The streets of the border town were far calmer than before.
Weeks ago, the entire place had been drowning in fear. People screamed every night whenever beast roars echoed from the forests beyond the walls. Merchants rushed to leave before sunset. Families locked themselves inside their homes while praying the gates would survive until morning. Even the soldiers looked exhausted back then.
Now everything felt different.
The massive walls surrounding the town stood firm beneath the afternoon sun. Workers moved across the stone roads carrying lumber, tools, baskets of food, and newly forged weapons. Merchants shouted loudly while advertising monster materials and fresh meat gathered from slain beasts outside the borders. Children ran across the streets again without trembling every time they heard movement near the gate.
Clay slowly walked through the middle of the town while Maid Cy followed half a step behind him.
His hands rested lazily behind his back.
