EFB Chapter 205 Klein's Promotion to 'Magician': The Prelude to the End of Tingen's
Chapter 205 Klein's Promotion to 'Magician': The Prelude to the End of Tingen's
Chapter 205 Klein's Promotion to 'Magician': The Prelude to the End of Tingen's Story
When Klein returned home, his brother Benson and sister Melissa hadn't eaten yet and were waiting for him. "Next time if I don't come home on time, don't wait for me either. Usually, this happens when there's a temporary work situation at the company that requires extra overtime."
Seeing that the dishes on the table were getting cold, Klein said as he took off his clothes.
"Okay, we won't wait for you anymore, but if you need to work overtime in the future, please ask someone to let us know if you can!" Benson put down his newspaper, sat down at the dining table, and said to Klein.
Looking at the pan-fried fish, mashed potatoes, and spicy beef soup on the table, Klein's mouth watered. The rich aroma filled his nose, his throat, and his stomach, making his stomach rumble.
Klein rolled up his sleeves, scooped a spoonful of mashed potatoes into his mouth, and felt a blissful taste filling his mouth.
"Melissa's cooking skills have really improved lately! Her mastery of spices has reached a level of perfection."
?
As he spoke, Klein used a serving spoon to ladle a bowl of beef soup into his own bowl, drinking it while praising it.
Melissa blushed slightly upon hearing Klein's praise, looking quite embarrassed. Benson, standing nearby, teased her:
"Hey, hey, hey, that's way too hasty! Maybe I did it! How can you be so sure it was Melissa?"
Klein didn't stop talking, but he slightly raised his head and gave Benson a glare before continuing to work hard. Melissa also secretly glanced at Benson, shook her head slightly, and put a pan-fried fish on his plate.
Seeing this, Benson sighed in boredom, muttering about how much Klein and Melissa used to love his cooking, before turning his attention back to his own bowl.
"By the way, Benson, the government has released the list of government positions recruited through exams. Do you have any positions you'd like to apply for?"
Halfway through the meal, Klein wasn't as hungry as before. Thinking about the civil service exam, he asked Benson this crucial question.
"I haven't decided yet. On the one hand, I'm not very confident in my exam performance, and on the other hand, the salary and benefits for the same position vary quite a bit."
It's unbelievable that the salaries for the same positions in Tingen and Backlund differ by a third. Furthermore, the salaries of Tingen civil servants are lower than my current salary level. In addition, with this upheaval, the Tingen city government is tightening its belt.
Furthermore, if I choose to go to Backlund, we might be separated, so I'm hesitant about whether to take the exam.
Upon hearing this, Klein and Melissa fell silent. They had lived together for a long time and had never been separated, nor did they have the habit of living apart.
However, jobs at Benson Trading Company are unstable and highly susceptible to economic cycles; one might even lose their job the next day. In contrast, civil service jobs are much more stable and secure, regardless of economic conditions.
Klein, considering his own decision, thought for a moment and then tried to persuade him:
"Benson, I support your application for the position in Backlund. You knew about the government's civil service exam recruitment earlier than many people, and you studied the relevant knowledge at least a month earlier than many people. If it is just a regular civil service position, I believe you will definitely be able to pass the exam."
And you don't need to worry about us separating. I heard from a colleague today that the security company's headquarters in Backlund needs a lot more staff. I can submit a report to apply for a job in Backlund; with my university degree, there shouldn't be any problem."
Those who understand role-playing and pass the assessment are core members and valuable assets of the church, and the church will not allow so many members who understand role-playing to remain in one place.
His Excellency Cecima's complete silence on the related transfer was indeed quite unexpected for Captain Dunn and Klein.
But Klein believed that it would be very easy for them to apply for a transfer.
"Really? Is it that easy to be transferred to Backlund?"
At this point, Benson was already very tempted. His biggest concern was that going to Backlund would mean being separated from Klein and Melissa. After all, Klein had finally found a high-paying job that he liked, and he couldn't just give it up.
But things took an unexpected turn and were resolved so easily that he could hardly believe it. Not only could he not believe it, but even Melissa, who was standing next to him, stared wide-eyed at Klein.
"It's true! And that's not all, I have even better news. Because of my hard work lately, and because our company has business dealings with the police station, I can also be registered with the police station and receive an extra salary. My current salary is £4 a week! If I go to Backlund at my current level, I should be able to earn around £6 a week!"
To convince Benson, Klein went so far as to reveal part of his actual salary.
If he goes to Backlund, Klein's salary will definitely increase, at least to 12 gold pounds a week, since the standard of living and cost of living in Backlund are very high.
In fact, Klein's salary was £6 a week after becoming a full member. After being promoted to "The Joker", Captain Dunn Smith had already increased his salary to £8. With related benefits and police subsidies, he can now earn £10 a week. However, he was afraid of scaring Benson and Melissa, and he had previously received an advance on his salary, so Klein only reported a salary of £2 a week.
Benson and Melissa were shocked. They knew that the Moretti family's only source of income was Benson's weekly salary of 10 pounds 10 soles. After the company's performance declined, Benson worked day and night to keep his job and dared not slack off in the slightest.
It was this weekly wage of 10 shillings per pound that allowed Benson to support two students and keep the family from falling into complete ruin.
Of course, their father's pension also played a part in this.
But now Klein is telling them that his weekly wage is currently £4, and it will be £6 in Backlund, several times Benson's salary. How could this not shock them!
"No wonder Emperor Roselle once said that knowledge is money."
Benson touched his thinning hair, looking at Klein across from him with a contented expression.
"As you all know, I am good friends with Evan Horn of the Earl of Akhova’s House. We correspond frequently. He told me that because of the appearance of the ironclad warships and the fact that many engineers at the Pritz Shipyard were dismissed due to the military spending embezzlement case, the Kingdom has decided to reorganize the Backlund Technical College into a university and establish the Backlund Industrial and Technical University."
This new university will officially begin enrolling students next year, and will not conduct grammar or classical grammar exams; its focus will be on technical skills.
It's perfect for graduates and current students of technical schools everywhere. I think Melissa should give it a try too!
Seeing that Benson was about to be persuaded, Melissa still looked reluctant. Klein then dropped a bombshell that most people didn't know yet.
"And its tuition is only half that of universities like Tingen, Perth, Hoy, and Backlund, equivalent to the University of Constance in Intersea County, plus there are more scholarship opportunities. Melissa, don't you like mechanics and steam power? This is your chance to get in touch with more advanced technologies. Who knows, you might even be the chief designer of the kingdom's next generation of ironclad warships!"
Klein's depiction of the future made Melissa's breathing heavy, her face flushed rapidly, and her emotions became extremely volatile.
After a while, Melissa turned her gaze to Benson and happened to see Benson looking back at her. They both realized that the other was attracted to her and then burst out laughing.
Seeing this, Klein knew he had convinced his brother and sister, and couldn't help but laugh out loud. The laughter of the three siblings echoed throughout the room.
"It was definitely the right choice to let you continue your studies in university. Not only did you find such a good job in a bad economic environment, but you also expanded your network with people like Mr. Evan. Our little family has benefited from your university education."
Benson looked at Klein with a sense of pride, much like a father seeing his son grow up.
This high-paying job offers insider information that can't be obtained simply by going to university. Ultimately, it's because you become an extraordinary person that you can access high-level information.
However, whether in this life or the past, going to university is indeed the best way to change one's destiny. Benson no longer has the opportunity to go to university, but Melissa still does, and as her older brother, I absolutely cannot let her miss this opportunity.
Klein had many thoughts on his mind, but he didn't say them out loud. Instead, he talked with his brother and sister about their future life and strengthened their desire to go to Backlund.
In order to deal with the mastermind behind the scenes and save Tingen, Klein has prepared for the worst. However, based on his feelings during this period, he is not optimistic about his actions, so Klein needs to make arrangements for his own affairs after his death.
Regardless, Backlund is the political, economic, and cultural center of the Kingdom of Rune, a place that the three major churches and the royal family must protect. Staying there will be safer than anywhere else.
Meanwhile, Evan was also in Backlund, and he was arguably the friend he trusted most in the world, and who also had the most social resources.
Klein was unsure of the consequences of his actions, how his close colleagues would view him, and whether they would resent him.
These situations were all unpredictable, so he felt that the best person to entrust his affairs to after his death was Evan, who knew the whole truth and had a good relationship with him in real life.
After discussing the civil service recruitment exam, Benson and Melissa were in a good mood. They felt that ever since Klein successfully found a good job, the Moretti family's luck had been very good, and everything had become very smooth.
"Hmm? The Backlund theater troupe is coming to Tingen this Sunday for a performance. Tickets go on sale tomorrow. How about we go check it out?"
Benson looked at the newspaper in his hand, saw a report about a drama troupe, his eyes lit up, and he immediately made a suggestion.
"I agree! Melissa, you should go and take a look too. Your studies have been very demanding lately, you should relax a bit!"
'
Klein was well aware of the risks involved in what he was doing, so he wouldn't pass up the opportunity to spend a wonderful holiday with his brother and sister.
"I've heard the Backlund Theatre Company is very well-established; they used to perform exclusively for the nobility. This time, they're coming to Tingen for the first time. I wonder if it will be very expensive!"
Klein wanted to spend a wonderful weekend with his family, but Melissa's first thought was about the ticket price.
Benson and Klein exchanged a glance, both seeing the helplessness in each other's eyes, but they didn't give up and continued to persuade each other:
"Klein and I are now earning more than twice the income of an average middle-class family. The Moretti family will no longer be as poor as before, and we should enjoy life and treat ourselves well."
"That's right. Middle-class families should have a corresponding lifestyle. Otherwise, when they interact with other families in the future, everyone will talk about the plays they've seen, and Benson will just stand there dumbfounded. People will look down on him, which will also make it difficult for Benson to date suitable ladies."
Besides, the most famous of the shows I've seen is "The Return of the Earl," where the most popular supporting character is a genius mechanic.
Klein went to great lengths to persuade Melissa, not only bringing up the "respectability" of middle-class families but also citing Benson's happy life as a reason. Benson rolled his eyes but did not refute him.
Klein's persuasion was very effective. Melissa was already very interested when she heard that it involved Benson's marriage, and when she heard that there was a play called "The Return of the Earl," she had no more objections.
"Alright! No matter what, we're going to see a play at the Grand Theatre!"
Melissa pursed her lips and reluctantly nodded in agreement to the event, but her eyes were much brighter than before.
Upon seeing Melissa's agreement, Benson and Klein both breathed a sigh of relief. Melissa had absolute say in any additional financial expenditures for the Moretti family.
After dinner, Benson borrowed his college grammar books from Klein to continue his studies, while Melissa began working on her unfinished math homework.
Klein went upstairs to the bathroom to take a shower, then took four steps backward, recited the name of his design, "The Fool," and entered the gray fog. He then brought the materials hidden behind the bronze chair into reality through a bestowal.
After arranging all the ingredients on the bed, Klein recalled the contents of the "Magician" potion recipe, thought about the mastermind behind Tingen, and recalled the human tragedy he had witnessed a month ago. Without further hesitation, he began to prepare the potion.
Klein placed the ingredients into the iron pot he had prepared in the order of first adding the auxiliary ingredients and then adding the main ingredients.
Noisy!
Amidst a tooth-grinding sound, a pale white mist suddenly rose from the iron pot, only to be forcibly pulled back into the pot by an invisible force.
Once everything had calmed down, Klein quickly poured every last drop of the liquid into a clear glass bottle he had prepared beforehand.
The liquid was quite special, like fireworks constantly exploding inside, with various colors of red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and purple constantly scattering outwards, disappearing, and reappearing, rising and falling in turn.
This is the "Magician's" potion.
Klein held the 1-pound gold coin between his left thumb and forefinger, flicked it up, and then caught it in his palm.
As a seasoned "stakeholder," Klein never forgets to take a stake in anything he does, and this time is no exception.
If you open your palm and catch the potion with its head facing upwards, it means the potion has been successfully prepared.
Without further hesitation, Klein put away the gold coins, picked up the glass, and poured the potion inside into his mouth.
The icy potion traveled down my throat and into my stomach, with countless bubbles bursting at every turn.
As Klein felt the effects of the potion, a flood of occult knowledge rushed into his mind. This knowledge seemed to materialize, forcibly crammed into Klein's brain, causing severe damage to his brain.
Klein felt immense pain; the veins on his forehead bulged and throbbed, and his head felt like it was about to explode at any moment.
Hornachus Fregrass Hornachus Fregrass Hornachus Fregrass—·
The ethereal yet familiar voice rang in his ears once more. Klein gradually regained his composure, consciously sketching the magic orb in his mind and slowly entering a meditative state.
When he regained consciousness, he suddenly felt itchy all over and quickly rolled up his sleeves.
I discovered something unusual about both of my arms; one arm had deeply wrinkled skin, making it look like that of a centenarian.
The other arm lost its color and became abnormally transparent, revealing the blood vessels, muscles, and tendons inside.
Klein sat on the bed, looking warily at his arm, feeling somewhat uneasy.
Is this a sign that things are about to get out of control?
Gradually, as time went by, seeing his arm return to normal, Klein couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
"Luckily, I told Benson and Melissa I was going to take a shower, otherwise they would have fainted from fright if they had come up and seen this."
Klein breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that he had made ample preparations beforehand, and at the same time, he sighed inwardly.
"Even after I fully digested the Sequence 8 'Clown' potion, the advancement was still so difficult. No wonder it took the captain nine years to become a 'Nightmare,' while Mr. Swain, the owner of the Dragon Bar and the former captain of the Punisher Squad, has not yet taken that step."
"I don't know if it's because of the influence of that mysterious, illusory city, but Evan, as a dual-path Extraordinary, seems to be advancing quite smoothly."
Unconsciously, Klein thought of his old friend Evan and the strange feeling he had when he first went up to the Gray Fog.
Klein hadn't forgotten Evan's unusual behavior, but he had overlooked it because of the Tingen incident.
Now that the general promotion had been successful, Klein no longer hesitated and informed the Fool that he had been promoted to Sequence 7 'Magician' by praying to himself.
Then he took four steps backwards and sent the relevant footage to Evan, telling him to make the necessary preparations.
Backlund, an apartment in the Joewood district.
Just as Evan was getting ready to sleep, an image of the Fool turning around and praying about Klein suddenly appeared in his mind.
After listening to Klein's words, Evan politely thanked Mr. Fool for the convenience he had provided, because he knew that Klein might be watching his reaction.
Then Evan couldn't help but sigh again. Things had finally come to this point. Facing 008 and Adam, those behind-the-scenes conspirators with unpredictable and cunning abilities, even he felt it would be difficult to break the deadlock. He was exhausted.
Fortunately, the final boss Adam has already laid down the line—the overall trend is irreversible, but minor issues can be corrected; otherwise, Evan would have already given up and ignored it.
Wearing his pajamas, Evan sat down in the apartment study, prepared paper and pen, and muttered to himself:
"The contents of this letter must not be seen by anyone; it can only be opened by Klein when he is ready to implement the plan."
This muttered remark was a special reminder from Evan to warn Klein that he was watching him write the letter, because he, burdened by the City of Calamity, had a faint sense of the gaze cast from the highest point of the spirit world.
As expected, after Evan muttered to himself, the gaze from the spirit world ceased. However, he still felt uneasy and used all his strength to mobilize a trace of the aura of the "City of Calamity," preparing countermeasures against occupation and prophecy before finally beginning to write the letter.
After a long while, Evan put the several pages of his letter into an envelope, then took out the candle that had been lit several times that evening, set up the altar again, lit the candle, and began to pray:
"A fool who does not belong to this era!"
You are the mysterious ruler of the gray fog!
You are the king of yellow and black, who holds the key to good fortune!
Your faithful servant begs for your attention and requests that you accept his offering.
We implore you to open the gates of the kingdom.
I implore you to give this letter to Klein only when he is facing the murderer behind Tingen. He must not know its contents beforehand, otherwise unpredictable risks may arise.
Ancient incantations echoed within the spiritual wall created by Aiven, stirring up fierce winds and bringing about a shockwave of natural forces.
The wind grew stronger, but gradually it subsided, eventually transforming into two colors: silver-white and pitch black.
After repeated collisions and fusions, the two winds of different colors were thrown into the candle flame symbolizing the "Fool," which then expanded into a phantom door of normal size.
Evan saw the illusory gate formed by wind and light open, behind which lay deep darkness, countless indescribable, almost invisible shadows, beams of clear light containing vast knowledge, a thick gray fog above them, and a huge palace overlooking the real world.
As he watched the envelope from the altar enter the realm of the Fool, Evan prayed once more:
"Great Fool, please tell Klein that the best date to implement the plan is next Monday. I can also use this time to help him collect the last piece of information that he can use! At the same time, I can have Klein silently recite his intention to cooperate with the mastermind behind the scenes, which will make his wish come true."
"knew!"
The Fool's vast voice appeared in Evan's mind, causing Evan to bury his head even deeper.
Just when Evan thought the ritual was about to end, the sacrificial gate opened again, and two golden runes, like badges made of gold, appeared on the altar.
Evan knew this was something he had asked Klein to buy before, so he didn't stand on ceremony and simply put it away.