Following the familiar route, Joey quickly returned to the base. There are many such places in Old Dunling, some of which are unguarded, generally serving as safehouses with medical supplies, food, and some weapons, enough to sustain those seeking refuge for a while.
After greeting the gatekeeper, Joey was allowed entry. Sometimes the Purification Mechanism's protocols are just this rigid; even if you're familiar, to prevent any accidents, Joey still has to follow the formal procedures. The only advantage of being familiar is that if he breaks the rules, the gatekeeper will shoot his leg rather than straight to the head.
This is how the Purification Mechanism operates: only by adhering to absolute rules can they ensure that the darkness has no chance whatsoever to erode order.
Sighing long, pushing away all the ill omens he faced in the White Church, Joey adjusted his mindset and pushed open the door, ready to continue working.
"You're back?"
