Chapter 72: Lynn's Request

"Forget it, let it be…" Lynn leaned back as if resigned. He looked at Klein and said, "I really shouldn't tell you these things, but I just couldn't hold it in. Such a big matter feels uneasy if not mentioned, think of it as a final confession..."

"Don't worry, I'll keep it a secret for you," Klein comforted him. "And besides, I have friends who believe in secret existences too. Although the one you believe in is someone I haven't heard of, essentially, there's no difference, right?"

"I knew you'd say that, Sherlock. You're indeed a friend I recognize..." Lynn smiled and gave Klein a thumbs-up. He then sat up, looking more serious.

Lynn said, "Actually, I'm not just telling you this to confide, I also want to make a request."

"Go ahead," Klein was puzzled but took on a serious expression.

"If... I mean if one day I really die because of this, please take care of my affairs. I'll write a will and give it to you later," Lynn said seriously. "If I don't die but become evil, crazy, or a complete degenerate, please report me to the church."

"Don't worry, I'll use the Spectator pathway ability to make myself forget this request, so even if I degenerate, it won't target you. But please, be careful."

"Please, Detective Sherlock."

Hearing this, Klein was stunned. He had considered what kind of request Lynn might make but hadn't expected this.

Really... Klein took a breath and nodded, "I remember it now, I'll take your request."

The living room fell silent again, the atmosphere turning much heavier and somber. After about half a minute, Lynn suddenly chuckled and said:

"Alright, alright, don't be so serious. It doesn't necessarily mean death. Maybe, like some Beyonders joining secret organizations, nothing will change for me. That would be the best."

Seeing Lynn return to his usual self, though with hidden concerns and gloom in his eyes, Klein didn't know what to say. After thinking for a while, he asked, "When do you plan to pray to that Fool?"

Lynn, while pouring himself another cup of coffee, replied, "Hmm, I have to go to the Evernight Church first, I'll do it after that."

"Evernight Church?" Klein was puzzled, "Does this matter relate to the Evernight Church?"

"Not really. The strange person who asked me to pray to the Fool also told me an additional piece of information. I can't tell you the specifics, but it's quite significant. I might need to write a report to the Nighthawks. You know, I have a decent relationship with them."

Lynn took a sip of coffee, looking bitter. "Otherwise, I might not need to pray to a secret existence, and I'd just disappear from Backlund."

"If it weren't for praying to the secret existence being so unsettling…" Lynn sighed, "I'd probably be outside Saint Samuel Cathedral by now."

Klein: ?

What? This sounds like something big is happening!

Klein was curious but didn't ask further since it was clear from Lynn's attitude that he wasn't planning to share the extra information.

Klein decided to ask the church directly after Lynn reports it. Thanks to the connection with the Angel of Secrets, he could easily get the information.

Lynn, who had already laid the groundwork for reporting Lanevus, put down his coffee, stood up, and said, "I'm leaving now. Next time, I'll bring the will and the commission fee."

"Goodbye, my friend."

...

After seeing Lynn off, Klein closed the door, drew the curtains, and walked backward four steps to the gray fog.

Klein took out the divination pendulum first to confirm if bringing Lynn into the gray fog would bring danger to him.

The answer was negative. Bringing Lynn into the gray fog wouldn't endanger Klein. The Angel of Secrets' actions, as usual, though ambiguous, were without malice.

Relieved, Klein made up his mind.

When Lynn prays to the Fool, he'll bring him into the Tarot Club. His spirituality was still enough to bring one more person in.

"However, Lynn seems to have lost his memory and powers like Mr. Azik. Can I really bring him into the gray fog with my current abilities?" Klein thought, puzzled.

"Then again, Lynn appears to be a low-sequence Beyonder. He's still seeking promotion. Or is Lynn different from Mr. Azik? Mr. Azik just forgot how to use his powers, but Lynn might be truly reborn and has to start as an ordinary person?"

Klein pondered but couldn't come to a definitive conclusion.

"Forget it, I'll know when I try. If I can bring him up, great. If not, there's nothing I can do."

Shaking his head, Klein left the gray fog. After a brief disguise, he left 15 Minsk Street and took an unpowered carriage to Saint Samuel Cathedral.

...

In a hotel near Saint Samuel Cathedral.

"Given the Evernight Church's efficiency, Lanevus should be dealt with by tonight. I wonder if our Fool will have a chance to appear. Should I arrange something?" Lynn mused, gazing at the cathedral from a distance.

"Maybe not. Leaving too many traces could alert the Evernight Church, which wouldn't be good. After all, I'm a friendly angel..."

Thinking this, Lynn glanced at the 0-08 in his hand and smiled, "Quill of Alzuhod, you haven't written a script to trap me yet. This doesn't fit your usual style. Are you planning something big?"

Despite his words, Lynn seemed unconcerned. If you had personally slain the Dragon of Nightmares and made it into a pen, you wouldn't be too worried about it either.

Of course, Lynn wasn't entirely unguarded against 0-08. He was always ready to overturn the table if necessary.

(End of Chapter)