With the work of thousands of laborers who toiled day and night, the wall expansion project finally came to an end. As soon as it was completed, those assigned to guard the wall returned to their posts.
Silver-armored men patrolled the top of the wall, spears and swords in hand as they conducted their rounds. Lookout posts were positioned every dozen meters or so, with guards holding binoculars and staying vigilant, carefully observing the city’s surroundings. One unusual movement, and they would alert someone to investigate.
In one of the outposts facing north, two silver-armored men were smoking inside their station.
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"You know, I’ve been thinking about quitting this job," one of them said, blowing out smoke from his tobacco.
"Dude, don’t tell me you’re scared too?" his companion replied, taking a deep puff and exhaling through his nose.
"I’m not. I just don’t want to end up leaving my wife and daughter with nothing but my bones on a plate. You know what I mean."
"Shh." One of the guards put a finger to his lips. He looked around, sighing in relief when he saw nothing unusual in their surroundings. Lowering his voice, he said, "I know, I’ve heard about it. A few others left for the same reason. But it’s just a rumor—maybe it’s not even true."
"You don’t believe it?"
"Of course not."
"Then why are you whispering? Your eyes are even shaking!" The guard hit his companion on the head, almost making him drop his tobacco.
"Ouch, you didn’t have to do that."
The guard whose back faced the north side of the city let out a sigh. He looked up at the night sky, then at the moon. Clouds were slowly rolling over it, and in a few moments, it would be fully hidden.
"But lately, the city’s been strange. Commoners suddenly gaining cultivation skills, and one of us even achieved unprecedented strength," the guard muttered, narrowing his eyes at the moon. "And I’ve seen black-robed men entering the mayor’s mansion. They’re dangerous, I could feel it."
He waited for a response, but none came. Confused, he turned to his companion, who was staring over his shoulder, his eyes narrowed.
"What are you looking at?" the guard asked.
"Do you… know what that thing is?"
"What thing?" the guard murmured, turning around to see a black mass moving toward them. His eyes widened, and he quickly grabbed his binoculars. The moment his vision zoomed in, his heart skipped a beat. "Sound the alarm!"
His companion obeyed without hesitation.
The strong chime of the bell echoed along the wall, even reaching the nearby streets. One by one, every outpost sounded the alarm as they also spotted the strange phenomenon approaching.
"What is it?" his companion asked.
"See for yourself," the guard said, handing him the binoculars before grabbing his weapon and running to find the captain.
The man put the binoculars to his eyes. The instant he saw the black mass, his body shuddered.
"Duskfangs? There’s hundreds of them!"
…
Apollo had just finished eating his dinner. He stood beside the door of Filly’s Restaurant, waiting for Ned to come out.
A few seconds later, Ned stepped outside.
"How was the food?" Ned asked, taking the basket.
"Good as always. I’m surprised they finally know how to make a proper sauce," Apollo said with a hint of praise. Usually, the meat they served him didn’t come with sauce, just condiments on top. But tonight’s meal had two sauces—spicy and garlic.
"It’s all because of you," Ned smiled, knowing well that all the new dishes in their restaurant were thanks to the beggar in front of him.
"Nope, it’s not," Apollo shook his head. "Anyway, thanks for the meal."
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"No worries," Ned said before heading back into the restaurant, where many patrons were still waiting to be served.
Apollo returned to his spot, where he found his monkey, Bubba, sleeping beneath the makeshift roof.
He picked up the monkey and placed him on his lap. By now, Bubba had accepted that he couldn’t escape from this despicable human. Fortunately, the small human hadn’t tried to feed him another one of those red things that nearly caused his death.
"Ah," Apollo sighed. "I’ll feed you another chili after I complete my mission, alright? Just wait for it."
Bubba tilted his head in confusion, but upon seeing the sadistic grin on Apollo’s face, he shivered as fear engulfed him.
The monkey whimpered, lowering his head as he dared not look at the beggar.
"Hahaha," Apollo laughed, amused by how tamed his companion had become. "Time to get back to cultivation," he muttered, setting the monkey aside.
However, just as he was about to close his eyes, his ears perked up. At first, the sound was faint, but with each passing second, the strong toll of a bell grew louder.
"What’s this… a warning?" Apollo frowned as a heavy feeling settled over him. He stepped out of his spot and walked onto the street.
Curious passersby halted, and some people emerged from nearby restaurants and buildings to look up at the wall.
"What’s happening?"
"It’s an emergency! When there’s a threat to the city, the bells chime!"
The moment someone uttered the word "Emergency," fear and nervousness washed over the crowd.
"I see… it has begun," Apollo whispered, a smile creeping onto his face.
At that moment, a powerful whistling sound echoed above. Looking up, the crowd saw two figures flying toward the wall.
Apollo recognized them as Nathan Kleinford and Mathias Helflick.
"Wait for me!" Apollo’s body vanished, and with a loud bang, he launched himself into the sky, the air exploding beneath his feet as he positioned his hands by his sides.
This was a variation he’d developed from the Wind Blast, allowing him to propel his body in any direction he desired—essentially flying when he felt like it. It was his first time using it, inspired by the need to look as cool as the family heads. He could achieve the same effect with the Fire Blast technique, but that would cause destruction every time he took off—a testament to the powerful winds that nearly threw those around him off balance.