บท 217: Poaching

Before the dawn arrived, the Dewhurst was already bursting in an uproar. The guards were rushing and all around, and people were talking hushed tones. The murder of the Grand Spire's manager had already spread throughout the district and beyond.

The district magistrate had taken action as soon as he heard the news, but the killer was nowhere to be found. They had interrogated the woman who was spending night with the manager, but couldn't determine the man-slayer.

The Grand Spire was closed and barricades had been formed around it. No one was allowed to enter.

"What?" said one man, looking at a guard. "The Grand Spire won't open for an undetermined period of time."

"There are only three days left for the academy competition. I need a magic sword, now," said another man, protesting.