Chapter 286

Chapter 286: The End of the Gala

As Lolan Hill fainted, the others continued to watch the night’s performance without any signs of unease, naturally assuming that the little figures dancing in the sky were part of the organizers’ arrangements.

However, even Louvige herself was somewhat surprised. She hadn’t planned this segment, but it significantly enhanced the show’s effect. It wouldn’t do to suddenly interrupt now, given that this was Emanas’ grand annual gala, attended by students from the school and representatives from various countries and organizations. So she maintained her natural expression and posture, continuing the performance as if everything was part of the plan, and smiled confidently.

Emanas was home to several Sequence 8 powerhouses, and there were even a few Sequence 9s present. However, these extraordinary beings either happened to be away or stayed within the academy without attending the gala; only one Sequence 9 was present.

On the central platform in the audience seats, an elderly man dressed in black evening attire looked up at the sky’s performance. He appeared quite old, with wrinkled skin and deep-set eyes that had a dull, grayish-blue hue. Yet, despite his age, he exuded a profound aura like the depths of the sea with every movement.

To others, it was a magnificent sight of a songstress riding a carriage through the sky, singing. But to him, it revealed a different scene.

It was as if another world was unfolding before him: a floating city in the sky, vast greenery on the earth reaching towards the stars, towering trees that brushed against the heavens, people clad in seamless silver garments adorned with sun and moon patterns, dragons soaring through the starry sky with their giant wings obscuring the sun, casting the world into darkness.

Unconsciously, he wanted to reach out and explore that world, but he already knew in his heart that it was merely an illusion. Yet, if shadows existed, then the original reality must also exist.

Who was showing him this, and what was their purpose? This was reminiscent of the illusions from the Time of Dusk or the Age of Giants and Dragons. If they thought they could tempt him with such scenes, they underestimated him.

Just as he prepared to act and uncover the mastermind behind the scenes, a hand rested on his shoulder.

Even as a Sequence 9, he had not sensed it until now. Even now, the hand remained invisible to others, appearing as nothing more than empty air. And he could not sense what lay behind it.

But as someone who had lived for hundreds

The extraordinary being, one of the pinnacles among humanity and sages, quickly responded, his mouth faintly uttering a few words, “Witch, or the Holy Relic – Calanthé?”

A subtle yet enticing voice gently echoed in his ear. Thus, this sage slowly lowered his hand, and the taut nerves gradually relaxed.

“It’s you, huh,” he chuckled.

After a long while, the intangible hand left the elder’s shoulder, who then ceased paying attention to the performance above. Instead, he slowly rose and exited the scene of the party.

The performance continued. Following the conclusion of the golden songstress’s song, there was a grand dance, opera, and more, until late into the night when the fireworks for the curtain call rose from afar, blooming one by one in the sky. The distant bell chimed, signaling the end of another year and the beginning of a new one.

The students sitting at the bridge watched as the sky filled with fireworks. The scent of gunpowder gradually wafted over, and some began clasping their hands together, closing their eyes in prayer, making wishes for the new year.

“I hope I can advance to the academy I want this year.” This was a freshman.

“I want to become one of the ‘Ten Crowns.'” This was a senior student.

“I hope he will accept my confession.” This was the lovesick girl, Lily.

A short-haired girl sitting at the corner silently and devoutly made her wish. She closed her jade-like eyes and whispered, “I hope I can become an excellent breeder.”

“I hope I can also become the top student of the year.” A young man with blond hair held his book and silently wished. Occasionally, the rising fireworks illuminated the cover of his book, revealing a simple name, Jack.

A young girl with petite horns whispered a prayer, “I hope everyone can live happily.”

“May Lady Phoebe regain her health and live for a long time.” The blue-haired girl silently wished.

“I hope she can be healthy and joyful, always shining brightly.” The young lady with emerald-green hair and golden eyes sat at the podium, bowing her head in prayer.

But not all students believed in these ethereal wishes.

Florasia held the sleeping Lohil, her left hand gently stroking her silver hair, then raised her woven bracelet where verdant vines slowly grew, blooming a white rose that emitted a refreshing fragrance. She placed it near Lohil’s nose, letting her breathe in slowly.

As the fragrance wafted in, Lohil’s frown gradually eased, no longer as tight as before, and her breathing became increasingly steady.

Florasia loosened

Heaving a sigh, he adjusted the silver-haired girl on his knees, making her more comfortable lying on his thighs.

“She looks quite obedient when sleeping, not moving around at all.”

Although Lolan Hill wasn’t mischievous in daily life, she was somewhat reserved and wouldn’t easily fall asleep in someone else’s arms. This was the first time Florasia saw her friend sleeping like this. Her small nose was under lips as delicate as cherry blossoms, her face soft and serene. Despite being formidable in combat, her body felt as light and soft as cotton when held.

As the evening event came to an end, students began to leave the bridge in groups, some flying back to their dormitories, others running, and some riding demonic beasts leisurely back.

Two girls dressed in white dresses with light green patterns approached Florasia. Though they looked like upperclassmen from Fortress Academy, their expressions were respectful. They looked at Florasia holding the silver-haired girl and asked softly:

“Miss Seven, the evening event has ended. Is there anything you need?”

Florasia glanced at the gradually thinning crowd and said, “Call a magitech vehicle over; I need to send Lohil back.”

“Alright, but we don’t know where Miss Lohil lives.”

“Hmm? You don’t know?” Florasia raised her head curiously. As a member of the Landsworth Family, shouldn’t her own school influence and the shared intelligence among the nobility have information about where Lohil lived?

“Then take her to my place,” Florasia instructed after a moment’s thought.

“Alright.”

The two upperclassmen slowly backed away, feeling a bit relieved. It was fortunate that Lohil was a girl; if it had been a boy, Florasia taking him to her residence would certainly cause them to question her.

The cold moonlight shone on the water, and the sound of flowing river came from beneath the bridge. Creatures with murky eyes almost leaped out of the water but were slowly calmed by an unknown presence. Only when a magitech vehicle slowly drove from one side of the bridge, carrying a group of people and disappearing into the night, did these distorted creatures gradually calm down and close their eyes again, sinking to the bottom of the river.

Thank you, Zouzou, where are you, as low as dust QAQ, Buzhidao, Lonely Dream in the Clouds, Qidian, Lezheng Weiming, Determined Lettuce, Sword Asking Heart God, thanks to all eight of your donations~

Special thanks to the support from reader Zouzou, where are you.

(End of Chapter)