At this time of year, the people of Azure Prefecture Town had nothing much to keep them busy.
But today, before the sun had properly risen, the people still asleep were awakened by the pealing alarm bells. The bells came from the town square, and the villagers knew that for the alarm to sound at this season and at this hour, something extremely important must have happened.
No longer lingering in their warm beds, they hurriedly got up. This time, they even brought their children with them as they headed for the square outside.
At the center of the square stood an old man—their town mayor, Malfurion.
This time, he wore a somewhat oversized robe. In truth, some of the older people here still remembered it. Long ago, when this place had suffered attacks from magical beasts, a young, tall mage had come here. He drove away all those magical beasts, then settled down here. Over time, he became the most respected person in the town—the current mayor, Malfurion.
If Malfurion had not put on those clothes today, most people here probably would not have remembered that he was once a mage.
When he saw that the villagers had gathered in the square, Malfurion slowly sighed. Then his voice, not particularly loud but enough for most of those present to hear clearly, gradually rang out.
"Everyone, I have been here for quite a long time. Back when I was still an adventurer, I had already settled down here. Twenty-five years ago, I became the mayor of this town. Since then, we have worked hard to live our lives. We have never feared any challenge—be it so-called bandits or so-called mercenaries. We have never feared them, because we possess our final pride."
The villagers below immediately applauded Malfurion in excitement. Of