The glow of dusk spilled from the heavens to the ground, falling across He Ao's calm face.
He stood in a quiet alleyway, a black feather dagger in his hand. Looking closely at its gray feather blade, one could see faint multicolored glimmers reflected along its surface.
This place was already two or three blocks away from the café where He Ao had been. Following this alley deeper led to a secluded little square.
De Norne was there making preparations with the Anomaly Association's combat squad.
De Norne had sent this location over, "suggesting" that He Ao enter the Dusk Wasteland nearby.
De Norne had not explained why, but He Ao knew it was most likely due to some special restriction on entering.
But since the other party had not mentioned it, He Ao did not ask further.
He lowered his head and looked at the dagger in his hand.
It was nearly five in the afternoon. December days in Wellens were short, and the light of dusk was about to fade completely.
He Ao brought the feather blade close to his finger and waited quietly.
Time swept through the secluded alley like a breeze. Faint noise came from the end of the alley, then quickly fell silent again.
It seemed De Norne's pre-battle pep talk had ended.
Buzz—
At that moment, He Ao's wristband vibrated.
He Ao glanced at the message that popped up on his wristband, then pressed the blade to his fingertip and lightly drew it across.
Blood glowing with Purple Radiance instantly welled out and dripped onto the feather blade, which shimmered with dazzling colors.
Even the wind seemed to fall silent at that moment. Some invisible aura, belonging to an unknowable existence in the void, rippled through the deepest layer of the world.
Vaguely, He