With no more information to go on, Luther could not draw any conclusions. He only reminded Klein to contact Mr. Azik and ask him about it. After all, they already knew that the mysterious Beyonder was Death's son.
Klein, in turn, warned him that the Secrets Suppliant Pathway was far too dangerous. Perhaps Luther could switch to another Pathway, escape the True Creator's influence at its peak, and advance to Sequence 0.
But which Pathways were adjacent to the Secrets Suppliant Pathway?
Luther had no idea.
He promptly wrote to Bernadette, hoping she could answer. But Queen Mystic might still have been busy searching for her father, and she did not reply right away.
Time passed.
Over the next few days, Luther settled into a routine. He played the part of a senior church official, handling affairs at Saint Samuel Cathedral, guiding the Red Gloves through their investigations, and occasionally meeting with leaders from other churches.
During that time, news of the captured Loen officers caused a small stir.
As each ransom arrived, he kept his word and released the officers one by one. Earl Hall had paid first, so Audrey's brother Alfred was the first to go free. Many nobles of more modest means were released with him, and they were deeply grateful to Earl Hall.
Around the same time, Luther received Alfred's companion, Nelson Sharp, in his capacity as head of the Backlund Diocese.
"Senior Deacon Silvestre has gone to become an Ascetic? I envy him..."
Longing showed on Sharp's face. "To leave the world behind and devote yourself entirely to faith in the Goddess—what a wonderful thing..." Asceticism was wonderful?
Leonard, who was leading the way, nearly tripped over his own feet.
"You could choose to become an Ascetic too."
He turned back with a smile, his