Homecoming in Glory

Half a month later, the sky was overcast, and a bleak autumn wind sent fallen leaves swirling across the streets of Landon City.

Near noon, a procession of seven black carriages stopped in the square before Landon City Hall.

This was the heart of Landon City. The Anomalies Bureau, city government, Nobles' Council, and Mages Association were all nearby.

Green stepped down from a carriage in a crisp black Anomalies Bureau uniform. The insignia on his shoulders had changed from Major to Lieutenant Colonel.

Green had gone to considerable lengths in Friedenburg City and had finally become director of the Landon City Anomalies Bureau. Along the way, he had gained a promotion in rank.

A number of people climbed down from the carriages behind him. Lola, who had left with Green, had returned too. As his fortunes had risen, so had hers: she was now a Captain. The others were personnel brought from Friedenburg City to fill the vacancies at the Landon City Anomalies Bureau.

In less than a year, two devastating losses had reduced the strength of the city-level Anomalies Bureaus across Northwest Province to its lowest point. Of the Landon City bureau's original five field teams, only one remained. The staffing gap was enormous.

Green had brought the Shadow Trade Association back from Friedenburg City. He had also chosen more than twenty capable, devout, and trustworthy Transcendents from among his existing followers, with Mrs. Hilgaf at their head, to form his core team as he took over the bureau. They had all traveled back with his convoy. Even Mrs. Hilgaf wore an Anomalies Bureau uniform, and every one of them was brimming with energy and enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, several inconspicuous carriages quietly entered Landon City.

Green had secretly arranged for Freya and