Chapter 31: Chapter 31: Two Actors (Edited)
Perhaps because the second epoch's Spirit World is home to the ancestor of the Phoenix, Sasrir didn't take Lynn and Medici through the Spirit World to quickly reach their destination. Instead, he chose to set out for the Land of the Demonic Wolf from the real world.
The journey wasn't particularly fast. Unlike the fully developed and "Safe" fifth epoch, the second epoch's continent was teeming with dangerous monsters and treacherous terrains.
To hide their trail, Sasrir obviously couldn't travel too conspicuously. Along the way, Lynn and Medici saw many things they had never truly witnessed before.
For example, the bizarre and Beyonder creatures, or the humans who lived under the rule of these Beyonder beings, living lives no better than slaves.
"...From this perspective, regardless of what he did later, the Ancient Sun God who restored humanity's glory and freed them from the oppression of Beyonder creatures is still worthy of respect."
In the fifth epoch, Lynn stood before a mirror, simultaneously managing two smurf accounts. As he straightened his clothes, he remarked with some emotion.
Although not as filled with righteousness as an old friend of his, as someone who chose to stand in the light, Lynn felt genuine respect for the Ancient Sun God after witnessing the suffering of the beings in the second epoch.
'Hmm, once this trip to the Land of the Demonic Wolf is over, I should try to reach out to Him. I shouldn't hold a bias against Him just because of Adam.'
Lynn thought to himself, smiling at his handsome reflection in the mirror. He then pulled out his disguise kits and began applying them to his face.
Unlike the previous time when he disguised himself as an angel, Lynn didn't transform himself into a completely different person. Instead, he created the appearance of a poorly executed disguise, covering significant features but leaving some obvious. In simple terms, Lynn made himself look like an amateur at disguising, reminiscent of a certain Danitz.
Lynn's intention behind this was to prevent Klein from making unnecessary associations due to his advanced disguise skills.
After applying his amateurish makeup, Lynn adjusted his expression in the mirror.
His demeanor instantly became somber, as if burdened by immense pressure.
Lynn looked at the mirror, pressed his lips together, took a deep breath, and forced a smile as if trying to suppress his heavy emotions. He muttered to himself:
"Maybe I should listen to that odd fellow's advice."
Then he left the house and approached the rented property at 15 Minsk Street across the street.
Lynn raised his hand and grabbed the string attached to the bell on the door. After a brief hesitation, he vigorously shook the string.
Ding ding dang dang—
After about ten seconds, the door finally opened. Klein, wearing a white shirt and black vest, appeared at the entrance. His gaze landed on Lynn, showing surprise but not shock. With a smile, he said,
"Good morning, sir. How can I help you?"
"You're Sherlock Moriarty, the detective, right?" Lynn asked nervously, glancing around as if on guard.
"Yes, I am Sherlock Moriarty. Sir, if you have any matters to discuss, why don't you come inside?" Klein invited with a smile.
...
"Tea or coffee?"
By the tea table meant for receiving guests, Klein pulled out a teacup and looked at Lynn, asking while subtly observing him.
After receiving detailed information about Lynn Sotos from the Church and learning about his involvement in a major espionage case, Klein had pondered when and how to approach him.
After careful consideration, Klein decided not to take the initiative—Lynn, already considering him a lifeline due to the intervention of the Angel fellow, would likely reach out unless the situation deteriorated. Waiting for Lynn to contact him was the best and least suspicious approach.
The choice proved correct, as it was only the second day when Lynn Sotos proactively sought him out.
As for whether to reveal his official identity, Klein decided to keep it hidden for now.
Lynn Sotos wasn't foolish. As a renowned detective, even if his deductions largely relied on mysticism, his intellect was undoubted.
Given this, Lynn Sotos had reported the espionage matter to the Evernight Church but refused their protection, instead choosing to hide his whereabouts. There must be a reason for this.
Combined with the special attention from the Angel fellow, Klein couldn't help but suspect that Lynn Sotos had other secrets that made him wary of seeking the Church's protection.
Klein had no intention of delving into these secrets or revealing his official identity to make Lynn wary.
So, at this moment, Klein dutifully played the role of an ordinary detective. After hearing Lynn's preference for coffee, he prepared two cups. He placed one in front of Lynn and held the other himself. After taking a sip, he said, "Sir, do you have a commission for me?"
While speaking, Klein's gaze subtly swept over Lynn's face, a hint of curiosity in his mind.
With his experience in makeup, although not an expert, Klein could easily tell that Lynn Sotos was trying to disguise himself. This disguise wasn't completely ineffective but was easy to see through for those who knew what to look for.
"I do have a commission…" Lynn took a sip of his coffee, looking hesitant. After a moment, he said, "I've offended a big figure, someone possibly backed by a nation…"
*Cough*... Klein choked on his coffee, surprised by Lynn's forthrightness.
'If you were facing anyone other than me, they would have been scared off by now...' Klein couldn't help but think. His impression of Lynn improved.
It seems this detective's character is indeed as reputable as his reviews suggest.
"I know it sounds scary, but that big figure isn't very free in Backlund. Although they've sent people to hunt me, those hunters aren't of high sequence, at most Sequence 5 or 6." Afraid of rejection, Lynn quickly added, "Uh, you understand what I mean by sequence, right?"
(End of Chapter)