Annan wondered whether the Countess had said "Goodbye," "I'll remember you," "I'll be back," or perhaps a curse aimed at him.
The Street Sweepers took over the Count's Castle, clearing out the Ratfolk and putting out the fires.
The Mages said their goodbyes to Annan one after another. "I want a character who dies screaming," the last elite Mage told him before melting into the night.
"They suffered heavy losses this time." The Centurion came to Annan's side.
The Ratfolk plot beneath the Mage Tower had been foiled. To cover the Countess's escape, they had exposed many of their underground nests, while the nobles who had been close to her and the Ratfolk who had infiltrated high society had also been identified.
The Street Sweepers and City Guard had already begun following the Ratfolk's tracks to clear out their underground nests and detain nobles suspected of dealings with them.
Thanks to Annan, the festering sore that would not have burst until Autumn Harvest had been lanced early.
"But we didn't catch the Countess."
Nor had they caught the "Epic" behind her.
"We should celebrate getting half a loaf of bread, not complain that we only got half." The Centurion patted Annan's shoulder. "Every step we take forward is another victory."
Annan said nothing. Less than half a month remained before the Apocalypse Forecast and Autumn Harvest.
"How did you drive them into a frenzy?"
The Centurion's question pulled Annan out of his worries. "I stumbled upon the plot the Countess had left in the Mage Tower."
"I ought to give you a reward."
Annan soon saw what the Centurion meant. She removed her Crow Mask, revealing short brown-orange hair and a vicious gash that ran from her forehead to the corner of her mouth.
"Why aren't you scared?"
The Centurion,