In the silent and profound darkness, Bologue and Geoffrey stood before the door of chains and swords. It was just a simple conversation, yet it felt like the declaration of loyalty from an ancient knight. Bologue faintly felt something binding him, perhaps something called "duty."
After explaining everything to Bologue, Geoffrey inserted the "Key of the Crooked Path" into the door.
A familiar scene unfolded once more: arcs of azure light extended from the lock core to the front door, the resonation of metals producing piercing shrieks.
This time, opening the door was evidently more laborious than before. Geoffrey used every ounce of strength to turn the key, as if pushing a heavy stone door, with creaks emanating from the gaps, as dust and gravel were ground into finer powder.
Light seeped through the door crack, then the door opened entirely.
"Welcome to the Order Bureau."
Geoffrey, panting heavily, gave Bologue a push, propelling him into the light.
The disorientation of crossing the "door" appeared again. After a brief sensation of nausea and dizziness, Bologue regained his senses, his vision gradually clearing. Simultaneously, noise broke the silence in his ears, surging like a tide, completely engulfing Bologue.
He found himself in a vast and bustling Central Courtyard.
The buildings in sight were mostly made of pristine white bricks, each stone enormous, with no trace of cutting or joining. There were faint patterns on them, which, without careful observation, seemed ordinary.
Folding and extending staircases were located in the four corners, resembling spiraling High Towers leading to places beyond Bologue's sight. The courtyard was bustling with people, whose clothing styles seemed to be categorized, likely based on departmental uniforms.
The pneumatic logistics copper tubing crossed overhead, densely arranged, extending from the Central Courtyard to other spaces. Occasionally, muffled sounds could be heard as enclosed transport capsules swept through, reaching different departments.
Above was a Dome bathed in light, its appearance indiscernible to Bologue. Soft white light cascaded down like a sun suspended overhead, yet when the light touched his skin, Bologue felt no warmth, as if the luminescence was a deceptive daylight.
Bologue turned around; the door he had entered through was closed. It stood on a stepped platform within the courtyard, seemingly designed exclusively for access to the Transfer Station. Beside this door were several other towering doors, and in the corners, many green plants were grown, with benches provided nearby for resting.
Contrary to the mystery he anticipated, the Order Bureau was far more modern than Bologue imagined. Had he forgotten what he knew before, he would have thought he had entered a grand corporation.
Their arrival garnered little attention, or rather, people had become accustomed to it.
Everyone walked briskly, holding heavy documents, coffees in hand, talking as they moved. A few acquaintances passing by waved to Geoffrey, greeting him.
"Hey! Geoffrey, is this the newbie?"
"The newbie who made Yas lose three hundred Weng Coins?"
"Not many can get the better of him."
Geoffrey responded with a smile to each, waved goodbye, apparently well-liked, and suitably fitting his image as a nice guy.
"What next?"
Bologue asked, maintaining a facade of calm, while inside, curiosity brimmed. In mere minutes, he felt his understanding refreshed several times.
A new world had opened its doors to Bologue, and like a newborn, he couldn't wait to ingest everything, swallowing it all voraciously.
"For job paperwork and such, just sign your name when it's time. But first, you need to meet your boss."
Geoffrey took out an itinerary, scribbling on it to confirm their next destination.
"Lebius Lovisa."
Geoffrey raised an eyebrow at Bologue, "That's his name."
...
The Order Bureau was vast, befitting the headquarters of an Extraordinary Organization. Bologue felt like he had entered a zoo, guided by tour guide Geoffrey, sightseeing while listening to his explanations.
Along the way, people greeted Geoffrey, casting curious glances at him, likely because he was a newbie and not wearing a uniform, making Bologue particularly conspicuous among the crowd.
Geoffrey fully demonstrated his dedication, not wasting travel time, as he narrated various aspects of the Order Bureau to Bologue.
Although it dealt with extraordinary events, contrary to the mysterious and traditional image he anticipated, the Order Bureau was quite modernized. Apart from dealing with peculiar matters, it was no different from an ordinary company.
Office areas, break areas, cafeterias… everything one would expect.
Bologue originally thought the Order Bureau would be a place where stern individuals, battle-scarred, sat in corners, gnawing jerky, by fires, exchanging information about where Demons appeared and how many people were needed for subjugation and such.
Upon hearing Bologue say this, Geoffrey laughed heartily, teasing him for reading too many strange novels, remarking, "That kind of work efficiency would be too low" and other such things.
"We not only have medical insurance but also housing allowances, meal stipends, bonuses, and holidays for rest—provided there's no emergency, of course..."