"Anyways, should we talk about the more important things regarding the Syndicate?" Lyro asked.
"I mean, not that pay isn't important. After all, we're all doing what we do to make a living."
Percy didn't need the explanation. He knew exactly what Lyro meant.
"So," Percy said, "you mentioned earlier that you work for the Union Law Syndicate, but also that you're different from it. What exactly does that mean?"
Lyro's smile immediately became more confident.
"Oh, that."
"The Union Law Syndicate is the core organization, but it isn't the whole picture."
Percy listened carefully , shifting his weight upfront.
"Most members of the Union Law Syndicate don't know we exist. At least, not the lower ranks."
Lyro shrugged.
"I'm sure the higher-ups all know, but ordinary personnel don't."
"Why?"
"Because our division is secret."
The playful tone disappeared from his voice.
"The public isn't supposed to know about the things we deal with. Since a large portion of the Union Law Syndicate consists of regular employees, we can't exactly tell everyone."
He spread his hands.
"That's where we come in."
Percy raised an eyebrow.
"We are called the Eclipse Syndicate."
"The Eclipse Syndicate possesses the highest authority among all divisions operating under the Union Law Syndicate."
Lyro chuckled.
"Funny thing is, we're also the least visible."
He pointed around the office.
"This entire building is officially presented as an ordinary Union Law Syndicate branch. As far as the public is concerned, that's all it is."
"Some of the employees here are completely normal people. Clerks, accountants, receptionists, maintenance workers."
"They know?"
"To an extent."
Lyro tapped the desk.
"They've signed strict non-disclosure agreements and have all been exposed to supernatural phenomena at some point in their lives."
Percy paused.
"So exposure is a requirement?"
"One of them."
"Why?"
"Because once you've seen it, it's much harder to dismiss."
Lyro's expression grew serious.
"People who have never experienced these things tend to think they're stories, myths, or superstitions. Those who have witnessed them know better."
Percy nodded slowly.
"That actually made sense."
"I always found it strange."
"Hmm?"
"There are plenty of highly skilled people throughout the Union. Some are far more talented than ordinary Syndicate employees."
Percy never thought about it before and was just some bullshit he spoke to appear a bit of a thinker.
But not knowing Lyro simply nodded.
"And yet many of them never end up here."
"Exactly."
A small smile appeared on Percy's face.
"So one of the conditions for joining is simply luck."
Lyro laughed.
"That's one way to put it."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"Most people spend their entire lives without seeing anything supernatural."
The amusement slowly faded from his face.
"And those who do usually wish they hadn't."
Percy couldn't argue with that.
"Wait."
Percy suddenly frowned.
"I think I missed something."
He looked up at Lyro with a strange expression.
"You said ordinary people."
"Hm?"
"You called those employees ordinary people, even though they've been exposed to supernatural things."
Lyro nodded.
"So they're still considered ordinary people?"
"Of course."
Percy's eyes narrowed.
"Then what does that make you?"
"You make it sound like the Eclipse Syndicate isn't made up of ordinary people."
"We aren't."
Lyro answered with indifference.
"What?"
"Do you remember when I explained what a Haunted was?"
"Barely."
"And do you remember me telling you that the person you saw in the alleyway was a Haunted?"
Percy nodded.
"Yes."
"Good."
Lyro pointed at himself.
"Everyone in the Eclipse Syndicate is a Haunted."
"Me included."
Percy showed no emotion as he looked Lyro up and down. The man appeared completely normal.
He decided not to probe further and asked another question.
"So if I join..."
Percy hesitated.
"Do I become Haunted too?"
Lyro raised an eyebrow.
"Do you not want to?"
Percy couldn't answer that. How was he supposed to? He still barely understood what being a Haunted actually meant since Lyro' s explanation was straight up ass.
He also remembered something Lyro had mentioned earlier. The crimson-eyed man had not been a single individual anymore.
"What exactly was that supposed to mean?"
Deciding to leave that particular topic alone for now, Percy shifted to another question.
"So these spirits..."
Lyro's expression immediately tightened.
Percy noticed it.
"You know what, never mind."
He waved his hand.
"I'll ask something else. That one seems difficult to explain."
A look of gratitude briefly crossed Lyro's face.
Percy was beginning to understand the man abit .
"So," Percy continued, "if I join, will I be required to move somewhere under Syndicate jurisdiction?"
Lyro shook his head.
"No."
"No?"
"You can live wherever you want."
Percy looked surprised.
"If you're worried we'll force you away from society, friends, or family, that's not the case."
"In our line of work, mental health is important."
His voice became noticeably quieter.
"Very important."
For the first time since the conversation had begun, Percy saw something grim flash across Lyro's face.
The man's hand unconsciously tightened.
It lasted only a moment before his usual smile returned.
Percy was about to ask another question.
Then—
Knock. Knock.
A sharp knock echoed from the door.
"Come in," Lyro called. The door opened, and a staff member in Syndicate uniform stepped inside.
"Excuse me, sir, but your presence is required. Preparations for tonight's mission are underway."
Lyro sighed dramatically. He looked at Percy.
"Well, if you'll excuse me, duty calls."
The sarcasm in his voice was impossible to miss.
"I'd love to continue this enlightening educational session, but unfortunately the world refuses to stop ending."
Percy nodded and stood as well.
"Will someone continue tomorrow?"
"Probably."
Lyro shrugged.
"Someone more qualified than me, probably."
Together they headed toward the door. Just before leaving, Percy remembered something.
"Wait."
"Hm?"
"Where do I register myself?"
Lyro stopped. He thought for a moment and smiled.
"Heck if i know"
With that , he walked away , leaving a confused Percy .
"Wasn't he the one who recruited me? So, if he doesn't know who the hell is supposed to know ?"