Old Neil Is Acting Strange

Advancement.

Luther took a second to recall the term's meaning in mysticism. It roughly meant consuming a higher-sequence potion to raise one's own Sequence. For example, Dunn was Sequence 7 of the Sleepless Pathway, "Nightmare." That meant he had already successfully advanced twice.

Logically speaking, raising one's Sequence was a good thing. It granted more abilities and spirituality. But why was Dunn so resistant to it?

Dunn gave his explanation.

"For most Sequences, advancement comes with both risks and opportunities. Therefore, as long as Nighthawks follow the rules, earn enough merit, and pass the evaluation, they can consume the corresponding potion and advance. But the Secrets Suppliant Pathway is different."

He folded his hands together, his right thumb rubbing back and forth over his left. "According to our internal records, Sequence 8 of the Secrets Suppliant Pathway is called 'Listener.' They can directly hear the whispers of hidden existences, gaining powerful, twisted, and unique abilities. But the price is that they must advance within five years, or they will inevitably die a miserable death."

"I see, Captain."

Luther seemed to understand. "That does sound dangerous."

"Not just that," Dunn said. "The whispers alter your cognition, distort your beliefs, and make you worship the True Creator. Every single Listener, without exception, is insane. If one appears perfectly normal, then he is simply an insane person hiding it exceptionally well."

Luther could not help drawing a sharp breath.

"So the Secrets Suppliant Pathway, aside from its lowest level, consists entirely of fanatical followers of an evil god?"

As expected of an evil god. Ruthless!

"That's right." Dunn's gray eyes were filled with seriousness. "I will not allow worshippers of an evil god in my team. If one day you truly go astray, seek advancement, and become a believer in an evil god, I will absolutely fulfill my duty as captain and personally purify you... It may sound unpleasant, but I have to make this clear from the start. Luther, do you understand?"

As he spoke, his gaze was extremely solemn. He was clearly not joking in the slightest.

Luther could not help sitting up straighter as well.

"I understand, Captain. I definitely won't seek advancement."

"It's good that you agreed." Dunn nodded. "There's one more thing. Since you have a history of mental illness, you'll need to submit a certificate of recovery after joining. It has to be issued by a psychiatric hospital."

"Easy. I know that place well."

Luther made a somewhat dark joke, then asked, "Captain, does this mean I'm officially on duty now? What should I do next?"

"You have never been exposed to any mystical knowledge before, so your next task is to receive training in that area. Old Neil, the most experienced support staff member in our team, will teach you personally. Klein also needs to attend mysticism lessons, so you can study with him."

"Alright."

Sure enough, no matter where one went, newcomers had to undergo training first. Luther put away the contract and stood up. "Then I'll head out first, Captain."

"Wait." Just as he rose to his feet, he heard Dunn say, "There's one more thing. Remember to get a revolver from Old Neil, and collect thirty bullets every day. We have our own shooting range in town, so find time to practice."

As he spoke, Dunn swiftly wrote out a slip and signed and stamped it.

He could get a gun, and they even provided bullets for practice free of charge?

Luther accepted the slip, his eyes lighting up. The Nighthawks' benefits really were excellent.

After thanking him, he turned and had only taken a few steps.

"Wait." Dunn stopped him again.

The captain really does have a bad memory.

Luther immediately understood Klein and Leonard's state that night.

"Captain, what else is it?"

he asked with a smile.

"Old Neil teaches in the Armory. If you don't know where it is, you can ask Rozanne to show you the way."

"Alright."

After answering, Luther was cautious enough not to leave immediately. He slowed his steps and waited a little longer, only pushing the door open and leaving after making sure Dunn would not call him back again.

Leaving the captain's office, he returned to the hall. Klein had likely gone to class, and Rozanne was the only one left at the front desk. When she saw Luther looking at her, she was so startled that she immediately stood up straight. She even rose too abruptly and knocked her leg against the chair with a thud.

"W-What is it?"

She rubbed her leg with tearful eyes and asked.

"The captain asked me to find Mr. Neil in the Armory. Could you show me the way?"

"Uh... no problem."

Rozanne's face was full of reluctance, but she still agreed miserably.

She walked around the partition and led Luther deeper into the corridor, staring straight ahead. One of her legs seemed to be limping slightly.

I should have just asked her to point out the way and gone by myself.

Luther thought helplessly. Why does this make me seem like some kind of bad guy?

The two did not speak as they reached the end of the corridor. Rozanne pulled open a door, revealing not a room, but a spiraling staircase leading downward. Gas lamps hung on both walls, burning steadily and driving away the darkness deep within the stairwell.

"We have to go down further."

Rozanne pointed at the steps.

They went down the stairs, their footsteps echoing through the enclosed space. After descending roughly one or two floors, the stairs leveled out, and a long, narrow passage came into view. Gas lamps and the holy emblem of the Goddess appeared alternately along the walls. Though it was summer, the temperature here was quite cool. Luther knew they had reached underground.

They actually hid it this deep below... Well, of course. There must be plenty of things that can't be kept out in the open.

"Walk forward for a while and you'll see a crossroads. Saint Selena Cathedral is to the left, Chanis Gate is straight ahead, and the Armory and Archives are on the right."

Rozanne pointed ahead.

"Alright, I can go by myself from here. Thank you very much, Miss Rozanne."

Hearing Luther say that, Rozanne looked immensely relieved and practically flew back up the stairs. Her hurried footsteps echoed through the empty passage.

There's no need to be in such a rush...

Luther shook his head and walked forward.

Following Rozanne's directions, he turned right at the crossroads and saw two iron doors at the end of the passage. One of them was the Armory, where a mysticism lecture was currently underway. He raised his hand and knocked on the iron door.

"Come in."

An aged voice came through the iron door, somewhat muffled.

Luther pushed the door open and entered. He saw Klein, who was listening to the lesson, as well as an old man seated behind a desk in a black classical robe. His hair was gray-white, and deep wrinkles lined his face.

Besides that, a pair of transparent, eyelashless eyes floated in the empty space behind him.

Boom!

The instant he saw those eyes, Luther felt a thunderous explosion in his head, and blood immediately gushed from his nose.