Joining the Team

Hearing Dunn's invitation to join the team, Luther froze for a second.

"Are you inviting me to become a Nighthawk?" Suspecting he had misheard, he asked again to confirm.

"That's right."

"But you clearly said before that my pathway was dangerous and all that... Is it really appropriate for me to join your team?"

"As long as it is properly controlled, the danger can be avoided." Dunn's eyes flickered. "Or would you rather live under supervision?"

"Not really."

Luther decisively shook his head. "I just think this is too sudden. I feel a little... at a loss."

"Heh, so that's how it is."

Dunn smiled at that. "There are two main reasons for inviting you to join the team. First, we simply sympathize with the circumstances you two are in and hope you can have somewhat better lives. Second, your abilities and Sequence are very useful to us. At present, Secrets Suppliants who stand on our side are extremely rare. Especially after your outstanding performance last night—it could be said that without you, we would have lost two team members... Inviting you to join the Nighthawks is also my way of expressing my gratitude."

That made sense.

Luther nodded and looked at Cecilia. "What do you think, sis?"

"I'll listen to you," Cecilia said. "Either choice is fine, as long as we don't get separated."

Sis, you need to think about it too...

Somewhat helpless, Luther could only weigh the pros and cons.

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

If he chose to be protected and watched over, the advantage was greater safety. Perhaps they could live out their lives peacefully. But he would probably have to bid farewell to freedom from then on. He had originally planned to become a literary plagiarist, but that definitely would not be permitted under such circumstances. More than that, he had personally seen how insane those cultists could be. In the most extreme situations, the people protecting them might not necessarily be able to keep them safe.

As for becoming a Nighthawk, it would grant him more freedom and official backing, along with more opportunities to learn about the mysterious world—perhaps he might even find a way to return home. He would also receive a stable salary. Though he did not know the exact amount, the Nighthawks all looked well-dressed and rosy-cheeked, so they were at least free from worries about food and clothing.

As for the downside... he would face danger. Like last night, when he encountered a crazed, out-of-control cultist—or other accidents he did not yet know about.

But the first choice also carried danger. If he became a Nighthawk, at least he would have teammates to rely on. Besides, Luther had that unknown illusion that could protect his mind. Compared with ordinary Secrets Suppliants, he was much safer.

With that in mind, he raised his head.

"Any other questions?"

Dunn asked.

"I would like to ask what my usual duties would be if I joined the team, and what the salary and benefits are."

Luther asked frankly.

"The Nighthawks are mainly responsible for handling Beyonder cases involving followers of the Goddess. Specifically, our Nighthawk team in Tingen City generally receives one or two cases per month. And these cases are relatively simple. A situation like the one you encountered yesterday is extremely rare."

"If you join the team, you will work as a support member among the official members. You will not need to engage enemies directly, but you will provide the team with divination, Spirit Channeling services, and various rituals... Heh, of course, professionals will train you in those areas."

"As for salary, I can give you a reference. The Klein Moretti you met joined a few weeks ago. He is a Sequence 9 support member. His current weekly salary totals around six pounds, and it will gradually increase every year afterward."

Six pounds a week?

Luther raised an eyebrow. That was far higher than he had imagined. An ordinary worker in Tingen City could earn no more than one pound for a full week's work. A Nighthawk's salary was equivalent to earning fifteen or sixteen thousand in a city where the average income was three or four thousand. But considering the dangers he might encounter in this job, the pay seemed entirely reasonable.

In any case, with that money, he would be able to support his sister and give them a comfortable life.

"That is about all I can tell you. I can only inform you of the rest after you join the team," Dunn added. "I do not mean to force you to agree. You can think it over before giving me your final answer. After all, once you join the team, your life may take a completely different path."

After saying that, his gray eyes calmly watched Luther without the slightest hint of urging.

Luther thought for a moment, then turned to Cecilia. "How much did you earn for pasting together a basketful of matchboxes again?"

Cecilia froze briefly before answering, "It used to be two and a quarter pence, but I haven't taken on piecework lately, so I don't know the current rate."

After hearing that, Luther fell silent for a few seconds before smiling. "Throw that brush away. We won't need it anymore."

With that, he stood and extended his hand toward Dunn. "I would like to join the Nighthawk team."

"Welcome."

Dunn smiled as well and reached out to shake his hand.

His palm was warm and strong.

Two mornings later, No. 6 Daffodil Street.

Dressed in a brand-new formal suit, Luther stood in his newly rented house, looking at himself in the mirror.

Freed from the restrictive clothes he had worn before, his handsome features and well-tailored outfit made him particularly eye-catching. Yet there still seemed to be a trace of gloom and sickliness hidden between his brows, adding an unusual air to him.

A little too conspicuous.

Luther thought to himself.

After he decided to join the team that day, Dunn had asked Mrs. Orianna, the team's accountant, to advance him two weeks' wages as settlement money. Luther had not declined. After all, the siblings' current possessions amounted to only one battered suitcase, and he desperately needed money to settle both himself and his sister.

Thus, over the next two days, he rented a house, bought clothes for himself and his sister, and purchased necessary supplies. Only today had he finally gotten everything sorted out and found time to report to the team.

Luther took a top hat from the coat rack and placed it on his head, then called upstairs, "Ready yet?"

A timid figure appeared at the head of the stairs. It was Cecilia in a new dress, carrying a bag for her books.

"Do I really have to go?"

She seemed uneasy.

"I've already paid your tuition. How could you not go?" Luther said with a smile, patting Cecilia's shoulder. "Just pay attention in class. My sister is so smart—there's definitely nothing to worry about."

That was right. Starting today, Cecilia would be going to school.

Before things had gone wrong at home, his sister had attended a girls' secondary school run by the Church of the Goddess and had achieved excellent grades. If she could graduate successfully, she would most likely find a good job. But in order to take care of Luther, she could only drop out and return home, trapped in the small room of their apartment.

As someone from China, Luther's emphasis on education was practically carved into his bones. Now that he had the means, he had to arrange it for his sister. No matter what, she had to finish her schooling. Thus, through 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?"

Cecilia was happy to return to school, but she was still somewhat hesitant, worried that Luther might fall ill.

"My illness is already better. Haven't you seen it? It hasn't acted up again in so long." Luther confidently patted his chest. "All right, hurry up. 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 seeing his sister off, it was time for Luther to report to the team as well.