The fierce battle outside Lansell Town ended with the marauders routed. Even their middle-aged "commander," who had the strength of a Sequence 8, was killed by Gwen's Assault Squad. Lydia, who had led the attack, quietly pocketed the Provoker Beyonder Characteristic he left behind.
But when Miss Gwen, who was protecting Fors and Abner, reached the town entrance, the townspeople greeted her not with a welcome, but with the dark muzzles of the patrol's guns.
Miss Gwen understood their attitude. They had no way to know whether her group was the enemy. Helping drive off the marauders did not necessarily make them friends.
With tensions running this high, the town's leaders could hardly trust outsiders so easily.
Besides, Miss Gwen knew their own reasons for coming were hardly straightforward.
Understanding did not make the reception any less unpleasant. And with the townspeople on guard against them, finding the missing Joanna, Simon, and the others would be difficult.
While she was wondering what to do, Fors stepped forward. She took out a cooperation agreement between Trier University and Lansell Town, then had Mr. Alex, who carried Tudor blood, shoot it over the town wall with an arrow.
Miss Gwen did not expect much from Fors's attempt. In times like these, why would the town's leaders put Lansell at risk over a mere agreement?
To her surprise, shortly after the document landed, a gate in the section of wall across the valley mouth opened. A patrol came out to escort them into town.
Every member was well equipped and disciplined, though their clothing was unusually thin.
Gwen looked toward Fors in astonishment, disbelief written all over her pretty face.
Fors gave an awkward smile. Don't look at me. This is probably Abner's doing!
The patrol captain, a black-haired man who looked about