"There have been so many patrols on the roads these past two days."
"Yeah, people pass by every few days."
"Something big must have happened." Faced with the young people's confusion, some older city residents offered their own opinions.
None of them had any specific sources of information, but their experience made it easy to reach that conclusion.
"Clip-clop, clip-clop—"
A cavalry squad galloped along the main road, cutting through the streets.
The chilly autumn wind swept over their leather armor, making a whistling sound.
"Stop!"
The captain yanked on the reins, swung down from his horse, then signaled for the other squad members to surround a residence.
"Drag everyone inside out!"
At his command, the well-equipped squad members filed inside.
Before long, they had escorted every occupant out of the house.
"Captain, what did we do? Why are you arresting us?"
"This has to be some kind of misunderstanding!"
"Our family's been full of law-abiding citizens from our grandfather's generation to this day!"
The residents who had been dragged out, both men and women, wept and pleaded, snot running down their faces.
The captain remained stern-faced, ignoring their tearful cries.
The Mage beside him, however, shook his head.
"You know Quinn, don't you?"
The sudden mention of that name made the man at the front turn pale, but he quickly composed himself and put on an innocent expression again.
"I don't know him, sir."
Seeing that he still refused to confess, the Mage looked exasperated.
"Get in the carriage, ladies and gentlemen."
They were soon forced into the carriage.
Only after the arrests were complete did the captain quietly speak with the Mage.
"Mage Jack, do you know why the higher-ups are launching a citywide crackdown on the Dragon Worship Cult this time?"
A trace of confusion crossed the