Chapter 18: The Weight of Expectations
Klein awoke with a start, the remnants of a dream slipping away like wisps of smoke. He blinked, orienting himself in the familiar yet strange surroundings of Klein Moretti's bedroom. The events of the previous day came flooding back – joining the Nighthawks, the cryptic Chinese diary, the advance payment burning a hole in his pocket.
He sat up, running a hand through his hair. "Right," he muttered to himself, "time to face the day."
As he dressed, Klein's eyes fell on the advance payment from the Nighthawks. Twelve pounds – a substantial sum in this world. He pocketed the money, his mind already formulating plans for the day ahead.
The smell of breakfast wafted up from the kitchen. Klein made his way downstairs, finding Melissa busy at the stove.
"Morning, brother," she chirped, sliding a plate of eggs and toast towards him. "Sleep well?"
Klein mustered a smile, trying to channel the original Klein's brotherly affection. "Well enough. How about you?"
As they ate, Klein's mind wandered to the tasks ahead. He needed to visit the university, shop for some essentials, and prepare for his new role as a Nighthawk. But first...
"Melissa," he began, trying to sound casual, "I was thinking of buying a walking stick today. Any thoughts on where I might find a good one?"
Melissa looked up, surprise evident on her face. "A walking stick? What for? You're not exactly an old man, Klein."
Klein chuckled, improvising quickly. "Well, with this new job, I thought it might help me look more... professional. You know, create the right impression."
"If you say so," Melissa shrugged, still looking puzzled. "There's a shop on Minsk Street – Joker's Gentleman Supplies. They might have what you're looking for."
Klein nodded his thanks, finishing his breakfast. As he prepared to leave, he felt a pang of guilt. Here was Melissa, carrying on as normal, completely unaware of the supernatural world her brother had stumbled into. He pushed the feeling aside. It was better this way – safer for her.
The streets of Tingen were already bustling as Klein made his way to Minsk Street. He found Joker's Gentleman Supplies easily enough, a quaint shop with a polished wooden sign swinging gently in the breeze.
The bell above the door chimed as Klein entered. The shop was a treasure trove of refined accessories, from top hats to monogrammed handkerchiefs. But Klein had his eyes set on one item in particular – a walking stick.
An elderly shopkeeper approached, his eyes twinkling with interest. "Good day, sir. How may I assist you?"
Klein straightened his posture, channelling every ounce of British propriety he could muster. "Good day. I find myself in need of a walking stick. Something... substantial."
The shopkeeper nodded knowingly. "Ah, for protection as well as style, I presume? Follow me."
As they perused the selection, Klein's eyes fell upon a heavy, ornate stick with a silver handle. He picked it up, testing its weight. The irony wasn't lost on him – an Indian soul, reborn into this British-like world, now shopping for the very symbols of colonial power he once resented.
"An excellent choice, sir," the shopkeeper commented. "Imported Rosewood with a Sterling silver handle. It's quite the statement piece."
Klein raised an eyebrow. "Indeed. And what statement might that be? 'I have more money than sense'?"
The shopkeeper chuckled, caught off guard by the dry wit. "Perhaps 'I am a gentleman of discerning taste and formidable presence'?"
"Touché," Klein replied, allowing a small smile. "Now, let's discuss the price. I'm sure we can reach an agreement that doesn't leave my wallet as light as a feather."
After some good-natured haggling, Klein left the shop with his new acquisition, feeling every inch the colonial gentleman. The weight of the stick in his hand was a constant reminder of his new role in this world – no longer the colonised, but the coloniser.
Finding a secluded alley, Klein began to practise with his new walking stick. He swung it experimentally, feeling the weight and balance. It was heavier than he expected, but that would serve him well if he ever needed to use it defensively.
```
[New Skill Acquired: Walking Stick Proficiency (Level 1)]
[Skill Description: Basic ability to wield a walking stick as both a fashion accessory and a defensive tool.]
```
As he practised, Klein's mind wandered to the revolver hidden beneath his jacket. The illegal weapon was now a means of self-defense in this dangerous new world. He smirked, a hint of dark humour colouring his thoughts. From an Indian reborn into a British-like coloniser, from a victim of circumstance to an agent of order – life had a twisted sense of humour.
Satisfied with his practice, Klein made his way to Tingen University. The campus bustled with activity, students and professors hurrying about their day. Klein felt a pang of nostalgia – not for the original Klein's memories, but for his own days as a physiology student in another world.
He found his way to Professor Verne's office, knocking politely on the door.
"Come in," came the muffled response.
Klein entered, taking in the cluttered but cosy office. Books and papers were stacked haphazardly on every surface, and a faint smell of pipe tobacco hung in the air.
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"Ah, Klein!" Professor Verne exclaimed, looking up from his desk. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Klein settled into a chair, his new walking stick resting against his leg. "Good day, Professor. I've come to inform you about a change in my career plans."
The professor's eyebrows rose. "Oh? Do tell."
"I've accepted a position with the government," Klein explained carefully. "It's a role that I believe will allow me to serve the community in a unique way."
Professor Verne leaned back, studying Klein with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "I see. Well, I must admit, I'm a bit disappointed. We had high hopes for you in academia. But if this is the path you've chosen, I wish you the best."
Klein nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Professor. Your support means a great deal to me." He paused, considering his next words carefully. "Actually, I was hoping to ask you about something. In my new role, I've come across mentions of notebooks from the 4th Epoch, particularly those related to the Augustus family. Would you happen to know anything about them?"
The professor's eyes narrowed slightly. "The 4th Epoch, you say? And the Augustus family? That's quite specific, Klein. Why the sudden interest in ancient history?"
Klein maintained his composure, offering a neutral smile. "Let's just say it's relevant to my new position. Any information would be helpful."
Professor Verne stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Well, the 4th Epoch was a time of great upheaval and mystical significance. As for the Augustus family... they were influential, to say the least. But their history is shrouded in mystery." He paused, giving Klein a penetrating look. "Be careful, Klein. Digging into such matters can be... dangerous."
Klein nodded, filing away the cryptic warning. As he prepared to leave, the professor spoke again, his tone casual but his eyes sharp.
"By the way, Klein, have you been reading about Emperor Roselle lately? There's been some interesting research connecting his reign to events in the 4th Epoch."
Klein felt a jolt of recognition at the name, but kept his face neutral. "Emperor Roselle? I can't say I've delved too deeply into that period. What kind of connections are we talking about?"
Professor Verne's expression was unreadable. "Oh, just some theories about cyclical patterns in history, ancient artefacts resurfacing, that sort of thing. Nothing concrete, mind you, but fascinating nonetheless."
As Klein was about to leave Professor Verne's office, he encountered two familiar faces in the hallway – Professor Cohen and Professor Azik. They noticed him too, and approached with curious expressions.
Professor Cohen, a middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed beard and sharp eyes, nodded slightly. "Mr. Moretti, what a pleasant surprise. I hear you're embarking on parth of being a professor?"
Klein smiled politely, trying to channel the original Klein's familiarity with these professors. "No professor, I got another job in a security company. They need someone who knows history and can translate historical documents for their clients.”
At that moment, Professor Azik interjected. Klein couldn't help but study the man more closely. Azik's bronze skin and weary eyes gave him an air of ancient wisdom, as if he had seen far more than his apparent age would suggest.
"Klein," Azik began, his voice carrying a hint of an accent Klein couldn't quite place, "I read in the newspapers about what happened to Welch and Naya. A tragic case of armed burglary, they say. Do you know anything more about it?"
Klein felt a jolt of surprise. The incident had already made it to the newspapers? And as an armed burglary? He weighed his words carefully before responding.
"I'm afraid I don't have much more information than what's been reported," Klein replied, his mind working quickly. "Welch had obtained a diary of the Solomon Empire's Antigonus family from the Fourth Epoch. He asked for my help in interpreting it. I assisted for the first few days, but then got busy with job hunting. The police even questioned me about it recently."
He deliberately mentioned the Solomon Empire and the Antigonus family, hoping to gauge the professors' reactions.
"The Fourth Epoch..." Cohen muttered with a frown, exchanging a significant look with Azik.
Azik's eyes went blank for a moment before he inhaled sharply. He rubbed his temple with his left hand and said, "Antigonus... it rings a bell, but why can't I remember..."
Klein filed away their reactions, sensing that there was more to this mystery than met the eye. He decided to press a little further.
"Actually, professors, since you're here, I was wondering if you could shed some light on something. In my new role, I've come across some intriguing connections between Emperor Roselle's reign and events from the Fourth Epoch. Do you know anything about that?"
Professor Cohen's eyebrows shot up in surprise, while Azik's expression became unreadable. It was Cohen who spoke first.
"Emperor Roselle and the Fourth Epoch? That's quite a leap, Mr. Moretti. What kind of connections are we talking about?"
Klein shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Oh, just some theories about cyclical patterns in history, ancient artefacts resurfacing, that sort of thing. Nothing concrete, but I found it fascinating, I heard it's a new theory.”
Azik's eyes seemed to bore into Klein. "Be careful with such theories, Klein. History has a way of... repeating itself in unexpected ways. Especially when it comes to artefacts from the Fourth Epoch."
The warning in Azik's tone was clear, and Klein felt a chill run down his spine. He nodded, thanking the professors for their time before excusing himself.
As he walked away, Klein could feel their eyes on his back. He had a feeling that this conversation had raised more questions than answers – for both him and the professors.
His next stop was a local shooting range. If he was going to carry a revolver, even illegally or semi legally, he needed to be proficient with it. The irony of the situation wasn't lost on him – practising with the very type of weapon that had ended his body's original owner's life.
As he entered the range, the smell of gunpowder and oil filled his nostrils. He approached the counter, where a grizzled man eyed him suspiciously.
"Can I help you?" the man grunted.
Klein nodded, projecting an air of confidence he didn't entirely feel. "Yes, I'd like some time on the range. I'm... new to firearms and need to practise."
The man's eyebrows rose. "New, eh? Let's see your permit then."
Klein hesitated for a moment, then produced some documentation he'd prepared. He thought after all he is also a police officer and he has a position in the police force.The man scrutinised it, then nodded grudgingly. "Alright, Range 3 is free. Do you need any ammo?"
After getting set up, Klein stood before the target, the revolver heavy in his hand. He took a deep breath, trying to recall everything he'd learned about proper stance and grip. The first shot went wide, the recoil stronger than he'd anticipated.
```
[Skill Activated: Marksmanship (Level 2)]
[Warning: Low proficiency detected. Caution advised.]
```
Klein gritted his teeth and adjusted his aim. The next shot was closer, clipping the edge of the target. By the end of the hour, he was hitting the target consistently, if not always accurately.
```
[Skill Improved: Marksmanship (Level 3)]
[Proficiency increased. Further practice recommended.]
```
As he prepared to leave the range, Klein felt a sudden prickling sensation on the back of his neck. He turned slowly, scanning the area, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched.
Stepping out onto the street, Klein's hand unconsciously tightened on his new walking stick. The weight of the illegal revolver beneath his jacket seemed heavier than ever. As he made his way home, his mind whirled with unanswered questions and a growing sense of unease.
He tries to remember if anything similar happens in the novel and memory comes back.
[Status Screen Updated]
Name: Klein Moretti (Dipak)
Age: 22
Sequence: Fool's Path (Sequence 9)
Spiritual Power: 100% [Fully Recovered]
Attributes:
Strength: 6
Agility: 6
Constitution: 7
Intelligence: 10 (+2)
Spirituality: 8 (+3)
Luck: ?
Mental Skills:
- Acting (Level 5)
- Authority (Level 2)
- Beyonder Knowledge (Level 4)
- Beyonder Risk Assessment (Level 2)
- Cultural Adaptation (Level 3) [Improved]
- Deception (Level 4)
- Dream Manipulation (Level 1)
- Genre Savviness (Level 2)
- Historical Analysis (Level 3)
- Investigation (Level 2)
- Negotiation (Level 3) [Improved]
- Novel Memory Recall (Level 5)
- Occult Knowledge (Level 4)
- Power Assessment (Level 2) [Improved]
- Quick Thinking (Level 3)
- Self-Awareness (Level 3)
- Spirit Sense (Level 1)
- Stress Management (Level 3)
- Tarot Knowledge (Level 1)
- World Awareness (Level 4)
Physical Skills:
- Beyonder Abilities (Level 2)
- Culinary Improvisation (Level 2)
- Fog Manipulation (Level 3)
- Gathering Management (Level 1)
- History (Advanced)
- Marksmanship (Level 3) [Improved]
- Mystical Identity (Level 1)
- Precognition (Level 1)
- Talisman Making (Novice)
- Walking Stick Proficiency (Level 1) [New Skill]
Status Effects:
- Nighthawk Initiate
- Contract Bound: 5 Years
- Increased Mental Stress
Condition: Determined, Slightly Anxious, Paranoid
New Perspectives Gained:
- Beyonder Worldview
- Sealed Artifacts Knowledge
-
Objectives:
- Uncover the truth behind Klein Moretti's friends' deaths
- Gain power and advance in Sequence
- Find a way back to original world
- Maintain cover story with family and friends
- Investigate 4th Era notebooks [New]
- Research Augustus family history [New]
- Uncover the identity of "Roselle" [New]
- Prepare for Nighthawk duties [New]
Warnings:
- Increased risk of mental instability
- Long-term goals may conflict with immediate safety
- High-level threat: Ince Zangwill (avoid engagement)
- Potential memory discrepancy detected [New]
- Caution advised when investigating historical mysteries [New]
Current Equipment:
- Revolver
- Walking Stick (Heavy, ornate) [New]
[Dream State Activated: Chance of prophetic visions increased]
Relationships:
- Melissa: Stable, protective
- Professor Azik: Curious, potentially suspici
ous [New]
- Nighthawks: Neutral, pending first day of work [New]
Next Steps:
- Begin Nighthawk duties
- Discreetly research newly acquired information
- Continue firearms training
Current situation:
Make sure if someone is following or not.