The materials used to craft these earrings were incredibly peculiar. Even "Pure White Eye" couldn't immediately analyze their composition, only determining that their essence was extremely high—possibly something not even originating from this planet.
Moreover, they were named "The Primordial Trick" and "The Final Conspiracy" with such an imposing flair because they were tainted with the divine blood of two gods!
One of them, Ebner was certain, came from the "Primordial Demoness." As for the other—whether it belonged to the "Blood Emperor" or the "God of Death"—he couldn't tell.
Ebner's intuition suggested the latter. These earrings were likely crafted after the Pale Disaster, during which both the "Primordial Demoness" and the "God of Death" were severely wounded by the Seven Gods, making the presence of divine blood entirely reasonable.
In terms of essence alone, these earrings absolutely rivaled a "Grade 0 Sealed Artifact." However, due to the extraordinary craftsmanship of their creator and the unique properties of the materials, the earrings sealed each other, maintaining a delicate balance that reduced their potential harm by ninety percent.
Of course, this balance and sealing also stripped them of almost all their abilities, leaving only a single function: providing "Concealment of Conspiracy" for Beyonders of the "Hunter" and "Witch" pathways.
This was likely an advanced application of the "Conspirator" and "Instigator" abilities, refined to a level approaching true godhood.
Notably, only "Hunter" and "Witch" pathway Beyonders could use them due to the intricate sealing structure of the earrings.
When their own pathway's aura activated their power, the balance could still barely hold. But if another pathway's aura contaminated them, the equilibrium would break, briefly lifting the earrings' seal.
And once "The Primordial Trick" and "The Final Conspiracy" were unsealed, their negative effects were terrifying—ordinary demigods wouldn't even survive the ensuing calamity. Most would perish before they could even attempt to wield them...
After gaining a preliminary understanding of the artifact through "Pure White Eye," Ebner became intrigued by its origins.
Unfortunately, his "Pure White Eye" currently only provided analysis, not insight. To uncover the full story of these earrings, he would likely have to rely on "The Fool" to recklessly experiment with them.
Seeing Ebner set the earrings down, Xio forcefully suppressed an inexplicable sense of anticipation in her gaze and instead asked seriously, "Ebner, can you use them?"
You're actually wondering if I can use my 'Magic Mirror'-pastured spirit to imitate a 'Witch,' right? Xio, when did you start enjoying this kind of entertainment?
After internally complaining for a few seconds, Ebner thought for a moment before giving a definitive answer. "Yes!"
As he spoke, he stroked the magic mirror in his pocket, and his entire aura instantly became enchanting... At the same time, his facial features started adjusting on their own, his body shape and bone structure shifting as well...
Within seconds, Xio was left dumbfounded as she watched Ebner transform into her exact likeness—except taller, with a better figure, more refined curves, and an even more captivating presence...
This was actually the image Xio had envisioned for herself in her dream last night, just without the "Witch's" inherent allure. Ebner had been too lazy to adjust his appearance, so he conveniently borrowed her idealized self-image. It was definitely not meant to be some kind of subtle mockery...
And the moment Ebner, in this transformed state, put on the earrings, his entire presence vanished!
Xio tried using various methods, even amplifying her detection abilities with mystical items, but she still couldn't sense anything—not even though he was right in front of her.
The concept of "Unperceivable Brewing Conspiracy," derived from the "Conspirator" pathway's power, was nearly equivalent to divine authority. For someone like Xio, who wasn't even a demigod, failing to detect anything was perfectly normal.
After all, with the right ritual, even "0-08" could be momentarily deceived.
Xio examined Ebner's "new appearance," but she didn't suspect anything. After all, she couldn't actually see what she looked like in her own dreams.
At this point, her amusement had faded, replaced by a tinge of envy...
Maybe I should use this appearance in the next Tarot Meeting?
Just as Xio's thoughts began to drift, gunshots suddenly rang out from House No. 15 on Minsk Street. Almost immediately, a viscous black liquid seeped through the walls and vanished into the night.
Had it not been for Ebner using the "Tudor Emblem" to distort the propagation of "light" and magnify the scene as if the house were right in front of them, they would never have noticed the "black liquid" at all.
"They really came... That 'Desire Apostle' is truly bold! And he actually managed to retreat unscathed from Klein, Sharon, and my teacher..."
Klein now possessed several powerful Beyonder artifacts that he didn't have at this point in the original timeline. Even an ordinary Sequence 5 would struggle against him. Detective Isengard, besides his own Sealed Artifacts, also had the "Ring of Light" that Ebner had lent him for protection.
Miss Sharon could be set aside for now—official Beyonders were lying in ambush nearby. Unless Klein was truly in mortal danger, she likely wouldn't intervene...
But even so, for the "Desire Apostle" to escape so smoothly despite this lineup... How many mistakes had they made during the battle?
...
On the rooftop of a seven-story building, five or six blocks away from Minsk Street, Vera gently brushed aside a lock of hair lifted by the night wind and smiled to herself.
"From Xio's report on the arrangements around Baron Larry, I already suspected that a Saint of the 'Spectator' pathway was helping my dear brother orchestrate his schemes... And as expected, I was right! It turns out to be that royal advisor... However, his skills still need some polishing... Personally stepping in to 'suggest' things? That's not how a true 'Spectator' should act! But this works in my favor... Ariehogg is in need of a catalyst right now..."
...
Inside House No. 15 on Minsk Street, Klein stared at the bullet holes in the walls with a pained expression as he, Detective Isengard Stanton, and another female detective, Caslana, discussed the series of tactical errors they had made during their battle with the "Desire Apostle." Caslana was a Beyonder of the "Arbiter" pathway, likely connected to either the military or nobility.
As they talked, Caslana, the weakest of the three and somewhat sentimental, suddenly became somber. With a sigh, she said, "This was the most dangerous incident I've ever been caught up in. I don't know if I would have survived in the end. If… if I were killed by the 'Desire Apostle,' I hope my tombstone would say: 'She had a great mother.'" Her voice grew softer, and the usual firmness in her expression was replaced by a rare gentleness.
Isengard nodded in deep agreement. "This was also the most dangerous enemy I've ever faced." But then, he chuckled. "Still, I don't plan on dying so easily... In fact, if our teamwork had been a little smoother, we could have kept him here."
Besides, my student and my friend are nearby. If anyone should be worried, it's that 'Desire Apostle.'
...Stop recklessly setting up death flags! And not just one, but multiple kinds of flags... Are you trying to jinx us all? Good thing Detective Isengard didn't throw in a dramatic 'Who can kill me?'
Klein opened his mouth slightly, unsure how to even begin ridiculing the two detectives in front of him.
Maybe I should follow up with, 'After this case, I'll go back home and get married'—just to complete the cliché?
But unfortunately, I don't even know how to return home...
Isengard glanced at Klein, who had suddenly fallen into a low mood, and asked with a mix of curiosity and concern, "Sherlock, are you worried? Or do you have some wish you'd like someone to fulfill?"
With my bodyguard lady here, there's no way I'd die... And if I had a wish, I'd fulfill it myself!
Klein glanced at the ordinary mirror he carried, where Sharon was resting her chin on her hands, listening to their conversation. He sighed and said, "I just hope to be buried in a nice cemetery with a good view, with my body intact, sprinkled with holy water and fresh flowers..."
Basically, no cremation! Future Sherlocks who may end up with multiple graves...
Sharon, listening through the mirror, instinctively gave him a new nickname.
The three fell into silence until the sound of a doorbell rang outside.
Moments later, a deacon from the Machinery Hivemind, Ikonser Bernard, entered, carrying an ancient silver mirror with intricate patterns.
(End of Chapter)