Sebas gathered the members of the group that very night and told them the exciting news. Everyone immediately began assembling the supplies for the ritual, then met at Matt's home the following evening.
About a kilometer north of Matt's home stood a grove that few people visited. That was where they planned to perform the ritual.
They packed their things and set out under cover of darkness, completely unaware that someone was following them.
Bruce walked softly as he followed the young people into the grove. The trees were lush, and the place appeared to be a landscaped green space. The lawn was neatly trimmed, with stone tables and wooden chairs scattered about. These young people had actually chosen a place like this. Weren't they afraid of being discovered?
They had already lost their reason. Madness drove them on, stripping away their inhibitions.
Bruce hid silently behind a tree and watched them.
Bruce had no idea what sort of being they would summon, but judging by their current state, he felt they were in grave danger. Madness would lead to destruction sooner or later. Even if they completed the ritual, they would still face death.
As for himself, he admitted that what he was doing was somewhat dangerous. But his own plans also involved evil, so he could not let the Church intervene.
The ritual was led by a short, black-haired boy with delicate features. He drew a strange circular design on the lawn and arranged various instruments around it. The six of them sat in a circle around the design, holding hands.
Bruce neither recognized nor understood the circular design.
They all closed their eyes, and the black-haired boy began to chant.
"Nourisher Above the Sky, source of all living things..."
Hidden inside Bruce's case, Fawcett heard the prayer.