The Oracle’s Concern

They walked away from the centre of the crowd. Poltas was confused why he was being called away like this. He ran possible simulations through his head.

'Is this an imposter trying to kidnap me? I thought this was just a small town, why is such a grand plan taking place here?'

'Is he interested in me? No no, that would never happen.'

'Is he interested in Brandial then?!'

'Does he have a surprise planned for Brandial and needs my help too.'

'Sir, my education did not prepare me for this, please spare me.'

Oblivious to this, Myx sat near the fountain at one of the roundabouts, which was seemingly deserted today. His troubled appearance did nothing to appease Poltas' concerns.

"I hope I didn't upset you by bringing you here."

"Huh?"

"I mean, you probably also came with the idea to enjoy the event and seeing me you already know what I want to talk about."

"..."

Poltas wished he did not know, most of his imaginations had been too wild and negative.

"Perhaps…"

"It's about the safety of the people. The barrier we have deployed is quite strong, but it seems to be malfunctioning today."

"What!"

"This is why I need your help in protecting the people. I am aware that regardless of your potential to see and handle mythical energy, you have not practised any magical arts. But even physical strength will be useful if something goes wrong."

"Where did you hear about my…physical skills."

"Weren't you the one who tackled the weevilians before? Although neutral, they are actually quite strong and hard to tackle. You being able to kill them off is very impressive."

This served as a reminder to Poltas of the days he spent bed bound, cursing his past self and stupidity. He did not want Myx to use that example to enlist him for any help, otherwise he would be back in the little prison.

"Uh, I'm sure you also heard I suffered internal injuries after that. I don't think I can tackle an enemy of that scale again."

"I won't ask you for something that difficult. If any major enemies show up, I will handle them. But I need you to hunt down magical imps that pass through the barrier and kidnap children."

"?!?!?!"

"Imps are physically weak but have high magical potential. They make it past the barrier but can't take anyone except the children by force."

"Why do they even have such high magical potential then?"

"They originate from the Dark Faction. Born in a mismatched community where elves and pixies decided to have interspecies relations. They inherited the magical prowess of their ancestors, but it came at a cost of poor mental development. Their only source of nutrition are living animals and blood."

"That's pretty dark. But if any animal will do, why do they hunt humans?"

"According to the behavioural studies done on imps, their magical sight draws them to high vitality areas. And like all dumb animals they are also attracted to shiny objects. A gathering with many humans is sure to be a site of high vitality, and all the lights we have set up also do not help."

"Oh."

"So could you assist me in this without telling the Keeper."

"We're hiding this from her?"

"I'm afraid if she knew, she'd shut this whole event down. But this event is a necessity to keep public morale up."

"I see…"

The situation was quite critical. On one hand the chances of a mishap were high, but if they hid in fear of the danger, it would only create a sense of unease in Pamsteria.

Poltas was not the manager yet, but he contemplated on what he would do if he was in Brandial or Myx's position.

'Train people before the event. Definitely train them on how to fight and run from danger.'

To him this sort of event was simple. On Earth there was no way to avoid some of the disasters. In order to ensure maximum survival there would be safety training. Earthquake drills, fire drills, school shooting drills, say no to drugs campaigns, stranger danger lessons. From children to adults, everyone was taught the guidelines on how to respond.

So what if there were imps in the city to commit crimes, even normal citizens could protect their children.

Poltas determined that education was the solution to such small things.

'If the enemy had been a dragon or something, maybe we would need something more than this.'

He agreed with Myx to keep Brandial uninformed and decided to take up his post for duty. He made sure to call Winzton and make an excuse so the man could whisk the birthday lady by himself.