The next day, dawn had only just broken, and a faint wash of fish-belly white tinged the eastern horizon.
The front courtyard of the Martial Guard Division was still shrouded in thin mist. Droplets hanging from the eaves slid silently down and struck the stone steps with crisp, chilling sounds.
The mist curled and swirled like gauze, like a lingering nightmare of the night not yet dispersed.
Yet within this hazy morning fog, a group of black-clad figures had long stood solemnly in the center of the courtyard, soundless, their killing intent concealed.
All wore Martial Guard uniforms, blades at their waists, their figures upright as spears, utterly motionless.
Though the fog was thick, it could not hide the blazing fighting spirit in their eyes.
A moment later, steady footsteps sounded from within the mist, treading across the damp stone slabs—calm and resolute.
Gu Chang'an emerged at an unhurried pace. His dark blue-green constable's robe fluttered lightly in the wind, a blade hanging at his waist. Though it remained sheathed, its chill was already enough to press upon the skin.
His gaze was as sharp as a blade as it swept over the crowd. Without anger, his very presence inspired awe, as if he could see straight through a person's flesh and blood to their bones.
He stopped before the formation. His voice was not loud, yet it exploded beside their ears like thunder.
"From this day forward, the Monster Slaying Squad is officially established."
"I don't need your salutes, nor do I need empty words."
"I only look at results."
"Yes!"
Everyone answered in unison, their voices shaking the morning mist and echoing through the entire front courtyard of the Martial Guard Division.
Gu Chang'an nodded slightly, then began assigning their duties.
His movements were decisive and his words