The streets were decorated with countless lamps that illuminated the city, where people enjoyed themselves playing games or eating at stalls. The reason for the celebration was that only one day remained before the Thrones of Runes began, and today marked the start of the Vesparello Festival, which would last until the final day of the competition.
[Tomorrow will be the day to choose the team before entering the competition grounds. Have you already decided who they'll be?]
'Yes, I already have them all written down.'
A lot of time had passed since the day he returned from the dungeon and gave Serenya her reward—which had been quite long, lasting five minutes without breathing.
[That girl overdid it. Why did she have to act like an animal?]
'Young system, she's just a young girl.'
[You mean the others didn't do the same? Or did you forget?]
Not that he really cared, to be honest. After all, she did that but then spent the entire day embarrassed, which, to be honest, he found cute.
'I thought it was pretty adorable how she wanted to prove she's the best.'
[I thought it was quite childish.]
Walking with a roasted fish in hand, his face resembling a cat's, he ate calmly. Today was supposed to be a day for rest, but in truth, someone was going to disturb that rest—an event that would delay the characters for the next day. But Enrico wasn't going to let that happen.
'They can rest while I take care of everything.'
[You should take a break too.]
'For now, I'd rather they enjoy as much time as possible, because during the war against the evil gods, that won't be possible.'
He wanted to see the friends he'd made during this time enjoy themselves as much as possible, and as long as they were well, he'd feel at peace.
'I think I'll head to the game stalls while they haven't shown up yet.'
The good thing was that others had evolved to Circle Three during this time, just like in the original story, though this time they were much stronger and many had evolved earlier since, as he said, quite some time had already passed since that day.
"Hello, young man. Would you like to play 'Catch the Fish'?"
"Of course, that's exactly why I came."
They were now in the period when several Circle Threes appeared—three days ago, only those with potential had managed it, while the others would only achieve it in the last month of the year. Those who didn't would have to leave the academy.
"Sir, I caught the golden fish."
"Congratulations, that's one of the top prizes! Just a moment while I get it."
"I'll be waiting."
During this time, other people had also risen to Class S, leaving only the strongest who had managed to endure after much effort.
"Here you go, sir. This is a potion that boosts a healing spell."
"Interesting. Caelan will like this."
[You also have healing magic.]
"Yes, but I can improve mine on my own, in a better way. So it's better to give this potion to someone who can be helpful in the future."
For Enrico, it would always be like this—if he could put aside his own evolution knowing he'd gain something better in the future, he'd rather give it to an ally who would be useful in the final battle.
[Just like Elian, who's trying not to get close to you and only approaches when his face is covered?]
'He's just upset that I teased him. It'll pass.'
Since the day at the hot springs, Elian seemed to hide or get nervous when near him, even trying to run away at times—only to be stopped by Enrico grabbing the back of his collar.
"Looks like it's about to start."
Several magical fireworks were launched into the night sky, illuminating the entire city. He had told them to enjoy the day while he went to take care of something, saying he'd return early.
'I'll have to take down quite a few people today so they can have their day.'
Seeing two covered figures, Enrico stepped forward, following them while pretending he was just strolling, noticing nothing.
[These little terrorists are quite weak.]
'Of course. They only serve as cannon fodder, so they won't be impressive in combat.'
They were part of the cult of one of the evil gods—those who used fear to empower their god, which caused that god to develop Fear Magic: Vorgath, the Tyrant of Fear.
'Since their levels aren't high, I'll be able to eliminate many of them, even if it takes some effort. Besides, they didn't come just to spread fear.'
These men had come to eliminate future potential enemies, which was why they attacked Kai and his friends. And honestly, he didn't think their objectives had changed—perhaps only expanded.
Passing by a few civilians, they entered an alley. Following them, he found himself surrounded by several hooded figures pointing daggers or any sharp weapon they had at him.
"So this is the guy who was following us?"
"And not only that, he's one of the targets we have to hunt—"
The throat of one of them was cut in half, leaving him headless. The other didn't even realize his own head had already hit the ground.
"Hammer of Crushing."
"Rotten Water."
"Malignant Poison."
Three magical attacks were launched from the front while three sword strikes came from behind, aimed at his head. Enrico just smiled as both of his hands were covered in fire and took the form of crimson shells.
'They're just the first ones. Well, today's going to be a tiring day—nothing less than I expected.'