"Being Mr. 'Fool' is truly not easy..."
Retreating from above the Grey Mist, Klein rubbed his temples tiredly, leaning back against the chair.
"Amon——"
After barely helping 'Little Sun' temporarily resolve the Amon situation, he felt mentally and physically exhausted.
Worse still, he felt that the existence of the Grey Mist seemed to have been noticed by that 'Blasphemer'.
"Sigh... there's still too little intelligence regarding this."
The Amon family was so active during the Tudor Empire period; it was impossible for no information to have been left behind. And then there's the Forsaken Land of the Gods——
"Perhaps I can write a letter to Mr. Azik to ask. Or I could go to The Society's reference room to look up some information."
After Mr. "Rastig's" mission ended, he was considered a formal member of The Society. Consequently, he had gained the authority to query internal data and archives of a certain level.
These matters were only told to him by Charles during a recent chat.
Thinking of this, the corner of Klein's mouth couldn't help but twitch slightly, feeling a hint of oddness——
Does this mean I was just an unconfirmed contract worker before? This Society is truly realistic——
"Speaking of which, I should be able to advance now——"
Recent missions had made his 'Magician' potion digest rapidly. "I'm a person with an organization now. For something like advancement, I should be able to submit a report and apply, right?"
Truth Society.
As a registered, public Society Detective, Klein would report here every so often and handle some of The Society's commissions along the way.
Of course, the free lunch at the Truth Society canteen was indeed very tempting.
As far as he knew, this Truth Society building was only one of three strongholds for The Society in Backlund. But he hadn't been to the other two; he only guessed based on some clues that one might be in Empress Borough, because the benefits distributed by The Society often included vouchers for a high-end gift shop called 'Four Seasons'.
"There are some unfamiliar faces——"
Upon walking through the Truth Society's main entrance, Klein keenly noticed some differences. There were many unfamiliar faces in the hall that he didn't recognize. Although they all wore Detective-style clothing and had a sharp temperament, Klein had no impression of them.
Not The Society's Detectives? Are they private investigators?
"Sherlock."
Hearing someone call him, Klein looked toward the sound.
He found the person was Bart, The Society's head of security, and the one who had personally come to 'recruit' him in the beginning.
"What is it?"
"The Director is looking for you."
In the office, Charles was in a quite good mood. Sitting in a wide executive chair, his fingers lightly tapped the tabletop while his gaze fell on a slip of paper with a potion formula written on it.
Sequence 5: Disciplinary Knight——
——
His application for advancement had been approved.
Once the advancement was successful, he could be promoted.
Everything was moving in a good direction. But also... some small troubles had arisen.
Recently, Backlund had been somewhat unsettled; a certain 'Desire Apostle' had become active.
"Director, you were looking for me."
Seeing Klein enter, Charles restrained his expression.
"Sherlock, sit."
He pointed to the chair opposite him and got straight to the point: "Did you notice those people in the hall?"
"You mean those Detectives?"
"Exactly. A major case has occurred in Backlund recently. It's said that a Beyonder of the 'Devil' Pathway is committing serial murders."
Devil—— Klein immediately flipped through his memory for relevant information.
It seemed that was indeed the case. Beneath the overwhelming front-page headlines of the financial crisis and stock market crash, in the corners of the newspapers, related news had indeed been published.
But speaking of Devils, the one that left the deepest impression on him was that Devil Dog he had encountered by chance before.
Could it be—— the owner of that Devil Dog?
"The police are already at their wits' end," Charles continued. "So, they've organized a group of famous private investigators, intending to investigate this case together. And because our Truth Society often has a cooperative relationship with the police, we were also invited to participate."
I see—— many private investigators actually don't like organizations like The Society, but since the police are acting as intermediaries, they can't easily refuse—— Klein understood.
"Director, does this have anything to do with me?" he asked curiously.
"I intend to send you to cooperate with those Detectives to find the killer together," Charles said slowly, looking at him. "And what you need to do is report everything in the investigation process to me in great detail."
"Me——" Klein was somewhat surprised.
Aren't there many experienced veterans in The Society? Why send me? And for such a high-profile opportunity, to send Mr. Rastig, who needs to keep a low profile——
Could it be—— he suddenly thought of a possibility.
"Director," he weighed his words and spoke carefully: "That 'Devil', he wouldn't be... one of ours?"
"How could that be possible?" Charles denied without hesitation.
"It's just that there are many oddities behind this matter. We also want to find out the forces behind that Devil, so we intend for you to investigate deeply."
"I understand." Klein nodded, not asking further.
For a Beyonder who could stir up trouble in Backlund, there was a high probability of a force behind them. It wasn't unreasonable for The Society to want to investigate.
With the organization's help, as long as he wasn't too high-profile, there shouldn't be any danger. After all, no one should link Rastig with an ordinary Detective.
After hearing Charles say that the reward for this mission was generous and that solving the case wasn't strictly required, he went with the flow and accepted the task.
Seeing Sherlock agree readily, Charles also breathed a sigh of relief.
That 'Desire Apostle' had often acted as his black glove, helping him handle many dirty jobs. But recently, for some unknown reason, he had suddenly become high-profile.
If he were caught by the official or other Detectives and they managed to get something out of him, then he would be in some trouble. Especially now, during the critical period for his promotion, there could be no slip-ups.
After much thought, the best way was still to plant one of his own in the investigation team to keep track of the investigation's progress at all times.
If it truly came to a point of no return, he could only act in advance, find a way to kill that 'Desire Apostle', and then find a way to frame the Aurora Order or the Hermes Society, making the official mistakenly think it was a case of criminals fighting among themselves.
"By the way, do you have anything else?" Having handled this matter, Charles looked up again. He felt the other party seemed to have more to say.
"It's like this, Director, regarding my Sequence advancement——" After a slight hesitation, Klein still honestly revealed that his Sequence 7 'Magician' potion was basically fully digested.
"Hmm——" Hearing this, Charles looked up and gazed at Klein, his tone becoming serious: "Sherlock, are you willing to continue working under me, or do you want to develop in other departments of the organization?"
This—— why did the topic suddenly shift to this?
Looking at Charles's serious expression, Klein didn't hesitate and immediately nodded, saying: "Of course, I want to stay by your side."
"Good." Charles nodded with satisfaction.
"Reasonably speaking, you achieved such a great merit before, so advancement shouldn't be a problem. But... you haven't been with us for long, after all, and you come from a 'Social Faction' background." Charles's tone carried a hint of difficulty.
Inside The Society, members are roughly divided into two factions based on their origin. One is the 'Academic Faction', and the other is the 'Social Faction'.
The Academic Faction, as the name suggests, consists mostly of orphans adopted by The Society from various places over the years. Those with Beyonder talent are marked in advance, and when they reach the appropriate age, they undergo unified training and cultivation.
The Social Faction, like Sherlock, consists of wild Beyonders recruited directly from society.
Generally speaking, the probation period for the Social Faction is longer and more troublesome; after all, more consideration is needed regarding loyalty.
"Sigh... if only you weren't a Beyonder of the 'Seer' Pathway," Charles sighed, "if you were an Arbiter or a Lawyer Pathway, the matter of advancement would be much simpler."
The reason he said this was because advancement in the 'Seer' Pathway was not managed by their department; it needed to be submitted to another department for review.
Inside The Society, broadly speaking, work is divided into four departments, distinguished by the different suits of playing cards.
The 'Spades' Intelligence Department is mainly responsible for infiltration and intelligence work. Most 'Seers' in The Society are related to 'Spades', and the advancement of members in related Pathways is also arranged and reviewed by them.
The 'Diamonds' Finance Department is mainly responsible for internal administration and managing industrial assets. Most matters related to money are handled by 'Diamonds'. There are many 'Lawyers' and 'Arbiters' in the department, as well as many Beyonders of the 'Sun' Pathway.
The 'Clubs' Special Service Department is responsible for special services, including internal security, emergency handling, as well as some basic investigations and ordinary missions. Because of the needs arising from its nature, it is the department with the most diverse member Pathways; it has everything.
The 'Hearts' Logistics Department mainly does work in logistics, support, and cover.
Of course, this is just a simple and crude distinction. In actual operations, most missions involve mixed teams from several departments.
But when it comes to member advancement, the barriers between departments become somewhat troublesome——
In the beginning, it was Plum Blossom 5 who recruited Sherlock, but he hadn't really looked after him since, leaving Charles to handle his affairs.
He had been working under Charles all along, so after becoming a formal member, he would most likely be registered as Charles's subordinate.
If it were the Lawyer Pathway, I'd have my own way, after all, I have a 'blasphemy card'—— Klein silently complained in his heart.
"If it's difficult, then——" Klein was about to say they could wait longer when Charles waved his hand.
"Don't worry, I'll find a way for this matter," Charles said confidently. "Focus on completing this mission, and I'll act as your guarantor for the advancement. If that still doesn't work——" He thought for a moment and revealed a mysterious smile, "There will be a banquet in a while."
"A banquet? What banquet?"
A party to celebrate my promotion. Charles was in a good mood, but on the surface, he chose to keep it a secret.
"You'll know when the time comes."
"But how... does this relate to my advancement?" Klein asked curiously.
"One look and I can tell you haven't experienced many of these social occasions." Charles adopted the tone of a mentor teaching a subordinate.
"Our department, because it manages The Society's funds and most of its industries, has great power. But it also attracts resentment from other departments because of financial and budget issues. As one of our people, applying for an advancement in a Pathway controlled by another department will be very troublesome in terms of process."
To the still confused Klein, Charles continued to explain his plan: "On the day of the party, people from all departments will come."
"At that time, I will bring you along as my assistant and the hero of previous missions, solemnly introducing you to others. I will take the opportunity to talk to them, especially the people from the Intelligence Department, about your advancement."
"And then you——" He paused, looking at Klein meaningfully.
"And then I humbly ask them for help?" Klein subconsciously followed up.
"No, no, no."
Charles wagged his finger.
"You have to be a bit more tactful."
"Since I've already talked to them about this matter, if you act too humble, it might seem polite, but in reality, it would be slapping my face, making it look like I can't even handle my own subordinate's advancement."
Charles took a deep breath, imparting the 'thick black theory' of the workplace. "At that time, I will join with people from other departments to flatter the head of Spades, slowly building him up——"
"When the atmosphere is just right, you go over and talk about your desire for advancement."
"While you're at it, ask more about the relevant experiences of the 'Seer' Pathway."
"If he doesn't agree to help—— or isn't willing to share experiences—— then we will immediately start heckling. The higher we put him before, the harder he will fall afterward."
"Understand?"
So it can be done like that! So many tricks—— Klein felt some emotion. Although he had been in society for many years and knew some interpersonal routines, this was only the second time a leader had helped him so wholeheartedly.
After all, this method could easily offend people.
The last one who was this good to him was the Captain——
Wait, could it be—— the Director is about to be promoted, so he's deliberately winning me over and cultivating me as a confidant?