Amidst Vera's experiments and Aili's recuperation, the two-week leave of the Eastern Fourth Squad swiftly came to an end.
The compensation for the past two months had already been disbursed, with each member receiving their silver Weimar coins.
Finally, Levin settled into the life of an ordinary deputy sheriff.
As a deputy sheriff, Levin's main duty during times when the headquarters issued no specific tasks was to lead the members of the Eastern Fourth Squad in patrolling their assigned districts. With his appointment, he and Aili divided the responsibility of maintaining order across the two halves of the district.
Owing to the unique political status, free trade environment, and advanced magical technology of Weimar Free City, its population was far more complex than that of most other nations on the continent, teeming with immigrants, merchants, and even a few fugitives from various lands.
This complexity made law enforcement particularly challenging, compounded by the emergence of unprecedented crimes fueled by the advancement of magical technology. Thus, the city's Guard Force not only served as Weimar's military defense but also played a crucial role in maintaining internal security.
After more than a decade of stringent law enforcement, the city's public order had greatly improved compared to its early days. Open gang warfare had become a rarity, the number of thieves and pickpockets had halved, and local citizens no longer feared being extorted by groups of immigrants on their way home from work at night.
All this could be attributed to the "grid management" system proposed by the Council of Sages, which divided the Guard Force into squads and smaller units, each responsible for patrolling their designated areas and establishing alert stations.
For sudden criminal cases, the headquarters would assign specific squads to handle them based on a comprehensive assessment of the district and the strength of its members. In incidents involving extraordinary beings or espionage that ordinary guards could not manage, the Special Operations Team would be dispatched.
The appearance of werewolves was a major concern for Weimar City.
According to past experience, most werewolves were associated with the Valkyris Church.
The Valkyris Church was a secret religion that worshipped demonic gods, preserving cruel rituals like blood sacrifices and human offerings. It was expelled as an illegal church in the second year following Weimar's founding.
However, the Valkyris Church did not immediately abandon its infiltration efforts but continued to commit numerous atrocities before being fully purged from the city after several years.
To Weimar, the reemergence of werewolves likely signaled the return of the Valkyris Church.
This bloodthirsty and brutal cult left deep scars on every Weimar citizen who had suffered at its hands.
For the guards who had faced the Valkyris Church on the frontlines, the memories were particularly vivid.
Quick to resort to violence, and if overpowered, they would transform—vile creatures indeed.
Given that the Valkyris Church was an organization of extraordinary beings, the Special Operations Team was on standby during the full moon operation. Should it be confirmed that the Church was conducting large-scale activities, they would act immediately.
In the seemingly peaceful yet secretly turbulent routine patrols, Levin could sense an impending storm.
The entire Weimar Guard Force was tightening its grip, slowly but surely.
Although the werewolf had yet to be caught, several gangs of thieves and violent groups had been subdued, contributing somewhat to the city's safety.
And soon enough, the day of the full moon arrived amidst the routine patrols.
...
*Knock, knock.* Levin rapped on Aili's office door.
"Come in," Aili's voice called from within.
"Commander, you wanted to see me?" Levin stepped into the office. Aili, clad in her winter guard uniform, stood inside, a scarf wrapped around her neck.
*She's well-prepared,* Levin noted to himself.
"Yes, headquarters has sent a message. I'm to go directly to the operations command center to await further orders. The Eastern Fourth Squad will be under your temporary command as deputy sheriff," Aili nodded heavily.
"Are you leaving now?" Despite their close rapport in private, Levin maintained a respectful tone and attitude toward Aili in the workplace.
"Yes, I'm heading to the command center now. You take charge of the Eastern Fourth Squad, and don't worry about me," Aili tightened her scarf—a motion Levin knew was meant to remind him of the hidden silver collar beneath, a reassurance that she was protected.
Yet, despite Vera's assurances, Levin couldn't help but worry. But at this point, there was no better option—he could only hope for the best.
"Understood, Commander. I'll take good care of the Eastern Fourth Squad," Levin nodded, signaling his comprehension of Aili's intent.
His claim wasn't mere bravado. Levin had already become accustomed to the duties of a deputy sheriff during the regular shifts following his return from leave. Temporarily assuming the role of sheriff in Aili's absence posed no significant challenge.
"Very well. Stay at the camp and await deployment orders from headquarters. Inspector Arios has stated that you will participate in the operation as usual. If the target werewolf is captured alive, you will need to identify them... when the time comes..." Aili hesitated.
"Don't worry, Commander. The operation will go smoothly," Levin quickly interrupted, fearing that Aili might ask him to identify her.
Of course, the operation Levin referred to wasn't the headquarters' mission but their own covert plan.
After all, it was common knowledge among the Guard Force that werewolves would be forced to transform under the full moon. If someone appeared under the full moon without transforming, they would naturally be considered not to be a werewolf.
If this plan succeeded, no one would suspect Aili of being a werewolf for a long time.
"Yes, it will go smoothly." Aili took a deep breath, the fear and hesitation in her eyes dissipating, leaving only the clarity and resolve that was her usual demeanor.
"Regardless of today's outcome, I will always be grateful to you, Deputy Sheriff Levin."
Levin chuckled softly, "Commander, there's no need for such formality. You saved my life, helping you is the least I can do."
Aili responded with a gentle smile, "If this succeeds, it won't be much different from you saving my life. Enough of this talk—I'm heading to the command center."
With that, Aili stood up and made her way to the door. Before stepping out, she glanced back at Levin, "I'm entrusting the Eastern Fourth Squad to you. With you here, I can rest easy."
Levin quickly ushered her out, "Alright, alright, go on. You're acting like you're entrusting your entire life to me, not just a day. I've got ambitions of my own, you know."
Aili couldn't help but smile, her mood lightened as she walked out of the camp.
...
After Aili's departure, Levin conducted a thorough inspection of the camp, checking on the condition and equipment of each team member. Once finished, the communication crystal in the office began to chime.
"This is Chief Inspector Edel Ludwig from headquarters. Is the Eastern Fourth Squad ready?" Edel's voice, though cold, carried a weariness that hadn't been there before.
"Deputy Sheriff Levin Yasin of the Eastern Fourth Squad reporting, Commander. The squad is fully prepared and ready for deployment," Levin replied confidently, having just completed his checks.
"Good. Lead the Eastern Fourth Squad to Area Three in the Eastern District and enforce a curfew tonight. Advise the citizens to return home and remain indoors—understood?" Edel issued the orders for the Eastern Fourth Squad.
"Understood, Commander," Levin responded.
"Very well. The written orders will be transmitted shortly. Verify their accuracy and execute the mission immediately," Edel concluded, hanging up.
Shortly thereafter, as before, the crystal transmitted a paper command order. After confirming its contents, Levin stepped into the plaza and blew the assembly horn.
*Hooooot!*
At the sound, the squad members, who had been on standby, quickly formed two neat rows, awaiting Levin's address.
"Listen up, everyone."
"Headquarters has organized a large-scale operation tonight involving the entire Guard Force, though the purpose hasn't been disclosed yet. We are no exception and will be participating."
"That's why I had everyone stay ready after your shifts today—this is what we've been preparing for."
"Are you all ready?" Levin's voice rose with the final question.
"Ready!" The squad members responded with enthusiasm, their morale high after the recent half-month leave and two months of bonus pay.
"Good! Move out with me!" With a raised arm, Levin led the Eastern Fourth Squad at a brisk pace toward Area Three in the Eastern District.
...
"Attention, citizens! Please remain indoors tonight! A curfew is in effect!"
"Attention, citizens! Please remain indoors tonight! A curfew is in effect!"
The Eastern Fourth Squad moved through Area Three in the Eastern District, urging the residents to stay inside. Weimar City had no walls to enforce a lockdown, trapping criminals within, but the Guard Force wasn't aiming to annihilate the potential werewolf—only to prevent it from wreaking havoc and causing panic on this full moon night. More importantly, they sought to prevent a large-scale infiltration or invasion by the Valkyris Church.
Levin positioned himself at the center of Area Three, ready to quickly support any unit within the district. As the sun dipped low, the guardsmen continued persuading citizens to return home while setting up barricades and checkpoints at key intersections.
Some citizens, slightly alarmed, asked the guardsmen why a curfew was being imposed.
But apart from Levin and Aili, none of the Eastern Fourth Squad knew the true target or enemy of this operation. They had simply received the curfew orders from their superiors and could only truthfully inform the citizens that there was an undisclosed Guard Force mission tonight and that staying outside could be dangerous.
Despite the unease, the citizens of Weimar, trusting in the Guard Force's excellent performance in recent years, complied with the curfew and retreated to their homes.
Night gradually enveloped the sky, and through the thin clouds, the full moon emerged, faintly glowing.
Levin kept his gaze fixed on the rising full moon, silently praying for Aili.
"Everything hinges on this... please let it go unnoticed this time..."