The lakeshore was bustling with activity.
Besides the mayor, Chairman Robin, and other prominent figures, there were even more townsfolk and adventurers who had hurried over after hearing the news.
They stood far off on a slightly elevated slope, craning their necks in anticipation and talking in low voices.
When Gauss and his companions arrived, they immediately became the center of attention.
Even those who had never seen Gauss before quickly realized the moment they laid eyes on him that he was tonight's main attraction.
There seemed to be a unique power about him that made people instinctively focus their attention on him.
Or perhaps many people destined for great things possessed this quality.
Whether it was a founding monarch who had carved a kingdom out of hardship, a Hero who later made a name for himself, or a legendary figure who had left a vivid mark on the pages of history, they were all the same.
Gauss walked over to the altar.
Calling it an altar was a bit of a stretch. It was really just a pure-white platform by the lake.
The local worship of the Lake God hadn't grown large enough to establish a church, but the townsfolk had invited a respected local priest to preside over the ceremony.
Mayor Helson watched with a smile.
"Tonight is the full moon, making it the perfect time for the Blessing Ceremony. Gauss, please step forward."
Gauss remained composed and nodded slightly. He exchanged a few quiet words with his teammates, then followed the priest leading the way.
He walked slowly toward the circular altar by the water, paved with white pebbles.
In the center of the altar, offerings symbolizing a bountiful harvest and reverence had already been laid out.
Brown bread, white bread, plump golden ears of wheat, berries