A surge of emotions hit Klein as he heard Dunn. Instinctively, he asked, "Why?"
Is it really so dangerous to be a Beyonder? Even the Church's Judiciary faces such risks?
Dunn stepped into the carriage calmly. "This isn't something you need to understand unless you become one of us."
Klein was speechless, then half-jokingly asked, "How can I decide to join if I don't understand?"
Dunn took out his pipe. "A civilian staff member is also one of us."
"So, by joining as civilian staff, I'll learn about these hidden dangers before deciding if I want to become a Beyonder?" Klein clarified.
"Yes," Dunn confirmed, "except becoming a Beyonder isn't something you can just choose."
"Is it as strict to join as civilian staff?" Klein asked.
"Not for you," said Dunn, whiffing his pipe without lighting it.
"Why?"
Dunn explained, "First, you survived alone in a dangerous situation. Lucky people are often welcomed."
Seeing Klein's blank expression, Dunn smiled. "You're also a history graduate, which we urgently need. We often encounter ancient documents that only a historian can handle."
Klein nodded. "Then why not train someone directly?"
"That brings me to the most important point: you've already faced something unusual, so inviting you doesn't break confidentiality."
Klein pondered this, then asked, "Why keep all this secret? Wouldn't public awareness reduce these incidents?"
"No," Dunn replied, "human nature is unpredictable. Spreading knowledge of the supernatural tends to cause chaos."
Klein nodded, quoting Emperor Roselle, "The only lesson from history is that humans never learn."
"Indeed," agreed Dunn.
Dunn then formally invited Klein to join as a civilian staff member. Klein asked for time to consider, and Dunn agreed, reminding him to keep everything confidential, with penalties for breaches.
As they neared Klein's home, he asked, "What's the pay for civilian staff?"
Dunn laughed, "Three pounds a week with bonuses, funded by the Church and police. There's a five-year contract, after which you sign a lifelong confidentiality agreement if you leave."
Reaching his apartment, Klein saluted as the carriage pulled away, feeling the quiet night around him.