In the midst of the flickering lights, emitted steadily from the glass protection of the lamp. The well-ventilated but quiet and dark underground remained alit regardless of the time.
Selina sat in the duty room and casually flipped through dozens books piled up beside her. Some of her attention lingered on the Gate occasionally, serving as her way to guard.
Her windbreaker coat was hung by the rack and she wore a vest fitted to her waist, underneath it was a layer of white shirt.
Despite this style aligns more with the male fashion. Selina didn't mind the more masculine appeal. As a matter of fact, it accentuates her feminine more than wearing long dresses.
It is practical, suited for combat and was the attire she frequently wore ever since joining the officials. Seeka Tron and Royale Reideen also wore this in respect for their profession.
Under the illumination of the gas lamps. Her mind drifted off to picture the scenes being narrated by the book. Engrossed to the story written by different authors.
Being a hobbyist of the novels in the past. Boredom became tolerable for Selina as long as books and any literature are accompanying her. Needless to say, her interest was quickly taken from the moment she entered a local library.
Before, her issue with taking so many books is their prices. Of course renting is present but in certain aspects, she's also a collector and couldn't help but buy the books she sought interest in.
But what is a price when she can withdraw an excessive amount of wealth in the first place?
"At least being in this world has some perks... Although it's a shame that the authors I've grown to love didn't exist. Alright, I guess it's time to open up for new possibilities." Selina muttered while her eyes traced the words.
In one occasion before she entered for duty. She had considered several things for entertainment, and to pass the time.
What quickly brought in mind was her studies. Old Neil would begin teaching her of carving a charm by tomorrow and she wanted to be well-informed beforehand.
However, practically speaking, it would conflicted with her duty. Once she became engrossed in learning, she could easily overlook any movements and changes happening outside by the Chanis Gate.
Phew. Selina picked up a cup of milk and carefully blew at it.
The sweet and savory gentle liquid danced in her mouth before strolling down her throat. It was refreshing but wasn't effective against drowsiness.
She could only fought it by directing her thoughts onto the next book. The earlier one quickly bored her as oppose to how she pictured the story by the cover.
However, on this next novel, the title quickly caught her attention.
"Stormwind Mountain Villa... It's this novel again. Just how popular is this?" while mumbling, she quietly turned a page.
"It must be from Rozanne..."
Stormwind Mountain Villa was a novel about Lady Sissi, who was 1.65 meters tall and weighed ninety-eight pounds. It was a story of her embarking as a home tutor in the Fruys Mountain Villa.
As she read. Something about the woman faintly reminded her of a certain novel. She quickly closed it and spoke her mind inaudibly, "Jane Eyre... Is this the alternate world's version of this?"
However, just as she thought it was a romance novel, an evil spirit emerged in the story. When she believed that it was a ghost story, Lady Sissi revealed herself as a detective and made a marvelous deduction.
Just as Selina felt that it was definitely a detective novel, the main male character took a heavy blow to the head and lost his memory. Then, it became a heart-rending drama.
"...This is confusing." Selina made a silent criticism against the story. "Is this meant to depict the beyonders of this world? Because if not then it should've stick to being a romance at the start. Or perhaps it was meant for a roller coaster ride?"
Despite the distaste impression the story made to her. She still commended its publishment.
Putting that book aside, revealing the signature behind, telling a vivid, cursive name; Wall. Her hand lifted another novel following that.
"Between Two Names, author, Holland Cozier." Selina read the cover content.
Between Two Names depicts another lady protagonist named Lady Clothier. In the story's setting, it shows a clear legal minority on the women and the concept of Domestic Sphere in society.
She dreamt of being a successful author. But due to the limits placed by the society on the women. Achieving it would impossible. This compelled her to don a penname and a person, Theodore Pole. Following that decision was her fashion leaning into masculinity and deliberate assuming herself as a male even against the law.
This story turned into a political disputes pertaining the women rights, the active protest, and eventually the revoking of this expectations on women.
"Lady Clothier's life felt like a biography of a certain author..." she murmured while recounting the past.
"Who was it again? Ah, Aurore! George Sand!"
Selina nodded indiscernibly to herself. "Quite a good read. The plot is clear and the world building shows effort. But I can't say everyone would have the same opinion."
After taking a sip of her hot milk. Something made her wonder about the author.
"The name also leans into being masculine..." then suddenly, she chuckled to herself. "Could it be that the author is a she?"
Then just like the other books. She piled this finished novel into a separate place, planning to place them by the shelves at the break room afterwards.
...
In the eerier silence of the underground basement and the comforting light casted by the lamps.
Throughout her time on duty. There was no strange anomalies that occurred and at the evening, just before she left the room she drew a crimson moon and subsequently thanked the Goddess that the Cloth Doll did not appeared.
Now in her windbreaker. Selina deliberately sought Dunn in his office, seemingly made up her mind.
Reflecting on his eyes was her beautiful silver white hair tied to a braided-bun. Dunn took out a paper and handed it to Selina.
While in doing so, he said, "This is the review made by the archbishops. In summary, they found no reason not to include you in the special force Nighthawks. All I need from you now is confirmation."
After scanning the paper. Selina collected her thoughts before answering, "Alright."
"Welcome to the Nighthawks." said Dunn with a genial smile and then cleared his throat. "Ahem, this wouldn't be proper welcome if there's no celebration. When do you want to have a toast?"
Selina said after a moment of thought. "Tuesday seems to be appropriate."
Hearing her answer. Dunn carefully listed the member's availability during that time and tomorrow.
Knowing that Frye and Seeka Tron will be busy by tomorrow due to the matters of Morroy. He nodded. "That is actually when our members become available for the evening. You are considerate Ms. Roy."
Seeing her smile and expressed her gratitude. Dunn added, "You can leave now. I still have to create an official registration and note for the church to acknowledge your entry into the Nighthawks.
"Ah, I almost forgot. During the clearing of Morroy Roundel's unit. We have retrieved most of his belongings. The totem at the basement was divined to be capable of siphoning the spirituality that was caught into its made-up dream. And..."
At that moment. Dunn saw Selina handing the review paper to him. He first took it and placed in a drawer before continuing:
"And the notes he had with him details another existence relative to the evil gods worshipped by the known secret organizations. This new being didn't have any records and was only referred by him as the 'The Single Eye'.
A being of multi-dimensional body... Selina still recalls the contents of the notes quite vividly.
"Through a ritual. This being is able to bestow Shaman to the recipient. Morroy calls this ritual Interdimensional Blessing... and it seem to require a certain sample and a totem." Dunn's voice was solemn.
Selina quickly realized what that sample is and it managed to instill fear into her heart at that moment.
The torso want to devour her. It just meant that the sample is her.
"But..." she spoke frailly. "Why did Morroy mutated? Wasn't he in the middle of being bestowed?"
Dunn nod at the question and answered, "The likely reason is that he was given half of the blessing in order to construct and utilize the totem. Since he's a normal person, it is hard for him to actually conduct rituals. So with the promise of the full blessing, he must acquire something to complete the power he possess.
"Shamans are territorial as mentioned by the indigenous tribes of Northern Continent."
"There are already Shamans?" Selina blurted out.
Dunn averted her eyes to the Chanis Gate and told her, "These are not actually Shamans. They're mostly wild beyonders of the Apothecary or Corpse Collector pathway with mysterious motives."
Apothecary? Corpse Collector? Are they acting as Shamans to digest their potion? Captain, aren't you a least bit curious as to why they're acting? Selina thought that the details aligns with the acting method and it needs a bit of curiosity for Dunn to uncover.
However, she remained silent, knowing it would raise suspicion the moment she mentions it.
I'll find a way to inform Dunn and the rest of the acting method...
"Anyway." Dunn briefly adjusted his windbreaker. "Shamans being territorial actually shows when Morroy refused to head out for rehabilitation. Suggesting that being one subjects into acting one."
Selina's smile staggered. Oh captain!
"In the future. We'll now be looking out for this signs in case of a possibility." Having said that, Dunn opened a drawer and prepared to write a registration note.
"You still have combat training right Ms. Roy? You may head out now, I won't taking more of your time."
Feeling as if she's being edged. Selina wearily nodded and drew a moon onto her chest.
"May the Goddess guide you captain."
After seeing Dunn returned the gesture. She quietly left.
...
In the evening. As the dusk settles from the horizon and the lamplighters roam about.
Selina was dropped off by Klein to her residence. Carrying a satchel by her shoulder.
She did not forget about the celebration she promised to Seeka Tron through Rozanne. Instead, she figured it would be held the same time as her welcome celebration.
When she mentioned this. Rozanne's expression was that of shock and disappointment, the latter was caused by a loss of another member in the civilian staff.
She couldn't help but keep that down face every time she thought of this receptionist.
But strangely enough, right after that this receptionist had her emotion changed on whim when Klein came to pick up Selina.
It was that of excitement and fantasy.
"Thank you again Mr. Moretti. Have a safe trip." Selina curtsied briefly before him and smiled.
Klein gave short nod and stole a glance at the other unit.
Catching the movement of his eyes. Selina turned and traced it, only to see the residence where Morroy lives.
There was a person wearing a suit and a cap walking out of the entrance.
That must be the agent sent to inspect the house... she withdrew her gaze afterward and asked Klein, "Are you troubled?"
As the carriage where the housing agent boarded left. Klein turned to her and shook his head. "Have pleasant evening Ms. Roy."
Then just as he turn away. He suddenly added, "We lived at Unit 7 Daffodil Street. If you wish, you can visit us anytime."
Selina expressed her appreciation, "Alright, I will."
After seeing him off. She first went to the Heath Family residence, with the intention of greeting them.
But as usual, this ended with another invite for dinner as the last time before finally returning home.