abcnovels
Chapter 467: Investigation
Chapter 467: Investigation
Chapter 467: Investigation
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The snow fell softly, blanketing the cobblestoned streets in a layer of pristine white. The air was crisp and cold, each breath exuding a mist that quickly dissipated.
Aiden, Art, and Eleiney walked through the crowded streets, pulling their cloaks tighter around them to combat the harsh cold.
"Professor says, once we complete the five stages of the Mana Foundation Rank, the harsh weather will no longer cause us discomfort," said Art as he rubbed his palms against one another.
"Hmm, that's why Professor walks around with a loose robe on without feeling any cold whatsoever," Aiden chimed in.
Art chuckled, "Hehe, it's probably because of the insane amounts of wine that keep him warm."
"Everyone has a vice, Art," Eleniey stated. "Just like how you spend gold on the most random things without batting an eye."
Art's lips twitched. "W-What do you mean? I don't spend on random things!"
"Really?" Eleniey's eyes squinted. "Didn't you give the barmaid at the inn a gold coin to give you a glass of water?"
"What's wrong with that?" Art protested.
"Water's free, you dummy." Aiden pointed at the blond-haired youth and giggled, "Also, didn't you say that you knew about the Professor having a sister in this town? Haha, you're such a liar!"
"S-Shut up!" Art's face turned red from embarrassment. "I was just playing along with the Professor's story. You were too stupid to catch up on it. Hmph!"
Last night, after the trio had freshened up after the long journey and met Adam for dinner, the latter had told them that the reason he was here was because the Herbalist's Guild had given him a mission.
This mission was to gather and research certain types of magical herbs and ingredients that only grew in the Weeping Woods.
The children didn't find this suspicious at all. They knew that Adam was a member of the Herbalist's Guild. Moreover, it was normal for the guild to send its members on missions such as this.
But what they didn't expect was that the town they arrived in to be embroiled in such a supernatural occurrence.
"They say that the reason for the beast attacks is possibly a werewolf. What do you guys think about that?" Aiden asked with slight apprehension.
Of course, he had read about lycanthropes. These creatures were shapeshifters with at least two forms - a humanoid and a particular type of animal. The werewolf was the most notable example.
"These are just rumors, we can't be sure," Eleniey stated with a solemn expression.
As the trio walked through the streets, they noticed that the town was bustling with activity despite the weather and the dangers that lurked outside.
To their left, a bakery exuded warmth and the tantalizing fragrance of freshly baked bread. Next to the bakery stood a blacksmith's forge. The sound of metal clanging on metal could be heard coming from it.
The trio continued down the street, passing a series of houses with thatched roofs that were covered with snow. Smoke curled up from the chimneys, adding to the already pleasant scene.
Children bundled in thick coats ran past them, laughing and tossing snowballs at each other, their cheeks flushed with excitement.
Suddenly, a snowball landed on Art's face, causing him to shudder ever so slightly from the cold sensation.
The young boy who had thrown it at him by mistake suddenly found himself crying nervously. Despite that, he walked before Art and apologized, "S-Sorry, mister... I didn't mean to do that."
Art wiped the snow from his face and glanced at the young boy standing before him. He crouched down and gently patted the boy's head. "It's alright."
"Wuu..." the boy nodded while wiping his tears.
"It's okay, don't cry." Art consoled the boy. "Do you want some candy?"
He then looked at the other children huddled a few meters away from him and asked the
same, "What about you guys? Would you like some candy?"
The children glanced at each other before shyly nodding.
Seeing such a scene, Art couldn't help but chuckle. He took out a bunch of fruit candies that he had bought from the market the other day and presented it to them.
"Waah! So many candies!"
"They look so colorful!"
"Thank you, mister!"
While the little children started devouring the sweets with great relish, Art took the opportunity and asked them, "Can you tell me what has been happening in the town lately?"
A young girl tilted her head and curiously asked, "Mister, you don't know? Are you new here?"
Eleiney stepped forward and said with a warm smile, "We are visiting a relative here. We only came here a few days ago."
Another young boy, this one slightly plump, said animatedly, "Every month, the wolves attack us like rawwrr! But the great Magi protect us like whoosh!"
"What do the residents of the town do when the beasts attack?" Aiden asked.
"We hide underground!"
"It's very stinky!"
"But it's also very warm!"
After chatting with the children a little longer, Art gave them some more candies before bidding them farewell. The three of them continued to go around town, investigating the recent attacks.
They examined the damaged homes, the makeshift barricades that could be found at every house, interviewed the survivors, and explored the whole town.
By sunset, they returned to the White Stag and went to Adam's room on the second floor to report their findings.
They found the raven-haired youth sitting at the table conducting some experiments related to Herbalism. The trio patiently waited until Adam had finally finished what he was doing.
Adam dusted his hands and looked at them, "So what have you found?"
Eleiney stepped forward and respectfully recounted all the details she and her friends had
gathered.
The attacks happened once every month where an endless horde of wolves attacked the town. During this time, the residents hid themselves in the underground bunkers that they had dug up since experiencing the devastation caused by the first-ever beast wave. Meanwhile, mercenaries and wandering Magi hired by the town council protected the town from the beasts. Moreover, the resident Magi and mortal, able-bodied men also participated
in the battle.
"Hmm." Adam nodded after listening to Eleniey.
This coincides with what Kenley has told me. But I still can't help but wonder, why do the wolves
attack the town only the night of the full moons? This is so strange...
He then glanced at his students and solemnly stated, "The next night of the full moons is a
little less than two weeks from now.
"I want you three to partake in the defense of Stratford."