The former 36 Zouteland Street had a stucco-plastered ground floor, with every pair of windows on the floors above framed together within closed archways, bearing the architectural hallmarks of the Fifth Epoch around the year 1300. Its natural lighting left much to be desired.
After reconstruction, the ground floor now had a small protective portico, flanked on both sides by two-story bay windows whose frames featured decorative mullions and ornamental capitals supporting slender stone lintels. Above the bay windows rose a parapet wall that led into the third story.
This three-story architectural style had only become fashionable in recent years.
In a moment of daze, Leonard felt as though he had come to the wrong place.
He stood frozen for a good ten seconds before stepping forward with his silver-inlaid walking stick and entering 36 Zouteland Street. He then ascended the stairs, turned the corner, and caught sight of a large black door with a vertical sign beside it: "Blackthorn Security Company"
Now, things began to feel gradually familiar. He quickened his pace and pushed open the half-closed door.
The brown-haired girl had been holding up a copy of *The
"…Good afternoon, Rosanne," Leonard greeted her with a touch of hesitation.
Rosanne's face first lit up with surprise, then immediately turned cold. She said with striking aloofness: "Good afternoon.
"Congratulations on avenging the Captain, Klein, and the others."
Leonard opened his mouth, not knowing how to respond. He couldn't even raise his hand to tip his top hat—an instinctive gesture he abandoned because he disliked wearing hats in the first place.
He managed a small smile and gave a slight nod, then silently stepped forward, passing Rosanne and heading for the door that separated the outer and inner areas.
Just as he was about to enter the office zone, he heard Rosanne say something very quietly behind him: "Live well…"
Leonard's steps slowed slightly. He nodded, heavily.
Once inside, the first person he saw was Flett, standing at the entrance to the Captain's office.
The "Corpse Collector" still bore the pallor of someone who had not seen sunlight in a very long time—black hair, blue eyes, a high nose bridge, thin lips, and an aura that was cold and bleak.
Leonard studied him for a few seconds, let out a breath, and forced a nonchalant smile: "It's been a while."
"Good afternoon. It has been a while." Flett pointed at the Captain's office. "I've received the telegram and know about your request. I'll have two team members accompany you on the operation. Also, you'll need to fill out a sealed artefact application form."
Leonard smiled with faint surprise: "You're the Captain? You're not as quiet as you used to be…"
Leonard had actually already digested the "Soul Harbinger" potion and was eligible for advancement to Sequence 5, "Spirit Warlock," but in order to steal a portion of the power from that drop of the
"Yes." Flynn nodded lightly. "Actually, I don't like talking this much, but as the Captain, I have no choice."
Leonard gave a slight nod: "When did you become Captain? I hadn't heard a thing…"
"Recently." Flynn answered the question concisely first, then explained, "Not long after you left, I advanced to Sequence 8, 'Gravedigger.' Last month I finally advanced to 'Medium,' and the previous Captain happened to be transferred out."
"Already…" Before Leonard could finish his sentence, he had already clenched his fist and knocked it against his own head. "Look at my memory. I forgot that Klein shared some of his experience with everyone."
He lowered his right hand and turned to Flynn with a smile: "In that case, you still have time and room to grow. Maybe one day you'll be able to become a Director."
Flynn glanced at him, then withdrew his gaze: "I probably won't continue seeking advancement."
"Why?" Leonard took a few steps over to Flynn's side and asked, a trace of surprise in his voice.
Flynn raised his head to glance at the ceiling, his voice calm and low: "I want to stay here.
"To protect this place. Forever."
Leonard fell silent, offering no response.
He looked around, sensing that the place had undergone considerable renovations, yet certain things deep down remained unchanged.
Flynn, too, was silent for a moment before speaking: "I'll send two members to accompany you."