Today is the last day of this terrible year, or possibly the beginning of an even worse one. No one knows what will happen after passing through this night—at least the ordinary residents of New Thor City do not. Compared to the serpent men on the Pate Plain, they are more concerned about the current weather. The large snowflakes drifting from the sky no longer bring them the festive atmosphere as they used to, but only make this dark winter colder.

Pedestrians hurriedly pass through those streets and alleys, saying nothing, just trying to wrap themselves as tightly as possible in their cloaks. When passersby walk by, they don't greet each other, only glancing sideways with their eyes before quickly passing by. No one is in the mood for conversation, nor willing to stop. Only occasionally, they would look up to see the city's most famous structure, the Mage Association's Great Magic Tower—no matter from which corner, as long as you look up, this tall building will steal your gaze.

The easterly wind ruthlessly strikes the high tower, and besides ice and frost, nothing visits this high tower. The originally gray tower body turns into a dark and menacing shape on this night, like a twisted dagger, deeply stabbing into the heart of New Thor City.

Few can notice a black mark on the tower's body, staining a large section of the wall from a certain dimly lit window downwards. However, even if they had the elf-like vision to see this scene, they wouldn't connect it with the death of two mages a few days ago. The residents of New Thor City are like this; they try not to see, ask, or think about matters related to mages. Those who use spells are only allowed to live in this city because they donated large sums and provided advisory services to Yim's council. However, they can only stay within that high tower's vicinity.

Those passing by the Mage Association's gate unconsciously quicken their pace, as if that ordinary iron gate would somehow harm them. They actively avoid people entering and exiting through that gate, although not as one would avoid a plague or leper, the residents always feel they are "unclean."

However, today a few people have stood in front of that gate for a long time. One of them, wearing a bright red robe, looks quite thin, but the winter night's cold doesn't seem to affect him at all. The young man turned around and said to his companions, "Alright, you see me off here. I will go in and get everything sorted out."

"You promised not to act alone again." Snowflakes fell on Zilvra's beautiful skin, but the Black Dragon Ring protected her from any frostbite. If it weren't for the fact that they were in front of the Mage Association's gate, countless passersby would have had their eyes fall on that elegant shoulder curve, even whistling. "You can't go in alone," she said.

"The association is not like other places, you all inside won't be of any help to me." Lynch firmly said, "You don't possess spell abilities. And the succubus identity of Eryies would cause her to be bound by the magic array inside, so she can't help me either. If I go in alone, I can be more free to act."

"Then we'll wait for you on the high tower," Soka said softly. "Brother Lynch, you must come back soon."

The mage nodded, then knocked on the tightly closed door with his magic wand. Snowflakes fell from the grating as the crisp sound transmitted continuously into the association. Zilvra gave the mage another look, then had Soka take her flying back to the air fortress.

"Open the door!" Lynch shouted. "I don't want to crush all the protective magic here. That's unnecessary!"

A small figure ran out from a small house beside the gate, wearing a blue robe embroidered with two golden marks, indicative of an intermediate apprentice's attire. He rubbed his hands while saying, "Coming! Who are you, and why are you coming to the association?"

Lynch watched his movements; the child didn't use any magic to keep himself warm, merely lighting a fire pit in the house. It's unclear if his spell wasn't strong enough or if he understood the principle of conserving magic.

"Oh! It's you!" the child looked up, eyes gleaming with excitement. "I'm sorry, Mr. Lynch, I'm just a bit excited! You might not remember, but we've met before. Near Moon Harbor City, several years ago..."

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