From the very inception of this gathering, Odis had established that the 'Mysticism Research Society' would operate on a 'recommendation system'...
Any member could propose someone they deemed trustworthy during meetings. Odis would then utilize his own channels to conduct investigations before presenting the findings to the group and deciding whether to extend an invitation to the prospective member...
This approach significantly differed from other Beyonder gatherings in Backlund, allowing Odis to maintain a degree of control over what was otherwise a loosely organized group...
In truth, the establishment of the 'Mysticism Research Society' stemmed from a mutually beneficial collaboration between Odis and the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery.
Prior to this, the Church of Steam had relied almost exclusively on its devout followers for intelligence... most of whom were laborers, resulting in a very narrow information pipeline.
Particularly when it came to Backlund's Beyonder circles, the Church of Steam's understanding had been extremely limited.
However, since Odis began organizing these gatherings, the Church had successfully cracked multiple Beyonder-related cases, they've even preempted several covert operations by hidden organizations using the intelligence gathered through transactions.
It was only then that Odis gradually gained the Church of Steam's recognition and found it easier to pad his expense reports...
On the other hand, he used these gatherings to build his own intelligence network. Every participant had been meticulously vetted by him, enabling the exchange of the latest information circulating in Backlund.
Initially, attendees hadn't taken the organizer too seriously... after all, he was merely a Sequence 9 Beyonder. But the gatherings proved highly effective, and people were willing to participate.
Over time, however, Odis began showcasing his extensive Knowledge of Mysticism and cultivating an aura of mystery, causing others to gradually shed their dismissive attitudes...
When the members heard the gruff-voiced attendee's recommendation, they were momentarily stunned. The last new member had joined two months prior.
A masked female member spoke up: "Lion, with the serial killer just apprehended and official Beyonders still maintaining heightened security, this isn't the best time to propose a new member..."
Every participant had a nickname or codename. The recommender, due to his booming voice, was called 'Lion', while the female member was known as 'Peacock'.
'Lion' responded, "I simply believe this bounty hunter's connections could be extremely useful to us. Besides, the heightened security won't last forever."
A tall and burly member referred to as 'Hippo' asked in a deep voice, "What kind of intelligence channels does she have?"
"She has extensive connections in the East Borough," Lion shrugged, "As you all know, the East Borough is a lawless territory hiding countless secrets."
The other members exchanged glances. While some of them had their own sources in the East Borough, these were often unstable due to the rapid turnover of informants in that area.
Seeing no objections, the 'Leader', Odis, declared, "Very well. Next week, I will conduct an assessment of the individual you've recommended."
'Lion' nodded and, following protocol, wrote down the details of his nominee before handing the note to a server, who passed it to the 'Leader' seated opposite.
Upon reading it, Odis confirmed his suspicion: 'Lion' had indeed recommended Xio Derecha!
At this point, the unremarkable-looking 'Hound' asked 'Lion', "Any unusual activity in the East Borough lately?"
"Many vagrants have suddenly gone missing," Lion replied.
Peacock smirked, "Since when has the notoriously frugal 'Lion' turned philanthropist? You plan on funding East Borough vagrants now?"
The others chuckled. Even a banker couldn't fill that bottomless pit.
Despite his rough voice, Lion had a remarkably even temper. Unfazed, he explained, "I received a commission to investigate the disappearances of several vagrants in the East Borough..."
Then 'Giraffe', whose neck was slightly longer than average, interrupted in a refined tone, "I've also been hired for the same task!"
Almost simultaneously, 'Monkey' and 'Leopard' echoed: ""Same here.""
The four who had received these commissions exchanged bewildered glances while the other members found the situation equally peculiar... Investigating a few vagrants hardly warranted four separate assignments.
After a brief silence, 'Leader' (Odis) interjected, "This commission is highly irregular. The four of you should exercise caution in order to avoid being dragged into something dangerous."
Odis's assertion was based on logical deduction... He knew full well that these vagrants had been abducted by traffickers and secretly sold to the Royal Family...
The Royal Family needed this manpower to construct a Mausoleum for George III... a massive conspiracy currently known only to key Royal figures and Odis himself, thanks to his 'omniscient perspective'...
The fact that Lion and the others had been assigned this task suggested that a powerful figure in the Beyonder world had already caught wind of the Royal Family's scheme and was conducting investigations.
However, such traceable inquiries were likely meant to divert attention or serve as decoys, leaving Lion and his peers vulnerable to becoming sacrificial pawns...
Lion, Giraffe, and the other two quickly grasped the gravity of the situation and thanked the 'Leader' for his warning.
Suddenly, Hound addressed Lion, "I'll pay 5 Pounds for the client's details."
Lion cleared his throat and chuckled, "What kind of person do you take me for? I have professional ethics—"
"10 Pounds."
"Deal. I'll provide a sketch of the client later. But you'll need to use Extraordinary means for interrogation... don't tarnish my reputation."
Hound nodded, "Naturally."
Subsequently, Hound spent another 30 pounds to acquire information about the other three clients...
Odis knew full well that 'Hound' was affiliated with 'Military Intelligence Section 9' (MI9), which would undoubtedly find such leads highly intriguing...
Peacock initiated the next topic, "Ladies and gentlemen, does anyone have concrete details about the resolution of the 'serial killings'?"
Giraffe smiled, "Haven't you read the newspapers?"
Peacock retorted, "And you actually believe what's printed there?"
The nondescript Hound interjected, "I heard the killer committed those murders as part of an Advancement Ritual..."
He paused before adding, "If anyone wants to know what an 'Advancement Ritual' entails, I'm willing to share at a discounted rate of 50 Pounds!"
A few members showed interest. Such Mystical insights were commonly traded at these gatherings...
Peacock remarked dismissively, "Can we focus on something actually valuable?"
Odis finally spoke up, "I've come across slightly more detailed information..."
All eyes turned to the 'Leader'. His intelligence was generally reliable...
Odis stated, "Rumor has it, the 'serial killer' wasn't human..."
'Monkey', whose arms were slightly longer than average, nodded vehemently, "That monster deserves every curse hurled at him."
Odis clarified solemnly, "No, I mean he literally wasn't human..."
The members froze momentarily before comprehending the Leader's implication...