The Weavers have such serious dangers? So much so that the Church’s internal organizations and the Weavers, who dealt with bizarre phenomenon on a daily basis, are also prone to problems?
“This is not something that you need to understand. Neither is it something you can grasp, unless you become one of us.”
Ulrich was dumbstruck. Sitting down, he asked in a half-joking and dubious tone:
“If I don’t get to understand the truth, how is it possible for me to decide to join?” Inwardly, he recalled his own experience with ‘awakening’ in the dream, as well as Gu Lan’s crazed scribbles in his journal.
That ravings and madness… Is this what he meant by serious hidden danger? If he had lost control and failed to remain conscious during the process, would he immediately go insane?
Ottis Owen took out the pipe once again, placed it against his nose, and took a whiff.
“You probably misunderstood; a civilian staff member is also one of us.”
“In other words, as long as I become one of your civilian staff members, I will be able to understand the relevant secrets, the dangers that may be encountered, and then consider whether I want to become a Weaver later?” Ulrich reorganized his thoughts and paraphrased what Ottis had shared.
Ottis smiled and said, “Yes, that is the case, except for one point. You cannot simply become a Weaver just because you want to. This point is extremely strict.”
It would be odd if the churches were not strict… Ulrich mused silently as he added with a firmer tone of voice, “What about civilian staff members? This should be quite strict as well, right?”
“That’s right, but…” He paused.
“There shouldn’t be any problems if it’s you,” Said Ottis with half-closed eyelids as he exhaled the smoke with a partially relaxed countenance.
“Why?” Ulrich blurted as he was once again gripped by doubt.
“Firstly, you managed to survive without our help in such a situation, despite being caught off guard.”
You talked as if you were there behind me… Ulrich lampooned inwardly.
“This meant that you had certain qualities and skills which allowed you to stand here and speak with me. I don’t think you’ve grasp the significance of this feat. You must understand, if not for a certain level of luck, you would have died that night.”
His eyes narrowed, seeing that Ulrich's expression had turned blank, he smiled slightly.
“This might sound ridiculous, but luck in our line of work is vital; they are just as crucial as our skills. Of course, I won’t deny your skill in that situation—in fact, you did well.”
“Honestly, I still don’t understand how you managed to accomplish the feat of killing Lewis Smith.”
Ulrich remained silent. The truth was his own experience with being a Weaver himself in the dream, which allowed him to discern a Weaver’s limit. If not for this, then Ottis Owen's words would be correct.
Finally, Ottis stared at Ulrich, a smile appearing on his weathered face.
“Actually, there is the final point, which is also the final and most important point. You’ve already been through a similar ordeal, so inviting you doesn’t violate our confidentiality clause.”
Indeed… You guys are like men in black, meticulous to the tea.
“Why don’t you, uh, groom outsiders?”
“With regard to developing others, it is too risky and time-consuming. Most of our team members, our civilian staff members, come from within the Church.”
After Ulrich finished listening silently, he asked curiously,“Why are you so strict about maintaining confidentiality? Wouldn’t spreading the news publicly to more people and increasing awareness allow them to respond appropriately?”
Ottis chuckled, as though expecting this inquiry.
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“No, humanity’s stupidity is beyond our imagination. It actually leads to more people emulating these acts, creating more chaos and more severe incidents. Even if we increase our own count by a hundred, it is impossible to suppress the chaos that follows.”
Ulrich nodded as he replied with enlightenment, “Indeed. The only lesson that humans can learn from history is that humans do not gain any lessons from history, and they’re always repeating the same tragedies.”
“A saying from my hometown.”
“Your words are… accurate,” He commented, surprised at Ulrich's way of thinking.
At this moment, Ulrich had more or less understood the gist of The Ministry, as well as grasped part of the Judiciary process.
Before coming here, he was already planning to accept their invitation. Ottis's words had resolved some of his doubts, as well as enlightened him on some parts he didn’t understand before.
Finally, he can’t help but ask the final, yet crucial question.
“What about the pay rate? Salary? It can’t be too cheap, right?” Ulrich asked, not showing a bit of shame.
Ottis' face froze. Is it that important?
“You start with two pounds, weekly pay. That’s roughly 104 pounds yearly, not accounting for holidays.” He said, tapping his finger on the desk.
Two pounds a week… That’s already twice the pay of a factory worker, who labor sixty hours a week on average. This pay is generous. Ulrich nodded.
“Of course, you get a salary increase each year. On the merit that you do perform your role excellently, a preemptive raise is a given.”
Ottis paused and grew silent, rummaging through his words to make sure he did not forget any of the aforementioned details.
Ten seconds passed, and he recalled another detail,” Although our security company is a front, sometimes, we do receive legitimate requests. In such cases, our members are encouraged to handle them if it is within our workload. The commission is considered a bonus.”
With that said, he looked at Ulrich, wondering,” Any other questions?”
“No, that’s all I need to know.” He said, satisfied with Ottis’s explanation.
At the same time, he took off his black cap and bowed slightly before speaking in a low and deep voice,” Actually, I have thought about my decision before coming here.”
“Sir, I would like to join the Ministry.”
Hearing this, Ottis Owen stood up, blowing the flame out of the pipe, and smiled while extending his hand forward.
“Good decision. Welcome to the Ministry, you are now a ‘Watchman’, well, not a true one yet.”
Likewise, Ulrich took his hand and returned the gesture.
After which, Ottis Owen dropped the formality and said,” Since you are now under my order, Captain is fine, sir is too formal for my liking anyway.”
Captain? This whole company feels like a quack… isn’t it too lax?
“Alright, Captain Ottis.”
“As for the rest, I’ll have Victor fill you in. The rest of the members… They are on holiday right now, you will meet them later. For the moment, follow Victor, he’ll teach you the basics.”
“Uh, make sure not to follow him too closely.” He added.
What is that supposed to mean…
Ulrich left his office, entering the hallway. There, he found Victor, the same familiar young man from before, wearing a loose outfit. His shirt was untucked with messy hair.
He didn’t seem to pay Ulrich much attention as he entered the office after Ulrich.
Meanwhile, Ulrich went to the lobby, where Rosaline was staying. Her head was lowered, barely visible from this distance. He didn’t interrupt or call out to her as he sat down on one of the sofas, waiting for Victor to come out.
I wonder how many members there are… and if they are all Weavers. He let his thoughts wander for a bit, and his eyes subconsciously moved toward Rosaline's figure.
The lobby was quiet, only filled by an occasional flap of pages from the reception desk.
Just as he had the thought of walking up to the counter and striking up a conversation, Victor came through the door, his eyes immediately landing on Ulrich, who was seated.
“I heard from the captain.” He said, a smile appearing on his face as he tapped his chest thrice, ”Welcome to the Ministry.”
At the same time, Rosaline stood up from her seat, presenting a rather pleasant smile, ”You joined? That’s good… At least I have someone to talk to now.”
“What’s your name?”
“Ulrich Constantine.”
“We look about the same age, you can just call me Rosaline.” She said, her gaze darting at Victor.
At the same time, Ulrich blinked, not knowing what to make of their relationship.
However, he quickly shook his head and offered a nod,” Thank you,” turning his head toward Victor,” I heard Captain wanted me to follow you.”
“Rules and regulations, I find them boring. Fieldwork is the best approach to teaching a newcomer. Now that I finished my ‘previous’ task, there’s another request from the eastern district, a kidnapping case.” He said, gesturing for Ulrich to follow him.
Rosaline sighed, then advised Ulrich before he left, ”Pray you don’t follow him too closely, Ulrich.”
This again? What kind of ominous advice is this…!
