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Chapter 524: Collaboration

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When he left No. 47 Black Corner Street, Caine had already gathered a clear picture of Wint's background—information he had obtained by changing his appearance, posing as a police officer, and asking his neighbors. "Seymim Island, the most remote island in the Rosted Archipelago, is reached by passenger ferry from Bayam, taking four to five hours. Ferries run only twice daily—once at 9 a.m. and once at 10 a.m.—and today's departure has been missed. Wint's parents have long since passed away, and he has no close relatives. The only person he cannot forget is Rini, a girl who would be an ideal first choice for someone like me, a newcomer. Yet, the thought of having to express his feelings to her—genuinely and sincerely—feels deeply awkward. If Rini agrees... then what will I do? How will I face that moment?" Caine thought, visibly at a loss. He struggled to recall novels and television dramas, striving to find the most perfect solution. Soon, he had a general sense of direction, his mind settled, and his thoughts began to drift toward the matter of the steel-minded Mervit. "I hope Miss the 'Magician' can secure a radio telegraph machine as soon as possible," Klein murmured, and got into a hired carriage. Mr. World has resources and financial means; in the future, we may well need to purchase items from him. We’ll simply need to add postage, return carriage costs, and minor expenses for ritual materials when parting with things we no longer need. Firth quickly settled on this plan, his gaze instinctively drifting toward the window. Beckland remained overcast and dim, with a light drizzle still falling, though the fog had thinned somewhat. "I wonder when Mr. Sun’s alimentary spirits will arrive..." Firth felt eager to advance in rank already. Derek reminded himself of this, then opened the volume of the "Hand-Copied Collection of the Giants' Court at Black Rock." Recently, he had been reading this ancient text, gaining glimpses into the appearance of the ancient Giants' Court. According to the text, it was the Court of the Divine Kings! Time there seemed to stand still, always in twilight, with all buildings magnificent and awe-inspiring, even rising into the clouds. Humans walking within felt remarkably small and deeply respectful of both the setting and its inhabitants. "Viscount Wymond is a vampire baron, over 200 years old, yet his appearance is far from aged—he looks more like a mature man in his early thirties. His black hair is neatly combed, he wears a dark red cotton shirt, and holds a coffee-colored pipe, enjoying the warmth of the fireplace while pondering. "No, at least in my memory, there was no city of silver before the Great Cataclysm," he said, without waiting for Emlyn to express excitement. "But there was a kingdom of silver, originally ruled by the Giants' court, which later came under the rule of that one." "Kingdom of silver?" Emlyn White thought for a moment. "Could you provide more details, Sir Viscount?" Wymond looked up at him, smiled, and recalled: "The kingdom of silver held a particularly distinguished status within the Giants' court. They did not directly worship King Aulmir, but instead venerated the Queen of the Giants' court, Ombéla." “…The Generous City, Bayam, Dock District, Lemon Street, The Blue Wind Inn. Klein stood at the corner, unfastened the yellow crystal pendant from his left wrist, using divination to confirm there was no danger ahead. With confidence, he strolled slowly back to the inn, ascending to the third floor and opening the door to his luxurious suite. To his slight surprise, Daniz, the Flame, had returned and was lounging in an armchair, sipping a drink. Adjusting his tone to match the established character, Klein asked calmly: “What time is it now?” “Isn’t there a clock?” Daniz muttered. He glanced at the wall opposite, read the time aloud: “Three forty in the afternoon…” Before finishing, Daniz suddenly became alert, sat upright, and chuckled dryly: “I’ve already checked all the relevant places, asked all the necessary people. There’s no point staying out here—staying outside would increase exposure and compromise your hunting plans!” Klein sat down at a chair, expression neutral. "Go ahead and tell me what happened." "What could possibly be wrong? Though I'm primarily a treasure-hunting adventurer, I'm also a competent part-time pirate." Daniz felt his abilities being slighted. After being coldly glanced over by Germaine Sparrow, he smiled and briefly summarized his movements—where he went in the morning and afternoon, who he met, what news he heard, and what key points he discussed. Hearing Daniz remark that the ghost-ship pirate captain named Aljé had even learned of the developments in Benshie Port, Klein suddenly found himself wanting to furrow his brow. Given the strong ties between the "Hanged Man" and the Storm Church, it was only after I had taken control of the world that he had even become aware of any disturbances in Benshie Port. How could Aljé have known about it at all? Who among the higher-ranking members of the Church of the Storm—those who have disguised themselves as pirates—or those with ties to the heretics of Banxi Port? Hmm... The Sir of "The Hanged Man" has been active in these waters; he could very well be the one. A thought struck Caine as he recalled the Sir's characteristics. Amidst the gray mist, though he couldn't see the members' exact appearances, he could clearly distinguish whether they were male or female, and their hair colors! Caine lowered his hand, silencing Daniz's further remarks, and spoke in a low tone: "His hair is messy, deep blue?" "You know him? That man isn't ordinary!" Daniz remarked in admiration. Indeed... Ah, truly unexpected to meet someone like this so soon. Caine said nothing, simply leaned forward and said: "Go on." Daniz didn't dwell on it, simply outlining the subsequent events and offering his defense: "As you know, gathering information is something no one can guarantee will yield results at any given time. After visiting every possible person, the only course of action left is to patiently wait—which inevitably takes a considerable, if not lengthy, period." "There's another way—no waiting required," said Kline deliberately, in a calm tone. "What kind of way?" Daniz asked, startled. Kline pushed his gold-framed glasses slightly and let a gentle curve form at the corner of his mouth. "A bait," he said. "Bait?" Daniz looked at him, momentarily puzzled. It only took a moment for him to realize. Only he himself could serve as the bait! And when it came to fishing, no one cared whether the bait was actually swallowed—what mattered was whether the prey could be pulled in! In short, the "bait" was a high-risk species! "Ha! That's not exactly a great plan. Hmm, my instinct tells me there should be something worthwhile at the 'Red Theatre'—I'm off right now!" Daniz grabbed his coat and rushed out of the room with eager anticipation. The voice of The Hangings Man grew clear: "Respected Sir Fool, I am investigating the matter of the key belonging to the 'Ice Mountain Commander,' and at the Gold Coin Casino, I encountered 'Flame' Daniz, who revealed himself to be a direct participant in the events at Banxi Port, and who intends to ally himself with a powerful figure to confront 'Steel' Mavith. I suspect that 'Flame' Daniz's partner is one of your followers, and thus I pray to you for this. Should this indeed be the case, and if he desires certain cooperation, I am willing to offer my assistance." The Sir "The Hanged Man" indeed deduced the identity of Germaine Sparo—he had only a slight suspicion, confirmed through his inquiries about Bancey Port, successfully elicited from Daniz. That was sufficient; with the help of this local insider, the pursuit of "Steel" McVitt would proceed much more smoothly. Unless he could directly target "The Fool," "The Hanged Man" would hold no real significance for the followers. From his demeanor and attitude, it appeared he still harbored no doubts about "The Fool." I had left no gaps either. Klein's thoughts raced swiftly, and he swiftly made his decision. After the divination, he materialized "The World," enveloping the dummy in mist and assuming a posture of prayer, then calmly responded: "Esteemed Sir 'The Fool,' I now require your collaboration." Having completed this scene, Klein transmitted both his voice and image into the deep red star symbolizing "The Hanged Man."