Lord of Mysteries: Cuttlefish Connoisseurs

The very next morning in Matani state, in an opulent hotel room, a continuous and vigorous creaking sound resonated and bounced off the thick walls, ceilings, with the source being the spacious four-poster bed at its end.

"Huff, ahh," Wild and feminine groans and huffs sounded as the beautiful man on top let out a sharp but ecstatic moan. His back displayed its flexibility with his impressive arc, while the woman who he mounted curled her toes, while vibrating sporadically.

Loud but satisfied pants soon followed. The man's grey eyes rolled back in pleasure as he collapsed on his partner's ample bosom, his mouth immediately latching onto a large and dark tit. 

Only a good suck can calm my racing heart after such cardio. Tabuis Jacques, codenamed Chaotic, inwardly remarked, as his tongue swirled around the nipple while immersing himself in his partner's still ragged breaths. Minutes elapsed in this state as he eventually heard her laugh, but he soon ignored it, focusing more on the ornate window at one end of the room, immediately identifying the time to be about 6 am. 

So, it should be 7 am in Backlund, and therefore, there's 8 hours before the gathering… The moderators will do some "tests" about an hour before the gathering proper. As a moderator and a man very conscious of time, Jacques quickly analysed how he'll proceed the day.

However, his thoughts were soon interrupted as the woman whom he still mounted let out another loud, but pleased, laugh. "Hahaha. Indeed. Do not judge a book by its cover. The Red Jargon is indeed the most virile man of the state."

Jacques let out a scoff, eyeing the dark-skinned and curvaceous lady's body, then finally locking eyes with her deep, brown eyes. "Action speaks louder than words."

The woman nodded while maintaining her smirk, adding, "While a large tool is good to see, it matters little if it can't be properly used." As she spoke, she seemed entranced by Jacques's beautiful and soft oval facial features; his beautiful grey eyes, wild and shoulder length ginger hair, his beautiful and attractive bow-shaped lips which slightly curved upwards. 

The woman couldn't resist further as she lunged for his lips, only for her to taste air as Jacques unceremoniously dismounted her and stepped out of the large bed.

He swiftly removed his condom and tied its opening. While it wasn't the most visually pleasing thing to do, he, as a beyonder, knew more than anyone the dangers of leaving such a personal part of one's body just lying around.

"What a waste," the woman said with a pout as she leaned on a hand, letting her long, elaborate brown cornrows flow down her forearm. 

Jacques didn't register her words, instead, he nonchalantly spoke. "As agreed, you don't have to worry about the court case. My men will take care of it."

His words seemed to snap her out of her reverie as she slowly nodded. 

As a reputable and senior lawyer, owning a number of law firms, and being in close contact with numerous judges, many through financial and corporal means, Jacques could make use of various loopholes in order to walk around his client's issues. This was an aspect of his life he currently placed more attention on for the past week, following his promotion to a sequence 7 Briber. 

Unfortunately, surface level digestion at best. I still have to find the core acting principles for a Briber. Jacques inwardly complained as the woman suddenly muttered. "Maybe I should do crimes more often?" Her eyes seemed to be fixed on Jacques, more precisely, his baby batter enclosed in the tight rubber in his hand.

… Ma'am, if I'm being honest, I don't even remember your name. Jacques thought as he gave the woman a beautiful smile which made her heart skip a beat. Then again, I only need to remember the outrageous bodies; no need for names.

He didn't hold back in checking out her curvaceous figure, an action which caused her to let out a soft giggle as she partly covered herself with the fine linen bed sheets. Of course, Jacques still noted the infatuation the woman currently expressed, compared to her more teasing and reserved countenance she sported on their last night date.

The effects of Bribe—charm. The more intimate and personal an actual or symbolic bribe is, the greater the effects… My last thrust and emission cemented her current attitude towards me. 

His past week was well spent with him getting to know his new abilities, as well as acting and digesting his previous potions.

While he was a beyonder, he didn't know of the acting method prior to his "transmigration," and hence, as a Barbarian who still had some undigested potion in him, he died after drinking his Briber potion, giving him an opportunity to "transmigrate."

The lawyer potion is fully digested, but I still have some "acts" I need to do to fully digest my Barbarian potion. Reaching the thought, Jacques didn't linger as he moved to the large bathroom and tidied himself. As he did, the woman joined him, occasionally making suggestive remarks, which all fell on deaf ears and received an uncaring reaction. 

Naturally, she had already overstayed her welcome. 

Standing before a large mirror some distance from a vanity area, Jacques arranged his cuffs featuring delicate floral laces as he examined himself. He wore a crisp, and fitting tailored navy blue layered shirt, with a white high-collared shirt, all accentuated by a fluffy and dark fur coat.

The heels of the pair of sleek, polished black suede reaching just below his knee clacked on the red carpet below him while he subtly felt his custom made, concealed holster, featuring his .38 caliber pistol, well fitted within.

After confirming his wear, he moved out of the apartment room without any further interactions, soon reaching spiraling marbled white stairs. His brisk pace down the stairs was slowed down as his pink lips curled, peering down at the person standing on the ground floor below. 

Dressed in a tailored black pantsuit, paired with a crisp white shirt and a pair of sleek black heels, the woman's statuesque and tall, full-figure was well displayed. Her tanned skin with golden undertone was matched by her long, straight raven-black hair, which was tied in a high ponytail. 

However, what made the surrounding air seem to freeze were her sharp, lake blue eyes. This caused the few who were loitering around to scatter away due to discomfort.

Of course, Jacques was unfazed by this, as he smiled brightly while exclaiming, "Naturally, my dutiful secretary is present when I need her the most!"

"A good day to you too, Mr. Tabuis." The woman said in a cold tone as she walked alongside Jacques, the latter openly checking her figure out. After some moments, he broke the silence. "Say, Hélène. You know you don't have to keep the on 'act' at all times, right?"

While keeping her gaze fixed ahead as she moved through the lobby, Hélène responded with a nod before parting her lips. "I have not ignored your advice. However, you of all people should know this is how I usually act."

Jacques gave a faint nod while inwardly feeling a bit jealous of his subordinates. Naturally, he had shared the acting method with his two closest subordinates, with Hélène being a natural in her role as a Cold-blooded, while his "lefthand," Margaret, already being familiar with the method. 

I still feel so left out… Jacques couldn't help but inwardly complain as his secretary opened the large door of the lobby, as he stepped out into the outside.

Naturally, he always knew Margaret, who was a sequence 7 Lucky One, had a deeper background, and he could speculate she was bound by various contracts which prohibited her from sharing or even hinting directly or indirectly about the acting method.

The Life School of Thought is the only prominent organisation which I know controls the Wheel of Fortune path. Jacques mentally noted as he and his secretary walked down the roadside, with the former taking in the morning, vibrant air of the streets of Matani state.

Before long, while sporting a smile, Jacques shifted his eyes back to his secretary, who returned the gesture. "You won't believe how clingy my last toy was—"

"Marceline Richard Maximilien. Born from a humble background in Cahert town, and lived most of her childhood in its grueling streets, eventually ending up in the slave market. She will later earn her freedom through various means and join the underground crime world." Hélène spoke in one calm breath, causing Jacques to frown and pout.

"What's the point if I can't even brag about my exploits?" The secretary ignored her employer's comment and continued. "I suppose the firm will take care of her recent judiciary case, or do you still need to 'act'?"

Jacques shook his head while replying, "Less on Lawyer; more on Barbarian. Is there anything noteworthy?"

The moment he spoke out, the surrounding temperature seemed to drop slightly, as a few passersby instinctively retracted their prolonged gazes on the eye-catching duo, and broke into brisk walks away from them. 

Hélène suddenly grinned, revealing pearly white teeth as she responded. "There is one very interesting 'case' we 'stumbled' upon. This is one of the main reasons I'm here today."

"Oh?" Jacques matched her air with raised brows but then nodded, and looked ahead with a smile, knowing his dear secretary wasn't going to elaborate. After all, it may ruin part of his Barbarian 'act'.

Feeling his Barbarian potion was likely going to be fully digested soon enough, Jacques, in an elated mood, started planning ahead. I still have to digest the Briber potion, and in the meantime, look for the potion formula and ingredients for a Baron of Corruption. Unfortunately, there isn't a "war cheese" I can conveniently exploit like before, and thus, I'll likely have to take the hard way to progress. Hmm… What are my choices, then?

Various thoughts formed in his mind, with him crossing out a number of them due to being mostly unreliable or too dangerous to approach. The Twilight Hermit Order is a no-go instantly… I'm not sure of the "why" I fear this organisation so much, but I've surmised this past week that it's likely an instinct born from an erased memory.

Another option is the gathering. Again, they already know how I look, so I don't especially mind if my sequence is known… Of course, if I really want to have a good chance of progress, then I guess I'll have to see that guy…

Jacques instantly got rid of the forming image of an unpleasant acquaintance of his in his mind, as he analysed another point. For the digestion of Corruption and Disorder, I guess I'll have to go deep into my roots.

This was actually a point which made Jacques quite pleased with the situation and direction of his current life. 

In this life, he had two faces; one was that of an experienced and well loved lawyer and businessman, while the other was being a "factory" in the underground of Matani state. This, naturally, made him brush shoulders with the underbelly and otherwise unpleasant realities of a colonial state, including but not limited to: the human trafficking market, the manufacture of uncontrolled and illegal firearms, intense and inhumane labour camps, and a plethora of other factors. 

Due to this, a path started to become clear in Jacques's mind for his future digestion. Well, I already dabble with the various self proclaimed Drug lords… Maybe I can use this to my advantage?

He silently smiled at himself as the duo moved through the now-dawn illuminated public squares, with some soon to be busy market places, tall buildings serving all sorts of purposes, and a crowd featuring a mixture of natives and people from the Northern continent.

Jacques's eyes moved along as he spotted various tramps taking their usual spots in order to catch the attention of the passersby. 

In order to recover their losses, the various nations in the Northern continent increased their already high taxes and tribute to their colonies throughout the five seas and the Southern continent, paid. This brought unrest, riots, which were all typically quelled through brutal "demonstrations."

Jacques could see beyond the stoic and confident expressions most of the people walking down the streets wore, a weak act of defiance aimed towards their colonial masters. Beyond all this facade was extreme unrest; a powder keg waiting to ignite and release all its troubles in one gigantic explosion.

I hear the Feysac empire is currently embroiled in a civil war. And of course, their colonies on Sonia Island, the Gargas archipelago and the few colonies in East Balam, suffer the most from all this… Hehe.

Jacques would naturally never see himself as a liberator, instead, as a pragmatic man and opportunist fellow whose actions might or might not benefit his place of birth.

He lingered on these thoughts for a few moments before brushing them aside as the duo leisurely continued along the streets, eventually reaching a large, four-storey tall building, bearing the name Jacques and firm. This was a subsidiary building for his rather popular and thriving law firm, often used for various personal matters.

The staff manning the place gave polite greetings to the duo, more specifically to Jacques, with a few offering him brief and detailed reports about the ongoing situation of the firm. 

Isn't this my secretary's job? Jacques inwardly questioned as he peered at Hélène walking by his side from the corner of his eyes. She didn't react to his gaze. However, a man sporting a balding spot walked beside Jacques, and kept on with his reports, but suddenly shivered due to merely glancing at her.

This caused a pause in his speech, as he soon excused himself and walked away in haste, not daring to look back.

Humph, trying so hard to curry favour me… Jacques smiled as he heard Hélène say, "The company, both the light and the dark, continue to bloom. This will attract more pests, with many featuring this unsightly behaviour."

Her words caused him to chuckle. The light side she just mentioned referred to the legal businesses Jacques either possessed or had a share in. On the other hand, the dark side was him being a gang leader, more specifically being the leader of a "factory" which was based on officiating various deals across the underground of Matani state.

After passing through more corridors and down a number of stairs, the duo reached a more secluded and restricted area of the building, soon entering a dimly lit, wood-paneling library. This room featured a quaint fireplace with a plush leather chair positioned to face the crackling fireplace. 

Naturally, Jacques took a seat, while Hélène came along with some refreshments. 

As he hadn't eaten breakfast, Jacques enjoyed a delectable selection of aged cheese, paired with a platter of cured meats, most notably prosciutto, and finally a powerful glass of fine whiskey by the side. The bold flavours of the cheese, together with the saltiness of the cured meat, mixed well with the smoky taste of his drink.

This is life! Jacques gulped down his meal in satisfaction as Hélène, once more, returned carrying a platter containing a cedar wooden box, among other tools. This box, in particular, was filled with exquisite cigars, which instantly caused Jacques's brows to twitch.

Oh? Very high end Balam Hubris? Jacques inwardly noted the Cigar's brand as he smiled knowingly, while his secretary took out a cigar which she expertly trimmed using a cigar cutter, and then placed it between Jacques's fingers, which were already by his mouth. The cigar was soon lit by a table lighter, with Jacques taking a long drag, deeply savouring the tobacco's earthy and spicy taste.

After observing the fireplace in a daze, Jacques spoke without turning. "And here I thought you wouldn't spoil the news of what was to come."

"Is it really spoiling if it's about to happen?" Hélène causally replied and then exhaled a puff of smoke from her own cigar. She then turned to peer at the door not too far away, while muttering, "They're just about to arrive."

The moment she finished speaking, the door was gently opened as the clicks of boots sounded, with a woman wearing a long jet black trench coat walking in. She wore a low dark cap, which barely covered her dark green medium textured curly hair arranged in a messy pixie cut. 

The woman's emerald eyes seemed to shimmer as she gazed at the duo, her black, glossy pouty lips curling as they parted. "I was lucky enough to find you already seated here."

"And I was unlucky enough to not have you warming my bed last night, Margaret." Jacques instantly replied as his swivel armchair spun around, so that he could face the woman, whose smile turned bright before turning to Hélène and nodding..

"We can always make up for it tonight. For now…" her long, jet black earnings moved as she examined the opened door by her side where a group of men and women dressed in similar outfits as hers entered.

Those already present bowed at Jacques before they took a chair beside a bookshelf, and moved it to face some distance before Jacques's seat. Eventually, two more entered while pulling along a man wearing a black sac covering his face. 

The man was essentially shoved into the seat, his legs and hands swiftly tied and bound to his chair. When all this was done, the eight people who had entered the room bowed once more at Jacques, and then half of them exited. A tall man among the former group with grizzled features moved forward and stood beside the bound man, who didn't show much reaction before he removed the sac.

Messy dark-brown hair as well as a messy, full beard with Loenese features marked the man's face. His dark circled blue eyes focused on the beautiful Jacques who had his legs crossed while enjoying his cigar.

"Heh," A hoarse chuckle came out of the man, surprising himself for a moment before he shook his head with a smirk. "Oscurità's lapdog… Or should I say, Oscurità's whore." The man's smirk turned into a taunting smile, which didn't shake Jacques as he kept on enjoying his cigar while observing the man.

"You manlet. The whole underground knows you've been getting cosy with him for the past two years, which explains your rapid growth." He paused as he turned to look at the busty Margaret, who didn't fall behind in comparison to Hélène. "Margaret the lucky… Heh, I guess I was pretty unlucky to meet you."

The man turned back to Jacques and asked. "It's no secret Oscurità always eyed my Tobacco plantations and my other assets. Just give him a price, and I'll ignore that three of my lackeys were brutalised by the ice-cold beauty, and the fact that I was taken into custody for three days now."

"... 203… 457," Jacques casually said, as he reclined on his armchair, enjoying the smoky air surrounding him. 

The man's eyes twitched, but before he could speak, Jacques beat him to it. "Don't mind me, Mr Francis. It's a little habit of mine." His eyes returned to the man named Francis as he continued unopposed. "After over a decade of 'swimming' through the underground, it's to be expected I'll find a number of people saying the very same lines."

He then added with an enthusiastic expression. "By the way, whore and manlet have been said to me by people like you 203 and 457 times, respectively."

"Can you guess what happened to them?"

Francis seemed to realise something as he lurked back his head with a laugh, causing the room to grow silent. After composing himself, he stated. "Comparing me to some low-level gang members and rebels… Though, I must admit, the man of the people persona you typically wear should be closer to your true nature than the jab I just made. And for that, I'm sorry." He gave a deep bow before straightening his back and observing the thick robes binding him.

"Now, if you'll excuse me," He added as a matter-of-factly while peering at Jacques's men beside him. As if ordering them to untie him.

"Francis Boltzmann, born and raised in Loen by parents both tracing their roots to Lenburg." Jacques's voice caused Francis to return his eyes to him as the former continued. "He, already inspired and having a clear direction from his father who, before him, had inherited his grandfather's wealth, Francis thrived in the various colonies of the Loen kingdom in this chaotic continent. The most famous of his inherited properties being the Hubris Tobacco plantation, spanning several hectares in the fertile Paz valley."

Francis remained composed as he gazed at Jacques, who had paused his speech, as he leisurely took a drag of his Hubris high-end cigar, and then placed it on a nearby cigar ashtray. He leaned forward while interlocking his fingers and locking eyes with Francis.

"Karmala Ines, Seraphina Lordeuvre, and Raphaela Ines." Francis' eyes immediately widened in terror, causing Jacques to grin widely at him.

"Finally showing the appropriate reaction? Those three—a beautiful native middle aged mother, as well as her two daughters, both under the age of ten, and living at 13 Roseberry Street in Kolain city, East Balam."

"You—" Jacques interrupted the increasingly terrified man with a hand as he continued. "You painstakingly hid them away from all your affairs, making sure none of your enemies could link them to you."

He then pouted his lips while mockingly adding, "Gotta keep that pure and hardworking father image your dear daughters have, right?"

"If you do anything to them!" Francis said with a hiss as he tried to pry himself out of his restraints, but couldn't.

Jacques wore a hurt expression as he countered. "Hey, don't look at me like that. The 'Children are the future of the state' persona I show the public is genuine… Let's just say my orphanage will be getting new additions soon."

Francis's rage kept rising as he glared intently at Jacques and then spoke with gritted teeth. "When I get out of here, I'll have my men violate you, then feed your battered body to my dogs."

"How mean," Jacques said with a frown before smiling. "Of course, that's pretty fair, given how your daughters will be referring to me soon. Uncle, Uncle~ Heh, I can't wait."

He didn't give Francis the time to respond as he added while making large oval shapes around his chest. "Your wife apparently is quite the cow. Just how I love them. Maybe this manlet will explore her curvaceous body in ways she never imagined was possible?"

Francis' rage exploded as he tried to lunge out from his restraints. However, Hélène standing beside Jacques flung her half finished cigar between her fingers straight to the man's throat. The cigar hit it squarely, causing him to instinctively reach for his throat, which he obviously couldn't due to his restraints.

A Criminal could turn even the most mundane tools into lethal weapons.

Francis clearly couldn't breathe properly as he let out pained, whizzed sounds while Jacques shook his head and returned his cigar to his mouth. 

After letting out a puff, he explained. "No matter how discreet you think you do things, no matter how high and immune you think you're; in the end, loopholes and flaws exist in all this. And exploiting these flaws is speciality."

"While I did restrain you without your consent, you went on to threaten me while we were having a peaceful discussion. Unfortunately, I'm no Paragon, and thus I won't turn the other cheek, and I'll instead reciprocate the gesture."

Francis's bloodshot eyes looked back at Jacques, who gave him a devilish smile, while adding, "Violated and fed to dogs, huh? Oh, well. This whore will take good care of your family for you."

Before he could even try to plead with his eyes, Francis's vision darkened as he received a punch to his temple, knocking him out.

The moment this happened, Jacques felt his Barbarian potion fully digest.

His expression remained neutral as he watched his men take away the unconscious Francis before he let out a huff. "Why do people think I see that sadistic, Loenese supremacist that way? I guess no matter how much virility I show, the bigotry still remains deep."

Margaret shrugged and shook her head, while Hélène stood frozen like a statue. Jacques took notice of this as he shooed the latter away with a hand wave. "You can go prepare the dogs after he's half dead."

The Secretary's stoic features instantly broke as she nodded with an excited smile and happily exited the room.

Plantations acquired, though Oscurità will have a part of the pie… Maybe I can talk to him about my drug dealing plans? The thought surfaced through Jacques's head as he continued his morning reviewing a few commissioned court cases he might accept during the week.

At 11 am exactly, in a room of a rented apartment, Jacques, after forming a wall of spirituality and estimating the time, felt a gentle tug on the back of his left hand, where his heptagram formed. The moderators had all agreed they'll do some necessary tests an hour before the gathering, which occurred at 3 pm Backlund time.

He naturally responded to the call, and his astral projection opened its eyes to glance at the six others seated on a large, mottled round table.

Jacques's lips couldn't help but curl upwards, a gesture which was also performed by the other moderators.

Clearly, they were already quite fond of each other's company.