After dinner, Ada continued her diligent studies.
Sitting at his desk, Silas first turned the gears to change the combination on the suitcase, then opened it.
The contents were arranged very neatly. The first things he saw were two sets of grey, close-fitting robes. Beside them, nestled in a sponge recess, was a palm-sized, shield-shaped token.
The token was made entirely of silver. On its front was the emblem of the Church of Holy Blood. Beneath the emblem was a line of small text, indicating Silas's current status as a probationary trainee.
Flipping it over, Silas's name was engraved on the back, surrounded by an eerie thorn pattern, very similar to the thorns on the contract.
"Already mystically bound together," Silas understood.
This token was primarily for internal use, to indicate his identity.
Beside the token was a pair of grey leather gloves. The material was soft, and they felt incredible to the touch, like an assassin's gloves from a movie.
Next to the gloves was an insignia on a silver chain – a pendant of the Tri-Moon Goddesses, also crafted from pure silver. This was the insignia used to sense monsters, and also served as an identifier of his status to the public.
Near the right side was a small, palm-sized book containing the core precepts for Church members.
Silas briefly skimmed through it. There weren't too many prohibitions; it was quite humane. The core content emphasized maintaining piety, not betraying the Church, and dedicating oneself. It also strongly encouraged scientific research among its members.
Lifting the first layer, Silas saw, on the second layer, a black revolver, about fifteen centimeters long.
The gun looked similar to those used by police in Hong Kong gangster films, but due to the caliber of the bullets, it could only hold four rounds at a time.
Beside the firearm were silver-grey bullets, grouped in sets of four. The bullets had fine inscriptions on them, and their material felt surprisingly soft, more like gummy candy than actual bullets.
After confirming the contents of the suitcase, Silas didn't do much else and went to bed.
Today's potion had left him utterly exhausted.
The next morning, Silas woke up early as usual. After preparing breakfast, he put on his suit. This time, however, he didn't wear his own overcoat but donned the Church's very well-tailored, grey long robe.
The material of the robe was excellent. It had a high collar, and its hem reached his thighs. The emblem of the Church of Holy Blood was on the left chest and the back; otherwise, it was unadorned.
Although he had never used a gun before, Silas still placed the pistol in the holster under his arm. After ensuring everything was in order, Silas bid farewell to the Husky, opened the door, and left.
When Silas arrived at the police station again, Jeros and Warren had already departed.
Under the guidance of the mature, chestnut-haired female receptionist, he was led to Orson Heath's office.
Upon seeing Silas's appearance, Orson Heath said with great satisfaction, "Come in, sit down. I have something here that needs your help."
Silas took off his hat and quickly walked over and sat down.
"First, congratulations on becoming a member of the Church," Orson Heath said, a smile on his stern face.
"Thank you, Deputy Chief Heath," Silas said with a slight bow.
Orson Heath then handed over a file. "Secondly, I've already processed your identity. You are a trainee Church member, assigned here by the Holy See to assist us in criminal investigations. Your position is that of a temporary, non-staff detective. Although it's temporary, you have the same authority and rank as our police officers."
Silas looked down at the information in the file, confirmed there were no issues, then nodded and asked, "Where has Master Jeros gone?"
At the mention of Jeros, Orson Heath seemed to remember something. He took a book from a drawer and said, "Master Jeros discovered remnants of the Death Cult and has gone in pursuit. This is a book Master Jeros left for you regarding Priests. It contains methods to help you better utilize your abilities."
"Thank you." Silas took the book but, out of politeness, didn't look at it immediately.
With the necessary instructions concluded, Orson Heath said seriously, "Although you've just arrived, this matter is urgent. There's something that needs your investigation right now."
"Please tell me, sir!" Silas said seriously.
Orson Heath said, "According to a citizen's report, the body of a vagrant was found in the park on Hawthorn Alley. The body was severely mauled. However, a dental comparison revealed it was definitely not a wolf or a dog, but some unknown creature with much larger teeth."
Silas was taken aback. "A vagrant?"
Orson Heath continued, "According to other witnesses, this vagrant was named Chuck Littos. He was once the owner of a small coal mine but fell into heavy debt due to mismanagement and had been homeless in the vicinity for two years. According to his friends, he claimed to have found an opportunity to turn his life around and went to find Louis Nickel, the patrol officer responsible for that area. But after he returned, he seemed to have gone mad, looking terrifying and shouting loudly about hearing horrifying sounds."
"It's those two!" Silas thought.
These were the two scoundrels from two days ago who had planned to abduct the Demonesses.
Orson Heath continued, "According to our investigating officers, Louis is also currently in a half-mad state and unable to communicate. I believe there might be mystical intervention in this matter, so you need to go to the crime scene on Hawthorn Alley first to investigate. I've already had officers bring Louis back. After you return, we will interrogate him together."
Silas stood up after hearing this. "Alright! I'll go right away."
Orson Heath nodded. "I'll have Jack assist you. He's waiting for you at the door. Go on!"
"Yes, sir!"
With that, Silas turned and walked out of the office.
"I never expected that the first case of my life as a detective would be one that I myself caused," Silas thought, feeling quite surprised.
Walking out the door, he saw a young man in a clean, crisp police uniform standing against the opposite wall, arms crossed, sizing him up.
The young man looked to be in his late twenties but sported a full golden beard. His hair was somewhat tousled, a stark contrast to his neat uniform.
"A detective sent by the Church? That's a rarity!" Jack didn't seem to have a very favorable impression of Silas.
Silas smiled and stepped forward. "Silas Sotos. Please give me your guidance."
Jack, with a modicum of politeness, extended his hand. "No need for introductions. You're already famous. Everyone in the station now knows about the detective from the Church."
Then, Jack introduced himself. "Jack Giles. I hope you're different from those charlatans who are all show and no substance."
Silas put on his hat and smiled. "Rest assured, if I didn't have some real ability, I wouldn't have dared to come."
Silas was now quite confident in dealing with ordinary people like this.
The two walked out side by side. They didn't take a motorcar or carriage, as Hawthorn Alley wasn't far; it was about a ten-minute walk.
On the way, they chatted sporadically. Overall, the most distinct impression Silas got was Jack's distrust of him, coupled with a longing and fear of the mystical.