Lord of the Mysteries

2,000 pounds? That’s enough to drive all the bounty hunters and private detectives in Backlund crazy! This isn’t like Rear Admiral Hurricane Qilangos who was out at sea for extended periods of time and had a bunch of subordinates. It’s a bounty that can easily be touched if one reaches out…

Well, a pirate with combat prowess comparable to a Sequence 5 was worth 10,000 gold pounds, and a Sequence 6 murderer would have to be at the value of 3,000 to 4,000 pounds to be reasonable… Could it be that the Nighthawks and Mandated Punishers have misjudged the serial killer to be a Sequence 7, rather than a quasi-expert who is about to advance to Sequence 5?

It’s very possible that the ritual that The Sun mentioned is rather ancient. Perhaps after the Cataclysm, it has rarely appeared again, and the few great Churches and military don’t have any information regarding this… There’s an underlying problem. The Church of the Goddess, the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery, as well as the Augustus royal family was said to have risen from the Cataclysm. It’s reasonable if they aren’t aware of the past, but the Church of the Lord of Storms have always insisted that they are one of the oldest… Could it be that their age is referring to a period of time after the devils retreated back into the Abyss?

After hearing Isengard Stanton’s words, the first thing that flashed across Klein’s mind was to assess the amount of the bounty, and then he allowed his mind to wander and made many connections.

“What’s your opinion?” Isengard noticed that Sherlock Moriarty seemed distracted and pressed him.

My opinion? Klein was momentarily stumped.

A normal private detective would’ve definitely agreed, both because of the bounty and because of the well-known detective in front of him. A friendship with Isengard would provide him with great benefits in the detective circles.

The problem, however, was that Klein wasn’t a normal private detective. He was worried that he would run into the Nighthawks who were in charge of the investigation.

Although I now have a beard, glasses, and a change in hairstyle, and the few Nighthawks who have seen me only a few times wouldn’t recognize me, what if it was Madam Daly? However, it also isn’t right to turn down the request as that wouldn’t make sense. It would appear bizarre and suspicious… Furthermore, I do hope to catch that Devil as soon as possible. Otherwise, I don’t know how many innocent girls will be killed… Klein hesitated for a few seconds, then he smiled.

“I’ve recently taken on a very troublesome case. I’m afraid I don’t have much spare time.”

Before Isengard Stanton could speak up, he added, “I can participate in the discussion and help to look through the information and analyze the clues, but I don’t think I’ll make any specific investigations.”

I’ll do a divination later. If there’s a problem, I’ll also hold back from sharing my opinion and purely be a spectator… As he spoke, Klein quickly formulated a plan.

Holding the black cane in his hand, Isengard pondered for a moment and said, “No problem.

“I’ve gathered more than a dozen detectives and have enough people to perform the investigation. What I admire the most about you is your excellent reasoning and analytical skills. Without as many resources as me, you actually managed to go all the way to the East Balam Dock and went to the Dock Union.

“If we do capture the criminal and receive the bounty, I’ll distribute the rewards according to everyone’s contribution in a reasonable manner. Trust me, I have some credibility in this business.”

“Alright, I hope for a pleasant partnership.” Klein reached out with his right hand and shook it, feeling the dry warmth of Isengard’s palm.

It wasn’t easy for a middle-aged gentleman in his forties or fifties to maintain such a warmth in Backlund’s late autumn. This added to Klein’s suspicions that Isengard was a Beyonder.

smiled and

moment, Klein realized that he was being somewhat impolite, so he smiled and said, “Sorry, I forgot to invite you in, let’s talk about this over coffee

discuss the case. My assistant is waiting for them there.” Isengard took out a marvel of mechanical beauty—a silver pocket watch with complicated engravings—opened it, and he said, “We need to head over there to meet them. Will that be a

have a change of clothes.” At this moment, Klein suddenly

received an acceptable answer through divination. He quickly returned to the real world, put on his coat and hat, took his cane, and followed Isengard

very curious about how you managed to discover

misunderstanding… Klein considered the

was all thanks Reporter Mike Joseph. After confirming this, using the clues about Siber’s route from Golden Rose, together with other clues, I had a matching

time on the subject, he went on to give a more detailed account of the serial murders than

as the discussion and exchange progressed. The carriage arrived

gloomy. Isengard Stanton led Klein through the spacious

around and saw about sixteen detectives, who

voice sounded; it seemed to be very familiar

realized that Detective Stuart, who he had just bade

and recognized Detective Kaslana, who had been protecting Adol, and her assistant,

coincidence.” The corners of Klein’s mouth curled up into a smile as he

side, vacating half of his seat, and said

read about it in a magazine before. There’s a psychological phenomenon called synchronicity. Just thinking

the detectives present, “This is

Klein with much more trust than before, believing him to be an outstanding

to Stuart, and casually

said, “I was planning to rest for a few days, but Mr. Stanton summoned me, so I came to take a look. Actually, this is

them a cup of coffee or tea and distributed the information, Isengard sat down in a reclining chair,

of you would be unfamiliar with this recent chain of serial murders. Do you have any thoughts on this case? Speak

and had a tiny mustache,

the police didn’t start investigating the case based on

don’t think the criminal could’ve figured out with his eyes if the victim was once a street girl. He must’ve had contact with them. This is such an

most likely recognized the victim with the naked eye… Klein

doubts.

continue this line of investigation.” When the discussion subsided, Isengard