"Why?" Klein blurted out instinctively, as Dunn's words sent shockwaves through his mind.
Are there serious hidden dangers in being an Extraordinary? So much so that even the Church's internal adjudication bodies, which deal with supernatural events, are prone to problems?
Dunn Smith stepped into the carriage, sat in his previous seat, and maintained his usual expression and tone:
"This isn't something you need to understand, nor can you understand, unless you become one of us."
Klein was momentarily speechless. He followed and sat down, half-amused and half-baffled, asking, "How can I decide to join without understanding this?"
And if I don't join, I can't understand—this becomes a deadlock...
Dunn Smith took out his pipe again and took a whiff without lighting it:
"You probably misunderstood. Being one of us includes clerical staff."
"So, as long as I become one of your clerical staff, I can understand the related secrets, figure out the hidden dangers and potential risks of being an Extraordinary, and then consider whether to become an Extraordinary?" Klein reorganized his thoughts and rephrased Dunn's meaning.
Dunn smiled:
"That's correct, except for one point: just because you consider becoming an Extraordinary doesn't mean you can. In this regard, all major churches are equally strict."
It would be strange if they weren't strict... Klein thought sarcastically and emphasized, "What about clerical staff? That should be very strict too, right?"
"If it's you, there shouldn't be any problem." Dunn closed his eyes halfway, relaxed a bit, and sniffed the pipe without lighting the tobacco.
"Why?" Klein was puzzled again.
At the same time, he mockingly thought to himself:
Is my special trait, my transmigrator halo, as distinct and outstanding as a firefly in the dark?
Dunn opened his half-closed eyes, his gray pupils as deep as before:
"First, surviving such an event without our help shows you have qualities different from others, such as luck. And lucky people are always welcome."
Seeing Klein's somewhat dazed expression, he smiled slightly:
"Alright, consider that a humorous remark. Second, you're a graduate of Hoy University's History Department. This is something we very much need. Although Lurmie, the believer of the Storm Lord, has detestable attitudes towards women, his views on society, humanities, economy, and politics are still sharp. He once said that talent is key to maintaining a competitive advantage and good development, and I agree with that."
Noticing Klein frowning slightly, he casually explained:
"You can imagine that we frequently come into contact with documents and artifacts from the Fourth Epoch and earlier. Many cults and various heretics attempt to gain power from these items, and sometimes, these items themselves can lead to bizarre and terrifying incidents."
"Apart from specialists in specific fields, most of us are not good at learning or are past that age." Here, Dunn Smith pointed to his head and slightly curled his lips as if mocking himself, "Those dull and boring pieces of knowledge always make one want to sleep. Even Insomniacs can't resist. In the past, we would collaborate with historians and archaeologists, but this risked confidential information being leaked and possibly bringing misfortune to professors and associate professors. Therefore, having a professional join us is a good thing that's hard to refuse."
Klein nodded lightly, accepting Dunn's explanation, and asked thoughtfully:
"Then why didn't you just, uh, recruit one earlier?"
Dunn continued:
"This is the third and most crucial point. You've already been exposed to similar events, so inviting you doesn't violate confidentiality clauses. Recruiting others, if it fails, would make me responsible for the leak. Most of our team members and clerical staff come from within the Church."
After listening quietly, Klein asked curiously:
"Why are you so strict about confidentiality? Wouldn't it help to make more people aware and avoid repeating the same mistakes? The greatest fear comes from the unknown, and we could turn the unknown into the known."
"No, human stupidity is beyond your imagination. It would lead to more imitations, greater chaos, and more severe incidents." Dunn Smith shook his head.
Klein muttered, "The only lesson humans learn from history is that humans never learn from history, always repeating the same tragedies."
"Emperor Roselle's words are indeed full of philosophy." Dunn agreed.
... Emperor Roselle said that? The transmigrator predecessor really leaves no room for me to show off... Klein was momentarily at a loss for words.
Dunn glanced outside the carriage, where the yellow streetlights intertwined, forming the brilliance of civilization.
"... Within the adjudication bodies of all major churches, there is a similar saying, which might be the main reason for strict confidentiality and prohibiting ordinary people from knowing."
"What is it?" Klein's spirit lifted, feeling a thrill in discovering secrets.
Dunn's facial muscles twitched slightly:
"Belief and fear bring trouble; more belief and fear bring more trouble, until everything is destroyed."
After saying this, he sighed:
"And besides praying for the gods' protection and help, humans can't solve real big troubles."
"Belief and fear bring trouble; more belief and fear bring more trouble..." Klein murmured, not fully understanding. The unknown caused a sense of fear, as if eyes and mouths filled with malice were hidden in the shadows outside the streetlights.
The horses trotted nimbly, the wheels rolled, and Iron Cross Street loomed in the distance. Dunn broke the sudden silence and formally invited:
"Do you want to join us and become a clerical staff?"
Thoughts swirled in Klein's mind, unable to decide briefly. He pondered and said:
"Can I think about it?"
This is a significant matter and can't be chosen hastily.
"Sure, give me an answer by Sunday." Dunn nodded. "Of course, remember confidentiality. Don't tell anyone about Welch, including your brother and sister. Violating this will not only bring them trouble but might also get you summoned to a special court."
"Okay." Klein replied solemnly.
The carriage returned to silence.
Seeing that they were nearing Iron Cross Street and almost home, Klein suddenly thought of a question. After hesitating for a few seconds, he finally asked:
"Mr. Smith, what are the salaries and benefits for your administrative staff like?"
This was a serious question...
Dunn paused for a moment, then smiled and said:
"Don't worry about that. Our funding is jointly secured by the church and the police department. For newly hired administrative staff, the weekly salary is 2 pounds and 10 shillings, plus an additional 10 shillings for confidentiality and risk allowances. Altogether, it amounts to 3 pounds, not much less than what a full-time university lecturer earns."
"After that, as your seniority increases and you achieve corresponding merits, your salary will gradually rise."
"For administrative staff, we generally have a five-year contract. If you don't want to continue after five years, you can leave normally, but you must sign a lifelong confidentiality agreement. Without our approval, you cannot leave Tingen. If you want to move to another city, you must immediately register with the local Night Watchers."
"Oh, and there's no Sunday off. You can only take turns for breaks, and there must always be three administrative staff members on duty. If you want to go on vacation to the south or the Disi Bay, you need to coordinate with your colleagues."
As Dunn finished speaking, the carriage stopped, and Klein's family apartment appeared to the side.
"I understand," Klein said, turning to get off the carriage and stopping beside it. "By the way, Mr. Smith, if I decide to join, where can I find you?"
Dunn chuckled and said:
"Go to the 'Hound Tavern' on Besik Street and find the owner, Wright. Tell him you want to hire a mercenary team for a mission."
"Uh?" Klein was puzzled.
"Our address is also confidential. Until you agree, we can't tell you directly. Alright then, Mr. Klein Moretti, I wish you a good dream tonight." Dunn smiled and nodded.
Klein doffed his hat in salute, watching as the carriage slowly departed.
He took out his pocket watch and clicked it open, seeing that it was just after four in the morning. The cool breeze on the street was refreshing, and the streetlights were dim.
Klein took a deep breath, savoring the deep silence of the night.
The busiest and noisiest street during the day was so quiet and serene at midnight, so different from the silent watching at Welch's residence and the psychic's enchantment.
It was only at this moment that he realized his linen shirt's back was soaked with sweat, cold and clammy.