Chapter 1: The Afternoon of the Wolf God Part 1
On the second floor of Bracer's Guild, two men were sitting opposite to each other. More correctly, there were a black haired man and a man (woman?). Other than the two of them, no one was around.
"It's been a tough month."
"…It's nothing. I have used to it." The black haired man took a sip of the drink on hand. "By the way, I'm afraid I have to bother you with remittance."
"No problem. Just go through IBC, right?" Michel said with feminine tone. "Well…I should not say this, but don't you think you should really take a rest? Sizuku is pretty lonely…"
The black haired man - Arios Maclaine remained silent. And that was the answer to Michel.
"…Sorry. I should not say this. Oh yes, I heard that there was contact coming from Raman's HQ. I think you should probably accept it."
"Again? I thought I have rejected their offer." Arios sighed, but remained his straight posture.
"Well, they want you to replace Cassius Bright's place. You two are like a brother, after all. Besides, you have made so many contributions. I think you should really consider about it."
"…Unfortunately, our roles are different. I don't have any achievement of solving national problem." Arios insisted. "To tell the truth, I am not fit."
Michel sighed, still trying to convince the stubborn man. But Arios was thick-headed. Once he decided something, it was almost impossible to change his mind. Of course, Michel knew that Sizuku was one the reason he rejected the offer.
"…Don't worry. Soon, there are two reliable back up will arrive. I think I can rest for a while." Arios smiled a little. He understood Michel was worrying about him.
"Well, they are more reliable than the new formed SSS team, of course. " Michel giggled.
"Excuse me! Is anyone around?"
Suddenly, an energetic female voice sounded from downstairs.
"Whoa…are they here already? It's faster than I was expected." Michel went to the stair and called them to the upper floor. "We're here. Please come to the second floor."
"Oh? Hey, he's on second floor!" The girl talked to the boy beside her.
"Let's go up there."
A moment later, a brown haired pigtails girl and a black haired boy got up to the second floor. The girl waved her hand and greeted Michel brightly.
"Hello Michel…oh, Mr. Arios is here, too?"
"This is good to see you, Mr. Arios." The boy greeted Arios with good manner.
"It's nice to see you, too. It's been three months since our last meet. I'm glad you're here to help us out."
"Yes! That's it! We're hoping you to come and help out! It seems we have a plenty of rest from now on~" Michel smiled like a blossom flower.
The girl chuckled. "Well, just leave it to us!"
"We will do our best to meet your expectation." The boy nodded.
"Alright. I am Senior Bracer Estelle Bright."
"And together with Senior Bracer Joshua Bright."
"We will officially transfer to Bracer's Guild Crossbell Branch!"
Early in the morning after having their breakfasts, SSS team gathered at the meeting place and waiting for Sergei.
It has been an hour since they waited, but Sergei was yet appeared.
"…Chief is slow. It's almost time for briefing meeting though." Lloyd was losing patient on waiting.
"Well, we can't start without Chief." Elie sighed, rubbing her temple.
"I shouldn't get up so early…" Yawning, Randy tried to keep sober. "It will be great to sleep till the noon, and go to casino for the rest of day."
His words earned a glare from the little girl.
"…Do you have anything better to do?"
Around the same time, Sergei showed up by the entrance.
"Sorry for the wait."
"Good morning, Chief."
"Chief, I think we should hurry and start the meeting."
"We don't need that now." Sergei rubbed his hair. "I just got the contact from HQ and it appears to have a special mission for you guys."
"Special mission?"
"It sounds suspicious…" Randy frowned, arms crossed.
Tio looked at Sergei. "Is it investigation mission?"
"Unfortunately, I have no idea. Anyway, just go to the HQ. Our guests are waiting." Sergei shrugged.
Following the instruction of Sergei, the team came to Police HQ and Fran sent them to the office of Vice Chief. It made them to recall the bad memories with the Vice Chief. Randy grumbled a lot on the way.
"Why he called us again?" Randy dropped his face.
"I think he's not going to scold us. Chief Sergei did say the guests are waiting." Lloyd tried to comfort him. He was not willing to meet Vice Chief, but sometimes it couldn't be helped.
"…Even so, some teasing is not avoidable, I guess." Tio looked down to her feet.
"Don't mind it…that's all I can say."
The room behind the corner was their destination. Lloyd knocked the door and opened the door after getting the reply from inside.
Inside the room, there were two women in tidy uniform. One of women was having light blue short hair and was wearing a spectacle. The other one was a young girl with brown short hair.
"That uniform…"
Randy immediately jerked up after seeing the spectacle woman.
"ERR!?"
"Is that a greeting, Randy Orlando?" She adjusted her spectacle, smiling. "What do you mean by that 'ERR'?"
"N-No, it's nothing. I am kind of surprise to see you here." Randy sweat dropped.
"Do you know her?" Lloyd and the other two girls turned their heads to him.
"…That reaction…did you do anything bad before?" Tio sent another glare.
"Ahem!" Feeling he was being ignored, the Vice Chief quickly got their attentions back. "Where is your manner? Hurry up and salute! She is Lieutnant Sonia, the Deputy Commander of Crossbell State Guardian Force (CSGF)!"
"Deputy Commander of CSGF…!" That was quite shocked to the team.
"Nice to meet you…" Elie quickly bowed to show her manner.
"…Randy." Tio spoke timidly. "Is she some kind of VIP?"
To the one not familiar with this, Tio completely had no idea who the woman was.
"…Of course she is. Don't look down on her leadership."
"Well, relax." Sonia chuckled. "Alright, let's get to the topic. Are you the Special Support Section?"
"Y-Yes." Lloyd cleared his throat. "Is there anything we can help you?"
Before Sonia could continue, Vice Chief suddenly broke into the conversation.
"You should be proud of it…do you think the useless newbie like you can meet Lieutnant Sonia so easily?"
Here he goes again… the team thought in the same time. He loved to tease them…wasn't him?
"…Vice Chief, can you leave the explanation to me?" Sonia said.
"…Alright."
"I appreciate that." Sonia turned to face the team once again. "Let me introduce myself. I am Deputy Commander of Crossbell State Guardian Force (CSGF) Sonia Blaz. The reason I am here is because I hope to seek for your help. I will explain the detail soon after this."
… …
"…Survey the monster rebellion?"
After the detail explanation of Sonia, Lloyd asked. And to answer him, Sonia simply nodded.
"Yes. Recently, there were many victimization appeared to be done by particular monsters around the state. So, I would like to have you to investigate the case. "
There was nothing wrong with her delegate. But something still bothered the team. They looked at each other for a while, and Lloyd finally asked.
"Excuse me…you mean they were not happened inside Crossbell City, but outside of the city?"
"Well, is there any problem?"
"No, of course. I just want to make it clear." Of course there was nothing wrong. It has been quite sometimes he back to Crossbell, but due to work, he had yet visited other places. This was a good chance.
"Does CSGF have investigated the cases?" Elie asked. "If you have done the investigation before, I don't think it is necessary to do that."
"…No, it is necessary." Sonia crossed her arms. "There are too many puzzles to solve. Our investigation has met the choke point. Therefore, we hope to investigate from other point of view."
"Other point of view?"
"Yes, we're seeking the point of view from the professional, not only from our CSGF." Sonia raised a cool smile. "In this case, it doesn't have to be SSS, you get it? We can also seek help from elite members of Investigation Section I, of course." She looked at Vice Chief at the end of sentence.
Vice Chief chuckled dryly. "…I would like to have them to help you, of course…but they are too busy now…"
"You heard it. So, we came for you instead. I have no intention to make you feel embarrassed. Let me apologize beforehand."
Unlike Vice Chief or Dudley, Sonia was much more polite. From her words, Lloyd didn't feel any malicious. She was telling the truth. After all, SSS was a new section. It couldn't compare with Investigation Section I.
"Please don't say that. We're happy to accept it." Letting out a light sigh, Lloyd smiled. "Then, what should we do specifically?"
Sonia looked to the girl beside her.
"Noel."
"Yes, Ma'am."
The girl passed a report to Lloyd. It recorded with the detail information of the cases and the current status of the investigation.
Lloyd slightly frowned. He thought he might have seen the girl somewhere before. She looked so familiar, but where did he meet her…?
Let go of his question, he read the report with the team immediately he received it.
"First, please take this report for your references. Anyway, I don't want this report to limit your ideas."
"I see…"
"We'll read further after this."
"Then, I shall leave the rest to you. Excuse me, I'll have to return to my work. In future, I will direct contact SSS for this matter. You shall contact me if you find out anything." Sonia nodded to the team, and preparing to leave.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Vice Chief, sorry for the interrupting."
"It's alright…please don't say that Deputy Commander."
Before leaving, Sonia gave Randy a glance.
"Looks like you're pretty close to them."
Randy chuckled dryly. "Well…It's easier than before, if I must say."
"That's good to hear…looks like it's was a wise decision to recommend you." The smile of her face was relieve and reassured. "Let's go back, Noel."
"Yes ma'am."
Following behind Sonia, the girl named Noel left together with her superior.
"Phew…that's surprising." Randy wiped the sweat off his face.
"Randy, is she your superior at CSGF?" Lloyd asked.
"No, not the immediate superior. I have received her guides during military exercises. Although she is a beauty, but she is super terrible if you dare to make her angry."
"…Why am I feeling your attitude is the main reason to make her angry…" Tio sighed, and probably be able to imagine that.
"Yes, I feel the same." Elie chuckled.
"Then again, do you know the girl stood beside Deputy Commander?" Lloyd asked, and curious if the other felt the same as him.
"Now you talk about it…I didn't see her before. Probably the member appointed at Tangram Gate." Speaking of the girl, Randy raised a grin. "Hey Lloyd…you seem curious about the girl. Don't tell you fall in love with her in one sight?"
"Oh…?"
"… …(stare)"
Elie and Tio gave Lloyd a cold glare at the same time.
"N-No, of course I am not. I just think I have met her somewhere before…"
"AHEM!"
Vice Chief's coughing voice made all of them jerked up.
Gosh! They completely forgot they were still in his room.
"…When are you going to stay and chat? I see…Sergei sent you guys to fool me, HUH!?"
"N-N-No!"
"Hm…sorry, I will leave now."
Elie and Lloyd quickly apologized, but that didn't stop the grumbling of the Vice Chief.
It seemed he was hated them for the warning on the first day. He did warn them to leave the section so he could disband SSS. But these little brats chose to stay and he couldn't do anything Sergei and SSS! What a shame!
"Man…what an annoying guy." Randy groaned in pain.
"…I hope I can shut my ears…"
"Well, it was our fault chatting in his room. But yes…I don't like his words." Elie frowned.
"Don't mind it. We should go back and study on the report." Lloyd showed the report to them.
"Yes…it doesn't sound like a normal monster rebellion case."
"…Yes, I am curious about the case too."
Summary of the report:
Recently, there were many victimization appeared to be done by particular monsters around Crossbell State. CSGF was assigned to investigate the case.
There were three victims. Suspected the incidents associated with Wolf type monster.
The first victim was Armorica Village.
It occurred on a late night three weeks ago. The case spread across the village. According to the village chief, they found out on the next day morning. The crops and livestock were either damaged or killed. No witness, but they found footprints of the canines in the village.
The second victim was from Medical College.
It occurred on the late night a week ago. The case was happened in the hospital. A trainee doctor was attacked and injured. The staff found the victim on the next day morning. According to the victim, the monster looked like wolf. However, CSGF couldn't found any footprint in the area. And the testimony was ambiguities, so they couldn't rule out the possibility of mistake of victim's judgment.
The third victim was from the Mining Town Mainz.
It occurred around ten o'clock on the night two days ago. It happened in front of the pub. One of the miners was attacked by a group of monsters on his way back from the pub. He was found by his colleagues later. At the same time, the town people witness wolfs appeared in the town, and CSGF found the footprints on the area as well, and the footprints were similar to the one found in Armorica Village. In addition, the mining machinery was attacked before, so this should count as the third attack in Mainz. CSGF was considered to do regular patrols on the area.
"So…it really happened all over the place…" After reading the report, Elie sighed deeply. "But it's strange…we didn't see any news reports."
"I see…this shouldn't consider as normal monsters' attack." Randy rubbed his nose, saying.
"Wolf type monsters…Is it the special varieties of Crossbell?" Tio looked at Lloyd and Elie, but the two of them just shook their heads.
"There's one thing I don't understand. According to the report, they found clear footprints. That's meant this kind of monster does exist." Lloyd shifted his gaze to Elie, asking for her opinion.
"But, CSGF has not confirmed its presence, right?" She rubbed her chin, furrowing her brows. "This makes me concern about it."
"Hmm…if the monsters know how to conceal their presence, this will be tricky." Randy said. "I think it is better to hire an experienced hunter rather than us."
"…I agree. I don't think we can solve any mystery…"
Hearing his teammates' opinion, Lloyd hesitated for while, lowering his head before saying anything.
"Hey, do you have any idea?"
"It may not be any good idea…I was just thinking, we can investigate into the matter from the angle of 'investigation'. I think we may get some inspiration." Lloyd looked at his teammates, asking for their opinion.
"From the angle of investigation…" Elie smiled when she understood the meaning behind the words.
But Tio didn't seem to understand. She slightly frowned, looking to them with tilted head.
"…I don't understand." She looked at Randy, but the guy simply shrugged.
"Let's say…if this Monsters Mauling is some kind of hurting case, who is the culprit?"
"Of course the culprit is those wolf type monsters. They are not alone, but acting in group." Randy answered.
"Then, what is the information and intention of the culprit?" Lloyd asked again. This time, no one could answer.
"The report doesn't mention these points."
"That's right. Monsters with high IQ will not simply get near to the village or town, let alone attacking people like that. If they were looking for foods, the case happened at Medical College is indescribable. I think there must be some kind of 'Truth' can explain it."
"…I see. This is very persuasive."
"Then, our next step is clear, right?"
"Yes…we should go to the scene and check again. At least, we can complete the report using our method."
"Hooray! At least we don't have to look for the monsters blindly in the mountain." Randy cheered out loudly.
"…Lloyd, where do you want to go first?"
"Hmm…let's head to the first victim Armorica Village first. The damage in the village is most specific. It is better to learn more about the monsters' features s well."
"Well, Armorica Village is at the North-east of Crossbell. To reach there, we need to take the Orbal Bus."
"This is the first time we move outside of Crossbell City. We should prepare before heading out."
And then, they checked the terminal and found some new delegates went in. They decided to settle some of the delegates while doing preparation.
Before heading out, Lloyd carefully checked the bus arriving time, and made sure they won't miss it. However, sometimes, thing just didn't work the way you want.
"I can't believe it…the bus was ten minutes earlier." Lloyd rubbed his head, feeling frustrated. They saw the bus went off before their eyes.
Tio checked the time list of the bus. "…The next bus will be two hours later."
"No way!" Randy rolled his eyes.
"Sorry guys…it's my fault."
"Don't say that, Lloyd." Although she felt frustrated, but Elie tried to comfort Lloyd. "The bus came earlier, it couldn't be helped. We should think other way to reach Armorica Village."
"Other way…Why don't we walk there?" Tio suggested. "…It takes around one and a half hours if we walk. Comparing to the waiting time, I think it worth."
"I think that's a good idea." Elie clapped her hands, cheering. "The scene along the way is beautiful. I always wanted to have a good look of it."
"…Really? I want to see it too…"
The girls chatted happily, leaving the guys behind. Lloyd and Randy looked at each other, shrugged.
"…Are they serious?" Randy's face twisted. "I bet they have no idea how tough to walk to the village by bare legs."
"…Anyway, the suggestion isn't bad." It's better to waste two hours. "They don't have experience walking outside the city. We should take care of them on the way."
And just as Randy and Lloyd's expected, there were a lot of monsters on the road. It's true the scene was beautiful, and Lloyd really hoped he could stop by and enjoy it. However, the monsters kept coming and attacking them, they completely had no time to enjoy anything.
It was tough, especially for the girls. When they came down to cuts off, they already felt tired. Their legs were numb.
"Are you alright?" Comparing to the girls, they guys were completely fine. They didn't look tired at all.
"…I'm still okay." Elie wiped off the sweat from her forehead, trying to catch her breath.
"…I'm tired. But I was the one suggested it, and I want to stick with it." After a quick rest, Tio insisted to continue.
Sighing, Lloyd decided they really need to take a rest soon. To reach to Armorica Village, they needed to head to North from the cuts off.
The scene started to change. There were a lot of fields planted with different crops. The air was fresh mixed with the smell of the land.
Still, there were monsters on the way. They had to fight through to get to the village.
Half way to the village, they found a rest station.
"It seems we can rest here."
"R-Rest…?" Elie and Tio panted and completely wore off.
"I think we really should take a rest. The scene looks good too. We can enjoy while catching our breath." Lloyd was not giving suggestion, but ordering them to rest. It's important to take some rest too.
"Y-Yes…you're right."
"…I'm saved…"
The scene was so beautiful and freshness. The rest station was near the small river. Some benches and vending machine were placed there and created a nice rest station.
"The wind is so comfortable…" Elie closed her eyes and let the wind brushed through her face. "It just wipes off the tiredness."
"…Yes…I feel sleepy now." Tio yawned.
"…Then again, we should thanks to the lemon juice."
Before heading out, Lloyd met the old couple again. The old couple lived at East Street, and simply handed some cold lemon juices to them, saying they might need it on the way. Well, it was perfect for time like this.
"Yeah, the ice is melting and I must say, this is the most suitable time to enjoy it!"
"Hmm…it's tasty and refreshing."
"…This is such a nice scene." Looking around while having a sip of the juice, Lloyd said. "Like the scene in fairy tale."
"Hey…is it me, or this place seems to have some ancient ruins?" Randy asked. "It's rare."
"Some decaying middle ages buildings seem to be left as it. I remember…somewhere around here was the battlefield. " Elie answered with a smile.
"..Battlefiled?"
"Well…" Elie's face suddenly darkened. "Battlefield of Erebonia Empire and Calvard Republic. And from what I heard, there is a Ruins of Ancient Battlefield as well."
"That sounds interesting. Why don't we go there and take a look of it?"
The other three stared at Randy as he suddenly gave such a suggestion.
"Hmm…I don't think that's a good idea…"
"I'm going to pass…"
"…Randy, try to read the atmosphere…"
Thinking how tough the girls tried to make their ways to the village, even Lloyd wanted to take a trip to the ancient battlefield, he would just pass it. Besides, they still had delegate and mission on hand.
"Why not? Come on, we are young people!" Randy sighed. "It looks like you rarely get out of the city, huh?"
"Yes, we rarely do that, since we can get everything we need in the city."
"Crossbell is a trade city. Normally we don't worry about that. As for traffic, we rely on railway and airships. Recently, there is orbal bus too. It's been a long time to walk using bare legs."
Tio shifted her gaze between Lloyd and Elie, and finally to the juice on hand.
"…Although I am not originally from Crossbell, but I rarely walk anywhere since I joined Epstein Foundation."
"What is this? Kind of diseases of civilization, huh?" Randy smiled bitterly. "But Lloyd, you don't seem tired at all?"
"I have been through field survival training during school, after all…Randy, you're great. What a former CSGF member."
"Well…I'm used to walk around everywhere…oh hey, that's the bus."
Everyone shifted their gazes to the pointed direction. The orbal bus was coming back from the village. For a moment, Lloyd could see the disappointment in the girls' eyes.
"…This is too bad."
"…I hope I can go back by bus…"
He understood their feelings. But they had come so far. There's no way to go back with empty-handed.
"…Anyway, I think we should reach the village soon. Be patient."
"Don't worry. We will not give up so easily."
"…Understood."
"Then, let's move!"
"So…this is Armorica Village…" Looking to the nice view of the village, Lloyd took a deep breath. "By the way…are you alright?"
He looked to the girls behind him with a hint of worry in his tone.
"It's alright. We had rest just now." Elie shook, telling him not to worry.
"…I'm fine, too." Tio said the same. "This village…is so beautiful."
Surrounding of the village was the planted field. The atmosphere of the village was peaceful and serene. The houses in the village mostly built by woods, but some were built by bricks. There were a lot of green plants surrounding the village. In the middle of the village, there was a small river divided the village into two parts. Some orbal vehicles parked at the entrance of the village.
"Such a nice pastoral scenery…I have never seen beautiful scene like this." Elie said with a beautiful smile. "And what is this smell? It smells…sweet…like a smell of Honey…?"
"Guess so. Do you see the beehive box on the other side?" Randy pointed for the team.
"…According to the database, Honey is one of the specialties of Armorica Village. Because of the high quality, the Honey also exports to the neighboring countries."
"I've heard about that, too. It sells well in grocery shops. So…this is where the Honey is produced…" Sure the quality was the best…Lloyd thought inwardly.
"…So this is the difference of theoretical knowledge and experience…" Elie mumbled timidly.
"…Elie?"
"No…i-it's nothing." Elie quickly shook her head. "I-I just can't believe a nice place like this will be attacked by the monsters…"
"…According to the report, CSGF had asked the situation of the village from the chief."
"Alright. Then, we should meet the chief for more understanding as well."
We started looking for the chief in the village while taking a close look of the village. The people in the village were kind and welcoming. They also told them the direction to find the chief's house.
When they finally arrive in chief's house, they found a purple haired gentle man was talking to the chief. He seemed to be so happy as he put a bright smile all the times.
"Thanks to you chief, I manage to have some good business."
"Don't mention it…however, are you really fine with this price?" The old man asked once again. "The price is higher than the market price at least 20%..."
"Don't worry. I offer this price is because the specialty merchandises have been recognized. I'll earn enough profit."
"…Alright. I really have to thank you. Next time bring your wife and son to visit us. I'll be sure to serve you all well."
"Well…thanks." The gentle man smiled sheepishly. "I think I should be going now. See you later, chief."
Then, they happened to bump into each other. The man simply bowed and excused himself.
"…He seems to be a businessman…"
"Then, this should be the chief's house."
"Excuse me…who are you guys?"
"Sorry for interrupting. Are you the chief village?"
"Yes…I am. I am Tolda. And you guys are…?"
"We come to investigate the monsters rebellion case…"
Before Lloyd could finish, Tolda suddenly interrupted him with a bright smile.
"Oh…you're finally here! CSGF has come to investigate few times…but they didn't seem to find out anything. I'm glad you come to help us out."
His reaction seemed to be a little exaggerated. Judging from previous experience, this wasn't a good sign.
("Hey…I think we should explain to him.")
("…I think I have used to it now…")
"…I'm sorry, I should say this beforehand." Lloyd took out the investigation manual as a proof. "Unfortunately, we're not Bracer. We 're police under SSS."
"Oh…I am very sorry for mistaking you as Brace, because police didn't use to come here. However, bracer did visit here few times before…"
"I see…"
Hearing that, Lloyd really felt they couldn't simply compare to Bracer's Guild, especially Arios Maclaine. But they shouldn't let it bothered them now.
"Anyway chief, just as we said, we're here for the case. Would you mind explain it to us?"
"Of course. It happened three weeks ago. I remember that day is New Moon. A group of monster invaded into the village and destroyed the crops. They ruined poultry, fruit and wheat of every household."
"From what I know, there's no witness, right?"
"Yes. Unlike Crossbell city, we use to sleep early. Everyone wake up very early in the morning, so we all were in deep sleep that time. And then, we found out on the next day morning, together with some footprints."
"…And that's why everyone considered the monsters is wolf type monster?" Tio tiled her head, asked with a slight frown.
"Because we confirmed that the footprints belong to canine." Tolda said. "That day, CSGF just came to patrol. As a precautionary, they search the surrounding area…"
"…The same as the report stated."
"Yes, but since then, we didn't get attacked. To tell the truth, we thought it might not happen again…but we never expect the same thing happened at the other places…"
"Chief, mind I ask the amount of loss?" Randy asked.
"The amount of loss was not very high. Each house only suffered minor damage."
That was out of the expectation, though.
"Is that so?"
"Yes, total amount of loss was around 100,000 Mira. Anyway, loss was loss. Just as everyone was desperate over the matter, someone brought good business to the village. Everyone's loss was offset by that."
"Good business…do you mean the businessman just now?" They could only think of the gentle man.
"Yes. He is the merchant that we maintain business with. He heard that we've been attacked by monsters, so he increased the prices for us. We really appreciate his kindness."
"A merchant…looks like a kind and gentle man." Randy crooked a smile and nodding.
"Thinking of the situation of Crossbell, such loss shouldn't be anything." Suddenly, Tolda said out of the blue. But he immediately slapped his big mouth. "Oh my, it seems I have said some superfluous words. Young people, just forget about it." He chuckled.
"Hey hey chief, we're more curious if you said so."
"…Yes, just go ahead and tell us."
Since the team insisted, Tolda chuckled lightly and shrugged.
"Alright. But it may appear nonsense. Hope you all don't mind it." He warned first, and the team nodded. "Do you all heard about the word [Wolf God]?"
"[Wolf God]…?"
"You mean… the god of the wolf?"
"…I didn't found any of these words in the database…"
"Well…it seems no one talk about this legend in the city. Anyway, in old days, it perched in the land of Crossbell. People said it has wolf appearance covered with snowy white fur."
"Wolf appearance!? Don't tell me…"
"Could it be the monster that attacked village…?"
"We don't have proof of it…but no one can deny the possibility. According to the old legend, the Wolf God was not normal beast. They were Divine Beast sent by Adios. In old days, they protected people. Sometimes, they would help people when they're in trouble, too."
"…I never heard about that before…" Elie was admired by the story.
"By the way…I think I have read some tales about White Wolf…the books seem to store at The Library." Come to think of it, Lloyd recalled some of his childhood's memories.
"Those tales were probably based on this story. But, as you know, Crossbell City changed a lot in these few years. Under the influence of Erebonia Empire and Calvard Republic, Crossbell has developed into a commercial city. People slowly forget the memories of past. And then…the Wolf God also disappeared."
The team remained silent after hearing the story. The air suddenly was heavy. To release the heaviness, Randy let out a big sigh.
"That's meant…they gave up on human, huh?"
"…I think the same as you, red hair young man." Tolda also looked out from the window. "We don't know for sure why they came back, and what the purpose they came back is. I believe you all know, the city has grown too impatient. Sometimes when you ride on the bus, you would amaze by how fast the things change. That's the society I see through my eyes."
How about you? He asked lastly. The team couldn't answer the question.
Indeed Tolda was right. Sometimes they would feel the same as him. Surely it was not good when a city grew too fast. But that's not something they could do about it. In fact, they were one of those that chasing the present rather than lament the past.
"Haha…don't make it too serious. The Wolf God is just an assumption. It may not have anything to do with this case."
"…Of course. Anyway, we get some useful information about the story too. I think we can investigate the case from other point of view."
"That's good. Go ahead and tell me if you need anything in the village."
Lloyd simply requested to interview villagers for the matter, and then they left.
"[Wolf God], huh? What an interesting story."
Randy said after they stepped out from chief's house.
"I agree, although we're not sure whether it exist or not. We better treat it as the first suspect in this case."
"That's just sounds like you, Lloyd." Elie chuckled. "Since footprints were found, the wolf type monsters did appear before. But then, they disappeared, nowhere to be found…"
"…Don't you think it's weird?" Tio slightly furrowed her brows. "If there were footprints, they should have found the monster by those footprints…"
"That should work. Now we could only assume that the monsters managed to avoid CSGF's tracking."
"Once stepping into the dangerous monster's trail, we human could do nothing about it." Randy shrugged. "That's why CSGF stopped investigated further in it."
"Well…You're right, though. Anyway, let's gather more information around." Lloyd looked up to the sky. "Since it's noon, we can take our lunch here."
"Now you talked about it…I'm starving." Elie chuckled.
"…Me too." Tio nodded her head repeatedly.
They gathered information while moving to the inn along the way. The Garden Omelet was so tasty until the team begging the recipe from the owner of the inn. Fortunately, the owner was very kind and handed the recipe happily.
But still, they didn't get any new updated information about the case.
"Oh…you're…" When the team almost finished their meal, the purple haired gentle man showed up by the stair.
"You're the merchant from Crossbell City, right?"
"You must have heard it from chief…My name is Harold Hayworth, nice to meet you. I'm having some small businesses in the city. Could you guys come to purchase anything, by chance?"
Lloyd shook his head, quickly explained their identities to the business, and the reason they came to Armorica Village.
"Oh…so you're police…really, we can't judge someone from their look." Harold chuckled. "Oh yeah, I have read about SSS on the magazine too."
"So…you did, huh?" Lloyd sweat dropped.
"That's really…embarrassing." Elie slightly complained.
"Please don't feel it that way. It's tough for new founded section, but you did a good job. It's true that article has used sarcasm to describe it…but I can see it did recognize your team."
What a nice guy…Lloyd suddenly had this in his mind.
"It can be explained this way from a goodwill perspective, though…" Tio sighed, didn't seem convince by him.
They knew Grace too well…it still hard to believe that she had that in mind when she wrote this article.
"…About the case…I've heard it from the St' Ursula Medical College. It's quite worrying."
"Does Mr. Harold have any business dealing with St' Ursula Medical College?"
"Well, sometime I will do wholesale with them. I heard that someone was hurt in the case." Talking about the case, Harold's face twisted. "Mainz also affected, right?"
"Yes…CSGF is investigating the case now."
"Like that…I shall give a trip to Mainz soon…"
Recalling from the chief, Elie asked him.
"I heard that you purchased the specialties of this village with good price, right?" It's rare that someone would do that. It made her curios.
"I did that just because the specialties of this village, especially Honey is very popular among people. I also wanted to give good image to the village so I can do more businesses with them. It's really nothing." Harold said sheepishly. He could imagine what kind of praise from the chief to the team. It's embarrassing.
"It seems you have done a good deal of business."
"I'm still too far from good, though. Sorry that I couldn't help out on the case."
"Don't worry about that, Mr. Harold."
"Sorry for interrupting your lunch. I'm going to get my meal. Take your time, then." Harold moved to the counter and leaving the team.
They had some good time of chatting with the man. After everyone had their lunch finished, they continued asking around. Meanwhile, Lloyd got a fishing rod from a man who was enjoying fishing in the village. Besides, they didn't get any new information.
Thinking they should move on to other places Lloyd suggested they should go back. The girls were suffered from previous trip, so they went to the bus station and wait for the bus.
"There's still thirty minutes for the next bus…"
"What now? It's such a long time…" Randy yawned. The hell of waiting. "Thirty minutes are not enough to have a drink."
"Randy, I don't think you should take a drink during working time, though…" Elie sighed.
Suddenly, Tio heard something. She looked around the place and started activated her sensor.
"Sorry…I feel like I heard some voices…I will check it now." She opened the sensor to the maximum. "…Please be quiet for a while."
She closed her eyes, fully concentrating on her sense and ears. The winds, the earth, the flow of breath…she could gather all the information through the sensor.
"…Sorry, it seems it was my illusion." Weird…Tio said timidly.
"Don't mind it. By the way, what kind of voices you heard?" Lloyd asked.
"Hmm…like the shouts from some animals…" She was certain that she heard it, but the sensor didn't catch anything.
"Shouts…could it be the wolf type monsters?"
"…I don't know…perhaps it's my illusion…" Tio shifted her gaze away from the team, expression darkened.
"Lloyd, what should we do?"
"…Tio, how far is your sensor could sense?" Lloyd thought a while before saying.
"…Around fifty Serge. However, in the case of wind, it might be expanded."
"Wow, that's amazing!" Randy was surprised.
"Then again, we can't be sure that where's the voices coming from…"
Seeing the team keep discarding the matter, Tio didn't feel at ease. She looked down to her feet, feeling uneasy inside.
"Hmm…don't you think it could just be my illusion? Sometimes…I can hear voices that nobody else can hear…normally, people would think I'm mistaken, or I'm lying…wouldn't it?"
She thought the other three would give her a disgusted look, that she have faced when she told the other so. But then, the team was…
"What are you talking about, Tio?" Randy rubbed her head. "We all know that you're amazing!"
"Eh…?"
"Yes…you don't have the reason to lie, right?" Elie said with a gentle smile.
"Although it wasn't long we stay together, but you helped us a lot…we know that." Lloyd patted her head, comforting her.
Looking at them, Tio felt that it was the first time she could feel comfortable in front of people. She didn't have to worry about being treating as weirdo. Part of her feel at ease.
"…Sorry. It seems I have said some weird things. Please forget about it."
They smiled to each other. And then, a voice broke into them.
"Hello, we meet again."
"Mr. Harold…"
The young merchant came near to them with a case on his hand.
"Are you going back to the city?"
"Yes, we're waiting for the bus. Are you going back, too?"
"Well, yes. I've brought some presents for my wife and son. I can't wait to see them." The man smiled brightly when talking about his family.
"That sounds good. Why don't we wait together?" Randy suggested.
"Hmm…" Harold looked at them, and turned his head to the other side before saying it. "Five people should fit…"
"Mr. Harold?"
Harold took the team to the side of the village. There were few orbal cars parked there. He moved to one of the orbal cars.
"Everyone, why don't you take my car? I'll take you back to the city."
… …
It was the first time the team took orbal car. The inside of the car was spacious and comfortable, and the five of them were fit into the car without problem.
"Thanks for taking us." Lloyd scratched his head.
"Don't say that. We're just happened going back to the city." Harold shook his head, said happily.
"Wow…it's good to have your own car." Randy examined the car once he got in. "This is hell expensive, isn't it?"
"…It costs 800,000 Mira nowadays." Tio answer behalf of Harold, and earned a surprised face from Randy.
"800,000 Mira…? I can't imagine it…" Lloyd face palmed.
"This is the transport I need, as a merchant. It shouldn't be a problem to take bus, but in the case of urgent, I decided to get one last year."
"I think there's another reason too, right?" Elie smiled. "Like you can meet your family faster…"
"Ahaha…that's right." Harold chuckled sheepishly.
"You're a good husband and father." Tio smile lightly, while giving a glare to Randy. Randy, having no idea what's in the girl's mind, shrugged.
"Please don't say that. I work frequently on business, and always makes them feel lonely…I can't consider as good father or husband."
"How old is your son?"
"Five years old. He is interested in many things. My wife is quite headache with that."
"Sounds like a blissful family."
"Yes…and we have to stay happy and blissful, no matter what."
Harold said out of the blue, and made the team stared at him with question. It sounded like Horald has something in his mind. He quickly shook his head.
"Don't worry about it."
And then, they continued the ride on the road.
After they're gone, a snowy white wolf jumped out from the bushes. It stared at the path the team went for while, and then went off again.
Alright, this is the first chapter of Trails of Zero. I really hope I have more time to write...