The Shepherds Are Dense-Chapter 34: Codename: Fox

"You're obviously Sherlock Hermes."
However, Sherlock did not show any sign of identification with Aiwass.
He only saw Aiwass looking at him and laughed, talking with interested amusement.
"I take it you've identified me."
"That dress of yours. you're a Seminary student from the Royal Law Academy, aren't you?"
"How did you know I was from Avalon?"
Aiwass replied in question form.
"Mr. Sherlock Hermes?"
He didn't have to conceal it.
Or better yet, this identity did not have to be concealed.
But no need to promote it either.
"If we get into the details, there are plenty of signs," Sherlock stated, "but listing them would sound pretentious.".
"The actual reason is straightforward—because we just arrived, the ritual hasn't begun scanning people from a greater distance yet. That means you're most definitely already on Glass Island, likely in the Red and White Queen District. With that attire, you're either a Seminary student or a fresh-out-of-school priest.
"A fresh-out-of-school priest wouldn't be this weak. So I'd guess you're a second-year, preparing to make your first advancement."
Aiwass did not have time to respond before Sherlock went on lazily.
"I'm assuming you two are both newcomers. Just in case—people can be crazy. My recommendation is, do not disclose your true identity in the real world."
Suddenly, a small girl in a white gown materialized in the seat next to Aiwass.
She jerked as if awakened from a nightmare, slumped back in fright, and only relaxed when she detected the chair behind her.
Aiwass could not distinguish her face.
But from her stance and figure alone, he knew that she was beautiful and refined.
She was obviously a wealthy young woman.
The ritual still seemed only to be scanning within Glass Island.
Sherlock hesitated briefly, then continued.
"In the Dream Realm, we can't see each other's faces, can't recall what each other looks like, and the voices we hear are different from how we actually sound.".
"But the ritual does show your path category and depth, and occasionally your personal techniques.
"If that sort of data seeps into real space, it can create problems."
"For instance—illegal transcendents."
Sherlock gave the kid in the knight helmet the look.
".could get pinched by the Inspection Bureau."
".Uh."
The helmeted fellow chuckled uncomfortably.
"I'm not in the Inspection Bureau yet, Mr. Sherlock—I've read your s! You're my hero!"
"At the Royal Law Academy, ninety-nine out of a hundred students say that.
"But most of the time, they're not appreciating my smarts or my analytical abilities.
"They just enjoy how frequently I appear in the headlines.
Sherlock emitted a dry puff.
His tone was entirely flat.
"You'll see for yourself when you achieve your next upgrade—there's no requirement to wear that helmet in the Dream Realm.
"Nobody remembers your face here.".
"But someone may know you because of your too-serious and reckless personality."
".Thanks, Mr. Sherlock."
Even after the scathing attack, the knight student didn't complain.
He just nodded in all seriousness.
"How shall we then call each other?"
Aiwass interrupted at the perfect moment.
Changing the subject, as well as providing Sherlock with a bit of a cloak.
"—Codenames."
The old man at the front suddenly piped up.
"You can assign yourself a codename and stick by it.".
"Your codename and tales will pass around the world of the transcendents. when there is nothing else to discuss, two transcendents will generally discuss their experiences in the Dream Realm."
"But if you're taking several paths, be sure to use a different codename for each of them."
"Although that's not an absolute rule."
Sherlock interjected as he went for his chest by habit, as though he was going to grab a cigar box—then recalled that they were in the Dream Realm.
In this place, clothes were only for show—even pockets didn't work.
One could only bring mystic tools created from your way of skills.
As Aiwass progressed through the Path of Devotion, he couldn't utilize the Illusion Demon Cards he had created.
"Similar to me. My nickname is 'Detective'."
Sherlock said.
"Everybody on Glass Island already knows who I am. So I don't make an effort to conceal it. Like a clown performing a one-man show—it's humorous to insiders.
"Of course, you newbies should still choose a codename.
"Don't goof up and say it in the outside world."
"And there's something else this old man neglected to tell you."
The young man patted the armrest of his chair.
"Off you go, talk about what you experienced in the Dream Realm, but don't tell me everything.
"If someone else hears a slightly different version of the same thing, and they compare their version to yours—they might guess who you are.
"They might even identify where you live."
"No warning them about that, Sherlock."
The old man said dryly, rapping his cane.
"Sometimes lessons must be learned the hard way in order to truly take."
Sherlock's eyes lingered on the cane of the man.
He gazed at it for a couple of seconds in quiet.
But he never mentioned it.
Nor did he dispute the old man's words.
Instead, he turned to the knight helmet man and Aiwass.
He hardly even looked at the young woman.
" your career path and your desired codename. That's the foundation of our working together.".
"If you'd like, you can reveal your transcendent career as well. But you don't need to tell the truth—and you don't have to take other people at their word either."
"I'll start—I'm 'Detective'. Path of Wisdom."
"I'm. uh, you can call me 'Knight'."
The helmet man scratched at his helmet in defeat.
"I'm already wearing it, so not referring to myself that way would only attract more attention. My calling is a 'Light Cavalry' of the Path of Authority. I'm looking to become an 'Air Cavalry'."
"Obviously, I'm a priest."
"I follow the Blessing of the Candle and tread the Path of Devotion."
Aiwass followed with ease, smiling.
"You may refer to me as 'Fox'."
And then it was the girl's turn.
She swallowed hard nervously.
"Evening, seniors.".
"I'm a 'Polymath' of the Path of Beauty. My codename is 'Lulu'. is that okay?"
She sounded uncertain.
Not really sure if her name would be okay.
The others didn't respond.
Only Aiwass nodded graciously at her.
"Hello, Lulu."
".Hello, Mr. Fox."
She whispered back.
So there you have it.
Her codename is derived from
Lulu's Flute
.
Aiwass thought for a moment.
'Polymath'.
That's an unusual class on the Path of Beauty.
You must demonstrate talent in at least five different art forms to qualify.
This girl didn’t even realize that she had already revealed most of her real-world identity.
Just cross-check who loves
Lulu's Flute
, and you’d almost have her completely unmasked.
Tsk, tsk, tsk.
As the introductions continued, the remaining four members appeared one after another.
Aiwass helpfully repeated Sherlock’s warnings and listed all the codenames and paths so far, from ‘Detective’ to ‘Lulu’.
So the others took turns introducing themselves.
"I’m Basil, Path of Adaptation."
This was a woman who appeared to be in her mid-thirties.
"I'm Cheese, Path of Love! Because I love cheese!"
This was spoken by a little girl who appeared to be only about eight or nine.
She obviously wasn't from Avalon.
In Avalon, children of that age weren't permitted to become transcendents.
"I'm 'King', a 'Botanist' on the Path of Balance."
A scruffy-looking middle-aged man was quick to add.
"If you require alchemy incense or essential oils, I've got you covered. I'll offer ten percent discount off market price to brothers and sisters! Delivery within twenty kilometers of Mainz available! Custom potions as well—just pay a deposit, and I'll have it with you within twenty days or less!"
Aiwass scrunched his eyes.
He recalled that Mainz was a city in the Star Antimony Kingdom.
It made sense—Star Antimony was founded on alchemy. Their country name even came from it.
"I’m from the Path of Transcendence, but I’m not a Demon Scholar."
A woman in her early twenties said softly.
"You can call me ‘Cocoa’."
She also didn’t reveal her profession.
At that moment, everyone turned to the old man.
"Isn’t it obvious?"
The old man tapped his cane.
"The only one left is the Path of Dusk."
"You may address me as 'Bone Carver'. It's a bit of a pastime."
Lulu had the look as if she had something to say.
But the stone hourglass suddenly lit up.
It gave off a bright golden light.
A lovely rainbow arc of light spread like a halo.
[Sorry all, I'm late.]
A woman's voice rang out over the dark room, full of reverb.
[Have you all completed introducing yourselves? Then it's my turn.]
[I'll be officiating this ritual. I'm an apostle of Lady Hourglass. you may address me as Erine.]
The dark world suddenly exploded into resplendent light.