Alexandria's Keeper - Lord Of The Mysteries Fanfiction

-7- First Lesson

Irina recited, "The Evernight Goddess is nobler than the stars and more eternal than eternity. She is also the Lady of Crimson, the Mother of Secrets, the Empress of Disaster and Horror, Mistress of Calm and Silence. Is that correct?"

Old Neil nodded. "Correct. And what about the rest?"

Irina continued, "The creation myth, the reasons why Beyonders lose control, and how to avoid it. The pathways currently held by the Evernight Church, the differences between the various churches, and the Blasphemy Slate... Also, we must never change our pathway. Once we drink the potion from one of them, our fate is sealed. Switching pathways would mean losing control. You emphasized that quite a bit."

Old Neil replied, "Of course. Normally, you'd start as a member of the civilian staff and later become a Nighthawk through significant contributions, if you so choose. However, your situation is quite unique; you're already a Beyonder. Now, returning to everything we discussed?"

Irina nodded. "I understand the purpose of Chanis Gate and that I will start monitoring it next week. The Cathedral of Serenity, the headquarters of the Church of the Evernight Goddess, is located in Winter County, to the north of the kingdom. The underground is connected to the main church in Tingen through tunnels. If anyone comes asking for a mission from the 'Security Company,' we gladly accept the extra income, provided members are available and it doesn't hinder our current missions. Is that everything?"

Old Neil said, "Yes, just one last thing for today, the most important for you right now. For Beyonders, one's spiritual perception is enhanced to varying degrees. The lower the number in the Sequence, the more acute their perception. They hear what others cannot, see what others cannot, and encounter things others would not. They are constantly faced with mysterious enticement and illusionary bewitchment. If they become overstimulated or develop greedy desires, they slowly begin to lose control. This is something that has already happened to you; by some strange miracle, you managed to survive, retaining perfect consciousness. But remember—"

Old Neil fixed his gaze on Irina, his tone growing somber. "The founder of the Nighthawks, Archbishop Chanis, once said, 'We are guardians, but also miserable wretches constantly battling against dangers and madness.'"

At those words, a chill swept through the armory. Yet Irina's thoughts shattered the serious atmosphere. How could I possibly take this whole explanation seriously? I've read this story; I know its end, the characters' actions, and their fates. This world-building is terrifying, maddening, and bloody. I know I'm living through this hell, but if I don't laugh it off, how can I maintain my sanity? This is just a tale for me—I'm merely acting in this play to see how it unfolds. Who knows, maybe tomorrow I'll wake up in a hospital bed and discover this has all been a vivid dream. I might as well have some fun while it lasts, right?

Irina then quipped, "With great power comes great responsibility, doesn't it always?"

Old Neil nodded slowly before continuing, "About that sealed artifact—the pocket mirror with brush—it should normally be contained within Chanis Gate. But after what it did to that poor Leonard and what it hasn't done to you over the years, it was decided you would keep it."

"Oh yes, Dunn informed me about it," Irina replied.

"Oh, I see. That's unexpected. Anyway, you can also read the official documents related to it; perhaps you might be able to contribute some information. The research team for sealed artifacts is quite busy at the moment, and since you didn't show any adverse reactions—in fact, it seems to have prevented you from losing control—their interest has been piqued."

Irina quickly deduced, "Lab rat?"

Old Neil chuckled. "You could say that. Nevertheless, as per your contract—"