"Yes, it really was a man."
As he spoke, Priest Augustus wore an awkward expression as well:
"The Sixth Ring Arcanist was originally named Jack Deon, male. According to our intelligence, the ring capable of changing one's sex came from the Blood Spirit School you mentioned. They have always excelled at thaumaturgy involving flesh and blood, and possess a great number of strange relics. Damn it, those lunatics have all gone to the New Continent, yet they still haven't forgotten to cause trouble for us."
The professors at Saint Byron's had once said that the Ancient Organization known as the Blood Spirit School was being hunted by the Five Gods Church.
"The Church had known for a long time that he had infiltrated Tobesk City. For some time, they suspected he was hiding in the Nightingale Club—the place you mentioned. They simply never expected him to be able to completely change his appearance, which was why the Church could never find him. As for his relationship with Mr. Lawrence, it remains unclear whether the relic ring twisted his orientation, or whether there was another reason."
"Relics can even twist... orientation?"
Shade asked. The Old Priest showed a regretful expression.
"Relics can twist any aspect of a person's character or thoughts. It depends on the relic's own effects. For example, if a relic's effect was to use excrement to make food, then it might be... Forget it, forget it. I can't even keep talking about this myself."
He and Shade both adjusted their expressions, after which the Priest warned the Detective:
"Since Lassoya and the Orthodox Church's squad have both appeared, tonight is likely when the Church will make its arrest. Do not get involved in this matter. It is extremely dangerous."
"But the Doctor may not know that the Church's