Facing Sam Widows who was now considerably more polite than before, Florent didn't bother to call him out for his earlier rudeness...
Instead, he acted as if it didn't matter and said, "Mr. Sam, it seems you really are one of the recruiters for the Beyonder gatherings. So, you're part of the Beyonder organization behind these gatherings, right?"
Sam was taken aback for a moment, then chuckled, "Heh, still got some attitude, huh? Yeah, I'm part of that Beyonder organization. But don't think you can mess with me just because I've got a foul mouth. I'm a Sequence 7 Beyonder, so if you've got any complaints, you'd better keep them to yourself."
Florent was surprised. He hadn't expected that even the recruiters for this Beyonder organization were so powerful. No wonder they hadn't been tracked down and dealt with by the churches over the years...
A strange expression flashed across his face as he said, "So you're that strong, huh? I wouldn't dare to be so foolish as to try and mess with you."
"Haha, that's right! If you're unhappy, just keep it to yourself. I love it when people want to take me down but realize they're not even fit to shine my shoes. But you kid, probably won't feel that way, right? After all, you're connected to 'The Scholar'. He's already a Sequence 7, so you can't be far behind, can you? Haha!" Sam didn't press further, just threw in a bit of sarcasm before stopping.
Florent couldn't help but think how infuriating this boss was...
Then it hit him, this guy's behavior matched a certain Sequence perfectly: the 'Provoker'...
Based on that, Florent deduced that the boss was likely a Sequence 7 'Pyromaniac', a Sequence that sounded like it packed a serious punch in combat...
As he thought this through, Florent said, "Since you're the one guiding newcomers like me into the Beyonder gatherings, can you tell me more about how these gatherings work and how to participate?"
Sam took a moment to gather his thoughts, then began, his tone tinged with nostalgia, "Our Beyonder gathering is a bit different from others. We bought a large building next to this tavern and set up a massive underground Beyonder market, along with a dedicated space for the gatherings. But the gatherings aren't open to just anyone. Only those with an invitation from me can join."
"Hehe," Sam laughed, seeing how intently Florent was listening, "As for how to get in, you'll need to show the market overseers this symbol..."
He pulled out a simple iron cross, its surface adorned with scattered decorations that gave it a unique, almost artistic quality.
Florent stared at the iron cross, feeling like he'd heard of something similar before...
He racked his brain, going through the notes his father had left him, but he was certain he'd never come across any mention of a Beyonder organization like this.
Seeing Florent's distracted expression, Sam didn't bother to snap him out of it this time...
Instead, true to form, he barked, "Hey, kid! Snap out of it! This trinket is your ticket in. 20 pounds, no bargaining , take it or leave it. And if you want it, you'll probably want these too..."
He pulled out an iron mask and a shabby-looking robe, "The mask and robe, 30 pounds. Total's 50 pounds. Haha! Come on, kid, make up your mind. I don't have all day to waste on you!"
Sam's tone was as rough as ever, and his glare was so intense, it felt like he might actually bite Florent's head off.
Florent felt a chill under Sam's fierce gaze. He thought to himself, 'This man… I knew his Sequence would be tough to deal with, but I didn't expect him to have such a menacing aura. If I had to guess, this guy's got more than a few lives on his hands...'
Florent had felt this kind of aura before, back at a veterans' commendation ceremony in Trier, hosted by Roselle himself...
The event honored soldiers who had distinguished themselves in the wars of resistance and revolution. It was there that Florent realized that the so-called 'killing intent' was actually a real thing...
Looking at the iron mask and the shabby robe, 'Seriously, this illiterate boss calls this a robe?'
Florent sighed and said, "Mr Sam, don't rush me. I'll obviously buy them... After all, I do want to join the gathering. But how do I know when it's happening?"
Sam blinked, then smirked, "Ah, you're such a clueless kid, you've got me all mixed up. Check the 'Trier Merchant Evening News', that half-dead little paper. On the third page, bottom right corner, if there's an ad about buying crystal stones, that means the gathering's happening the next day. You see that, you come running, follow my instructions, and you're in."
Then, his tone shifting to one of even greater impatience, Sam snapped, "Kid, hurry up and decide. You've already wasted nearly half an hour of my time. If you don't give me an answer soon, I'll wring your neck."
Florent didn't argue. He simply pulled out 50 pounds in cash and handed it over.
Sam laughed heartily, "Well, well, kid, you've got some cash on you. Should've jacked up the price! But I'm a generous guy, so I'll let it slide. Now get out of here. In half an hour, this billiards room's gonna be packed, and I'm not letting you freeload..."
He snatched the money from Florent's hand, carefully tucked it into his wallet, and then walked out of the room without a care in the world.
Florent watched the money-obsessed man leave, not paying much attention to his words. He turned around, pulled out a chair, and sat down...
Sipping his 'Starry Sky', he began to carefully consider Sam's behavior and actions. He then started planning out what he needed to do today and in the coming days.
Before he knew it, Florent had finished his drink. Checking the time, he realized half an hour had passed...
Without lingering, he left the empty glass on the pool table and exited the room...