"Let me introduce myself, Ikanos Bernard, Deacon of the Steam Church's Beckland Diocese, and Captain of the Machinery Hivemind in the Beckland Diocese."
The disheveled but resolute Deacon politely introduced himself.
"Bennett Maynard, the youngest son of Councilor Maynard of Tingen City, a student at the Backlund Evernight Theological Seminary, and currently undergoing clerical training with the Night Church."
Xia Ai'er held the "night revelation" and performed a standard clerical bow.
"Hello, Deacon, I am Martin, Mr. Bennett's personal valet."
Martin tidied his slightly messy hair and bowed along with Xia Ai'er.
"I am Alice, a low-Sequence Beyonder of the Eternal Blazing Sun Church."
Alice directly stated her identity; after all, it was the Machinery Hivemind that came, not the Punishers of the Storm Church.
The Captain of the Machinery Hivemind also understood Intis.
"Captain, there are traces of Werewolves here, and a faint scent of undead still lingers in the air."
"Captain, everything has been checked. These weapons are fine. The bloodstains on this gentleman's cane should belong to a human mutated and controlled by a Werewolf."
Two members of the Machinery Hivemind reported to Ikanos Bernard.
"Let me explain."
"The weather in Backlund has not been very good recently, greatly affecting one's mood. As a devout believer of the Evernight Goddess, I left my home at night, wanting to see Backlund at night, seeking inner peace, and relaxing my troubled spirit."
"My personal valet, considering safety, hired Miss Alice as a bodyguard to accompany us on our stroll."
"We met at Backlund Bridge, walking and chatting, enjoying the night scenery. By the time we reached the bridge area, it was already late, so we planned to find a tavern for a drink, then return the way we came, ending our evening activity."
"As we walked down this street, Miss Alice felt something was amiss. A Monster resembling a Werewolf was hidden in the Darkness, preparing to attack us. We cooperated with Miss Alice to deal with this Monster, and then another, more powerful Werewolf appeared."
"Miss Alice, worried about our safety, released a dazzling light, creating a large commotion to force the Werewolf to retreat."
"That's what happened, Deacon Ikanos. Martin and I didn't bring our gun licenses with us, but if you want to inspect them, we can cooperate."
Xia Ai'er's words completely cleared himself and his two companions.
As for why they were out wandering in the middle of the night instead of sleeping?
Because I am a believer of the Evernight Goddess.
I am pursuing inner peace.
"That Werewolf isn't dead?"
"You only injured him?"
Deacon Ikanos nodded, confirming that Xia Ai'er's words had no issues.
"Yes, the second Werewolf that appeared was much stronger than the first. I highly doubt how much damage our bullets could inflict on him."
Xia Ai'er had no hope for the damage he inflicted. For creatures like Werewolves, even if their intestines fell out, they could heal as long as they were cleaned and put back. It would be difficult to kill them with ordinary bullets.
Ikanos looked at Alice.
"I am only a Sequence 8 Light Supplicant, not a Sequence 7 Solar High Priest. Without performing a ritual, I cannot imbue weapons with true divine damage."
"I can only make a show of it to scare that Werewolf."
Alice also explained.
She could only make the weapons touch a bit of holy light. How much divine power the bullets would retain after being fired, she herself was unsure.
"I understand."
"Gentlemen, you have shown extraordinary courage."
Deacon Ikanos praised Xia Ai'er and Martin's courage. Although there might have been the blessing of a Light Supplicant, facing danger and not dragging down their own Beyonder was already very good.
If these two gentlemen were not clerical reserves of the Night Church, he would have been very happy to invite them to join the Steam Church, to join the Machinery Hivemind.
"However, you still need to pay attention to safety. Even if you want to go out at night to relax, try to choose a place closer to a church."
This kind Deacon did not make things difficult for Xia Ai'er and his two companions, only giving a reminder. He also did not criticize Xia Ai'er for being in the bridge area instead of the West District.
The West District was under the Storm Church's responsibility, and the bridge area was under the Steam and Machinery Church's responsibility. Saying that the public order in the bridge area was poor, wouldn't that be slapping their own church's face?
"Thank you, Deacon Ikanos."
"Without your timely arrival, we wouldn't know what terrible things we might have encountered. If that Werewolf had accomplices, I might have been in danger."
"Although it's a bit presumptuous, may I ask you a question?"
Xia Ai'er first sincerely expressed his gratitude, then asked with a hint of apprehension in his voice.
"Please ask, Mr. Maynard."
Deacon Ikanos smiled gently.
Looking at this very reasonable Deacon, Xia Ai'er decided to go back and tell Arrodes to give this gentleman some privacy and not keep bothering him.
"That is, about tonight's incident, could I ask you to keep it a secret?"
"I don't want my Mother to know, it would only make her worry for nothing."
Xia Ai'er requested sincerely.
Ikanos was a bit surprised. He thought it would be some troublesome matter, but he didn't expect it to be this kind of request?
"Mr. Maynard, you can rest assured. We will not easily reveal these matters to ordinary people who do not understand the mystical world."
The Deacon said with a slight chuckle.
He didn't expect this young man, who dared to shoot at a Werewolf, would actually be afraid of his Mother.
"Thank you for your understanding."
Xia Ai'er thanked him again.
"Hehe, I can only promise you not to reveal these matters to your parents, but according to the tacit understanding between the Orthodox Churches, I must share this matter with the Nighthawks. You can prepare in advance."
Deacon Ikanos did not hide anything from Xia Ai'er; this was standard practice.
"That's as it should be."
Xia Ai'er responded without the slightest bit of concern.
An excellent youth certified by his peers, wouldn't this mean early graduation and direct employment?
No need to continue studying at the seminary, simply perfect.
"Can we leave now?"
Xia Ai'er saw that the conversation was almost over and planned to go back to sleep.
"Of course, do you need help checking anything?"
Ikanos offered kindly.
"No need, thank you for your kindness, Deacon Ikanos. We'll just have Alice perform a purification ritual later."
"If you have any discomfort, we can hold it here together, or you can also take the opportunity to bask in the Sun and drive away any dampness and cold that might exist from the night."
Xia Ai'er described the purification ritual as if it were sunbathing, a sauna, or cupping, which made Alice, who had been silent, stare at the back of his head with deep eyes.