Joining the Team

Luther was stunned for a second after hearing Dunn's invitation to join the team.

"Are you saying you're inviting me to become a Night Watcher?" He suspected he had misheard, so he asked again to be sure.

"That's right."

"But you clearly said before that my pathway is very dangerous... Is it really appropriate for me to join your squad?"

"As long as it is properly controlled, danger can be avoided." Dunn's eyes flickered. "Or is it that you actually prefer a life under surveillance?"

"Not at all."

Luther shook his head decisively. "I just feel it's too sudden, and I'm a bit... at a loss."

"Heh, I see."

Dunn smiled upon hearing this. "There are two main reasons for inviting you to join. First, I simply sympathize with the situation you two are in and hope you can have a better life. Second, your abilities and Sequence are very useful to us; currently, Black Knights standing on our side are extremely rare. Especially with your brilliant performance last night—it's fair to say that if it weren't for you, we would have lost two team members... Inviting you to join the Night Watchers is also my way of expressing gratitude."

That seemed to make sense.

Luther nodded and looked at Cecilia. "Sister, what do you think?"

"I'll listen to you," Cecilia said. "Whichever you choose is fine, as long as we don't separate."

Sister, you need to think about this too...

Luther felt a bit helpless and had no choice but to weigh the pros and cons.

The two options Dunn offered each had their own advantages and disadvantages.

If he chose to be protected and kept under surveillance, the benefit would be higher safety, and perhaps he could live a stable life. But he would basically have to say goodbye to freedom for the rest of his days. He had originally wanted to be a literary plagiarist, which would certainly not be allowed under such circumstances. Furthermore, he had seen with his own eyes how insane those cultists were; in the most extreme cases, those protecting him might not be able to keep them safe.

As for becoming a Night Watcher, the benefit was greater freedom, official backing, and more opportunities to learn about the knowledge of the mysterious world—perhaps he might even find a way to travel back. Moreover, he would get a stable salary. Although he didn't know the exact amount, seeing how the Night Watchers were all well-dressed and looked healthy, at least he wouldn't have to worry about food and clothing.

As for the downsides... it meant encountering danger. Like last night, running into a frenzied, out-of-control cultist, or other unforeseen accidents.

But the first option had dangers too. If he became a Night Watcher, at least he would have teammates to rely on. Besides, Luther still had that mysterious, illusory presence that could protect his mind; compared to ordinary Black Knights, he was much safer.

Thinking of this, he raised his head.

"Do you have any other questions?"

Dunn asked.

"I'd like to ask, if I join the team, what would my daily work mainly consist of, and what about the salary and benefits?"

Luther asked candidly.

"The Night Watchers are mainly responsible for handling extraordinary cases related to the followers of the Goddess. Specifically for our Tingen City Night Watcher team, there are generally one or two cases per month. And these cases are relatively simple; what you encountered last night is considered very rare."

"If you join, you will participate in the work as an auxiliary member of the official team. You won't need to actively engage the enemy, but you will need to provide the team with divination, mediumship, and various ritual services... Heh, of course, there will be professionals to train you in these areas."

"As for the salary, I can give you a reference. That Klein Moretti you met joined just a few weeks ago; he is an auxiliary member at Sequence 9. His current weekly salary totals about 6 pounds, and it will gradually increase every year."

6 pounds a week?

Luther raised an eyebrow; this was much higher than he had imagined. An ordinary worker in Tingen City working a full week earned at most no more than one pound. This salary for a Night Watcher was equivalent to earning fifteen or sixteen thousand in a city with an average income of three or four thousand. However, considering the potential dangers of this job, the salary seemed quite reasonable.

But regardless, with this money, he would be enough to support his sister and live a prosperous life.

"That's about all I can say; I can only inform you of other details after you join the team," Dunn added. "I don't mean to force you to agree. You can consider it and give me your final answer later. After all, once you join, your life might take a completely different path."

After speaking, his gray eyes looked at Luther calmly, without a hint of urging.

Luther thought for a moment, turned his head to look at Cecilia, and asked, "How much can you earn from gluing a basket of matchboxes?"

Cecilia was startled, then replied, "It used to be two and a quarter pence, but I haven't done any piecework during this time, so I don't know the latest price."

Hearing this, Luther was silent for a few seconds before smiling. "Throw that brush away; we won't need it anymore."

With that, he stood up and reached out his hand toward Dunn. "I wish to join the Night Watcher squad."

"Welcome."

Dunn also smiled and reached out to shake his hand.

His palm was warm and firm.

Two mornings later, Narcissus Street No. 6.

Luther, dressed in a brand-new suit, stood in his newly rented house and looked at himself in the mirror.

Taking off his old, restrictive clothes, his handsome face matched with the well-tailored attire, making him look exceptionally attractive. It was just that a hint of gloom and morbidity seemed to remain between his brows, adding a strange temperament to him.

A bit conspicuous.

Luther thought to himself.

After deciding to join the team that day, Dunn had the team's accountant, Mrs. Orianna, advance him two weeks' salary as a settling-in allowance. Luther did not decline; after all, the two siblings currently only had the property of a broken suitcase, and he urgently needed money to settle his sister and himself.

So, for the next two days, he was busy renting a house, buying outfits for himself and his sister, and purchasing necessary items. It wasn't until today that everything was settled and he had time to report to the team.

Luther took his top hat from the coat rack, placed it on his head, and shouted upstairs, "Are you ready?"

A figure appeared timidly in front of the stairs; it was Cecilia wearing a new dress, holding a bag for books in her hand.

"Are we really going?"

She felt a bit uneasy.

"I've already paid your tuition, so how could you not go?" Luther laughed, patting Cecilia on the shoulder. "Just listen well in class. My sister is so smart, there definitely won't be any problems."

That's right, starting today, Cecilia was going to school.

Before the changes happened at home, his sister had been attending middle school at the Goddess's church academy, where she had excellent grades. If she could graduate smoothly, it was very likely she would find a decent job. But in order to take care of Luther, she had been forced to drop out and return home, trapped within the small room of their apartment.

As someone from China, the importance Luther placed on education was carved into his bones. Since they had the means now, he had to arrange it for his sister; no matter what, she had to finish her schooling. Thus, relying on Dunn's connections, Cecilia easily regained her student status and officially returned to school.

"But Luther, do you really not need me to take care of you anymore?"

Being able to return to school made Cecilia quite happy, but she was still a bit hesitant, worried about Luther having another episode.

"My illness is already cured. Haven't you seen it yourself? It hasn't flared up for such a long time." Luther confidently patted his chest. "Alright, hurry up and go. You don't want to be late on your first day of school, do you?"

Only then did Cecilia happily head out the door.

After sending his sister off, it was time for Luther to report to the team.