"We are guardians, but also a group of poor wretches constantly fighting against danger and madness."
Outside the window, the corridor was sealed, the stone walls cold, while the room was brightly lit by a yellowish light. In such an environment, Dunn Smith's words echoed, striking Klein's heart one after another, leaving him momentarily speechless.
Seeing Klein's silence, Dunn shook his head and smiled: "Are you disappointed? Beyonders aren't what you imagined them to be. We have always walked alongside danger."
"There are gains, so there are costs." Klein calmed himself from the shock just now, weighing his tone as he replied.
He really hadn't expected that besides their glorious, extraordinary, and unusual side, Beyonders had such hidden dangers. However, perhaps because he had only heard a description and not truly experienced it, or because he was already embroiled in this whirlpool and a strange incident could befall him at any time, his feelings of fear, anxiety, worry, and dread quickly subsided to a controllable level.
Of course, the thought of retreat was inevitable, lingering and refusing to leave.
"Not bad. Very mature, very rational..." Dunn finished the remaining mouthful of coffee and added, "Also, Beyonders aren't as powerful as you think. Low-Sequence Beyonders, hah, why do we use 1 to represent the highest level and 9 for the lowest? That completely defies intuition and logic. What we usually call 'low sequence' refers to a low level, a high number. It's the starting point of the sequence chain."
"Alright, where was I? Ah, right, Beyonders aren't as powerful as you think. The 'power' of a Low-Sequence Beyonder is inferior to a firearm, let alone artillery. It's just that in certain aspects, it is more wondrous and harder to guard against than guns and cannons. If you ever have the chance to become a Beyonder in the future, make sure to carefully think over everything I've said today. Don't make a rash choice."
Klein smiled self-deprecatingly: "I don't even know when I'll have the chance."
If he had this chance, he felt he wouldn't miss it. Taking the wrong potion or a potion of a higher Sequence were risks that could be avoided to the greatest extent. The main risks were the subtle influence inherent in the potion itself and the unknown 'dangers' heard and seen after one's spirituality improved.
For the former, there were the experiences of generations of predecessors to refer to. As long as he wasn't impatient and rash in his advancement, and steadily mastered his power, the probability of losing control should be relatively low. Furthermore, he was mainly taking this step to resolve the current potential danger, understand the essence of mysticism, and find a way to travel back. He wasn't aiming for a high-Sequence 'position.' If he truly felt he was about to lose control, he could simply not advance and remain at his current Sequence, relying on his knowledge to plan his 'return home.'
The latter risk went without saying. Klein vividly remembered the whispers and murmurs during the 'Prayer for Good Fortune' ritual that nearly drove him mad and made his head feel like it was about to explode. This wasn't something that could be avoided by simply not becoming a Beyonder. Since that was the case, he might as well master some power that could allow him to fight back.
Thinking of this, Klein felt the pros and cons were so clear that most of the thoughts of retreat in his heart vanished.
Dunn picked up his pipe again, a hint of a smile in his gray eyes: "I can't give a definite answer on this matter. To become a Beyonder, one must first accumulate enough merits. Maybe you'll decipher a key ancient text tomorrow or the day after, or give us a very helpful opinion on a case! As for the second factor, it depends on whether the higher-ups have any new ideas. No one can say for sure."
"Alright, I think you should have a relatively good understanding of Beyonders now. In the future, you won't make choices impulsively. Now, let me introduce you to the administrative work of our Nighthawks team."
He stood up, paced to the door, and pointed in the direction opposite to the "Chanis Gate:" "We have an accountant, a person responsible for purchasing necessary items, collecting and distributing supplies from the church and police department, and who also works part-time as a coachman. They are professionals and don't need to rotate shifts. They rest every Sunday. The remaining three administrative staff are Rozanne, Bredt, and Old Neil. Their work includes: receiving visitors, cleaning the rooms, writing case documents and item requisition forms, and guarding the weapons, materials, and document vaults, strictly recording entries, exits, collections, and returns. Each of them rotates one day off per week, excluding Sunday. As for night duty and rest rotations, they negotiate among themselves."
"Do I do the same things as Rozanne and them?" Klein put away his thoughts on Beyonders, confirming his own 'job responsibilities.'
"No, you don't need to. You're a professional, after all." Dunn chuckled. "You have two things to do at the moment. First, go out for a walk every morning or afternoon, focusing on the roads from Welch's residence to your home."
"Ah?" Klein looked completely dumbfounded.
What kind of 'work' was this?
Was it very professional?
Dunn put his hands into the pockets of his black trench coat: "After confirming that you truly lost your memory, the cases of Welch and Naya are considered settled. Similarly, the Antigonus family diary has completely disappeared. We suspect that you took it with you and hid it on the way home, which is why we found no clues in your house. This should be the possible reason why you didn't 'commit suicide' at the scene, but at home."
"Although you were affected by the supernatural and have completely forgotten this memory, the human spirit and brain are wondrous. There might still be some traces remaining. Daly's 'Spirit Medium' methods couldn't obtain them, but that doesn't mean they absolutely don't exist. Perhaps in familiar places, in key spots, you might have the feeling that you've seen something, or done something."
"This is the harvest we want."
"I understand." Klein suddenly realized.
The Nighthawks' deduction of the diary's whereabouts was indeed very reasonable.