Lord of Mysteries: Taiyi

Backlandbad Watch Shop.

Kurt held up a sunflower seed that was emitting a faint glow; it was the first successful seed from his hybridization experiment…

"The progress is faster than I expected," Kurt thought, lifting the seed to examine it closely. He chose the sunflower, which he was most skilled at, and tried to hybridize the radiance spell with its seeds.

The ideal result is to grow sunflowers that can glow... If combined with the previous technology, Kurt could even "tattoo" a smiley face on the surface of a sunflower.

Unfortunately, the finishing touch spell cannot currently grant plants self-awareness, nor can it give inanimate objects the qualities of life... Kurt gave up the idea of ​​inventing a sunflower that can talk, think, glow, and smile.

Kurt glanced at his exquisite watch; it was almost 6 p.m., so he put the seeds in the storage cabinet, tidied his clothes, and went downstairs to grab some food.

When they finally arrived at Fors, who looked rather unwell, she was wearing a light blue sweater and a brown midi skirt. Kurt made her a cup of black tea before asking:

"How is Hugh doing?"

Fors took a sip of the still slightly hot black tea; she looked like she had just returned from the East District. After setting down the tea, Fors spoke:

"The 'victim' is not in mortal danger, but he probably won't be able to get out of bed for at least three months. Hugh told me he'll probably be in prison for a year."

Kurt nodded slightly and said:

"It's good that no one died. So, what can you do? You don't seem very worried."

Fors, looking somewhat weary, took out a cigarette, sniffed it, and instead of answering Kurt's question, asked:

"Can I have a cigarette here?"

Smoking is not a good habit... Although Kurt disliked the smell of smoke, he wasn't intolerant of it. He raised his hand and said:

"Go ahead, I don't mind."

Fors took a box of matches out of her handbag and said:

"I originally planned to use my bracelet to rescue Hugh, but of course that would make us wanted and we would have to leave Backlund. However, Backlund is the best place to hide..."

"So I plan to use some external forces to release Xiu 'openly and legitimately'..."

She squinted slightly, took a sip, and then relaxed and said:

"I went to a literary salon today, and to be honest, I really dislike those kinds of occasions. Nothing attracts me except for the desserts."

She suddenly paused here, and Kurt, who had been listening patiently, looked puzzled and said:

"and then?"

Fors spoke with a hint of uncertainty:

"I had previously discovered a viscount who aspired to enter the extraordinary circle. At the salon today, I took the initiative to get to know him, revealed my identity as an extraordinary individual, and presented my conditions, which he agreed to."

At this point, Fors put down her cigarette, slightly raised her head, looked at Kurt whose expression was unreadable, and said somewhat guiltily:

"I promised to get him into the extraordinary circle so he could find a way to become extraordinary. The Church doesn't care about that, does it?"

So that's what you were worried about. Doing this is indeed a bit against the rules. The church has always had a policy of suppressing and containing wild extraordinary powers, but I am a "chosen one" of the "Church of Mother Earth Goddess". Our church can't control that much.

However, as a responsible official Extraordinary, Kurt first shook his head, and then, under Fors's somewhat frightened gaze, said:

"Nobles have always had privileges in this regard, but they still need to be monitored. Just take me with you when you go on your mission, and I can also protect your safety."

Hearing Kurt say this, Fors felt relieved and continued:

"On Thursday, the viscount will be hosting a literary salon, uh, Viscount Grelint. I can get you a spot; he'll bring one of his friends. The one who rescued Hugh..."

"I don't completely trust him, so I only stated the terms of the deal without mentioning any time off. We'll discuss the specifics on Thursday afternoon."

After listening, Kurt felt that it wasn't much different from the original story, so he nodded and said:

"Great, I happen to need some funds and will be involved in the trading. I'll be home from 12 noon on Thursday. Let's head to the East District now."

He actually wanted Fors to go home and rest, since Bill's surveillance was basically over and he didn't really need Fors' protection anymore... But during their time together, Kurt learned that both Fors and Hugh were happy to help him teach the children, and that it would also strengthen their relationship...

After weighing the options, Kurt decided to take Fors with him.

……

East End, 5 Dalavis Street.

Kurt's day off didn't have much of an impact. He stood on the podium and looked at the children below. Compared to their initial restraint when they first entered school, they were much more relaxed and would occasionally whisper to their friends they had met in school.

The children who received help from Kurt and Kuhn looked noticeably better; at least they weren't going hungry anymore...

The only change was Lucy's departure, which left the class monitor position vacant. Given everyone's special feelings for Lucy, Kurt didn't choose a new class monitor; there was no need. Now there were only 49 children in the class, and Kurt could monitor them throughout, so there was basically no chance of any trouble.

Moreover, thanks to Kurt's exceptional skills and consistently well-organized teaching, every child is now progressing at roughly the same pace. Previously, the positions of group leaders and others were created because of the varying levels of their basic abilities...

The children nowadays can already write basic letters and are proficient in the four arithmetic operations, which is quite fast considering they've only been learning for a little over ten days and only study for three hours a day...

This was the result of Kurt deliberately slowing down the teaching pace. In any case, these children and their families have a hopeful future, at least it is no longer pitch black.

Thinking about all this, Kurt couldn't help but recall the Great Smog of Backlund. He touched the ring, pondering whether he could ask the Earth Mother for help. He was increasingly suspicious that the ring was directly connected to Her...

After finishing his lessons for the day, Kurt took a little boy's hand and said to Fors:

"Mira's parents only have time now. I'm going to their house today. You should go back first, otherwise I won't be able to take care of the child and you."

Kurt subtly implied that Fors would be a "burden" if she went, so Fors didn't insist and went home after Kurt took her to safety.

Who's protecting whom, anyway...? Kurt chuckled and shook his head. Guided by the child, he arrived at the man's home. After taking notes, he told the man that someone would come in a few days to help them find suitable jobs and provide free treatment for Mil's father's leg ailment...

After finishing all this, Kurt finally decided to leave the East District. Just as he was passing through a dilapidated street, something abruptly changed. Gunshots rang out ahead. Kurt immediately slowed down, drew his revolver from under his arm, and frowned as he looked in the direction of the commotion…

That's the direction of what appears to be the Rose School's stronghold...

P.S.: I'll be updating the second chapter this afternoon; I'm out of drafts...