Dawn- An age of Darkness

When I did come outside though, I saw a lot of change. That change being, lights. Almost everything was lit up with lanterns, lamps, and even magic artifacts. These guys weren't holding anything back. I could see most of these things from the inn, but seeing up close like this was a whole different story.

But that wasn't all, apparently, they were setting up more and more decoration. And people, in general, were going toward somewhere. It wasn't just that they were moving but- they had a fixed destination.

"The main event will be held in the center of the town. It'll start just after the evening so we still have time. It'll be rather crowded so we could always just climb on top of Veniolar Xerces and fly," Alisa said. Yeah, I definitely didn't want to enjoy a festival while screaming for my life. 

  Wait, she actually said Ve's full name! And she said it with a straight face too!

I cleared my throat. "Let's secure a good spot and one that doesn't include flying of all things."

The awfully proud-looking Ve frowned. 

What did she want, actually what did any of them want?

I was really going to wring out an answer today. 

'Let's wait and see how the festival goes first.'

We had time, so we just went toward the central plaza while checking everything around us. There were a lot and really, a lot of stalls. Food stalls, drinks stalls, souvenir stalls, and even adult stalls. I definitely wanted to take a look later. 

The decorations were nice and every store had an orange lamp hanging. 

People had small floating lamps in their hands. Even kids had theirs. Then there were large floating lamps, animal lamps, and even large monster lamps! 

I saw a similar thing in a movie once. It was a rather sad event though, as someone had died in that movie. 

Come to think of it, the prince of this nation had died too. 

The expression of the people was a clear indication that this event was anything but a show of grief though. It was definitely a joyous event, and there was no frigging doubt about it. 

"So, people will let those floating lamps fly up and make a spectacular display in the night?"

I could almost imagine it: Those lamps flying up, creating a marvelous view.

So, what was so holy about it again?

"Something similar." Alisa gleamed. But her tone seemed to indicate something else. 

'So, there's more.' This was a different world, so I wasn't going to be surprised if there was actually more. 

We walked along with the crowd and arrived at the center plaza. It was already half full and it wasn't even evening yet. 

"Is it me or are there too many people here?" There were definitely a thousand or so people here. This plaza was big enough to maybe hold two- at best three thousand people. But it was suffice to say, those people would have to stay very, very close to each other. 

"This is why I wanted Veniolar Xerces to take over," Alisa said, grumbling slightly. 

Again, why the hell was she saying her full name?

Come to think of it, lately, Alisa was actually paying her respects to Ve. And Ve was doing the same. In the past, they talked normally and even seemed to have some sort of mild rivalry going on. But lately, they were really acting weird. 

I had a feeling their behavior had something to do with me.

"Anyway, a dragon taking flight and staying above the city won't really be that great for people's hearts." I was more worried about my heart though. I looked around. There were all kinds of people. Humans, elves, demi-humans, and even one or two demons. Obviously, the demons were hidden but I could tell that they were here. "By the way, I've been meaning to ask but, how come there are demons here?"

Come to think of it, I'd probably seen these types of people around the world but at first, I just thought they were maybe demi-humans.

"They are everywhere. Not all are savage, so we leave them be: these ones are classified under the term 'Demi-human.' Pig demi-human to be more specific. They are even called orcs at times. The demons who caused trouble were banished to the burning continent- now known as Galbatia," Ve said. "And only those are called demons. The only difference would be that they have wings, and these don't. These guys are a lot calmer, so people just ignore their existence."

Well, that was news to me. How come I never- oh wait, I never actually ever asked about the demons in the first place. 

"Can you tell me more about the demons and-"

Ve put a hand on my shoulder. "Sure, but how about later?"

Yeah, talking about demons in the middle of the city and people, probably wasn't a good idea. For a second there, I was just being plain stupid. 

"Alright." I looked around some more and noticed a rather peculiar thing. That being. "How come no one's on the roofs?"

The roofs were made of burnt clay and some buildings even had stone roofs. This world had floating rocks, so it wasn't that surprising. 

The surprising part was that no one was using the roofs though the plaza was nearly full. 

"People tend to enjoy this event in masses, so being on the roof would only make you feel lonely," the half-elf said.

Yeah, I didn't get that concept, no sir!

"So, I guess we could just be on the roof and enjoy this ourselves?" I mean there were five of us, so there wasn't any need to feel lonely. 

Besides, I had some interesting questions that couldn't be asked in front of so many people. 

The half-elf giggled. "Yes, that does sound like a fair proposal." 

Incidentally, there was a guild building nearby. A very large and fancy building, spanning three floors and probably twice the size of the one we saw in Tehram.

***

"This place is shiny?" The half-elf looked at the marble floor with wonder. 

Come to think of it, she was pretty old. Maybe during her time, there weren't white shining floors like this?

Biteria was also looking around in awe.

There weren't many people in here. 

I saw a girl at the counter and two adventurers staring at the bulletin board and that was basically it. 

There were maybe one or two more staff around, but without paying too much attention I just strode forward and stopped right before the counter.

There were about five counters but only one was open. 

"Hello, I don't see any stairs and I hate to ask but- how do we get to the roof?" It felt too awkward to ask. And when I did ask, somehow my brain made it sure that the whole situation became even more awkward. 

"I'm sorry but only the higher staff and-"

I brought out my card. "First class. This here's my party and I'm Jori's benefactor."

"Lord Jori's benefactor?" The girl looked a bit suspicious as she took my card in hand, took a look, and turned pale. "Lo-lord Daarc!" She screamed, bowed her head furiously. "My humble apologies SIR! Right, this way sir!"

Her attitude sure took a drastic change.

I could see the adventurers at the bulletin board- one guy and one girl staring our way but- I kind of didn't care. 'Aren't they those muscular-?'

***

We followed the girl and reached the roof of the guild- everything was made of solid floating stone. And the sun was about to set too. The orange sky was the proof of that. 

This was a three-story building, so we weren't that high but we weren't that low either. 

"Sir, what would you like to have? Beverages, food? We could even provide-"

I smiled. "It won't be necessary. Please leave us be. And thank you for leading us here."

"My-my pleasure sir!" She handed me my card, shivering slightly, and left. 

"You've really become adept to this." Alisa giggled. 

I, meanwhile, grimaced. The thought of me ordering people around scared me. What if I became lazy and like the nobles I oh, so hate?

But we were alone and the sight was amazing. 'I guess I can take it easy for today.'

I still had no idea what was going on though. 

But I had some questions and this was the perfect spot. 

"So, I had some questions but I want all of you to answer, truthfully. If you don't answer me or don't want to for that matter, I won't ever ask it again."

All of my companions looked at me. The setting sun was right behind them and the golden orange sun rays gave them a bewildering look. Their gazes almost seemed to be saying "That is?"

"Why do you love me?" I spoke to three of them. The fourth- "You don't have to answer.." I didn't want to hear that stabbing news from the elf again. 

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