Dock area, harbor.
Squads of Harbor Guards appeared here at dawn, initiating martial law.
All transportation and unloading were postponed.
Residents also began to evacuate.
No one complained.
Because Gerard offered a certain, even substantial, compensation.
With compensation in hand, people immediately treated the martial law like a holiday, with many wearing wide smiles.
However, the guards tasked with enforcing martial law wore serious expressions.
Especially little Reed, who commanded these men, gripping the long sword at his waist without ever easing his hold.
'The Piper'!
Upon learning that someone was expected to appear here today at noon, Reed's heart hung suspended in midair.
Because he didn't know how to confront such a powerful enemy.
An enemy whose strength couldn't be measured by numbers.
For Reed, or indeed for most people, this truly was the most terrifying kind of enemy.
And when the other party requested to meet only one person...
