerous, and you have family to protect. We still need to find a way home…" Adrian's tone carried a persuasive edge as he spoke to Klein.
With the Actor pathway, Adrian could become anyone's best friend or closest kin if he chose. This allowed him, with his somewhat warped humanity, to blend seamlessly with humans within the barrier.
Klein slapped his cheeks, rallying himself. Looking at Adrian, he said earnestly, "Thanks, old Gao. I get it… For Melissa and Benson, I'll advance properly."
"Good to know," Adrian nodded. "Eat first. After dinner, we'll head to a secret Beyonder gathering."
Klein gave a soft acknowledgment, following Adrian to the dining table.
After a simple meal, they boarded a carriage driven by an Aurora Order follower, heading toward the Brave Sailor Bar.
At the entrance, Adrian leaned on his cane, deliberately wearing outdated clothes to match the bar's gritty vibe. Klein, however, froze—the formal suit he wore clashed with the atmosphere, too polished for the rough crowd.
Looking around, he was the only one in a tailcoat, like a refined gentleman out of place.
"Next time you come to a place like this, disguise yourself, 'Professor Moriarty,'" Adrian said with a grin, teasing Klein's awkwardness. Klein's face reddened. Adjusting his monocle, he steeled himself and followed Adrian into the crowded bar.
Just then, a capped youth approached them.
"Greetings, Mr. Abraham," Adrian Wright said to his barrier-bound self. "Shall we?"
"Of course, Mr. Wright," Adrian smiled, turning to Klein. "Let's go, Professor Moriarty—this is Mr. Wright, our client seeking assistance."
"What is this place?" Klein asked, puzzled. To him, it looked like an ordinary bar, complete with a dog-fighting pit and drunken patrons typical of such venues. The noisy atmosphere irritated Klein, who rarely visited bars, but Adrian followed Wright confidently to the counter.
"I'm looking for Kaspars Kalinin," Adrian Wright said in a low voice to the bartender.
The bartender paused wiping a glass, eyeing the youth for a few seconds before recognizing him. He nodded sideways. "Third billiard room."
Adrian Wright nodded slightly, leading the two behind him to the billiard room. Inside, a few men in shirts were playing. The two nearest, holding cues, stopped and turned toward the door.
"It's me, Wright," Adrian Wright said firmly to Kaspars.
At that, a grizzled man with a large nose, dressed in a linen shirt, spoke gruffly. "Come in, Adrian. Have you settled your matter?"
A jagged scar ran from his right eye to his mouth, and his nose, a classic drinker's red, was almost entirely flushed.
Adrian lowered his head tactfully, explaining to Klein, "It's a common name—this lad shares mine. Now, a secret: activate your Spirit Vision."
Klein tapped his left molar twice, silently engaging Spirit Vision.
His muscles tensed, nearly betraying his expression. The card players' auras were pitch-black! Of the dozen or so, all but the man who stood were corpses!
"These are living corpses, meaning there's likely a Chained pathway Beyonder here," Adrian said casually. "Probably just Sequence 6, no need to worry."
Despite the reassurance, Klein grew nervous. He'd digested his Sequence 8 potion, but a Sequence 6 opponent was daunting, and he hadn't secured his Sequence 7 potion yet…
Adrian, you're Sequence 6, but I'm only Sequence 8!
"Take them to the 'gathering,' Kaspars," Adrian Wright said softly, stepping forward. "They're 'highly capable' people. I'm enlisting their help, and introducing them is my advance payment!"
Kaspars understood immediately. After a moment's thought, he limped forward, lowering his voice. "No gathering right now. Come back in… two hours. I'll prepare masks for you. Return after full dark."
"Fine," Adrian said, tapping his cane lightly. He pulled five gold pounds from his coat, placing them on Kaspars's table, then led Klein out. Kaspars's face lit up—he hadn't planned to charge, given Wright's connection.
Klein blinked, turning to Adrian. "We're leaving already?"
"Not quite," Adrian replied. "We'll head to the café nearby. Mr. Wright will meet us there—it's part of the payment for his introduction."
Using his Actor pathway "performance," Adrian had swapped identities with Wright. A skilled actor could show different roles to different audiences—Klein saw the youth as merely someone sharing Adrian's name.
"What's his problem?" Klein asked suspiciously, sensing Adrian was setting a trap. From their time together, Klein knew his compatriot's nature.
In danger, Adrian was reliable—like when the Aurora Order saved him. But without external threats, Adrian's mischievous streak made him the threat.
Like the dazzling dishes made from Beyonder creature materials on the dining table, or the history exams Adrian crafted to evoke Klein's pre-transmigration life… Recently, Adrian's crowning prank was handing Klein a gelatinous Beyonder characteristic, nearly causing him to lose control.
"It's Beyonder-related, a bit tricky," Adrian said sincerely. "But our only source of Beyonder materials in Backlund is Mr. Z's gatherings… To gather what you need, we must explore new sources."
"Backlund's Beyonder gatherings are usually secretive. Without an opportunity like this, we wouldn't get in," Adrian assured Klein confidently.
"I think you can handle this. The Beyonder who attacked me was only Sequence 9—their backers shouldn't be too strong. If it gets tough, I've got your back."
"I see," Klein nodded. "So, you're letting me handle this because it's simple enough to train my skills? Alright… I'll do my best to resolve it."
"Exactly," Adrian smiled, pushing open the café's door.
"Of course, don't waste your professor identity. Who knows? A noble lady might hire you as her tutor, connecting you with aristocracy!"
(End of Chapter)