Chapter Text
"My wish? My wish is to fulfil everyone else's wishes."
For a second, The Fool's face overlapped with that of Merlin Hermes. The kind, wish-granting miracle magician.
The long bronze-mottled table only had two other occupants. The Star, Leonard Mitchell, folded his red-gloved hands and rolled his eyes.
On the other side sat Miss Justice, Audrey Hall, who simply sighed. Even though she was a Spectator, her eyes betrayed her joy.
Mr Fool had finally awoken. Although there was a little awkwardness surrounding the fact that 'His' identities had been revealed and connected to The World's, there was far too much joy to dwell on it.
"I know that can't be your wish. It's probably someone's wish, but certainly not yours." Leonard scoffed. He made the move to lean back in his seat before freezing as if he had just rethought putting his feet up on the table.
Klein might've been The Fool, and this is Mr Fool's domain, but no matter what, it wasn't very respectful to soil the property of others. Especially one who had just woken up from a near vegetative state.
Klein's lip twitched as he caught the slight movement. Audrey also seemed to realise Mr Star's reconsideration and politely lifted a hand to cover her mouth.
"What would my wish be then? You sound like you know, Leonard." Klein habitually tapped his fingers against the edge of the table.
Although it was a habit he had curated for his persona as Mr Fool, it had slowly bled into a habit of his own. Especially after he truly became The Fool.
Leonard shrugged languidly. "I dunno. Something materialistic like more money?"
It took all of Klein's self-control as a Clown not to cut Leonard's connection from Sefirah Castle. He had retained these two for a more casual chat in hopes of regaining some humanity.
At least irritation was one way to maintain humanity, and his dear poet was doing well to digest his hypothetical Provoker potion.
With pursed lips, Klein leaned over to Audrey and said in a voice that was not at all meant to be concealed from the green-eyed poet.
"Didn't I give away all my money to the foundation?"
"What?!" Leonard exclaimed. Forgetting that his friend was truly a god, he pointed a finger at him in disbelief. "You? Klein Moretti gave all your wealth away?! You didn't keep anything?! When?!"
"Yes. Dwayne Dantes deposited a large sum of gold pounds towards the charity's goals." Audrey nodded calmly. She quietly used a Placate on Mr Star so that he wouldn't begin climbing over chairs to seek an answer from Mr Fool.
I don't think I can get used to hearing my full name, especially not in Sefirah Castle when others are around. Aren't you a little too comfortable, my dear poet? Klein lampooned inwardly.
He felt his humanity stabilise quite a bit.
"I know gods don't need to eat, but still, isn't that too big of a change for someone so fundamentally..." Leonard trailed off, deciding that it was best not to continue.
"What? Frugal, parsimonious, miserly? Stingy perhaps?" Klein raised an eyebrow, though it was likely obscured by the grey fog.
"No..." Leonard slowly looked away and retreated into his seat.
Audrey was quietly enjoying her front row seat. Although she had never expected that the true identity of her patient was actually her god, she felt rather proud that even a god was following her advice. On top of that, 'He' trusted her enough to share his most vulnerable thoughts.
"I'm glad to see that you're not wearing such a thick mask anymore, Mr Fool~" Audrey praised, though it felt strange using the same tone she used with Mr World.
But it was incomparable to Leonard, who was treating Mr Fool as a banter partner.
I don't think there's anymore masks to wear, Miss Justice. Klein lampooned silently. There's not a single identity you all don't know. Not even Zhou Mingrui... How embarrassing.
Audrey noticed the sudden shift in Mr Fool's emotions and decided to steer the topic back to where it started. "Mr Fool, you still haven't answered us yet. What is your wish?"
"Yeah. We're not gonna judge. We already heard a great deal of your thoughts in the Hall of Truth." Leonard said, giving a nod to Audrey, who acknowledged it with a radiant smile.
To that, Klein's expression darkened. He was standing on thin ice the entire time while these two were having the time of their lives. But it was also because of that hall that he believed these two were the closest to him.
Seeing Mr Fool's silence, Audrey decided to offer up some assistance. "Would you still have chosen this path if you knew what would happen?"
Does she mean the life of a Beyonder? Or to protect this world from inconceivable madness? Klein thought as he quietly reflected on his journey.
Everything he did had some manipulation from the Celestial Worthy. As soon as he stepped onto the Seer pathway, he was fated to become the Fool and the future Lord of the Mysteries.
But would he make the same choice, even if he knew what was to come? The life of a miserable wretch, constantly fighting against suffering and madness?
"Yes," He finally answered Miss Justice, "I would."
Leonard fell silent. Miss Justice didn't know much about Klein's humble beginnings, just as Leonard didn't know too much about Klein's time outside of Tingen.
But from what he knew, Klein was a man who loved money, never tried to get close to others, but cherished his companions and family.
Yet he would give that all up for a world he wasn't obliged to?
"You don't regret anything?" Leonard asked quietly.
Klein knew what Leonard was referring to and shook his head. "Losses are constant in the Beyonder world. There are many that I regret. If I had a second chance, I would try to prevent them.
"Perhaps that is my wish?"
"A second chance?" Audrey tilted her head slightly. She had never taken Mr Fool as a man who harboured many regrets. She had gauged him as a person who understood what loss meant but didn't let it stop him from completing his goal.
"Yes. My wish would be to live my life without regrets."
"Same." Leonard suddenly said.
Feeling obliged to answer as well, Audrey took a moment to think. Did she have many regrets? Yes. But were they at the same scale to which Mr Fool and Mr Star were referring to? Probably not.
She would never count her choice to become a Beyonder or her choice to leave for her family's safety as a regret.
Thus, she answered, "Then I wish that no one has to live with regrets from their choices or events beyond their control.
"I hope that we can live in this world we so love with a smile!"
Klein felt the urge to snap his fingers to grant her wish and obliged. The sharp sound rang in Sefirah Castle, though he didn't feel the familiar consumption of Spirituality that came with wish-granting.
Audrey let the mild surprise warp her delicate features. "Did you... Did you grant our wishes, Mr Fool?"
Klein folded his hands and chuckled, though it felt a little strange with Leonard looking at him like he had grown a second head. "I can't say for sure. But that is a very noble wish, Miss Justice. You truly live up to your name."
If Spirit Bodies could blush, Audrey's cheeks would've flushed red. Although she received compliments from almost everyone she met, this was different. Of course, Mr World had given her compliments as Dwayne Dantes before, but she believed that was a part of acting with the pleasantries of a Loen noble.
Now it was Mr Fool, a true god, the pinnacle existence of a pathway, a god she had devoted herself to all those years ago, a god who had watched her every step and assisted her whenever he could.
It was only natural to be flustered when a god compliments your good nature.
Klein smiled and stared absently down the long table. "It will be hard for me to personally descend now, but I will still interact with you all through either Marionettes or Avatars. If you need anything, just pray, I'll be sure to answer them now that I'm awake."
Why do I sound so sappy? Eh, when the time comes for me to find a descension vessel so I can drink authentic Sweet Iced Tea again, I'll be sure to visit the Tarot Club in person. Klein thought.
Leonard looked like he wanted to comment, but decided against it.
Audrey had no qualms about it. She was just happy that Mr Fool seemed to retain 'His' humanity quite well.
"By your will," Audrey stood and bowed to the head of the table once more.
Leonard copied it a second later.
Klein nodded as he severed their connection to Sefirah Castle.
However, instead of the minuscule amount of Spirituality usually taken to return a person from Sefirah Castle, his Spirituality surged out uncontrollably.
The grey fog around him churned wildly as Audrey and Leonard's Spirit Bodies disappeared. Wind rushed past Klein's ears, drowning out the sad whispers.
The grey fog was simulating the feeling of falling on its own. It was ejecting its own owner out!
This... Isn't this my voice? Klein couldn't help but recognise the voice in the ravings that filled his ears.
Though it was strange to hear a different set of ravings after hearing Hornacis Flegera for so long, the main question rose from why was he even hearing ravings?
With his deepening control over Sefirah Castle, the action of entering and exiting had rendered the ravings inaudible.
Barely able to keep the last dregs of his Spirituality intact, Klein felt the splitting headache that usually came from hitting your Spirituality limit.
The new Lord of the Mysteries squeezed his eyes shut in pain.
Pain. That was something he hadn't felt for a long time since he became an angel.
It hurts... It hurts so bad. That's not good, I almost forgot what pain feels like...
Klein's eyes flew open as he felt a sudden disparity. He instantly began Cogitating as he felt madness creeping into his mind.
Wait a second. Why am I getting such strong deja vu? And...
Klein's thoughts came to a halt as his eyes refocused on his surroundings.
Not only was he not in Sefirah Castle, but he was also sitting in a room cluttered with various potions and alchemical devices. Books were stuffed into bookshelves.
And before him was an elderly man who was watching him eagerly.
"Old Neil?!"
It took all of Klein's Clown powers to prevent his face from betraying his shock.
However, his Clown powers were gone.
Old Neil jumped, frightened by the sudden outburst and overly dramatic display of disbelief from the young man in front of him.
"Klein?!" The retired Mystery Pryer copied the Seer's reaction before coughing into his fist. "How do you feel? Did the things you see scare you? It is quite a fright the first time around."
Klein had barely registered what Old Neil had said.
Most of my Spirituality is gone. My connection to Sefirah Castle is still strong, but I only have the Sequence 9 Seer characteristic.
Wait, first time? What first time? And Old Neil is alive...
Klein blinked as his most recent memories resurfaced.
Did I actually grant those wishes? Did I travel back in time? How? Is it because I have authority over time now? But isn't this far too exaggerated?
This is... Tingen.
Without his Clown powers, which he had become heavily reliant on for regulating his emotional state, unwitting tears began welling up in his eyes.
"Klein? Boy, are you okay?" Old Neil became worried as he saw the new Nughthawk suddenly begin to cry.
Is this something unique to Seers? Old Neil racked his brain but couldn't come up with an answer. This was the first time he had ever seen this sort of reaction from someone becoming a Beyonder.
Usually, it was much more tense than a few tears.
Thus, having no other reaction scared Old Neil even more.
Being a veteran in time travel, Klein quickly managed to figure out what point in history he was in.
He had just drunk the Seer potion!
It also now made sense why he had only the Sequence 9 Beyonder Characteristic with him.
It being completely digested could be explained by his constant acting as a charlatan. The overwhelming amount of feedback would be enough to make him digest the potion several times over.
But if it's responding to the feedback from a time that's supposed to be in the 'future', does that mean this is more like an alternate universe? The actual timeline still exists somewhere?
Klein had the brief thought to dive into the Historical Void before remembering that he was no longer a Sequence 3 Scholar of Yore.
Feeling helpless, he decided to act according to his memories for now.
I wonder if Roselle coined the term 'butterfly effect' here, too. Klein lampooned as he rubbed the moisture away from his eyes.
"I don't know..." Klein finally answered Old Neil's question. Even a Spectator wouldn't be able to find anything wrong with his response since he truly didn't know if he was fine.
Seeing Klein recover slightly, Old Neil breathed a sigh of relief.
“Is your vision abnormal? Are you also hearing things you did not use to hear?” Said Old Neil, at his side with a concealed smile.
My vision is okay since I instinctively Cogitated. But I truly did hear things I'm not used to hearing. Klein continuously lampooned before nodding his head.
"Yes, Mr Neil, what should I do?"
Old Neil chuckled.
“This is the resulting seepage of the potion’s energy. You lack the means to control it. Alright, do as I say. Think of an object in your mind, something common. Make it simple and easy.”
Klein closed his eyes and began to think. Think about his situation, that is.
I need to take a trip to Sefirah Castle in order to gauge what happened a little better. Though at my current Sequence, there's nothing much I can do... Well, except try to live without regrets.
Perhaps the universe loves Miss Justice, too and decided to grant her wish in my stead. Even as a Pillar, it should be impossible for me to grant such a wish.
Wait a moment, how am I still alive with all this knowledge? I should have corrupted into a pile of flesh the instant I opened my eyes here again!
Klein suddenly felt as if he had been doused in cold water.
Could this be another dream? Did I not actually wake up? Or perhaps is this an Envisioned world? A concealed world? I can try contacting Amanises... But that will be a risk if I've truly returned in time.
“Place all your focus on it. Keep repeating that while creating the outlines. Does it feel a little better?” Old Neil’s voice penetrated into his mind like a serene song.
Right, I should focus on finishing this, then slipping off to the restroom. Klein refocused his attention on the present situation and reopened his eyes.
After years of acting, he didn't need the powers of a Clown to put on a convincing act.
He exhaled as if he had been pulled back from the edge of madness and smiled. "Yes, much better. Did I succeed then? Am I considered a Seer now?"
Hehe, I think I should be considered the greatest Seer of all. Klein allowed himself a smug thought.
Old Neil pulled out a mirror-like mercury plate and shoved it in front of him.
“Look at your eyes.”
Klein focused his gaze and studied his reflection. As expected, he was wearing a black top hat. His outline stood out, and his facial features looked normal. Apart from having his face covered in sweat, he did not seem different in any way.
However, instead of his eyes darkening significantly like normal, there was an additional, almost imperceptible ring of gold around his pupils.
Seeing that, Klein had a new suspicion.
This gold should be something in relation to the Lord of the Mysteries. And considering I still have full control over Sefirah Castle, it should be safe to say that I am still, in a sense, the Lord of the Mysteries.
That would also explain why I didn't get corrupted. I am still a Pillar.
“This is a physical manifestation of the potion’s powers. When you learn Cogitation and how to converge your power, your eyes will return to normal.” Old Neil smiled as he reached out his right hand. “Congratulations, our new Beyonder, our Seer.”
“Thank you.” Klein reached out his hand and shook it.
But I already know how to Cogitate. But it wouldn't hurt to pretend that I don't. Especially for Old Neil...
Klein quickly came up with a set of rules for himself.
I should let events unfold as per usual. However, now that I have the chance, no matter how it happened, I should try to prevent those regrets of mine. This will also help prevent my dear poet from blaming himself too.
But I must always be vigilant about changing the timeline and doing something irreversible. If it is a foe who has given me this chance, my current advantage is the knowledge of the future.
I may have done it once and 'Fooled' the world. But can I really do it again?
Klein released his hand from where Old Neil clasped it. "Mr Neil, when can I learn to Cogitate?"
It had taken another hour or so to convince Old Neil that he had dutifully mastered the activation method for Spirit Vision and sat through an explanation of basic mystical knowledge.
Although he already knew it all, Klein still listened intently. After all, Old Neil was the one who laid his foundation in mysticism, and it has truly been several years since he was the young and naive Beyonder in Tingen.
After the lesson, Klein picked up his cane and left the alchemy room. He watched the door close as Old Neil returned to the armoury.
At that moment, Dunn Smith came from behind him with the corners of his lips hooked.
Klein paused, unable to force himself not to stare. The last time he had seen the Captain was when they were all bloodied and injured from the fight with Megose.
And Captain Dunn Smith had sacrificed his heart for it all.
Klein's fist clenched. I'll ensure that Old Neil, Kenley and Captain don't die this time. Perhaps I should go and shoot Megose and Lanevus in the head right now?
But who knows what freak coincidence Ince Zangwill can come up with if these two are gone.
Dunn didn't seem to mind Klein's tense posture and simply shelved it off to the effects of becoming a Beyonder. With a deep gaze, he said, “I heard from Old Neil that you are a very suitable candidate. Even without Cogitation, you were able to use Spirit Vision.”
“Perhaps, it’s a unique trait of being a Seer,” Replied Klein humbly.
Dunn slowed down and went ahead of Klein a little. After a few seconds of silence, he turned around and said, “You have to remember that curiosity killed the cat. It can also kill Beyonders.
"Do not attempt to probe the murmurings you should not be listening to or seeing existences you should not see.”
"Naturally. I will keep that in mind." Klein replied. He was already making plans to obliterate the Hidden Sage.
The two eyes he had seen behind Old Neil were still ever prominent. However, it seemed that since he still retained his status as Lord of the Mysteries, the Hidden Sage's lingering on Mystery Pryer beyonders couldn't last very long with him in the vicinity.
The pair of eyelash-less eyes had disappeared much quicker than he remembered.
Klein slowly made his way up the stairs before exhaustion finally hit him.
He no longer had the body of a god. He would tire, grow hungry, and feel pain.
He swayed, threatening to tip over as he grabbed the closest thing for support.
What.
Klein stared blankly at the fistful of fabric he had caught instead of the wall.
"Leonard? When did you get here?" Klein tried to mask his embarrassment from grabbing the Midnight Poet's collar. "How did I not notice you coming up the stairs?"
In his original memory, he had gone straight home after speaking with Dunn Smith.
"Concealment is one of the Goddess's authorities after all," Leonard shrugged. He looked rather strange without his red gloves now. "Anyway, Captain told me that you officially became a Seer. So I rushed to congratulate you before you left."
Leonard wrapped an arm around Klein's shoulders with a smile. "So, congratulations, Mr Seer!"
"Yes, thank you, Leonard..." Klein managed to choke out as he was nearly crushed to death by the hug.
Was my dear poet always this touchy back then? It's a good thing I advanced quickly, otherwise, I would have died by his hands instead. Leonard really does know how to control his strength. Klein mused inwardly as he struggled to pull away.
But I suppose after sleeping so long and having no one by my side, a hug does sure feel good.
"Uh, Leonard? Let go of me, please." Said Klein.
"Oh! Sorry." Leonard blinked as if he had just snapped out of a trance and released the young Seer. "I forget that you're not as strong as you..."
Klein's eyes narrowed as Leonard shut his mouth.
"Not as strong as?" Klein probed warily.
Did Leonard return in time, too? I had completely forgotten to consider whether others would have followed me back.
I suppose it would make sense if Leonard and Miss Justice returned since they were there when the wish occurred.
Klein suddenly felt a surge of hope. His first 'time travel', he had been utterly alone. The only other transmigrators were either dead(ish) or a deity.
But if he had companions he could confide in, things would be much easier.
"Ah... Nothing, nothing." Leonard quickly averted his gaze and sped up the rest of the stairs.
My dear poet, you are utterly hopeless at keeping a secret. You spilled it the instant you met me. Klein lampooned as he easily caught up to Leonard.
It appeared that his stamina was better than it was in the original timeline.
"Come on, say it. What was I not as strong as?" Klein smiled. It had truly been a long time since he had felt this relaxed and hopeful. "Are you perhaps thinking about a pirate hunter?"
Leonard froze in his tracks. Although Klein only saw his back, with how tense the poet's shoulders were, he could imagine the expression of shock.
"Haha, pirate hunter?" Leonard slowly turned around, though his eyes seemed to be gleaming. "What'd you mean by that?"
"Oh, I don't know, maybe a guy that the Church of Evernight and Church of the Storms put out a 90,000-pound bounty for," Klein said with a mischievous smile that he usually used with Merlin Hermes. "Some random called Gehrman Sparrow. I thought you spent a great deal of your time looking for him, Mr Star."
Leonard turned and delivered another bone-crushing hug.
With his chin resting on Klein's shoulder, Leonard managed a choked sob. "Your wish came true, Mr Fool."