The chime—
As the clear bells of Radiant Bell Tower rang out, it meant that it was eight o'clock in the evening.
This was when Profound Candle Prefecture's Inner City was at its liveliest. Tianfu Restaurant, Fragrant Snow Sea, No Return Tower... Every money pit prepared exclusively for Silver Blood nobility was eagerly awaiting the arrival of distinguished guests. From this hour onward, the streets would be filled with drunken men, coquettish women, and the privileged striding along the wine-red, lantern-lit roads, enjoying thrilling entertainment.
Tonight was actually much the same as usual—if anything, even more thrilling.
Although there were explosions and fires outside, the streets were not packed with people.
Humans instinctively sought a sense of security. Nothing made them feel safer than remaining in their spacious homes with their families, surrounded by guards and servants.
They believed the chaos was only temporary, while their authority was eternal.
They thought some unlucky wretch might suffer because of it, but they would never believe that they themselves were that unlucky wretch.
That was why strength and weakness had never been obstacles to survival. Arrogance was.
Those appearing on the streets were usually pedestrians with their heads and faces concealed. They might have been clever people who had sensed that something was wrong, or predators eager to tear off a piece of flesh from this feast. Some were even robbing people in broad daylight.
The nearby shops had all closed. Many shopkeepers and employees were moving things to barricade their doors, attempting to keep the rioters out—but the rioters did not want their money. They wanted their lives.
Blocking the door was actually blocking their own escape route.
Perhaps they did not understand. Or perhaps they did understand, but were unwilling to make the correct choice. After all, the correct choice