LOM: Lord of Mysticism

A wave of tumultuous emotions rose up in Klein's heart. "Why?"

The Beyonders have serious hidden dangers? So much so that the Church's internal judiciary and the Beyonders, who dealt with bizarre phenomena, are also prone to problems?

Dunn stepped into the carriage and sat back at his seat. "This is not something that you need to understand. Neither is it something you can understand, unless you become one of us."

Klein sat down and questioned. "If I'm not able to understand, how is it possible for me to make a decision to join?"

Dunn Smith took out his pipe once again and took a whiff. "You probably misunderstood; a civilian staff member is also one of us."

"In other words, as long as I become one of your civilian staff members, I will be able to understand the relevant secrets, figure out the hidden dangers that plague Beyonders, and the dangers that may be encountered, as well as consider whether I want to become a Beyonder later." Klein reorganized his thoughts and paraphrased what Dunn had shared.

Dunn smiled. "Yes, that is the case, except for one point. You cannot simply become a Beyonder just because you want to, because every Church will be equally strict in this aspect."

It would be odd if the Churches were not strict. Klein lampooned silently as he added with a more intense tone. "What about civilian staff members? This should be quite strict as well, right?"

"There shouldn't be any problems if it's you," Dunn said with partially relaxed countenance.

"Why?" Klein asked as he was once again grappled by doubt.

So my uniqueness and halo as a transmigrator are akin to the fireflies in the night, ever so bright and outstanding?

Dunn began to explain. "First, you managed to survive without our help in such a situation. Certain exceptional qualities are not present in others. For instance, luck. Lucky people are often welcomed."

Klein's expression turned blank.

"Alright, just treat this as a humorous statement. Second, you're a graduate of the history department from Khoy University; this is something we urgently need. Someone once mentioned that talents are key to maintaining a competitive advantage and positive development, a point that I very much agree with."

Noticing that Klein was slightly furrowing his eyebrows, Dunn casually explained. "You should be able to imagine that we often encounter documents and objects from the Fourth Epoch or earlier. Many cults and heretics have tried to gain power from these things. Sometimes, they themselves can lead to strange and terrible things.

Except for the Beyonders in special fields, most of us are not good with our studies or have passed that age." Having said that, Dunn Smith pointed to his own head, as if he were mocking himself.

He then said, "That dry, boring knowledge always puts us to sleep. Even the Sleepless can't help it. In the past, we would cooperate with historians or archaeologists, but this posed the risk of exposing secrets, and mishaps might befall these otherwise uninvolved professors and associate professors. Thus, the addition of a professional in our ranks is hard to refuse."

Klein nodded lightly. "Then why don't you directly, um, groom one?"

Dunn continued, "This brings me to the third point, which is also the final and most important point. You've already been through a similar ordeal, so inviting you doesn't violate the confidentiality clause.

With regard to developing others, I will bear the responsibility of exposure if it fails. Most of our team members, our civilian staff members, come from within the Church."

After Klein finished listening silently, he asked curiously, "Why are you so strict about maintaining confidentiality? Wouldn't spreading the news publicly to more people and increasing awareness lessen the chances of a similar mistake happening again? The greatest fear stems from the fear of the unknown; we can make the unknown become known."

"No, humanity's stupidity is beyond your imagination. It actually leads to more people emulating these acts, creating more chaos and more severe incidents," Dunn shook his head.

Klein acknowledged as he replied, "The only lesson that humans can learn from history is that humans do not gain any lessons from history, and they're always repeating the same tragedies."

"That famous quote from Emperor Roselle is indeed filled with much philosophical meaning," Dunn agreed.

Dunn turned his head and gazed out of the horse carriage. The dim yellowish light of the street lamps intertwined to display the splendor of civilization.

"There is a similar discourse within the judiciary of the major Churches. This may be the main reason for the strict confidentiality and the prohibition of ordinary people from knowing." Dunn said.

"Faith and fear bring troubles. More faith and more fear bring more troubles, until everything is destroyed." After he said that, Dunn signed, "Besides praying for the blessings and help from gods, humans can't solve their real major problems."

As the horse galloped vigorously and nimbly while the wheels of the horse carriage reeled on ahead with Iron Cross Street in sight, Dunn broke the silence and formally invited Klein. "Would you like to join us as a civilian staff member?"

In Klein's mind, multiple thoughts surfaced, making him indecisive since this matter had serious implications. "Can I have some time to consider?"

"No problem, just give me a reply before Sunday," Dunn nodded and added. "Of course, remember to keep this a secret and don't disclose the information regarding Welch to anyone, including your brother and sister. Once this is violated, it'll not only bring them trouble, but you might also have to attend a special court."

"Okay," Klein answered gravely.

Seeing that they were nearing Iron Cross Street and that he was almost reaching home, Klein suddenly thought of a question. "Mr. Smith, what kind of salary and benefits do civilian staff get?"

Taken aback momentarily, Dunn answered. "There's no need for you to worry about this issue. Our funds are guaranteed by the Church and the police department.

For newly registered civilian staff, the weekly salaries are placed at two pounds and ten soli. There is an additional ten soli as compensation for the risk and confidentiality. All of this will add up to a total of three pounds. This is hardly worse than a confirmed university lecturer. After which, your salary will gradually rise according to your experience and contributions.

As for civilian staff members, the contract is generally five years. After five years, you can quit normally if you're no longer willing to stay. You only have to sign a lifetime confidentiality agreement, and you're not allowed to leave Tingen until permission is given. If you want to move to another city, the first thing you must do is register with the local Nighthawks.

By the way, there are no weekends, and you can only work in shifts. At any point in time, there should be three civilian staff on duty, and if you wish to go to the South or Desi Bay for a vacation, you'll need to arrange it with your colleagues."

Just as Dunn finished speaking, the horse carriage pulled to a stop, and the apartment building where Klein and his siblings resided appeared on the side.

"I get it now." Klein turned around and walked down the horse carriage. He stopped at the side and asked, "By the way, Mr. Smith, where do I find you after I've come to my decision?"

"Go to the 'Hound Pub' at Besik Street and find their boss, Wright. Tell him that you want to hire a small mercenary squad for a mission." Dunn said.

"Huh?" Klein asked confusedly.

"Our location is confidential too. Before you agree to become one of us, I can't tell you directly. Alright, Mr. Klein Moretti, I wish you a good dream tonight as well," Dunn smiled as he said.

Klein took off his hat and saluted, watching as the pace of the departing horse carriage gradually sped up.

He took out his pocket watch and pressed it open, seeing that it was only a little past four in the morning. The street was filled with a cool breeze, and a dim yellowish light from the street lamps illuminated the surroundings.

Klein took in the silence of the night. The busiest and noisiest district in the day could be so lifeless and quiet at night.