Secret World of Occultists
Chapter 63: Career Trajectory

Chapter 63: Career Trajectory

Emily Thompson grasped the chatelain watch hanging from her belt and checked the time. "Well then, gentlemen, it has been a pleasure speaking with you," she said with a warm smile.

"But I must be on my way, lest I miss my train."

As the young lady got to her feet, so did all the men. Emily walked up to Hugh Preston and extended her hand with poise, "Commander, should you ever require anything, do not hesitate to write to me. I shall do all within my power to be of assistance."

Hugh warmly smiled at her former teammate as he shook her hand. "Emily, come now, I am no longer your superior. Do call me Hugh, won’t you?"

However, Emily shook her head and spoke with a genuine smile, "To me, you shall always be my Commander."

She then walked to Francis Digby and shook his hands as well, "Francis, once I arrive in Winchester, I shall be certain to send some imported chocolates and sweets for the children."

The burly man chuckled lightly. "Much obliged, my dear. And may you have a safe journey."

The young lady then approached Henry, shaking his hand. "Mr. Mercer, I do hope you enjoy your time here."

"Thank you kindly, Miss Thompson." Henry smiled. "And yes, I most certainly shall."

Emily then walked up to George Chapman and offered a handshake. She then spoke with the same graceful smile, "Mr. Chapman, it has truly been lovely catching up with you."

George looked at the woman with conflicting emotions. His gaze shifted to her outstretched hand. His eyes flickered with little hesitation before he ultimately decided to walk away.

Seeing this, Hugh couldn’t help but frown. "George, that’s hardly the proper way to treat a teammate!"

"Hmph!" The lanky man harrmphed in displeassure and muttered under his breath. "I’ll not be shaking a lady’s hand."

With that said, he slammed the door on the other side of the hall open and descended the shaft, making his way to the underground training facility.

A very strange atmosphere pervaded the room after that interaction. Even Abel was quite surprised and couldn’t help but wonder why George would behave the way he did.

"Emily, do forgive him," Hugh said, shaking his head. "I’m certain no offense was intended."

"Please do not trouble yourself with apologies, Commander." Emily smiled, not at all phased by what had just happened. "I daresay Mr. Chapman is simply having a rather trying day. I’m quite certain he meant no harm."

Hearing her response, Hugh Preston heaved a deep, weary sigh, "You always were the wisest among us. Thank you for your understanding."

"Were?" Emily arched an eyebrow, her smile turning sly. "Commander, I would argue that I still am."

A simple sentence from the young lady immediately changed the atmosphere in the room. The people gathered couldn’t help but chuckle at her remark.

The lady then walked up to Adam and offered a handshake as well. "Mr. Bishop, hmm."

She put on a pondering expression before continuing with a slightly playful smile, "Why don’t you be a gentleman and accompany me to the train station?"

"Huh? Wait what?" Abel’s lips twitched as he shook her hand. "Why me? Don’t you have a chaperon or something?"

Emily didn’t reply, she just continued to stare at him with the same smile.

"Uhm... I have training practice, so I’m afraid—"

Before Abel could even finish his sentence, Hugh said to him, "It’s alright, Abel. You can join us for training after you return from the train station."

"Really?" Abel turned to him and asked with slight surprise.

He had known his commander to be a very strict man especially when it came to training, after all.

Hugh nodded with a faint smile. "Go ahead."

"I mean... if you say so." Abel shrugged. He then walked to the door and kept it open, gesturing to Emily, "After you, Miss."

Emily smiled. She then gazed at all the members of the Security & Special Operations team. With a slight curtsy, she said warmly, "A good day to you, gentlemen."

With that, she and Abel left the hall.

...

The pair boarded the private carriage and departed for Newport’s only station that was inaugurated two years prior. It was named Olive Street Station.

It became a crucial hub for railway travel, connecting Newport to several major cities in Albion.

Abel sat across from Emily, glancing at her with suspicion. He couldn’t help but think to himself, Could it really be... that she likes me?

Seeing the funny expression on the youth’s face, Emily couldn’t help but cover her mouth and chuckle.

"What?" Abel asked awkwardly. "What’s so funny?"

He couldn’t help but reach out for his face to see if there was something on it.

"Mr. Bishop you really ought not to wear such a cynical expression in front of a lady," said Emily after she had reined in her emotions. "Goodness me, you are in dire need of a few etiquette lessons."

Abel pursed his lips and apologized. "Sorry, about that. I’m still working on my etiquette."

Emily Thompson deeply looked at him and gently nodded. "But I do understand your skepticism," she said. "You must be wondering why I asked you to accompany me to the station, am I right?"

Abel nervously gulped. Don’t tell me... she actually likes me! Oh my—

However, his fantasies were squished as Emily interrupted him. "You see, I’ve been rather curious about your ability. The one that allows you to learn at such a remarkable pace."

"Ohhh!" Abel nodded in understanding. "So that’s why. I see, I see."

"Hmm?" Emily asked with a tilt of her head, "Did you perhaps imagine it was for some other reason?"

Abel awkwardly cleared his throat and changed the subject. "Anyways, my Hallmark doesn’t quite allow me to learn everything at a rapid pace. It’s more like mimicry. If I see you do something, I can mirror your movements and actions. That’s basically the gist of it."

Emily’s light blue eyes flashed with intrigue. "That is quite a unique ability you possess, Mr. Bishop," she said thoughtfully.

"So it is tied to the concept of reflection wherein you yourself become a mirror of your target’s actions. How very interesting!"

"Just like a mirror. Heh." Abel smirked.

Emily slipped into silence as she gazed at the passing scenery beyond the window. A few moments later, she turned to the youth and asked, "Mr. Bishop, have you given any thought to your career trajectory within the Ministry as of yet?"

"My career trajectory?" Abel found it amusing. "Miss, it hasn’t even been half a month since I’ve joined. I think these are things I should worry about later down the line, no?"

Emily nodded gently. "Indeed, such matters are not typically for newly initiated Occultists to dwell upon. However, you are no ordinary Occultist, Mr. Bishop."

She paused, her gaze steady. "Not only are you an Aberrant-type, but you are also a man who awakened by the old method. That alone sets you apart."

She paused once more, allowing her words to settle in. "You may not realize it just yet, but your value to the Ministry is far greater than you imagine."

Abel subconsciously straightened his back. "Is that true?"

Emily nodded, her expression calm and knowing. "Why do you suppose Director Kensington himself presided over your swearing-in ceremony? He sees great potential in you, Mr. Bishop."

She paused, her lips curling into a faint smile. "And if you continue to train with diligence, apply yourself to your studies, and see your mission through with care..."

Her smile deepened.

"Who knows? I might even put in a good word on your behalf, and help you secure the coveted promotion to Winchester."