Paladin's Academy

Act III, Chapter 12: To Hunt a Villain

It's not often that heroes actively hunt villains. They usually resort to this because of a personal vendetta, like a deceased loved one or a fallen friend. Older established heroes look down on those hotheaded punks, for a hero's job is to protect the innocent, not punish evildoers. That just comes as a bonus, not the main reason to be a hero in the first place.

Tonight, on one of the rooftops in New Arden, a hero patrols the town. He sits on the roof's edge, gazing upon the city's night lights. Next to him is a small paper bag filled with discarded plastic wrappers. His white mask rests on his neck as he drinks from a soda cup. Suddenly, his comms ring, revealing another hero contacting him.

"Where are you," the voice asked irritatedly.

"Uptown, why?"

"Someone's taken your father's car for a joyride."

The hero gulps. He puts down the cup and stands up, scanning the city streets. He knows what the car looks like, black, spiky, and loud. Yet its appearance blends in well with the asphalt. If he can't see it, he'll hear it.

VROOOOOM!!!

"That engine..." He looks at one of the roads. Racing through the streets of New Arden, the Cavalry roars throughout the night. Its engine hasn't been heard in this city for some time, but tonight, a couple of heroes have seized its reigns. The driver at least knows what they're doing, narrowly avoiding other cars.

"You know who took it?" the hero questions.

"First years."

"Does Winter know?"

"No."

"Then let's keep it to ourselves Focal Point. I'll deal with this."

"Sure. You'll be blamed for it anyways, Streetwise."

On one corner of the road, the Cavalry comes to a screeching halt. White Mask puts the car into park as the three students exit the vehicle.

"This is where Nocturne was last seen, the marketplace."

During the evening, the town square of New Arden transforms into a bustling night market. Local vendors sell their harvests and merchandise to townsfolk still awake. It started as an aftermarket special, where instead of letting unsold products be thrown away, they are sold at heavily discounted prices. This became the normal shopping norm in the town, making the city one that never sleeps.

Hundreds of people roam the market, with several hundred tents scattered amongst the square. Loud music and crowd chatter can be heard throughout the square, with the shops presenting a great deal of variety. From food, clothes, toys, merchandise, electronics, and many more. It's good to assume if one needs something, they can find it in the market's square.

"So uh, how do we do this, Sir?" Sure-Shot wonder, "with hundreds of people here, he could easily blend in. Just ditch the disguise or something."

"Glimpse," White Mask instructs, "Go to one of the rooftops and start scanning. We're looking for someone with a demon mask, so keep an eye out."

"H-how do I get up?" she timidly asks.

"What?"

"T-to the rooftop, h-how do I climb up?"

"Don't you have a gadget for that?"

"N-no. It's my first time doing fieldwork."

White Mask rubs his newly exposed temples.

"Fine, you can stay here with us, and let's just ask around."

The three start rummaging through the crowds, asking random civilians if they have seen "A man with a demon mask." None of them seem to know what they're talking about, and only comment about the state of the market. Switching strategies, they ask local shopkeepers. While the ones who sell toys, and the ones who sell food bear no fruit, an interesting answer erupts from one who sells electronics...