After learning about the benefits and treatment, Loxi finally asked the question she had been eager to know.
“I understand all of this.”
“Then how can I obtain, um… abilities like Mr. Michelson or Miss Lam?”
“About that.”
Harvey Michelson leaned slightly forward, resting his arms on the table and supporting his chin with both hands.
“First, you need to decide on your future ‘Path.’”
“Then I will submit your application to the Association.”
“While waiting for approval, you can first complete the Contract Ritual.”
“Once the ritual is completed.”
“You will absorb the object that alters your body and spirit, and you will become a Seeker.”
As expected, the abilities each Seeker controls vary greatly.
Loxi’s mind flashed images of Hanna Carter manipulating Green Coldfire and Herman Hughes easily altering his facial expressions.
She glanced at the man sitting opposite her and cautiously asked:
“May I ask.”
“Are the abilities of Mr. Michelson and the other guards confidential?”
Harvey smiled, “Of course, they are kept secret from the outside world.”
“But Miss Moulton is about to join us, and we’ll be fighting side by side.”
“If we had to hide even these things, how could anyone feel safe trusting their back to a teammate?”
He pointed to himself with his index finger. “I’m a Path 7 Diviner of the Seeker Path.”
“The most complete Path controlled by the Association.”
“Specializing in exploration, reconnaissance, and early warning.”
“Yvette Lam is a Path 7 Seer of the Warlock Path.”
“She excels in ritual magic, counter-spells, and restriction techniques.”
“As for Maren Reed, he is a Path 8 Dissector of the Doctor Path.”
“Skilled in close combat, assassination, and raids.”
Harvey paused briefly before continuing:
“There are two colleagues you haven’t met yet.”
“One is like me, also on the Seeker Path, Winnie Barnard, a Path 8 Revealer.”
“The other is Bowen Pons, a Path 9 Clergy of the Priest Path.”
“He specializes in healing and Holy Light magic.”
Loxi quietly thought there should be a tank.
But then she asked.
“Mr. Michelson, what do you mean by a ‘complete’ Path?”
“Because the Seeker Path’s power is given to us by the Lords themselves.”
“The Incarnation of Truth, the God of Fate, the Lord of All Spirits.”
“So it’s absolutely safe—there’s no risk of twisting a Seeker’s mind or altering their perception.”
“The other Paths are partly collected by the Association and partly obtained from cultists.”
“At low Paths, it’s manageable, but as one ascends further, the influence of evil gods becomes unavoidable, leading to corruption.”
Harvey looked at Loxi seriously as he said, “So choosing your Path is very important, Miss Moulton. You need to consider carefully.”
“Apart from the Seeker Path, the Warlock Path is relatively safe. The Association allows the Contract Ritual up to Path 6.”
“The Doctor Path is open up to Path 7.”
“In addition, there are the Priest and Archaeologist Paths, but both only have the most basic Path 9 publicly available.”
The name ‘Priest’ sounded noble and bright, but according to the Association’s evaluation, was it really so dangerous?
Harvey noticed the noble girl’s hesitation and smiled.
“Miss Moulton, no need to rush. You still need to provide identification and other documents for onboarding. You can go home and think over your choice of Path and give me your answer tomorrow.”
After leaving the Association and returning home.
In her bedroom, Loxi walked to her desk and casually picked up a book.
Her gaze lingered on the pages, but her mind was still occupied with the question of which Path to choose.
Before coming to the Association, she had already given it some thought.
She wanted, if possible, to obtain abilities like Yvette Lam.
After all, that day at the castle, Yvette fought three opponents alone and quickly subdued both Hanna Carter and Herman Hughes.
Loxi herself had experienced the power between the Chains of Reality and Illusion firsthand.
Honestly, this ability made young Loxi, who used to sneak downstairs to turn on the battery scooter light to lend light to Diga, drool with envy.
Just standing there and flicking your fingers—enemies vanish into smoke.
How cool, a divine weapon displayed in public!
However…
The Warlock Path had a clear ceiling.
Even if she could secretly complete the Contract Ritual herself later, working officially meant she might expose her power any day.
Loxi believed that sneaking through unapproved Path ascension was seen by the Association as worshipping evil gods and chasing power.
What about the Seeker Path?
Loxi frowned. Choosing this official Path undoubtedly meant facing another problem.
Too many people chasing too little power—the size of the cake is fixed.
Most insiders in the Association choose this Path, which guarantees intense competition the higher you go.
Look, Mr. Harvey Michelson was already losing his hair and is only a Path 7 Diviner.
Meanwhile, the relatively younger and more vibrant Yvette Lam, looking barely over twenty, is also Path 7 on the Warlock Path as a Seer.
Clack.
Loxi covered her face with the book Count of the Night and sighed.
Ah, pros and cons, so hard to weigh.
The next day, after clashing with the Blood Rose members who had been lured by bait, near noon, Great Detective Herman Hughes left his home accompanied by his good partner, Peanut Bird.
“Stupid bird! Stupid bird! Stupid bird!”
Click—
The door closed, and the world fell silent.
Better not curse that stupid bird anymore, or it feels like cursing oneself in the mirror.
The wise detective made this great decision in his heart.
The carriage rolled from the main road into a steep alley.
After receiving a free, unasked-for massage for several minutes, Herman paid the fare and looked toward the destination: 11 Rose Street, Glen Ruins Preservation Association.
He adjusted his already healed left hand, making the bandages look more authentic, then tipped his bowler hat, strode up the steps, and knocked on the Association’s door.
Voices approached from the other side of the door, growing clearer.
Light footsteps—opening the door was likely a slender lady, with quick steps suggesting she was impatient, talkative, and enjoyed conversation.
Two ladies flashed through Herman’s mind—the last time he’d been here he met them both: the young and lively Mary Wheeler and the over-fifty, deeply wrinkled Susie Carlisle.
The door opened, and a breath of fragrance drifted in.
Youthful and radiant Mary stood at the entrance.
In front of her was a young gentleman who raised his hand to tip his hat, greeting her.
Herman smiled at the corner of his mouth and replied smoothly.
“Hello, Miss Wheeler.”