Angel left the manor.
A thunderstorm raged in the sky. Amid the booming thunder, electric serpents flickered and slithered from time to time. The sky fortress, forged of steel, was shrouded beneath this frenzied curtain of rain.
Yet even such atrocious weather could not douse the public's fervent excitement.
Today was the final day of the New Star Tournament, and also its most important day. After nearly a year of preparations, the tournament's final match would be held today.
Since Angel had accepted the task of serving as a special judge, he naturally intended to see it through from beginning to end.
Gloria left together with Angel. Since there was still some time before the match began, they did not hurry over, instead flying slowly toward the Infinite Battle Tower at their usual pace.
A layer of Purification Field clung around Angel, keeping the rain from reaching him. Gloria, meanwhile, held a black umbrella as she drifted through the air with the wind and rain, looking rather at ease.
"The sound of rain striking an umbrella is my favorite sound," Gloria suddenly said.
Angel's thoughts had been galloping wildly, but Gloria's voice pulled him back. He looked over at her curiously.
"When I was very young, before I was identified as having talent, I lived in a mortal kingdom. It was a small town with three rainy seasons each year, and nearly half of every week was filled with endless drizzle." Gloria's gaze was somewhat distant amid the rain curtain. "My legs had been bad from the moment I was born, and I couldn't walk. Whenever I went out, my father carried me. Whenever it rained, I held the umbrella for him."
"From then on, I particularly loved the sound of rain falling upon an umbrella. It gave me a