LOTM: Seekers

37. Shiarori

That's when something caught my eye—something shiny glinting on the corpse of the young woman. Without hesitation, I extended my thread and *Yoink Getto Dazze.

Still being carried by Emlyn, I let the white flame consume the Beyonder characteristic I had just retrieved. Beyonder characteristics were indestructible by nature—but it wouldn't be funny if someone divined its existence and traced it back to me. I wasn't sure if the flame could truly hide it, but as a precaution, I let it burn. Who knew if some clever diviner might link it back to Uriel?

Later, I'd find a secluded spot—far from anywhere I usually frequented—to hide it properly.

It didn't take long before we were far from the scene. Once Emlyn touched down, he gently let me go. We looked at each other in silence for a moment, unsure what to say. Then, I reached out my right hand for a handshake.

We hadn't coordinated, hadn't planned anything—but somehow, our teamwork had been solid. If either of us had faced that Devil Dog alone, we probably wouldn't have stood a chance—let alone escaped.

Emlyn blinked in surprise at my outstretched hand. Then, a bit hesitantly—almost shyly—he took it. A handshake. A bond. A friendship.

…So could you please cut it out?!

'The constellation Demon-like Judge of Fire sheds a small tear, moved by your actions.'

She really can't hear my thoughts, can she?

Suppressing a sigh, I ignored Uriel's overly emotional system message and turned my attention back to Emlyn.

"It's nice to see another unofficial Beyonder like me," I said casually, keeping the mood light. "Thanks for today."

Of course, I didn't mention a word about that Master Key he used earlier—not yet, anyway. There's a time and place for everything.

"Now then, let's get back to work." I dusted off my coat with a small smile. My job wasn't finished just because I survived. After all… debts don't pay themselves.

"Before that, use this," Emlyn said, handing me a small bottle filled with a pale, almost glowing liquid. "Pour it on your leg—it works well on burn injuries."

I accepted the bottle and slowly uncapped it, then released the thread layer covering my leg and poured the liquid over the scorched skin. A cooling sensation spread instantly, numbing the pain like a balm of ice.

"Ohh... this is good stuff," I muttered, genuinely impressed. "Where'd you get it?"

Emlyn puffed up slightly, looking rather pleased with himself. "Naturally, as a Sanguine, I made it myself."

"Woah, a Sanguine!" I played along, letting a spark of admiration enter my voice—after all, the customer is king. "So that's why!" I exaggerated my reaction a little, but the truth was, the liquid he gave me really did work wonders.

I continued stroking his pride for a few more moments—he seemed to enjoy it—before taking a more serious step.

"Say, is it possible for you to teach me about medicine?"

"Medicine? You?" Emlyn looked at me, eyebrows slightly raised, clearly unsure.

I simply nodded, then raised my hand and secreted a drop of poison from my fingertip. Its dark, almost oily sheen shimmered ominously in the light.

"Poison?" Emlyn leaned forward slightly, just a single whiff enough for him to identify the nature of the liquid.

I guess I didn't choose the wrong person.

"Yes, to use it properly, I need some knowledge of medicine as well. I'm sorry for the sudden request, but I can't pass up the chance—being taught directly by a Sanguine would be an honor."

Emlyn nodded, understanding the sentiment. As a Master himself, he grasped the weight of my words.

"A-ahem. Well, if you're going to plead like that…" He cleared his throat, "I see no reason to refuse. After all, Our ancestors are fair to all who seek knowledge."

I'll just ignore the fact that his nose is rising high enough to brush the moon.

As the headache began to feel unbearable, I clasped my hands together, ready to pray—only to freeze mid-motion.

I messed up…

The realization crept in like a slow, cold shiver. In any other world, praying wouldn't be a big deal. But here? This world was different. Here, even looking into a mirror could get you killed—and prayer was far more dangerous than a glance.

Praying to one of the orthodox gods might catch their attention. And as for the unorthodox ones? Ha! I'd rather live on painkillers for the rest of my life than risk invoking one of them.

Uriel was technically an option. She was a Constellation, an Archangel—practically a god in her world. Normally, she'd be the safe pick. But she is quite a pain in the ass right now especially since I'd just gotten closer to Emlyn. I'll pray to her as my last choice.

D? Another possible candidate. But praying to her might be even riskier than praying to other gods.

As I weighed my not-so-safe options, a name floated into my mind, calm and clear.

Shiraori.

"…Shiraori, thank you for your grace. Latom."

I survived today—and I'll survive tomorrow.

Across from me, Emlyn offered a quiet prayer of his own—to his ancestor.

***

After parting ways with Emlyn, I burned the Beyonder characteristic a few more times before hiding it in one of the most unlikely places—wedged carefully into the structure of Backlund's largest clock tower, Big Ben. Not sure what the real name is though.

With that done, I began spending more time with Emlyn. He started teaching me the basics of poison—how much of it could become medicine with the right dose. That was the final piece I needed.

Even after just a few lessons, I could feel it—something shifting inside me. My digestion of the potion had completed.

And as if to confirm that feeling, the bracelet wrapped around my wrist began to heat up, pulsing with a rhythm like a heartbeat.

But this time, it was different.

I didn't fall into a daze or instinctively gulp it down. I was fully conscious—aware, in control. I could take in the characteristic whenever I chose.

Even so, the rice was already cooked. The decision had long been made. It wasn't like I could switch to another pathway now.

So, for the first time—by my own will—I chose to advance.

That was, until a massive notification suddenly slapped me across the face.

[WARNING!]

[It is advisable to gather the supplementary ingredients or complete the ritual beforehand.]

...

I blinked at the message, completely deadpan.

I honestly didn't know how to react.

So now I need to find the formula first? That meant... D was my only lead?

What kind of trash game is this? Was it trying to kill me slowly?

As I was processing that infuriating realization, another message popped up:

[Supplementary Ingredient: Unknown]

[Ritual: Witness a Beyonder's Advancement]

...and just like that, my next short-term goal was made painfully clear.