There was a large door in a pale blue room. The door appeared to be automatic and made of steel. It was also white.
Suddenly, the door slid open. A woman stepped out of the room—Silver. Her expression was somber.
She walked down the hallways, passing by people dressed in black suits. She exited the facility via an elevator.
Outside, the place was revealed to be an American military base located in a rural, forested area. This was one of the organization’s headquarters. She had just left a two-story building. Outside, three people were waiting for her.
“So… how did it go?” Andrew asked.
“Yes, tell us, please,” James added.
Silver proceeded to explain. Oh, right, Erin was there too, but she remained silent.
Silver had been taken to court, where she was judged by the Veiled Arbiters for allowing an individual with “supernatural abilities,” unaffiliated with the organization, to escape, and for letting a cult member flee. Silver recounted everything that had happened at that moment. Afterward, the tribunal members deliberated. The only action they took was to remove her from the case and demote her to Rank D. They didn’t provide her with any additional information.
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Later, they would discover that Mat and the others had been labeled as dangerous individuals.
“So, they removed you from the case and demoted you…” Andrew said.
“That’s unfortunate,” said the ghost who wasn’t a ghost.
“And your rank was lowered because of us too… Damn,” James added.
“We’re really sorry… truly…” Erin said quietly, almost… sadly? Maybe.
“...Why are you apologizing?” Silver asked. “This was my decision, after all. And I don’t regret it.”
I think... she thought to herself.
“I see…” Andrew said. “Then…”
“Yes, you’ll be allowed to take the exam to join YGGDRASYL. If you pass, I might even be your partner. Though… I still don’t quite understand.”
“What’s that?” Erin asked.
“Normally, people would be disturbed by the things you all witnessed, especially you, young Mr. Smith.”
“I suppose…” James replied.
“No, seriously,” Silver insisted. “I found you all rather peculiar because of that, which is also why I chose to help you. Ah… It’s a shame Ms. Thompson couldn’t remember.”
“Yes, it is,” said the ghost who wasn’t a ghost, out of nowhere.
“So… what now?” Andrew asked.
“Well, the usual, I suppose. I said I’d be your partner, didn’t I? But that’s only if you pass the exam. In the meantime, you’ll be under my supervision.”
“For what purpose?” Erin asked.
“I’m going to teach you how to use your ‘Makt,’ or at least see if you can. But first, you have to pass the written exam.”
“Huh? Seriously?” Erin exclaimed.
“Yes,” Silver replied without elaborating further. “And… I wish you all the best of luck.”