New Gods of North America

We have arranged a private gathering with the ladies, and we will have afternoon tea together.

Under the supervision of her mother, Gladys Russell saw that the time was almost up, so she honestly followed her usual habit and borrowed the piano room in the manor to practice the piano.

This is one of the reasons why landlords and wealthy people sometimes prefer to stay overnight at each other's manors.

Many small requests that can satisfy their daily living habits are often not easy to meet in seemingly luxurious hotels.

After watching Miss Russell leave, Olivia began to talk to Miss Inissa and Miss Lina about some more private topics:

"I've been having nightmares more and more frequently lately... The effect of the herbs that Ms. Inessa gave me seems to be waning. Sometimes when I sit down and rest for a while, I'll dream about that shadow trying to attack me again."

Inesa began to check Olivia's physical condition again.

He was now paying close attention to her eyes. "Are there any changes in the blood test results?"

Olivia's head trembled slightly. "The reaction of the holy water is getting more and more intense. Now small bubbles have begun to appear."

Inessa thought for a moment, then placed her fingers on Olivia's neck to feel her pulse:

"The herbs that relieve the situation are no longer effective, and the reaction of the holy water has intensified. This is a sign of 'awakening'. Under normal circumstances, after being affected by extraordinary power, although there may be sequelae, the remaining extraordinary power should disappear quickly or gradually dissipate.

"However, there are precedents for situations like yours. Some Beyonder abilities like 'pollution' do have a chance of awakening. Are you really not considering asking your family or the church for help?"

Olivia shook her head slightly:

"Our family doesn't have much trust in bishops from other states. If my father or my brother knew about this, they would probably call me back to Georgia immediately, and my studies would be in vain.

“Until the situation develops to that point, I don’t want to go back for the time being. And I see that you are all extraordinary people, and your lives are not affected. It seems that you are not as terrible as Mr. Henry described the Fallen before.”

Lina tilted her head and said, "So you should try the method I told you. Try to fight the black shadow that looks like an old witch in your nightmare. Maybe if you can eliminate her in your dream, the problem will be solved."

"actually……"

Olivia shrank her neck slightly:

“When I was in Chicago, I found a dark shadow pressing on me in my dream. I woke up only after I struggled to get rid of it.

"I've tried to kill it several times in my dreams... but it seems to be getting more aggressive."

After finishing her general inspection, Inissa returned to her seat:

"This may be the reason why the reaction of the holy water is getting more and more intense. Your situation is relatively rare, and there are not many precedents to refer to. According to common sense, when you completely eliminate the black shadow in your dream, it may be the moment of your true awakening.

"It will probably be like an embryo absorbing the nutrients in the eggshell, changing from level 0 to level 1, where the Beyonder ability may be temporarily uncontrollable. It may also directly reach level 2, but the Beyonder ability may be easier to control but also weaker.

"But I must remind you again, if you show signs of losing control at that time, then I will take coercive measures against you as I said before."

Olivia thought for a moment, "If I hadn't lost control, would it have affected me if I went to church later?"

"It depends on your resistance and the status of the source of your extraordinary power."

Inesa didn't think twice about it, and then asked, "How is your 'allergy' to holy water now?"

"What I've been using recently is the holy water I got from Georgeberg Church. My skin basically won't be allergic to it anymore, but it probably still can't come into contact with wounds or parts like eyes and mouth. I tried to drop a small drop directly on it before, and I had mouth ulcers for several days." Olivia replied.

Inissa nodded slightly. "If you truly awaken, the situation may worsen or weaken. It is impossible to generalize. In fact, some Beyonders are very strong, but their resistance to holy water may always be low."

"But I see that you don't seem to react to the holy water. I wish I could be like that..."

"Hmm?" Lina took another sip of tea and asked in a questioning tone.

Olivia pointed to the teacup in Lina's hand:

"I asked Sarah to secretly put a small amount of diluted holy water in your teacups, just enough that even I could detect the abnormality but not enough to hurt myself, to see if you would react the same way I would.

"But she sent it off a little early, and Gladys hadn't left yet, and you didn't seem to notice anything unusual..."

Lina almost spit out her tea when she heard this.

But the tragedy did not happen.

Lina frowned and continued to swallow, muttering, "Don't do this again in the future. What if I get diarrhea..."

…

After having a dinner at the manor, Wayne and his two companions returned to the detective agency.

Because Mrs. Russell was present, everyone was very well behaved during the meal. Even Wayne had to be a little more reserved and pay attention to his manners.

Miss Russell's eyes looked a little strange, and sometimes she would secretly glance at Wayne, as if she was observing some strange wild animal.

Miss Olivia was said to have tried on several new dresses for the ladies to see, and finally changed into another one at the dinner.

The gorgeous silk dresses with wide open collars in bright colors were as dazzling as before, but seemed richer and more generous.

"The young lady from the Brooke family... I seem to have met her father at a dance at Mr. Russell's house. The one who made steam train parts?"

In the carriage, after listening to the news brought back by Inissa and Lina, Wayne tried to match the content with what he already knew.

"That should be it..." Lina thought for a moment, "Miss Olivia said that their family business seems to be closely related to the steam train company. It's not surprising that you met him at Mr. Russell's dance. What is he like?"

Wayne recalled:

"He seems like a simple businessman who cares more about business and personal connections. I think I exchanged business cards with him, and then I threw them to Ryan. I'll ask him to look for them later."

“It should be.”

Inessa had an impression of this. "I remember Doug and Ryan sorted it out together, and the business card album was finally placed in your office. It's probably in a drawer or cabinet. But from what you said, it seems that Mr. Brooke doesn't seem to be an insider."

Wayne estimated the situation based on his own family:

“The hostess is usually responsible for keeping the jewelry. Although a considerable part of it is given by the host, she usually buys it herself, or it is originally a dowry or a personal gift.

"I'll find a chance to contact Mr. Brooke, and you guys continue to find out about Miss Mary's situation, or follow her to keep an eye on Mrs. Brooke."