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Chapter 466: Werewolf
Chapter 466: Werewolf
Chapter 466: Werewolf
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The group made their way towards the town square, where a massive evergreen tree stood, its branches heavy with snow and adorned with colorful lights and ornaments.
Around the tree, there was a bustling market. Stalls selling hot beverages, roasted meats, and freshly baked bread filled the chilly air with mouthwatering fragrances.
Seeing such a lively scene, Adam couldn't help but ask, "So apart from the night of the full moons, those beasts don't attack the town?"
"That is correct, my lord," Kenley replied respectfully. "It is because of this peculiar occurrence that the town has managed to stand for so long. If not, I'm afraid the town and its people would have long since perished."
"I see." Adam nodded while stroking his chin. "Then what about the night of the full moons? How does the town defend against the beasts?"
"The town council hires mercenaries as well as wandering Magi from the surrounding regions, promising them bountiful rewards in exchange for protecting the town," replied the blond middle-aged man.
"But how long before the town's coffers are emptied?" Adam posed a valid question.
"Monetary rewards are secondary," Kenley began. "What these people are more interested in are the beast cores and other materials that they can harvest from the creatures."
Adam stopped by a stall and ordered five plates of skewered meat for everybody. After waiting a few minutes, the food was ready. The group grabbed their plates and continued walking toward their destination.
At the edge of the square, the group noticed the town's inn, The White Stag, its signage board depicting a majestic stag standing proudly.
"My lord, I've booked a sizeable room for your use at that inn." Kenley pointed at the large two-story inn in the near distance. He then glanced at the kids and spoke with a smile, "Three additional rooms will also be ready for you."
Aiden was extremely perplexed. "Wait, we aren't staying at your house? Instead, we're staying at this inn?"
Art asked with squinted eyes, "Are you really Professor's relative?"
"Uhm..." Kenley glanced at the kids, then at Adam with an awkward look.
"Don't ask so many questions. I'll explain everything to you inside," said Adam sternly.
"Yes, Professor!" The kids hurriedly nodded their heads.
As the group stepped inside White Stag Inn, Adam astutely noticed signs of claw marks on the wall. Moreover, there was also a makeshift barricade placed beside the building's entrance.
Despite the signs of attacks that I've observed on my way here, the townfolk seem to be very lively for some reason. Is it because they know they won't be attacked until the next night of full moons? The youth pondered.
The group faced no hassle when they checked in at the establishment. Everything happened very smoothly.
Adam instructed the kids to freshen up and then meet him for dinner in the common area. After the three had gone inside their rooms, Kenley followed Adam into his room.
As soon as the middle-aged man shut the door behind him, Adam weaved a simple hand gesture, erecting a faint energy barrier around them to prevent others from overhearing them.
"In twilight, we find truth," he flatly stated.
Kenley was momentarily stunned before hurriedly performing the secret greeting and replying, "In shadows, we seek wisdom."
Only after Adam had confirmed that the man was a member of the Brotherhood, did he ask, "How many of us are there?"
Kenley secretly approved of Adam's cautious nature before respectfully replying, "My Lord, including me there is one other Acolyte in this town. His name is Wagner."
"I see." Adam nodded as he walked toward the table situated by the bed. He took a seat and unfastened the wine gourd hanging from his waist. "You thirsty?"
Kenley politely refused. "No, thank you, my lord."
Adam took large mouthfuls of the fine liquor he had completed brewing just before leaving Saratoga, finishing in only a few minutes. He then took out another gourd from his earring and started drinking until he finished half of it.
Seeing this ridiculous scene, Kenley was speechless. What the? Did he just drink a whole gourd and a half? What do I do now? Should I just leave?
However, much to his surprise, the raven-haired youth appeared very much sober despite drinking copious amounts of wine. "Tell me everything you know about these attacks. Don't miss out on a single thing. Understood?"
Kenley involuntarily gulped as he noticed the sharp glint in Adam's jet-black pupils.
"My lord, these attacks started more than half a year ago," he began. "Ever since then, hordes of wolves have been attacking the town on the night of the full moons."
"The mission report said something about the involvement of a werewolf. How many of them are there?" Adam asked solemnly. "And what are their power levels?"
"The mercenaries and the wandering Magi have reported coming under attack by one werewolf when a group of them had ventured deep into the Weeping Woods. That is the only case where the lycanthrope had been spotted," replied Kenley.
"Are there any Rank 2 Magi in the town? Or is there one amongst the wandering Magi that have been hired to investigate this occurrence?"
"No, my lord." Kenley shook his head. "The town council consists of only Rank 1 Magi. Even among the wandering Magi who have been hired, there aren't any in the Mana Liquefaction Rank."
Adam went into deep thought. If Elrick gave me the mission, then it means that this case requires someone with the strength of a Rank 2 Magus...
He deeply glanced at Kenley and asked, "How many times have the mercenaries ventured into the woods?"
"Only once," said the middle-aged man. "Deep inside the Weeping Woods, the place is sprawling with wolves. Ever since that one time they encountered a werewolf where the vast majority of the people died, none have gone back there again."
"I see..." Adam nodded.
Why does the werewolf stay within the forest at all times and only attack during the night of full moons? Is it afraid? Or perhaps there are other reasons that I don't know...
"My lord, there is another thing."
"Go on." Adam gestured for the man to continue.
Kenley took a deep breath and solemnly stated, "The Weeping Woods actually used to be a
territory of an ancient Magus Family. We believe that they were the first victims of the
werewolf."
Adam's eyes narrowed. "What was their name?"
"The Howlett Family."