Chapter 32:

'Finally, damn that took longer than I anticipated. I can't believe that it's already dark, I wanted to take a look around the city.' I sigh in exasperation.

"I guess some other time, when I don't have a time bomb at home." I say to myself in hopes of lifting my spirit as I leave with a crate full of food and drinkable water, trailing right behind me.

Turns out the shopping district is close to the south gate, in other words the gate where I came from. As such in only a few minutes I am already in front of the gate; However, something peculiar is happening.

"Why are the gates closed?? Excuse me." I move to the guards to investigate what's happening; However, I get stopped from approaching them when they shout at me "Halt!! Under the new decree no one shall enter or leave the city past sunset!!"

"When did this new decree pass down?" I ask again, whilst backing away from the guards. "It has been passed yesterday, we UrGe all citizens to stay at home or travellers to stay at their inn!!" They shout again, "Okay, thanks." I politely replied as I turned around and left the guards alone.

'No use standing here and talking about it, let's find the nearest inn and book a room.' I say to myself as I trudge alone in the road.

'Come to think of it there are fewer people milling around, maybe the night is full of Terrors, from the reactions of all the people.' I think to myself.

I stop at the cross road from earlier, and notice that the shopping district is empty, as nearly all the shops and stalls are closed or in the middle of closing in a hurry.

I quickly head to the shop owner nearest to me, "mind telling me where the nearest inn is?" to say that the man was startled is an understatement, the guy nearly jumped out of his skin.

"I thought you were one of those thing you damn brat, leave me alone." he says in a voice filled with dread and anguish. I simply stare at him unamused, as my fist clench.

"What things? You see I am a traveller caught unaware of what's happening, and it would mean a lot if you could help." I state in a matter of fact.

"Look kid, there are this shadow creatures that travel in the city once the sun goes down. As such, no one in their right mind would stay out so late. There is an inn just down that street, hurry there before you get abducted by those things."

The man says while methodically closing his shop, he must have started work since a child due to how efficient he is. Sometimes he isn't even looking at it, "Thank you, sir." I say as I head towards where he told me to go to earlier.

'Hmmmmm... It has become so silent, and just moments ago it was full of voices. Oh there it is.' I catch a glimpse of a light tavern.

"Excuse me!!! I need a room!!!" I shout as I knock on the door, it doesn't take long for a raspy voice to answer, "We are full, go away!!!".

"Wh.. Is there any other Tavern around??? Ones that aren't full???" I ask, "How would I know!!! Now leave!!!" he shouts at me.

'Sheeesh, people on edge are a pain to deal with.' I say to myself as I move away from the door of the tavern. 'Anyway, now where do I go?? Well I don't have to be afraid of whatever monsters, but I need a bed to sleep at.'

'This sucks, Well I should probably try the other taverns first and then see where that leaves me at.' I make my mind; However, as soon as I start walking I remember.

'I don't know where to start though, he didn't tell me where they are.' I hang my head in my hand. 'Welp, time to hunt these monsters.'