As twilight drew near, Glen had just finished selling the black pig he'd brought. In total, he'd earned two thousand four hundred copper coins, causing his pocket to bulge conspicuously.

At long last, I've managed to extricate myself from penury, if only temporarily. I can now treat myself to a proper indulgence! I'll procure some fine ingredients shortly and prepare a sumptuous hot - pot upon my return. Oh, I do wonder how Lila and Bonnie are faring. They must have been dreadfully frightened yesterday. I should pay them a visit after purchasing groceries. After all, what transpired is inextricably linked to me... Glen busied himself tidying up the clutter strewn about, intending to load the refuse onto the cart and remove it later. Otherwise, the street - cleaning workers would surely give him a hard time.

However, despite completing his cleanup, he didn't depart immediately, for a group of individuals clad in civilian attire was approaching him.

Glen had noticed these people some time ago. They'd been observing him from the periphery as he sold his pork, choosing only now to make their move.

Are they the constables of Dude? Glen surmised their identities. In his previous life, he'd had ample dealings with individuals in this profession, and was thus well - acquainted with their demeanor, speech, and mannerisms.

"Is this Mr. Glen? We are the constables of Dude. May we have a word?" The mustached captain, taking the lead, got straight to the point.

"Constables?" Glen feigned bewilderment and a hint of unease. "Have I committed some transgression?"

Of course, he was well - aware of why the constables were seeking him. Presumably, Lila and Bonnie had reported the incident to the authorities, and they were, naturally, duty - bound to question the relevant parties.

"Relax, sir. We merely wish to pose a few questions. This pertains to a case. Please cooperate with us," a younger constable at the rear said with a reassuring smile.

Glen exhaled a long breath. "Proceed with your inquiries then. I shall hold nothing back."

"Thank you for your cooperation." The captain retrieved a small notebook and a pen, adopting a business - like tone. "Your full name is Glen Nibankru, is it not?"

"This is the name I currently use. My former name was Dylan Nibankru."

Uncertain as to how official information was disseminated in this world, Glen divulged the original owner's name. Concealing it might lead to complications later if they were to come back to him due to inaccurate information.

The captain scribbled something in the notebook with alacrity, then looked up. "May I ask why you changed your name?"

"Certain events transpired, and I desired to sever ties with my past, officer."

The captain seemed lost in thought, then continued, "At this time yesterday, were Miss Lila and Miss Bonnie at your residence?"

"Yes."

"Do you know Bob, Lila's father?"

"No."

...

The interrogation persisted for merely a dozen minutes, focusing primarily on the events of the previous day.

Finally, the captain regarded Glen with a peculiar tone and gaze as he asked, "You truly reside in Bayek?"

"Yes. Is there an issue, officer?" Glen was piqued by the captain's demeanor.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

"None whatsoever. As long as you're well." The captain offered a smile, then cast a furtive glance left and right. Leaning in slightly towards Glen's ear, he whispered, "When I assumed the role of police station captain, those above instructed that, unless absolutely necessary, one should steer clear of that place."

Glen was taken aback, his curiosity intensifying.

"You must have been deceived into purchasing a dwelling there. Trust me, my boy. If feasible, vacate the premises as soon as possible. It can only benefit you."

With that, the captain led his constables away.

It would seem that the kingdom's government is cognizant of Bayek Town. But why do they turn a blind eye? After all, there are numerous seemingly malevolent creatures lurking within... Glen remained in place, lost in contemplation for a brief moment. However, he soon shook his head, tugged the cart to a corner, and set off to buy groceries.

...

"Captain, there are still no leads. What should we do? That young man doesn't seem to be involved in this matter," a police officer beside the mustached man asked shortly after they left Central Street.

"Perhaps," the captain replied enigmatically. "At least he's not in cahoots with those people."

"If they commit another crime, it will cause panic in the town," a police officer said, looking worried.

"Those fellows won't come out to commit crimes anytime soon," the captain said as he walked.

"Why?" the officers asked in unison.

"They always target areas outside the town, which indicates that they don't dare to act within the town. There must be something in the town that they're wary of. What could it be? If they're bold enough to do such things, they're not afraid of us police officers, at least not to the extent of refraining from committing crimes in the town. Considering the important figure who recently arrived in our town, it must be Berlin. They're afraid of the great knight Berlin intervening. There are only a few families with children outside the town, and they've all been victimized. For places further away, it's not our jurisdiction. Now, they can only target the town. They should lie low until Berlin leaves."

After the mustached captain's analysis, the police officers behind him seemed to understand only vaguely.

"But Sir Berlin arrived in the town the day before yesterday, while the child - disappearance cases started five days ago?"

A police officer raised an objection.

The captain's expression remained unchanged. "The news of Berlin coming to Dude had spread a week ago. If they had committed crimes during this period, it would surely have spread throughout the town. Once Berlin arrived and heard about it, given the great knight's character, he would likely take direct action. Berlin has the heart of a knight and has a high probability of finding them. How could the other side not consider such a consequence?"

"Then why don't we ask Sir Berlin to assist us? Wouldn't we be able to find those criminals quickly?"

The captain sighed. "I went to seek his help, but the mayor wouldn't let me meet him. He said Berlin wouldn't stay in the town for long and had important matters to attend to. He wouldn't allow him to spend time on such things."

After hearing this, the police officers all looked dejected. The captain turned around, glanced at them, and his tone suddenly turned serious. "Listen! A bunch of good - for - nothings! Can't we solve the case without relying on others?! Don't forget what you're wearing! It's our duty to bring criminals to justice!"

Startled by the sudden scolding, everyone straightened up and replied loudly, "Yes, Captain!"

"Don't stop the daily patrols. Sooner or later, we'll find them."

...

Mes Academy.

Glen stared at the iron gate before him, lost in silence. The large iron lock on it signified that the academy was not welcoming to outsiders.

He took a few steps forward, and the fallen leaves on the stone - paved road crunched under his feet.

The iron gate, composed of vertical black iron bars and symmetrical spiral patterns, exuded an old - English charm.

Glen leaned forward slightly, looking at the campus buildings inside the gate. The earth - colored spire - shaped buildings stood there quietly, and a medley of lecturing voices reached his ears.

It seems classes are in session... Glen straightened his back. Suddenly, he felt as if a gaze was fixed upon him.

He looked up and found that the gaze seemed to originate from the crow - shaped stone carvings on the stone pillars on either side of the iron gate.

This should be an ordinary school, right? There shouldn't be any magical creations, should there? Well... perhaps ordinary schools have them, but ordinary students just don't know, including my former self... Lowering his head, Glen ceased his inspection.

This time, he followed the scent, intending to check on the situation of those two girls, Lila and Bonnie, worried that something might have gone wrong. However, it seemed that the two girls were fine, and he couldn't risk being misunderstood by barging in directly.

Just as he was about to turn and leave, his ears caught some unusual sounds.

Is there something amiss? He glanced in the direction from which the sound came. Judging by the distance, it wasn't far, so he walked along the wall.