Unbridled

This ancient yet young nation had survived a catastrophe like rebirth through fire. Though a haze still shrouded the road ahead, a ray of sunlight had already pierced the layers of cloud and fallen upon this land, now brimming with new life.

Within Cecil City, the atmosphere on the eve of the celebration grew ever more fervent. Bright banners had been hung along several major avenues, while municipal workers draped red and green streamers over streetlights and storefront buildings. Children waved scraps of ribbon picked up from the roadside as they ran laughing down the broad concrete streets. Citizens dressed in brand-new clothes discussed recent news on street corners and in alleys; some beamed with joy, while others wore solemn expressions.

Newsboys with satchels slung over their shoulders ran through the streets, loudly hawking the latest issue of Cecil Weekly and other papers. Newspapers carrying the fresh scent of ink poked out of their bags, their oversized headlines especially eye-catching—

"Ansu Royal Authority Peacefully Ends; Saint Suniel Temporary Administrative Hall Announces to the Entire Realm: The Great Cecil Empire Is About to Be Established"

On the third floor of the Magic Energy Technology Research Institute's main building, Kornbel watched a newsboy run past the street below, then withdrew his line of sight and shook his head with a smile. "Those newspaper-selling kids must be delighted lately. One major story after another."

A tall, slightly balding man shrugged. "Taverns and card rooms are delighted too. Every day, countless 'newspaper clerks' and 'broadcast officials' gather in there to discuss the future. I can't even find a quiet place to pass the time after work anymore."

"There's something wrong with looking for peace and quiet in taverns and card rooms to begin with," Korn said, glancing at his colleague. "I'd suggest trying that