Lord of the Mysteries

At two in the afternoon, outside of a simple two-storied building that was in disrepair at the outskirts of the North Borough.

Klein, who was in his probationary inspector uniform, looked at the weed-filled garden and the vines that had crept up the walls. He turned his head in surprise.

“My combat instructor lives here?”

Shouldn’t a combat artist who was selected by the Nighthawks be exceptional…

Leonard Mitchell, who had guided Klein there, snickered and said, “Don’t underestimate Mr. Gawain because of his residence’s surroundings. Although he was never conferred an aristocratic title, he was a true knight back in the day.”

Having said that, the poetic Nighthawk, who was dressed in a white shirt, black trousers, and buttonless leather boots suddenly felt melancholic.

“He was active during the waning era of the knights. The warriors donning their armors would storm through enemy ranks despite the gunfire and cannon fire, destroying their enemies and redefining the battle lines. But alas, they were quickly met with the invention of the high-pressure steam guns and six-barrel machine guns. From then on, the knights had to gradually step down.

“Mr. Gawain met the same fate. More than twenty years ago, the Awwa Knights’ Order of Chivalry faced the most advanced weaponry of the Intis Republic army… Sigh, every time I recall this, it seems like I’m touching the dust heaps of history. The poet in me stirs when thinking of this irreversible and fated destiny, but alas, I do not know how to compose the poem.”

…Then what’s the point in saying so much? Klein acted oblivious to Leonard’s self-deprecation and gave a serious suggestion, “My university schoolmate once told me that the composing of poems requires a certain degree of talent. It’s best you start by reading the Classical Poems Anthology of the Loen Kingdom.”

Leonard’s mood changed on a whim. He replied with a light-hearted tone, “I purchased that book a long time ago, as well as other titles, such as the Selected Poems of Emperor Roselle. I will work hard to become a true Midnight Poet, Mr. Seer”

Is he hinting at the… acting method? Klein replied, as though he couldn’t understand him, “You would still need books on grammar.”

“Alright, let’s enter.” Leonard extended his hand and pushed open the half-closed metallic gates. The two of them then followed the path towards the house.

They were still a distance away from the house when Klein saw a tall man walking out from behind the main door.

He had short blond hair, his brows already laced with white hairs. His facial features looked like they had been ravaged through age, his wrinkles were etched deep across his face.

“What are you doing here?” the aged man asked in a deep voice.

“Mr. Gawain, as per your contract with the police department, this probationary inspector will be learning the art of combat under your guidance,” Leonard explained with a smile.

“Combat? There’s no need to study combat in this era.” Gawain looked at Klein with turbid eyes and said in a dead voice, “You should learn how to draw your gun and shoot. You should master the most advanced weaponry.”

Was this the psychological trauma caused by the six-barrel machine guns and high-pressure steam guns? Klein didn’t give a reckless reply; instead, he smiled and looked at Leonard.

“The art of combat is still a skill a policeman has to master. Most of the criminals we face are not those who must be executed on the spot. Some might not even have weapons. In that case, we have to rely on combat techniques,” Leonard said, obviously prepared for the situation.

With a dark expression, Gawain fell silent for more than ten seconds before saying, “Throw a punch.”

He was speaking to Klein.

boxing matches he had seen in his previous life. He raised his

He thought for a moment and

tightened his thigh muscles and kicked forward with his

covered his mouth and cleared his throat. He looked at Leonard and said, “I will honor my contract. But

to you.” Leonard nodded without hesitation. He smiled and said

Klein asked out of curiosity, “Instructor, how should I begin practicing? Punching,

he understood

as he shook his

you need now is

two dumbbells made of steel. They shall be

that, you also have to practice deep squats, running, and rope-skipping. Let us take

Klein was still in a daze, Gawain suddenly

felt as though he had returned

on the sofa.” Gawain suddenly sighed.

…

a corner table of

members of the Blackthorn Security Company were present. There were six Nighthawks and five civilian

white tablecloth was draped over the long table. Waiters carried over plates of food, portioned them

sauce. He saw bacon, sausages paired with mashed potatoes, egg puddings, asparagus, and specialty cheeses. He

Dunn raised the glass of red wine in front

our newest official member, Klein Moretti,

White, the sloppy Leonard Mitchell, as well as the white-haired, black-eyed Midnight Poet Seeka Tron all raised their

the discomfort of the training and raised his glass of amber champagne. He stood and said,

Nighthawk, tilted his head back, and finished the small amount

on this occasion?”

one that

an author and had attempted to submit her works to newspapers and magazines. Unfortunately, only a few smaller newspapers had

smiled and looked

order to make the term ‘Miss Author’ into a reality, Captain, I think you should give me some funds to

Dunn laughed.

should learn from Old Neil and give me a more

most impressed with Mr. Neil in this department!” Rozanne echoed in-between her mouthfuls

a chuckle, “Are

“Yeah.” Klein sighed.

yet, I can be of assistance.” Leonard

mind. He nodded and said, “That wouldn’t

good portion of the food in front of

waiters served plates of beef pudding

found it cold