"Dastur Goodriean, the doctor at Greenhull Asylum..." Klein silently repeated Henry's words, beginning to think about how to approach this man—suspected both as an 'audience member' and possibly a member of the Psychological Alchemy Circle. On this matter, he didn't want to take太大 risks, didn't want the Watchers to discover any issues with him, and didn't want to jeopardize his current life simply for the exchange of information and resources. Moreover, the man was likely an 'audience member'—someone who hadn't undergone special training—and almost incapable of concealing his true intentions and thoughts in front of him. "Find someone to act as an intermediary—more subtly?"
No, the more people involved, the more likely problems arise... Hmm... Perhaps we can try a strategy where the truth is embedded within the truth—so that the doctor's facial expressions and body language reflect my genuine thoughts, but not necessarily all of them.” While listening to Detective Henry describe the situation of Dastur Goodriean, Klein pondered how to best mitigate risks without compromising the overall objective. Gradually, he found inspiration in the police and spy dramas he had watched. “Hmm... That could work, but we’ll need to rehearse it repeatedly.” Klein nodded mentally, then refocused his full attention on Detective Henry’s words. “Er...” Henry cleared his throat, “We’re still working on the case commissioned by the Red Chimney. You’re probably aware that there are several buildings of that type in Tinggen. Of course, if you can provide any additional clues, the matter will be much simpler.”
"Klein chuckled hoarsely, "If I had any other leads, I wouldn't have entrusted this to you." To be honest, after all this investigation and searching, he was increasingly pessimistic about the outcome, as the unseen orchestrator had clearly sensed his predictions and had ample time to relocate and hide. Thus, he hoped to find further clues from the guest records. And this sum of seven pounds—just thinking about it, it breaks his heart—after Henry had finished describing it, Klein took up his cane and stepped out of the office.
Then he saw the half-opened door pushed aside, and a young man in a black overcoat enter. Because of the stranger's unfamiliarity, Dastar hesitated and asked, "Good morning. May I ask your name?"
Klein closed the door, removed his hat, and placed it against his chest, then bowed. "Good morning, Doctor Dastar. Excuse my unexpected visit. I'm Klein Moretti, a junior inspector with the Ahovah County Police Department. Here are my credentials and badge."
"An inspector?" Dastar murmured, taking over the credentials and badge.
"The Special Operations Division..." he lifted his gaze slowly, his expression calm and steady, as if assessing something.
Dark hair, eyes slightly deeper than brown, with a scholarly air—composed and composed, showing no immediate ill will.
Dastar returned the items, then hesitated slightly, pointing to the chair across from his desk. "Please sit, Officer. What brings you here?"
Klein sat down, set his staff neatly aside, slowly folded his documents and badge, and smiled. "Allow me to re-introduce myself." "I'm still a member of the Night Watch team from Tingen, specializing in matters involving the extraordinary." "Good morning, sir," he said, only to find, as expected, that Dastor's pupils contracted, his hand recoiling, clearly preparing to flee. "Officer, I don't understand what you mean," Dastor insisted, struggling to maintain composure, nearly losing his footing. "I don't care for such jokes—I might as well be a guard now." Klein slowly drew out his revolver from beneath his arm, his smile unwavering. "Mr. Dastor, I can see your confidence in me, and I know you don't mean any ill will—indeed, I must admit, at first I was a bit uncertain. But your reaction has given me the answer."
Each of those statements is true... Klein silently added it to himself. Dastor relaxed slightly, glancing over at Klein's revolver with a look of curiosity. "I find it hard to understand why you came to see me... I don't feel like I've revealed anything."
"Klein spoke calmly, "I differ from other nightwatchers in that I don't believe every extraordinary being outside our fold is a potential offender—this is unfair to those who value order and goodness." Dastar shifted in his seat, no longer so tense, "If other nightwatchers, the Sentinels, and members of the Mechanical Heart could think and act as you do, the world would be at peace." "You know about the nightwatchers, the Sentinels, and the Mechanical Heart?" Klein asked, feigning surprise, "That's not something a visitor to the extraordinary realm should know—there must be an organization behind you." Leaning back, a warm smile playing at his lips, he added, "The Psychological Alchemy Society?" As he spoke, he watched Dastar's expression grow steadily more strained. "I sensed you were anticipating my reply, yet you overlooked certain seemingly ordinary details—trapped by your own linguistic assumptions..." Dastar murmured, growing increasingly frustrated.
He began to realize that the "audience" state wasn't all-encompassing—while he could see the other's intentions, he couldn't quite grasp the specific details.
Klein ran his fingers along the gun's rotating cylinder. "Doctor, we must communicate openly—let me begin."
"I don't believe unmanaged extraordinary individuals are inherently culpable, but I agree that every extraordinary person should be registered and monitored. This serves as a preventive measure against uncontrolled risks, helping to avert more serious and dangerous outcomes."
"I won't disrupt your daily life. I hope for a limited, cooperative relationship between us."
"A limited cooperation?" Dastar asked, as though pondering.
Klein chuckled softly. "Yes, limited."
"For instance, regular updates on your own condition—knowing that many incidents, even when not severe, are salvageable, and that the night-watchers have accumulated sufficient experience in this regard."
"For instance, if someone within your organization—someone you know who is exceptional—is about to endanger the innocent, please provide me with timely information."
"For instance, exchange certain things with you for others that are more valuable to you; this is your benefit, and you should understand what benefit means."
"Moreover, you need no longer worry or fear that one day you might be suddenly captured or killed by the night-watchers, the substitute punishers, or the members of the Mechanical Heart. You may now live peacefully and joyfully."
"We will provide you with identity tokens that you may use in the final moments, when all else has failed."
Dastar listened silently for a while before speaking:
"Do you wish me to betray my organization?"
"No, not to betray."
"Klein said earnestly, "This is upholding justice, morality, and goodness. You're preventing certain evil, cruel, and bloody cases. Aside from these matters, I won't have you betray the secrets of your organization." Dastar thought carefully, seeming to feel a little better having a justification. After a moment of silence, he extended his right hand. "Let's work together," he said. Klein shook hands with him using his hand that wasn't holding the gun. "Let's work together," he replied. Pausing slightly, he smiled gently. "Doctor, may I ask if you're a member of the Psychological Alchemy Society?" "Yes," Dastar nodded. Klein, who had already activated his spiritual vision upon entering the room, hadn't noticed any shift in Dastar's emotional tone, so he asked thoughtfully, "How did you join the Psychological Alchemy Society?"
"Dastar looked into the man's eyes and said, 'Because of a patient at this asylum, when I began treating him, I discovered he could completely see through me—clear and rational, not at all like a madman...' 'His name is Hude Egen.'
Klein remembered the name and exchanged a few more words with Dastar, agreeing on a discreet method for passing his request and setting the meeting location.
He did not yet discuss matters related to potions, recipes, or rumors with the man, choosing instead to leave at an appropriate moment, closing his revolver, and stepping out of Dastar's office.
As he disappeared behind the door, Dastar exhaled sharply, slumped back against the chair, a mixture of relief and discomfort settling over him.
...
At 36 Zothlan Street, within the Black Thorns Security Company.
Dunn, seated behind his desk, glanced at him and asked, 'What's happened?'
"Klein arrived nearly thirty minutes late and organized his thoughts: "Captain, I've discovered a remarkable individual—confirmed to be a member of the Psychological Alchemy Guild." "He's a good-hearted physician who's willing to collaborate with us. I believe it's best to maintain our current status, as this will allow us to stay promptly informed about the Guild's latest developments." After a brief pause, Klein added: "I'd like to develop him as a source for the Night Watch, or at the very least, as a discreet peripheral member." The term "source" originates from the Intesis language, from the reign of Emperor Rosel. Duan nodded slowly. "You've handled this exceptionally well, but going forward, please inform me of any similar situations in advance." "Please submit both the doctor's information and your written records of the process. I'll provide him with some identity credentials." "Also, don't inform Leonard or the others—though they are trustworthy teammates, there are specific regulations in place that require this."
"From now on, you'll take care of that doctor." Cain exhaled silently, beaming. "Got it."