A few seconds later, Sharon calmly responded to Kline's question: "Not a lure—it's a means of drawing them out." As Kline was about to ask what the difference was, Mariichi began to explain in detail: "When we were previously pursued by the Rose School, we discovered several of their members in Beckland. However, due to their own insufficient strength, they were afraid of traps and didn't want to draw attention from the major churches, so they never took action against those individuals. "This time, we plan to target one of the more significant figures and deliberately leave a few others behind, allowing them to escape quietly and relay the message to the Rose School's representative in Beckland. "In the background, the demigods of the Bloodline will monitor the situation, tracing the message chain to identify that representative—undoubtedly a key member of the Rose School. "Once we have killed or captured him, we will then proceed with our next steps based on the critical information obtained through interrogation." "That makes sense. It's primarily based on their existing understanding of the Rosicrucian faction, rather than relying on themselves as bait—this way, the level of risk is well-managed and won't jeopardize Beckland. Klein nodded gently. "If that's the case, I'm in." He didn't mention needing to consider it further or return to assess the risks, since this wasn't something that had to be done immediately or was absolutely essential for either Sharon or the Bloodlines. Once his divination revealed any issues, he could simply halt the initiative as a participant. "What kind of compensation do you require?" Marijch relaxed slightly in his stance, asking. Klein smiled. "If everything proceeds smoothly, I'd like to receive one complimentary, unreserved assistance from Lady Renette Tiniel. Should I need to intervene, I'd also like the right to prioritize the spoils of the campaign. Please discuss this with Lady Renette Tiniel first, and then let me know your final decision." "In fact, he still had a few doubts—thinking that since the plan was already set, there was no need to involve himself at all. With a discreet messenger girl stationed in the background, any unforeseen circumstances arising from Sherlock Moriarty could surely be handled!" "No," Sharon, elegant in appearance and pale as a doll, gently shook her head. "We can now agree to your request." Had they already discussed this with the messenger girl? Caine paused and asked honestly, "Then, why not simply seek the assistance of Lady Renette Tiniel directly, to prevent any unexpected incidents?" Sharon's soft, golden hair seemed tightly confined by her delicate hat, motionless in every way. Her voice, ethereal and distant, replied, "He does not wish for the vampire lineage to discover His presence." Ah—Caine thought carefully, then raised another question. "You value restraint so highly. Why then, have you proactively sought out a key figure within the Rosary School? Does not vengeance fall within the realm of restraint?" Sarahn's blue eyes gazed upon him and said, "Over the past few decades, the Rosarian school has been striving to bring the 'Tree of Desire' to reality—a realization that would bring unimaginable disaster. Moreover, the Teacher also longs for bodily wholeness." If the 'Tree of Desire' truly comes to reality, it would also be an unimaginable disaster for me... But what connection does this have to the physical integrity of the Messenger? Hasn't her body, once shattered into four parts, been dispersed among key members of the Rosarian school? Or can the body or abilities of a high-sequence traveler on a different path be ritually integrated into the body of the One? Klein murmured a few thoughts to himself, then asked cautiously, "Is the 'Divine Calamity' the Sequence 1 of the 'Heterogeneous Path'? Then, what are the names of the Sequence 2 and Sequence 3?" He had previously asked Sarahn this question, but at the time, he had only received a somewhat vague response. Sharon answered without hesitation, her speech neither rapid nor hurried, retaining that ethereal, otherworldly quality: "Previously, I was not entirely certain. Now I am sure: Sequence 1 is 'Divine Misfortune,' Sequence 2 is known as 'Ancient Beings of Evil,' and Sequence 3 was once called 'The Things Brought by Curse,' and is now known as 'The Silent Disciples.' That is to say, when I last asked you, you weren't certain yet? It was only after you summoned the Messenger Miss that you recognized Him and learned the deeper secrets, correct?" Klein nodded with a sudden clarity: "Then I have no further questions. Once you finalize the timing of your actions, simply write to me." "Thank you." Sharon once again floated upward with the weightlessness of a breath, bowing slightly. Marich, in contrast, placed a hand to his chest and bent slightly. "No thanks necessary," Klein said, rising from the high stool and smiling as he placed his hat upon his head. This time, there was no crisp snap—the crimson flames surged upward, engulfing him entirely. Under the night sky, countless lights glowed steadily, as if the starry heavens veiled by layers of clouds had descended to earth. As several "stars" began to flicker one after another, Caine returned to his rented apartment at the edge of the eastern district. He had just changed his clothes, preparing to head back to the northern district, Berkland Street, when a ethereal, layered plea suddenly reached his ears—coming from a man. Nodding thoughtfully, Caine immediately stepped backward four paces, onto the gray mist, extending his spiritual presence toward the deep red star that was continuously expanding and contracting. As he had anticipated, this corresponded to "the Moon," Emlin. The vampire, now a viscount, prayed earnestly: "Esteemed Sir Fool, I would like to request a small gathering, comprising myself, Sir Temperance, Madam Wisdom, Miss Justice, and Sir World..." In Emlyn's eyes, these were the very representatives of intelligence, experience, insight, and observational acumen among the Tarot circle... How pitiful Leonard must feel... Klein smiled quietly, leaned back against the chair, and responded to Emlyn's request. ........ In the ancient palace, above the pale mist. Five deep crimson lights rose simultaneously on either side of the bronze long table, solidifying into distinct figures. "Sir Moon, has the House of Blood finalized its plans?" Miss Justice, Audrey, first greeted the assembled guests, then asked with genuine interest. "Moon" Emlyn surveyed the room with composure and said, "Yes, the specific plan is as follows—through two members of the Temperance faction who have defected from the Rosary school..." He recounted the plan once again from a different perspective to the "world" of Germán Spáro and others, concluding, "Should we secure credible intelligence, we intend to seize the opportunity and launch a surprise assault on the Rosary school's headquarters, with the hope of seizing a significant item." "What kind of significant item?" asked "The Hidden One" Géraldine, slightly curious. After all, it was no ordinary matter for an ancient power to attempt an attack on a secretive organization's headquarters—far from simple! The item's importance might even surpass that of ordinary angels, surpassing even certain "0"-level sealed artifacts! "Emlyn, the Moon, did not conceal: 'It is a sacred relic bequeathed by our ancient bloodline ancestors. It was accidentally obtained by the Rose Order at some point, though I do not know the precise circumstances.' A relic left by Lilith... now held by the Rose Order... the bloodline holds it in high regard... This time, in Klein's mind, key points swiftly flashed into focus, combined with the various secrets he had gathered, forming an uncertain yet compelling hypothesis: Perhaps it is the 'Mother Tree of Desire' that has infiltrated and seized control over a significant portion of the authority within the 'Moon' domain! This aspect was not mentioned by Miss Sharon or her companions—indeed, the bloodline itself has been notably reticent, with considerable ambition... Well, ambition may not quite capture it. It seems that Lilith—whether genuine or not—has, in fact, foreseen the growing chaos and the approaching end times, thus prompting the bloodline to adopt a more dynamic and assertive stance, seeking greater leverage and support?" This is about seizing the lifeboats in the final days... Caine remained silent, listening attentively. Others were likewise reflecting on the significant information revealed by "The Moon," and "The Hangman" Aljer was no exception. After a few seconds of thoughtful silence, he said, "So, in this operation, your house will remain hidden, not targeted by the Rosicrucian order?" "Yes," answered "The Moon" Emlyn, with a relaxed demeanor. The bloodline's strategy had been jointly finalized by Duke Olmer and Marquis Nibays, along with several counts, and it had undoubtedly undergone thorough deliberation—after all, even a pig, living for a millennium, would surely possess sufficient wisdom and experience. "The Hangman" Aljer nodded gently. "I have one more question: how do you know that the head of the Rosicrucian order in Beckland is merely a Saint, and not concealing additional half-gods, or even angels?" "You should be well aware that the current situation in Beckland is extremely complex. The Rose School is steadily strengthening its ranks and plotting something significant—indeed, it's not impossible that they might launch a direct assault, much like thieves who simply storm into the Westvillas Field hoping to steal something without being noticed." Westvillas Field is a reference to the Beckland Police Department. "Moon" Emlyn grows more relaxed: "This time, Duke Almer will personally oversee the entire process. Even if the Rose School sends angels, we will be able to slip away with ease. Moreover, neither side truly desires a major conflict in Beckland. Without a decisive advantage or a clear assurance that they won't cause significant disruption, they will naturally choose to remain at peace." Upon hearing his response, "The Hidden One" Gardeleia's lips barely curve, adding a subtle reminder: "For extraordinary beings not yet at half-divine status, even a gentle collision between angels can generate ripples powerful enough to destroy them." Emlyn was brought back to himself from the pride he felt at witnessing the strength of the vampire lineage, momentarily at a loss for words. At that moment, Odile, representing "Justice," subtly shifted her gaze, as if pondering, and spoke: "Mr. Moon, what role do you have in this plan?" What role do I have? The Countess of Mistral is responsible for monitoring the secret members of the Rose Academy and identifying the true target through message relay. The final strike will be carried out by the Marquis of Nibais, the Count of Mistral, and the half-divine representatives of the Moderates from the Rose Academy. The Duke of Ormel oversees everything discreetly to prevent any unforeseen incidents. As for me, I seem to merely need to maintain communication with the spirit known as Marijich, ensuring continuous coordination between our two parties... Hmm... Emlyn, as he thought more deeply, his expression grew increasingly odd. It seemed as though he had nothing particularly significant to do—nothing truly important, at least. ps: The chapter and the book reviews appear to have been closed, possibly for several days now. PS2: On the last day of September, I'm asking for a monthly pass—otherwise, it'll be wasted! By the way, on Monday, I'd also like a recommendation for a ticket!