Mystery: Gray Walker

Chapter 99 Induction Oath! I swear...

Rick didn't offer much explanation for Green's surprise, and said in a deep voice, "Come with me."

He led Green to a room.

This area is more spacious than the previous public area. The floor is covered with thick, soft mats, and some training equipment and targets are fixed to the walls. In the corner, there are unopened training weapons and several heavy sandbags.

"Training ground."

Rick succinctly stated, "Basic physical fitness, combat skills, and weapon familiarity. Occult practices and tactical drills are all conducted here. Safety first; unauthorized private fights or dangerous experiments are prohibited."

He pointed to the "Training Ground Usage Rules" posted on the wall.

Then, he led Green back to the public area and pointed to the several closed doors:

"The archives are managed by Ms. White. Entry is prohibited without permission; access to materials requires application and registration. The meditation room also serves as a medical room."

"Deeper inside are storage rooms for special items and emergency passages. The third underground level is the Stasis Sanctuary, used to contain high-risk sealed artifacts and imprison out-of-control Extraordinary Beings, cultists, dangerous creatures, etc. I think it used to be called... something like that, but I can't remember the specifics. You can look up the information yourself if you want to learn about the history."

He walked to the main table, picked up a thick, black-covered book—"The Night Church Canon (Night Watch Internal Supplement)"—and handed it to Green.

"Doctrines and principles," Rick said, pointing a thick finger at the canon. "Core: Guard peace, resist madness and hidden dangers. Respect the dead, but be wary of what should not rest. Maintain necessary reverence and silence. See the specific terms for yourself."

After saying that, he frowned and added, "There will be an exam."

take an exam?!

Green's brow twitched as he looked at the thick tome.

In my past life, I took exams from elementary school all the way to university... Do I still have to take them after transmigrating?

Ignoring Green's expression, Lake picked up another, thinner document from the table: "Oberhafen Night's Watch Internal Code of Conduct."

"That depends. Violating any rule could result in dismissal, or worse."

Finally, he pointed to an inconspicuous little cubicle on one side of the room, with dark curtains hanging from it.

"Prayer Room. Before starting your daily quests, or when feeling restless, you can pray to the goddess for peace and guidance. It's not mandatory, but recommended."

Rick glanced at his pocket watch.

"Now, take the oath of initiation. This is a necessary procedure, even if you have already signed an agreement."

His tone left no room for doubt, carrying a ceremonial solemnity.

He gestured for Green to put down what he was holding and straighten his clothes, then led the way to the prayer room and lifted the curtain.

The space inside is small, only enough for a few people to stand.

"It seems that if I make a mistake someday, I might have to stand here and reflect on my actions," Green thought to himself.

On the wall directly opposite the entrance, a huge holy emblem hangs.

The design features a night sky as its background, with a crimson crescent moon partially hidden behind thin silver-gray clouds, surrounded by several bright silver stars.

Before the emblem is a simple black wooden altar with an unlit silver lamp, a small silver bowl filled with water, and a bunch of dried night-blooming jasmine.

The air was filled with a faint, calming fragrance.

Rick gestured for Green to stand in front of the altar, while he himself stood to the side and behind.

He first lit the silver lamp with a match, and the pale blue flame burned quietly, illuminating the details of the emblem. Then, he picked up the silver bowl, dipped his finger in water, and gently touched it to Green's forehead.

"Let the tranquil night dew wash away the disturbances of the world, and prepare to listen to the sacred silence," Rick said in a deep voice.

Then he picked up the bunch of night-blooming jasmine and gently brushed it over the flame of the silver lamp, letting the subtle fragrance of the herbs waft around Green.

"With the fragrance of tranquility, soothe the ripples of the spirit and connect with the ancient guardian."

Having done this, Rick took a half step back, his expression solemn, and recited in a clear, slow tone:

"You are the goddess of the night, more sublime than the stars, more eternal than eternity. You are the lord of crimson, the mother of secrets, the queen of calamity and fear, the lord of slumber and silence."

Following Rick's brief instructions, Green recited the mantra. His voice sounded somewhat hesitant in the quiet prayer room, but it was clear enough.

Rex nodded and continued to guide: "Say your name, and then say that you hereby swear to dedicate your body and soul to your path."

Greene repeated: "I, Greene Morris, hereby swear to dedicate my body and soul to your authority."

"I am willing to be the guardian of tranquility, to fight against the madness that erodes reason and the danger that lurks in the shadows;

I am willing to adhere to the principle of silence and keep secrets that should not be known to others;

I wish to respect the peace of eternal sleep, and also be wary of the restlessness of things that should not rest.

I am willing to face the darkness with courage, discern falsehood with wisdom, and fulfill my duties with loyalty.

Greene followed along, reciting the vows in this solemn and ritualistic manner, as if they carried weight and sank into his heart.

The pale blue light illuminated the holy emblem, and a faint fragrance lingered in the air. A sense of solemnity, belonging, and slight restraint quietly rose within him.

"Here, I earnestly request your gaze and protection, to grant me the courage and peace to walk through the long night." After saying the last sentence, Green felt as if he had completed an important milestone.

Rex nodded slightly: "Alright, you have officially become a member of the Church of the Night, an apprentice of the Night Watch. May the goddess's peace be with you."

"Thank you," Green replied politely.

I wonder if the goddess will be angry with me for contacting the Garden of Prosperity beforehand? She shouldn't be that petty, right?

Green thought of Alvin, and then gave himself a definite answer: No.

After the ceremony, Rex blew out the silver lamp and put the night-blooming jasmine back in its place.

The two left the prayer room, and the curtain fell, isolating the tranquil space.

Back in the public area, the traces of the farce seemed to have been completely erased, leaving only the daily hustle and bustle and order.

Eliza White was sitting at her desk writing something quickly, old Jason was organizing clippings, and Misha came out of the office carrying a stack of documents.

Green stood there, the vow he had just made echoing in his ears.

A strange sense of déjà vu suddenly struck him.

The solemn ceremony, the specific oath, the acceptance by the organization, the clearly defined responsibilities and constraints... This feels so familiar...

I just don't know if there are any positions for ideological instructors...

"Any more questions?" Rick's voice pulled him back from his daze.

Green shook his head, burying the absurd contrast deep in his heart.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Okay. Go ahead," Rick replied succinctly.

"How many people are in our team... I mean... in such a big city, are there only a few of us?"

"Well, Oberhafen, there aren't many combat personnel. Besides Vice-Captain Clarice, Elwin, and myself, whom you've met, there's also a member of the 'Gravedigger' pathway who's currently on a long-term surveillance mission. In addition, the sanatorium itself is also part of the cover and base."

He pointed to the ceiling, indicating upstairs: "The receptionist, Mrs. Peggy who is in charge of the daily management of patients, and the several shift caregivers and cleaning staff are all ordinary people who have been screened and are trustworthy."

"They didn't know all the details, but they understood the special nature of our work and provided the necessary assistance and cover in their respective positions. Remember their faces and names; they are indispensable planks of this ship."

He paused, frowned, and remained silent for a moment before slowly saying:

"We have entrusted our lives to our faith. Outsiders see us as the church's sword and shield. In reality, we are just a group of people patrolling the edge of a cliff at night, our lanterns shining into the abyss, while we must also be careful not to slip."

"A while ago, during a mission... a teammate lost control. Captain Olivier personally ended his suffering, giving him a final moment of dignity and preventing a worse spread."

He paused, looking at Green. "This is one of the risks we face. Madness and loss of control are sometimes closer than external enemies. So, adhering to the code, maintaining a sense of awe, and regularly checking your own condition are not empty words."

Green nodded silently; he could sense the heavy reality behind Rick's words.

This is no child's play; glory and danger go hand in hand. For those who lose control and turn into monsters, perhaps... death is not the worst outcome.

"As for weapons, you'll have to wait until after your probationary period to be issued them."

"You can go back today and familiarize yourself with the materials I sent you. Tomorrow morning at 9:00, training ground, basic combat. Don't be late," Rick continued.

He paused, then added, "Irwin is in charge; he... should be able to get back up."

Is someone like Irwin really a member of the church? Green is starting to have doubts.

"He...could he have someone in his family at church...hmm...that's very possible..." Green thought to himself.