At the time when Nagaro was still imprisoned in the Black Forest, in the center of Central Cratonia, lay the city of Wiley, one of the most important commercial cities in the region. Prosperous and wealthy, Wiley was famous not only for its economy, but also for being one of the few cities founded by humans where different races coexisted in relative harmony.
On the main streets, countless shops could be seen open.
An oni entered a potion shop, where two foxes attended him.
Not far from there, some high-class human women entered a clothing store, interested in the latest fashion trends. A well-dressed fox, along with their assistants, attended to those beautiful ladies.
The neighboring shop, specializing in perfumes, was also crowded. There were so many human women searching for the latest fragrance on the market that the foxes working there were overwhelmed.
A few streets ahead, a human carpenter, inside a tool shop, was interested in buying a hammer. The fox at the counter immediately assisted him and completed the sale.
Humans, beastmen, onis, and fairies walked through the streets. The sound of carts mixed with conversations, creating a large hubbub. City guards patrolled constantly, ensuring nothing went wrong. There was not a single spot on the main streets without movement or security.
Wiley was the symbol of a future in which everyone could coexist in harmony…
In the more distant streets, near the slums, a beastman was beating a human until he passed out, stealing his belongings.
Inside a simple house, three humans were extorting a poor family because they had not paid the so-called protection fee.
…At least, that was how it was supposed to be.
Unlike kingdoms, governed by a single ruler, cities were administered by a council composed of several people. Among them, one assumed the position of the group's leader. In Wiley, the council was made up of eleven administrators.
Inside the city's largest building was the council headquarters. In the meeting room, everyone discussed intensely around the table. At that exact moment, they were making a decision that could benefit the city, or perhaps bring serious consequences.
An older woman, appearing to be around sixty, stood before the others. She had black hair, dressed entirely in black, and her tan face bore clear signs of fatigue, although her posture was firm and determined. As one of the council's longest-serving members, she presented documents with detailed research, indisputable truths, and an effective action plan.
-So, ladies and gentlemen, don't you see?
-It's all on the table.
-We need to stop the arrival of new outsiders who wish to settle in our city, or we will suffer from overpopulation.
-We are already losing control over where residences are being built. Many houses are concentrated in small, distant areas, where our security cannot act.
-If we continue like this, crime will run rampant.
-Factions are already forming, and trafficking is getting stronger.
-That is why, council, we must create a contingency plan.
-In these papers, I bring a clear and immediate approach to resolve this as soon as possible.
One of the younger men on the council, after reading the document, spoke.
-I agree…
-We should do as she says.
Nearby, another member nodded.
-Me too.
A woman spoke up.
-I disagree with this decision.
She examined the paper in her hands with a serious expression.
-If we follow this description, we risk driving away merchants and traders.
The council members turned their gazes to her.
-Our citizens are already against us thanks to the last attempt to combat crime, which was poorly executed. And now you propose a new plan, almost identical to the previous one? Do you want to provoke a popular revolt?
The woman in black replied calmly.
-My dear, it seems you haven't read the papers carefully.
-I made major changes and adjustments, making this plan much more efficient and precise.
-I agree with you on one point, if we repeat the mistakes of last time, with poorly executed actions and immature decisions, there will be revolts. Especially among those who will be affected.
-But now the situation is different.
-The people feel the weight of violence on the streets. They want action, a response.
-This is a favorable moment for us to act.
Everyone looked at the woman in black, who took back control of the meeting.
-Don't you think that, lately, many people have been coming here? This forces us to use territories intended for other purposes just to accommodate outsiders. And, when we cannot, they are forced to live in the slums, which consequently succumb to crime, further strengthening the power of the factions.
The council members exchanged glances, reflecting. The discussion lasted for hours, until a decision had to be made.
On one side, five members agreed to act immediately. On the other, five disagreed, advocating a different approach.
Faced with this deadlock, only one person could give the final word, the council leader.
Everyone looked at the leader, who remained in the corner of the room, waiting for the outcome.
As he prepared to announce his decision, the door was abruptly opened. Servants and workers entered without any formality, sweaty and panting, as if they had run a marathon. If the doorman hadn't acted quickly, the door would have been knocked down.
One of the councilors, irritated by this insolence, asked the reason for the commotion, but the men only said one word.
-Silent.
All the council members trembled, not believing what they had heard. The leader immediately stood up.
-Quick!
-Don't waste time!
-Alert the Hunter Guild!
-Ask neighboring kingdoms for help!
-Notify the Ancient Art School!
-Warn the population to evacuate!
-A monster is about to destroy our city!
Immediately, the servants, guards, and messengers ran through the city spreading the warning.
….
…
..
.
A massive commotion took over Wiley. The terrible Silent was inside the Hunter Guild. The news spread through the survivors who fled the guild and through official warnings from the city leaders.
People ran desperately toward the main gates. Screams echoed in the distance. Men and women ran as fast as they could, parents carried crying children, many tripped and fell in the streets. Merchants tried to save their belongings in carts.
The evacuation was disorganized, chaotic, and desperate, but slowly, the city emptied completely. The Rixas group also left, they didn't want to participate in the fight happening inside the guild, they knew their forces would not be enough to stop Silent.
....
...
..
.
Wiley was completely empty. Thanks to the efforts of the adventurers holding Silent inside the guild, there was enough time for the evacuation. Despite some injured and lost children, everything went as well as possible. In the worst case, it could have been a tragedy.
The leader and the council, despite disagreements, showed that they deeply cared for the population of all races. They were, after all, good leaders.
People fled in carts and on horseback, watching the city quickly disappear behind them.
The last to leave were the leaders, they were still inside the city, wanting to ensure that everyone had escaped safely.
An explosion could be heard and seen from a distance. Realizing that the fight was becoming increasingly intense, the leader and council members mounted their carriages pulled by unicorns and bicorns, departing without looking back.
....
...
..
.