My mod ruined the otherworldly art style.

The faint morning light pierced the afterglow of the six purple moons.

The iron city, shrouded in sulfurous fumes, awakens at dawn.

This once peaceful town has now become unusually noisy.

"Captain! Captain! Something terrible has happened!"

A gatekeeper rushed into the tavern in a panic.

He yelled at Walker and Calvin, who were fast asleep on the table.

His loud shout instantly woke the two men from their hangover.

"Ugh... my head hurts so much."

"What on earth happened? Why are you shouting and yelling?"

Walker shook his head, which was throbbing with pain, and glared angrily at his subordinate.

This startled the subordinate, who quickly shrank back and cautiously began to explain:

"That's right, Captain."

"A large-scale shootout took place in the black market of the lower district late last night."

"For some unknown reason, the largest local gang has started fighting with an unknown force."

The gatekeeper spoke eloquently, his face full of sighs.

He explained while demonstrating the actions:

"The scene was spectacular; I estimate there were at least 100 people involved."

"After the battle, more than half of the troops were killed or wounded."

"There are corpses everywhere there now, and blood has flowed down half the street."

"The Chief Administrator has received the news and is furious, dispatching people to handle the situation and prevent the spread of the plague."

Walker and Calvin were shocked by the soldier's vivid description.

In this remote town that has enjoyed 20 years of peace

When have so many people died or been injured in a single day?

It was nothing short of a horrific tragedy.

It was no less than a small war.

After realizing the seriousness of the situation, Walker rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.

He turned to look at his friend and said with a hint of helplessness:

"Calvin, I originally wanted to take you to the administrator so you could personally report what you had discovered."

"But you've seen the situation now,"

"An unknown force was able to quietly appear in the city and engage in firefights with local gangs."

"This already demonstrates that I, as the city gate guard captain, have seriously neglected my duties."

"If I were to abandon my post now, it would be an irresponsible act towards all the residents of the town."

"so....."

Before Walker could finish speaking,

Calvin the Bearded waved his hand.

He patted Walker on the shoulder in a very generous manner:

"You don't need to explain, I understand."

"As the gatekeeper, you naturally have your own responsibilities."

"I will personally report this matter to the Chief Administrator."

"Go and do your own thing."

Seeing that his friend understood, the burly Walker stood up and tidied his equipment.

He brought along the soldier who came to report.

He strode towards the city gate.

He secretly vowed to find out how that mysterious force had secretly infiltrated the city.

Otherwise, the entire town will never have a day of peace again.

Watching his old friend leave quickly, the bearded Calvin finished the last drop of wine in his glass.

His eyes were firm and resolute.

He couldn't get involved in gang fights, nor was it his place to interfere.

However, the existence of goblins and special monsters truly threatened the entire town.

Therefore, for everyone's safety and for the smooth flow of trade routes.

He had to take his team to meet with the administrator.

Thinking of this,

Calvin didn't delay any longer. He went to the small inn next to the tavern and called over the female team member Leah and the old coachman Holm.

They hurried towards the largest mansion in the town center.

It was a heavy building constructed from dark blue mineral rock.

The rough exterior walls were inlaid with sulfur crystals, and the rivets on the cast iron gate were arranged like those of a mining pick.

A miner's lamp that never goes out hangs above the doorway.

Several guards stood on either side of the gate, holding spears in their hands, looking fierce and menacing like gate gods.

When they saw the three people arrive,

The spears in their hands were all extended forward, crossing into a cross.

They blocked the group's path.

"Captain Calvin, it's been a long time."

"The Chief Administrator is currently dealing with the bloody incident at the black market in the lower city and is temporarily unable to meet with anyone else."

The bearded man who was stopped glanced at the guard.

I already knew in my heart that this would be the outcome.

As the former head of the mine's security detail, he frequently came here to report on his work and was familiar with everyone.

I know the Chief Administrator is a workaholic.

Once they start dealing with an emergency, they don't care about anyone else.

But the problem now is that he's in a real hurry too.

The old coachman Holm, standing behind Calvin, noticed his captain's anxiety.

He stepped forward and coughed twice.

"Cough cough..."

"Young man, would you please go and inform them?"

"Take Holm Stoneeye, the former Royal Chief Mineral Prospector, for example. He has a matter of utmost importance to report concerning the survival of the town."

The old man's sudden words startled the guards, whose faces were full of seriousness.

They glanced instinctively at the aged coachman and recognized the famous figure.

This is the famous figure who, after retiring due to illness, voluntarily became a rickshaw driver and traveled all over the country.

Given the other party's past status, it is indeed worthy of making an exception this time.

The guards exchanged glances, and one of them nodded.

I jogged over to report to the administrator on the top floor of the building.

A few minutes later.

The guard returned and bowed to old Holm.

Then he solemnly announced:

"I apologize for keeping you waiting. The magistrate has granted your request for an audience."

"Please follow me, everyone."

The guard responsible for reporting politely gestured with his hand.

He led the three of them into the building.

Lia, a female team member who was entering the city lord's mansion for the first time, couldn't help but look around.

It was even more solemn than she had imagined.

The dark blue mineral walls were inlaid with glowing sulfur crystals, illuminating the corridor.

Her fingers unconsciously traced the lucky pattern on the sword hilt, a habit she had whenever she was nervous.

Captain Calvin, walking ahead, noticed his companion's unease.

He turned around and gave me an encouraging look.

This made Leah take a deep breath and straighten her back again.

"Hehe, don't worry, little girl."

Old Holm had slowed his pace at some point and was walking alongside her.

The weathered voice carried a soothing quality:

"Our magistrate is strict, but he is never careless when it comes to matters concerning the safety of the town."

"Not only did they manage this remote little town very well, but they also ensured that people could live and work in peace and contentment."

"It also allowed it to maintain peaceful development for 20 years."

"This is a feat that has never been done anywhere else, and I, an old man, am truly impressed."

Hearing old Holm's感慨 (sentiments/reflections), Leah nodded obediently.

She took her fingertips off the sword hilt and used them to tidy up her slightly messy braids.

"I understand. Everything that happened by the river yesterday is etched into my mind."

"When I meet the Administrator, I will use the [Memory Projection] ability."

"To reproduce it completely."

Seeing that Leah had returned to normal, old Holm once again showed a kind smile on his face.

With his hands behind his back, he quickened his pace considerably.

"Knock knock knock..."

A dull knocking sounded on the door.

With a "Please come in" greeting, the heavy mahogany door was pushed open by the guard.

Inside, one is greeted by an office filled with a strong historical atmosphere.

The office was filled with bookshelves, displaying all sorts of books.

Even the desk in the very center was piled high with thick stacks of documents.

A 50-year-old middle-aged man wearing round-framed glasses.

He was currently holding a quill pen, scribbling and drawing on documents related to the black market in the lower city.

When they saw the trio enter...

He put down his pen and pushed up his glasses.

The gleaming lenses concealed his sharp gaze.

A cold and serious voice began its interrogation:

"Calvin, I hope you have come here with something of great importance concerning the survival of the town."

"Otherwise, even if the former [Royal Chief Mineral Prospector] were here..."

"You also need to be punished for disrupting official business."