Chapter 328

Chapter 328: Ancient Ritual

Fortress Academy, the Windbell Forest.

Across the azure lake, amidst the rolling hills, near the southern mountain face, there was a lush expanse of windbell trees. It was currently the season when their flowers were in full bloom.

The golden crown-like flowers hung symmetrically and inverted, resembling bells, with curled edges that emitted a sweet fragrance. Bees flitted through them, collecting nectar.

Underneath the clusters of yellow flowers, two students followed a guide, slowly traversing this rarely visited forest.

“Are we almost there? This place looks beautiful,” said one of the blonde-haired girls.

The guide ahead, dressed in a black robe with a deep purple lining, responded somewhat unhappily, “Not yet. Don’t ask so many questions.”

“What’s wrong with him? His attitude is terrible,” the blonde girl retorted, her temper rising. She had been the most favored among her family and friends before coming to school; she had never experienced such disdain.

“Alright, bear with it a little longer. We should be arriving soon,” another girl tried to calm her down.

The blonde girl grumbled as she walked behind them, turning several bends before finally entering a hidden valley.

Due to the dense canopy, it felt cold and damp here. Fallen leaves gave off a distinct rotting smell, and moss could be seen between tree roots and dead leaves.

As they ventured deeper, the sunlight disappeared, leaving only the white mist in the woods and occasional strange bird calls. This made both girls feel increasingly uneasy.

“Maybe we should go back,” the blonde girl whispered.

“It wouldn’t be right to leave now. Even though we’re a bit scared, we’ve come this far. Besides, it’s not like we’re leaving school. There shouldn’t be any problem, right?” replied the other girl softly.

The guide ahead heard their conversation and sneered, ignoring the fearful girls as he continued walking steadily.

—

Beneath the vines and moss-covered trees, an old wooden house was hidden. The wood was partly rotten and damaged, seemingly built long ago.

In front of the wooden house was a small clearing where a pile of firewood was burning. A large pot was placed over the fire, cooking something unknown. The air was filled with the smoke from wet firewood and the peculiar scent from the pot. Around the clearing stood a group of people in black robes, about thirty in total, men and women.

Jenna, along with her former classmates, stood among them in black robes, listening to a person in black explaining the club’s rules and requirements.

“First, everything our club does is aimed at a final goal: to make humanity great again.”

“Second, we must trust and help each other, sharing some things together.”

“Third, all content of the club must remain secret from outsiders. Currently, it cannot be casually disclosed to other students, teachers, or relatives.”

“All of this is to recreate the glory of Ejika and the great miracles of the Twilight Era.”

Jenna slowly pondered the meaning of these words. Was this organization related to the Twilight Era? But wasn’t that part of folklore and legend? The textbooks never mentioned it.

The Twilight Era, the age of giants and dragons, seemed to have no connection, and it was unclear how much time separated them—perhaps thousands or even tens of thousands of years. However, it was generally accepted that the current world evolved after the war between giants and dragons.

The main force of the giants was in the West Continent, while dragons were in the East Continent. Now, giants were extinct, and dragons had become rare and secretive. Various races flourished, eventually leading to human dominance of the world.

How could such history claim a rebirth of greatness? Had ancient humans truly been greater than today?

While Jenna was pondering, a black-robed person led two obviously new members through the marshes and dense forests of the valley.

An older member immediately came forward, first pulling the two aside for a brief explanation, then helping them change into black robes, just as she had done earlier.

They continued repeating the mysterious rules and words, seemingly the entirety of the club’s activities.

As the sky darkened and the sun began to set, though not yet fully down, the valley was already pitch-black.

The surrounding forest was silent, creating an indescribable fear, except for the warmth brought by the central fire.

These black-robed people gradually gathered around the bonfire, the scent of the potion in the pot becoming more noticeable. As the cold and hunger grew, the contents of the pot became less repulsive.

Finally, darkness fell completely. In the starless and moonless forest, apart from the flame in the clearing, there was no other light. Faces illuminated by the yellow flames were starkly clear, appearing very different from during the day.

Then, the dilapidated wooden house opened, and a young lady wearing a black lace veil walked out, followed by four black-robed individuals.

“The night approaches.”

Her voice was sweet and enchanting, drawing everyone’s attention instantly.

“The human fire left over from the Twilight Era, although seemingly prosperous, is actually on the brink of collapse.”

“In the face of the endless black tide, we have no choice but to dance with it, transforming ourselves into fish swimming in the dark currents, thus adapting to this hopeless world.”

“I am the star of the twilight sky, the lamplighter in the end times, a witness across time. Now, I will lead you forward.”

“Now, let us join hands and perform this initial ritual.”

After saying this, she spread her hands and poured a mysterious liquid from a bottle into the pot, causing a cloud of smoke to rise. Then, an enchanting fragrance began to diffuse, and everyone was entranced, beginning to sing hymns together.

Two black-robed individuals took out utensils and distributed bowls and spoons to everyone, then started ladling the concoction from the pot.

Jenna accepted the wooden bowl, its contents now resembling porridge, unrecognizable. Holding the spoon, she hesitated, while those around her eagerly began eating.

Shouldn’t there be something wrong with this?

She hesitated, but those who had finished eating began staring greedily at her bowl, their eyes revealing incomprehensible desires.

“Eat while it’s hot; it won’t be good if it gets cold,” the purple-haired girl with the veil bent down and whispered in her ear, her voice sweet and captivating.

“Okay.”

Jenna then ate a few bites, standing up with the others, while the mysterious girl carried an orange lantern ahead.

“Then, let us begin the Night Lantern Ceremony.”

Standing in the dark forest, the girl said, her black robe, pale skin, and enticing words all so captivating and beautiful.

(End of Chapter)