746. Unbeknownst to All

The moment the magic network was successfully constructed, everyone in the Night Country heard a rumble.

The mages noticed that tangible-looking threads had appeared in the air. These threads, formed from light, spread from their chests and extended toward the endlessly high sky. Along the way, they intertwined, forming a gigantic web.

Within their consciousness, a flame appeared in the gloomy, dark night sky, like a Pale sun, casting a faint glow upon the earth.

Some knowledge surfaced in their minds. It was a contract.

The contract promised uncontaminated knowledge and power, but it also demanded sacrifice and payment.

Some mages hesitated, some accepted eagerly, while others were at a complete loss.

But there were still those who chose to accept.

Perhaps they were pitiful people tormented by contamination and nearing the end of their lives. Perhaps they were idealists with lofty aspirations, determined to save this world. Or perhaps they simply wanted to grasp that final thread of hope in this dark and despairing world.

And so, the fire was lit.

Inside a certain fortress, Pale flames ignited on the body of a dying mage. The faint light did not scorch the surrounding objects, yet it suddenly illuminated the entire fortress.

The soldiers fighting with all their might suddenly discovered that, in that dim light, the swarms of insects had actually caught fire.

Those hideous, terrifying insects that had seemed invincible struggled and retreated in the radiance of the flames, fleeing in an attempt to leave the illuminated area.

The soldiers found it unbelievable. At first, they thought it was a blessing bestowed by the gods. But when they searched for the source of the firelight, all they saw was a former comrade who had fought alongside them, howling in agony and writhing as he rolled about in the