"I'm here to sign up for the Anomaly Suppression Bureau."
As soon as he showed his identity token, a young inspector in a black uniform stood up from the window and flipped through a register on the desk.
"Chen Mo? From Linhe County? Mm, you're on the list. Come with me."
The inspector glanced at Chen Mo, led him out of the gatehouse, and climbed into a black, enclosed carriage waiting nearby.
The carriage was simply furnished, and gauze covered the windows, obscuring the view outside. All he could hear was the rumble of the wheels over the stone road and the bustle of the streets beyond.
After traveling for a little under half an hour, the carriage stopped.
The inspector opened the door. "We're here. This is the side entrance to the Jinmen headquarters of the Anomaly Suppression Bureau. Go straight in and register at the Welcome Office."
"Thank you."
Chen Mo climbed down, cupped his hands to the inspector, and looked at the vast complex of deep courtyards and grand halls before him.
It was surrounded by towering gray walls. The great black gates were studded with gleaming copper knobs as large as bowls, and above them hung a plaque bearing the words "Anomaly Suppression Bureau" in gold against a black background. The characters were thick and solemn.
The side gate was a little smaller, but it too had guards posted nearby.
He drew a deep breath, slung his pack over his shoulder, and walked up to the side entrance. After showing his token to the guards, he stepped inside.
The courtyards stretched deep into the grounds, and covered corridors wound through them. Most of the people coming and going walked with steady strides, dressed in uniforms of various colors or in civilian clothes.
Following the directions, Chen