CHAPTER 61: CHAPTER 9: AGE OF MONSTERS (PART 3)

The sky was dim.

When Shawn left the Night Watch Headquarters and returned to his apartment to rest, he heard the newsboy’s cries on the road.

"Big news! Big news!"

"Explosion at the Tevos Gas Plant! ... 9 dead, 11 injured! ... Police investigation reveals it was due to worker error! ..."

"Brutal murder case in the East Gate Old Town District! ..."

"The killer is a psychopathic murderer, using corpses to conduct cult rituals ..."

Shawn waved his hand, and the newsboy quickly ran over.

"Sir, would you like a newspaper? Today’s packed with big news! ..." The newsboy, about twelve or thirteen years old, said breathlessly.

Shawn reached into his wallet and asked, "How much?"

The newsboy pulled out a newspaper, saying, "2 Seths."

Shawn handed over two coins and unfolded the newspaper. Immediately, he saw the eye-catching headline on the front page, which was yesterday’s news from the East Gate Old Town District, stating that the deranged cult-obsessed murderer had already been shot dead by the police.

The second page covered the major explosion at the Tevos Gas Plant. It was said that the loss was significant, destroying half the factory area, and the streets were affected too. The photo showed the street with a destroyed wall and debris scattered everywhere.

Today’s newspaper was selling especially well, with the busy newsboy running breathlessly through the streets and alleys.

Passersby were also discussing today’s news.

"Is the logistics department moving this fast?"

Shawn read through the newspaper in his hand, probably arranged overnight to cover up the explosion that happened last night.

Possibly due to the incident with the murderer in the East Gate Old Town District, people on the streets appeared worried and hurried.

The police patrols had also increased several times today to reassure the public.

"Dorne City will likely enter a period of vigilance next."

Shawn rolled up the newspaper and tucked it under his arm, saving it to use when he returned to the restroom. In this era, there are also inconveniences, and living entirely like modern times makes daily expenses a bit high.

"One with extra meat, no tomato sauce, please."

Shawn saw a small shop at the corner, with other customers lined up at the door, probably all employees from nearby.

The place where people queue up should have decent food.

"How much?"

"1 Dinar."

He also ordered a wrap with extra meat. The server handed it to him wrapped in paper. It did taste quite nice, somewhat like a Mexican burrito, containing sliced onions, lettuce leaves, roasted meat, and so on, costing about 3 Seths more than elsewhere. However, being near the commercial street in the city, it’s normal for prices to be a bit higher.

Building 3, 12B.

Shawn opened the door, took off his coat, and placed the newspaper on the dining table. He made himself a cup of black tea and walked to the balcony to gaze at the distant Grand Pendulum Clock.

He didn’t sleep well last night, so he planned to take a nap later.

The sound of horse hooves came from the street below. Looking down, Shawn saw a rather luxurious black carriage drawn by two black horses. Next to the driver sat a polite elderly gentleman, around fifty, dressed somewhat like a butler. Two more carriages followed from around the corner, all carrying heavy luggage, clearly showing they belonged to a wealthy family.

The carriages turned directly towards the villa district ahead.

Since Dorne City planned to build new tram tracks, carriages were not allowed on some roads. They took a small detour, entering the affluent villa area across from the apartment complex.

Shawn yawned, took off his vest, and prepared to take a bath and sleep.

.........