Parker tucked the rolled-up paper under his arm and pushed through the surging crowd. He hurried through the streets to Street Sweeper Park and sat on a bench chilled by the morning air. After carefully rubbing warmth into his frozen hands, he picked up the "Magic Scrolls" he had managed to buy for 10 Copper Coins. Following the Merchant's shouted instructions, he tore along the perforated line in the bottom right corner of the Magic Newspaper.
Magic light flickered. The entire Magic Newspaper sprang to life, its words lighting up and dancing across the page. A girl's clear voice rang out, like melting ice dripping onto a silver plate. "A pleasure to meet you, reader. You are reading the first issue of the Star-Moon Bay News Paper, dated April 10, Saint Laurent Calendar 999. I'm Yi Evelyn."
"Mom! The Wanted Criminals on the paper is talking!"
A curious little girl who had edged closer shrieked and ran to her mother.
Parker, meanwhile, was so entranced by the Girl's sweet voice that a shiver ran through him.
"First, recent events across the Allen Continent: the rebellion in the Kinu Empire grows more serious by the day. The division of this ancient nation, which existed even before the Elf Calendar, is now inevitable. Displaced People are fleeing to neighboring countries, while Ratfolk devour its territory. Nearby nations, dukes, and lords are discussing how to resolve the crisis."
On the Magic Newspaper, several blurred figures sat in a Council Hall bathed in golden light. Their resonant speeches echoed through the hall, grave and solemn.
Evelyn's voice and the glowing words moved on to the second story: "The Crimson Council has been sighted in the Rikaner Kingdom. They have captured its southernmost City-States. The Royal Capital has assembled the Laurel Knights to retake it,