Though caught off guard, Dunn listened carefully to Luciferi's request, thought it over, and said, "I'm sorry, Your Highness Luciferiel, I can't make that call myself. I'll report it to headquarters. If they approve, I'll grant Klein a three-year leave."
Normally, a wild request like a three-year leave would be shot down without a second glance, but coming from an angel, it was clearly above Dunn's pay grade.
More than the absurd leave request, Dunn was actually more curious about what had happened to Klein. How does a guy just suddenly need three years off?
His gaze on Klein carried a hint of worry.
"I'm fine, Captain. The leave's just for personal reasons…" Klein picked up on Dunn's concern and quickly reassured him.
"Either way, I'm just glad you're okay," Dunn said, seeing Klein didn't want to elaborate. He kept his tone gentle. "Since you're planning a leave, what about your merits from this incident? Want to cash them out, or save them for after your leave?"
Even if the leave wasn't finalized, Dunn knew with an angel's backing, it was probably a done deal.
And whether Klein stayed a Nighthawk or not, his earned merits were real and wouldn't vanish just because he stepped away.
"Captain, are my merits enough to advance to Sequence 7?" Klein asked after a few seconds of thought.
Having secured the Magician potion formula and Jack's approval, Klein had already reported it to the Nighthawks, so he could apply for a Sequence 7 promotion directly through them.
He felt no guilt about it—those merits were earned fair and square.
"Your merits are more than enough for a Sequence 7 potion, with plenty left over," Dunn said, nodding instinctively. Then, realizing something, he looked at Klein in disbelief. "You've fully digested your Clown potion?"
"Yeah, some things happened, and I've completely digested it," Klein said, not hiding it. Before, he'd been cautious about revealing his quirks to the Nighthawks, but now? No need. His top boss, the Evernight Goddess, was watching him!
He was telling the truth, too—learning his fate had fully digested his Clown potion.
"How's that possible? Didn't Klein just become a Clown half a month ago?" Leonard, standing nearby, couldn't help but blurt out. He was floored. Even with the acting method, a Sequence 8 potion usually took months to digest.
Dunn was just as shocked. He studied Klein, then sighed. "Looks like a lot's happened to you lately. So, you're applying to advance to Sequence 7?"
Klein didn't explain further, just nodded. "Yes, Captain. I want to apply for the Sequence 7 Magician potion. As for the remaining merits, please convert them to pounds."
Klein had thought it through. Though reluctant, since he'd chosen not to dodge his fate and to keep advancing, his life was bound to be anything but calm. So he'd made up his mind—to avoid dragging Benson and Melissa into danger, he'd leave Tingen to pursue his path.
That didn't mean cutting ties with his siblings. He'd still write to them, maybe visit on holidays, but he'd do his best to keep the Beyonder world from touching them.
Before leaving, Klein wanted to set his siblings up, like leaving them enough money to live comfortably.
…
Melissa was tinkering with a mechanical doll.
Unlike her usual laser focus, today she was distracted.
No big reason—just that she missed Klein.
Seven days ago, Klein's colleague, a very handsome guy named Leonard, visited their home. He said Klein had caught the eye of a higher-up at their security company's headquarters and was taken on a business trip, so he'd be gone for a bit.
To Melissa, business trips weren't new. Benson, as the eldest, was often away for work to support them. But on Klein? It was rare. Knowing his personality, Melissa couldn't help but worry.
Could Klein really take care of himself out there?
She didn't know. And honestly, she had her doubts. They'd planned to see The Earl's Return together as siblings. Why would Klein suddenly go on a trip like that?
If it wasn't a trip… Melissa shook her head, refusing to entertain other possibilities.
Just then, she heard a knock, knock, knock at the door.
Startled, a sudden feeling hit her. She rushed to the door in a few strides, flung it open, and there he was—the familiar figure.
"Klein, you're back!"
"Sorry, Melissa, for worrying you," Klein said, looking at his sister. Guilt gnawed at him, thinking of his "disappearance" these past days and the inevitable parting ahead.
Though he wasn't the original Klein, having merged with his memories and emotions, he'd come to see Melissa as his real sister after living together.
But that's exactly why he couldn't let his fate drag them down.
…
"So you're saying goodbye to family and friends to head to Backlund alone?"
At Jack's place, Evah, now in a different guise, sipped coffee and looked at Klein. "This really your call? My teacher didn't force you, did he? Tell me if he did—I'll chew him out for you."
"It's my decision," Klein said, touched but also amused. He hadn't told Jack everything, since Lucifer seemed to want to shield Jack from the messy truths about transmigration and apocalyptic conspiracies.
Klein also worried Jack couldn't handle it, so he kept it simple: he'd met Lucifer, talked about some things, and decided to go to Backlund to seek advancement opportunities.
As for why not ask Lucifer for help—Klein had his pride. The transmigrator senior had already given him the truth and a choice. Klein was grateful enough; he wasn't about to act entitled and demand more.
Plus, honestly, he doubted Lucifer would sponsor him anyway.
(End of Chapter)