'A commitment to safeguard rather than provide power...' Michael leaned towards the latter, yet couldn't ignore the allure of the former, especially when more than just his safety hung in the balance.

"Typically, recruits go a year-long training program before attaining the official status of a Rank 0 Agent. Considering your temporarily unique trait of near invincibility, it was suggested that you could bypass the training program. In terms of your Magick capacity, I sense that you had already surpassed the benchmark for Rank 0."

"Does the training program offer benefits beyond enhancing Magick capabilities?" Michael inquired. 'If it proves advantageous, despite being time-consuming – something I'm short on – perhaps I should explore some of its courses.'

"Absolutely. Beyond Magick, the skills gained elevate one above the most elite soldiers in any chosen army. Interestingly, many recruits, already experts in their respective fields, still undergo the training program for its significant advantages. It must be emphasized that mastering the establishment of a Pool of Magick Ions and acquiring basic Magick usage forms the crux of the training program – as I've said, a feat you already accomplished, surpassing the majority of recruits."

"If one opts for partial participation in the training program, specifically for joining the Material Magick Bureau, would such a request be sanctioned?" Michael sought fundamental lessons on Magick usage. "Since there's no guarantee that the Material Magick Bureau can propel me to the Second Metamorphosis within two years, if you want me to join, I want unrestricted access to your resources. Anything that can offer an extra push towards my goal. In return, my Grace Period would be dedicated to your objectives."

"I appreciate the alignment in our perspectives, Mr. Mir, up to a certain extent. As a newcomer to the realm of Magick, your youth is evident. Do you believe that a Grace Period offers absolute protection? While it can be wielded intelligently for significant advantages, considering your status as not even a First Level Metamorphosis, you currently lack the strength to execute orders that would warrant a complete investment from the Bureau. This isn't undervaluation; it's a reality that will become apparent sooner rather than later. Any recruiter asserting otherwise is being dishonest."

"Then, what incentives exist for me to join your organization? I acknowledge there's much for me to learn – I've had a revealing experience in the past few days. However, I do have an estimation of the value of my Grace Period. Convincing me to join goes beyond the promise of protection up to a Third Level Metamorphosis, a standard benefit for all recruits. What additional advantages can be exclusively extended to me?"

Michael discerned that Agent Peiss possessed more strength than him, evident even without the presence of his Rank 1 badge. Unlike the unbridled outburst Michael experienced with David, Agent Peiss's display was not a loss of control. Instead, it marked the initial exercise of his Grace Period's freedom – a demonstration benefiting both him and Agent Peiss.

Agent Peiss remained unperturbed, offering a smile as he raised a finger. "Trainees are entitled to a monthly salary of 5K. Upon reaching Rank 0, Agents receive a base salary of 10K along with Merit Points, earned based on the success of their missions. While Merit Points can be converted into cash, the reverse is not possible. On average, a Rank 0 mission yields half a Merit Point, equivalent to 5K in conversion. Given your current skill level and power, your Grace Period can likely be leveraged for missions up to the lower echelons of Rank 1. These missions typically yield two to two and a half Merit Points each. Considering that Rank 1 Agents enjoy a base salary of 35K per month, you'll receive a cash bonus for completing such missions until your official promotion to Rank 1, triggering an automatic salary increase. Another valuable aspect of Merit Points lies in the Exchange Center, where they can be swapped for items, Abilities, Spells, guidance, or other resources that money alone cannot acquire or are prohibitively expensive. These resources aim to fortify your individual strength and aid in the process of Metamorphosis."

"I believe the concept of an exchange system isn't unique to the Material Magick Bureau, and it seems like something available to everyone. Engaging in Rank 1 missions as a Rank 0 Agent also appears to be more advantageous for you than the additional Merit Points I'd earn."

"For you, the Material Magick Bureau has two additional incentives to offer. Firstly, clearance. The Merit exchange process has three prerequisites. The first is, naturally, having the required Merit Points. The second involves possessing a specific Rank. Trainees seldom accumulate Merit Points, and even when they do, they cannot utilize them until completing the training program and officially becoming Agents. The third requirement is approval. Typically, a Rank 0 Agent primarily involved in low-level Rank 0 missions – missions that only award cash – would be approved for the more trivial offerings available at the Exchange Center. The clearance the Bureau is willing to grant you would address the second and third requirements, effectively elevating you up by half a rank."

"The second incentive sweetens the deal with a fifty percent increase in Merit percentage, providing substantial assistance in meeting the first requirement." Agent Peiss explained in one long breath.

'Don't rush your decision,' Michael reminded himself. "I appreciate the Bureau outlining these incentives, but how can I be certain they match the value of my Grace Period? Additionally, I lack familiarity with the Exchange Center rates. It might take me a year or more to accumulate enough Merit Points for a single valuable item. Will that be sufficient to achieve my goal?"

"Mr. Mir, let me emphasize once more. Merit Points can be exchanged for assistance related to Metamorphosis, not for the Metamorphosis itself. Ultimately, the process depends on you, and no amount of Merit Points will alter that fact. While I'm uncertain how close you are to the First Metamorphosis, the Bureau, with its offers and support, can potentially expedite your journey to around a year, give or take a few months, provided you possess the determination for the final push."

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

'What should I do?' Michael contemplated. 'David recommended joining the Bureau. At the very least, I need to extract every possible advantage before committing!'

"You'll play a crucial role in facilitating my attainment of the First Level Metamorphosis within a year, and I expect to receive every conceivable benefit the Material Magick Bureau has to offer. I'm aiming for the most favorable deal ever presented! There's no basis for further discussion unless you can commit to this level of support. While I may appear to lean towards joining, I reserve the right to reconsider after hearing alternative proposals. Do you want to take that risk?"

Agent Peiss shifted in his chair, then rose, retrieving his suitcase from the floor. Michael feared the man might be leaving, testing the limits of his semi-bluff.

'Don't leave!' Michael thought anxiously.

"Your Grace Period won't commence until midnight, correct? I'll return tomorrow to pick you up. For a more comprehensive recruitment offer, you'll need to meet with my supervisor. The journey won't be lengthy, but it will take you far, and there's no guarantee of a swift return, especially if you decide to join the Bureau. Prepare your luggage and make necessary arrangements. Inform your family that their signatures can be postponed until tomorrow. Have a good day, Mr. Mir."

Turning on his heel, Agent Peiss exited the room. Spotting Dan and Mary, he gave a nod and departed the apartment.

"Mom," Michael entered the living room. "Have you finished reading?"

"Oh, Michael… yes. We'll sign."

Michael couldn't ignore the bitter taste in his mouth, observing his mother struggle to conceal her discomfort. She cared for him, but it seemed like she no longer recognized him. 'How long will she regard me this way?' he wondered. 'Dan, too. He doesn't want to sign. Did Mom force or persuade him to maintain his silence?' Michael had hoped the relief form would offer them some solace.

Then an idea struck him. "You don't have to sign. They… they call themselves the Material Magick Bureau. They specialize in handling these situations. They'll repair our home, assist with Chris's hospital bills, and even provide therapy if necessary. They're interested in hiring me, so you don't need to forget, as long as you're willing to keep everything confidential."

Michael wasn't certain if the Bureau could compel untrustworthy individuals to sign, but he knew his Grace Period extended protection to anyone who could be used against him, ensuring his family and friends were safe from coercion.

'It worked,' Michael immediately noted a hint of calm in Dan's eyes. 'Is Mom still contemplating whether she wants to forget?'

"I'm going out," Dan declared. "Everything is settled. Dad called. He's on his way with Chris."

Michael hadn't anticipated his youngest brother leaving their mother alone with him. 'Did they argue or something when I spoke to Agent Peiss?' He was further surprised that their mother didn't try to stop Dan.

The apartment's door closed for the second time. "What was the argument about?"

"Your brother… he expressed his desire to retain his memories and asserted that he has rights." Mary looked defeated, both stress and lack of sleep taking their toll. "It's difficult to accept that what happened last night is real, that someone can erase your memories. I've never been a believer in things like hypnosis, you know. While you were in your room and we talked, I considered that it might be for the best to remain oblivious."

"Mom," Michael approached her gently. She didn't flinch, and it made him feel like a bigger jerk for thinking there was a chance she would. He sat next to her and embraced her. She leaned on him, and he felt the tension starting to lift from her shoulders.

"What the heck, Michael!" The apartment's door opened, and three men entered. Peter, Chris, and a shocked Eric.

...

13:13, Saturday.

Behind a dumpster in a reeking backstreet.

"What happened?" Detective Ilmar found himself lying on the ground with a splitting headache. He got up to a sitting position, rubbing his forehead, and another pain across his chest, left arm, and left leg assaulted him.

"Argh!" The headache intensified as he attempted to recall how he got to the backstreet. Everything came in flashing pieces.

"Nibelrous's Rabies," he uttered, at first without knowing why, but then he remembered. 'Am I going insane?' He grabbed his head, eyes threatening to pop from their sockets. "No," he said out loud. "No! No! No! No! It really happened!"

The pain surged everywhere except his head, turning scalding, but instead of weakening him, it overwhelmed him with power.

'I've made a pact with the devil!' The initial realization terrified him, defying his wife's beliefs.

"Aisha!" flashed the next piece in his mind, along with the reason he resigned himself to such an act.

'They killed them!' He bent over, still holding his head. Clenching his teeth, he stared at the ground. This was the first reason.

"Wolves!" Maimed, ripped apart, drowned in their own blood.

'This… This…' His head snapped back. "KILL THEM!" Power for revenge – the second reason.

The roar from his throat was inhuman, and it left him standing up in a heap of coughing, accompanied by more incoming memories.

After making the deal, something entered his body and incapacitated him. His mind was vaguely aware when the door to the basement opened. Several men handcuffed him onto a stretcher, covered completely with a black shroud, and hoisted him onto a vehicle.

Along the way, from the basement to the vehicle, he heard familiar voices. Some spoke in protest, others with pity.

The sensations coursing through his body made him lose track of time during the mostly silent ride. Amid the fragments of conversation he managed to catch, words like "Magick", "Homeland Office of Special Cases", "Nightly Creatures", and "Mir" recurred frequently, etching themselves into his consciousness. Particularly, the term "Mir" echoed in his mind as the last coherent thought before he abruptly succumbed to a seizure, causing his body to swell and consciousness to wane.

Once on his feet, relying on the dumpster for support, Detective Ilmar's vision tinted red, and he instinctively clawed at his face.

'Mir!' The word held no meaning yet triggered an inexplicable surge of anger.

'Don't, Lois! You must stay lucid! You need to run!'

He exhaled, letting the grip of "Mir" fade from his consciousness. His temper required more time to settle.

'My belongings…' It finally dawned on him – the sorry state of his tattered clothes, bare feet, and the evidence bag in his right hand containing his cellphones, wallet, and keys.

"Tsk!" Detective Ilmar clicked his tongue disapprovingly. 'I need to dispose of everything, get a new phone, clothes, money…'

'First, find out where you are. Not now. I look like a homeless person. If I venture out onto the street in some suburban area, I'd draw too much attention.'

His index finger tapped the dumpster ceaselessly. It ceased, and he grimaced in disgust.

He pried the dumpster open and buried himself beneath the trash.

'Only until nightfall!'