Chapter 488: The Aurora Order’s Premiere is imminent

"So, if nothing unexpected happens, once we solve the Backlund Smog Incident, we can travel back to the 21st century."

Upon hearing this, Klein pursed his lips, wanting to say something but ultimately saying nothing. He instinctively clenched his fists. 'Finally... Can I go back home for a visit? That's wonderful!'

"This is great, isn't it?" Lynn seemed to know what Klein was thinking and smiled. "By then, I'll probably visit your hometown for a few days. You wouldn't mind being my tour guide, would you?"

"I wouldn't mind, of course, but my hometown isn't exactly a tourist destination. Don't get your hopes up too high." Klein also smiled but couldn't resist adding a warning.

"Doesn't matter. As long as there's something to see, I'm not picky." Lynn waved his hand dismissively. Looking at Klein, he seemed to think of something. "Speaking of which, now that you've advanced to Bizarro Sorcerer, how about leaving the Despair Witch to you? It's a good chance for practice, and her abilities aren't bad..."

Klein hesitated for a second before nodding. "Alright, but we should move her to another area first. Otherwise, I'm concerned innocent people might get caught up in it."

---

Since they had already dealt a heavy blow to the Rose School of Thought, Lynn and Klein decided not to linger in the Five Seas. After saying goodbye to their friends, they returned to Backlund.

In only two months, Backlund had not changed significantly. Detective Sherlock Moriarty's friends merely thought that their old friend had taken a trip around the New Year—which wasn't uncommon. Upon Klein's return, they welcomed him back warmly.

Klein met up with his old friends a few times, re-establishing his connections as Sherlock. Afterward, he returned to the church to report and received his two months' salary, before being eagerly dragged by Lynn to watch a rehearsal by the Northern Lights Troupe.

Yes, "Northern Lights Troupe" was the public name for the Aurora Order's performance group.

After two months of rigorous training, the formerly naive and awkward performers had become completely transformed. If nothing went wrong, they would officially debut after the New Year, holding their first public performance.

"Ah, Romeo, why are you Romeo?"

On stage, Mr. A, in women's attire, recited his lines with deep emotion. His naturally delicate features, enhanced by makeup and a dress, left no hint of masculinity. He looked entirely like a stunning woman.

In the special viewing seats at the front, Klein's expression was as complex as it could get as he watched the Aurora Order passionately perform Emperor Roselle's classic play Romeo and Juliet.

Although Klein had long known about the Aurora Order's performance troupe through Miss Justice and his conversations with Lynn in the Sefirah Castle, seeing these fanatics in costume, performing with such emotional intensity on stage, left him feeling deeply conflicted.

After all, he was no longer the person he once was. With fragments of memories from the Fool of the future, Klein now held a more profound understanding of the Aurora Order.

He recalled his original destiny—how he had clashed with Mr. A on the altar, trying to summon the True Creator, and how he had fought in Foggy Town, ultimately obtaining the enhanced version of "Creeping Hunger."

Yet here he was, safe and sound, watching Mr. A play Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, all thanks to Lynn and the Angel of Secrets' intervention. The twists of fate were nothing short of astonishing.

"This isn't a bad thing, is it?" Lynn suddenly said beside him, munching on sunflower seeds as he glanced at Klein. "Watching a play is certainly more pleasant than fighting."

"Indeed." Klein nodded in agreement, taking some seeds from Lynn. "By the way, do you think it's wise to have them rehearse here while secretly contacting the Augustus royal family and arranging the summoning ritual for the True Creator? Isn't there a risk of them finding out?"

Klein wasn't worried about the True Creator's descent. With Lynn, the Angel of Secrets, Roselle, Bernadette, and himself, the ritual was bound to fail.

According to the Angel of Secrets, the True Creator's condition had even stabilized somewhat, making him less frenzied than before. So, even if something unexpected happened, they could still control the situation.

Klein's only concern was whether the Aurora Order's double-dealing would be exposed. After all, the Loen royalty weren't fools.

"Don't worry, the Evernight Church is covering for us. No one can surpass them in secrecy." Lynn reassured him with a smile. Noting the climax of the performance on stage, he lowered his voice. "You know, they're actually doing quite well. It seems these performers really have some talent."

Klein nodded in agreement, feeling both conflicted and impressed. The Aurora Order's performance was truly captivating.

'With this level of skill, could they possibly become nationwide stars?' Imagining such a scene, Klein's feelings grew even more complicated.

"Hmm?"

Just then, he heard Lynn let out a soft hum beside him, prompting him to look over in curiosity. "What's up?"

"It's nothing..." Lynn shook his head, brushing it off. When Klein didn't press further, he quickly shifted his focus to his persona from the Fourth Epoch.

"So, the Tudor Empire really intends to abandon the Night Emperor and seek support from the Seven Gods, triggering the war early?"

In a conference room in the Solomon Empire, Lynn rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"That's what Trunsoest conveyed to me. It shouldn't be wrong." Bethel, who shouldn't have been present here, massaged his temples beside Lynn. "It's likely the True Creator's improved condition recently has spurred this response."

Bethel felt exhausted. As a loyal person, he had no intention of betraying the Tudors easily. However, since they had already decided to join forces with the Seven Gods and betray him, he had no choice.

With that, Mr. Door, being as direct as ever, had come to inform Lynn without hesitation.

"Hmm, not surprising..." Lynn nodded before looking at Medici. "So, what do you think? Should we strike first? War is inevitable now. If we make the first move, not only can we seize the initiative, but it could also fulfill the ritual requirements for your ascension to Red Priest."

(End of Chapter)