After some travel, they stopped in Elmsworth, a medium-sized town located south of Sylvanbrook. The town is near the Luminous Forest, which is rumored to have mystical properties and connections to ancient Wellspring powers.

“Why are we here?” Lyra asked as they entered the town. It was much narrower than Sylvanbrook, with older buildings on either side of them.

“Luminous Forest, for one,” Sly informed her. Since things started in Sylvanbrook, checking neighboring towns is the best option. We can also visit the outpost here and procure information.”

“It seems we aren’t the ones with that idea,” Eamon said, jutting his chin forward.

They noticed the military in uniform patrolling the streets and talking to civilians, who showed clear signs of nervousness from cinched shoulders and fidgeting movements.

“Hmm, best to converse with the people too. We have a duty to the people first, and not too many people are keen on the military pawns. I’ll check in at the outpost about Luminous Forest and if any stranger people, like the Children of Deimos, show up. Meet me at the outpost when you’re done.”

“Got it!” they both said. Sly parted from them.

“So, where should we investigate first?” Lyra turned to Eamon.

She looked around at the quaint town, observing the many people passing by in petticoats and waist jackets.

“Let’s first establish our task and see what we know,” Eamon replied.

Lyra groaned with a roll of her eyes but nodded.

“So we know, or at least heavily believe, the military presence is trying to take over Locksmith duties,” Eamon reiterated.

Lyra nodded in confirmation. “That’s a long-term goal, but it’s still questionable why. Go on.”

“Right. Then there are reports of the strange Rifts causing outages and different kinds of Spawn to appear.”

“For the most part, besides the military, it seems peaceful. Not even Fiends are disturbing the place.”

Every day, shoppers and travelers came and went as they pleased without panic.

“And lastly,” Eamon finally said. “The Harmony Tax. There might be some building tension now that time has passed. We should quell any irregularities that may cause an issue.”

“Okay, got it.” Lyra agreed. “Maybe we should start at the general store? Plenty of locals and travelers go there to stock up on supplies.”

“Yeah, let’s go.”

They headed into the General Store and saw military soldiers loitering and harassing customers, making some nervous from their presence alone. The civilians would not try telling them to stop, fearing the government would reprimand them.

Eamon stiffened seeing them. He had not realized how bad seeing the military would make him feel and if anyone would recognize him.

Lyra, however, hated seeing distress on people’s faces and stepped forward to speak in their defense.

“Hey!” she yelled before Eamon could stop her. “Leave them alone. Can’t you see that your presence is a disturbance?”

The military soldiers stopped their jeering and turned to Lyra, mockingly looking her up and down. They were dressed in burgundy and red military attire.

The one who spoke first must have been the leader of the group. “Oh, look who decided to speak up, boys. A fellow Locksmith is doing their ‘civic duty.’”

The soldiers snickered at his comment.

Lyra squeezed her fists, her face flushed with annoyance and anger at the soldier's sarcastic quip. “What did you say?”

The blonde-haired leader smirked. “Don’t you Locksmiths know that soon you won’t be needed? Nor your precious Wellspring power. The Empire has a contingency plan to make sure the world knows that the military is here to stay and the Locksmith are–”

With her arm pulled back, Lyra punched him in the nose, and he fell back.

“Geez, Lyra!” Eamon explained. “What in Lumos’ name did you do that for?”

Lyra shook her hand, freeing away the throbbing, pulsating pain. She noted that she felt something crunching and figured she had broken his nose.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

The rest of the soldiers surrounded their leader and asked him if he was all right. The blonde-haired guy was frantic as they helped him stand to his feet. His movements were off balance and wobbly like he would fall over again.

“You hit me! That is insubordination! An assault on the military! I can have you expelled from your duties.” He pointed a gloved hand at her and held his bleeding nose, soaking his other gloved hand bright red.

Lyra snorted. “I’m just doing my ‘civic duty’ to keep the peace, and you were the disruption. Should we take that up with your superiors? Because you're preventing me from doing my job, that's still very much legally intact.”

He growled at her statement, knowing she was right.

Eamon stepped in front and put himself in the fray in case the soldier decided to use force.

“Let’s not cause a scene,” Eamon spoke up. A side-ways look to Lyra.

“Why?” Lyra snapped back. “He started it. He's no better than a vile Veilspawn.”

“Tch, you’ll regret you messed with me, Julian Ashcroft, son of General Holden Ashcroft.”

Lyra snorted. “Ditto. C-Rank Locksmith Lyra Ashbourne, granddaughter of Ealdred Ashbourne, the Sentinel Rift breaker.”

Everyone gasped, including Julian, who had wide and fearful eyes. The rest of the soldiers mumbled under their breaths. Julian had to think fast if he did not want to lose control of the situation.

“Hmph, I’ll humble you this time, Locksmith, but make no mistake, if we meet again, you will feel my blade or pistol, whatever comes first.”

Lyra touched the hilt of Riftbreaker. “Likewise.”

The soldiers mumbled. They caught a glimpse of the legendary blade in their presence. Julian gulped; he, too, knew the stories. He was about to rush by with his men behind him when he and Eamon locked eyes. Eamon quickly looked away, and the soldiers left.

Eamon sighed with relief. He was glad the spat did not result in anything significant.

“Ugh, the nerve of that pompous idiot. I swear to Lumos, if I see him again, I’ll give him a black eye next.”

“Maybe not always resort to violence?” Eamon suggested. A frown formed on his lips. “He was right; he could have reported you, too.”

Lyra waved the comment off. “Yeah, if he had the guts to do it.”

A man behind the counter of the store cleared their throat. He had shaggy brown hair and lidded eyes. “Thank you, Locksmiths. On behalf of myself, Gregor Millson. Those military men have been coming here for some days since they arrived and have made a stir. We couldn’t say anything for fear of them making it worse on us.”

Lyra beamed with a twinkle in her eyes. She was glad to help and even happier that no one was harmed. “It’s no problem at all! Just doing our duty. I hope everyone here will be okay.”

People who were in the store nodded and bowed.

“Please, if you need anything, all you have to do is ask.” The man bowed his head to them.

“We may not need any items, sir,” Eamon said. “But if you can give us some information? It’s important.”

Understanding the private matter, the storeowner, Gregor, led Lyra and Eamon to the back of the store. Once inside the back office, Eamon and Lyra sat on a plaid cushion chair. Gregor did the same on the seat across from them.

“You said, Gregor that soldiers had been here for a few days. When did they get here and why, if you know?” Eamon asked him first

Gregor nodded. “They arrived less than a week ago and patrolled our town for two days. They make demands and often trouble the people by saying this is required of them.”

Lyra frowned, crossing her arms. “It is certainly not their right. Just cause it was hinted that the military would be making more of an appearance doesn’t mean they can treat citizens like they’re second rate.”

Gregor nodded, agreeing. “My thoughts exactly, but if we voice that, we’d surely get the short end of the stick.”

“Did they ever mention why they were here?” Eamon asked. “Perhaps because something strange has been occurring of late?”

Eamon did not want to reveal any information on the strange Rifts or the even stranger Veilspawn that there was a possible connection to the Luminous Forest outright. It would cause the public unnecessary panic, which they did not need.

“Well…” the man drawled out. “There have been some strange storms besides the military showing up. When us town folks thought they were here to help, we told them, but they’d make excuses or claim there was nothing there.”

“Why didn’t you contact the closet guild to help you? Sylvanbrook isn’t that far away,” Lyra, pointed out.

“That’s the thing. The Vox Links beacon strength isn’t strong enough. It’s like whatever is going on around here is blocking the frequency. Even the outpost has trouble getting service.”

He leaned forward to whisper. Lyra and Eamon did the same. Gregor lowered his voice so only the two could hear: “If I'm being honest, I fear that the Luminous Forest has something to do with it. I'm not a skeptic, but there are always rumors that the forest has its own ancient secrets.”

Lyra and Eamon gave one another a look.

“Thank you, Gregor,” Lyra said. “I think we have enough information. We’ll handle this issue promptly.”

“You will?”

Lyra grinned. “As our honor as Locksmiths.”

They stood from their seats, ready to leave.

“Oh, and one more thing,” Eamon added. “How are people reacting lately after the Harmony Tax announcement?”

Gregor frowned. “To my knowledge, smaller towns are taking the loss hard. Cities expect it, but we all know who will benefit the most from this ‘Harmony Act’. Many don’t agree with it, and others are going along with it because there is nothing to do except let it happen.”

After Lyra and Eamon said goodbye, they left the General Store.

“You alright, Lyra?”

“Yes and no,” she admitted. “I’m pretty pissed; we have to help these people. Something out there is doing damage, and the military isn’t doing anything about it. Investigating that forest will at least give folks some peace of mind.”

“Agreed. Let’s meet back up with Sly at the outpost.”