Adrian and Joe finally arrived in the archive. In Adrian's perspective, the archive is just an empty room with futuristic lights inside. The others are still not as warm in terms of reception towards Adrian, but he did not care. All he needed to do is participate and do his job.
Joe then tapped the wall and a tablet emerged. He turned on the tablet and started to search for something. Adrian wanted to look as he was curious but decided to subdue his curiosity with the gazes he is receiving.
"Why are we here anyways?" Esme asked as she could not bear the silence any longer.
"Sorry about that. I got carried away in browsing that I forgot to greet all of you when you arrived." Joe stated as he faced the wall. He touched the screen on the tablet and numerous images are then projected on the empty wall.
The projected images all have one thing similar as it is about books. The projected images are all bout the Books of the Dead mentioned all throughout history. Even the slight mentions of books that could raise the dead were being projected.
"We are here because Adrian managed to deduce that the one responsible for the outbreak of Deviant criminals is using a book that can release evil spirits." Joe stated and Adrian did not show a reaction to the stares of the others.
"You are welcome by the way." Adrian commented as he looked at the things shown.
"In the entire human history, there have been accounts in ancient texts and passed down stories of books that contain the power to defy death. In ancient Egypt, a book of the dead is said to be recorded and it entails several ceremonies for the deceased.
In Japan, there is also the famous Book of Yama which has the fates of individuals dictated in it. Even popular culture has something like the Necronomicon that has spells that could raise the dead. In essence, it has been said in all timelines that a book or codex that can control the dead is present. After all, fact is stranger than fiction." Joe deliberated.
"So, you are saying that these mythical items are real. I mean, you cannot expect us to believe that. We all know that stories that pertains to mythical creatures are just fairy tales made to scare children." Esme rebuked.
"You people have yet to meet a mythical creature then. You probably cannot see them because your spiritual eye has yet to awaken. I thought the telekinetic girl has unlocked it, but it seems her Esper abilities comes from somewhere else." Adrian commented as he feels like he is the only one among the bunch that could see the supernatural.
"That is why Adrian has to come with you in order to see if the Deviant is possessed. Whiz, you must check all surveillance of a person carrying a book in the area where the incidents happen. The others will have to look more into Books of the Dead.
Esme will be with Jihan while Adrian will team up with Dustan. Esme and Jihan will go to Egypt while Dustan and Adrian will go to Japan. Sofia will brief Esme's team while I will brief Dustan's team." Joe stated.
"But he has yet to get trained! Why is he already getting issued in a mission?!" Esme stated as he pointed to Adrian.
"I second that motion." Dustan added.
"The mission this time does not involve fighting but more of collecting information. Whiz will be collecting information in the web while you guys will interview locals. Some stories are not put on the internet but only gets passed through word of mouth." Joe stated in a serious tone as Esme wanted to question his decision again.
"If you say so. I thought we were going to fight but if it is just collecting information then I am fine with your decision." Dustan stated much to Esme's dismay.
Adrian looked at Esme and then at Dustan. Adrian unknowingly smiled because the emotions he felt emanating from her could only be describe as affection. It seems that Esme likes Dustan, but the latter could not be bothered.
"Should I act as the cupid? Never mind. The last time I did that it did not end happily for both parties. The other party does not seem like he is interested anyway." Adrian thought as he went to Joe.
"The two of you will be going to Japan to know more about the Book of Yama. Adrian will be more of a detector while Dustan will be your guard just in case. Learn to behave." Joe stated.
"I will, Joe." Dustan replied.
"I am not talking about you as I know that you will be in your best behavior. I am talking about your partner for this operation." Joe stated as he stared at Adrian.
"You make it seem like the bad guy here. You need to worry about yourselves more. The opponents are basically evil spirits that have feasted on negative emotions for hundreds of years. Let us just hope that whoever is doing this does not awaken one that has feasted on thousands of years." Adrian stated.
"And how do you know so much about evil spirits?" Dustan asked as he became curious of the new guy knowing so much.
"That is because I am an a…" Adrian is about to finish but got cut off by Joe.
"Avid follower of the occult. You know about the people of Southeast Asian with their beliefs. He was also helped by a witch doctor when he was young, so he had his fair share of experience with evil spirits and the like. Why don't you get prepared for the mission, Dustan? I will just explain the rules to Adrian." Joe stated in a rather panicked tone.
"Okay. I will go to the armory then." Dustan replied as he walked out of the room.
"Are you crazy?!" Joe stated telepathically to Adrian.
"Oh! I thought you lost your powers." Adrian sneered.