Secret World of Occultists-Chapter 30: Secret World of Occultists

Abel's advance payment would come up to 18 sterlings that would later be deducted from his weekly salary in small amounts.

Perfomance-based increments would also be granted at the discretion of the Trust. Additionally, there would be mission bonuses.

Furthermore, he would have access to a weekly discretionary fund of 10 shillings, to be used for informants, bribes, travel expenses, and other operational needs.

However, all expenses must be documented and reported to the Trust's administrative office.

In the event of a serious injury, he would receive a one-time compensation and have access to medical treatment.

Whereas, in the event of death while on duty, a large sum would be paid to his designated beneficiary—which, in his case, would be his brother.

Abel was glad to have this clause in the contract. This ensured that Thomas would be well off should one day something happen to him.

The more he read the contents of the contract, the happier he became.

It stated that he would receive a housing stipend of 15 shillings per week. Most importantly, food rations and medical supplies would be provided at no additional cost.

He would receive medical care from a designated physician retained by the Trust. Moreover, they would cover the cost of treatment for injuries sustained in the course of duty.

Since the Ministry's operations often involved gray areas of the law, their agents were granted legal protection by the Albion government.

Thus, if needed, Abel would be provided with official cover identities, legal counsel and defense, and diplomatic protection should he ever work abroad.

Article IV of the contract involved clauses related to confidentiality and secrecy. Abel's expression turned solemn when he read through it.

According to the clauses, he would have to acknowledge that he would have access to highly sensitive and classified information concerning the Trust's activities.

And any unauthorized disclosure of classified knowledge would be considered treasonous and highly punishable!

Moreover, he would also have to take a binding oath of secrecy witnessed by an authorized Occultist of the Ministry, which Abel thought would be none other than John Kensington.

The final article of the contract went over details of the termination of the contract.

However, after reading through the entire agreement, Abel knew that there was no way he would ever voluntarily resign or do something worth getting fired over.

After all, despite all the immense risks involved for an Occultist of the Ministry, the rewards were simply far too great!

Also, there were a lot more benefits to be gained after he had officially joined the Ministry.

If he played his cards right, then not only he but also his brother, Thomas, would never have to worry about money or having influence for the rest of their lives.

So, it didn't take him all that long to come to a decision. He read all the clauses in the contract one more time, before looking up at the Director and solemnly stating, "Sir, I accept!"

Having already expected this, John simply nodded in response. He handed the youth a steel dip pen and instructed, "Now then, place your signature on the final page."

Abel did as told. On the last page, he saw John Kensington's name as the official representative of the Ministry of Occult Affairs.

Under that, he saw his name, followed by his designation as a Field Agent.

Field Agent, huh? He thought to himself in glee. Sounds so cool!

But the following moment, he frowned a little. Strange, Mr. Kensington doesn't have any designation under his name? Shouldn't it be the Director or something? Well, whatever.

He finally signed under his name before handing the all documents back to the old man.

"For reasons of discretion, you shall not be given a copy of the Ministry's official contract," said John.

"However, by tomorrow, you will receive a falsified agreement under the name of Kensington & Blythe Commercial Trust. That should suffice for appearances."

"I understand, sir." The youth solemnly nodded.

He paused for a moment before asking, "Sir, the contract said something about a binding oath of secrecy. What is that exactly?"

"We shall begin the ritual now," said the old man. With that said, he got up from his seat and opened a secured safe hidden between bookshelves behind him.

The moment the safe was open, a strange energy permeated the air, making Abel's hair on the back of his neck stand on end.

"S-Sir?!" He shifted in his chair, gripping the armrests tightly. He saw the old man retrieve an ancient-looking, leather-bound book from the safe.

"Come here, lad," the man instructed.

Abel loudly gulped as he nervously rose to his feet. He walked around the table and stood before John Kensington, his eyes shifting between the old man and the spooky book in his hand.

There were no visible signs of degradation in the book despite it looking ancient. It gave off a contradictory feeling. It was as if order and chaos both existed at the same time.

There was no title on the cover, only a sigil resembling an unbroken chain.

"Sir, this is?" Abel asked nervously. He could feel a very eerie and uncomfortable feeling from this book.

"This is an Anomalous Object known as the Oathbinder," said John.

"Anomalous Object?"

John nodded. "Codename: AO-1784. Its anomaly activates when an individual places their hand on the cover and verbally swears an oath. Once this action is completed, the subject becomes incapable of breaking their sworn vow."

Abel's eyes widened in disbelief. "Incapable of breaking their vows? What happens if they try?!"

John Kensington flatly explained, "Attempts to violate the oath have resulted in extreme psychological distress, involuntary physical restraint, and in severe cases, violent self-inflicted injuries."

Abel found himself involuntarily taking a step back. "S-Sir... is this really necessary?"

"Protocol mandates it."

"Sir... you're not gonna make me swear something ridiculous, right?" Abel couldn't help but ask that question.

Seeing John Kensington not reply and continue to stare at him with a deadpan expression, Abel felt like crying. "Sir?? You won't right?"

"Step forward," said the old man. "Rest assured, you will only have to swear an oath of secrecy."

Abel deeply looked at the old man, thinking to himself, Fuck! It's not like I have any choice. I just need to keep my mouth shut, right? Fine! I'm trusting you, old man!

He took a deep breath and stepped forward.

"Place your hand on top," said the old man as he brought the leather-bound book forward, holding it from the bottom.

Abel nodded as he placed his trembling right hand on the book's surface. It felt cold to the touch, causing him to almost retrieve his hand back.

The following moment, John Kensington released his spirit energy, activating the Anomalous Object.

Under Abel's stupefied gaze, illusory black chains emerged from the book, coiling around his right hand on top, as well as John's hand below.

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Despite the rays of the sun filtering through the glass window and illuminating the office, for a moment it felt as if the lights inside the room had dimmed.

Right at that moment, John Kensington's solemn voice echoed inside the room.

"Abel Bishop, do you swear upon your honor and life, to guard the secrets of the Ministry of Occult Affairs? To speak nothing of what you see, hear, or learn to those outside of your ranks?"

As if affected by the solemnity in the air, Abel replied in a dignified manner, "I swear it."

John nodded, his voice lowering, "Then let your silence be your shield and your word be your bond. Betray this trust and you shall find no refuge amongst us."

The illusory chains disappeared and the strange aura around the book also vanished.

"It is done," said John.

Abel was surprised, "That's... it?"

"Did you expect to become a slave of the Ministry?" John Kensington let out a scoff of amusement. "It is an oath of secrecy, not servitude."

He safely put away AO-1784 back inside the safe, activating several sealing mechanisms. Then, he retrieved two items from the drawer under the table.

Now that Abel's employment contract had been signed and he had sworn the oath of secrecy, he had formally become an agent of the Ministry of Occult Affairs!

"This is your letter of assignment."

John gave the youth a letter sealed with crimson wax, bearing the sigil of the Ministry—the all-seeing eye within a triangular frame, and a laurel wreath encircling the emblem.

"Yes, sir!" Abel accepted the letter with excitement flashing in his eyes.

"Inside, you will find the locations of various safehouses and the means to access them, instructions for withdrawing operational funds, and details regarding your primary contact and other superiors," John explained.

"The ink will vanish within twenty-four hours. Ensure you read it within the given time," he concluded.

He then gave the youth a finely crafted pocket watch made of silver. "This is a symbol of authority, signifying your official recognition as a field agent of the Ministry."

"Woah!" Abel received the pocket watch, his eyes shining brightly.

John Kensington's expression turned solemn and his gaze firm. "From this moment forward, you do not serve mainly a government, nor a trust, but a duty older than both."

Abel involuntarily straightened his back, nodding.

The old man continued, "You shall walk in shadows, so others may remain in the light."

"Yes, sir!" Abel spoke with a resolute voice.

John Kensington revealed a faint smile as he offered a handshake.

"Welcome to the secret world of Occultists."