What they feared came to pass.
A week after the magical beast incident in the mine disaster, rumors of magical beasts began spreading through the mining district of Thunderstar Fort, a small town with fewer than four thousand residents.
What was more, by sheer coincidence, followers of "Moon Song" began appearing in Thunderstar Fort the very next day after the rumors emerged.
Hark's expression darkened. Every month, more people followed that song, and he lost another of his own. He hurriedly wrote a letter reporting the situation in Thunderstar Fort to his superior and had it sent at full speed to the Earl Faire in Destiny City.
As soon as the messenger servant left, Bing Zi appeared before Hark. "Lord Baron, someone claiming to be an envoy of 'Moon Song' is requesting an audience."
"Bring him in!" Hark's tone was unpleasant, though it was not directed at Bing Zi.
"Yes, my lord."
Just as Bing Zi was about to turn and leave, Hark stopped her.
"Oh, right. Send for Mirai first." Hark's expression softened slightly. "Bing Zi, when there are no outsiders around, call me Uncle Hark."
"I understand, Uncle Hark."
After receiving Bing Zi's notice, Mirai tidied up his appearance and headed to the government hall's meeting chamber. Besides his father, Xiu Ke, there was also a middle-aged man in robes. Mirai guessed that this was the person Bing Zi had mentioned from Moon Song.
"Ah, you must be your son, Master Lincoln!" The man's expression was extremely animated. He stood as soon as he saw Mirai, apparently intending to befriend him. Yet his words made Mirai frown. The man continued, "Please allow me to introduce myself first. I am Field, the representative traveling on behalf of 'Moon Song'—Field Nado."
"Hello, Mr. Field. I'm sorry, but my name