The Sample That Endured to This Day

A terrible "slumber" and disappearance phenomenon was spreading across the entire world. From the distant northern seas to the southern ocean, from the mist-shrouded eastern borderlands to the western archipelagoes, elves who suddenly fell asleep and strange, inexplicable "disappearances" had begun appearing in nearly every city-state.

The message Ted Riel had sent from the depths of the Dream of the Nameless was also spread across the world through the mouths of those sleeping elves.

Churches rang their bells one after another, telegrams and psychic communications began carrying news between city-states, Archons and archbishops exchanged real-time reports, and the joint surveillance and defense system that had only recently been established under the leadership of the Four Gods Church was hurriedly put into operation.

People had assumed that system would be used to monitor the deep sea beneath the city-states, yet its first use turned out to be for an out-of-control dream.

A whirlwind of fluttering colored paper scraps swept through layer upon layer of vines, leaves, and rooftops, spiraling its way into the Archon's office in City Hall.

Archon Sala Mel, who had been discussing matters with several City Hall officials, immediately looked up at the "Sea Witch" stepping out from the colored scraps.

"I suddenly remembered that I should check on City Hall," Lucretia said as she walked toward the broad oval desk. "It looks like you're busy."

"Overwhelmed, ma'am." Sala Mel gestured to the City Hall officials beside him, telling them to withdraw for the moment. "I heard that you just lent a hand to the constabulary forces in trouble—thank you very much for your help."

"How is the situation now?"

"The city is in chaos. Sixteen districts have completely lost contact, dense vegetation has blocked every road, and a large number of residents are missing. The constabulary and