Nights in Pato City always seemed to arrive later than any other surrounding regions, due to the abundance of vivacious young folk. This demographic tended to be energetic, impossible to convince to return home or back to their dorms after sunset. It would indeed be too cruel to insist that they ration their excess vitality for the following morning. Not even the most stringent parents or tutors could be so unreasonable.
Moreover, people always enjoyed seeing those young men or women stroll cheerfully in groups on the main streets, chattering about the knowledge they gained, the beauties or hunks they bumped into, the strict teachers they encountered. Some may head into the United Holy Church to pray for their families and crushes or sneakily enjoy a glass of barley wine in the pubs that always turned a blind eye to them.
All these were indeed thanks to the Pudding Knight Academy, a local pride established seventy years ago by the high-ranking Holy Knight Valentin, a native of Pato City.
The academy was the reason why Pato City, once an insignificant town in the rustic countryside, thrived with such vitality. Families from far and wide wished to send their children to study here and alter their predetermined destinies — well, I meant to change their preestablished lives.
Just a side note, local residents of Pato City could enter the Knight Academy directly at the age of 16. So, owning a property within the school district at any time is always…
Okay, I take that back.
In a nutshell, Pato City was a peaceful and lively town, at least under normal circumstances.
But beneath this tranquility, currents of unease were subtly stirring. At least some intuitive individuals had detected an unusual vibe.
The Warm Sun Team, second-year students of the Pudding Knight Academy, were nearly wiped out in an ambush on their way back from the final assessment. The only survivor was their leader, Light Knight Dave, who was critically injured when he returned to the city. It was miraculous that he was saved before his last breath.
The news spread like wildfire...
The Warm Sun Team was assaulted by two Redback beasts, creatures that shouldn't have been found around Pato City. Although these beasts couldn't threaten Pato City with the Pudding Academy's presence, it made people somewhat apprehensive.
How did they get here? Why did they appear here? Why did they attack those innocent students? Will they attack us next?
Fear always sprouts from the unknown. For instance, a fearless man might be able to face most venomous insects and beasts, even eat their remains after beheading them for their rich protein. Yet, when facing zombies or vampires, entities far less lethal, the same man might run for his life, leaving behind his bravado.
We humans are our own worst fearmongers. However, in most cases, reality isn't as horrifying as we make it out to be (it's just cruel).
This time, though, things aren't that simple...
A certain unsolicited guest in town is bound to complicate matters further.
"Sigh~ Such a dull place." Motan was standing in a desolate alley, looking at the bustling street not far from him. He heaved a sigh but soon a smirk crept up his face, whispering, "But I'll liven things up as much as possible. Don't thank me too much..."
Having changed of his dreary ceremonial robe for his original linen suit, he was doing his best to disappear in the crowd. After quickly stepping out of the alley and randomly seeking directions from a local who looked particularly innocent, he sauntered to a tailor's shop two streets away.
Although it was a little late for customers, he bought (with the money from Medina) a white waistcoat and a pair of long boots. Their quality was modest but good enough to blend into the townsfolk.
Then he inquired about the cheapest accommodation in Pato City. Having ensured that he knew the location unmistakably (because he had a poor sense of direction), he quickly left.
A little later, Motan arrived at the 'Rye' inn at the southernmost part of the city and pushed the door open boldly.
"What can I do for you?" A middle-aged man in a rocking chair beside the door, sporting an unkempt hairdo, glanced at him, stood up with impatience, and asked, "Are you here for food or a room? There's no other entertainment available."
Before Motan could answer, a man completely cloaked in a hooded cape hurried down from the second floor, quickly gestured at the seemingly innkeeper and blurted, "This is my friend, I mentioned about him before."