Swelling Furnace Witch

Clang!

A melodious bell toll that could be heard throughout the entire Port District rang out. In an instant, everyone's faces lit up with excitement. No matter what they had been doing before, they could not help but raise their heads and look skyward in unison.

Aboard the Eternal Siren, both those on the lower decks and the wealthy people on the upper decks turned their heads at that moment.

"Ten!"

Someone in the crowd suddenly took the lead in shouting.

Everyone followed, joining the annual event that residents of nearly every major city in the Federation were willing to take part in.

The New Year's Eve countdown!

"Nine, eight, seven, six..."

Across Hawknest City, including the Port District, nearly every resident wore a radiant smile as they counted down along with the bells. The resulting roar swept across the sky, clearly audible throughout the entire city.

In the secluded area, Tang Qi drank alone in the company of Gluttony, Night Beast, and the Fairy. A faint smile rested on his face as he silently counted down. At the same time, streams of light continuously flashed within the stomach-space revealed by Gluttony's open mouth.

Each one represented greetings from an organization or a friend.

If he wished, he could have been with his friends now, celebrating the New Year amid the lively atmosphere.

The Mystic Side had New Year celebrations as well. For instance, at Melada Special Education School deep within Green Dragon Ridge Lake in Mihuang City, a boisterous magical festival was underway. Sally, the principal, had also invited her former principal.

Yet Tang Qi did not take part. He merely sent out some more gifts.

He had always cared about those children.

His true integration into this world, rather than remaining an out-of-place observer, had begun at that