The sweeping campaign to destroy Spirit Hall unfolded across the continent.
An old farmer from the countryside watched as a sacred hall was demolished by overbearing imperial soldiers led by the local viscount. Unable to hold back, he asked, "My lord Viscount, now that Spirit Hall has been torn down, where will our children go for their free awakenings?"
"Free awakenings?" The viscount laughed mockingly. "From now on, anyone who wants an awakening will have to pay an awakening tax. Free? Where in the world do you think such a good deal exists?"
"How can it be like this?" the old farmer asked anxiously. "Weren't awakenings always free before?"
"Before was before, now is now. Get lost." The viscount spoke impatiently, and the two soldiers beside him shoved the old farmer to the ground.
Oscar left his rural home and finally arrived in the Balak Empire.
He felt that success was drawing closer and closer.
Just a little farther, and he would reach Soto City. Then he could find Headmaster Flender, awaken his Martial Soul, and take another step toward the pinnacle of life. Oscar calculated in his heart.
Whenever he passed through cities along the way, he saw the campaign to destroy the Spirit Hall Sacred Halls. One Spirit Hall after another was reduced to ruins by imperial soldiers.
Both great empires had launched their campaigns to destroy Spirit Hall at the same time.
The sight left Oscar immensely relieved. Luckily, he had not placed all his bets on next year's Martial Soul Awakening.
Just as he had expected, the moment Spirit Hall was gone, the two great empires could not wait to tear down every Spirit Hall across the continent. Free Martial Soul awakenings? There would be no such good thing for the next ten thousand years.