An enormous gate at the rear of Toraz town stood as a formidable barrier, separating the people from the dangers that lurked beyond.
The area outside of the gate was treacherous, with sharp rocks and steep hills, creating a natural defense that made it almost impossible for any creatures to breach the town's boundaries.
On this particular day, the air was filled with anticipation as the guards patrolled their assigned positions.
There were a total of fifteen guards, constantly reminding everyone of the ever-present threat just beyond the gate.
Some guards stood on top of the gate, scanning the horizon with watchful eyes, while others patrolled the area outside, keeping a keen eye out for any signs of trouble.
Inside the gate, a few guards remained vigilant, ensuring the safety of the town's residents.
Dalan, the leader of the guards, had a weathered appearance that spoke of many years spent in service. His face bore the scars of battles fought and won, but it was his eyes that held the most intrigue.
A deep, dark cut marked his left eye, a constant reminder of the dangers that awaited those who dared to protect Toraz town.
Suddenly, Dalan spoke with concern, "Hey, remember when the Mana Knights showed up earlier? I hope that old Baron manipulates them again so they stick around and take care of a few beasts for us. Lately, the Radioactive wild animals have been acting strange—more aggressive and restless. I have a foreboding feeling about this month."
"Really? No wonder that little girl didn't come today," one of the sentries replied from a distance, sounding relieved. "I can sense it too."
Normally, they wouldn't be worried because the Mana Knights frequently visited the town to eliminate the radioactive beasts and collect their magic crystals. But this month, Dalan and the others sensed that something was amiss deep within the forest, which left them feeling uneasy.
Suddenly, with his experience as a leader, he noticed a change in the blow of the natural wind. And then he would turn his head to where the change came from.
Using his left hand to shield his eyes from the sun's glare, Dalan scanned the horizon, straining to see the figures approaching from within the town.
At first, it was difficult to make out their identities due to the bright sunlight, but as they came closer, their features became clearer in his eyes.
"Who are they?" Dalan whispered, his voice filled with curiosity and caution.
The first person to catch his attention was a young man, looking untidy and disheveled. His appearance was unusual, sparking a sense of curiosity within Dalan. What was the young man's purpose for approaching the gate?
Beside the young man stood another person, someone Dalan knew all too well. It was Butler Mendez, a familiar face in Toraz town.
Though they were friends, they rarely met, and the fact that Butler Mendez rarely went to the back of the town puzzled Dalan even more.
"Butler Mendez?"
Dalan's voice revealed a mix of surprise and concern.
He exchanged glances with his fellow guards, their eyes now fixed on the two figures as well.
Something was not right, as Butler Mendez's unexpected arrival stirred an increasing sense of unease within the surrounding guards and captain Dylan.
"What is he doing here?" Dalan wondered aloud, his voice tinged with worry.
The pieces of the puzzle began to fit together, but the full picture remained elusive.
He could somehow feel that the arrival of these two individuals signaled a disruption in the normal order of things, and Dalan knew that his duty as a captain of the guards required immediate action.
…
Wallace walked along the curving path, feeling the cool cobblestones under his boots. The sun was setting, casting a warm, amber light on the horizon.
As he turned a corner, he was struck with astonishment. Standing in front of him was a massive gate, reaching toward the sky with its iron bars. It was a formidable entrance made of strong looking wood, separating the town of Toraz from the unknown beyond.
Butler Mendez followed closely behind, his steps hesitant and unsure. Wallace turned to him, his face devoid of much expression, wearing a serious demeanor. ''Is that the entrance to the outside of this town, Sebastian?'' he asked, seeking assurance as he believed this to be the only possible location.
Butler Mendez scratched his head, looking confused. "Sir, I am not Sebastian, I am Mendez," he corrected gently with a helpless tone to it.
Wallace felt embarrassed by his mistake but quickly composed himself. "My apologies. Is that the back gate of Toraz town?" he asked again, his curiosity burning within him.
Butler Mendez sighed with relief and nodded, a faint smile appearing on his face. "Yes, young Sir Baron, this is the gate. Those people on the side are our guards. They protect us from the dangerous creatures that sometimes breach the walls. And the one leading them, the captain, is my old friend, Dylan," he explained. "Beyond this gate lies the unknown—a dangerous forest filled with those very creatures."
Wallace's gaze shifted to Captain Dylan, who stood at the front of the guards, radiating authority. Determined, Wallace closed the distance and stopped in front of the captain. "Have you noticed anything unusual this month?" he asked urgently, concern flickering in his eyes.
Captain Dylan looked skeptical and surprised, caught off guard by the unexpected question. Sensing the need for a response, Butler Mendez discreetly signaled to him, giving a subtle nod that urged compliance.
"Yes, my lord," Captain Dylan replied, his voice tinged with apprehension.
Wallace continued his journey, his brow furrowed in deep thought. "I see," he muttered, his mind racing with possibilities. 'The system can really detect it,' he pondered to himself, realizing the significance of his discovery.
Filled with determination, he casually walked past Captain Dylan, this seemingly ordinary action that left the captain bewildered.
When Butler Mendez approached Captain Dylan, he glanced at Butler with his wide eyes, as if silently questioning the identity of Wallace. Butler Mendez understood and responded in a hushed tone, "He's the new Baron."
Captain Dylan's eyes widened further, "The new Baron?" And then he would look at the messy back of Wallace, feeling indescribable. But Butler Mendez would simply nod his head.
"Regardless of the circumstances, we mustn't provoke him. He might appear gentle and courteous, and at times even straightforward like this, but if he's provoked, he could be merciless, just as he demonstrated with his entire family," Mendez cautioned.
Upon hearing this, Dylan felt a strange sensation. He pictured Wallace, who appeared untidy and messy, and found him funny in his mind. But now, it made him feel uneasy, as if the whole world had darkened. "This messy young man?" he questioned.
Butler Mendez simply nodded in response.
As Dylan gazed at Mendez's serious expression, he couldn't help but feel a growing curiosity.
"He murdered the elderly man and the entire Torah-" Before finishing his sentence, Butler Mendez nodded once more.
Dylan's eyes widened in shock! He instinctively took a deep breath and exclaimed, "What!?" He muttered in disbelief. Their conversation was abruptly interrupted when Wallace, who was standing some distance away, raised his hand.
"Butler," Wallace called out.
Butler Mendez immediately ceased paying attention to his stunned friend and replied, "Yes, young Baron, sir?"
Upon hearing this, Wallace responded, "I'm going beyond this border…"