That campaign of extermination against the major evil forces of the Port District, launched by adventurers back then, had at least left a deep impression on people.
Though the number of participants had not been especially large, the fighting had been exceptionally brutal and bloody.
Because most of those involved had been mid- to high-ranking professionals, including quite a few paladins, mages, clerics, and others from the Orthodox Gods' churches.
But because the news had leaked in advance, those evil forces had been given ample time to prepare, and the battle had taken place in the densely populated Port District.
Though no detailed official figures existed even now, based on estimates from the bodies later found in the mass graves of the North Ward and those burned, at least four thousand people had died in that sudden Port District extermination campaign! The wounded were beyond counting.
That was already a loss comparable to a medium-scale disaster.
In the end, it had taken Chosen such as Kaierben and Laeral Silverhand leading troops there in person to suppress that "large-scale armed conflict."
Very soon, Kaierben's words confirmed everyone's suspicions.
"Here, I must offer you all an apology.
"Because today, as one of Water-Drawing City's Masked Lords, I have 'deceived' you."
The soldiers looked at one another, suddenly finding the "gift packages" in their hands scalding hot.
Kaierben continued in a grave voice, "Because what I have placed in your hands at this moment is not merely a Calamity Coin, a set of leather armor, and a longsword, but a heavy responsibility! A responsibility for safeguarding Water-Drawing City's prosperity and stability.
"Not long ago, I received a secret report. After forty-three years, the Silver Harp Alliance has once again gathered a force of 'justice,' preparing to launch another cleansing operation against the evil