In short, as long as something contains a "story," Bologue likes it. He believes these things extend human life to some extent, allowing people to see more beautiful things and experience what they haven’t in their limited lifespan.
Thinking of this, Bologue can feel himself slowly reintegrating into the world, from listening to noisy rock music to now watching stage plays.
Bologue picked up the keys and walked out the door. He decided that if he ever had to move in the future, he’d try to get a TV or something.
Leaving the building, the gray and dim light fell, and the sky was still familiarly gloomy.
"Speaking of which, how is Geoffrey’s progress? Did Norm finally speak?"
Bologue muttered to himself, feeling that the Order Bureau was really too far from his home, a four-hour round trip at times. Without necessity, he was really too lazy to go there.
A shout rang out, and Bologue suspiciously turned toward the sound. He had almost no friends and couldn’t figure out who was calling him.
The iron fence at the street corner was pulled open, and an old face poked out from the shadow of a small window, waving at Bologue.
"Bologue, is it your day off today? It’s rare to see you during the daytime."
The old man looked surprised, in his memory, Bologue appeared very rarely during the day.
"Yeah, you could say it’s a day off."
Bologue walked to the railing and struck up a conversation with Vincent.
The friendship between Bologue and Vincent was rather peculiar. During his one-year internship, Bologue spent most of his time tracking and hunting Demons, something that was obviously not smooth during the day. So Bologue usually worked at night and slept during the day.
He often worked late into the night, and when he stayed at Adelle’s house, she would prepare some late-night snacks for him on the table. But after he moved out of her house, no one cooked for him anymore, and Bologue didn’t have the energy to cook for himself, making it difficult to find food late at night until he discovered Vincent’s shop that operated until late.
As the visits added up, Bologue and Vincent became familiar, and Vincent could be considered an old customer.
"You seem to be in a good mood. So, has something good happened?"
Vincent looked at Bologue, clearly sensing that his mental state had improved a lot.
"Probably... I found a job, stable and long-term employment, and the salary and benefits are quite good," Bologue replied.
Compared to the many companies in Opus, the treatment at the Order Bureau was indeed good, not only providing meals but also covering funerals, which sounded very thoughtful.
"Oh? That’s not bad. In this damn Opus, there’s wealth everywhere, but the foreigners who come here to strike it rich are endless. Those who can earn money and live a stable life are still the minority, not to mention those who can buy a house in the city center and have a place of their own; they are very few."
Vincent rambled on. This old guy seemed to have experienced a lot in his youth, with a murky gaze flickering with past memories, and then he suddenly remembered something.
"Wait, you’re not working in the Great Rift, are you?"
The old man’s cloudy eyes suddenly became clear, staring intently at Bologue.
"No, no, I can’t stand that place."
Bologue lied, though he didn’t consider it a lie. He worked for the Order Bureau, only occasionally needing to go on business trips to the Great Rift.
Hearing Bologue’s answer, Vincent breathed a sigh of relief, then coughed forcefully, warning Bologue.
"My lungs were damaged from working in the Great Rift. I was lucky to resign early. They say the old guys of my generation all ended up dying in hospitals... Dying of respiratory failure."
Vincent’s voice gradually lost emotion, becoming monotonous and indifferent.
"They say it feels like you’re drowning, unable to breathe, suffocating to death."
Taking another glance at Bologue, Vincent smiled and then said.
"Don’t worry too much. Remember to work hard. Although this place is terrible, you have to strive to live well."
"Yeah, bye, Vincent, see you tomorrow."
Bologue nodded, thanked Vincent for his concern, then waved and left.