Bruce had no reason to refuse. He could only reassure Danvers and ask her to wait a moment before following the two clergymen out through the doors of the Front Hall. Inwardly, he prayed fervently that this was not about what he feared.
There was a patch of green grass to the left of the doors. They walked to a small pavilion on the lawn, and all three sat down.
The two clergymen sat opposite Bruce, their eyes fixed on him. Their gazes made his skin prickle, leaving him uncomfortable and restless as an indescribable tension spread through the pavilion.
"Don't be nervous. We mean you no harm. Mr. Bruce Wayne, what impressions do you have of last night's events? What do you remember?" Apparently noticing Bruce's nervousness, Cruno cleared his throat twice and spoke first, breaking the silence.
"Uh, I think I had a nightmare, but I can't remember it clearly. All I know is that I woke up aching all over this morning, and it took a long time to recover. Did last night's dream involve those things?" Bruce's mind raced as he weighed his words. Would something he said reveal that he had known about Jessica's existence all along, or expose something else?
In the end, he decided to describe what had happened to him last night. Naturally, he would leave out the crucial details. Surely the Church's people could not know what had happened in his dream. Even if they did, he did not necessarily have to admit that he remembered.
Cruno nodded.
Mondreton's dream weaving did indeed have that ability: it could directly affect the physical body in reality.
"That is indeed the case, but you needn't worry, sir. We will ensure your safety and your family's. We will also strengthen our patrols in Lane Village for the time being. Please trust us. If evil comes knocking again, it will be walking straight into our trap."
Cruno smiled confidently. Mondreton was no fool. He was merely an avatar, not a complete child of a demigod. How could he dare return? He must have fled by now and would not be back anytime soon.
"Also, there is something I would like to ask you, Mr. Bruce Wayne..."
Cruno paused thoughtfully, seemingly searching for the right words.
"How much do you know about Beyonders, sir?" Cruno asked.
At Cruno's question, Bruce's heart leaped into his throat.
Why was he asking that? Had he noticed something abnormal about my body?
"Not much. I've read a few books about Beyonders. I hear they face tremendous danger, fighting tirelessly against evil to keep us safe. Far too many brave warriors have sacrificed their lives."
Bruce gave a perfunctory answer, though his voice was full of admiration. This was also what ordinary people generally knew about Beyonders these days. Not everyone understood them, nor did everyone have the ability to become one.
How powerful were Beyonders, and what benefits came with becoming one?
These were details ordinary people did not know. They could only find descriptions of Beyonders in assorted writings and novels, along with accounts of their deeds.
One thing ordinary people did know for certain was that once someone became a Beyonder, those evil monsters would appear as well. Most Beyonders met tragic ends, even if they were described as heroes and martyrs.
Ordinary people generally kept their distance from both Beyonders and those evil beings, regarding the former with awe and the latter with fear. They did not want any connection to Beyonders, preferably no involvement whatsoever. A connection to them meant a connection to danger.
Only a very small number of strong-willed people with a deep passion for the mysterious were willing to embark on the path of a Beyonder.
"It seems you have some understanding of Beyonders, Mr. Bruce Wayne. Beyonders wield extraordinary powers, and they do indeed shoulder certain risks. So, Mr. Bruce Wayne, would you be interested in becoming a Beyonder? Would you be interested in encountering the extraordinary? The Goddess of the Night Church sincerely invites you to join us. An invitation like this is quite rare."
Cruno spoke with a warm smile. "What? An invitation to join?"
Bruce was stunned, momentarily unable to control his expression.
He clearly had not expected the clergyman before him to say such a thing.
Cruno watched Bruce, pleased by the shock he displayed.
Last night, Bishop Daniel had praised this young man's willpower and said that he carried the scent of the night. Cruno had taken notice then. Apart from arranging the pursuit of the Dragon Lord Mondreton, he had also looked up Bruce's file in Rhode Town.
Not just anyone qualified for a record in the Church's files. Being recorded meant either something good or something bad.
Bruce of Akin Village, a believer in the Goddess of the Night, had exhibited distinct energy fluctuations while receiving her blessing. Tests had found them similar to the Goddess of the Night's divine power. Afterward, Bruce had told others on multiple occasions that he had heard the Goddess of the Night's voice.
The missionary responsible for bestowing the blessing was Icano, who had recorded the incident.
Bruce's name was in the Church's files not because he had ties to evil powers, but because he had a connection to the Goddess of the Night. That was a good thing. It meant Bruce had the potential to become one of her favored, and that she had acknowledged his talent.
Thus, Bruce had remained under the Church's observation.
When the right time came, they would bring Bruce into the Night Watcher team.
Now that Bishop Daniel had noticed him as well, Cruno naturally felt it necessary to bring Bruce into the Goddess of the Night Church. The Night Watcher team needed more members. They needed an infusion of fresh blood.
Bruce scratched his head, weighing the matter inwardly.
He could tell that the clergymen opposite him were friendly, and he really was intensely curious about Beyonders. Naturally, becoming one would be a good thing.
But should I really join the Church?
Only last night, he had been thinking about keeping his contact with the Church to a minimum. Given his own underlying problems, interacting with the Church carried a certain risk. The fact that he had not been discovered now did not mean he would not be discovered later.
Perhaps my secrets would never be discovered?
No, I can't rely on that kind of wishful thinking. I have to prepare for the worst.
Besides, why was I invited to join the Goddess of the Night Church? Could certain traits of mine be seen directly? Had the Church's people noticed me?
Was it because of last night's dream?
Bruce paused. "Why me?"
He needed to know why the Goddess of the Night Church had chosen him.
"An extraordinary nature cannot be concealed. It is like a piece of gold, forever dazzling whenever it appears before the world. You are an outstanding person in your own right, Mr. Bruce."
Cruno gave an ambiguous answer. He had also noticed Bruce's hesitation and concern. Indeed, not everyone had the courage to become a Beyonder. Bruce needed time to adjust, so Cruno did not pressure him. Doing so would only have the opposite effect.
What did he mean by an extraordinary nature?
Did he think I had great aptitude, or was he referring to something else? And how could he tell?
Did all missionaries talk like this, just like charlatans?
Couldn't he speak plainly? I'm an ordinary guy. I don't understand any of this.
"If you would like to learn more, I'll be at the church in Lane Village. Mr. Bruce Wayne, you can come find me at any time. We would be delighted to have you join us. We have other matters to attend to, so we won't trouble you any further. We'll take our leave."
"May the Goddess of the Night watch over you."
Cruno and Francis stood and placed their palms against their foreheads. Bruce followed suit.
"Perfect Goddess of the Night."
As he watched the two missionaries leave, Bruce's emotions rose and fell, refusing to settle for a long time. He could tell that they had expressed genuine goodwill and truly thought highly of him, but he still felt deeply uneasy.