Chapter 243 - City of Shadows (2)

We walked along the path next to the bleak-looking gray walls of the research institute.

Haley asked the researcher guiding us, "What's the reason for the separate budget cut?"

"A few months ago, the city was thrown into chaos when about a dozen magic creatures being transferred through the central research institute escaped near the square. Since then, the policy has changed, perhaps due to increased anxiety about housing magic creatures in the city."

"What species were the escaped magic creatures?"

"It's confidential information that only city council officials can know. They say a dozen or so hungry magic creatures escaped, but there were no witnesses or victims, and the streets were clean and quiet. I think it was just a ploy to turn public opinion, as the magic creature research institute had been a thorn in their side for a while."

"Why was the institute a thorn in their side? Claridium's research has contributed so much to the northern front."

"But it doesn't provide direct benefits to Claridium. Magic creature research was a project done out of a sense of duty. Money goes out, and citizens are anxious about having magic creatures in their homes. In this city, where magic creatures are unlikely to invade, what's the importance of research?"

"Even so..."

The researcher smiled bitterly and said, "Talented magic engineers and mages left early. Because the city no longer needs them. There's no more research cooperation with the North, Eternia, and the Empire. Claridium will no longer progress. They just want to maintain their legacy and create a comfortable space for themselves."

"That's unfortunate."...