Chapter 12: The Medium and The Offer

The carriage rattled to a stop outside a modest apartment building, its weathered brick facade barely visible in the dim light of the early morning hours. Klein stepped out after Captain Dunn, his legs slightly unsteady after the long ride. The cool air nipped at his skin, a stark contrast to the stuffy interior of the carriage.

"This way," Dunn said, his voice low as he led Klein towards the entrance. "Welch's apartment is on the second floor."

As they climbed the creaking stairs, Klein felt a strange sensation crawling up his spine. It was as if unseen eyes were watching his every move, scrutinising him from the shadows. He shook his head, trying to dispel the feeling. *Is this paranoia, or something more?* Dipak's memories whispered of supernatural possibilities, but Klein pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand.

They reached a door at the end of a dimly lit hallway. Dunn knocked three times, each rap echoing ominously in the silent corridor. After a moment, the door creaked open, revealing a woman in her mid-forties with sharp, intelligent eyes and greying hair pulled back in a severe bun.

As they entered the apartment, Klein's eyes were immediately drawn to a figure seated on the sofa. It was a lady in a hooded black robe, her face adorned with blue eyeshadow and blush. Around her wrist, an exposed silver bracelet glinted, a white crystal pendant hanging from it.

Klein felt an inexplicable sensation wash over him. The woman's attire was exactly what he'd imagined a stereotypical medium to wear. Was she deliberately playing into that image?

"Captain Dunn," she nodded, her gaze shifting to Klein. "And this must be Mr. Moretti."

"Indeed," Dunn replied. "Klein, this is Madam Daly, the spirit medium I mentioned."

Klein extended his hand, mustering a polite smile. "Pleased to meet you, Madam Daly."

As their hands touched, Klein felt a jolt, as if a static charge had passed between them. Daly's eyes widened almost imperceptibly, and for a moment, Klein could have sworn he saw a flicker of... something... in their depths.

"Come in," Daly said, her voice neutral as she stepped aside to let them enter further into the room.

The apartment was sparsely furnished, with heavy curtains blocking out most of the early morning light. Candles flickered on various surfaces, casting dancing shadows on the walls. The air was thick with the scent of incense, a heady mixture that made Klein's head swim slightly.

As they settled into chairs around a small table, the feeling of being watched intensified. Klein's eyes darted around the room, searching for the source of his unease.

Daly's voice cut through his thoughts. "You sense them, don't you, Mr. Moretti?"

Klein's gaze snapped back to her. "Sense what?"

A small smile played at the corners of Daly's mouth. "The spirits. They're quite curious about you."

Klein's eyebrows rose slightly. "Spirits?" he asked, feigning ignorance while his heart raced. "You mean... there are invisible entities here?"

Daly's lips curved into a small smile. "Indeed. Though they seem to know little about recent events. The spirits of Welch and Naya have already departed."

A chill ran down Klein's spine. Part of him wanted to dismiss her words as the ramblings of a charlatan, but Dipak's knowledge whispered otherwise. In this world, such things were all too real.

"I... I'm not sure what I'm sensing," Klein admitted, deciding that a mix of honesty and caution was the best approach.

Daly nodded, seemingly satisfied with his answer. She turned to a small table nearby, picking up an ornate bottle filled with a swirling, iridescent liquid.

"This essence will help us see more clearly," she explained, pouring a small amount into a shallow dish. "It induces a trance-like state, allowing for easier communication with the other side."

As she lit a match and touched it to the liquid, fragrant smoke began to rise, filling the room with a sweet, otherworldly scent. Klein felt his eyelids growing heavy, his mind beginning to drift.

"No!" The part of him that was Dipak surged forward, fighting against the encroaching haze. *We can't let our guard down. We don't know what might slip out if we lose control.*

With a supreme effort of will, Klein forced his mind to stay clear, even as his body relaxed into a seemingly passive state. He could feel Daly's probing gaze, searching for... something.

Daly reached into a pouch at her waist and produced two thumb-sized glass bottles. Her emerald eyes gleamed as she addressed Klein.

"I'll need your cooperation, Mr. Moretti," she said, her tone almost playful. "Don't worry, I won't be harsh. We'll use some fragrances to help you relax and open up. It's much more pleasant than the methods used by some... other organisations."

Klein's eyes widened slightly, a mix of shock and curiosity crossing his features.

Captain Dunn chuckled from his seat across from Klein. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "Madam Daly has her own unique approach. I'm sure you can appreciate that, given your background with the Church of the Goddess."

Klein nodded, still looking slightly bewildered. "I understand. It's just... unexpected."

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Daly smiled, opening one of the small bottles. She dropped a few drops onto a bright blue candle flame. "Night vanilla, slumber flower, and chamomile," she explained. "I call it 'Amantha' – it means tranquillity in the Hermes language."

A beautifully enchanting aroma filled the room. Klein felt his tension begin to ebb away, replaced by a calm serenity.

Daly opened the second bottle, describing its contents as she worked. "The Eye of the Spirit. Barks and leaves of and poplar trees, sun-dried and decocted, then immersed in Lanti Wine. With the proper incantations, of course."

As the amber liquid dripped onto the cobalt blue flame, Klein noticed the candle's dance grow wilder. The lustre of Daly's makeup seemed to intensify, shimmering oddly in the flickering light.

"It aids in mediumship," Daily continued, her voice seeming to come from all around. "And it's quite enchanting in its own right."

Klein's vision began to blur, the room swaying around him. Colours intensified, blending like an impressionist painting. Distinct murmurs rose from the surroundings, as if hundreds of unseen people were engaged in hushed debates.

Through the haze, Klein's gaze locked onto Daly's emerald eyes. She smiled, her voice gentle as she said, "Let me properly introduce myself. I am the Spirit Medium, Daly."

Klein fought to maintain his composure, intentionally slurring his words slightly. "Hello there..."

Daly's voice took on a mesmerising quality as she spoke of the vastness of the human mind, of oceans and islands, of memories hidden beneath the surface. Klein listened, carefully maintaining an air of confusion and disorientation.

"No... I can't remember..." he mumbled, his voice airy and distant. "I have forgotten..."

Time seemed to stretch and blur. Eventually, Daly's voice faded, replaced by the lingering scents of the fragrances. Klein's vision slowly cleared, the room coming back into focus.

He blinked, feigning confusion. "Oh, it's over? What happened? It felt like I just took a nap..."

Captain Dunn interrupted, turning to Daly. "Well?"

Daly shrugged, putting away the small bottles. "This tricky fellow did not leave a single trace behind."

Klein exhaled slowly, relief washing over him. He had passed the test.

Dunn nodded, his expression unreadable. "Thank you, Madam Daly. We'll be in touch."

As they left the apartment, Klein felt as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. The unseen watchers seemed to retreat, leaving him feeling both relieved and strangely bereft.

"You're free to go home now, Mr. Moretti," Dunn said as they descended the stairs. "But I must stress the importance of not discussing what happened here with anyone. For your own safety, and for reasons I'm not at liberty to fully explain right now."

Klein nodded, his mind racing. "I understand, Captain."

As they climbed back into the waiting carriage, Klein couldn't shake the feeling that his life had irrevocably changed. Little did he know, the true revelations were yet to come.

The carriage rattled through the quiet streets of Tingen, the sky gradually lightening as dawn approached. Klein sat in silence, his mind whirling with the events of the night. Captain Dunn seemed content to let him process for a while, his own gaze fixed on the passing scenery.

Finally, as they turned onto a wider boulevard, Dunn spoke. "Mr. Moretti, I have a proposition for you."

Klein turned to face him, curiosity piqued. "Yes, Captain?"

"How would you feel about joining the Nighthawks as a civilian staff member?"

The question caught Klein off guard. Memories from the novel flooded Dipak's mind, but he forced them back, focusing on maintaining Klein's persona.

"The Nighthawks?" Klein asked, feigning ignorance while his heart raced. "I'm not sure I understand."

Dunn's lips quivered in a half-smile. "It's not a widely known organisation, which is by design. We're a... specialised division of law enforcement, dealing with matters that fall outside the realm of ordinary crime."

Klein nodded slowly, piecing together what Dunn was implying. "You mean... supernatural matters?"

"Precisely," Dunn confirmed. "Your experience with the recent incident, coupled with your academic background in history, makes you a potentially valuable asset. Plus, you've already been exposed to certain... truths about our world. This position would allow you to learn more about Beyonders and their dangers before you decide whether to become one yourself."

The word 'Beyonders' sent a jolt through Klein. It was a term he recognized from the fragments of the novel in his memory, but hearing it spoken aloud made it all the more real.

"Beyonders?" Klein asked, careful to keep his tone curious rather than knowing.

Dunn's expression grew serious. "Individuals with... extraordinary abilities. But such power comes at a great cost, Mr. Moretti. The path of a Beyonder is fraught with danger, both from external threats and from the very nature of their abilities."

Klein leaned forward, his curiosity genuine now. "What kind of dangers?"

"Loss of control, madness, corruption of the spirit," Dunn listed, his voice low and grave. "And those are just the internal risks. There are also other Beyonders, secret organisations, and entities beyond human comprehension that pose constant threats."

A chill ran down Klein's spine. Dipak's knowledge filled in some of the gaps, painting a terrifying picture of the world he now inhabited.

"This is why we maintain such strict secrecy," Dunn continued. "The general public is not equipped to handle these truths. It would cause panic, chaos... or worse, tempt those unprepared to seek power they cannot control."

Multiple thoughts surfaced in Klein's mind, making him indecisive. He contemplated for a moment before asking, "Can I have some time to consider?"

Dunn nodded, understanding the gravity of the decision. "No problem, just give me a reply before Sunday," he said, then added more seriously, "Of course, remember to keep this a secret and don't disclose the information regarding Welch to anyone, including your brother and sister. Once this is violated, it'll not only bring them trouble, but you might also have to attend a special court."

"I understand," Klein answered gravely.

The carriage lapsed into silence once more. As they neared Iron Cross Street, Klein hesitated for a few seconds before asking, "Mr. Smith, what kind of salary and benefits do civilian staff get?"

Dunn smiled, seemingly amused by the practical question. "There's no need for you to worry about this issue. Our funds are guaranteed by the Church and the police department. For newly registered civilian staff, the weekly salaries are placed at two pounds and ten soli. There is an additional ten soli as compensation for the risk and confidentiality. All of this will add up to a total of three pounds. This is hardly worse than a confirmed university lecturer."

He continued, explaining the career progression and contractual obligations. "Your salary will gradually rise according to your experience and contributions. The contract is generally five years. After that, you can quit normally if you're no longer willing to stay. You'll need to sign a lifetime confidentiality agreement and you're not allowed to leave Tingen without permission. If you want to move to another city, you must register with the local Nighthawk first."

Klein listened intently, absorbing the information. Dunn added a final note, "By the way, there are no weekends and you can only work in shifts. At any point in time, there should be three civilian staff on duty. If you wish to go to the South or Desi Bay for a vacation, you'll need to arrange it with your colleagues."

As the carriage slowed to a stop outside Klein's apartment building, he had one last question. "By the way, Mr. Smith, where do I find you after I've come to my decision?"

Dunn gave a deep, throaty laugh. "Go to the 'Hound Pub' at Besik Street and find their boss, Wright. Tell him that you want to hire a small mercenary squad for a mission."

"Huh?" Klein asked, confused by the cryptic instructions.

"Our location is confidential too. Before you agree to become one of us, I can't tell you directly," Dunn explained with a smile. "Alright, Mr. Klein Moretti, I wish you a good dream tonight as well."

Klein stepped out of the carriage, taking off his hat and saluting as he watched it depart, its pace gradually speeding up. He took out his pocket watch, pressing it open with a soft "click." It was only a little past four in the morning. The street was filled with a relaxing, cool breeze, a dim yellowish light from the street lamps illuminating the surroundings.

As he climbed the stairs to his apartment, the first rays of sunlight were breaking over the horizon. Klein's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The events of the night played on repeat in his head, interwoven with fragments of knowledge from the novel and his own anxieties about his situation.

He collapsed onto his bed, exhaustion finally catching up with him. But even as his eyes closed, his mind continued to race. The decision before him loomed large – a choice between stepping further into this dangerous, mystical world or trying to cling to the relative safety of ignorance.

As sleep finally claimed him, one thought echoed in his mind: In this world of Beyonders and hidden dangers, could he afford to remain on the sidelines? Or was the path forward the only real choice?

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Name: Klein Moretti (Dipak)

Age: 22

Sequence: Fool's Path (Sequence 9)

Spiritual Power: 78% [Recovering]

Attributes:

Strength: 6

Agility: 6

Constitution: 7

Intelligence: 10 (+2)

Spirituality: 8 (+3) [Improved]

Luck: ?

Mental Skills:

- Acting (Level 5)

- Authority (Level 2)

- Beyonder Knowledge (Level 2) [Improved]

- Cultural Adaptation (Level 1)

- Deception (Level 3) [Improved]

- Dream Manipulation (Level 1)

- Genre Savviness (Level 2)

- Historical Analysis (Level 2)

- Investigation (Level 2) [Improved]

- Negotiation (Level 2)

- Novel Memory Recall (Level 4)

- Occult Knowledge (Level 3) [Improved]

- Quick Thinking (Level 3)

- Self-Awareness (Level 3)

- Spirit Sense (Level 1) [New]

- Stress Management (Level 3) [Improved]

- Tarot Knowledge (Level 1)

- World Awareness (Level 4)

Physical Skills:

- Beyonder Abilities (Level 2)

- Culinary Improvisation (Level 2)

- Fog Manipulation (Level 3)

- Gathering Management (Level 1)

- History (Intermediate)

- Mystical Identity (Level 1)

- Precognition (Level 1)

- Talisman Making (Novice)

Condition: Exhausted, Contemplative

[Skill Improved: Beyonder Knowledge (Level 2)]

[Skill Improved: Deception (Level 3)]

[Skill Impro

ved: Investigation (Level 2)]

[Skill Improved: Occult Knowledge (Level 3)]

[Skill Improved: Stress Management (Level 3)]

[New Skill Acquired: Spirit Sense (Level 1)]

[Attribute Improved: Spirituality 7 -> 8]

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