Two hours flew by.
The Great Sun gradually disappeared into the Great Rift, and thick darkness slowly blanketed the world. Another night was about to fall.
But today was different. Exorcists stood guard along dozens of streets surrounding the cathedral at the center of Clockwork City, and the entire area blazed with light. Without a doubt, with security this tight, unless a great demon descended in person, any Weird from the Spirit Realm that tried to invade reality now would be doing something utterly foolish.
At the Grand Cathedral, the venue for tonight's banquet.
One Church bishop and prominent noble after another stepped down from their carriages with smiles on their faces, entering the venue in succession under the protection and escort of the Church's Clerics.
"Have you all heard? This ceremony is being hosted personally by the three leaders of the Church, the Exorcist Association, and the Demon Suppression Corps. It's a welcoming banquet for the Divine Chosen."
"It's truly unbelievable. I've never seen such a grand gathering before. The eight bishops, the commanders of the Demon Suppression Corps' various divisions... heavens, I can hardly wait to see the Divine Chosen in person."
"Is the Divine Chosen really a student at the Arcane Academy?!"
The nobles, prominent guests, and young ladies around them all discussed it excitedly.
Without a doubt.
Being able to attend a banquet like this with their fathers and husbands was something the ladies would be able to boast about for a very long time.
"Of course he is!"
In one part of the banquet hall, Anthony, headmaster of the Arcane Academy, stood with his chest out and his head held high, a stemmed glass in one hand and his eyes closed. His long beard had been neatly groomed, and even tied with a dignified bow.