After deciphering the revelations obtained from the "Prophecy," Ebner refrained from explaining too much to Xio. The matter concerning the "Chained God" involved several true deities, evil gods, and even the King of Angels, making it overly complicated. Moreover, with Xio's current level, knowing too much might not be beneficial to her...
Thus, following the principle of "guarding knowledge," Ebner only told her that he had found some clues regarding the "curse," though he still needed confirmation.
After some discussion, they decided to split up. Ebner would seek a way to resist the "curse" and prepare for what followed, while Xio would choose a suitable location to set up the "Teleportation Altar," investigate Talim's movements, and consult "The World" on temporarily concealing "0-08."
Of course, the last task needed to be addressed first, as all subsequent arrangements hinged on whether "The World" could shield them from "0-08's" perception.
Thus, the moment Xio emerged from the "Dream Labyrinth Tower," she recited the honorable name of "The Fool," asking Him to relay her request to "The World."
Soon, she received a response: "The World" indeed had a solution but required some preparation time.
With this confirmation, Xio and Ebner wasted no time and set off separately.
Watching Xio's figure disappear into the distance, Ebner pondered:
Requesting assistance from an angel akin to a deity... Even if they agree, I will undoubtedly have to pay a hefty price. Even if not immediately, a debt must eventually be repaid...
If Xio knew my method, she would definitely stop me. Without a doubt, she would reject Klein's request outright. After all, neither of us is particularly close to Talim...
In fact, I never intended to go this far at first. However, when I activated the "Pure White Eye," I suddenly sensed that saving Talim and changing his fate of death would bring me considerable benefits in the future...
Could this be the passive prophecy ability of "experiencing in advance"—a glimpse into a possible future development?
Haha, using prophecy to change someone's fate, allowing them to have a better future... Could this be part of the "Prophet's" acting principles?
The more unchangeable a fate seems, the greater the feedback upon successfully altering it through prophecy...
So, the "benefits" shown by passive prophecy are actually "advanced acting" and "pre-received feedback"?
Come to think of it, ever since I transmigrated, I have changed quite a few fates using "prophecy"...
Most of them were for the better... right?
As these thoughts raced through his mind, Ebner hailed a carriage and headed toward Rose Street in the southern bridge district. At this hour, Mrs. Fassin was likely still listening to Bishop Wutravsky's sermon... And discussing matters with the "Chained God" inside the Harvest Church put him more at ease.
...
Meanwhile, before selecting a suitable location for the "Teleportation Altar," Xio first made a trip back to MI9 headquarters at 9 Bellotto Street in the West Borough. She reported the intelligence on Baron Larry to Her Highness Vera.
This information was time-sensitive—once it became "outdated," its value would plummet.
After listening to Xio's report, Vera fell into brief contemplation before suddenly chuckling and nodding. "So that's how it is... No wonder the higher-ups have tolerated Larry for so long...
"This intelligence is crucial to me. I'll credit you for it... However, you should stay out of this matter moving forward."
Having known Vera for some time, Xio understood that despite her outward demeanor, she wasn't actually a rigid or dull person. Curious, she asked, "Your Highness, what did you deduce?"
"Their scheme isn't particularly complex; you simply lack a complete picture of the intelligence, making it seem confusing to you..." Vera took out pen and paper, listed a few points, and pointed at the first one. "That 'Hero Detective' is your friend, right? Do you really think the news of his vacant house just happened to reach Baron Larry?"
Xio shook her head without hesitation. Ever since Ebner reclaimed his old residence, he had left it in the care of the Skad couple.
That couple had very few social interactions, mainly associating with members of the Earth Mother Church. It would have been difficult for Baron Larry to gain access to such information.
"Exactly..." Vera continued, pointing at the second, third, and fourth points she had written down.
"The person who helped the 'Hero Detective' repurchase his villa was Duke Negan's secretary, Lockhart Siakam. He personally handled all the paperwork. If anyone besides the 'Hero Detective' knew that house best, it would be him...
"And your informant—the detective you mentioned, whom the fake Larry hired to investigate Miss Aisha—is actually investigating Duke Negan's current favorite mistress...
"Lastly, Baron Larry's lover, Mrs. Parnis, is likely an agent from Intis in disguise."
"This... Are they trying to manipulate Duke Negan into something?" Xio was still confused, unable to grasp the full picture of the situation.
"You'll find out by tomorrow at the earliest, or the day after at the latest... Heh, it seems Intis is about to suffer a setback this time. They'll have to pay a real price to resolve the situation since they were unprepared...
"However, the tensions between them will only deepen... This development aligns with what that person envisioned..."
Vera's voice grew fainter toward the end, and Xio strained her ears but couldn't catch the last part.
Afterward, Vera did not elaborate further, only advising Xio that the fake Larry had likely approached more than one detective. She warned that Xio's informant should avoid meeting him again to prevent being implicated once things escalated.
Escalated? What exactly is going to happen? Xio left Vera's office puzzled. After much deliberation, she decided to set the matter aside for now and ask Ebner about it when they met later in the evening.
Before that, however, she prayed to "The Fool," relaying Vera's warning to "The World."
Although she wasn't sure of "The World's" exact identity, since he had mentioned a detective, he was likely involved in this matter. If that detective got into trouble, it might affect "The World" and, in turn, threaten the Tarot Club.
...
In a cheap coffee shop in the East Borough, Old Kohler picked up his tattered soft hat and sincerely expressed his gratitude. "I should head to the docks now. Thank you, Detective Moriarty. You've given me a good life again!"
A good life? To me, you've merely regained the bare minimum to sustain yourself... Watching Old Kohler leave, Klein remained seated in a daze, as the layered, illusory prayers of Miss Judgment once again echoed in his mind.
Using the coffee shop's unsanitary washroom, Klein avoided taking deep breaths and instead endured the unpleasantness as he ascended above the gray fog to hear Miss Judgment's prayer report.
Meeting the fake Baron Larry might lead to trouble?
After a few seconds of contemplation, Klein manifested a spirit pendulum and began a divination.
Moments later, confirming that Miss Judgment's warning was accurate, he sighed inwardly.
I originally planned to meet the fake Baron Larry at around three or four in the afternoon to uncover his background... Looks like I should abandon that plan...
Hmm, I can use the freed-up time to have the Bandit "Black Emperor" retrieve the sealed artifact from the "Demoness of Pleasure" Lina. That artifact, when used with the right ritual, can temporarily block "0-08's" surveillance.
—Lina obtained that item and the corresponding ritual in an extraordinarily "coincidental" manner after leaving Tingen and before arriving in Backlund.
Since Lina decided to follow "The Fool," she had already shared this information with Klein. That was why he had confidently assured Miss Judgment earlier.
However, when he finally held the sealed artifact in his hands, his lips couldn't help but twitch.
...
In the evening, just before reaching her meeting place with Ebner, Xio suddenly received a message from "The World."
"That surveillance-blocking item can only be used by Beyonders of the Witch or Hunter pathways? Others must simulate the state and aura of a Witch or Hunter to use it?"
"What now? Where am I supposed to find a Hunter or Witch on such short notice? And even if I could, how could I trust them?"
"Wait... Didn't Ebner mention yesterday that his 'Magic Mirror' had a 'Demoness of Pleasure'?"
(End of Chapter)