Time flew by.
Half a month later, in Nosk City, capital of Water Star's Eastern Continent.
The Central Military Academy, famous throughout the world, stood here and occupied nearly half the city.
Crowds packed the broad streets. Everyone craned their necks, as though waiting for something.
"They're here! The students from the Central Military Academy are back!"
"Thank heavens, they're finally back! Who knows how many students suffered out there in that rain?"
Groups of students returning from field training appeared at Nosk City's gates under military escort, looking thoroughly bedraggled.
The crowd's cheers and cries of delight filled the battered students with emotion.
Yet the sudden downpour had left nearly a third of them missing, with no word of their whereabouts. The blow to the Central Military Academy was severe.
Every one of its students was among the finest talents in the human world. Losing even one would pain the academy for days, and this time it had lost a full third...
The rain had finally eased a little several days ago. The troops sent out had seized the chance, racing against time to rescue some of the students.
Now those students were coming home.
As they entered, some people lining the streets finally breathed a sigh of relief. Others rushed into the ranks of students to ask questions, then stood there stunned before breaking down in tears.
But most kept watching the city gates, still hoping.
They were waiting for the return of their city's pride: Andariel, the Goddess!
One minute passed. Then two.
One hour passed. Then two.
When the last returning unit entered the city, the figure everyone longed to see still had not appeared.
Shock. Grief. Despair!
Rain beat down on them, but no one paid it any mind.
"Andariel..." A little girl covered her