Chapter 86: Arriving at Willowbrook Town
At this moment, the group, consisting of a little more than a hundred students and slightly fewer than ten professors, moved into the town under the leadership of Professor Draven Farwynd.
Initially, the atmosphere carried a sense of normalcy, even a hint of excitement at the thought of protecting a town and being hailed as "heroes." However, the mood changed abruptly when the students caught sight of the town. Its desolate aura was unmistakable. The streets were nearly empty, with only the occasional passerby, each wearing a dark, anxious expression.
The houses, too, reflected the town's dire situation. Most were barricaded with makeshift materials, primarily wood, while windows were tightly shut, curtains drawn to keep the outside world at bay. The oppressive atmosphere quickly dampened the students' earlier enthusiasm, silencing their chatter as the gravity of the situation began to sink in.
The professors remained silent, allowing the students to absorb the scene and come to their own understanding of the peril they faced. After a somber walk through the town, the group arrived near the town plaza, now subdued and far from their initial excitement.
Approaching them was a pot-bellied man who moved with quick steps. Flanking him were a few men and women dressed in full armor and armed like guards. The man stopped before them and addressed the group with a fawning smile.
"Are you from the Academy?" he asked.
"It's us," Draven replied curtly, stepping forward.
Hearing this, the man's face lit up with relief. "Marvelous! I am Thomas Beckett, the mayor of Willowbrook. It's a pleasure to have you here, my lords and ladies. You must be tired from your journey. Allow me to guide you. We've prepared accommodations for your stay."
The mayor hesitated for a moment before continuing, his tone apologetic. "I must admit, the best accommodations we could arrange are the homes of some residents who were kind enough to share their spaces. I regret that these won't meet the standards you may be accustomed to. For this, I humbly apologize." He ended his words with a low bow.
At his explanation, murmurs of discontent rose among some of the students. The thought of sharing living spaces with the townsfolk didn't sit well with everyone. However, the majority remained silent, recognizing the seriousness of their mission.
Draven's authoritative voice cut through the whispers. "We won't need accommodations for now. First, I need to meet with the town's guards to discuss defensive preparations."