Night fell like soft silk, slowly spreading across the evening sky and stretching along both banks of the Sien River in Truth City. The cast-iron streetlamps lit up one after another, casting warm yellow reflections over the rippling water.
It was the last day of June, the beginning of the Beast Pilgrimage. Standing by the Sien River, Ivette looked up and watched fireworks bloom overhead, gathering into fleeting rune patterns that drew repeated gasps of amazement from the crowd below.
Clearly, thanks to the Academy's efforts, the effects of the beast tide riot from a week ago had already been brought under control. At the very least, it would not greatly affect everyone's mood for enjoying the festival.
The air was filled with the charred fragrance of grilled fish and spiced bread. From far away came folk tunes played by half-orc musicians on bone flutes. Everything was as calm and peaceful as usual.
A few minutes later, she crossed the streets and returned to Scholar's Haven Apartments on Flowering Street. Upon pushing open the door, she saw Lucia leaning by the window, staring blankly outside in silence.
Half a month ago, Lucia had still eagerly wanted to attend the festival with Ivette, Anya, and Flami, full of anticipation. But now, neither she nor Anya had the heart for it. Lucia had even turned down the Discipline Committee's team-building event. It was clear that, for a long time to come, she would remain haunted by what had happened that night.
Entering her bedroom, Ivette found a glittering object in her hand. It looked like a tiny lump of colorful gray gel, no larger than a fingernail. In truth, it was a small amount of solidified Faith Element.
Yes, ever since she had prevented the beast tide from spreading that night as