This Was Standard Issue

Dunn encouraged Lynch a few times, trying to lift his spirits.

But Lynch only felt dejected. Judging by this, it would be quite a while before he became a Beyonder, wouldn't it?

The safest option was to study diligently for five years and graduate from Tingen University before becoming a Beyonder.

Another option was to find a way to mooch off Klein's energy, then keep having the Stone of Myriad Phenomena generate suitable Pathways for him, and finally save up to buy a Potion.

But if he secretly became a Beyonder, he'd probably be found out, wouldn't he?

As for finding the Antigonus Notebook, he had no expectations at all.

The Antigonus Notebook must have been drained dry by the Stone of Myriad Phenomena. The real notebook was right here; Dunn and the others just didn't believe him.

Sigh, how was he supposed to become a Beyonder out in the open?

Klein would find the Antigonus Notebook and become a Seer...

Wait, they'd already turned in the Antigonus Notebook. Where was Klein supposed to find it now?

Lynch opened his mouth, a guilty look flashing in his eyes.

No, does that mean Klein can't become a Beyonder?

Then who's going to save Tingen?

What a headache!

Lynch felt like he'd suffered a completely undeserved calamity. It was all the Stone of Myriad Phenomena's fault. He really hadn't done anything.

Because he was so conflicted, Lynch couldn't even feel happy when Dunn told them they didn't have to work today.

But when Dunn told them they could collect a huge advance of twelve pounds, he couldn't help smiling.

He'd worry about the future when it came. He could finally move, use a private washroom, and stop living in the filthy-looking Lower Street.

Right, he'd pick Daffodil Street, somewhere near Klein's place, so he could mooch off his energy more easily.

He was happily getting ready to leave with Klein when Dunn called them back.

"Lynch, I'll authorize a revolver for you too. You can take ten bullets as well. Klein, you only need to take the bullets."

Dunn wrote them a note.

Klein took it and was about to leave, but Lynch stopped him.

"Wait a little longer!"

Lynch looked at Dunn.

Sure enough, Dunn thought it over, then told Lynch he thought Lynch should rotate between working with Rozanne, Old Neil, and Brazier. If he only worked with Rozanne, Dunn was afraid he'd learn to slack off like her.

Lynch hesitated, unsure what to say.

He didn't think Old Neil was any better.

They were all experts at slacking off, so why single out Rozanne?

"Is there anything else, Captain?"

Lynch asked again.

Dunn thought it over and over. Finally, he shook his head, signaling that Lynch and the others could leave.

"The Captain's always like this. His memory isn't the best."

Rozanne was already waiting at the door. When she saw Lynch come out, she couldn't help making that complaint.

Lynch deliberately spoke at a volume that wasn't too loud or too soft. "Could that be a problem? Are other Beyonders like this too? I think we should take it seriously."

Rozanne waved a hand dismissively.

"It's fine. The Captain's always been like this!"

Lynch: ...

How could she be so dense?

But Dunn probably didn't care, either.

Lynch hadn't spoken quietly. Dunn had definitely heard him. If he took it seriously, he'd ask a high-ranking Beyonder from the Church of the Goddess to come take a look. If not, he'd just pretend he hadn't heard.

"By the way, did the Captain say you'd be working with me?"

Rozanne asked excitedly.

Lynch nodded. Just as Rozanne was about to jump for joy, he added, "The Captain said I'd work with you, but there's also Old Neil and Brazier. He wants me to rotate between the three of you. He said you slack off."

Rozanne's mouth fell open. She hurriedly called toward Dunn's office, "I swear, I don't slack off!"

Dunn didn't respond. She felt terribly wronged.

But after leading Lynch and the others back upstairs, she cheerfully made herself a cup of coffee.

"Mm, this is to keep me alert and focused. I'm working hard!"

Even though she was using the Nighthawks' free coffee.

"All right, stop looking at me like that. I'll make you a cup too!"

After taking the coffee Rozanne made him, Lynch immediately forgave her for keeping it to herself.

One sip of free coffee, and he felt like his life was complete.

The only one who wasn't quite satisfied was Klein. After asking Rozanne, he made himself a cup too. You might as well take advantage of something free.

The three of them each carried a cup of coffee to see Mrs. Orianna. She couldn't help laughing at the sight of them.

"You're all just too adorable. Now, tell me, what do you need this time?"

Rozanne pointed at Lynch and Klein.

"The Captain said they should receive a twelve-pound advance on their wages."

Mrs. Orianna looked at Lynch and said warmly, "Leonard mentioned you. He said you didn't have an education and didn't know what to do here. I told him that if you were willing to learn bookkeeping, you could come to me. When I retire, you can take over here."

Lynch looked at the two five-pound notes and two one-pound notes Mrs. Orianna handed him. He felt that life surrounded by gold pounds would be wonderful.

The only thing to worry about was that he might pocket the money and run off with it.

That would be far too risky.

"I think I'm more talented with languages. I'll try to get into Tingen University first."

Lynch politely declined Mrs. Orianna's offer.

Mrs. Orianna could only shrug regretfully as she watched them continue downstairs.

That was right. Lynch and the others had to go down again.

After collecting their money, they still had to get their revolvers and bullets from Old Neil.

Rozanne didn't come with them this time.

She said she'd already exceeded her activity limit for the day and needed to get some proper rest.

Looking at her, Lynch suddenly began to look forward to his work schedule here.

This was way too easy. No wonder Dunn had told him to go to university too!

Expecting good things, he followed Klein down the stairs, turned right at the intersection, and arrived where Old Neil was.

Old Neil was fiddling with the documents in his hands.

When he saw Lynch and Klein approach, he immediately smiled.

"Rozanne just told me about you two. She said there was a handsome fellow, so I figured it must be you. I was just as handsome when I was young. My wife fell for me at first sight."

Lynch gave him a reproachful look.

"That's not right. Where does that leave Klein?"

Old Neil burst out laughing.

Klein felt like the two of them were ganging up on him. If he were the Hulk, he'd pound those two bastards.

Too bad he wasn't. All he could do was give them an awkward smile that made him want to punch someone.

"All right, give me the note, and I'll get your things. Let's see, one revolver, and some bullets..."

Before long, Old Neil brought over a pile of things.

Ten Demon Hunting Bullets, thirty ordinary bullets, and a badge for Special Operations Group Team 7.

"This is way too much. The Captain only said to give us ten bullets."

Klein explained instinctively.

Old Neil sighed.

"He forgot. This is standard issue!"