At sunset, the Emerald Celebration's day of public prayer was nearing its end. Yet Emerald City was brightly lit from end to end, and many streets remained bustling, with gongs and drums booming. Fireworks occasionally shot into the night sky from every direction, as though the revelry had only just begun.
Prince Tales, however, was in no mood to enjoy it.
When Gollor, D.D., and the squad sent to support them returned to the Empty Palace, nearly every one of them was injured and battered:
Toledo's swordsman had dislocated his shoulder, which also bore a long gash; Morgan silently applied medicine to his wounds; Rolf, covered in dust, needed a replacement prosthetic limb; Nesi had cracked his head and seemed to have suffered a mild concussion; Miranda had several minor scrapes, but refused treatment, merely sitting silently to one side with her sword in her arms; Paul had strained his muscles after firing ten arrows in quick succession, and his fingers needed bandaging; Gollor was covered in blood and looked terrifying—second only to the terrifying expression he wore after returning, as though he wanted to tear apart and devour anyone he saw.
Morale was low, and the atmosphere was heavy.
"When we arrived, the Wool Merchant named Diop had already been silenced, along with his Mistress."
Marius followed behind Tales, reporting with a grim expression:
"We rescued Gollor and D.D. We also engaged that black-clad killer with Psionic powers, but...the result is as you can see. Most people suffered only minor injuries. Gollor's injuries were the worst. Fortunately, he's tough as an ox, but..."
"But?" The Prince finished comforting the dazed Nesi and turned to Marius.
Marius paused for a second.
"But the killer's Psionic ability...Toledo kept retching and vomiting. Arendt developed headaches and auditory hallucinations. Nesi became somewhat agitated