Morning mist still covered the small border town as the heavy sound of drums echoed through the streets.
"By order of His Majesty!"
Captain Zhao rode slowly through the marketplace with dozens of Imperial Guards behind him.
"Every household will be inspected."
"No one may conceal suspicious persons, forbidden rituals, or cursed objects."
The lively market gradually became silent.
Merchants stopped arranging their goods.
Children were pulled back into their homes by worried mothers.
An elderly villager stepped forward.
"Captain... has something happened?"
Captain Zhao dismounted.
His face was stern.
"We are investigating reports of forbidden black magic."
A murmur spread through the crowd.
"So the rumors are true..."
"I heard crying every night."
"My chickens died without reason."
"My neighbor's son disappeared."
The Captain raised his hand.
