Chapter 37: Unlocking the Night Watch
Chapter 37: Unlocking the Night Watch
"Knock, knock, knock!"
Elder Rain opened the door, his eyes widening in surprise.
Rain stepped into his home in Flashgold Town. Aside from his sister, Mint, who was already fast asleep, Rain's mother and Anna were also roused from their slumber by the commotion. They emerged from their rooms.
"Rain, what brings you back? Has something happened at the estate?" Elder Rain, shaken awake by the cold draft, guessed that something must have occurred.
Rain pondered for a moment and decided to be direct with his parents, knowing that the news would spread soon enough.
Additionally, if that savage werewolf continued hunting humans around Flashgold Town, farmers like his father, who worked in the outlying farms, would be among the most vulnerable.
"Father, a servant's dormitory at the estate was attacked by a werewolf. Two were killed on the spot, and one was taken away."
The vigilant Elder Rain peered through the door crack and spotted three Night Watch members standing outside, each holding a torch and clad in black leather armor. He promptly opened the door.
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Rain turned to his father and said, "I'll be right back."
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"Let's light up these lanterns first," said the efficient leader of the Night Watch squad.
"Are you going to get your gear? Don't bother; we've prepared everything for you." One of the Night Watch members behind him stepped forward, handing Rain a complete set of black leather armor, a bow, a quiver, and a half-sword.
Rain's heart leaped with joy at their thoughtful preparation.
Initially, Rain's mother had considered her son's joining the Night Watch a fortunate event, but now, witnessing the potential danger, her concern for her child's safety was evident in her furrowed brows.
Just as Rain had settled down, a knock sounded at the door again.
Ever since Rain mentioned the invitation from Sheriff Hamilton to join the Night Watch, Elder Rain had believed that his son had come of age.
Rain's words carried newfound conviction, and he nodded to Anna as they headed upstairs.
Such strength, if quantified by the system's standards, would likely be around 18 or 20 points—far surpassing the limits of ordinary individuals.
Sheriff Hamilton would also be informed immediately! During their conversation, Rain learned about their mission—patrolling and securing the safety of the nearby streets.
"Sure, just give me two minutes." Rain readily agreed.
"Mother, please don't go to the woods to gather firewood or anything tomorrow. It should be safe within the town."
"Father, it's best if you also avoid the outlying farm tomorrow."
Noticing the Night Watch members lighting the lanterns, Rain offered to help, "Let me give it a try."
In their eyes, Rain was the young man who had single-handedly taken down two criminals and earned Sheriff Hamilton's praise. Despite his youth, he possessed remarkable strength and a keen mind.
"Don't worry, Mother. I'll take care of myself."
He was no longer a child in need of their care but a grown man capable of shouldering responsibilities.
Rain was familiar with werewolves, having caught a glimpse of one in his youth. These ferocious humanoid creatures typically dwelled deep in the forest. How had one ventured out?
In most cases, not all the lanterns (oil lamps) in the town are lit, and some are turned off to conserve fuel.
The leader, a familiar and capable Night Watch member, said, "Rain, we're short-staffed tonight. Sheriff Hamilton just informed me that you'll be joining the night patrol for this area."
"But don't worry too much. Sir Lloyd and Sir Perez, both Senior Knights from the Manor, are already handling the situation. The Flashing Gold Town has also been notified, so I believe this matter will be resolved soon."
As Rain put on the standard Night Watch uniform, aside from his slightly youthful appearance and shorter stature, he looked almost indistinguishable from the other Night Watch members.
The thought of the other's extraordinary strength and agility still sent shivers down his spine.
As a new Night Watch recruit, it was evident that being diligent was always a good thing.
Rain descended the stairs from the second floor.
"Huh?"
"Rain, be careful," his mother said with a worried expression.
The oil consumption of a single lantern wasn't high, but if there were dozens or even hundreds of them, the cost would be significant.
Within half a minute, as long as they were within the range of Flashing Gold Town, Night Watch squads would arrive one after another.
This Night Watch member was familiar to Rain, and his patrol area included the vicinity of Rain's home.
Now that Rain was back, Anna could only share a room with Mint, while Rain continued to sleep in his original room.
But patrolling his own doorstep for the safety of his family was something he had to agree to. Rain turned and went upstairs, intending to retrieve a short sword from the storage room on the second floor.
"Rain, I heard that the incident involved a Squire in training from the Manor," the capable Night Watch member asked.
If it were any other place, Rain might have considered it further.
The other three saw Rain's solemn expression and glanced at each other, their faces turning more serious.
"Alright! I'll follow your lead." Elder Rain nodded.
Rain had just learned that the town's lanterns used a mixture primarily made from whale oil as fuel.
"Yes! I witnessed that savage werewolf firsthand. It burst out of the servant dormitory with extreme ferocity, instantly knocking the guard aside and escaping," Rain said with a grave expression.
He didn't want to cause unnecessary worry for his family by sharing the full details.
Even he was taking it so seriously; this werewolf's strength must be formidable, not to be underestimated! No wonder Sir Hamilton emphasized that any Night Watch member who spotted the werewolf's trail should immediately fire a signal.
After saying this, Rain bid farewell to his parents and began the night patrol with the three Night Watch members.
To reassure his family, Rain didn't mention that the werewolf was over two meters tall and had strength comparable to a formal Knight.
"Whoa!" Elder Rain couldn't help but gasp.
He could quickly get along with the other Night Watch members.
As Rain was about to light the oil lamp by inserting a match into the lampshade, the system notification sounded:
[Ding! Host is refueling the lantern, triggering the class change to Night Watchman!]
[The prerequisites for advancing to Night Watchman are: 1. Level 3 or higher in Militia; 2. Strength of 7 points or more, Agility of 6 points or more, Constitution of 6 points or more; 3. Level 3 or higher in any Swordsmanship, Level 2 or higher in any Archery! Current conditions do not meet the requirements, advancement to Night Watchman failed!]
Huh! It's a new combat class!
(End of Chapter)
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