Chapter 39
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This chapter is edited by Cthulhu. Thank you for your contribution!
Chapter 39: Moon Witch
A few days later, Bai Yan arrived at the Demon Hunt Agency building as scheduled.
The building stood adjacent to the government building. Ordinary people were unaware of its purpose.
Until now, even Bai Yan hadn’t known this was the official organization for those with superpowers.
Alan had also come to the DHA. He smiled as he walked over and patted Bai Yan’s shoulder. “Actually, according to the rules, people like you can’t directly join DHA.”
“What do you mean by ‘people like me’?” Bai Yan narrowed his eyes and smiled. “People who are more handsome than you aren’t qualified, right?”
Alan shook his head and said, “No, no, no. You’d certainly qualify if that were the criterion.”
“I’m talking about ordinary people. Those without superpowers who haven’t received professional training. Do you think the organization would let ordinary people like you join so easily?”
Bai Yan nodded gently and asked, “Theoretically, it shouldn’t be possible. There must be standards for public employment. So why did you promise to let me join the Demon Hunt Agency?”
“Because there’s an exception clause.”
Alan and Bai Yan entered the building together. As they walked, Alan continued explaining, “As long as two ‘first-class night watchmen’ serve as guarantors, anyone becomes eligible to apply to become a night watchman of the DHA.”
“Even if this person lacks superpowers and hasn’t undergone special training, they may become a night watchman. This rule typically applies when recruiting certain… special talents.”
“Wait, how do you address the loyalty issue?”
Bai Yan immediately raised the most crucial question. He always believed that loyalty, rather than strength, was the most important factor for such an organization.
Some criminals remain criminals regardless of their talents. Making mistakes at the foundational level poses a significant problem.
Alan calmly added, “There’s a ritual contract… it proves far more effective than empty promises of loyalty.”
Bai Yan’s heart skipped a beat. He then asked, “What kind of contract must one sign to become a night watchman? Never concealing anything from superiors? Or obeying every order from above?”
Alan shook his head and explained, “It’s simply a ‘no betrayal’ contract. The two contracts you mentioned were used briefly in the past. They were later abolished after various changes.”
“Of course, when certain events need reporting, the ‘No Lies’ contract may be temporarily activated. But in daily life, if people constantly operate under such a contract, it becomes extremely burdensome and can create unnecessary awkwardness.”
Bai Yan understood that in a society bound by emotional intelligence, a contract forcing people to never lie wouldn’t foster unity and harmony.
At minimum, incidents of insulting superiors would increase dramatically.
“I see.”
He nodded gently. With such operational flexibility, there was no need to worry about exposing his identity.
In truth, Bai Yan had just prepared to turn around and leave.
The Demon Hunt Agency building bustled with people, all wearing black and white suits. Many greeted Alan with particular “enthusiasm.”
“Scum!”
Women passing by frowned and maintained their distance from Alan.
Bai Yan couldn’t help remarking, “Your reputation has truly sunk this low.”
Alan laughed and said meaningfully, “You don’t understand at all. This is exactly what I want!”
He then added, “Now I’m taking you to meet someone, and we must convince her to give you an opportunity to join the Demon Hunt Agency.”
They took the elevator.
Shortly after, they reached an office on the third floor.
The office, with its white walls and black desks and chairs, wasn’t particularly spacious, but numerous green plants filled the space, with a subtle tea fragrance permeating the air.
Bai Yan felt instantly at ease upon entering, as if he could speak freely here.
A woman in a black fitted dress sat behind a desk, quietly sipping black tea.
Her skin possessed an otherworldly whiteness, distinctly different from ordinary people. The evening dress accentuated her delicate collarbone. Her long white hair cascaded to her hips. Emerald green butterfly ornaments adorned her ears. Her eyelashes, too, were white. Her dark eyes held a slight purple tint. The smile gracing her features conveyed a subtle kindness.
Bai Yan froze slightly, feeling an odd sense of familiarity.
Alan gestured and introduced, “Merete Chambers, the Moon Witch, Special Advisor of the Demon Hunt Agency.”
It’s her? Bai Yan’s blood ran cold, and he wished to leave immediately.
Merete smiled and shook her head. Her voice carried a clear, diplomatic tone, “I’m not actually a witch, merely an ordinary observer.”
“Is he the ordinary person you wish to recruit?”
She examined Bai Yan, tilting her head slightly as she assessed him.
“Yes, though he appears ordinary and plain, not as handsome as me,” Alan paused for emphasis before continuing, “he possesses great potential. I hope he can become a night watchman.”
Merete Chambers maintained her composed expression. She smiled and said, “I see. Though in my opinion, he’s actually more handsome than you.”
“…”
Alan found himself momentarily speechless.
Bai Yan smiled and said, “Hello, I’m Bai Yan. Pleased to meet you.”
Merete smiled back and responded, “Merete Chambers, currently serving as special advisor to DHA in Tatsumi. Equivalent to a first-level night watchman. I’m a member of Damocles.”
“Damocles?”
Alan quickly interjected, “Damocles comprises local elites from the DHA General Administration. Everyone shows great potential. Most surviving members eventually reach the highest ranks of the Demon Hunt Agency.”
Both the director of DHA in Tatsumi and the ace Lin Bian were former members of Damocles.
Merete Chambers rose and approached Bai Yan. The space between them diminished steadily, but she continued until her nose nearly touched his cheek.
Bai Yan remained motionless, neither retreating nor advancing, simply allowing Merete’s approach.
He wanted to understand her intentions.
Merete closed her eyes and delicately moved her nose.
“Well, I sense… your essence.”
Merete smiled, studying Bai Yan intently.
Bai Yan raised his eyebrows, noting something peculiar and unusual in Merete’s gaze.
It resembled… pleasure?
Merete explained with a smile, “This is my natural ability ‘Discernment,’ a subtle yet fascinating power to perceive a person’s essence through scent.”
Alan asked curiously, “You said I’m essentially a liar, so what’s his essence?”
“To be precise, your essence is ‘a liar who yearns for truth.'”
Merete corrected him and continued, “As for him, I prefer not to say now, but I’ve decided to join you in recommending him.”
“Oh, well, that’s excellent.”
Though Alan remained curious, he recognized that once she’d spoken thus, further inquiry would prove futile.
‘My essence?’ Bai Yan pondered.
What kind of person was he truly?
The woman showed clear interest in him and maintained an approachable, friendly demeanor.
However, Bai Yan experienced an overwhelming sense of danger, despite her creating a positive “first impression” in reality.
Because he knew the true identity of the “Moon Witch” from the beginning!
Though she didn’t recognize him, Bai Yan knew her from the first round of the Babel Tower game!
Moon Witch, one of Babel Tower’s core operators, had long been a renowned figure of wisdom in the backstory.
She would also become the most notorious betrayer of the Demon Hunt Agency in decades!
Moon Witch would inevitably betray and abandon the Demon Hunt Agency across all timelines!
Though a “No betrayal” contract existed to ensure loyalty, within the infinite multiverse, nothing remained truly absolute.
Bai Yan clearly recalled one of Moon Witch’s defining traits.
“The dominant world.”
She regarded people as others might regard dogs.
Moon Witch maintained a unique worldview that all relationships centered on domination, refusing to acknowledge the concept of “equality.”
This woman would either wear a collar or place one on someone else.
“What occupies your thoughts?”
Merete suddenly inquired, smiling as she observed the contemplative Bai Yan. Her beautiful eyes seemed to pierce through to his core.
“Nothing, I’m simply captivated by your beauty,” Bai Yan replied with convincing sincerity.
Merete responded coolly, “From now on, I’ll serve as your recommender, Mr. Bai. You should understand the importance of showing gratitude and maintaining loyalty.”
Alan patted Bai Yan’s shoulder and said cheerfully, “Though I often harbor some prejudice against this mysterious lady, she frequently assists colleagues and strangers privately, and many night watchmen in DHA admire her greatly.”
“She’s genuinely benevolent, Bai Yan. You should cultivate a good relationship with her going forward.”
He considered briefly before adding, “Of course, forget about pursuing her romantically; it’s impossible for you.”
“I understand,” Bai Yan responded vaguely. “Thank you for the recommendation.”
“Mr. Bai, you’re quite wary of me,” Merete observed disappointedly. “I haven’t done anything to you. I merely agreed to help as your recommender.”
Bai Yan smiled, sensing she had read him accurately.
He truly wished to leave immediately, even for a brief moment. Merete continuously analyzed him.
Moon Witch, possessing “Distinction,” could easily penetrate surface thoughts. None realized she achieved this through her traits; they merely assumed Merete excelled in psychology.
She concealed much from her companions, and only Bai Yan knew the truth through Babel Tower.
As Bai Yan prepared to suggest departing, Merete nodded preemptively and said, “Well then, until next time, Mr. Bai.”
