For Klein now, simple ritual magic had become as natural as eating or drinking. In no time, he had prepared the materials and lit the candle symbolizing himself. Gazing at the flickering yellow flame dancing on the desk, Klein suddenly found himself chuckling at a rather amusing thought: "Does this count as lighting a candle for myself?" "Good heavens, what am I thinking of!" ... He settled his thoughts, then picked up the black, decaying powder belonging to the domain of Death and gently sprinkled it onto the candle, producing a scent reminiscent of formalin from a previous life. Next, he added a drop of "Moon Essence," the attendant of Night. With a series of soft, crisp sounds, the room suddenly grew still, and a subtle, invisible sensation began to ripple through the air. Klein stepped back and, in low, ancient Hermes tongue, softly recited: "I!" Then he spoke in Hermes tongue: "I summon by my name; the spirit wandering among illusions, the celestial being driven by human will, the messenger uniquely entrusted to Dely Simonne." Ho! The wind surged with the sound of weeping, and the yellow candle flame instantly turned a deep blue. Under its glow, the wall behind the desk rippled with nearly transparent waves, revealing a strange face—lacking eyebrows, eyes, nose, and even a mouth, save for a single opening. It opened its lips wide, extending a long, fresh red tongue adorned with irregular, sharp teeth. At the tip of the tongue, five slender fingers emerged, constantly unfolding and folding, as though awaiting delivery. Was this Dely's messenger? Compared to Mr. Azk, he's like a child... No, that still doesn't quite capture the gap between them. One is an adult giant, the other a human infant. I'm not sure whether it's due to the magic item itself, or Mr. Azk's exceptionally strong connections—perhaps both. I need to revise my perception of him. Maybe he's a high-tier strength. Oh! I've forgotten—I should ask Miss Dail in my letter what the names are for Sequence 4 and Sequence 3 in the "Corpse-Bearer" path. Mr. Azk is very likely part of that sequence. Of course, he may not have ascended through magic potions—perhaps it's through inherited chromosomes. I'll ask her next time. The messenger is waiting. Klein gazed at him seriously, placing the already-folded letter firmly into the messenger's hands, watching it grasp it tightly. Swift! The messenger withdrew his tongue, swallowed the letter, and the translucent, eerie, pulsing face that had been visible then shrunk back into the wall, vanishing. Indeed, the magic was quite impressive and convenient—just not yet widespread. Kline watched the candle flame return to normal, shook his head, and concluded the ritual. "Oh my goddess, why should I be so seriously asking a dog about this?" Fothering held his slender cigarette between his fingers, chuckled, "Perhaps it's a magical creature?" "I haven't seen any magical creature that looks quite so much like a dog," responded Tho seriously. Suzy sat up straight, closed her mouth, and pointed her paw at her abdomen. A leather satchel was tied with a long, thick golden mane. Tho glanced around, making sure no one was paying attention, and hurriedly stepped closer, bending down to unfasten the satchel. Fothering stared at it curiously, his expression suddenly becoming odd: "Leather like a crocodile's, and styled with the flair of Mr. Cedric, the fashion designer—she's actually using this satchel as a trade?" "...So, it's quite expensive?" Tho lifted the leather satchel. Fothering pressed his lips together, nodded seriously. Hestepssloweddowntoanexaggerateddegree,carefullyunzippingherjacketandpullingoutthepaperinside,asifholdingaclassicvaseinherhands.ShehandeditovertoFolseafterreadingit.Folsereaditthoroughly,thenusedhercigarettestokeeptheletterinflame,watchingitturntoblackashandfallintotheearth."Nofurtherinformationtoadd,"Hestatedwithaslightpout,producingastackoffoldedpapersfromherapprenticeknight'spocket.SheaddressedSuziwithformalauthority,subconsciouslyadding,"Thisisthecollectionofinvestigationreportsfromthelastfewdays.YoumustdeliverthemdirectlytoMissOdileHall."Suziwincedandquicklystraightenedup,hertailtwitchingrapidly.Hesthoughtwellofher,placedthefoldedpapersintoasmallleatherbriefcase,andresecureditontoSuzi'sback.Suziletoutasoundofdistressandracedoff,disappearinginahurry....IntheupscalemanoroftheHallfamily. Audrey was sitting on her living room sofa, holding a letter cutter, trying to open the letter before her. It was from her second-oldest brother, sent from the southern continent of the Baolang Empire, and with it came a parcel. At that moment, she saw Suzy push open the slightly ajar door and rush in. Suzy settled herself neatly on the carpet in front of Audrey and tapped the leather small package with her paw. "You're truly an excellent messenger!" Audrey offered no hesitation in her praise. Suzy glanced back at the doorway, her movements causing a gentle ripple in the air, and whispered: "Your friend is very serious. Whenever I see her, I'm reminded of the past—when there were dedicated hunters who trained us." It was a gift from Lord Hall when he purchased the hounds. Suzy, your Ruon language is becoming increasingly fluent—though there are still a few logical issues in the structure. Audrey watched the golden dog unfasten the leather package with a practiced ease, smoothly pulling open the zipper. She gave Suzy a glance, and the golden retriever instantly picked up the cue, leaping to his feet, darting to the exit, and locking the door behind him. "...no definite results yet, but there's a pattern of missing homeless people in the Beckland Bridge area—well, that's not certain either; perhaps the homeless individual simply altered his usual route unexpectedly..." Audrey finished reviewing the investigation report and carefully considered how to respond to Thew and Folshe: To Thew, she would simply say that as soon as she locates the whereabouts of the 'Storm-Wielder' Zilings, she will personally purchase the 'Constable' potion formula and present it to her—no, that wouldn't be sufficiently kind or warm; it might make her feel inferior. So, Thew, I've already arranged your reward—whenever you complete the commission, you'll receive a cash payment of 450 pounds. Ah, the primary ingredient for the 'Mind-Reader' has so far been found only in the spinal fluid of the Farsman rabbit; the brain pituitary gland of an adult seven-colored lizard is still missing—neither Glintr, Thew, nor Folshe has yet discovered it. Audrey, just be cheerful—after all, you've now fully absorbed the 'Audience' potion! Gather all the materials, and you'll become an extraordinary member of Sequence 8! ... Audrey calmed her thoughts, picked up pen and paper, quickly composed a reply, folded it neatly into the leather satchel again, and entrusted Suzy with a run to the office. Watching the golden retriever's silhouette fade into the doorway, she unfolded her brother's letter, smiled gently as she began to read: "Beckland is cold, damp, with poor air—frequent grey mist, and the sun is often hidden. The population is so large that it generates all sorts of problems, yes, and there are endless balls, banquets, and salons... Those social gatherings are stiff and formal, and I can't bear to stay in them a single moment, my dear sister—my feeling is that you share the same sentiment." "I'm not trying to escape the family; I'm simply pursuing my own life. But our brother certainly won't see it that way. He's always been self-centered. Of course, he's generous to you, since the wealth you receive is rather modest. To me, however, he is the greatest obstacle to inheriting the title—after all, our father was a forward-thinking earl who would never have been bound by the traditional primacy of the eldest son." "As long as he deems it necessary, he can do anything. Just as he once sold half his lands and pastures to enter the banking sector, despite strong opposition." "I still occasionally miss Beckland, but mostly I miss my father, my mother, you—especially the smiles you used to give me during those years when you made me feel so happy. I'm certain you have now become the most brilliant gem in Beckland's crown, though I'm sorry to say that I may not be able to return for another two years. Career is a man's sense of dignity, and the young talents of the Luon Kingdom are eager to stage their lives on the world stage." "You may convey to our dear aunt that the coastal regions of the Baylang Empire are ideal for a holiday retreat—particularly suited to her joints, which ache and swell every winter. I warmly invite her to visit; it would be even better if you could join her as well." "I haven't sent you many gifts, mostly items reflecting the distinctive Baylang style—such as special yellow silk and accessories infused with a strong sense of death worship." "I remember you've always cherished things related to mysticism. I'll keep an eye out for the local customs here, as they are full of wonder and mystery." … After reading the letter, Odile picked up the writing board and pen, leaned back against the sofa cushion, and thoughtfully wrote: “My dearest Alfred:” “Though it has been less than a year since then, the little girl you remember has grown and no longer enjoys the mystical pursuits—there’s no need for you to gather such things anymore.” For that would be very dangerous… Odile puffed out her cheeks, adding this thought to herself. In recent days, at the gatherings of the extraordinary, through the stories told by Hugh and Fotherse, she had heard of countless tragedies arising from mystical occurrences. She paused, then excitedly declared: “My current interest lies in biology. I’ve recently become particularly fascinated with the rainbow dragons and other sub-dragons. Could you help me find out where such creatures can be found, or where their well-preserved remains might be preserved?”