On Tuesday morning, Klein, who had already finished his mysticism classes, did not go find a quiet place to read internal documents like "An Ancient and Modern Comparison of Names" and "Nighthawks Case Files" as he usually did. Instead, he lingered in the recreation room, playing cards with Leonard, Cohen Li, and Loyla.
I just asked Mr. Azik to create an opportunity to bring out the Sealed Artifact "3-0782"... Whether I can seize this opportunity depends on my own improvisation... Klein's mind was completely not on the card table, causing him to lose repeatedly. He lost 5 soli in an hour, which pained him quite a bit. He decided to focus a little to recoup his losses.
After buying the materials for the "Sun Holy Symbol" yesterday afternoon, his private funds had once again dropped to less than 1 pound, and he also had to pay the daily 2-soli carriage fee to scout out houses with dark red chimneys.
Waiting for Cohen Li to shuffle, he picked up a copper penny out of boredom and casually spun it.
Suddenly, he saw Loyla staring at him, staring very seriously.
What's wrong? Klein was stunned for a moment, then saw the wobbling copper penny.
...Is she wary of me using divination to cheat? We're just playing cards between teammates, no need to be so serious... He understood immediately and pressed down on the 1-penny coin with a wry smile.
Just then, Dunn Smith knocked and entered, looking around and saying:
"There's some situation in Morse Town. Leonard, go handle it."
Morse Town? Klein's spirits lifted, and he asked with feigned curiosity:
"Captain, what kind of situation?"
Dunn's gray eyes swept over, and he casually explained:
"Over the past few days, there have been several consecutive incidents suspected to be hauntings. First, someone heard crying while passing by the cemetery and saw a blurry figure flash by. Then, a widow woke up in the middle of the night and encountered her deceased husband on the way to the washroom, almost fainting from fright. Additionally, a solitary elderly man always hears heavy footsteps echoing inside his house, but whenever he lights a candle or gas lamp, everything returns to silence. The residents of this town generally believe in the Goddess, so the local priest directly reported the situation."
No one was hurt, it's more like mischief... It must be Mr. Azik's doing... Klein used a repeatedly rehearsed expression and tone: "Captain, several suspected haunting incidents suddenly happening might hide some secrets behind them. In this regard, divination can provide some enlightenment. I think I can help Leonard."
Hearing this, Leonard's green eyes immediately fixed on Klein, as if trying to find clues and traces on his face.
Dunn first nodded, then hesitated without speaking.
Seeing the captain's reaction, Klein quickly added another sentence:
"At the end of certain matters, ritual magic might be needed for a complete purification."
"That makes sense." Dunn thought for a moment and said, "Then you and Leonard go to Morse Town together."
Before the other could speak, he added: "Mm, you probably won't make it to the afternoon's combat practice. I'll find someone to notify Gawain."
Phew, first step complete... Klein quietly breathed a sigh of relief and quickly packed up the soli and pennies in front of him.
Halfway through, his movements suddenly froze. He turned his head to look at Dunn and spoke solemnly:
"Captain, I think we must prepare for the worst. If there is a powerful vengeful spirit behind the haunting incidents, relying on only Leonard and me would be very dangerous. And from Tingen city center to Morse Town, it takes two, uh, three hours? Even if we send a telegram for reinforcements in time, we'd have to hold out for a long time..."
"So?" Dunn interrupted his description.
"I hope to have the help of another teammate." Klein pretended to be deep in thought. "Also, according to regulations, if three or more Nighthawks act together, they can apply to use a 'Grade 3' Sealed Artifact. Mm, '3-0782' is the most suitable for solving this kind of problem."
Upon hearing this, Leonard laughed beside him and said:
"This really is your style, cautious, careful, never taking risks."
You're basically calling me a coward... But I'm the one who stared directly at the Eternal Sun! Klein pretended not to hear Leonard's words and looked sincerely at Dunn Smith.
"Captain, what's your opinion?"
"We really must guard against accidents. There have been too many coincidences lately..." Dunn nodded as if in thought, glanced at the other two members, and said, "Cohen Li, you go to Morse Town with Leonard and Klein. Uh, quickly draft an application. After I sign it, go behind the Chanis Gate and retrieve the Sealed Artifact '3-0782'."
"Alright." The short-statured Cohen Li put down his cards.
Great! Klein cheered inwardly, clenching his fist, but on the surface he looked uneasy, cautious, and solemn.
At this moment, Secca Thorne was monitoring Hood Eugen in the insane asylum, and Fry was on duty at the Chanis Gate.
Leaving the recreation room, Klein put on his black tailcoat, took his hat and cane, and waited with Leonard at the staircase leading underground for Cohen Li.
The area was quiet and deserted. Leonard suddenly turned his head to look at Klein and said:
"I think you'd better give up on unrealistic illusions."
"Ah... what?" Klein responded blankly.
Leonard stepped forward, stood at the edge of the staircase, looking down into the gloomy depths, and said:
"Even on a mission, you won't be able to discover my secret or understand what makes me special."