"Of course, in consideration of our fellow Countrymen Status, I'm willing to offer you a 50% discount," Lin Ruo stated.
Klein was momentarily stunned by this unexpected generosity from Lin Ruo, although he saw nothing amiss about it.
After all, Lin Ruo wasn't obligated to provide him with these potion formulas for free. Teaching him occult knowledge was a matter of sentiment, not duty. Lin Ruo's willingness to give him a 50% discount already exceeded Klein's expectations.
So, Klein inquired, "How much Pounds or items do I need to purchase the Sequence 8 potion formula from you? I won't press for the price of later formulas; I'm just a Sequence 9 who recently advanced, no need to plan that far ahead."
"Typically, the market price for a Sequence 8 potion formula is around 400 pounds, and with a 50% discount, it's 200 pounds," Lin Ruo replied, deliberately drawing out the revelation, causing Klein's eyes to widen in mild shock. He was almost wearing the expression "so expensive" on his face.
Lin Ruo couldn't help but smile before continuing, "But, I don't think you need to rush to purchase the Sequence 8 potion formula from me. Dunn has been investigating the Secret Order, right? If there is an Beyonder of the [Seer] Pathway .As long as your luck holds, you'll likely acquire the Seer Pathway Sequence 8 potion formula from the NightHawks before you fully Digest this potion. Then, you can rely on your accumulated praise and apply directly to your captain for promotion. That could save you a lot of money."
Klein, after a brief moment of confusion, realized the implication and chuckled. "Is this considered a favor from the church?"
"Of course not! The potions you exchange for your credit are simply a fair return for your contributions," Lin Ruo replied matter-of-factly. He looked at Klein, who appeared a bit embarrassed, and couldn't help but recall how adept Mr. Fool was at manipulating situations. Lin Ruo chuckled again, "And hasn't anyone told you that one of the advantages of being in the church is the ability to make reasonable reimbursements and claims?"
Klein was taken aback and exchanged bewildered glances with Lin Ruo.
Klein: ???
He almost instinctively checked the sky for gathering thunderclouds. He looked at Lin Ruo, the supposed favorite of a goddess, and said, "Lin Ruo, you shouldn't say such things...uh, you're favored by a goddess, after all."
Implied was the idea that someone watched over by a goddess shouldn't make such improper remarks.
Lin Ruo laughed but changed the subject. "By the way, Klein, would you like to know what Sequence 8 in the Seer Pathway is called?"
"Yes!" Klein replied eagerly, looking expectantly at Lin Ruo.
"[Clown]!" Lin Ruo delivered the answer with a sly smile.
Klein was momentarily stunned, unable to process this revelation immediately. After a few seconds, he hesitated and exclaimed in surprise, "Sequence 8 in the Seer Pathway ... is called [clown]?"
"Yes!" Lin Ruo's smile took on a more sinister and mischievous quality. He continued, "I'll give you another tidbit. Sequence 7 in the Seer Pathway is called [Magician]".
Klein was left somewhat dazed, his initial thought being, "Are all the top positions in this Pathway being taken by circus themes?"
"I guess it's a crowded profession!" Klein couldn't help but quip.
Lin Ruo burst into laughter. Afterward, he seemed to recall something, wearing a look of worry mixed with genuine concern. He asked in the same tone, "Speaking of today, it's Monday again. Are you planning to attend that party hosted by the Fool?"
Hearing the worry and concern in Lin Ruo's voice, Klein felt a twinge of guilt for deceiving his friend. However, he couldn't afford to reveal his true identity asthe Fool. So, he maintained his composure and simply nodded in response, saying, "En."
Lin Ruo couldn't perceive Klein's inner turmoil. Inside, his thoughts continued to play out, but he kept them to himself. He continued, "I may not be able to assist you much in this matter, but my advice is this: listen more, read more, and speak less. Whatever you do, never offend the Fool. If you encounter something you don't understand at the party, you can come back and ask me. While I might not have all the answers, I do have a deeper understanding of the Beyonder World than you."
Klein's guilt deepened, and he was genuinely touched. He responded sincerely, "I will...thank you!"
Lin Ruo smiled, accepting the gratitude without any pretense. He then said, "Now, you should go rest, and I need to return to Backlund."
"En?" Klein nodded at first, then realized something and asked hesitantly, "Lin Ruo, can you control your comings and goings now? I haven't forgotten that you were pulled to me before, rather than coming by your own choice."
"Almost. After your promotion to Extraordinary, our connection may become even more intriguing than we imagine. But for now, I can spend a maximum of two hours a day with you," Lin Ruo explained. He paused and continued, "You should be able to feel the connection between us by now."
Klein nodded in agreement. He could indeed sense the unique connection between him and Lin Ruo.
"From now on, our connection may evolve with your promotion... Perhaps, when you reach a high enough level, we can unravel the mystery of this connection," Lin Ruo smiled and looked at Klein, who was lost in thought. "Of course, there's no need to feel pressured. For now, this connection seems to be a positive thing, doesn't it?"
"En," Klein agreed with a nod.
"By the way, Klein, have you figured out how to Act as the [Seer]?" Lin Ruo suddenly remembered and asked.
"Yes, I have some ideas. I plan to take on a part-time role as a fortune teller in the Divination Club in Tingen. It might help me play the role of a [Seer] more convincingly.," Klein explained confidently.
"That's a good plan!" Lin Ruo didn't seem surprised by the answer. He continued with a smile, "Speaking of which, even though I've never played as a [Seer], I have some general principles for portraying one. There are also other Seer's around here who can provide references."
"Of course, just for reference!" Lin Ruo's tone turned serious as he remembered the events from the original story. He cautioned, "Klein, you must remember that even if you share the same Sequence, different individuals play different roles. The rules of others' performances can only serve as guidance, never a complete imitation."
Lin Ruo thought of the hunters from the original story while saying this, fully aware that it was a lesson for both himself and Klein.
"I understand," Klein replied promptly.
Lin Ruo's tone lightened again, and he smiled, saying, "Then pay close attention. Here's one general rule for Acting as a [Seer]: Don't rely too heavily on divination; Divination isn't all-powerful".