Meeting Mr. Azik

As Klein was walking across the streets, the university where he just graduated from appeared in his vision. 

It occupied a large amount of land, showcasing different buildings that represented different departments. 

However, Klein's destination pointed to the History Department where he met two people who always encouraged and helped him in times of need. 

Walking to the second floor, a lady who passed by, suddenly tripped, but a man managed to grab her on time. It caused a ruckus as others appreciated the man's timely help. 

Klein's eyes glanced before he ignored the commotion, his eyes steady and focused, as if he had already seen the exact scene happen. 

After a short while, he arrived before an office, its door partially open, as he saw a dark-toned man stand before a bookshelf. 

Tapping the door twice, Klein slowly entered the door, he bowed with a smile, "Good morning, Mr. Azik."

The man heard his greetings, his eyes darting towards Klein, a smile also appeared on his face. 

"It has been a while, Klein. How have you been doing?" Mr. Azik gestured for Klein to sit on the couch, as he also sat across the latter with the intent to have a conversation.

"I am doing very well, Mr. Azik." Klein looked at Mr. Azik with gratitude before he looked around and asked, "Where's the professor?" 

Mr. Azik thought a moment before saying, "Ah, him? He's in a meeting. It might take a while, so if you're looking for him, you can wait here."

"I also heard about Welch's and Naya's passing. It brought me pain when I learned of that matter." Azik smiled sadly. 

"Me as well, Mr. Azik." Klein had a tinge of sadness in his tone, before he continued, "Mr. Azik, actually I came here to say that I already found a job. I hope that you could relay it to the professor. I am very thankful for the help you sirs gave me." Klein bowed slightly. 

Waving his hand, Mr. Azik said, "That is nothing. We know how much you appreciate history. This is what we ought to do for you as your mentors."

Falling silent for a few seconds, Klein's expression turned serious, "Mr. Azik, I actually came here not only for that, but also for you."

Seeing Klein's seriousness, Mr. Azik also sat straight before he nodded to Klein, opting him to continue what he wanted to say to him. 

"Mr. Azik or should I say, Death Consul Azik Eggers." Klein calmly looked at Mr. Azik whose face drastically changed once he heard the term 'Death Consul'. 

Abruptly closing his eyes, Mr. Azik's face warped in pain before he let out a painful howl that erupted everywhere. However, Klein had already sealed this office from the outside world, no one heard Mr. Azik's painful scream. 

Klein stealthily used his Irregularity to quickly reduce the pain Mr. Azik experienced, as it looked too painful to watch for Klein. 

Gasping for breath heavily, Mr. Azik looked at Klein with beads of sweat in his forehead, "I-I remember… Who I am and the things that happened in the Fourth Epoch…" 

"What's happening Klein? What are you…" Mr. Azik looked at Klein with questions all over his eyes. Despite his calmness, Mr. Azik felt like Klein had drastically changed, as if countless layers of fog were shrouding him in mystery. 

"Mr. Azik, if I told you that I am a true god, no- An existence beyond that of a true god. Would you believe me?" Klein calmly asked, his eyes landing on the scenery outside the office. 

Mr. Azik fell silent, as his eyes stared at Klein deeply before he let out a sigh of complicated emotions. 

"I won't ask what happened or what your secrets are Klein, but I would like to ask whether everything we thought about you was fake?" Mr. Azik looked at Klein, awaiting for his honest answer. 

"I never faked anything, Mr. Azik. It's too hard to explain as a lot of things happened. Please understand. I'm here to help you recover your memories, Mr. Azik." Klein wryly laughed for a second before his gaze turned honest. 

Mr. Azik sighed in relief, nodding in understanding, "Then that's good. I will not ask more questions as I'm sure that the changes probably didn't occur yet in time of Welch's and Naya's death. Their deaths…" 

"Yes. It wasn't because of robbers. Welch got ahold of the Antigonus Family's Notebook and that caused him and Naya's death. Even, I was a victim." Klein's eyes reflected Mr. Azik's deep eyes. 

"I understand… What are you planning to do Klein?" Mr. Azik looked worriedly at the young man before him who he cannot see through at all. 

"I will help you recover your memories, Mr. Azik and remove the undying curse that was placed on you because of the Artificial Death, no- The other you." 

As the Irregularity had already altered Mr. Azik's soul to a certain extent, a burst of memories recall wouldn't hurt Mr. Azik anymore. 

Mr. Azik's eyes showed his complicated emotions before he bowed slightly, "Thank you Klein."

"Your welcome, Mr. Azik." Klein smiled as he willed the Irregularity to completely recover Mr. Azik's memories and forcefully destroyed the curse. 

"I have resolved your problem, Mr. Azik. However, it's not complete yet. We would need to travel to the Berserk Sea but the time is not yet ripe." Klein smiled before he reminded Mr. Azik. 

Mr. Azik, with Klein's help, easily assimilated all of his memories from every life he had experienced because of the undying curse. 

With eyes full of gratitude, Mr. Azik bowed deeply to Klein. It was a respect someone would have for a benefactor. 

"There's no need to bow, Mr. Azik. You are my mentor, and in a sense we are friends." Klein slowly stood up from the couch, Mr. Azik followed as well. 

"Please keep my identity a secret Mr. Azik. There's no need to worry as 'They' wouldn't sense you just because you know of my 'existence.'" Klein smiled before he slightly bowed again. "Please relay my greetings to the Professor. I shall take my leave, Mr. Azik. I will let you know when we will leave for the Berserk Sea."

Klein slowly vanished from Mr. Azik's vision as the former had left the history department, his destination unknown. 

Azik shook his head before he muttered, "Fate is very unpredictable…"