The Investigation Unit was growing rapidly with Liaison Gauthier in charge of teaching. The first batch of candidates was finally ready as the graduate ceremony was rather solemn.

Barclay Reed was elected valedictorian unanimously as he took to the stage. The masses of men and women expectantly stand in the warm weather. “I would prefer that our General would be the one speaking, but I am certain she is here in spirit,” Barclay Reed solemnly said as the men and women shout out aye.

Some of the officials present and nobles stiffen and frown but make no comment. After all, the Investigation Unit was founded by that woman. And they were in the heart of her former Duchy. It would do them no good to be lynched by the locals.

“We have been given orders and we will not fail! For we are the best and the best cannot fail!” Barclay Reed finished as the men and women cheer loudly.

The dreaded speech was brief which was wonderful to the students and startling for their guests. The students disperse to celebrate as the teachers gather in a room to discuss their next steps.

Instead of opening headquarters as they should have they be teaching the next batch of recruits. Some would become permanent teachers and others would go on to official positions once headquarters were to be established.

Liaison Gauthier is at the forefront with newly transferred Private Ace, who would be part of the next batch of students. Barclay Reed stands to the side along with some other appointed teachers.

Liaison Gauthier tiredly says, “Funds are not a problem in teaching. The general more than ensured the funding for the Investigation Unit. But I am worried, that the department will become purely theoretical.”

Barclay Reed snorts. “That won’t happen,” he confidently stated.

Private Ace eyes the unfamiliar man and says, “How can you be so certain?”

“Boy, the worst of summer is about to hit. Mark my words, the heat is the enemy for the guards. The masses become all riled as tempers flare and no more than one or two fights happen a night. But it’s also when those bastards come out to play,” Barclay Reed assuredly retorted.

A half-elf woman with blonde hair and sea green eyes nods. “Barclay’s right. There are those that like to prey on the weak. And the capital has no shortage of such beings. Most keep to the shadows, but some grow hungry and dare walk out into the light.

Not in my time, but my maternal human grandmother remembers years ago, there was a man called the butcher. His victims all women were found torn open and dead. Women were afraid to go out for a period. But suddenly, the killing stopped and calm once more returned to the city.

Some said, he was caught. Others that he grew tired of the game. A few, said he had merely moved away. But the worst rumor was that he had learned to hide his kills. I-, I tend to believe that rumor more than anything else. Men like that are much like beasts, once they’ve gained a taste for human flesh, they can’t be stopped until they’re dead,” Anais steadily said.

Liaison Gauthier nods in understanding too well. His own ancestor, Vidal was such a beast. By the time, he was put down no fewer than 24,000 souls were dead because of him.

Barclay Reed grunts in conformation and grumbles, “Mark my words, we’ll be needed.”

The rest of the group trusts Barclay Reed judgment and disperse. Liaison Gauthier does the same as Private Ace runs after him. Caught up to him, Private Ace says, “Can we trust him?”

“The general trusts him and specifically recruited him,” Liaison Gauthier firmly said as now mollified Private Ace changes the subject as they head down to the graduation celebrations to grab a bite to eat.