LOM: Lord of Mysticism

Klein went up the stairs, returning to the reception hall to bid Rozanne farewell.

"The Captain said that you can come on Monday. He wants you to settle your household affairs first," she said.

"…Alright." Klein never expected the Nighthawks' management to be so accommodating.

He planned on waking early the next morning to travel to Tingen University and inform the staff in charge that he would not participate in follow-up interviews. He had originally obtained the opportunity to take part because of his professor's recommendation letter, and it was basic courtesy to show respect for his mentor's efforts and have formal closure.

"Rozanne, do you know what the starting point of the Church's complete Sequence is?" Klein said.

Rozanne's eyes widened. "You wish to become a Beyonder?"

Klein answered in embarrassment. "Having learned that extraordinary and mysterious powers exist in the world, it's inevitable that I have some yearnings for them."

"Oh, my goddess. Do you know how dangerous it is? The enemies of Beyonders are not just cultists or dark warlocks. People lose control nearly every year, and some even end up sacrificing themselves." Rozanne's reaction appeared overly agitated.

"Klein, I think the better choice is to be a civilian staff. There's nearly no danger; our salary increases every year, and after a few years of work. You will have saved up plenty of money to rent a detached house in Northborough or in the suburbs and marry a rich and charming lady."

"Rozanne, stop!" Klein hurriedly stopped her in exasperation. "I just want... to, well, understand the basics for now."

"Alright…" Rozanne fell silent for a moment. "Due to what happened to my father, whenever I face similar problems, I tend to be... well, you know, a little agitated. But to be honest, I'm filled with respect towards those willingly wishing to be Nighthawks.

My father once said that one should not think of resolving hidden risks and combating danger by simply becoming a Beyonder of a higher Sequence. When facing the unknown or a terrifying existence, death and insanity are the only two outcomes. Heh, he ended up sacrificing himself two weeks after saying that…"

"Anyways, the starting Sequence of our Church is Sequence 9, Sleepless!"

"You should be able to guess from the name. A Sleepless has no need to sleep at night and can see through the darkness. The deeper into the night, the more powerful they become in the aspects of their physical strength, intuition, and mental capabilities. However, although they can detect unknown dangers that lurk in the dark, they usually carry demon hunting bullets and other items. My father was once a Sleepless."

Rozanne continued, "After that, it's Sequence 8 Midnight Poet, and one level higher is Sequence 7 Nightmare."

*Nightmare?* Klein recalled that Dunn had guided his dreams.

She picked up a cup beside her and took a sip. "There are only two Sequence 7 Beyonders in our Tingen City's Church. It's likely Captain is one of them. Some deacons might not even be stronger than he is. But if he goes to a large diocese like Backlund, they will still give him some face."

"So Captain is that impressive." Frankly, Dunn Smith's appearance last night had left a deep impression on him, and he believed that Dunn was an extremely powerful Beyonder.

"Of course!" Rozanne proudly said. "As for what's above Sequence 7, I have no idea. Among all the Nighthawks, perhaps only Captain knows."

"Then what about other Sequences? The ones that aren't complete?" Klein, now satisfied, changed the subject.

Rozanne's description of Sleepless did match his expectations of Beyonders, but it was not the kind he wished to become. A more suitable Sequence 9 was likely one that could study and grasp more knowledge of mysteries.

Rozanne continued, "I'm not too knowledgeable in this area. I only know that there are other churches—probably two or three. After all, the Evernight Goddess is the Mother of Concealment… Some of our teammates are cold and distant and have a strange smell, which makes me uneasy around them. As for other members... Well, you should really talk to Old Neil; he knows a lot, even about magical rituals. Let me think—he once mentioned his Sequence 9 title, which is also the name of the potion formula... Ah, yes, it's called *Mystery Pryer*."

*Magical rituals? Mystery Pryer sounds close to what I want...* Klein was slightly delighted.

"In addition, I also know of the name of a Sequence 7, the kind that's incomplete." Rozanne said with a flaunting tone.

"What is it?" Klein was curious.

*In a world where High-Sequence Beyonders were scarce to the point of them possibly not existing, Sequence 7 was probably considered quite a potent force in the Church.*

Rozanne replied smugly, "*Spirit Medium!*"

"Ma'am Daly?" Klein asked.

"H-how do you know about that too?" Rozanne said in disbelief.

"I've met Ma'am Daly." Klein did not hide the matter.

"Alright," Rozanne said with an envious tone. "If I can become a *Spirit Medium*, one just like Ma'am Daly, then I'll be willing to be a Beyonder. No, I'll consider it carefully for ten minutes at least."

"Yes, Ma'am Daly fulfills all my imaginations as a Beyonder," Klein said in a slightly exaggerated manner.

Klein chatted idly with Rozanne for a few minutes before leaving.