Chapter 760: The Calamity of the Demons 4k
Aurora held an extremely special position in the Free City.
From a young age, she was precocious and often helped her mother manage household affairs. She was delicate and soft, like a ball of dough, making people unable to help but feel affection for her.
At that time, the conditions in the Free City were harsh. Everyone gritted their teeth to support one another, and this little girl who suddenly appeared naturally became the spiritual support for countless people. She was truly cherished as if she would melt if put in the mouth or break if held in hand.
In her mother’s heart, she was the continuation of her husband’s bloodline, perfectly inheriting the appearance traits of the “Moonlight Swordsman,” and was the most endearing little moon.
However, in the hearts of the people of the Free City, she was the successor of the “Sun Warrior,” a warm little sun that warmed the soul.
Thus, she had two names both inside and outside.
But whether it was the “little moon” or the “little sun,” they all overflowed with love.
…
Tyger, whom Aurora called Uncle Tiger, had been in office since the founding of the city. He could be considered part of the original team of the “Sun Warrior” and treated Aurora as a beloved daughter, just like any other elder.
Now that the little sun had returned from studying at the legendary Scholar Holy Land, Tyger’s heart was filled with joy.
However, the current situation within the Free City was not harmonious. The city seemed normal on the surface, but it harbored hidden dangers that could not be casually disclosed to outsiders.
Fortunately, accompanying the little sun were several professors from Saint Maryann Academy!
While Tyger was pleasantly surprised, his gaze quickly swept over the professors.
Professors from Saint Maryann Academy rarely moved about in public—they usually kept a low profile even when traveling. Therefore, Tyger naturally could not recognize them.
However, both Professor Shylph and Professor Jones exuded unusually strong auras.
“With these professors, perhaps we can alleviate the current crisis?” he thought, warmly inviting the professors into the city.
Then he saw his little sun, who ran up to a golden-haired youth.
“Who is that?”
Tyger maintained his enthusiasm, but his eyes now gleamed sharply.
“Thirteen people. That little imp shouldn’t be one of them, so adding the little sun makes it three students…”
After the initial excitement subsided, Tyger’s thoughts became exceptionally clear.
Then he realized a very crucial issue.
“Professor, students… and maids? Why have they come to the Free City?”
“The news within the city should not have leaked. They can’t be here just to visit the little sun.”
“If they’re accompanying students for training, the student-to-teacher ratio is off.”
Suddenly, Tyger realized he might have oversimplified things!
…
Regardless of how the half-breed tiger man felt, the group of thirteen finally entered the city.
With Tyger leading the way, they passed through smoothly and directly to the City Lord’s Mansion.
The professors noticed something amiss and lost interest in sightseeing.
However, on the way, they couldn’t help but observe the city’s interior. The sights of the Free City still filled their eyes.
Aurora walked beside Dak. When she noticed Dak looking puzzled at certain things, she would quietly explain, though her cheeks turned red. She fulfilled her role as a guide.
But as Dak walked, his doubts gradually grew.
“Why is the city guard sealing the entrances and exits, yet the city remains unchanged?”
His gaze swept over the hurried adventurers, the loud street vendors, and occasionally rested on some priests.
For a moment, he couldn’t guess what had happened in this city.
“Let’s ask when we reach the City Lord’s Mansion.”
He calmed himself down.
…
After walking the initial route, they switched to a carriage and headed towards the City Lord’s Mansion on the main road.
The five flying dragons also took flight, flying low alongside them.
The City Lord’s Mansion was originally located in the inner city center, but the inner city was not at the center of the entire city; it was closer to the east.
This meant it was closer to the eastern gate.
Thus, after half an hour, the carriage entered the inner city, and after another half-hour, they arrived at the City Lord’s Mansion.
The five flying dragons were temporarily stationed near a nearby square.
The thirteen people entered the City Lord’s Mansion.
“Is this your home?”
Dak carefully noted the route and casually asked.
Aurora nodded vigorously, looking very serious.
The City Lord appeared unexpectedly, greeting them with a look of surprise.
As for how much she was surprised or pleased, only she knew.
“Suna Montiel Farley, just call me Suna.”
City Lord Montiel Farley held Professor Shylph’s hand.
“Sarah Shylph, Vice Principal of Saint Maryann Academy.”
Professor Shylph introduced herself briefly.
“Welcome.”
They did not linger in the corridor. City Lord Montiel Farley led them directly to the conference hall.
The City Lord’s Mansion was where the City Lord lived, and the administrative offices were in the Administrative Hall.
Sometimes, for convenience, City Lord Montiel Farley would hold meetings in the mansion itself, thus creating the office and the conference hall.
The conference hall was the only place in the mansion with a long table, while the dining room had only a small table for four.
Therefore, City Lord Montiel Farley chose to entertain guests in the conference hall and eat there as well.
When they entered the conference hall, the long table already had utensils and tea set up.
There weren’t many servants in the mansion. After setting the table, the servant responsible for entertaining guests quickly returned to the kitchen to assist further.
Aurora instantly became the host, serving everyone tea.
Only then did they begin formal introductions.
After writing down everyone’s names, City Lord Montiel Farley cautiously asked, “I wonder if you could tell us why you have come here?”
Professor Shylph replied, “I sense something unusual in the city. I wonder what has happened in the Free City?”
Both sides exchanged glances, then fell silent.
“Alright, let me explain.”
Professor Montiel turned to Aurora, seeing her nod, and looked at Dak and Olivia, before deciding to speak.
The Free City had always relied on its own strength, remaining pure.
Even the ducal mansion and Saint Maryann Academy, which extended goodwill, only supported from behind without direct intervention.
But if this matter was not resolved promptly, it could cause unpredictable negative effects on this city isolated within demon territory.
Even for the mixed-blood residents who believed in them, she could no longer be stubborn.
Since the professors from Saint Maryann Academy happened to be here, she had no reason not to seek help.
Seeing the City Lord finally agree, the half-breed tiger man Tyck secretly sighed in relief, thinking that with the help of the professors from Saint Maryann Academy, hope was finally on the horizon.
But after making up his mind, how to say it and where to start were very delicate matters.
City Lord Montiel Farley was originally straightforward, but after becoming the ruler of the city, she had learned to consider the future.
After much deliberation, she said, “There are demons.”
“Hmm?” The professors frowned.
City Lord Montiel Farley solemnly stated, “Demons have infiltrated our city!”
…
After saying this, City Lord Montiel Farley nervously observed the expressions of those present.
The fewer words, the more serious the matter.
The infiltration of demon remnants into the Free City was no small matter.
This would be a matter of common concern in any city within the kingdom.
But in the Free City, it was different.
If this information leaked out and caused significant negative impact within the city, it would inevitably attract those wolves and tigers eyeing this “forward base,” eagerly baring their fangs and claws.
The presence of demons in the city was a legitimate reason for military action!
At this level, the Free City had no grounds to refuse.
And once foreign troops entered, the Free City could no longer guarantee its sovereignty.
Before there was no other option, this door could not be opened!
Currently, there were two external forces present.
One was the Saint Maryann Academy force led by Professor Shylph, and the other was the ducal mansion force led by Dak.
Both were to some extent trustworthy forces.
They were probably the only forces that could be trusted not to be corrupted.
But due to an excessive protective mindset towards the Free City, City Lord Montiel Farley remained somewhat tense.
However, after saying it, she was extremely surprised to find that the group did not show much shock on their faces.
Was it because they had strong emotional control?
Probably not.
City Lord Montiel Farley’s pupils suddenly contracted. She was not foolish and immediately guessed that this group had traveled thousands of miles for the same reason—demons!
This meant that the situation she was aware of was likely far more severe than originally estimated!
…
“Let’s talk about it in detail.” Professor Shylph said slowly, her words carrying a calming power.
City Lord Montiel Farley hesitated again.
Dak suddenly said, “Aunt Suna Montiel, let’s start from last June when you returned here. Besides the appearance of demons, I want to know more about the situation concerning this city.”
Aurora sat back beside him, holding her teacup and looking at her mother.
Dak’s thoughts mirrored hers.
Her understanding of the Free City began to falter from last June.
At that time, she foresaw the pressure the Free City would face in the future, which was supposed to come from the increasing number of beasts. Building the Adventurer’s Guild and offering welfare policies to attract many adventurers was part of the strategy to deal with the beast tide.
From the large number of adventurers seen on the streets, this strategy seemed to have worked.
But the final result seemed to deviate from her imagination.
“The specific events started with the execution ceremony of the Demon King.”
City Lord Montiel Farley propped her chin, finally finding a starting point for her narrative.
But she did not expect that her simple opening would trigger a reaction larger than the revelation of the demon infiltration.
…
“Demon King execution ceremony…”
Ophelia Brad couldn’t help but grip her fingers tightly, her eyes showing shame.
She was the root cause of everything, the true beginning of all these events.
Professor Shylph and others’ expressions became even more serious.
City Lord Montiel Farley quickly shifted her gaze away from Ophelia Brad and continued,
“The Church held the execution ceremony of the Demon King last mid-year, revealing many hidden demon remnants. With vast territories, the demons were not eradicated completely. Most of them hid in the boundless demon lands, although few in number, they posed great threats.”
“Our city, being in the heart of demon territory and having no entry restrictions, was already a chaotic place with difficult control. From the root, it was impossible to prepare for resisting demon infiltration, naturally becoming the first landing spot for them.”
“Added to the increase in beasts in recent years and the frequent attacks on the city, the Free City was already operating beyond capacity, leaving them opportunities.”
“Since last June, there have been occasional signs of demons within the city. We secretly searched for demons, but they were resilient and the search actions yielded minimal results.”
“During the execution ceremony, the Church caught many demons, but it alerted those hiding in the city, making them even more secretive and harder to find.”
“But if it were just this, it wouldn’t be so bad.”
“The concealment of one or two demons wouldn’t significantly affect the structure of the Free City.”
“However, starting from last August, the activity traces of the demons… suddenly increased!”
City Lord Montiel Farley’s voice gradually lowered.
She slowly recounted the numerous events that occurred in the Free City over the past six months, her eyes growing colder.
Dak and the others listened silently, not uttering a word.
The attendant pushing the meal cart was blocked by Tyger.
City Lord Montiel Farley continued, “That outbreak was unexpected. By the time we discovered it, many residents had gone missing. This phenomenon was even more severe among adventurers.”
“Adventurers, by nature, live dangerously. It’s not surprising for them to die while on a mission, making them prime targets for demons.”
“Many adventurers disappeared during their expeditions outside the city, but their deaths were considered normal.”
“It wasn’t until someone noticed that the wounds on the adventurers’ bodies were not inflicted by beasts that the investigation officially began.”
“Unbeknownst to us, this investigation led us to the demons.”
…
“After realizing that the demons had begun their activities, we took many measures. The increase in demonic activity exposed more of their weaknesses.”
“During that period, we managed to find and kill many demons, but none survived.”
“They were terrifying, choosing suicide after capture and self-destruction when cornered.”
“But fortunately, they remained dormant for a long time afterward, as if they had killed enough people.”
…
“This situation has persisted until now. The demons have become active again.”
“And this time, their initial difficulty level exceeded previous instances.”
“We’ve confirmed that some of them can transform and disguise themselves as humans, and they have begun infiltrating the city’s management system.”
…
