The next morning, Selina felt slightly tired. Both mentally and physically.
Mentally due to the fact that most of her six remaining believers have simultaneously began praying to her. In bedtime and earlier at brunch.
Then physically because of the woes from yesterday and the escalation of her training.
In addition, considering their fight with rampaging Morroy. Selina came into realization bio-based confrontations that the Nighthawks would likely face in the future.
Since the Harvest Church documents can only cover so much and the possibility of varied scenarios led her to experiment with how to deal with each confrontations. Hallucinogens may not be the only environment condition there is and her sleep inducing cloud is the best example.
Hence why during the celebration, her stomach was growling secretly as she eats. In her stay in the alchemy room after lunch, she had been throwing up one bin to another.
"Sigh, thankfully it's just throwing up and not symptoms of sickness, or else I might have to question my abilities as a beyonder..." while musing, she furled up her silver hair strands and braided them twice by the sides.
"As for my believers. Will they begin praying to me thrice every day?" she muttered. "Perhaps I should've think twice before ending their gathering without saying any limitations...
"It's alright, maybe next time."
Due to the elasticity and silkiness of her hair that doesn't argue with changes. She was able to casually curl it to a bun without needing a tie.
"Alright." she smiled while facing the mirror. She turned her head left and right, seeing if she have any "mysterious" bruises that's likely the result of her entering the dreamworld.
"Seems my face is safe this time."
Once this is done, she briskly left the washroom.
Today is her day-off and in the afternoon, she's expected to meet a fellow earthling at Pua Doe's cafe. Even at this moment, she still couldn't believe of another transmigrator like her roaming around.
"Usually, there is only one transmigrator in the stories. Roselle is likely a transmigrator too but that was from a past era. Encountering another in the present is definitely a surprise." she remarked while watching her steps walking down.
I pray...
Another one? a layered voice coming the distant reverberated on her ears. Selina felt the premonition of another prayer.
Seriously, should I begin limiting them? But won't that be too pitiful?
Musing, she pivoted from approaching the door and settled to a sofa.
In the world of grotesque floor. Vile organs coalesced into Selina wearing an intricate gown.
She saw the swarm of light, emerald green clouding over a vine segment.
Prior to her beliefs. Selina was still amazed by how hundreds if not thousands of vines spiraling from her feet, and how she could casually dissect which segment corresponds to a person.
At this moment, the one wit burgeoning lights of fireflies points to her believer, Kothe Warren.
Eating breakfast? Selina extended her spirituality to intertwine with the fireflies.
Out in the eyes of a passing creature. She saw a room with vintage sofa, a table draped with red and blue cloth serving a meal.
There, Kothe had his arms stretched and his hands curled. As he sat on the table, he said with aching heart, "Please, keep Jean safe and away from harm. May you spare her life."
After that, he took one bit of the bread and subsequently left the roasted meat, butter and the toast. They're all reserved for a person sitting in an empty chair.
I guess being a Sequence 8 Doctor helps in keeping your complexion regardless of your nutrition intake... Selina felt slightly emotional that she quickly dismissed the swarms of light.
All of the Child of God's believers had done countless deeds that she loathe dearly. Their history of slaughtering infants to construct a ritual, the instigation that increased the conflict between Balam and Loen, as well as cannibalizing with the intent of gestating the Goddess.
She detest every single one of them, they're almost non-humans to her sight, and if there's event that annihilated each of them, it would only be minor casualties. Selina have different ways to earn money instantly in this world. However, there's an exception that allows herself to still be a human herself.
In cases that the member joined through forced circumstances. Selina might be able to relate and thought of them as equals.
Kothe Warren joined so his wife could bear a child. Something she's unable to do before. His crimes was to keep her from being involved to the secret organization.
Hence, if Kothe sinned, it does not mean the same for Jean. A normal human without any history of associating with her husband's crimes should not be involved in the organization's disputes.
"Let's hope Mr. Hanged Man succeeded in reporting the situation and that the transport ship hasn't made it yet to the main fleet." after bathing in a refreshing breeze in a bit. Selina simulated the illusion of waking up, descending back into her body.
...
After returning back and without much to do until afternoon. Selina chose to spent her time gathering her thoughts over the past days.
It details of this week's Tarot Club gathering, the Halzter Retrieval Company being associated with the Rose School of Thought and the echoes of the Milo Incident.
While on the topic of formulas. Selina is conflicted with how her pathways is advancing.
"The Apothecary's subsequent Sequence is Beast Tamer, following that is Vampire. How painfully ironic. To become the beings I despise is such a disgrace. However, fortunately I have the option of permanently staying as a Beast Tamer, and staying I shall!" her voice was hushed.
"The Sequence 9 Monster have records in the Nighthawks, that the beyonders of this pathway have immense spirituality and grasp of fate, allowing them to see glimpses of other's destiny. Old Neil also mentioned of a half-beyonder around the underground market, is it perhaps... Ademinsaul? I wonder if he can be recruited if I gave the formula."
Selina reclined back and faced the window, watching the passing pedestrians she muttered, "Right now, reporting the Halzter Retrieval Company would be turned into an accusation. If I hinted it without a structural reason, it might exposed me...
"Fortunately, they're still neutral. Let's observe their activities for now not be rash..."
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Suddenly, three knocks echoed across the hall. Selina snapped out of her deep thought and went ahead to check.
When she opened, she saw Marl and Martha, holding little Marl Jr. and Odelle. They're both well dressed for an occasion while their kids are still in their night gowns.
"Oh, Mr. and Mrs. Heath, please come in!" After seeing Martha nod. Selina quickly led the family to the living room.
There, she asked while holding Odelle, hugging her waist, "Can I get you both a tea?"
Martha shook her head. "No need, we came here for a short favor."
A favor? Selina quietly took a single-seated sofa.
She heard Martha say, "Do you recall the invitation we gave you?'
An invitation? Selina smiled politely, but her eyes betrayed from keeping her puzzlement.
Martha exchanged looks with Marl and both of them chuckled.
Mr. Heath laughed and consoled. "Haha, it's alright to forget sometimes. Even I could overlook certain matters every once in a while. Believe me, operating a company requires immense work."
I hope my boss was just like you back home... Selina mused, unable to smile steadily.
"It's about the celebratory integration of the Woodman family." Martha gently reminded. "I believe we gave you two invitation, one if ever you find a new friend in this city or your workplace. Perhaps you could nudge that handsome gentleman who brought you home. Oh, speaking of, how's he doing? Did he kept his promise? Is he good person?"
Are you talking about Klein? Selina sighed inwardly while maintain a polite expression. She thought for a moment before replying, "Mhm, Klein brought me home safely, he's doing well and yes, Mr. Moretti is a kind gentleman. Although I have to admit, I completely forgot about the invitation..."
Martha relaxed. "That's good. Oh, don't worry about the invitation dear. We're about to head now."
"Now?" Selina blurted out.
Nodding, Marl replied while casting his eyes toward his daughter clinging to Selina. "Odelle here doesn't want to go. It wouldn't be a problem at first if not for the fact that Mr. Wright, head of the Woodman family now hold a portion of the company's shares."
Wright? Head of the Woodman family invested in Mr. Heath's company?
"Dear, do you plan on going? It will be best to make use of the invitations to bring that Klein lad with you." Martha began cradling Marl Jr. in her embrace.
Selina thought. Wouldn't it be too sudden if I ask him right now?
"I'm sorry but I think Moretti has duties today. It's only me who's on a day-off so I won't be coming." she smiled, not intending to stand in ceremony.
I don't like being in a heavy congregation...
Then strangely. Martha was cheerful hearing that, as if a weight was lifted.
"That's great! So dear... could you please look after Odelle?" her voice smoothened. "She was against going with us and even suggested on playing with you."
"Oh?" Selina looked down and she saw the child burying her face to her clothes. "What a mischievous little girl..."
"Hehe." Odelle's laugh resounded as a muffle.
"Alright." Selina lifted her head. "You can rest assured, Little Odelle here is safe."
Martha heaved a sigh of relief. "Thank you dear."
Then as they all stood up. She lowered herself toward Odelle and caressed her head. "Don't go causing big sister Roy problems alright?"
Odelle nodded without turning.
Martha chuckled and stood up. "Later, when we get back. I'll cook us a Seared Mutton so be a deary and join us for dinner alright?"
"V-Very well Ms. Heath." Selina smiled, a bit tensed.
After bidding them a safe trip at the doorstep. She casted her gaze down to Odelle and hyped her up. "So what games do suggest we play?"
...
At 36 Zouteland Street.
Klein entered Blackthorn Security Company, greeted Rozanne, and asked, "Where's today's newspaper?"
The sweet brown-haired girl Rozanne sized him up and said, puzzled, "Klein, you're so weird."
"Why?" Klein asked in reply, smiling.
Rozanne rolled her eyes and said, "You always read the newspapers during noon break because you have mysticism lessons in the morning. Old Neil is already waiting for you in the armory!"
"I found out earlier that there would be a case offering a reward, so I want to read the newspaper to memorize the criminal's appearance. Perhaps I might one day come across the person?" Klein explained with a smile.
"Is that so?" Rozanne picked up the day's newspapers and started flipping through them out of curiosity. "Wanted... Lanevus, right?"
Klein immediately answered, "Yes."
"Yes."
"... Wicked swindler! He stole about ten thousand pounds!" Rozanne read carefully for nearly twenty seconds before cursing suddenly in rage.
Klein shared the same feeling.
"It's really ridiculous! Even I want to apply to take over the case!"
Rozanne continued to read and shook her head regretfully.
"The case doesn't seem to involve supernatural factors. Even if it did, it would be passed to Mandated Punishers under the Lord of Storms."
Klein didn't quite understand what Rozanne meant, but after he took the newspaper and read it, he sighed.
"Yeah, there were so many people cheated. There must be believers from all three major churches, and Lanevus's steelwork company was said to be located in the South."
If a case was related to supernatural factors and involved only the believer of one God, it would be passed to the corresponding team. However, if it involved believers of the Evernight Goddess, Lord of Storms, and the God of Steam and Machinery, it would be assigned based on jurisdiction area. The Nighthawks controlled the Golden Indus Borough, the North Borough, and the West Borough. The Mandated Punishers controlled the East Borough, South Borough, and the port, while the Machinery Hivemind troop was responsible for the university and suburb areas.
As he flipped through the newspapers, Klein memorized Lanevus's appearance,
He had a plump forehead, black hair, brown eyes, and a pair of spectacles with almost round lenses. He smirked faintly, looking as though he was mocking everyone.
Besides that pair of spectacles, Lanevus didn't seem to have any obvious traits, and looked really ordinary.
He chatted with Rozanne casually then passed through the partition, in preparation to head underground.
Then, he saw the pale and cold Corpse Collector Frye and the white-haired black-eyed author Seeka Tron exiting the entertainment room and turning towards him.
After a simple greeting, Klein watched his two teammates leave and discovered Dunn Smith in a black windbreaker standing by the side of the door he opened.
He instantly thought of mentioning the Halzter Retrieval Company. But due to the lack of appropriate leads, he quickly ought to handle that case himself for the time being.
So instead. Klein set his thought to the back of his mind and asked curiously, "There's a case?"
At that time of day, there wouldn't be two Nighthawks heading out together for no reason.
Dunn looked over with his gray eyes. He nodded and smiled.
"There seems to be a paranormal incident in West Borough. I've sent Seeka and Frye to check on it, but you don't have to worry about that. I have previously sent you and Selina on a mission for Morroy. I failed to realize of the hidden danger it brought simply because of divination. For now take a rest and until you mastered combat techniques, I won't be sending the two of you to any missions."
Captain, you are such a nice person. Besides the receding hairline and bad memory, you are flawless... Klein complimented inwardly. He asked for confirmation, "In other words, I only need to attend mysticism classes and combat training. I don't have to contribute anything, and I can still get my pay?"
"This is only temporary," Dunn confirmed.
I only need to 'attend classes' and 'work out', and I'll get an ample paycheck. It's great just thinking about it... Klein thought happily.
I hope there are no more coincidences! He prayed in silence.