New job.

He finally saw the outside world…

May 23, 1100 - Friday - 8:00 AM

L'Oreal City stretched out before him, full of tall, narrow houses packed close together. Their walls were made of old stone and dark wood, with chimneys rising from sloped rooftops. Black iron fences lined the small front yards, and vines crept along the window frames.

The streets were narrow, paved with worn gray stones. Gas lamps stood on every corner, glowing softly when the sun faded. Little shops, bakeries, and cafés sat quietly along the roads. Laundry hung from balconies, and cats roamed freely.

The city felt calm. People walked without rushing. The air was cool, carrying the smell of bread, smoke, and rain. It was the kind of place where you could blend in. A good place to rest, work, or quietly figure things out.

Seyla was stunned. The atmosphere here was different.

"I was really transported to another world…" Seyla muttered. "The air here is clean… no loud car horns, no buses, no mad crowds… I can actually sense peace in this world." He paused for a moment. "But… I still miss that world, even if… I had no one to call family…"

Before he started walking, Seyla glanced back at his house. The outside was nothing like the modern apartment he had seen from within, the walls were made of old stone and dark wood. Seyla muttered to himself, "It's really different from the inside…"

Despite only stepping out for the first time, Seyla walked the city streets with skill, thanks to the enhanced memory granted by the Rune Stone… and because the map had been included in the book Maerin left him.

After a short walk, he found the building he was searching for. L'Oreal East Police Station.

Standing before the door, he gripped the handle and pushed it open. Inside, a young woman was stationed behind the front desk. She had long brown hair, curved lips, black eyes, and tanned skin. She looked younger than most of the women outside, as if she hadn't yet reached her coming of age. Something about her felt different from the others.

She wore a fitted, dark brown dress with a high collar and silver buttons running neatly down the front. The sleeves were long and cuffed at her wrists, and a simple black ribbon was tied at her neck. The fabric looked sturdy, made for movement rather than decoration, unlike the colorful dresses Seyla had seen on other women outside.

The young woman's eyes widened for a moment as she saw Seyla. A handsome young man, over twenty-six, with fair skin, pure blond hair, and dark green eyes. His perfectly arched eyebrows framed his face, pink lips curved naturally, and his figure was lean but strong. The kind of beauty that blurred the line between handsome and breathtaking.

Seyla's clothing was simple but suited him. A plain, dark coat that hung just past his hips, still slightly wrinkled from sleep. A loose, tucked-in shirt beneath, dark trousers held by a worn leather belt. His boots were scuffed, and a hood hung from his collar.

For a second, the young woman was stunned by his appearance. How handsome… his face… his body… his lips… it's all PERFECT! He's my type… I wonder if he's single… she silently thought, blushing faintly.

Seyla appeared in front of her, pulling her from her thoughts. She quickly composed herself, smiling politely. "Are you here to report a problem?" she asked.

Seyla returned her smile. "No, I'm here to apply for a job. I really need work… I just arrived in this city yesterday, and I need money."

Ah… so that's why he looks different… the young woman thought. He's not from here… And technically… we're not hiring… but it'd be a waste to reject someone this good-looking… If I were the boss, I'd hire him right away…

The young woman smiled brightly, her black eyes sparkling. "Uhh, alright… can you wait here? I'll try to find the captain and tell him your situation. Maybe we can find an extra position," she said, winking at Seyla.

Just as she turned to leave, Seyla called after her, "May I know your name?"

The young woman turned, smiling. "Nicole. Nicole Andersen. And you?"

"Seyla Veyl," Seyla replied, returning her smile.

Seyla Veyl… what a beautiful name… Nicole thought, smiling softly as she disappeared through the door behind the counter.

Seyla sighed and found an empty couch, settling onto it.

After only a minute, two figures emerged from the back. First Nicole, then a man who appeared to be in his forties. He had short brown hair, black eyes, and tanned skin.

These two look alike… Seyla noted silently.

The man stood beside Nicole, dressed in a long, dark gray coat that reached his knees. The coat was plain but well-maintained, with a black vest and simple white shirt beneath. His boots were worn from work, and a dark scarf hung loosely around his neck, adding to his quiet, serious air.

Nicole smiled. "This is the captain of the police station, my father, Loren Andersen."

Oh… so that's why they look so alike… Seyla thought.

Standing up, Seyla offered his left hand with a polite smile. "Nice to meet you. I'm Seyla Veyl."

Loren shook his hand firmly. "You're hired. You'll start tomorrow morning. Now, follow me, I'll explain your position."

What? That fast? No interview? Seyla thought, stunned, but silently followed Loren down the hallway.

The corridor was long and somewhat dim, lined with locked doors. At the end, a large door came into view.

The door bore the symbol of an eye, carved into the wood with a wide, empty space above it.

They stopped in front of the door. Loren spoke in ancient Hermes, "The eye that sees everything… the eye that can look over the cosmos… and the eye that can see past and future."

The symbol glowed faintly, and the door creaked open, revealing a room beyond.

Loren stepped inside, Seyla following quietly behind.

The room was small but neat. An old wooden desk sat by the window, papers scattered across its surface. A faded green couch rested against the wall beside a shelf packed with worn books. The air smelled of paper and dust.

Loren gestured for Seyla to sit on the couch. He moved to the desk and rang a small bell.

Loren looked at Seyla. "Do you want coffee, tea, or alcohol?"

"Coffee, please," Seyla replied.

A few minutes later, the door opened. Nicole entered, her brown hair swaying gently as she walked in.

Smiling, she asked, "What can I help you with, Father?"

Loren smiled back. "Could you bring us two black coffees? And some biscuits too."

"Sure, Father." Nicole bowed slightly in respect, smiled at Seyla, then turned and left, closing the door behind her.

Once they were alone, Loren turned to Seyla with a knowing smile. "Do you want to ask why I hired you immediately?"

Seyla nodded seriously. "Yes."

Loren sat down beside him, still smiling. "I foresaw your coming."

Foresaw? Does he mean… he's a seer? Seyla wondered. He asked cautiously, "You used seer magic… to look at the future?"

"As expected, you know about magic," Loren replied, studying him.

Shit… Seyla cursed silently, forcing a smile. Why did I ask that so casually…

"Haha, you're easy to read," Loren chuckled. "No need to be nervous. As I said, I foresaw your coming. Three days ago, I saw a vision. A special person would arrive at this station and ask for a job."

Special… again… Seyla thought, sighing.

Loren's eyes narrowed slightly. "So, tell me, why do you want to work here?"

Seyla sighed and answered truthfully. "As I told your daughter… I need an income. I only arrived in this city yesterday, and my savings won't last."

Loren studied Seyla quietly, observing for any signs of dishonesty, but found none.

"Alright," Loren said, satisfied. "You'll work directly under me. I'll assign your missions personally. Of course, I won't give you tasks beyond your capabilities. Your work will depend on your level."

After a short pause, Loren added, "By the way… what magic did you choose? And what form are you?"

Seyla hesitated. "Are you sure you won't use the information I give against me?"

Loren smiled calmly. "You're careful, good. Of course, everything we discuss here stays here. This is my office, no one can overhear us. Before either of us leaves, we'll both sign a paper promising not to share this conversation. But… I do recommend telling your colleagues eventually keeps accidents from happening. So… will you tell me?"

Seyla exhaled in relief, then nodded. "Yes. I'm from the Dream Magic. First form, Sleepbound. I only know a little about Mystic theory… I don't fully understand everything about this magic yet."

"Dream Veilstrand… I see…" Loren said, his voice lowering, his expression turning serious.

Seeing his reaction, Seyla frowned. "Why? Is there something wrong with the magic I chose?"

Loren looked directly at him. "I don't know if you've heard this… but there are no records of anyone ever using Dream magic. Not in recent times. As far as the world knows… you might be the first to acquire it. The first to swallow a Rune Stone from the Dream Path."

Seyla's eyes widened. No records? I'm the first Dream magic user? Is that what's 'special' about me? But Maerin gave me this Rune Stone… how did he get it?

Seyla composed himself and asked, "Can you tell me everything you know about my magic?"

Loren nodded. "Let's just say… Dream magic is complicated. Among the fourteen recognized magics, Dream magic is… elusive. It's always absent from records, it's like someone deliberately hiding from the world."

A magic that hides from the world? Seyla wondered aloud. "Is there more?"

Loren nodded gravely and continued. "Dream magic is said to be…"