Chapter 71: Ashvale

Around late afternoon, the group arrived in town.

As the convoy drove past the welcome sign bearing the town’s name, Adam looked at the scenery through his window.

Ashvale was nestled between rolling hills with impeccable views. The town was a modest urban town known for its quiet streets and close-knit community.

Low-rise buildings, family-owned businesses, and small public parks gave the town a welcoming atmosphere. The serenity of the town contrasted with the towering cities found elsewhere.

This was Adam’s first time in a town clearly separated from a major city, partly independent in how they governed and lived life.

Though unremarkable by his standards, the town enjoyed a steady economy thanks to its fertile farmlands and nearby forests populated with low-ranked beasts.

Not everyone was eager to use their awakened abilities in battles and explorations. But they would most certainly have their ways of dealing with rabid beasts that sometimes venture into town.

"It looks like they had some kind of festival here not too long ago," Adam said after observing for a while.

Indeed.

Just two weeks ago, the town had celebrated its annual Festival of Renewal, a tradition commemorating humanity’s survival after the Great Wave.

Even now, colourful banners still hung from a few buildings, remnants of the celebration that had brought the town together.

"This is going to be troublesome." Riley chipped in from the side.

"I know what you mean," agreed Michael.

Finding the origins of the Sparkblight would prove challenging with a just-ended festival. Hopefully, they would be able to determine the first point of contact.

A few pedestrians and vehicles roamed the streets, moving about in fulfilment of their day. Heads turned in their direction as the convoy drove past.

The convoy soon arrived at their destination several minutes later.

"Ashvale Inn."

Adam muttered as he read the sign on the building.

The Ashvale Inn was a modest three-storey hotel located near the centre of town. Its brick exterior and warm lighting gave it a welcoming appearance.

Four vehicles pulled up in the parking lot of the inn. Adam and his group stepped out of their vans, calmly taking in the scene and surroundings.

"It’s not much, but it will have to do," Michael commented as he stood with his van mates. He glanced at Riley and asked, a teasing smile on his face. "Will you be alright?"

Riley shifted her gaze from the inn and looked at the dark-blue-haired technician. "I’m not as fragile as I look, Michael. I’ll survive."

"Hehe. I was just messing with you." Michael grinned.

Adam watched their little exchange and shook his head. Although he had accepted Riley’s apology, it wasn’t like they could suddenly get comfortable with each other.

That would take time.

Miss Xin walked toward the group and said, "Get our equipment out and follow. I’ll go see the manager."

With that, she turned around and walked to the entrance.

Mr Jackson, on the other hand, gestured for his men to come around. He picked two among the four, instructing them to do a sweep of the perimeter.

"You heard the boss. Let’s get to work."

The senior technician who drove Miss Xin and the captain said, gesturing at the back of the vans. Everyone moved along to carry the equipment they had brought along.

While Miss Xin took care of the room arrangements, everyone gathered at the reception, taking in the warm atmosphere. As a small hotel, there was very little in the category of luxury.

Then again, there were not here for the world class treatment.

Miss Xin soon returned with the key cards for the booked rooms. She stood before the group and distributed the keys. "The academy went all out for us, people. Everyone gets a room."

"Yay~"

A small celebratory cheer went around as everyone got their key cards.

"Since the day is almost over, there is very little we can do." Miss Xin began after everyone received their key cards. "Rest for a few hours. We’ll reconvene in the lounge at seven. Don’t be late."

"Yes, ma’am."

Miss Xin was the first to take her leave. Everyone else had to help carry the equipment to its room. Several minutes later, they dispersed.

***

It was around eight at night when their dinner and meeting came to an end. Everything revised at the meeting was things Adam already knew.

Although Sparkblight infected evolved humans, the bacteria spread only through physical contact, so the danger of getting infected themselves was minimal, but not zero.

Rather than return to his room, Adam went to the rooftop of the inn.

Growing up, he hadn’t had the chance to go to or see other places. Sadly for him, he got captured the first time he stepped out on his own. That experience had been harrowing.

Now, however, things were different.

Adam was equipped with a variety of skills and ways to escape should any danger come his way. His curiosity to explore a bit gnawed at him despite the warning Miss Xin had given them.

"Looking around a bit should hurt no one," Adam whispered to himself. "And no one knows me here, so it should be fine."

Before him was the town of Ashvale, the night lights bathing the surroundings in a blend of mesmerising colours. Gingerly looking around, Adam was prepared to run off when a voice said from behind.

"You’re not thinking of running off, are you?"

He froze, silently cursing his bad luck. He turned around to meet grey-white eyes.

"Riley?" he muttered, his brows raised.

The silver-haired girl approached and stood beside Adam. She looked at him for a moment before facing the view of the town ahead.

Adam observed her for a while, his shoulders relaxing. He didn’t know why the girl was up here, but she had thoroughly ruined his plans.

"I don’t know what you mean." Adam lied with a straight face. "I was simply enjoying the night view. Unlike major cities, this small town is peaceful and quiet. Anyone would be tempted to enjoy its serenity."

"Right..."

Naturally, the silver-haired girl knew Adam was bullshitting her.

"Then I suppose you wouldn’t mind me sharing the view with you?" she asked, glancing at him with a knowing smile.

Adam flashed a helpless smile and replied, the bitterness in his voice apparent.

"Be my guest."

The two stood side by side, enjoying the view. After a while, Riley broke the silence.

"Adam," she called. "I don’t know if it will be possible for us, but I would like to be your friend."

Adam glanced at the girl’s side profile. "Where is this coming from?"

"Must one need a reason to befriend someone?" Riley shot back, glancing at Adam. "I know you’re suspicious of people like me, Adam. But we’re not all the same."

"Maybe..." he agreed. "But only time will tell. For now, however, let’s maintain whatever this is."

"Fair enough."