West District / 

Two days before the festival /

"Baahh!" "I'm so full!"

Harry and Henry sit on the chair, pressing their backs against the backs of the chairs, feeling a bit not good with their stomach full. 

"That is because you two trying to eat every new food we saw."

The four of them trying to enjoy their time in the pre-festival. Because there are only two days left for the [Ring Our Bell] festival to be held.

Plus, from tomorrow, they could no longer be that relax for the day. Since they signed to be committee of the festival, they will be busy maintaining security and stuff.

"Let's just rest here for a moment."

Aiden's proposal shocked Kane a bit. 

"You are tired already?" asked Kane.

"Well, yeah. It's just too crowded and I'm not used to it."

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot that you are an introvert."

So they chose to rest in the scene. 

Indeed, the pre-festival days are getting busier every year. More Hunters come to Shield Town just to enjoy or participate in the festival. 

Due to the surge in visitors, several building companies took advantage of it.

For example, is White Wood. Within just one night, they built five apartment buildings that could accommodate 100 people per building.

That's not surprising, since they are a company that has a direct relationship with the Greedy Young Master.

That was of great help to the town. Even though the construction they are doing is illegal.

Food and merchandise companies also benefited greatly from the festival. 

It is the biggest of all the festivals that exist throughout the year. Presenting the theme, [Ring Our Bell], which commemorates the merits of the Saints and Legend Hunters.

Back with the boys. While resting, they were just chatting casually, until suddenly three particular girls running and stop right in front of them. 

"Hah~ Hah~" "Glad we can run away."

The three of them were none other than the three most famous maidens of the church.

"You guys?" "Twin doll. What did you do that you were running, gasping like that?" "Did you guys run after stealing?"

Just like usual, Harry and Henry twins teased La and Li twins.

"What a disrespectful mouth you got there, sir." "We are running because we just bumped into a really strange man."

The twin sister's answer made the boys immediately alert; it was not a trivial matter when there was a strange man blending in the crowd..

"What was actually happened?" asked Kane. 

"It was La who bumped him." "I just walk casually, then without realizing I had bumped him, even though I was sure there was no one in front of me at that time. Plus, when I bumped him, I was like bumped a wall."

It was not an ordinary story that they passed in a crowd like this. But they know the girls did not tell a lie. 

"Plus he fascinated by Elizabeth when he stared at her." "Maybe he is a pervert!"

The boys turn their eyes into the blonde, beautiful girl. 

Since the girls' arrival, they did not realize that there is an angel in modest clothes standing in front of them.

"Um, yes, that is right."

Elizabeth did not bother by the boys' amazed gaze, but still scared somehow. 

Previous creepy impression must still be left in her. 

Without the need to ask further, the boys immediately know what should they do. 

"Then let's report this to the guard committee. Aiden?"

"Yeah, let's go."

The boys escorted the girls to the closest post committee, with Harry and Henry twin in front of the group, and Kane and Aiden behind the girls. 

Arriving at the committee post, Harry and Henry twins represented the group to tell what happened. But unexpectedly, the committee's response surprised them.

"A strange man in this crowd?"

The committees who were on the post chuckles. They seemed didn't take the youth's stories seriously. 

"You are exaggerating it."

"Yeah, maybe he is just an ugly introvert hunter who didn't want his face to be seen by people."

After badmouthing the strange robed man, they laughed him.

"After all, if he really was a strange man who was most likely a Black Hunter, then town's Arts Security would have detected and executed him."

What they said is literally true. 

[Town Security Arts: is security that relies on the Arts of the Hunters and is established by the Hunter themselves. This security is useful for detecting [Devil Seed], or the Black Hunters themselves.]

"After all, there are many committees patrolling every corner of the town. If they found the strange man you met, we must have found him first."

After listening to the explanation, the seven youths no longer wanted to be bothered at the post.

"Wouldn't it be better if we went straight home?" "Yeah, that's true."

La and Li look at each other, then at Elizabeth. 

"How is it, Eliz?" "We go home?"

Elizabeth is still afraid to appear to be taking a step or a move on her own, so she just nodded at the suggestion.

"Then let's just go straight away."

When Kane wanted to lead their way – 

"Wait."

Aiden stopped them for some reason. 

"We better move from this way."

Aiden pointed in a direction that would make them turn, when that would be faster if they went straight.

But Aiden suggested that with his eyes full of seriousness, and he somehow peaked at one certain point behind them.

They immediately understood what Aiden was trying to say.

"Ok, let's go this way."

They walked in the formation of three girls in the middle, and the boys covered them with the shape of kites.

Aiden, who had the sharpest sensitivity among them, walked the last. At the front is Kane, who had the broadest view.

Kane amazed at Aiden, because his best friend could sense the presence of someone he could barely see with his eyes.

Maybe for that reason other people couldn't find out about the robed man. Because they try to see him with just their eyes, when you have to use your other senses to feel that man.

During the trip to the east district, they circled in circles to distract the girls' stalker. But the man still followed them, ignoring the surrounding crowd.

That way, Aiden had one plan that might make their trip quicker without causing a fuss.

"Hey, use this."

Aiden gave the three girls a cloth to cover their heads.

Didn't take long, they immediately carried out a plan that even Aiden didn't say.

Kane separated from the group, but he used his eyes to detect the stalker.

Harry and Henry each escorted La and Li. In two groups, they parted with each other.

Then finally, Aiden escorted Elizabeth. 

Even though they are confused, what are they afraid of when they are in their own house. But somehow, they just didn't want to see the man in the robe one more time. Their instinct hits hard on that one. 

"Isn't it better for us to seek help from the committees?" asked Elizabeth suddenly. 

Aiden got a little surprised when the cold princess spoke to him. 

"Well, that's true and might be easier for us. But don't you see their respond before? They are slacking just because the town now is full of strong Hunter from other region."

Aiden gave off the slightest impression that he is upset with the previous committees. Because they don't do their job very well.

"Plus, there are some things that we must solve ourselves and not relying on adults."

The words come from Aiden's past battle in the [Labyrinth of Carnivorous Plants and Lizards]. The pain, fatigue, and memories of that battle deeply impressed Aiden and made him stronger as he is now.

But it seems like there are still some things he can't do himself, even though he's already confident like that.

"He is still following me, yes?"

Yes, somehow, even with all the distraction they have done, the robed stalker man still able to follow his target, Elizabeth. 

Aiden couldn't understand why that man wanted so badly to follow Elizabeth. What's so special about Elizabeth, despite her cleverness?

"Close relationship with Sylvia Shield and Maria Christina. Or maybe because I am the cast of [Vigorous Maiden] this year. There are several other possibilities that occurred to me, but the two most likely are the triggers."

That was so shocking. A close relationship with The Major of the town, and the Mother of the Holy Church? Aiden did not expect Elizabeth to be that great. Plus, being the cast of this year [Vigorous Maiden]? 

That is something that still unknown, or would not be known to people even after the festival was over. Because being the [Vigorous Maiden] is being [Vigorous Maiden], the necessary thing is blonde hair and a maiden.

Elizabeth has just revealed her biggest secret to Aiden. This made Aiden have to be more serious in looking after Elizabeth.

But he is afraid he couldn't that well. Because without him realizing, the robed stalker man was already behind him. 

He could just pounce on Aiden if he wanted to, and it would be difficult for Aiden to fight back in his current state. Moreover, when The Man's figure is so strong Aiden's couldn't move when being stared by him. 

Then suddenly Elizabeth stopped her feet, then look at a certain familiar man stood in front of them.

"Oh, it's you, Aiden."

That is Aiden's Grand Sword Master.

"And this little girl is..."

Aiden was so relieved they met the Grand Master, but the Grand Master casually takes off Elisa's fabric that covers her head, when there is a strange man behind – 

"Huh, where is he?"

When Aiden immediately turns back, the stalker man is gone.

"What's the matter, Aiden? You seem like you've just been stalked by a demon like that?"

His Grand Master realized it. He realized they were being stalked by some dangerous strange man, and that is why he is here.

"I am sorry, Sir Arsen, but will you allow me to say go back to church?"

"Oh, done with the hangout? Of course you can, or rather, you should be back now."

The Grand Master in an instant controlled the situation. Then he let Elizabeth continue her walk, passing the town's barrier wall.

Aiden did not expect they already arrive in front of the East District gate.

"Good job, young man."

His Grand Master said goodbye then proceed to enter the East District. 

Then later, the La and Li twins ran past him, into the East District to catch Elizabeth.

Then his three friends came to him.

"Bro, you okay?" "Man, that's quite tense."

"Aiden?"

"What happened to him?" "Why is he just standing here and muting himself?"

It happened so fast it was hard enough for Aiden's brain to process. But it looks like there are still much things for him to learn. Before he really believed in himself completely.

___________

At one certain lodging of the town /

One certain woman, standing on the balcony on the highest floor, looking out over the town.

"Why is it so quiet?"

She muttered one complicated words, even though the town full of crowds. 

"You are here, boss!"

One subordinate came to her with some food in hand.

"What are you doing here alone, boss?"

"Nothing, it's just, isn't this too quiet for you?"

The subordinate tilted his head. "Quiet? In this crowd?"

Of course, her men didn't know. Because her men do not have high sensitivity like her.

"By the way, have you got the information?"

"Yes, that was quiet hard to get. But one Bounty Hunter willing to sell that with one requirements."

"What is that?"

"Your shield, boss."

[Green Sky Shield]. A tier 10 shield of which there is only one on Floor 2.

"Further notice will be given after the festival over."

So the Bounty Hunter needs her and her shield to serve on another region. 

"That's okay. So, how about the information?"

"Lizard King of the Labyrinth of Plants and Lizards. Deadly Vulture of the Tip of the West Horn. Lord Albacore of the Indefinite Southwest Stream. Those three Territory Boss that supposed to appear earlier this year disappeared without a trace. Identification: Still Unknown. Most likely those Black Hunters doing, but we only have one piece of information to get."

"From Tyler in the accident inside the Labytinth of Carnivorous Plants and Lizards?"

"Yeah, that one. Plus, many area boss are unseen since the year change even though with all this territory hunters activity."

All the pieces of information didn't surprise her. But she worried about what would come to this region later.

"Command everyone; do not let go of your weapons as long as the festival is not over. There will be something very big happening in the near future."

They still didn't know what would happen. All they can do is prepare for the worst.

"I hope you are ready too with this, Sylvia."