Curly Haired Dog

To the creak-creak sway of the wind lantern, the Patrol Team members gradually approached the wooden bench in front of the black cat.

"There's a bench here. Let's all take a break!" A somewhat shrill voice suddenly rang out, piercing the lakeside silence and startling the squirrels in the oak branches into scattering in all directions. "Besides, there's hardly anyone around at night... Lower Yuan Festival just passed yesterday. Anyone with half a brain is probably curled up in their own nest by now."

"The problem is, plenty of things in the Silent Forest don't have brains." Another voice chimed in, hesitant and halting, as though uncertain about his companion's suggestion. "Besides... I heard the Discipline Team is out tonight too. It wouldn't look good if they saw us resting."

"It's fine. Just say you twisted your ankle and need to put some medicine on it." The third voice was clearly very pleased with his own cleverness, brimming with smug satisfaction. "We're only supplementary patrols anyway, not official school employees."

This time, with both practical reasons and moral excuses for slacking off fully prepared, no one spoke up to object any further.

Thus, the creak-creak of the swaying wind lantern and the rustle-rustle of footsteps drew closer and closer, finally stopping before the wooden bench. Then the bench let out a satisfied sigh, like a well-fed cat purring.

Behind the oak's shadow, the black cat silently tucked himself in even further, shrinking smaller than the rat from before. Then he remained where he was without revealing a thing, not fleeing in panic at the arrival of the young wizards.

A breeze drifted past, carrying a rich, familiar scent that made the black cat involuntarily wrinkle his nose.

"What was that?" Someone on the bench turned around alertly.

"Probably a rat."