A Decent Friend

"It seems you have a very good friend."

Dunn laughed.

Klein nodded. He also felt that Lynch was a truly great person. Even if emotions were amplified in a dream, for someone to block those two police officers for his sake, and even urge him to flee despite knowing the consequences, he was simply the most loyal friend he had ever met.

But at this moment, beyond his admiration for Lynch, he was more concerned about his own situation.

He worried that if the original owner was truly involved in the deaths of Welch and Naia, what kind of punishment he might face.

"Theoretically, you could be sentenced, but it isn't necessarily your fault. We have handled many such cases; some people do not kill under normal circumstances. So, if you were truly influenced, there is generally no punishment."

"However, that isn't necessarily a good thing. For example, we once handled a cult case where the victim seemed fine at the time, but a year later, he suddenly strangled himself and his children in his office."

Strangling oneself—such a thing sounded incredibly eerie.

Moreover, Dunn's explanation made Klein even more worried.

If something could happen even after a year, what about him?

The Antigonus notebook had suddenly changed, which meant this matter was not over. Could he still be in danger?

He fell into worry and silence for a moment.

Lynch also didn't speak, trying to alleviate the guilt of having drained the Antigonus notebook dry.

The carriage ignored their thoughts and moved forward rapidly. After about twenty minutes, they finally arrived at their destination.

This was the place Welch had rented.

The expert, Daly, was currently conducting a seance here.

"Are there any results?"

Dunn inquired.

Lynch and the others followed behind Dunn as they stepped into Welch's house.

Then, they saw this lady, Daly, at a glance.

She wore blue eyeshadow and light-colored blush, her gaze fixed entirely on Dunn, as if she couldn't see anyone else.

"The original spirits have all disappeared, including those of Welch and Naia."

Daly explained, finally finding the mood to look at Lynch and the others.

"Oh, a handsome guy."

She winked at Lynch.

Lynch gave a dry laugh. Lady, please stop winking; your crush will misunderstand!

"Good evening."

Lynch nodded and offered a greeting.

As for Klein behind him, he even took off his hat and bowed.

Lynch pondered that he should act like that in the future; it looked a bit more elegant than his simple "good evening."

"Come on, Dunn has already told me what I need to do to you. Don't worry, I won't treat you so roughly; I will definitely add a bit of fragrance to make you feel gentle and comfortable before we begin."

Lady Daly joked like a seasoned veteran.

Lynch felt secretly helpless.

Lady, your crush is watching!

The person being spoken to was already feeling embarrassed.

Lynch complained inwardly; this Lady Daly was truly too lively and charming. No wonder Dunn had always felt inferior.

Perhaps he could suggest to Klein in the future that he help these two organize a social gathering?

Of course, that was a matter for the future; for now, Lynch still had to be hypnotized by her.

To be precise, it was a seance.

At this moment, Daly took out a small bottle and dripped a few drops of the liquid inside into the blue candlelight.

"Sit down, don't just stand there. I need you to relax quickly."

Daly explained.

Then, she took out another small bottle and sprinkled the liquid inside into the candlelight as well.

Lynch shook his head and felt a sense of peace envelop him. His entire body began to feel weightless, with only a light, drifting soul rising up.

He felt as if he were looking down at himself, looking down at everything in this room, yet he was still able to remain conscious.

"Lynch, can you tell me why you walked down Lupa Street on the 27th? According to your usual habits, you should have taken a different route."

Lynch was shocked.

He hadn't even realized this problem himself.

Could it be that he had been influenced, or was it the original owner who had been influenced?

However, he naturally wouldn't hint that he knew a lot at this moment, so he could only say in a bewildered tone, "I don't know."

"Are you sure you can't remember? Did anyone suggest you take that path?"

"I don't know."

Lynch replied in a light, airy tone, as if he were drunk.

"Alright, next question. Do you know Welch? Or have you ever met him?"

Lynch continued to deny it.

"I haven't. I've been working the whole time; there's no way I would have had the time to see him."

Daly nodded and looked toward Dunn.

"Not a Beyonder. There seem to be traces of influence, but they aren't significant."

Dunn nodded in silence.

Only then did Daly turn to Klein.

She spoke quite a bit with Klein, mostly with Daly attempting to help Klein recall that memory.

However, Klein had no memory of it at all, and he took the opportunity to put on an Oscar-worthy performance for Lynch, making Lynch feel deeply inferior by comparison.

"Alright, you can both go back now!"

"Go on back!"

Daly's soft voice rang out, as if she were afraid of startling them.

Lynch acted as if he had just woken up from a nap. He shook his head, and after referencing the acting performance of the "Best Actor" Klein, he asked with feigned confusion, "Sorry, I fell asleep. Have you guys started yet?"

"It's already over."

Ms. Daly replied in an ethereal voice.

"This... I didn't feel anything at all!"

Lynch patted his forehead, putting on an oblivious expression that made both Daly and Dunn laugh.

"What kind of feeling were you expecting? Surely not a sticky after-effect?"

Daly asked back with a laugh.

Lynch sighed helplessly.

The words were crude but accurate, though, miss, you are being a bit too crude.

"Oh, I forgot, neither you nor Klein have ever been in a relationship!"

Ms. Daly added.

Lynch instantly deleted the thought of having Klein organize a mixer for Dunn and Daly.

Madam, you have no idea what you've just lost!

"Alright, you two can head back now."

"Does that mean we're in the clear?"

Klein seized the opportunity to ask.

Dunn shook his head.

"It only means you're safe for the time being. Just as I told you before, many people have experienced things like this, only to have accidents happen later on."

Klein sighed, walking forward with a heavy heart.

Dunn stood beside them, seemingly hesitating about something, until they reached the carriage, at which point he finally spoke up.

"Do you have any intention of joining us?"

What?

Lynch was almost pleasantly surprised.

He had thought that only Klein could join the Nighthawks.

Although a massive disaster would eventually erupt in Tingen, with Klein there to save the world, he just needed to steer clear of it.

Once Klein left, Tingen would return to peace, which fit his desire for a life where he could earn money without too much danger.

However...

"Do you really think I'm qualified? I'm just a laborer. I mean, unlike Klein, I didn't go to university. My parents died early, and I dropped out of school a long time ago. I don't have any diplomas at all."

Dunn laughed.

"Don't worry. My hesitation in making this proposal was only because I was wondering whether or not to bring you into this dangerous world, not because of any diplomas.

Especially you, Lynch. Although you lack a degree, your sincerity and kindness toward your friends are things that both Leonard and I deeply admire.

Logically speaking, we shouldn't drag you into our team; it would only make someone like you die faster.

But you have become involved in this matter. I know how Klein got pulled in, but I don't know why you were dragged into this, which means you might still be in trouble. That is why I wanted to make this offer.

I feel that the danger of letting you go out to find work is likely on par with joining us for peripheral duties, not to mention that you've lost your job because of our investigation. This is the compensation we offer; please forgive our recklessness."

Dunn took off his hat and bowed slightly.