What had happened on stage was only an hour ago. Before he'd left the opera house, a Miss Bevanna had contacted him telepathically, telling him to co to the church in the morning to get everything sorted out. Which ant he had to get up early.
As he lay in bed, Jenkins mulled over everything that had happened that night.
The Church was already aware of his encounter and conflict with a certain duke, so tonight's events wouldn't have any negative repercussions. What truly worried Jenkins was the Doomsday Docunt that had appeared along with the fusion of "Destiny's Stage." It hadn't been discovered yet, but Jenkins knew it had to be sowhere in the opera house.
"If that thing is discovered, the Church will undoubtedly connect it to the new Savior's Emblem that appeared in the theater..."
This would be a massive headache if it wasn't handled properly. The opera house was undoubtedly surrounded by the Church and the police by now. Jenkins could only pray that the stone slate was hidden sowhere inconspicuous.
The ergence of "Destiny's Stage" had happened just as Hathaway once described. The mont Jenkins had an epiphany about recent events and reactivated "The Observer," that fate-based ability fused with "The Stage" maze-lock, creating the brand-new chained ability: "Destiny's Stage."
This special chained ability ca at a price. As the abilities converged, entering the core of his cluster of light and forming a cycle with his other core abilities, the six individual powers that made up the chain completely lost their original functions.
But it also ant Jenkins had gained a much greater power. This costly chain, occupying six ability slots, had a single purpose: "to cause miracles within a certain range."
It was a rather vague description. When he'd first acquired the power, that was all the insight he'd received. His current conclusion was that whenever he faced a situation governed by probability, the odds would skew in his favor. Moreover, it was a passive chained ability, which ant he was perpetually within the range of its maze-lock.
Everywhere he went beca a stage under his control.
"Destiny's Stage" wasn't a massive drain on his spirit like "chanical Light"; in fact, it was quite similar to a certain Blessing of Fla he once had, which had since disappeared.
"I erased a fate-related ability that brought luck, only to receive a similar, yet far more powerful one... A coincidence?"
Jenkins didn't have an answer. He could only marvel at the whims of fate.
"Speaking of which, can a chained ability like a Savior's Emblem be innate? Even if a natural-born savior was blessed by fate, it's impossible they'd have six abilities the mont they beca an Enchanter, right?"
The question popped into Jenkins's mind again, but his thoughts quickly shifted. He lanted the fact that this era lacked modern novelties like a lottery; otherwise, he could have made a fortune.
"Wait a minute. I'm a famous author, and I own a mine. Why would I ever need to gamble?"
The realization dawned on him, and a grin spread across his face.
"Very well. That matter is officially settled."
He gazed up at the ceiling, then reached over to stroke his cat, which was still trying to find the perfect resting spot by his pillow. The cat nuzzled the side of its face against the back of his hand before resuming its task of testing the bed's softness with its paws.
But it seed Jenkins was destined for a restless night. Chocolate hadn't even settled on a sleeping spot when a knock sounded at his door.
He opened the door to find Briny standing in the hallway, dressed in her nightgown. She held a candle and wore a conspiratorial expression.
"Co with ," she whispered. "And be quiet."
Before Jenkins could ask any questions, she grabbed his wrist and pulled him down the corridor, cautioning him to tread softly. The cat imdiately leaped from the bed and padded after them. As they slipped into another room, it seized the opportunity to vault from a table onto Jenkins's shoulder.
This was clearly no guest room. From the style of the chandelier, the color of the wallpaper, the floral-print curtains, and the black-and-white photograph on the desk, it was obvious the room belonged to Briny.
"Quick, get inside."
Without another word, she pulled Jenkins over to a large wardrobe, wrenched open the door, and shoved him inside.
The scene felt strangely familiar.
"No matter what happens in a little while, you must not make a sound. Understand? Absolutely not a peep."
The blonde girl leaned her head into the wardrobe, speaking to the author and his cat. Strands of golden hair tumbled across her forehead and brushed against her delicate ears. Even without any makeup or formal styling, she was an exceptionally beautiful woman.
"I..."
Jenkins started to say sothing, anything to change the situation.
"Oh, right. I forgot one thing."
She suddenly planted a kiss on Jenkins's cheek.
"Thank you for tonight, Jenkins," she murmured. "I'll never, ever forget it. You're my hero."
With that, as if to hide her crimson cheeks, she quickly backed out of the wardrobe and shut the door. From the sound of it, sothing heavy was then hung on the handles.
In the cramped, dark space, man and cat stared at each other. The only light ca from Chocolate's wide, luminous eyes. Jenkins found himself sincerely wishing that the won in his life could be as straightforward as his cat.
"ow~"
Chocolate seed to ow in agreent, but Jenkins quickly shushed him. As much as he disliked being in here, getting discovered was not an option. If their hiding spot was compromised, he had a strong suspicion he'd be thrown straight out the window by one very angry young woman.
Briny had clearly planned this. Most of the clothes had been cleared out of the wardrobe, and a stack of old magazines sat in the corner, providing a makeshift seat for Jenkins. His eyes landed on the top one, titled "Garden Renovation and Maintenance." He lifted his cat, who had already claid the spot, and picked up the magazine.
Soone had even drilled small air holes into the side of the wardrobe, presumably to prevent its occupants—human and feline—from suffocating. Jenkins even felt a large apple tucked inside, a discovery that almost earned him a scratch from Chocolate.
About two minutes later, he heard the footsteps of both Hathaway and Briny outside the door. They spoke for a mont about the events at the theater, with Hathaway constantly reassuring Briny not to be too frightened. Her voice was gentle and lodic.
Then ca the sounds he'd heard once before from inside a wardrobe, just a few weeks ago. And though the sounds were familiar, Jenkins felt as if he could hear his own heart pounding in his chest.
He glanced down and realized it wasn't his own heartbeat, but the powerful thumping of Chocolate's heart against his chest.
His palms began to sweat. The upright young author hesitated for a mont before pressing his eye to the crack in the wardrobe door...
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