One Hundred Sixty-Five Visiting Home
In the upper part of Igewent, in the Cedar Shirt Building.
At noon, the Igewent An Yin Bureau underground was bustling as usual. Among the busy crowd, Gregor walked down the long corridor.
Although dark circles were still visible under his eyes and there was a hint of fatigue in his expression, the upward curve at the corner of his mouth indicated that he was in a good mood.
With a light step, Gregor passed by the old chief’s office, which had been sealed with wooden boards. He glanced through the window at the lush and vibrant scene inside, waved at the twisting tendrils, then continued forward to the new chief’s office door, where he respectfully knocked on the door.
“Come in.”
Upon hearing the familiar voice, Gregor opened the door to the slightly cramped office and saw James sitting behind the desk, looking serene and smiling.
“Mr. James, did you call for me?”
“Take a seat first.”
Looking at Gregor, James spoke directly. Listening to James, Gregor nodded and sat down in front of the desk. After seeing Gregor seated, James didn’t speak immediately but lit a cigar, taking a few puffs before offering one to Gregor, who gratefully accepted.
“A trainee, armed with a steel pipe and bricks, cornered a Black Earth and beat him up, eventually knocking him out and bringing him back. It’s the first time I’ve seen such a situation since entering the Secret World. Gregor, you’ve really broadened my horizons.”
After a few puffs, James smiled and said to Gregor, who replied humbly.
“It was just my luck. That Black Tier couldn’t control his bone kn*fe, losing most of his abilities, so I managed to subdue him. If he were in the state he was in on Knight Road, I wouldn’t have stood a chance.”
“Speaking of Mr. James, how is that guy now? Is he awake?”
“He’s awake, but seems to have continuous brain oscillations from the concussion. His mental state isn’t quite right yet, so it might take some time to get any useful information from him.”
Shaking off some ash, James said. In fact, he already knew most of the details. Not long ago, the envoy from the White Stone Craftsmen Guild had visited him, explaining the situation regarding the Knight Road incident. James knew this was a personal conflict involving a member of the Artisan Guild that inadvertently affected local Hunters. The guild expressed regret and willingness to compensate to some extent.
“Gregor, I called you here mainly to discuss your issue,” James said, pointing his cigar at Gregor. Gregor looked surprised.
“I?”
“Yes, although there were coincidences involved, you captured a Black Tier as a trainee, apprehending a murderer with bl**d on their hands, and a Bone Craftsman who has caused harm to many civilians. This is a great achievement. Since the establishment of the Igewent An Yin Bureau, this is the first such personal accomplishment. You’ve brought honor to our bureau; it was indeed the right decision to bring you in.”
James smiled at Gregor, who quickly responded.
“Where, where, it was just a bit of luck. The key was your cultivation, Mr. James.”
“Don’t flatter me. I’ll be direct. I’ve reported your recent achievements to the General Bureau. They see you as a promising talent and hope you can serve in Tivyan.
“As a reward for your achievements, they’ve reserved a promotion slot for you. Once you arrive in Tivyan, accumulate spirituality and perform well during the probationary period. If you pass, the General Bureau will arrange a promotion ceremony to Black Earth. So, focus on accumulating spirituality from now on.”
Leaning back in his chair, James waved his hand and said. Hearing his superior’s words, Gregor was stunned for a moment before muttering.
“Tivyan General Bureau… Promotion?!”
…
In the evening, the setting sun illuminated Nanyang Flower Road. Under the tall street trees, Gregor, who had unexpectedly been allowed to leave work early, slowly walked beneath them.
Walking on the sidewalk, Gregor frowned deeply, his expression serious. His mind was preoccupied with the conversation he had with James in the chief’s office earlier that afternoon.
‘I never thought… after working in Igewent for only three years, I would have the opportunity to go to Tivyan. And… as a Supernatural Being for only a year and a half, I actually have a chance for promotion…
‘This fortune seems to be bestowed upon me. Could it be that the Holy Son truly favors me? Am I perhaps the chosen one?’
Gregor thought to himself. Honestly, Gregor, who had always wished to stand out, was very pleased to hear that James believed he could serve in the Tivyan General Bureau and had a chance for promotion. For him, this was another significant step forward in his life, and he sincerely looked forward to the new heights and stages ahead.
However, despite his strong desire to go to Tivyan, Gregor did not immediately accept James’ proposal because he had a concern about his sister Dorothy.
‘Dorothy has only been in school in Igewent for a short while. If I leave, who will take care of her? It’s said that many schools in Tivyan require genuine noble status to attend. If I really go to Tivyan, can I find a suitable school for Dorothy? Forcing Dorothy to transfer schools might affect her studies. Maybe I should let Dorothy continue her education in Igewent, and have Aunt Hannah and others come to the city to look after her…’
With these thoughts, Gregor arrived at his apartment and climbed the stairs to the familiar door.
Unlocking the door with his key, Gregor entered the living room and found two figures already sitting there.
One was his familiar sister Dorothy, who was sitting on the sofa. Nearby, another figure sat.
It was an elderly man, dressed in a proper suit and wearing a hat, with white hair. His half-closed eyes revealed a kind demeanor.
“Oh, it’s Gregor, you’re back? You’re home early today.” Dorothy greeted Gregor as she saw him at the door. Gregor responded after a moment of surprise.
“Yeah, I finally didn’t have to work overtime today, so I came back at the regular time. Dorothy, who is this…” Gregor asked with a puzzled look, and Dorothy smiled in response.
“This is Mr. Dean, my teacher at school. He came to visit us today due to some matters.”
As Dorothy spoke, the elderly man, who had been sitting on the sofa, stood up, smiled, and walked over to Gregor, extending a hand still dusted with white powder.
“Hello, Mr. Meschos. I’m a teacher at St. Amanda School. Due to some matters concerning Miss Meschos, I need to specially come and talk to you about something. Excuse me.”
Hearing the hand extended by the elderly man, Gregor was slightly startled, then began to think uneasily.
‘A home visit from a teacher? Oh no, could Dorothy have gotten into trouble at school?’