After the dreamworld shattered before him.
Yesir abruptly woke up. His gaze staring at the wooden ceiling.
The room had no remarkable features, appearing as any other guest rooms furnished with a bed, table, closet and a lower shelf from book outlet.
Still dressed in his pastoral robe. He propped himself from the mattress and sat upright in the pallid glow of the crimson moon.
Under his breath, he muttered to himself. "The Child of God had truly returned..."
His heart palpitates with twisted joy.
With a held breath, he quickly scurried off from the room and navigated a long corridor of the mansion that upon turns, led him onto an office.
When he entered, he immediately rummaged the drawers from the desk and took out multiple documents.
These were the accumulated reports of other faction's activities added with their speculation. With an additional worldwide reports, records and the transaction with the current mayor.
After ransacking the desk, Yesir turned to a random photo frame.
It pictured a rather round man, equipped with a top hat, wearing a two piece frock coat. He had a wrinkled, stubble face, average features and in addition is his mild tan skin.
He turned to picture frame and revealed a safe.
With the code engraved into his memory, he quickly unlocked the combination and took out additional notes and records, pertaining about their activity with the mayor.
After all of this are done. Ensured that the documents are intact and have not experienced any damage.
Yesir found himself straining for breath, thoughts stirring with anticipation for the future. "Haaah... Haaah... A new age..."
"A new age will come!"
...
In 16 Daffodil Street, Tingen City.
Selina's eyes gradually opened.
She found herself lying on the floor, a slight headache caught her by surprise.
"What?" Her hand rose to massage the area, only to felt a prickling pain upon contact.
Ouch!
Realizing her earlier position, Selina quietly mused. Oh, right... I was careless and forgot to attempt it on the bed...
With silent dismissal, she noticed that crimson light still emanates from the curtains and dawn is still yet to arrive.
How strange... Usually, once the dreamworld ended, I would wake up in the morning next day...
Being careful this time, she propped herself from the floor and approached the window.
She raised the curtains and unlatched its handle, throwing both the glass panes open.
The cold wind pressed gently onto her skin, caressing it with that fleeting tenderness that only pleasant night could bring.
Distant buildings erected with dilapidated chimney. Some were open with lights, others were closed in respect to the evening.
There was an occasional sound of chattering, fading clatter of returning carriages, and soft symphony by a choir of crickets.
Letting her thoughts fleets along with the passing air. Her face softened, no longer affected by the revelation that a believer had confessed in the dreamworld.
In silence, she muttered. "I wonder how is mom and dad doing now... I hope they're alright..."
After a few minutes, she slowly withdrew herself from the window.
She then closed the glass panes and draw the curtains before turning back and exiting the bedroom, making her way to the washroom.
On the mirror, it reflected her striking sapphire eyes, cascading silver-white hair and mesmerizing visage, enough to spark, not temptation but rather a distinct guardian impulse.
Her white gown hugged a slender waist, flowing gently as it drops down to the floor.
Selina scrutinized her appearance and saw a light bruise at the corner of her forehead.
After touching it out of assurance, she turned to a bottle on the sink. It was the Moonflower agent, her first concocted medicine.
Time to test its effects... Selina applied a small amount to her two fingertips.
Afterwards, she lifted it over to her head and pasted the substance onto her bruise.
It had a mild fragrance of citrusy accompanied by a soothing sensation over the area.
The bruise still remained. However, compared earlier, the aching had dulled.
Selina sighed in relief, then paused before the wide mirror.
Staring vacantly on her reflection, she felt a conflicting guilt as she turned her body around while maintaining eye contact with the mirror.
Her hand slowly pulled the strings of her dress, letting it fall down.
Behind its silky fabrics was a supple white skin, revealing three to five cuts that when seen together form a large claw mark. It had a rugged lining that affect the surrounding veins, turning them nearly black.
The claw mark became permanent.
After gazing at it for awhile with eyes picturing bittersweetness. Selina wore her dress again and left the washroom.
...
36 Zouteland Street, Golden Indus Region. Infront of Blackthorn Security Company.
The carriage halted before a building's entrance, now halfway from being rebuilt.
With her expense deducted by a penny, Selina made her way to the entrance and the hallway, passing a group of civil workers occasionally eyeing her as she walk.
Upon arriving at the reception area. She saw a brown haired girl with a smooth forehead and light-brown eyes. She wore a light green, Loen-style dress, accentuated by mild frills over her cuffs, chest and sleeves.
It was Rozanne, the receptionist. Currently tending a few papers with diligence from the counter.
Selina stopped before her, took off her sun hat and said. "I'm here for the follow-up of my case."
Rozanne lifted her gaze where she met the stunning lady from yesterday.
She hastily finished her work and quickly took a paper clipped onto a board. Afterwards replied. "Let me record your visit Miss..."
Her mind failed to produce a name.
"It's Roy..." Selina smiled softly. "Selina Roy."
"Right, Miss Roy." Rozanne took a quill and submerged the tip into a nearby ink bottle.
The paper clipped onto the board had a graphical grid, written with names, presumably from the staffs that had turned in for the day.
"Please sign here." Rozanne pointed onto an available cell of the grid, next to Selina's name.
Selina used her usual signature, a designed capital L. Afterwards, returned the quill back to the receptionist.
"Captain is in his office. Uhm... Would you like me to guide you?" Rozanne asked with caution.
I did came here before, but during that time I didn't managed to fully picture the whole area... Selina thought about it carefully.
Then she replied. "Please do."
Rozanne, with her brown hair, left the counter and took lead before Selina.
During the time they were walking, Selina couldn't help but feel at a lost about her revolver.
Unlicensed or not, it holds sentimental value to her as it was her only way to ease her tension each time she makes a trip.
However, now, she could only rely on heavy clothing to fend any unwanted attention.
The cold air quietly swept on her skin, providing a hint of relief.
Elegant lamps attached to the walls casts clear path on the looming darkness.
After passing the conjunction and the hall connecting to the Chanis Gate.
The two ladies halted before a familiar wooden door.
Rozanne shifted her gaze to Selina and said. "We're here, please excuse me Ms. Roy as I have matters to finish."
Selina nodded briefly and watched as the girl strode off from her vision.
She then faced the door and took a deep breath.
I hope they won't find anything about me...
Her hand turned the handle open.
When it revealed the room, she saw Dunn Smith, draped in his usual dark windbreaker and receding hairline.
His gaze noticed Selina by the door.
"Please seat here." Dunn offered casually to a nearby, high-back chair.
Selina took her time as she eventually occupied the chair.
Dunn halted from scribbling in the paper and calmly looked at Selina.
"I congratulate you Ms. Roy". He said simply.
"The diocese from the Church, along with some members from the Mandated Punishers who advocated for your innocense, dismissed the need for a trial or further interrogation."
He returned his quill back to the ink bottle before continuing. "However, your possession of an unlicensed firearm was another case."
"If you remained and did not take any actions, we will have to forcibly lock you in a department." He added solemnly.
L-Lock me!? Selina quivered, at this moment she wanted run.
"However..." Dunn abruptly gave a condition.
"We saw your innocense. Your desperate attempt to fend off the vampire-like creatures from reaching you."
Selina almost heaved a sigh of relief before quickly noticing that his words are now slowly off-tracking.
Seeing the lady's expression, Dunn continued. "It would be unjustifiable to condemn an innocent. However, we're in a law-abiding jurisdiction, as such, anything that violates it face atonement."
"But for you..." He slowly lowered his voice. "We decided to be patient until you succeed in acquiring a license.
"However, in such a short period. I advise you to join as an official."
There it is... Selina sighed at her assumption becoming true.
"For your safety as well."
She paused. Her thoughts stirring into conflict.
What she promised herself to do next was forced to be channeled into another path.
However, after weighing the pros and cons deeply into her mind. Selina decided to raised a question. "What do you mean by official?"
Her role is unclear, it could be a frontline official, a civilian staff, or even an errand girl.
Since what Dunn Smith had disclosed was slightly ambiguous, Selina probe him through it.
Dunn calmly replied. "A civilian staff. You could become an official, licensed with firearm but that will depend on your choice."
"I see..." Selina went silent once more.
If I join, it can benefit me with protection, secured resources, information and...
She recalled the black board written with words that resembles Hermes. "Mysticism."
In contrast, leaving Tingen would also benefit me, only with higher risk...
Selina internalized the two choices she had concluded to.
Both are practical, but one exhibits long term investment.
Seeing the lady cast her gaze forward vacantly. Dunn opened his mouth and advised. "Your decision won't need to be given now. Take your time, and once you've settled, return here."
Selina felt a slight stress being wilted. That's a relief... So I can have at least a few days to think this through...
She then rose from her seat and said. "Alright, I will return once I've decided."
Dunn looked at her with a gentle expression, then gave an almost awkward smile. "You may leave."
Unlike before, Selina actual found Dunn's expression now to be considerate, aiming to ease her tension at the perfect moment.
She returned with a smile and a brief nod before turning back at leaving the office.
Outside, there was no one waiting to guide her.
However, now that she put her attention to her way earlier. She relied on this and strode off into the dim illumination of the gas lamps.
Deliberately avoiding any other rooms, especially the area around Chanis Gate.
When she arrived at the conjunction of the paths. She noticed a door creaked open ahead.
It was the door leading to the alchemy room.
Walking out of it was a rather old man with aging white hair. Dressed in a long, mildly designed robe followed a pointed hat. He held a book by his left hand and a stick that seemed like a wand.
It felt like seeing an actual wizard face-to-face.
It was Old Neil. The kind old man who had accompanied and guided her during her visit in the underground market!
Mr. Old Neil really works here...
Old Neil was just about to head to the armory when he saw a familiar lady standing just a distance in front of him.
"Oh, Ms. Selina Roy! Back here for the follow-up I see?" He exclaimed with playful question.
Selina nodded in affirmation. "Mhm, yes Mr. Old Neil."
"How did it go?" Oblivious look crept across his wrinkled face.
"Mr. Smith offered me a chance to avoid the case. Right now I'm deliberating on whether to accept it or not."
"I see... Well, I'd be honored to be your company as you return to the surface. However, I had matters to attend..." Old Neil smiled apologetically.
"That would alright." Selina replied with the same manner.
Just as she was about to leave. Selina suddenly recalled something. Eagerness and hope erupted within her as she quickly turned to the passing Old Neil.
She asked hurriedly. "Mr. Old Neil. Do you know anything about the languages in mysticism?"