Sweet Fragrance of Flowers

"...I think there's no harm in joining this war and strengthening our cooperation with Candlefire."

No sooner had Charcoal Beast Rider and Yagony finished speaking than a final voice arrived amid an irritating buzz, slowly flying into the light of the Giant Bonfire.

He looked like a huge, ferocious blood-red mosquito, but strangely, a stern human face filled with righteousness grew from his abdomen.

Having said that, the human face opened its mouth and spat out a crystalline, jade-like stream of blood, which flowed into the Giant Bonfire.

"Blood-Offering Rebel Mosquito Ba..."

"Everyone... it's been a long time."

Yagony replied in a deep voice. Clearly, everyone had gathered beneath the Giant Bonfire this time.

"Time is short. Let's skip the pointless pleasantries." The Lantern Elder's voice was hoarse and ancient as he went straight to the point. "Same rules as always. State your positions."

He then declared his own stance.

"My opinion is that we do not participate."

As soon as he finished, Charcoal Beast Rider beside him followed with the same position.

"My opinion is also that we do not participate."

"In the darkness, no other force can be trusted."

Charcoal Beast Rider's tone was icy. He clearly distrusted Candlefire.

"My opinion is... that we participate."

"What we seek to do already carries immense risk. Blindly avoiding it is not an option."

Blood-Offering Rebel Mosquito spoke calmly.

Charcoal Beast Rider was visibly dissatisfied by this, but he did not argue. He merely let out a heavy breath.

Then it was Yagony's turn.

The vote now stood at two against one. If he chose not to participate, their decision would be clear.

But if he chose to participate, the votes would be tied again.

After a long silence, Yagony spoke.

"My opinion is... that we participate."

He chose a tie.